The Winds of Change...Maybe

Interesting day to say the least. The snake is still on the lamb (well, we hope just figuratively speaking...Has to be, we don't have a lamb!), we heard it and know it is still around, just can't catch up with it (involuntary shudder knowing I have to bed tonight). Just when I thought things were going better at work, well, needless to say, they aren't. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it! There is this terrific lady at work who works harder than any other person I have ever met in my life, has the biggest heart in the world and has been working hard to bring unity and a sense of business and respect to the department while keeping the heart (has made significant strides as well, any way, not sure what is going on, just worried about her. She has a rough time of it given what our agency has been through. I'm just so very afraid of what will happen. I want what is best for her, but being selfish, I want her to stay and keep the progress. My bud is still looking for work and hasn't found a job...Not much around in our area. Kind of sucks...Especially as I'll be out there looking myself if anything happens at work. She at least has the masters behind her...I just have the piddly bachelors degree. Keep trying Kit...You are awesome and the perfect job will come to you!!! Bummer for the fam. Tried to make reservations for summer vaca next year and the place I wanted to stay was booked, so looking elsewhere now.

EEEEeeeekkkkkkkKKKK!

Only at my house... Calmly getting ready for work when it is brought to my attention that my kids snake is on the loose! Now, I might not mind a snake behind glass...it is totally different when they are the loose! After a frantic search, daughter in melt down over her missing slithering friend I had to leave, the necessity of going to work was pressing. Can't say I was too disappointed that I had a scheduled meeting! Normally a day off work is a treat, but this time it didn't break my heart knowing I wouldn't have to stay home with a reptile slinking around, my day was off to a busy start. Kind of down hill from there, so I was pretty thankful it was Friday! The snake is still on the prowl and I look like a cop off some detective show as I open drawers, closets, cupboards or go around corners. Every time the dogs or cats get excited, I'm on it. The family is enjoying how easily I scream or am startled by a small movement or the feeling of something brushing near me (not a good idea to have those cool cat toys on extended handles when the kids are anxious to scare me!). Guess it keeps life interesting! Ran into an old and dear friend today...we are both bad about keeping in touch as we are busy and wrapped up with our kids, have exchanged Christmas cards (she's better at that then I am, thankfully the letters keep us up with annual our updates) and occasionally run into each other at stores as we run our errands for the kids. I'm not sure what my excuse is, I only had one kid at a time, she had twins!! Very busy lady!!! Total blast from the past. We used to work together and caught up on all the old folks and exchanged current e-mail addresses so we can keep up on the sly. To the shelter gang from the past, Brenda looks and sounds great and passes along a big hello! Oddly enough, while she was working and I was running kid errands and both of our hubbies had the kids at the same amusement park today...is that a small world or what! I'm enjoying the last few moments of quiet by updating this and saying hello to loved ones. Will soon be invaded by the fam minus one. Joan still at school, in fact 2 of her girlfriends are taking her car up to her today and staying for a party and a concert. I think they are all pretty excited! I was so becky-homecky that I sent up gooey brownies and lemon bars to ensure that Joan would remember home! Actually, I was really baking for an event at church and doubled everything up so I could have sweets for home and Joan this week. Sending chocolate to a dorm room though, it's my guess that the chocolate is gone tonight! New from the sibs who serve...The bro is sending items home, indicating that he will be returning soon (that's in military time, so doesn't mean next week!) and the heard from sis. She too is doing well, but having to hunker in and get more settled as her time is so new. I can't believe how quickly the time goes, seems like just yesterday that my brother was taking off and his homecoming seemed so far away. Now it seems the same for my sister. So you both know, we all love you, think of you and pray for you constantly! Well, think I'll enjoy a peaceful rest in the tub while it's still quiet. It's been so nice to have down time today! I had forgotten what it was like!

Movin' on...

Life changes so quickly, yet so much stays the same. To the north to drop off Joaner's at the college of her choice, a bittersweet moment to say the least. So proud, but it just seems impossible that she is old enough! We really were holding her, singing to her, kissing boo-boos and wiping tears (along with teasing, laughing and playing of course) and now she is on her own--relatively speaking. She went to her first mixer with the neighboring college and had only minimal fun, I would like to think that was because she missed us so much, but I am afraid it was more because she really just wants some down time. They have kept her so busy during orientation time she is looking forward to peace! She had a meeting today with her department head, so she was pretty excited about that and believes she has her immediate plans decided...no, she's not coming home, bummer for me but so cool for her! Kids all talked to her today and were pretty excited about it (even though they talked and/or saw her yesterday at the picnic!). Sam is now king of the kids, I think he kind of likes that...being the oldest I mean. Does that make him the boss, yes and no. Either way, he is such a terrific kid, I mean man, he could do quite a nice job as king...diplomatic, fair, reasonable, equitable, intelligent and has this great big heart. He is the man, just like dad! Noah decided to bake today...mmmmmmmmmm, cherry pie, crust from scratch. Impressive. We were all snitching during the process and it tasted great. We are all sitting around for the finished product. Poor hubby has to work tonight and I doubt there will be anything left for him. What a shame! Liz is adjusting to life well, has her own room and is working on making it her own space. Now, if we can get her to sleep in her bed and not on Joan's... Poor thing, she really misses her big sis! She has actually even played practiced BOTH her instruments! That has to be loneliness! Heard more on the football game and the band. Kids are a bit bummed as the quality of the band seems to have diminished with the new band director, maybe it will just be a bit of time before things calm down and the kids get used to her. I guess the music selection isn't what they had hoped for, you know, not exciting and as well timed as before. I guess I won't hear until 9/10 when we have our next home football game. The good news is that they are really psyched about the team. Seems impossible that it's football season already--of course, it doesn't seem possible that summer is already over either...

Where did the time go...

Remember the song from 'Fiddler on the Roof'? Ok, not only do I date myself, but now you all know I like musicals. Hey, it is a great show! Any way, remember when the father is reviewing life and how quickly time flies. Just yesterday you are holding this incredibly beautiful and delicate infant and then poof--all this time has passed! Wow...I can't believe it! Summer's gone, baseball and softball are over. 4H is done, vacation is a memory and the kids are back to school! Then football has started...and...we won our first football game (Go Ramblers!!!) against the reportedly number one team in the conference!! I missed the game (bummer) but it was for a very good reason... Joaners went to college...not just any college, but the perfect school for her! I cried when we left because both of the girls were crying--ok, I cried because I felt like it! To my sisters house for the night and visited, spent Thursday moving her in and going to orientation things (we only cried a little during this). We went back to my sister's house (who has this awesome hubby and 2 adorable little boys) and waited for my sister's niece (does that make her my niece in-law?) who not only goes to the same college as Joan, but they almost have the same name. 'Jo' is a sophomore. Took Joan back to dorm to find out she had missed her first college event (hopefully we aren't setting her up for a bad habit)...a meeting with her orientation counselor. We were only gone 3 hours, had no knowledge of a meeting before we left and she had missed the meeting by 1.5 hours--didn't get a lot of notice on that one. She is now linked with another orientation counselor and group who are all in the same dorm. The counselor happens to be Jo's first roommate so that was kind of weird and neat at the same time. Well, this is many tears later, several hugs and one more event before I let her go for 'good' tomorrow. I think I'll be ok. The fam heads north tomorrow for the picnic and a goodbye (I have my Kleenex!) we'll see how we all do. With all the kids starting school this week, not only was it an expensive week, but a crazy, busy week. I keep thinking that everything will calm down...maybe someday! I like the craziness, but I like calm too. Other than exciting school stuff and kids off to a great start, not much to report from here. Spoke to another of my sisters, MB--just realized that 2 of them share those initials--go figure. She had an interesting experience at the store. She is in the self-check lane at the grocery when she hears a load pop sound and this lady behind her starts yelling about someone getting shot. MB's rubber-necking to see who it is, while at the same time trying to stop the flow of blood (the pop startled her and she cut her hand on a piece of metal). The lady behind her is yelling and kind of freaking out, MB's becoming more rattled and finally goes up to get a band aid and clean up the mess about the same time the EMT's show up, the office folk get the EMT's over to MB who is frantic about now, trying to explain that someone over there (pointing in the direction) had been shot and they need to help them. All this fuss and people addressing her brings her to her senses and she realizes that the people in the store think SHE has been shot!!! MB's trying to explain and they tell her to stop being so stoic and let them deal with it. By the end of it all, it turns out that the gal who started yelling about a lady being shot had heard the same noise MB did, saw MB's blood and thought MB was shot. MB was embarrassed beyond belief and swears never to return to the store as a result. Poor thing!!! KM's turned 50 this week...She sure doesn't look it at all! Her kids are so great and I know something she doesn't! Just as smart and talented as she was/is!! We called her on her birthday and she was taking it all in stride...relaxing and doing her favorite things with her husband and kids...a great way to spend a birthday (ok, it's the way I like to spend mine!). RG called to tell us all she was engaged, her fiance surprised her while they were on vacation. He took her to a meadow, picked a wild flower and proposed...she was completely surprised, but totally thrilled and excited and of course, said yes. Waiting until the bro and sis return from duty, so it will be at least 1.25 years, which in the grand scheme of things won't be a real long time! Well, I only have a few hours before I have to get up and take off again to say goodbye to the kiddo for real...so, I think I'll go relax and pretend I don't have to do it!

Tehe, tehe

To my fellow Evanovich fans...did you see my JE reference? Although I am sure it would be true, I REALLY don't know first hand! It just sounded fun when I wrote it! I do have a favorite bike, but I haven't been on a duc...can you guess the bike? I bet you can't! A special JE dessert if you can! Just e-mail your best guess to jtine54@yahoo.com Life at work is calmer with the accreditation visit behind us, but missing the peacefulness and happiness of yester-months! Kind of a bummer, I'm not the only one to notice, I'm still hopeful that it will improve, the bridges mend, whatever. Today pretty well sucked, so I was glad I ended my day at church...had a very productive HC board meeting and exciting plans in the near future. Came home all relaxed and at peace...then the dreaded financial-aid/loan/payment plan discussion. Put me right back into bummerville, so I retreated and read...back to being ok! I will not be cool when I have to take my kid to college! It will be reverse of pre-school, J will be pealing ME off like velcro and running for her sanity!! Speaking of Joaners...she is going to be Miss May on the Women of the XXX-XXXXX calendar. Let me know if you want one, I'll pick one up and get to you the end of this year...donations accepted, all proceeds go to our organizations scholarships, of which Joan was the recipient of this spring (bragging rights). She was a little surprised and miffed when I told her, but I think she is getting excited...how about it J, are you? Honestly, I'm quite tired and heading off for dream-land...please take care you all and have some sweet dreams!!! PS: SD...thanks for the happy e-mail,the chuckle was great medicine! I needed the smile today! To ALL of you, remember to pass a smile on to those you pass...you may just be making someone's day (and it could even be mine!!!) TTFN :-)

Wow! What a week!

This has just been a crazy, but fun-filled week! Hence the long break in entries! It was girls vaca first, which of course was interrupted by a softball tourney and a fund raiser for a local girl who was tragically injured in an attack. Both were wonderfully successful and had the whole community's support(she is doing better, still in critical condition but is showing some signs of physical and possibly cognitive improvement--keep praying!!!). Then on to vaca... The girls and I had a wonderful and relaxing vacation, although hot and muggy during sleeping hours, we didn't seem to notice it during the day! Noah ended up joining us as he didn't have much planned and we all felt guilty that the poor kid would be left with nothing to do while we vacationed, we are SUCH suckers!!! We canoed (I am SOOOO very glad there is no video evidence here!!!), hiked, played basketball (ok I watched or sent them), read, went to town for eating, shopping and eating...Ok we did a little bit of sight seeing too! We were real bums and took the lap top so we also enjoyed a couple of movies during a rain storm and some late night time when we couldn't sleep. Listened to raunchy bubble gum chick music and painted nails (poor Noah--don't worry folks, he did NOT paint his nails, although he offered to if we would take him to the rec center, which we did anyway, but at no price) and some really awesome jazz and blues (lucky all of us!). We returned tired, relaxed but ready for AC (yes, even me), good, hot showers (no matter how good, camp showers just can't compare to home), and life. And boy did life jump start! Back to work and reality! I for one had a difficult time getting back on track. I was pretty sick (d/t my own fault, I somehow thought it was ok to follow my rules as opposed to the doctors, once again, he was right and I was wrong) but still had to get into work and play catch up, in addition we had a series of baseball games that we just HAD to attend, eye doctor appointments for the kids...it's been fun! My brother in-law and his boys came and stayed to go to the games with us...9 people, 1 bathroom, crowded, but we had a blast! Already planning for next year! Maybe we can rent a port-a-pot! My sister R called, her significant other FINALLY proposed! He totally surprised her, caught her off guard while on vacation in Yellowstone National Park...she, along with all of us, are extremely excited. He is a great guy, funny and able to handle our entire family--and folks who know will tell you that in itself is quite something!!! Speaking of my brother in-law, reminds me I should update on my sister and brother! L is getting settled in Afghanistan, is having some trouble adjusting, but is so busy she doesn't have time to worry about it! She called and talked to the boys while they were with us, her poor ears had to be hurting as we had been teaching them to play the trumpet and they just HAD to demonstrate. Unfortunately we have 2 trumpets as Noah and Liz both play...not so bad once kids learn to hit notes, but 2 kids working on how to blow...YIKES! They both seem to have a natural ability so it wasn't so bad and L got to hear them first hand so she was pretty excited! My brother, N, is nearer to the end of his time and is really looking forward to come home. My sister in-law had a brief visit with him while he was on leave, they had a great time and I am sure it was very hard for both of them to separate again...but at least he is all that much closer to coming home. I visited with his kids on Saturday and they come up next week to stay (or at least his son, his daughter is really afraid Mom will go back to the airport and be gone for a while!). We have a treat for JM as his best buddy/cousin will be coming up to stay as well...so we'll be having another crazy week, but a fun one! The kids all go back to school next week so we are busy preparing for this...ok, we will be on Friday when I get paid! It's going to be pretty strange having J heading off to college, but we are so proud of her. Hard to let go...let's see if I am this calm next week! The exciting life has continued, my Sammy...he is in teenage paradise! He has this wonderful life happening, and to make it even a bit better, he bought a second car (I personally don't have 1 car, yet he has 2!!!). The paradise part comes in when I tell you what he bought...he found a sweet deal on a sweet car that needs minimal work (about $300-$400) to place it in the fantastic range. He bought a Porsche. I won't say more, but he will definitely look forward to showing it off...and OY! what a ride! Ducate move over, you may have been replaced as a favorite of mine (the Duc is a bike...I'll never be able to afford one, but OMG, SWEET!!!). His uncle and he picked it up and are busy planning on what to do with it. I'm not sure who is more excited, Sam, his siblings, his friends or extended family...ok, it's probably Sam, but you know what I mean! Ok, must be on my way...I have so much more I could add...but that's what I get for waiting so long!