Ho hum, wanna be a bum

Tiring week, busy, busy, busy and there is still one more day left! Looking forward to a weekend where and when I can vegetate and be a bum...too bad it won't be this weekend! Hubby to a game out of town and to visit our kid, but we have so much exciting stuff going on here, one of us (gee, guess who) gets to stay and have a blast with the other kids! Basketball tourney all weekend for one, football game for 2, party for one, sanity drink for mother, and it all starts in less than 24 hours! Yippee!!!! Let's see, excitement, nope, none here--right now, we're saving that for the weekend! Just fixed the toilet and vacuumed the stairs and the furniture (do I know how to have fun or what?). When I'm done here, I am entertaining the idea of bathing our dog who allergic to about everything as her skin is so very hot and that should cool her, she doesn't take long to dry as she is nearly hairless. Now that IS a sight to miss, wrinkly dog, bluish skin and sparse hair, I'm sure I'm the envy of the neighborhood! Actually, she is so watchful over not only us, but our elderly and not so elderly neighbors, I am the envy of the neighborhood--until they get too close when I am walking her. She won't let anyone near me after dark (which is usually when I walk her) except for an elderly gentleman who I think she is attracted to for his music, he and his wife have an incredible jazz collection and play it plenty loud at about 10:30-11:30. Sometimes we just hang out and listen and others she attempts to drag me to the stair stoop outside the back door. One time she howled and barked to get his attention, but the very large and noisy dog from their next door raised such a commotion she is nearly silent when we invade the H's musical space. Bummer that they'll be gone for about a week on vaca, but maybe not as the temp at night is plenty chilly, not to mention the dampness, which I guess I just did! Sis comes to visit tomorrow, that will be relaxing and pleasant, going to try to get a couple of folks from work to go out to eat lunch with us. It will be busy, but a great start to the weekend! Well, must be off for a football game...Brrrr, teeth chattering all ready! Better hurry and take care of the pooch first, poor thing! For the record, we have a couple more people hooked on the Janet Evanovich books. And we are all waiting for her next in the series. I'm glad she takes her time with them, they are excellent 'escape from reality' books, not to mention they're quick reads!! Take care (gosh, I totally intended this to be brief!). As one of the most wonderful people in the world I know says, Ciao! PS: Thinking about you!

Week at a glance...

Been a while, but this week went SOOO fast! First a health update for all you who have been concerned. Monday's procedure went well, turned into a minor sx and resulted in embarrassing conversations while under the effects of anesthetics as well as a change in meds and more doctor visits but at least it looks like I'm on the mend (yeah!). Back to work and meetings on Tuesday and it hasn't slowed down until now! Just a note here...I love my family and friends! They are a comfort, a support and a lot of fun! Thanks to all of you! I am looking forward to seeing a sister next week (gee, maybe I should call her and confirm plans), lunch with several friends and maybe even a date with the hubby (we had hoped for it this weekend, but Jeff's uncle passed away and we have family duties to attend to). 2 friends experienced the joy of new births, one as a 2nd time parent and the other as a first time grand parent and Jeff's cousin and her hubby had her first child...Good luck and blessings to all three families!!! More changes for other friends as well. I love seeing my work friends daily and will soon miss a wonderful employee, but she is moving on and up to a better situation (congratulations to LN, you are awesome, will do well but will be sorely missed! You have big shoes to fill so I wish the next person the best of luck!). A very special friend had her temp work extended and has a couple of good job leads. Lizard's school has experienced a virus that has sent home 20% of the school nearly every day this week (thankfully we have thus far been healthy) but they expected it to move to the highschool today so we aren't in the clear yet. Sam has increased the number of students he is teaching, my little entrepreneur! He is an intelligent and wonderful (and fun)instructor, not to mention he has some awesome drums and cool posters (I'm sure that's my influence--ok, ok, you can all stop choking now)! Noah still excelling in football (and everything else--I wonder if it ever gets boring, never had that experience) and Joaners and Liz continue to be immersed in school and extra curricular activities--both enjoying the experiences. Currently we are relaxing (and hold onto your seats folks) AT HOME while we listen to our favorite high school football team play what is turning out to be great game. I'm signing off so I can yell, whoop and holler for the boys! Cool, my favorite player just scored a touch down!!! Go Josh!!!! Signing off...

You play, you pay

Ouch. Yesterday was crazy, today I can hardly function. Exhausted, tired, sick, and grouchy. My poor family. Maybe I'll cook dinner, and maybe I'll use Pizza Hut coupons. I'm leaning heavily towards the coupons. Checked in on my friend's blog (she didn't p/u on the phone...Hello there!), she participated in Light the Night and it sounds like it was a success. They sure couldn't have asked for a better night to walk! It was beautiful, as this whole weekend has been. We have been so fortunate with the weather around here while others have been so tortured by it. We are counting our blessings. Friend called, she was at a relatives last night, there were multiple guests just having good times and good eats. One of the ladies can in and asked SJ what she knew about brakes, she was ready to admit nothing when a body part flopped down in front of her--an arm I think--and knew at a glance that it was a pretty serious BREAK! Took 2 pins to repair, pretty nasty. GROSS!!! Chili Supper a success, met and enjoyed the company of the new band director. She's pretty ok (I had been disillusioned d/t an earlier incident), think she is a little lost in this our version of 'Our Town' community and still trying to find her way, but has a great deal of potential. Pottawatomie Festival was fun, Lizard's performances were excellent and she enjoyed watching the parade this year for the first time since she was 5 or 6. Thankgoodness for friends, or she wouldn't have gotten to go (I wasn't able to move by parade start-or end, old pains and some recent new ones in full swing). Joan headed home for a performance, which until about 6 PM last night I thought I might attend. Knew I wasn't going anywhere today by 7:30 last night. Have another battery of tests tomorrow, maybe we can figure out whats going on then. Will keep you posted. Now, while it's still light out, I'm heading to soak in the tub and then to bed--after I order the pizza for the fam. Maybe Sam will go pick it up and I will be completely and utterly off the hook! Yes! He said yes!!!!! 'nite!

Whirlwind activity!

In the midst of one of the busiest weekends we have! Yes, even busier than Christmas and Thanksgiving!! It's time for our local festival AND Joaner's birthday. We're pretty immersed. Had to take yesterday off so I could work many hours at the booths, today we're doing the same, as well as having a birthday party and all the other regular weekend activities. Football game last night, we won and it was an excellent game. Kids are looking sharp!!! Lizard's best friend is up visiting, so the trio of best friends are together again, at least for the weekend. Last night at Rosie's and now down at the festival (ahh, the peace and quiet of it all). Tater and I have the whole house to ourselves (ok, the critters are all here, but it is all so quiet!). Preparing the food for the Chili Supper that we have the pleasure(?) of working for later today. Dad has taken Sambo and Joaner's to the West side to p/u posters and such that teenagers want for their rooms. Bob Dylan is on tour again (YES!!! Dancing around excitedly). Coming locally in a couple of months. The boys (Dad included) are all pretty excited, Liz doesn't know yet, but it will mean little to here since she likes bubble gum and cotton candy music and I'm not sure what Joan thinks...Maybe she'll be upset as she will be in the midst of homework and 3 hours away, then again, maybe it won't bother her. Mr. Dylan is not someone she ahs ever focused on. Maybe, just maybe we can swing an early Christmas gift and see some REAL talent! Ok, back to today...19 years ago today, this moment in fact, I was at the doctor for my daily check-up (had a few complications with a pregnancy). He was quite shocked and sent me to the hospital wondering why I wasn't hysterical d/t the frequent contractions. Well, after 2 weeks of contractions 3-5 minutes apart, I was kind of used to it, and after all that was one of the reasons I went to the doctor daily!!! I left there to go directly to the hospital, on the way (is there where I mention the doctor was across the street from the hospital and he told me to walk over and check in, also to CALL Jeff and tell him to meet me there?), I drove to work and finished up my work and called in a sub to manage the shift, ran out to eat with my friend Rhonda (we were too excited to eat)so we just made plans for later that day, she had to go p/u my dog and then come visit the 3 of us--at least we hoped the 3 of us--around 6:00, she was in charge of bringing dinner. Then I drove back to the east side and picked up the hubby and we checked into the hospital. I figured it would be many hours so I wasn't to concerned. The doctor was horrified to say the least. This was when he mentioned I had been dilated to 8! I could have gone at any time, that may have been good information to share at my visit! Well, we checked in and an hour later we were enjoying snuggling with a newborn. That little girl is 19 years old today, off at college and home for a crazy, whirlwind over night! My dog was as big of hit with my friend and all her friends as Joan was. To this day, they believe he could understand everything they said (which was probably true) as every time they mentioned wanting something it would suddenly appear in front of them or he would at least be attempting to get it. He was THE dog and Joan is THE Joan of course! Ok, time to get off memory lane, finish the pasta salad and deviled eggs and get things together for the performances this afternoon (not mine, the kids)! More later...If I have the energy, feeling pretty drained now, can't imagine how I'll feel later. Getting old is hell you know!

Less Craaaaazyyyyyyy, More Funnnnnnn

Not as crazy or weekend as expected...Which I am very thankful for. Wasn't sure I could handle it! Started with a funeral, which sounds pretty negative, but it was such a blessing for the man and the family. I hate to see suffering. Made it to the game, so a total switch of mood...Even though we lost, it was still a lot of fun. It was Home Coming, the queen result was way too predictable, I was hoping since there were some VERY nice girls up for the crown that the students would go for the real gold! Not that the winner isn't a nice person, but there are others who are just so much more deserving. Ok, that sounds mean, I'm not trying to be, just how I feel! Crazy group of people working, but not ones I have worked with before and it was totally out of sync! I'm used to organization and order. One of the gals and I took over and got her in shape. It was really a nice time, but I was really tired and not feeling really well by the end of the night. Home for a slumber party and some fun with the little girls. Saturday was a spectacular day, the weather was completely awesome and everyone's mood was great! The Lizard had a dress rehearsal for next Saturday's performance so it was up, dress and make-up off the bat, but her friends helped her with costume changes and I was able to enjoy myself with friends. Off to weddings in the afternoon. My neighbor's grandson was married outside--perfect weather for that. Talked to them today and they were all just in seventh heaven. The weekend had been perfect! Our near-by neighbor's daughter was also married, the wedding in the church and then a block party to follow. Great fun, relaxing and comfortable, again perfect weather. I did however get stood up by my own family. That was kind of a bummer, but they were having fun so it was all good. The boys were off to a blues fest, Joaners to a football game where she, yes Joan, rushed the field and jumped the wall after the game as it was so exciting. The band was too have played if the team won, but there were so many kids on the field they couldn't make it out there. She had a great time! The Lizard was off to her peers football games and then a campout. Kind of going every direction, but so much fun! The gorgeous weather spilled over to today, we enjoyed plenty of outdoor time (and yes, I got my Sunday nap in--man I love that nap!). Then the boys and I headed to town for Mass on the Grass at the local college. It was a pretty neat experience and such a blessing to be a part of, the weather helped quite a bit. It was distracting to be outside during mass, but it makes one all the more thankful for the His gifts! We skipped out on the dinner following as we had decided to go shopping, but the car had a mind of it's own and drove us directly to one of my favorite restaurants where we enjoyed a fabulous greasy pizza and cold beer. Ok, I had the beer, the boys enjoyed the ice cold coke. We were so very nice we took leftovers to poor Jeff who was busy working :-( At least he got to have some great pizza!!! All in all, a great weekend, now time to hit reality and start in on the laundry and dishes that seemed to come from no-where over the weekend! Joaners comes home next weekend and we are in for another WONDERFUL weekend d/t the local festival that goes on. It'll be busy, but oh so much fun!!! Hope all of you had as great of weekend as we all did!! May the week bring you love, health, happiness, peace and happiness!

Frustration is...

This is the 3rd day I have attempted to post this...Not much has changed other than Mr. Noah had his first football game, he did really well for a kid who was SUPPOSED to be benched d/t a knee injury, they played him anyway. Team won, we were all happy. Have Home Coming tonight...Oh joy, I work concession. Well, here is the old post (I hope), will enter one after the weekend, have so much going on, I don't know what to think! J Busy, busy, busy! I feel like I'm chasing my tail to catch up...ok, if I were a dog I would feel like that (sorry, but just watched the dog do that and it seemed to fit). School, football, basketball, band, dance, piano, drums, clubs, board meetings, and of course work and all the rest of the kids activities, assisting with homework (that did not go very well tonight) and the usual breaking up of arguments and then trying to figure out why they are being so nice to each other. You KNOW something is up then!! It's Tuesday, following a holiday weekend and I'm pooped...and I didn't even do anything to make me tired over the weekend, at least nothing out of the ordinary! Helped kiddo with a computer issue, went to my Uncle's to celebrate (good thing my sister is so on the ball and was kind enough to invite me along!!), and then some quality family time. Hadn't seen my aunt and uncle in a good long time--last big family event, so for me it was a very special time. I haven't seen them (nearly) one on one in so long. I really enjoyed my time! Geeze, written out, it sounds kind of boring! We'll see what kind of fun we can come up with next time! Hopefully it doesn't involve escaping animals, injury or something else bummerish! We'll go for exciting! I work in the concession stand with a crazy group of people for this Friday night's football game, so that should be a good time. Hope to be exciting (but not too exciting for you next time!). TTFN

Summer's gone, for real!

Busy, busy, busy! I feel like I'm chasing my tail to catch up...ok, if I were a dog I would feel like that (sorry, but just watched the dog do that and it seemed to fit). School, football, basketball, band, dance, piano, drums, clubs, board meetings, and of course work and all the rest of the kids activities, assisting with homework (that did not go very well tonight) and the usual breaking up of arguments and then trying to figure out why they are being so nice to each other. You KNOW something is up then!! It's Tuesday, following a holiday weekend and I'm pooped...and I didn't even do anything to make me tired over the weekend, at least nothing out of the ordinary! Helped kiddo with a computer issue, went to my Uncle's to celebrate (good thing my sister is so on the ball and was kind enough to invite me along!!), and then some quality family time. Hadn't seen my aunt and uncle in a good long time--last big family event, so for me it was a very special time. I haven't seen them (nearly) one on one in so long. I really enjoyed my time! Geeze, written out, it sounds kind of boring! We'll see what kind of fun we can come up with next time! Hopefully it doesn't involve escaping animals, injury or something else bummerish! We'll go for exciting! I work in the concession stand with a crazy group of people for this Friday night's football game, so that should be a good time. Hope to be exciting (but not too exciting for you next time!).

I guess summer is REALLY over!

Busy, busy, busy! I feel like I'm chasing my tail to catch up...ok, if I were a dog I would feel like that (sorry, but just watched the dog do that and it seemed to fit). School, football, basketball, band, dance, piano, drums, clubs, board meetings, and of course work and all the rest of the kids activities, assisting with homework (that did not go very well tonight) and the usual breaking up of arguments and then trying to figure out why they are being so nice to each other. You KNOW something is up then!! It's Tuesday, following a holiday weekend and I'm pooped...and I didn't even do anything to make me tired over the weekend, at least nothing out of the ordinary! Helped kiddo with a computer issue, went to my Uncle's to celebrate (good thing my sister is so on the ball and was kind enough to invite me along!!), and then some quality family time. Hadn't seen my aunt and uncle in a good long time--last big family event, so for me it was a very special time. I haven't seen them (nearly) one on one in so long. I really enjoyed my time! Geeze, written out, it sounds kind of boring! We'll see what kind of fun we can come up with next time! Hopefully it doesn't involve escaping animals, injury or something else bummerish! We'll go for exciting! I work in the concession stand with a crazy group of people for this Friday night's football game, so that should be a good time. Hope to be exciting (but not too exciting for you next time!). TTFN

Fruits of Labor often lead to Frustration

Lovely week...ok, it ended up not so bad, just sucked as it got there! Rough week health and work wise, seems like the work piece is on the mend (still frustrating)! Health wise seems to be at least on the way to discovery, I am really old now, I have had my first round of serious tests (frustrating). Excited to see where that goes, not. Had to p/u new computer for the kid, seems like the lap top didn't work out as well as we hoped. Got it up and going and now just waiting for confirmation that all is good with the network folks at J's school. I think the lap top would have been fine, but it was just too frustrating for the kid and this was just the best solution--we hope! We need to get her mind off the computer and on her work (although she is such a great kid, I don't think it would matter, she would get her work done! While visiting, the girls and I went out to eat with one of Joaner's friends. We were having a pretty good time, I was even feeling pretty good, but remember my advice not to chew on ice, don't do it. I wasn't even thinking and I did it, didn't notice it until I cracked that lovely new crown I had placed 2 weeks ago, my dentist will just love me (frustrating)! Again folks, don't chew ice! Going to see the uncle tomorrow...His birthday is next week, so one of my sisters, who is so much more thoughtful than I, had a great idea to travel to see him and was kind enough to invite me...We'll meet up halfway and go together. I am so glad she is so with it! I am so excited to travel more in the vehicle...My arse is already screaming! Good thing I won't be driving, that way no matter how I am feeling, I should do ok! Glad Monday is holiday, need to prepare for work on Tuesday! Life is good, husband,kids, fam and friends are awesome, terror in Russia has subsided for the time, now if the world can become a sane, safe, and happy peaceful place to be, all would be right with the world! Love and GB!

Deep sigh

Things much the same at work, I just want it to get better--it has too! I want for BL's son to improve so she can feel good about getting back to work, right now it is still too scary. I want FC's hubby to improve and for her health to improve so that she can complete her treatment (or better yet not need it) and just all of my loved ones who are suffering to stop suffering! I want our friend's, GH, daughter to get out of the danger zone and make progress, I want my siblings home safely, I want S & J to have there wishes fulfilled (at least a couple of them!), I want, I want, I want! Hey at least I'm finally not wanting for my self--ok, not entirely. All of these things would actually benefit me, but would benefit the others more, that makes me at least seem less selfish, right? Kit is temping at work while looking for work, it is so nice to see her and to be able to talk to her...still being there, but I hate to think she would have to leave again. She has a job interview set up for another job, which she would be awesome at (is there anything she wouldn't be awesome at???), but at least it is in Lafayette. I would hate for her to be else where. We'll deal with it if we have to, being selfish, I don't want to!!! E-mail from the sis in Afghanistan, is safe from harm, we were all just so grateful she e-mailed! It has to be nerve-racking, but she sounded pretty good, found some humor to get her through. I think she was more in awe because she was carried a weapon into church than she was about the bomb! She was at a concert when it occurred, so at least she actually had time to relax. No news from bro, but I assume no news is good news at this point! Football in full swing, it's wonderful. Think it's the best season of the year! Great weather, great sport and great friends...Ok, the kids and fam are great too! Speaking of friends, I just enjoyed a wonderful evening with my friend who got all of us hooked on Janet Evanovich books--READ HER, SHE IS EXCELLENT, even my brother in-law really likes her and that is saying something! We, ok I, had a wonderful time--hope she did too--and we actually made plans to do it again, this time we will be so kind as to include our girls and do dinner and a movie. Can hardly wait!!! It was just SOOO nice to see her again and spend time with her, and it wasn't at the ball field or the hog barn (not that either place is bad, just it was nice to sit and relax). Snake still on the lamb, been quiet for the last couple of days. Hmmm, that of course has me worried. I just know it's going to pop out and scare me to death!! For the record, all those lovely, realistic looking animals we get the kids every year, well they are not good to have hidden in strategic places in the house. They may not move, but when you glance at them quickly, well let's just say they tend to surprise you. Very funny Miss E! I know it's you who keeps moving them around to surprise me! It works! My friend, CT, and her family get to go on a real vacation and are so excited about it! First one with the kids in forever. They are going with her hubby's folks (brave one oh C!!!)and to the beautiful shores of the Carolina's...HELLO!!! There are hurricanes out there!! Be careful, but PLEASE have a blast!! I can hardly wait to hear about it! Another friend is prego with baby number 3, although not feeling well, is very excited still.. This year could end up to be pretty exciting...I guess not everything is bad at work, there are good things happening! Focus on the good, pray for the others...it will work out, it always does. TTFN