Let the Prom Drama CONTINUE . . . . . . . .

[mamacatnv]

Hi Girls

Just checking in, I know everyone is busy with summer, catch up when you can.
Sheila how are you doing with the class? You all caught up so you can go to the beach?

Sandy enjoying your summer?

DD is over her itch
DD's summer program is still grounded due to heavy smoke - no outside activities. She is getting tired of roller skating

We had the most amazing thunderstorm at our house yesterday, it poured and hailed like I have never seen it and it went on for over an hour. Then about a 1/2 hour after it stopped I spotted our old man cat, Baxter out on the deck, he must have snuck out (indoor cats) and he got caught in the deluge. Anyway, can I say drowned rat! He was soaking wet, covered in mud and looked so pathetic we stood at the door and laughed which did not help his self esteem any at all . Then we toweled him off and he spent the rest of the evening putting his hair back into order.

DS has 1 less wisdom tooth (he only had 1, lucky kid)
DS has an interview lined up with Scheels (some huge sporting goods retailer that is opening a store here in Sept. I think they are along the lines of Cabela's) He is hoping for a P.T. sales assoc. for the school year and then will make a decision about what to do with the water park next summer. He went in, filled out the application, went back for the indepth application and testing. Was told if his scores were within the range that they would contact him in about 10-14 days. They called the next morning, guess he did okay on the test. He has a follow up in person interview tomorrow.

Thats about it here on the home front.

Hope all is well and that everyone is enjoying their summers - catch up when you can

 

[Sandy V.]

Hi Ladies!!! Busy here, but you all know how THAT goes!!

Good luck to your DS, Melissa!!! I hope he gets the job. DS is up in Boulder doing orientation and fall class registration. He called a couple of hours ago - met with an advisor and it all seemed to be going well. He drove up and spent Sunday night with DD, then she drove him to campus Monday morning (such a little "Mom" to her little brother!) and he spent all day and last night there. Having a good time, I'm sure!! He should be home tonight sometime.

Just got back from Weight Watchers a short while ago. I lost 3.6 pounds this week, for a total of 7 lost since I joined two weeks ago. I am trying to lose a bunch of weight, hopefully by Thanksgiving most of it will be gone. I have been doing the elliptical for 43-45 minutes a day and really watching what I am eating and drinking (I allot myself one alcoholic drink per day and REALLY look forward to the evening glass of wine!!). So far, so good. One thing's for sure - it sure went on a lot faster than it's coming off. But I am determined to really be successful this time, so wish me luck!!

Went on a Harley ride this past Saturday. It's called the 5-In-1. You ride over 5 Colorado mountain passess over 10,000 feet in a single day and the group stops in Breckenridge and spends the night. We had a very nice time, although my hind end is still a little sore from sitting on the seat for so long!!!!

Your thunderstorm sounds really cool, Melissa, although poor Baxter sounds like he's had enough rain for awhile!!

I hope all is well with everyone. Work is still busy, but manageable. Have been trying to keep up with housework as much as I can, and that hasn't been easy because it always seems that there's something that needs to be done around here.

Hope the wedding plans are going smoothly, Sheila!!

Bye for now!!!!!

 

[Sandy V.]

Happy Friday, everyone!!!!

Thank goodness the week is over. I'm looking forward to the weekend. Nothing really big in the works, but a change of pace will be nice.

DS got his fall schedule all worked out at CU. He's taking Ecology, Animal Behavior, 1st Year Writing, and Introduction to Economics. Total of 15 hours and two labs (Ecology and Animal Behavior). He really liked his advisor and felt that she was very helpful. He's really looking forward to the Animal Behavior class, which is upper level so it scares me a bit, but DS tends to do better in classes that he's really "in" to, so hopefully it will all work out the way he wants it to.

DD is busy with her job and summer socializing. She's become quite the cook - her internet home page is The Food Network!!! So she and I have been trading recipes. I made the most wonderful low fat Key Lime Pie two nights ago - it absolutely does not taste artificial or low calorie at all. It has approximately 80 calories for 1/8th of the pie. Here is the recipe if you are interested:

KEY LIME PIE

INGREDIENTS

1 reduced fat graham cracker crust
1 (3 ounce) package sugar-free lime gelatin
1/4 cup boiling water
1/2 cup key lime juice
1 (8 ounce) container fat-free Cool-Whip topping, thawed.
2 (6 ounce) containers key lime pie fat-free yogurt

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water.
2. Add key lime juice.
3. Stir in yogurt with wire whisk.
4. Fold in whipped topping with wooden spoon.
5. Spread in crust. If there's too much filling for the crust, pour the leftovers in a small bowl.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours - overnight is best.

The weight loss is going okay. I haven't lost any more weight over the past two days, but I haven't GAINED any either, so that's a good thing!!

DH and I may be doing some motorcycle riding this weekend - it should be warm out. We're both trying to lose weight for our NYC trip, which is a little over a month away. Both having some success, which is good. DH likes historical buildings and would like to visit some in NYC, so I've been investigating what is there. The only problem is that with the high price of NYC real estate, there really aren't as many old historical buildings in the City as you would think. They need the land for profitable purposes, I guess!!!

Well, everyone take care and have a great weekend!!!!! Check in when you can.

 

[mamacatnv]

It's Friday lets dance

Gads, summer is our busy season here at work and my desk shows it. Ugh

Baxter seems to have recovered from the thunderstorm but my petunias still look like big foot stomped them. I hope they recover.

Oh, can I just tell you - I have the BIGGEST Black Widow I have ever seen in my garage. I am not kidding it is as big as a .50 cent piece. The body is the size of a standard dice. I have torn down the web, I have saturated it with sun screen (it was close by ) and hairspray and it just keeps getting bigger. It is residing at the bottom of the door from the house to the garage. There is a step down and between the step and the freezer there is about 4-6" where it keeps spinning its web. When it see's us coming (an yes I am conviced it see's us coming) it scrambles behind the freezer where the blow torch cannot safely be used. Oh, it gives me the shivers, I hate spiders, I have a totally irrational fear of them, I know it is stalking me on purpose. I'm to the point I can't walk out that door. I put the van in the garage, take the opener and go out the front, close the garage door from the driveway and enter/exit the house thru the front door. My family finds this amusing which might be why none of my men have taken care of the spider yet. Ohhh, shudder....

Glad all is well, Sandy good for you with your WW! I have been so lazy this year, just can't seem to find the energy to get rid of the winter "coat" at this point I be thinking, winter is not too far away I might need that coat!

Your pie sounds yummy, I actually might whip it up, tomorrow is a friends B-Day and we are meeting for Lemon Drop Martini's, I bet this would go really well with them. My DD and I love the Food Network although I am not much of a new recipe type cook and I do not like to bake. We do love their shows and are currently engrossed in the Next Food Network Star. Along with Project Runway and DD makes me watch Shear Genius with her as well Love Project Runway!

DS is anxiously awaiting his roommate assignment, all of his bedding I ordered has arrived and is piled up in the den, his laundry survival kit is ready to go and I bought him a case of Cheerios the other day and put it on his bed . He registered for all his classes in the spring.
His classes: English, Math, Political Science, Human Ecology & lab (this is a biggie, 4 unit class) and Music Appreciation. 16 units for the fall semester.
He moves into the dorm on 8/20 and then we get to all attend 2 days of orientation 8/21 & 22. Yes, 2 days, not sure exactly why 2 full days, but that is the schedule.

Scheels called him back for a 2nd interview this morning, which he said went really well. The interviewer told him he would need to shave his chin patch since they only allow mustaches and hair must be trimmed above the ears. Only place he is out of code is the chin patch he loves his chin patch, he is so proud and it took so long to grow

DS applied for a scholarship from one of the local fraternities (membersip not required) and they have scheduled a home visit/interview with him for Sunday. Thankfully, they are guys and don't care what my petunias look like Hey, maybe they could take care of my spider problem

Tonight I agreed to babysit BFF's toddler. She never asks because she knows I am "so over" that stage of my life , but she was in a pinch and I don't mind once in awhile and it is only for a couple of hours. This is my BFF with the severely delayed child, he is a handful. Lately he is getting aggressive which is not like him at all, he is very sweet and charming normally. So, we are all having to take a firmer stance, he and I had a stare down the other day in the backyard, it was all I could do to keep from laughing at the little bugger! He tried blowing me a kiss, he tried "high 5" and then a hug, Ummm, NO, the answer is still NO.
He tends to repetitively repeat behaviors and right now those consist of throwing (just about anything including meals) pushing and biting. I know that these are common toddler traits, it is that he is 10 days shy of being 3 and because he is so "slow" for lack of a better term, he stays in "stages" longer and takes longer to process "no". His latest assessments put him at 12-18 months

Sheila - Have a wonderful time at the beach. Is DH still staying at home? Are Chachi, Tigger and Kodak ready to fend for themselves?

Sandy, enjoy your motorcyle riding and your NYC research. So, what do they do just tear things down and rebuild on the existing location? A really good friend of mine just got back from NYC - she is a huge Yankee fan and it was her dream to see a Yankee game in Yankee stadium. Her DH got her tickets for the Yankee/Red Sox series (my dh and ds were sooooo jealous) she went to not 1 but 4 games. Dream come true! She is still flying on a cloud.
She said the humidity got to them but other than that and a couple of terror cab rides they had a great time.

I have to get back to work - have a great weekend, be safe and have fun!

 

[Sandy V.]

Glad that poor Baxter is back on the psychological mend . . .

I'll come out and help you deal with your spider. I don't mind spiders at all. DS is petrified of them, though. But a mouse . . . I turn to jelly and want to pee my pants!!!

I hope that your DS's roommate is a good one. They're all a crap shoot. DS and his New Jersey roommate have corresponded on Facebook a few times, so hopefully it will go well. Who knows?!?!

Fingers crossed that your DS gets the job!!! And the scholarship!!!

Good luck with the babysitting tonight.

Yeah, from what I can tell, in NYC, they don't have a lot of unoccupied historical type buildings. Of course, they have SOME, but I think that any property owner has to be thinking, "What can I get for this piece of ground?" and that surpasses any interest in historical preservation.

I can see where your DH and DS would be jealous of your friend getting to go to Yankee Stadium for FOUR games. That's wonderful.

Talk to you later!!! Back to work for me too!!

 

[horseshowmom]

Girls, I scanned everything and got caught up with what's going on with your families. I know your boys are both eager and a little nervous (mostly eager though! ) to start this new phase of their lives. It was easier for me because DD commuted her first two years.

I've got all of my library class work done so I could be free next week, and then work has been horrible on top of that. I was given a half a million grant to work on Tuesday (and it had to be done by today). I was supposed to head a team of 4, but everybody else was on vacation. We don't have a shot of getting it - certainly not with it being done on such short notice but also due to the fact that it's meant to lower the percentage of K-3 students in the lowest quartile in reading.

Also in our case, we have 0% in the lowest quartile in one school and 3% in the other. It's going to be hard to lower 0% , and 3% is pretty low too. On top of that, it's a competitive grant, and both of our schools are level 4 (out of 5). It will go to a school much lower than ours. Nonetheless, I've had to work on it all week (to midnight and later each night). Fortunately, we got satellite internet installed so I could work at home.

I finished it this afternoon, and now I'm trying to get stuff washed and packed (had to take a nap this evening because I was about to fall out). We're leaving at 5:30 a.m., and I can't wait. DH is still in Nashville with the church group for the music and media conference. He'll get home tomorrow night, but Grandma is taking over Chachi (not sure she trusts DH to not maim him while I'm gone ).

I'll check in on ya'll the first chance I get!

 

[mamacatnv]

Good Morning Ladies


I got an update from Pam the other day. She was posting on my Reality of College Freshman thread. She mentioned that her DD was headed to Sarasota, FL. So I sent her a PM. Her DD and ArtGuy both got into Ringley. Costs is crazy but I guess they have sorted it out somehow. She said to say Hi, so HI!

Sheila, how is the beach? I hope you are soaking up the sun and relaxing your days away. Don't even dwell on the fact that you are going to return home to Chachi the WonderDog who has now been spoiled and pampered by Grandma. Just like when you get your kids back, you will need to reprogram his attitude.

Sandy, rats , the Parents of Teen thread got closed before I could reply this morning. Some people never cease to amaze me.

All is fairly quiet here, DS had interview #3 with Scheels yesterday and they sent him for a drug test, so I am thinking things are looking positive for him.
He and GF/FGF went to dinner last night, and they have spent a lot of time together since 4th of July (just as I expected) I give up, I say nothing! He is a big boy, he will have to learn.

He has completed his check list of things to do for college. He went and got his Meningcoccal Vaccine the other day, updated his RX's for his allergy meds, finally finished his graduation thank you notes (under threat of death from Mother), he received his roommate assignment (although they have not yet contacted each other) he did get his first choice of dorm and looks like he has a job for fall. Whew

The Frat boys came, I cleaned for 3 hours and they were there for 8 minutes. DS knew one of them from school. He is in the running for the scholarship, don't know when they will annouce the winner. Hopefully soon.

DD has been hanging out at home this week. My BFF's DD and DD have decided to turn the back of Big Ugly (DH's/DS's old ugly pickup) into a club house. They have plastered it with girlie pictures and lots of "No Boys Allowed" signs. Cracks me up, they take their radio out there and hang out.
Starting to uniform shop for DD for school.

Lets see, what else....Got a call yesterday from my Aunt in Oregon. My Mothers Doctor took her off of her super strong anti psychotic med about 6 weeks ago and replaced it with something else that is easier to regulate and control.
She is much more animated and participates in activites which is good, but she is also more violent which is not good. So far she has not actually assaulted someone but she pushes and shoves, etc. It is a double edge sword as to trying to maintain a balance where she will participate in activities and seems to enjoy herself but at the same time not become the terror of the dementia ward. She is stealing clothes from the residents and will wear several layers. At first she was just putting the clothes in her room but the aides kept taking them away, so now she just wears them all. She has severe hoarding tendencies. She is also throwing screaming, temper tantrums, which she used to do all the time and hasn't since she became heavily medicated. She is not allowing them to wash or cut her hair, she will not let them trim her fingernails either. So, she is looking shabby which really bothers my Aunt, the vanity queen. My poor Aunt, she deals with all of this. Mental note, call florist!

So today, I have to call the head nurse and the Director at the home and make sure that they are on board with the Dr's way of thinking. Make sure they are willing to tolerate her behavior until the Dr. is convinced that she either needs her old meds back or does manage to get her to a reasonable level. He says, "give it another month". Another month can be a long time when she is out of control. Otherwise, I have to call the Dr. and play the Guardian card and make him put her back on the heavy duty drug. BTW this is her physician, not the Geriatric Psychiatrist that originally evaluated and medicated her. I'm willing to let the Dr. go about his plan for now as long as the home is in agreement, can't be having her get evicted from the Dementia Ward - there is not enough alcohol in the world that would help if I had to find her another place to live, the current location was hard enough.

Finally trapped Deck'ster. Poor thing, he/she is in the trap in the bathtub until tomorrow morning when we can take him/her in to be fixed. It took a day and a half to coerce that cat into the trap. We put it in our bedroom and managed to get Deck'ster in there alone. Poor kitty didn't eat or drink for over 24 hours, finally gave in last night and ventured into the trap where there was a kitty buffet. We added more food and water, and a blanket. We tried putting a small cat box in but Deck'ster kicked all the sand out (twice) that was enough, we took out the sand box and put the trap in the guest room bathtub that way whatever happens can be rinsed down the drain.

That is about it - the weather is in the high 90's, the skies are still really smokie from the California fires but we are all learning to cope with it.

Hope you are all enjoying your summer

 

[Sandy V.]

Good morning, all!! Thought it was time to check in. I've been arguing with a judgmental biddy on another thread until it got locked, so I guess I've got some free time now . . .

Melissa, any word on DS's job possibilities or the scholarship? Fingers crossed for you.

And, the most important question - did someone ever take care of that spider for you?!?!?!

I also saw that your DD is going to a charter school next year (saw your thread about uniforms). I don't have any uniform experience, but I do know that anything we've bought from Land's End wears like iron. So good luck in finding what you need!! What made you guys go the charter school route?

Sheila, congratulations on finishing your library course work!!! Atta girl!!!!

Hope you're having a fun and relaxing time on your vacation. Glad that King Chachi has someone to take good care of him.

Not a whole heck of a lot going on here. I have lost 9.2 pounds thus far. I go downstairs and use the elliptical every morning for a little over 50 minutes. My goal is 600 calories and 2.5 miles. I'm usually sweating up a storm when I finish and I don't smell too nice, but the weight is coming off little by little. We had two dinner invitations this weekend which always complicates the weight loss efforts, but what are you gonna do? Stay home? Heck no!!!

I am also trying to get a bit of tan on this white body (I am pretty darned fair, with blue eyes and blond hair) because, as an ex-friend used to say, "Brown fat looks better than white fat."

DS went to an all day concert in Denver this past Sunday. It was called Mayhemfest. Originally, he was supposed to go with a friend, but the guy backed out the night before. DS was initially disappointed and tried to find someone else to go with him, but it actually turned out to be one of the best things for him to go alone. I guess it was crazy in there, and he would have had a hard time trying to keep track of another person all of the time. He had so much fun - we kept texting him every now and then to see how he was doing - and the texts were filled with such happiness that you could read that emotion though the phone. It's nice to see your kid feel that way. The bands all have a metal "edge" to them that isn't "me", but it suits DS to a tee.

DD is doing well, although I think she's decided that she doesn't want a career as a barista. She is strongly committed to her economics major but is rethinking the advertising one, as she thinks most of the people she's met in that field are "shallow". She really likes food and nutrition and may someone finagle an integrative physiology minor instead of the advertising major so that she may eventually become a nutritionist. Who knows? I certainly don't.

Well, better get back to work. Check in when you can!!!!

 

[Sandy V.]

Funny that we both posted at the same time, Melissa. That thread was a lively one, wasn't it. Like you said, some people really amaze me - I wish I could wear "smug" that well!!!

Looks like the job and the roommate front for your DS are going well. As for the girlfriend, yeah, there's not much you can do at this point. My DS isn't officially dated the cute 16-year old now, they're "friends", but he is still planning on taking her out for dinner at a pretty expensive place tonight. It took a lot of strength to bite my tongue, but I did.

Glad that you heard from Pam. That's good news about her DD and Art Guy. How cool that they both got in.

Sorry about your mom. Glad she more animated and participative, but boy, the violent tendencies would bother me. That's a tough call on what to do. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Your DD's clubhouse sounds so cute!!!!! Awww . . . they grow up so fast, enjoy these times.

Poor Deck'ster - having to ply him/her with food to get her into the trap. But ya gotta do what ya gotta do!!!! I hope the surgery goes well.

Talk more later!!!!

 

[mamacatnv]

Good morning, all!! Thought it was time to check in. I've been arguing with a judgmental biddy on another thread until it got locked, so I guess I've got some free time now . . .

I had your back!

And, the most important question - did someone ever take care of that spider for you?!?!?!

No, it's still there, getting bigger and bigger. DH did put a can of wasp killer on the shelf next to the freezer, but the spider see's us coming and hides. By the time I get close enough to do anything the spider is gone and the web is still quivering from it's hasty exit.

I also saw that your DD is going to a charter school next year (saw your thread about uniforms). I don't have any uniform experience, but I do know that anything we've bought from Land's End wears like iron. So good luck in finding what you need!! What made you guys go the charter school route?

We had it with DD's elementary school (remember all the drama of getting her a different teacher last year?) Then this Spring her teacher approched me with her concerns that DD would "get lost" in the huge 4th grade classrooms. She was concerned, knowing that DD does not do chaos well and that she is a high achiever that her needs would not be met. (Loved her teacher, took 12 weeks to get but she was awesome) well that conversation cemented into our minds that we needed an alternative. Moving was considered but the housing market is soooo bad, we would not be able to sell our house and the rental market is as bad, so we couldn't take that chance. Private was not much of an option, I am anti religious schools and the 1 secular school is way out of our price range.

There are 2 Charter Elem schools in the area, one is very highly rated and successful. That is the one we chose to pursue (along with DD's BFF and my BFF's DD) all 3 girls got it Traditional calendar, heavy emphasis on math and science, class sizes limited to 18, up to date technology and uniforms. Thus the need to begin the search ofr uniforms. The shirts can only be purchased from the designated monogram shop but the bottoms can come from anywhere. What I was finding was a huge range in price so I thought I would throw it out there and see what kind of experience parents had. I have ordered the Lands End uniform catalog. I love their other products so I assume their uniform products are up to their standards.

Hope you're having a fun and relaxing time on your vacation. Glad that King Chachi has someone to take good care of him.

A good friend of mine just got a "Chihwiewi" it is a Chihuaha/Wiener Dog. She is really cute. She has big Chihuaha ears that are floppy, she is white, brown and black. When she tilts her head back, her ears stick out straight. She is about 3 Lbs. and should only get to about 6

Not a whole heck of a lot going on here. I have lost 9.2 pounds thus far. I go downstairs and use the elliptical every morning for a little over 50 minutes. My goal is 600 calories and 2.5 miles. I'm usually sweating up a storm when I finish and I don't smell too nice, but the weight is coming off little by little. We had two dinner invitations this weekend which always complicates the weight loss efforts, but what are you gonna do? Stay home? Heck no!!!

9#'s way to go! Good for you, you are doing great!

I am also trying to get a bit of tan on this white body (I am pretty darned fair, with blue eyes and blond hair) because, as an ex-friend used to say, "Brown fat looks better than white fat."

DS went to an all day concert in Denver this past Sunday. It was called Mayhemfest. Originally, he was supposed to go with a friend, but the guy backed out the night before. DS was initially disappointed and tried to find someone else to go with him, but it actually turned out to be one of the best things for him to go alone. I guess it was crazy in there, and he would have had a hard time trying to keep track of another person all of the time. He had so much fun - we kept texting him every now and then to see how he was doing - and the texts were filled with such happiness that you could read that emotion though the phone. It's nice to see your kid feel that way. The bands all have a metal "edge" to them that isn't "me", but it suits DS to a tee.

Sounds like the old Day on the Greens we went to as teens (Oakland Coliseum) I'm glad he had such a good time!

DD is doing well, although I think she's decided that she doesn't want a career as a barista. She is strongly committed to her economics major but is rethinking the advertising one, as she thinks most of the people she's met in that field are "shallow". She really likes food and nutrition and may someone finagle an integrative physiology minor instead of the advertising major so that she may eventually become a nutritionist. Who knows? I certainly don't.

Well, better get back to work. Check in when you can!!!!

Advertising is a tough business - that is what my cousin does. (MBA in Journalism) Not a lot of money and very up and down with the economy.

Funny that we both posted at the same time, Melissa. That thread was a lively one, wasn't it. Like you said, some people really amaze me - I wish I could wear "smug" that well!!!

we must have hit the submit button at the same time. I know what you mean about "smug" gheesh, must be nice to live in ones own little world where reality doesn't dare knock

Looks like the job and the roommate front for your DS are going well. As for the girlfriend, yeah, there's not much you can do at this point. My DS isn't officially dated the cute 16-year old now, they're "friends", but he is still planning on taking her out for dinner at a pretty expensive place tonight. It took a lot of strength to bite my tongue, but I did.

DS and FGF/GF went to Olive Garden, it is their favorite......I better go check my credit card, so help me if "I" bought dinner there will be heck to pay

Glad that you heard from Pam. That's good news about her DD and Art Guy. How cool that they both got in.

I know, she said the cost is 42K a year and that she is still back and forth with her parents and their situation.

Sorry about your mom. Glad she more animated and participative, but boy, the violent tendencies would bother me. That's a tough call on what to do. Good luck in whatever you decide.

It's a tough one. I have to also at the same time fight the "revenge" feelings and truly try and make a decision based on what is best for her, not for me (or not what would "feel good" from so many years of resentment)

Your DD's clubhouse sounds so cute!!!!! Awww . . . they grow up so fast, enjoy these times.

Last night, I was sitting on the porch and all I could see were 2 pairs of feet dangling over the bed of the truck. They are soooo funny.

Poor Deck'ster - having to ply him/her with food to get her into the trap. But ya gotta do what ya gotta do!!!! I hope the surgery goes well.

We have been so worried, (we think she is a she ) and she has escaped from the house several times. We don't want to contribute to the kitty overpopulation problem. We are really good about getting our animals altered at an early age. Now, we will be able to let Deck'ster out and not have to worry about that. She is considered feral and still does not let us touch her and is always trying to get out of the house.

 

[horseshowmom]

Sheila, how is the beach? I hope you are soaking up the sun and relaxing your days away. Don't even dwell on the fact that you are going to return home to Chachi the WonderDog who has now been spoiled and pampered by Grandma. Just like when you get your kids back, you will need to reprogram his attitude.

The beach was wonderful (got back last night), but the jellyfish were terrible! That wasn't a big issue for me since I don't spend much time in the water, but I would have liked to have gotten in a little bit. My DD wouldn't even chance it (one of the two younger girls who were with us did get stung, and I saw several others on the beach who did). We went up to LuLu's (a restaurant owned by Jimmy Buffet's sister), which is surrounded by a marina, and you could see jellyfish all in the water around the docks...

Still, we had a great time, and the condo was nice. It was in a perfect location on the quieter end of the beach next to the state park. I doubt that Chachi's feet ever hit the ground while my mother had him!

I got an update from Pam the other day. She was posting on my Reality of College Freshman thread. She mentioned that her DD was headed to Sarasota, FL. So I sent her a PM. Her DD and ArtGuy both got into Ringley. Costs is crazy but I guess they have sorted it out somehow. She said to say Hi, so HI!

How about that! Good for them (although I'm really glad that I don't have to worry about the tuition! )!

Sandy, rats , the Parents of Teen thread got closed before I could reply this morning. Some people never cease to amaze me.

I'm going to have to find this thead. I've been so busy that I haven't had time to look at much. Work was HORRIBLE just before I left. Can't tell you how glad I was to get that grant finished.

All is fairly quiet here, DS had interview #3 with Scheels yesterday and they sent him for a drug test, so I am thinking things are looking positive for him.
He and GF/FGF went to dinner last night, and they have spent a lot of time together since 4th of July (just as I expected) I give up, I say nothing! He is a big boy, he will have to learn.

You have to feel sorry for him though. That's a tough age...

He has completed his check list of things to do for college. He went and got his Meningcoccal Vaccine the other day, updated his RX's for his allergy meds, finally finished his graduation thank you notes (under threat of death from Mother), he received his roommate assignment (although they have not yet contacted each other) he did get his first choice of dorm and looks like he has a job for fall. Whew

Good luck with the scholarship too!

DD has been hanging out at home this week. My BFF's DD and DD have decided to turn the back of Big Ugly (DH's/DS's old ugly pickup) into a club house. They have plastered it with girlie pictures and lots of "No Boys Allowed" signs. Cracks me up, they take their radio out there and hang out.
Starting to uniform shop for DD for school.

Kind of funny that they're using the truck that belongs to your DH and DS and covering it with No Boys signs!

I agree with Sandy's comment about the Lands End stuff! Also, I don't know what you think about uniforms, but after you've had them for awhile, I'll bet you're going to love them. We have uniforms and as much as the kids fuss about them, when you give them anonymous surveys, the vast majority prefers them. They make school clothes so much easier.

Lets see, what else....Got a call yesterday from my Aunt in Oregon. My Mothers Doctor took her off of her super strong anti psychotic med about 6 weeks ago and replaced it with something else that is easier to regulate and control.

Good luck with that situation. DH's dad is bi-polar, and he can get really, really mean.

Finally trapped Deck'ster. Poor thing, he/she is in the trap in the bathtub until tomorrow morning when we can take him/her in to be fixed.

Thanks for putting the effort into trapping Deck'ster. I saw a chart one time, and it was amazing how spaying even one feral cat can make a huge difference. Dogs are prolific enough, but they don't come anywhere close to cats.

Good morning, all!! Thought it was time to check in. I've been arguing with a judgmental biddy on another thread until it got locked, so I guess I've got some free time now

Definitely got to find that thread!

Not a whole heck of a lot going on here. I have lost 9.2 pounds thus far.

You're making Weight Watchers look better all the time....

I am also trying to get a bit of tan on this white body (I am pretty darned fair, with blue eyes and blond hair) because, as an ex-friend used to say, "Brown fat looks better than white fat."

Yep, gotta agree with that!

DS went to an all day concert in Denver this past Sunday. It was called Mayhemfest. it actually turned out to be one of the best things for him to go alone. He had so much fun - we kept texting him every now and then to see how he was doing - and the texts were filled with such happiness that you could read that emotion though the phone. It's nice to see your kid feel that way.

I think that there's a lot to be said for being able to go out on your own like that. Good for him for not staying at home, and I'm glad he had a great time!

DD is doing well, although I think she's decided that she doesn't want a career as a barista. She is strongly committed to her economics major but is rethinking the advertising one, as she thinks most of the people she's met in that field are "shallow". She really likes food and nutrition and may someone finagle an integrative physiology minor instead of the advertising major so that she may eventually become a nutritionist. Who knows? I certainly don't.

Hey, she's going to class and learning all the time. She'll figure it out eventually.

There are 2 Charter Elem schools in the area, one is very highly rated and successful. That is the one we chose to pursue (along with DD's BFF and my BFF's DD) all 3 girls got it Traditional calendar, heavy emphasis on math and science, class sizes limited to 18, up to date technology and uniforms.

A good friend of mine just got a "Chihwiewi" it is a Chihuaha/Wiener Dog. She is really cute. She has big Chihuaha ears that are floppy, she is white, brown and black. When she tilts her head back, her ears stick out straight. She is about 3 Lbs. and should only get to about 6

Now that's a new one on me!



Short update:

As I said, the trip was great, but on the way home we got news that a neighbor had died of a heart attack (only 61 and totally unexpected). That was complicated by the fact that he was the uncle of one of the younger girls with us (she's 12). Her mother called and asked that she be told because she was afraid that one of her friends might call or text and tell her before she got home. Not a good situation.

I carried DD to a new doctor this afternoon concerning her blood pressure/heart problem. We weren't happy at all with our last visit with her cardiologist (just doubled her medicine and added another equally bad one to it - after telling us 2 years ago that this wasn't a medicine that she needed to stay on for long.. ). The doctor today (internal medicine) said that he really thought the issue could be a hormonal problem and agreed with us that the three different thyroid tests in her medical records all showed some irregularities (which could also be the problem). He's ordering some additional tests and hopes to find the cause in the next few weeks rather than just treat the symptoms (he was also worried about the meds she was on - said they were generally used to treat elderly people who wouldn't be likely to suffer from the long-term side effects).

Lastly, I went today to have my passport photo taken (never needed a passport before). DH finally talked me into going to Israel with him next March. He was already signed up with a local group to go (after much persuasion on my part because he's always really wanted to go), but I wasn't planning on going. When I got home last night, we discussed it some more, and he talked me into it. DD has formally threatened us that we had better not let anything happen to us since that's only a couple of months before her wedding! And, yes, Grandma is already making plans to fly back here to take care of Chachi (says she has a free ticket that she wanted to use anyway - ).

 

[mamacatnv]

Sheila! Welcome back, missed you. Hope all works out for your DD, kinda scary having to think about at her age. Poor thing, hang in there

I'm in a hurry, I have to run and pick up Deck'ster from the clinic, I'll try and let you all know if its a Boy or a Girl . This morning my routine got all discom****erated(sp??? ), had to rescue BFF whose battery died in her Land Rover (my trusty Honda to the rescue) anyway had to run home, get her, drop her kid at daycare and haul clear to the opposite side of town to drop her at work and then come back to work.

The clinic where Deck'ster is at is in town so back I go. Bringing home a very ticked off drugged kitty! Should be a fun afternoon

Wanted to say welcome back and have a great weekend deprogramming Chachi

Talk at your ladies later.....

 

[horseshowmom]

I'm sure Deck'ster will come out of it fine and will certainly be much better off for it. The cat just doesn't realize how hard you're working for him/her!

Sounds like a busy day thus far for you. I just fininshed my last final exam (which was the only thing I had left to do) and am very happy to be done. At least until Aug. 25th when the next two classes start...

 

[mamacatnv]

Oye, what a week! I so forgot to update you guys - It's a GIRL Just as I expected, but the name has stuck so SHE shall remain Deck'ster! They clipped the tip off of one of her ears because she is considered feral so now she is kind of funny looking (shhhh don't tell her) one ear is pointy and one ear is flat across the top. Simon and Baxter treater her like a leper when she first came home, they hissed and snarled at her. Poor thing, 2 days in a cat trap in the bathtub and then another day at the clinic and no loving when she got home. Simon and Baxter settled down within a couple of days and last night all 3 were curled up together on the couch. Harmony has been restored.

I feel so neglectful of my online buddies Hope you are all well........

The beach was wonderful (got back last night), but the jellyfish were terrible! That wasn't a big issue for me since I don't spend much time in the water, but I would have liked to have gotten in a little bit. My DD wouldn't even chance it (one of the two younger girls who were with us did get stung, and I saw several others on the beach who did). We went up to LuLu's (a restaurant owned by Jimmy Buffet's sister), which is surrounded by a marina, and you could see jellyfish all in the water around the docks...

Yuck. I don't know much about jellyfish other that the deadly kind that are always on the Discovery Channel. I am assuming these were not deadly but more annoying. Is their sting like a bee sting?

How was LuLu's? I know you were looking forward to it

I carried DD to a new doctor this afternoon concerning her blood pressure/heart problem. We weren't happy at all with our last visit with her cardiologist (just doubled her medicine and added another equally bad one to it - after telling us 2 years ago that this wasn't a medicine that she needed to stay on for long.. ). The doctor today (internal medicine) said that he really thought the issue could be a hormonal problem and agreed with us that the three different thyroid tests in her medical records all showed some irregularities (which could also be the problem). He's ordering some additional tests and hopes to find the cause in the next few weeks rather than just treat the symptoms (he was also worried about the meds she was on - said they were generally used to treat elderly people who wouldn't be likely to suffer from the long-term side effects).

How is DD doing?

Lastly, I went today to have my passport photo taken (never needed a passport before). DH finally talked me into going to Israel with him next March. He was already signed up with a local group to go (after much persuasion on my part because he's always really wanted to go), but I wasn't planning on going. When I got home last night, we discussed it some more, and he talked me into it. DD has formally threatened us that we had better not let anything happen to us since that's only a couple of months before her wedding! And, yes, Grandma is already making plans to fly back here to take care of Chachi (says she has a free ticket that she wanted to use anyway - ).

I love to travel, but alas between a foot in the mud DH and the exhorbitant costs it is not something I have gotten to do a lot of. I had a friend who went to Israel several years ago and really enjoyed it, especially the Biblical history. What is the draw? Why Israel? What is the weather like in the spring?

Sandy: Are you all packed and ready to go yet?????? Are you excited? Is DS getting ready to depart?

I'm gonna kill my DS I brought him into this world, I can certainly take him out, I don't care how big he is He has no sense of urgency whatsoever and it is making me crazy.
He has not contacted his roommate but got the name and number almost 2 weeks ago (although the same could be said of roommate, we have not heard from him either) he has not gotten online and accepted his Millennium Scholarship or finished his student loan package (also on line), he has not finished his graduation thank you notes, he has not even tried to get a book list so we can maybe save him a few bucks and his room looks like a bomb went off. He neglected to submit the dorm move in day or the orientation days to have off at work and low and behold he has to work until 2 pm on move in day (not a huge issue) and until 2 pm on day 2 of MANDATORY Orientation, so now he is scrambling to find someone to cover his shifts! He has however managed to spend every waking minute with FGF when he is not at work. He is also house sitting for 2 weeks so we have seen little of him this week which is probably the only reason he is still standing upright! DH actually tracked him down and chewed on him a little, which is very rare for DH (he was probably tired of listening to me gripe about it) So, DS got online this morning, but he still hasn't finished his thank you notes! GRRRRRRRR

He did get an offer from Scheels and will be attending an orientation on 8/18

That is about it - my employees are being idiots, I am engaged in a power struggle with the Dictator/Power tripping Shop Foreman who is stupid enough to think he will win along with all the accounting I handle all the HR and his temper and mouth are causing all sorts of problems. Too bad he is productive in getting projects out the door on time or I would not be having to do all the damage control I do on his behalf!

I think I need a vacation..................

Okay, back to work, you all take care and catch up when you can

 

[horseshowmom]

Oye, what a week! I so forgot to update you guys - It's a GIRL Just as I expected, but the name has stuck so SHE shall remain Deck'ster! They clipped the tip off of one of her ears because she is considered feral so now she is kind of funny looking (shhhh don't tell her) one ear is pointy and one ear is flat across the top.

Is that so any animal control people who see her will know that she's feral and leave her alone? I've never heard of that before.

Simon and Baxter treater her like a leper when she first came home, they hissed and snarled at her. Poor thing, 2 days in a cat trap in the bathtub and then another day at the clinic and no loving when she got home. Simon and Baxter settled down within a couple of days and last night all 3 were curled up together on the couch. Harmony has been restored.

Poor Deck'ster , but I'm glad things are better now!

Yuck. I don't know much about jellyfish other that the deadly kind that are always on the Discovery Channel. I am assuming these were not deadly but more annoying. Is their sting like a bee sting?

About the same, not deadly but also not comfortable.

How was LuLu's? I know you were looking forward to it

Fun place, and I enjoyed it!

How is DD doing?

Still waiting to hear back from the tests, but we're keeping our fingers crossed!

I love to travel, but alas between a foot in the mud DH and the exhorbitant costs it is not something I have gotten to do a lot of. I had a friend who went to Israel several years ago and really enjoyed it, especially the Biblical history. What is the draw? Why Israel? What is the weather like in the spring?

DH has always longed to go to Israel for the Biblical history. A good opportunity came up for us to go along with some friends of ours (otherwise we wouldn't be doing this trip in the same year that we're paying for a wedding ).

I have to be honest and say that there are probably other places that would top my list considering what it's going to cost, but DH really wants me to go with him, so it looks like I'm going. DD has threatened us that we had better not be near any area that is dangerous! I've also told SIL that if anything should happen (not likely), that she's in charge at the wedding!

Sandy: Are you all packed and ready to go yet?????? Are you excited? Is DS getting ready to depart?

Have a great trip!

I'm gonna kill my DS I brought him into this world, I can certainly take him out, I don't care how big he is He has no sense of urgency whatsoever and it is making me crazy.

Girl, I don't blame you at all! Every year DD's waits until school starts back to start looking for books. She says she doesn't know what they are until then, but her roommate always seems to start looking beforehand and gets books cheaper. I figure if she can get the information, DD should be able to do so.

This doesn't help you much, but I still, from time to time, have to remind DD of things that she needs to get done. Fortunately, she is MUCH better than she was when she started college (so there is HOPE! ).

He did get an offer from Scheels and will be attending an orientation on 8/18

That is about it - my employees are being idiots, I am engaged in a power struggle with the Dictator/Power tripping Shop Foreman who is stupid enough to think he will win along with all the accounting I handle all the HR and his temper and mouth are causing all sorts of problems. Too bad he is productive in getting projects out the door on time or I would not be having to do all the damage control I do on his behalf!

Ahhh, the double edged sword...

 

[mamacatnv]

Is that so any animal control people who see her will know that she's feral and leave her alone? I've never heard of that before.

Yes, it tells animal control that she is already altered. According to the website there are 25K feral cats in colonies all over Washoe County (huge geographical area) by clipping the ear, they can see at a glance if a cat is already altered and so if trapped, they know to let it go and move on to the unaltered animals.

Poor Deck'ster , but I'm glad things are better now!

I felt so bad for her, she just wanted to snuggle and her buddy Simon the Fat Cat who never hisses or snarls at anyone was having none of it. DH, the girls and I were talking last night, it made us wonder if cats visually recognize each other by site or if smell is how they know each other. We figured Deck'ster came home from the clinic with all sorts of assorted smells possibly making her seem like a strange cat to Simon.

About the same, not deadly but also not comfortable.

would definately put a damper on a trip to the beach.

Fun place, and I enjoyed it!

Glad to hear it did not disappoint. I know you were looking forward to it.

Still waiting to hear back from the tests, but we're keeping our fingers crossed!

Saying a little prayer

DH has always longed to go to Israel for the Biblical history. A good opportunity came up for us to go along with some friends of ours (otherwise we wouldn't be doing this trip in the same year that we're paying for a wedding ).

I have to be honest and say that there are probably other places that would top my list considering what it's going to cost, but DH really wants me to go with him, so it looks like I'm going. DD has threatened us that we had better not be near any area that is dangerous! I've also told SIL that if anything should happen (not likely), that she's in charge at the wedding!

Sounds absolutely fascinating, I'm jealous. Do you need a valet?? Oh dear, your SIL will send along body guards to insure she does not get put in charge of the wedding.
Speaking of the wedding, dresses? Pictures? Since you know how to post pictures (unlike me ) lets see em!

Girl, I don't blame you at all! Every year DD's waits until school starts back to start looking for books. She says she doesn't know what they are until then, but her roommate always seems to start looking beforehand and gets books cheaper. I figure if she can get the information, DD should be able to do so.

This doesn't help you much, but I still, from time to time, have to remind DD of things that she needs to get done. Fortunately, she is MUCH better than she was when she started college (so there is HOPE! ).

I'm glad to know there is hope, cuz otherwise the boy isn't gonna make it He came home briefly last night (he missed his sister ahhhh) however, that did not get him off the hook with me! I told him last night he needs to sit down with the finance dept. and sort out where he is at. I need more than a days notice to know how much I have to come up with to cover the differences. Lets see how long that takes him!

So glad you are done with your classes Whats on the agenda for the coming year? Are you now a librarian? Is the idiot still around or did someone take him out?

Sandy, have you withered away to nothing yet?

I am out of here at about noon where I will hit 40 hours (I am hourly on purpose!) home to take a nap. Tomorrow is hair and nails along with the open house at DD's new Charter School. No other plans except my bathroom is beginning to resemble a truck stop, I might have to clean it.......

Have a great weekend ladies!

 

[horseshowmom]

Yes, it tells animal control that she is already altered. According to the website there are 25K feral cats in colonies all over Washoe County (huge geographical area) by clipping the ear, they can see at a glance if a cat is already altered and so if trapped, they know to let it go and move on to the unaltered animals.

Interesting and a great idea for them to be able to tell at a glance. I learn something new every day!

I felt so bad for her, she just wanted to snuggle and her buddy Simon the Fat Cat who never hisses or snarls at anyone was having none of it. DH, the girls and I were talking last night, it made us wonder if cats visually recognize each other by site or if smell is how they know each other. We figured Deck'ster came home from the clinic with all sorts of assorted smells possibly making her seem like a strange cat to Simon.

I know that when one of my animals comes home from the vet's office (particularly if they had to stay overnight) the other animals really smell them all over. I think the scent is a major thing with them.

Sounds absolutely fascinating, I'm jealous. Do you need a valet?? Oh dear, your SIL will send along body guards to insure she does not get put in charge of the wedding.

Since she has 4 daughters (3 married and one who just got engaged), she's got a LOT of experience in this area! We were talking yesterday, and she's afraid the one who just got engaged is going to want to get married in December and to have a very large wedding (read that as a short period of time to come up with the funds to pay for it! ).

Speaking of the wedding, dresses? Pictures? Since you know how to post pictures (unlike me ) lets see em!

I've got to get that done. So far, everybody who has seen the bridesmaid dresses really liked them.

I'm glad to know there is hope, cuz otherwise the boy isn't gonna make it He came home briefly last night (he missed his sister ahhhh) however, that did not get him off the hook with me! I told him last night he needs to sit down with the finance dept. and sort out where he is at. I need more than a days notice to know how much I have to come up with to cover the differences. Lets see how long that takes him!

I have to keep reminding DD about keeping up with new scholarship opportunites too. She gets a significant amount of money, but you can never have too much!

So glad you are done with your classes Whats on the agenda for the coming year? Are you now a librarian? Is the idiot still around or did someone take him out?

I will officially be labeled as the elementary school librarian as of Monday. I'm not completely certified yet (have to take 3 courses in the fall - starting 8/25 - and 1 in the spring, then I'll be done completely). Our kids start school on Thursday.

I haven't moved any of my stuff to the elem. school yet. I'm going to claim executive privilege and pack my stuff up next week to get ready to move (even though the others will have to be at school). I've worked all summer and haven't had time to get that stuff done yet. Fortunately, I'm pretty sure the principal will understand. I'll also continue doing some of what I do now (will be part of the opening session for teachers and will give them some directions regarding certification and prof. dev.).

I think you could easily say that the Supt. is struggling mightily. He seems to be slowly coming to the realization that he might actually need some of us old folks who actually know what's going on. It has become more and more obvious that he's in waayyy over his head. He literally can't remember what he tells people from day to day (which has caused several problems when they've done what he told them to do, somebody else didn't like it and complained, and then he forgets that he told them to do it to start with ). He recently made the statement that working out here isn't like working with the people in Memphis.

As DH said today, we're really not nearly as worried about what he's going to do to the system as a whole as we were to start with because he doesn't seem to be able to carry through with anything from start to finish. At least, we're crossing our fingers.

I am out of here at about noon where I will hit 40 hours (I am hourly on purpose!) home to take a nap. Tomorrow is hair and nails along with the open house at DD's new Charter School. No other plans except my bathroom is beginning to resemble a truck stop, I might have to clean it.......

I hope you had a great day. Be sure to tell us all about open house!



BTW, what about Nibbles? How's that situation?

 

[Sandy V.]

Happy Monday to all!!!! I'm like Melissa - I'm feeling guilty for not checking in more often with my online buddies. The past few weeks have been very busy!!

Last week, I worked on getting the financials all in place for both DD and DS for school - getting $$$ transferred to the right money market account, etc. I should have done it weeks before, but I am a procrastinator because I really don't like doing it!!! Waited until I HAD to do it.

Then, on Thursday, I went up to Boulder to help DD move out of her apartment and move most of her belongings into a rental storage unit. She was due out of her place at midnight on the 31st, but she can't get into her new place until the 11th, so she and one of her future roommates rented a storage unit to hold their stuff until then. Unfortunately, DH and DS both had to work that day, so DD's boyfriend and his friend came to the rescue to help us move the heavy stuff. Then, DD and I got the rest in a second load. The actual move wasn't bad - but then we had the fun of cleaning the refrigerator, oven, stove, bathroom, etc. - all on a very hot day in an apartment with no air conditioning!! I was a sweaty mess when it was all done, but it DID get done!! DD and I worked pretty darn hard!!!

Afterwards, DH and DS came up to Boulder to meet us, and the four of us headed up to the mountains for a 3-day weekend. We spent time in Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Breckenridge, and Vail, and had a very nice time together. Did some hiking, biking, shopping, and eating!!

On the way home, we stopped at Best Buy and bought DS's laptop for school. He is thrilled with his new toy!!! Then DH and I got sad on the way home because we realized it won't be long until he's gone and then we're empty nesters.

This week will be me starting to help DS get some of his things for school. I bought him a large locking trunk at Wal-Mart last week, and he is psyched about using that.

Oye, what a week! I so forgot to update you guys - It's a GIRL Just as I expected, but the name has stuck so SHE shall remain Deck'ster! They clipped the tip off of one of her ears because she is considered feral so now she is kind of funny looking (shhhh don't tell her) one ear is pointy and one ear is flat across the top. Simon and Baxter treater her like a leper when she first came home, they hissed and snarled at her. Poor thing, 2 days in a cat trap in the bathtub and then another day at the clinic and no loving when she got home. Simon and Baxter settled down within a couple of days and last night all 3 were curled up together on the couch. Harmony has been restored.

I'm glad that Deck'ster is back to normal. The clipped ear thing is interesting - I hadn't heard about doing that before.

I feel so neglectful of my online buddies Hope you are all well........

You and me both. Life gets away from me at times!!

I love to travel, but alas between a foot in the mud DH and the exhorbitant costs it is not something I have gotten to do a lot of. I had a friend who went to Israel several years ago and really enjoyed it, especially the Biblical history. What is the draw? Why Israel? What is the weather like in the spring?

We do like to travel as well, and DH does like to do it, but with the high cost of everything, like everyone - we have to think twice about what we spend our money on. Sheila, one of our family friend's daughter just went to Israel over Christmas Break. She showed us her photos and it looked like a fascinating place. I'm not really religious, but there were many fascinating places that I was intrigued.

Sandy: Are you all packed and ready to go yet?????? Are you excited? Is DS getting ready to depart?

2 1/2 weeks until NYC - taking DS to school on the 21st and taking off the next morning from Denver International Airport. No packing just yet, although I've been doing it mentally. As for DS, we're just getting started!!! Lots of work ahead!!!

I'm gonna kill my DS I brought him into this world, I can certainly take him out, I don't care how big he is He has no sense of urgency whatsoever and it is making me crazy.
He has not contacted his roommate but got the name and number almost 2 weeks ago (although the same could be said of roommate, we have not heard from him either) he has not gotten online and accepted his Millennium Scholarship or finished his student loan package (also on line), he has not finished his graduation thank you notes, he has not even tried to get a book list so we can maybe save him a few bucks and his room looks like a bomb went off. He neglected to submit the dorm move in day or the orientation days to have off at work and low and behold he has to work until 2 pm on move in day (not a huge issue) and until 2 pm on day 2 of MANDATORY Orientation, so now he is scrambling to find someone to cover his shifts! He has however managed to spend every waking minute with FGF when he is not at work. He is also house sitting for 2 weeks so we have seen little of him this week which is probably the only reason he is still standing upright! DH actually tracked him down and chewed on him a little, which is very rare for DH (he was probably tired of listening to me gripe about it) So, DS got online this morning, but he still hasn't finished his thank you notes! GRRRRRRRR

He did get an offer from Scheels and will be attending an orientation on 8/18

Kids - gotta love 'em; can't kill 'em. DS has been leaving a dirty trail all over the house, which is one of the things I will NOT miss when he leaves. When he got home last night, the first thing he did was transfer all of his I-Tunes to his new laptop. Never mind all of the mess AROUND the computer that needed to be cleaned up!!!

That is about it - my employees are being idiots, I am engaged in a power struggle with the Dictator/Power tripping Shop Foreman who is stupid enough to think he will win along with all the accounting I handle all the HR and his temper and mouth are causing all sorts of problems. Too bad he is productive in getting projects out the door on time or I would not be having to do all the damage control I do on his behalf!

I think I need a vacation..................

Okay, back to work, you all take care and catch up when you can

That foreman obviously doesn't know who he is dealing with - my money would be on you in a strategic battle!!!!

 

[Sandy V.]

Since she has 4 daughters (3 married and one who just got engaged), she's got a LOT of experience in this area! We were talking yesterday, and she's afraid the one who just got engaged is going to want to get married in December and to have a very large wedding (read that as a short period of time to come up with the funds to pay for it! ).

Weddings are SO expensive. Our niece just got engaged - she's 5 months older than DD and I told her there is NO WAY she is getting married this early!! My SIL and BIL are solidly middle class and the fiancee's parents are VERY wealthy, and there is no way that they can finance the kind of wedding that they are thinking the in laws will expect. As it is, the wedding is scheduled for October 2009 and they are having trouble finding a place for the reception - things are already booked solid until 2010. Since they got engaged in Las Vegas, my SIL is seriously considering having the wedding in Vegas. Might end up being cheaper!!! Plus, my niece and her fiance don't really have a concept of what things cost (do kids EVER really understand that until they have to fork over their own money?), so they are being hit with some harsh financial realities!!

So far, everybody who has seen the bridesmaid dresses really liked them.

That's good. Sounds like things are running smoothly.

I have to keep reminding DD about keeping up with new scholarship opportunites too. She gets a significant amount of money, but you can never have too much!

I need to remind DS to check into the books list too!!!

I will officially be labeled as the elementary school librarian as of Monday. I'm not completely certified yet (have to take 3 courses in the fall - starting 8/25 - and 1 in the spring, then I'll be done completely). Our kids start school on Thursday.

I haven't moved any of my stuff to the elem. school yet. I'm going to claim executive privilege and pack my stuff up next week to get ready to move (even though the others will have to be at school). I've worked all summer and haven't had time to get that stuff done yet. Fortunately, I'm pretty sure the principal will understand. I'll also continue doing some of what I do now (will be part of the opening session for teachers and will give them some directions regarding certification and prof. dev.).

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm glad to hear that you're almost done with your training. Good job!!! The packing up and moving is one of my least favorite things to do, but it DOES help you clear out unwanted stuff if you've got the time to pare things down.

I think you could easily say that the Supt. is struggling mightily. He seems to be slowly coming to the realization that he might actually need some of us old folks who actually know what's going on. It has become more and more obvious that he's in waayyy over his head. He literally can't remember what he tells people from day to day (which has caused several problems when they've done what he told them to do, somebody else didn't like it and complained, and then he forgets that he told them to do it to start with ). He recently made the statement that working out here isn't like working with the people in Memphis.

As DH said today, we're really not nearly as worried about what he's going to do to the system as a whole as we were to start with because he doesn't seem to be able to carry through with anything from start to finish. At least, we're crossing our fingers.

Now why am I not surprised that the Superintendent is having a few stuggles? We all knew that THOSE chickens would be coming home to roost!!!!

Thankfully, it sounds like his iron fist is becoming more benign as time goes on. Keep us posted!!

Well, I'd better get back to work. Have a good week, everyone!!!

 

[horseshowmom]

Weddings are SO expensive. Our niece just got engaged - she's 5 months older than DD and I told her there is NO WAY she is getting married this early!! My SIL and BIL are solidly middle class and the fiancee's parents are VERY wealthy, and there is no way that they can finance the kind of wedding that they are thinking the in laws will expect.

That's a little bit of what my SIL is afraid of. The family is involved with major league baseball. I'm not sure exactly how, but I know the dad is a coach of some sort and two of the three brothers are signed to major league contracts (currently playing at the lower levels but are expected to be called up to the majors and have hefty contracts). The DFi was hoping to do the same but had injuries that ended his career last year (he does have a M.B.A. though and has a good job now).

She's afraid they're going to expect a "major" wedding too! She said that they seem like very nice people though, and all she can do is all she can do. It doesn't help any that both she and her husband are semi-retired and are in the middle of building a new house! You know, timing is everything!

As it is, the wedding is scheduled for October 2009 and they are having trouble finding a place for the reception - things are already booked solid until 2010. Since they got engaged in Las Vegas, my SIL is seriously considering having the wedding in Vegas. Might end up being cheaper!!!

100% true! Until I got involved in this stuff, I never dreamed how fast stuff books up (particularly in wedding prime time June ).

DD's RM's is getting married in Destin, FL, and her mother said that it would have been cheaper for her to have gotten married in Jamaica or another one of the islands, but she couldn't persuade her DD to go for that. You know, if you aren't going to get married at home anyway, why not go the less expensive route in a nicer resort (just a different beach)?

Plus, my niece and her fiance don't really have a concept of what things cost (do kids EVER really understand that until they have to fork over their own money?), so they are being hit with some harsh financial realities!!

I am eternally grateful that DD has used some common sense!

Melissa, are you listening to all of this? Your DD will be grown before you know it.