Oh, what a wonderful Christmas! I miss the toys and the little kid excitement, though! L got up and started bacon and eggs and pancakes and we all ate a nice big breakfast and then opened the gifts from my sister and family and the ones the kids gave to each other. Traditionally we open those gifts Christmas eve and then Christmas morning are the gifts we give to the kids, plus the stockings with a few goodies in them. However, since we didn't do anything Christmas Eve, we opened those gifts and then sent the kids upstairs while we filled the stockings and set out their gifts from us in separate chairs. We always get a picture of them with video at the top of the stairs coming down Christmas morning. So we continued with tradition!
Youngest son was the happiest...he got his first phone. He's been wanting one for about 2 years now. Sigh. Younger daughter got an OU sweatshirt, 2 new pairs of shoes, and various clothing items. Older daughter got a cute pink polka dot digital camera and some clothes. Both older sons got nice toolkits to keep in their cars and some clothing. Everyone got a few miscellaneous items as well. The highlight was middle son's bringing in the high definition TV for dad. He paid for most of it, I contributed $100 and I am not sure how much the other kids were able to help. He did get it after Thanksgiving on one of those mega sales.
After leisurely opening gifts, L got to making dough in the bread machine, and I got to working on a jello salad and some dessert for our dinner with friends at 5.
Went over there about 5 and enjoyed a nice potluck dinner. There were 21 of us but oldest son had to work so was not able to come. After eating we played dirty Santa with some candy that C picked up. Then we played another game after that which is a mixture of the game "telephone" and pictionary. You write down a phrase, pass it to the next person and they turn the page and try to draw that phrase in pictures. Then you pass it again and that person writes down what they think the picture is. Then again the next person draws a picture of what the newly revised phrase is. And so on until it goes all the way around the room. I have not laughed so hard in a really long time. Well, after playing that we played Apples to Apples. That was fun, too. We left about 10:30, after saying goodbye to middle son, who left the day after Christmas for Arizona with two friends for a long weekend. They are coming back late Monday.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas Eve continued
Well, what a disappointment. Daughter didn't know when she was going to be able to get off after all. We had a lot of fun playing Planet Hollywood and $100,000 pyramid dvd version while waiting. Then we enjoyed the goodies. Cheese log, pizza rolls, crackers, chips & dip...all kinds of healthy things like that. Middle son was going to go with a Catholic friend to midnight mass and was going to have to leave by 11. So we decided to reconvene Christmas morning at 10 and open gifts then. Yes, as a mom of teens and college students one must be very flexible...
Older daughter texted about 11:30 saying she would be home after all and was it too late to go ahead with presents? I had to give her the bad news that the older boys had already gone home. She walked in the door about midnight crying out of frustration over having to work so late, and how she spent hours folding clothing after hours. It was a nice time for me to listen to her and be sympathetic. She is a good worker at her job and they do seem to appreciate her hard work and being on time and not complaining. It's funny how you work with your kids for years and years about how to be hard workers and you don't see any progress at home, but then you find out from others that your diligence did pay off and that they are going to be contributing members of society after all!
Older daughter texted about 11:30 saying she would be home after all and was it too late to go ahead with presents? I had to give her the bad news that the older boys had already gone home. She walked in the door about midnight crying out of frustration over having to work so late, and how she spent hours folding clothing after hours. It was a nice time for me to listen to her and be sympathetic. She is a good worker at her job and they do seem to appreciate her hard work and being on time and not complaining. It's funny how you work with your kids for years and years about how to be hard workers and you don't see any progress at home, but then you find out from others that your diligence did pay off and that they are going to be contributing members of society after all!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve
The older sons have arrived and are downstairs in the study wrapping gifts and wrestling with the golden retriever. Older daughter has to work from 4-8ish, so we are playing games and eating snacks until she gets home. She's not a big game player for some reason, so isn't something she will feel deprived about. Oldest son works at Blockbuster and got Christmas Eve and Christmas day until evening off since he worked Thanksgiving. Last Christmas he was the one we waited for on Christmas Eve as he had to work until 10 or so. It's changed Christmas somewhat with these crazy retail jobs, but I'm sure this is only a shadow of things to come. With boyfriends/girlfriends and spouses in the future, Christmas will continue to be flexible.
I took the older dog for a nice walk and now I'm bushed. The dentist deal wore me out as well as a killer headache, so I am really far behind. I really can't believe it is Christmas Eve already! Good Grief! Well, I'd better go down and see what is happening with the boys. I think younger daughter is wrapping gifts for her brothers. She can be a sweetie. I really think my boys are better for having sisters. Hopefully their wives will think so some day!
I took the older dog for a nice walk and now I'm bushed. The dentist deal wore me out as well as a killer headache, so I am really far behind. I really can't believe it is Christmas Eve already! Good Grief! Well, I'd better go down and see what is happening with the boys. I think younger daughter is wrapping gifts for her brothers. She can be a sweetie. I really think my boys are better for having sisters. Hopefully their wives will think so some day!
Good News!
Today I have good news! Not only is it Christmas Eve, but I found out I got a raise! And a BONUS! I had been praying about what to do as the insurance went up in November and I already spend so much of my earnings towards insurance and health expenses, that I was thinking maybe I should find another job with greater pay. So I got my resume together and decided to wait to find out what 2009 would look like. Right now with only 2 cars and L working in north Dallas, plus the economy being not so great, I thought wouldn't be a good time to really look. I need to have some flexibility taking and picking up kids, which doesn't sit too well at a brand new job in my field.
I really like what I do: it is interesting and always changing. We get new companies and learn about them and I do most of the accounting for them. I really like my immediate boss because he is very smart and clever and resourceful. He is a great mentor to learn all manner of new things. But, I don't like to feel unappreciated either. I don't want to be stuck working in a company making less than my market value. Right now I do not have that luxury with L's off and on contract employment.
So, after sitting in the dentist's chair for 3 hours getting fitted for a temporary crown on the tooth I broke, I went back to the office and got my laptop and left youngest son in the car. He was with me due to an appointment for his braces at the same time. I peeked in to wish the two main partners I work with a Merry Christmas. They were surprised to see me and said, "Come in, we want to talk to you!" and sounded cheery.
They told me how they appreciated me and my work and that they know I've been underpaid for what I do and that they know they can't really pay me what I'm worth, but that they'd like to give me a nice raise and a bonus as well. Then they handed me the paper for my employment file and it was over $5000.00 raise and $1200 bonus to be paid on the last paycheck of the year 12/31. Wa-hoo!
So I think that is an answer to prayer. :-)
I really like what I do: it is interesting and always changing. We get new companies and learn about them and I do most of the accounting for them. I really like my immediate boss because he is very smart and clever and resourceful. He is a great mentor to learn all manner of new things. But, I don't like to feel unappreciated either. I don't want to be stuck working in a company making less than my market value. Right now I do not have that luxury with L's off and on contract employment.
So, after sitting in the dentist's chair for 3 hours getting fitted for a temporary crown on the tooth I broke, I went back to the office and got my laptop and left youngest son in the car. He was with me due to an appointment for his braces at the same time. I peeked in to wish the two main partners I work with a Merry Christmas. They were surprised to see me and said, "Come in, we want to talk to you!" and sounded cheery.
They told me how they appreciated me and my work and that they know I've been underpaid for what I do and that they know they can't really pay me what I'm worth, but that they'd like to give me a nice raise and a bonus as well. Then they handed me the paper for my employment file and it was over $5000.00 raise and $1200 bonus to be paid on the last paycheck of the year 12/31. Wa-hoo!
So I think that is an answer to prayer. :-)
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Day before Christmas Eve Day
So, yeah....I guess I write about things going wrong. Today was not a great day, but...well...
When we got back from Oklahoma City Sunday afternoon I found out that the washing machine went out. The one that went out before and then miraculously started working has decided not to even turn on at all. With stuff inside of it. And you can't get them out cuz it is locked. So this morning the repairman was coming by between 8 and 12 to give an estimate. Fortunately before I left for work he called to say he was on his way and would be here at 8. So hubby went on to work and I let the kids sleep in. I got on my computer and checked work email and such while I waited. And waited. At 8:25 the van pulled up and then waited some more. Finally about 8:45 he got out of the van and came in and checked it out. A hundred dollars to tell me that it would cost about 400.00 more to replace the sensor and seal. Yeah, right. I mean, it is a really nice frontloading washing machine that cost 899.99 two years ago last March, but good grief you can get a really nice top loading one for under $400.00 new. I asked him to try to get the door open so we can get the stuff out of it and he tried but was afraid he'd break something else....so I didn't press the issue.
Then he sat in his van with my credit card for like another 45 minutes. My suspicious mind was thinking he was doing all his Christmas shopping with my credit card. Hopefully not. I will go online the next few days just in case.
So got to work a little after 10, didn't take a lunch break except to eat a half of a wrap from Subway that Charlie (coworker) got for me. Worked until almost 6:30 and then wrapped up my Christmas shopping. Whew! Now I need to wrap my gifts. OK, did you notice that I used the word "wrap" three times with different meanings in this paragraph? And NOT EVEN INTENTIONALLY! However, I did not listen to rap music while I was doing any of it. Nor did I rap my fingers.
I was pulling into a parking space and miscalculated how close I was to the next car and hit it. Yup, I've been driving a full sized van for exactly 19.5 years and finally did it. The guy was in his truck and not happy. He was getting ready to pull out as i was pulling in. He jumped out of the truck really fast and was disgusted. He started to get mad at me, saying he thought I was going to wait for him to pull out. I was calm as calm could be for some reason. I just said, "Oh dear, I am really sorry. This has been a really bad day. Is there any damage? I didn't think you had enough room to pull out with me there." I was so calm and contrite that he immediately calmed down. I pulled into a different parking spot and we both looked at his truck. No damage that I could see, but he said that his bumper looked like it went in a bit. Then we went and looked at my van. It had some scratches on it, but nothing much really. I was going like 2 mph. He mumbled something about his third accident this year. I asked him what he wanted to do. He looked over at my van and back at his truck and said, "Oh, nevermind. Merry Christmas!"
I said, "Well, thanks, and you, too!"
And he drove off.
And for some reason I wasn't even shaking, upset, or anything. It was like I was so calm. Rare. Cool.
One day at a time. That is my daily prayer. One day at a time. I can do one day at a time.
When we got back from Oklahoma City Sunday afternoon I found out that the washing machine went out. The one that went out before and then miraculously started working has decided not to even turn on at all. With stuff inside of it. And you can't get them out cuz it is locked. So this morning the repairman was coming by between 8 and 12 to give an estimate. Fortunately before I left for work he called to say he was on his way and would be here at 8. So hubby went on to work and I let the kids sleep in. I got on my computer and checked work email and such while I waited. And waited. At 8:25 the van pulled up and then waited some more. Finally about 8:45 he got out of the van and came in and checked it out. A hundred dollars to tell me that it would cost about 400.00 more to replace the sensor and seal. Yeah, right. I mean, it is a really nice frontloading washing machine that cost 899.99 two years ago last March, but good grief you can get a really nice top loading one for under $400.00 new. I asked him to try to get the door open so we can get the stuff out of it and he tried but was afraid he'd break something else....so I didn't press the issue.
Then he sat in his van with my credit card for like another 45 minutes. My suspicious mind was thinking he was doing all his Christmas shopping with my credit card. Hopefully not. I will go online the next few days just in case.
So got to work a little after 10, didn't take a lunch break except to eat a half of a wrap from Subway that Charlie (coworker) got for me. Worked until almost 6:30 and then wrapped up my Christmas shopping. Whew! Now I need to wrap my gifts. OK, did you notice that I used the word "wrap" three times with different meanings in this paragraph? And NOT EVEN INTENTIONALLY! However, I did not listen to rap music while I was doing any of it. Nor did I rap my fingers.
I was pulling into a parking space and miscalculated how close I was to the next car and hit it. Yup, I've been driving a full sized van for exactly 19.5 years and finally did it. The guy was in his truck and not happy. He was getting ready to pull out as i was pulling in. He jumped out of the truck really fast and was disgusted. He started to get mad at me, saying he thought I was going to wait for him to pull out. I was calm as calm could be for some reason. I just said, "Oh dear, I am really sorry. This has been a really bad day. Is there any damage? I didn't think you had enough room to pull out with me there." I was so calm and contrite that he immediately calmed down. I pulled into a different parking spot and we both looked at his truck. No damage that I could see, but he said that his bumper looked like it went in a bit. Then we went and looked at my van. It had some scratches on it, but nothing much really. I was going like 2 mph. He mumbled something about his third accident this year. I asked him what he wanted to do. He looked over at my van and back at his truck and said, "Oh, nevermind. Merry Christmas!"
I said, "Well, thanks, and you, too!"
And he drove off.
And for some reason I wasn't even shaking, upset, or anything. It was like I was so calm. Rare. Cool.
One day at a time. That is my daily prayer. One day at a time. I can do one day at a time.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Oklahoma City part 2
So Thursday was a crazy busy day at work, and of course an hour before I need to leave my immediate boss has all manner of things he needs done even though he was out all day Wednesday and most of Thursday. This is the way it always works, though...
I had massive fog all the way to Oklahoma City. It was actually scarier in the daytime than night. I guess I'm used to not seeing more than a little bit ahead of me at night, but in the daytime it was just scary. Older daughter gave me her itrip to use with my ipod to listen to since I was travelling solo. I couldn't figure out how to get it to work so ended up having to call her, and then of course it was something simple. Sigh. So it was nice listening to various things while driving in the fog. But before that I called and talked to my sister. Yes, I know...I was driving and talking on my cell phone. In the fog. Bad girl. But it did make the time go faster. Then while I was talking to her, I got two calls from work. I ign ored them until after I was done. So I listened to voicemail and it really wasn't anything important. I called V my assistant and ended up finding out what was going on at the office while I was gone. I didn't leave until 3:10, so you wouldn't think all that much would be going on, but apparently things were needed immediately and so on. I decided not to worry so I didn't. But I ended up getting lost somewhat since I didn't take the exit I needed to. I've driven throughOKC before, but never actually done much travelling inside of it and freeways were veering to the right and left and it was confusing. But I managed to finally get to the hotel, checked in, and one trip of stuff put up to the room before heading to the pool and filling up the gas tank. So, yeah, I did get to the pool kinda late, but I should have been on time except for the fact that due to the fog a lot didn't make it Thursday night. He did very well in his part of the 800 free relay, but it didn't count toward his 200 free time as he wasn't first, so kinda bummed about that. So we drove around, got a bite to eat at Sonic (his choice), got his gatorade at 7-11 and went to the hotel. I was going to say went to bed, but although he went to bed pretty quickly after channel surfing for awhile, I stayed up and did a little work on my laptop. Set the alarm for 6:15 am. Yuck.
So I didn't have to take him to the pool for warm up as son's friend's mom was gonna do Friday and I'd do Saturday. So I laid back down after getting him downstairs to the free continental breakfast. When I finally got back up (I didn't sleep, just laid there and rested) I was kinda sore. I think the tenseness of driving in the fog at night and getting lost kinda made my legs ache. I was too late for the continental breakfast as they closed at 9. So I found my way to Walmart and fought the crowds to get all manner of exciting things. I had left my coat at home, not thinking at all whatsoever that I was going north in mid December... so ended up buying a coat at Walmart. Actually I hadn't bought a coat for myself in forever, so it was kinda nice. And even though it was at Walmart it was a nicer one. Like suede and some furry stuff at the neck. And in black so I could wear it for casual or dressy. And it was not very expensive to top it off! So picked up some groceries for DJ --chocolate milk, gatorade, cheese, turkey, rolls, juice, crackers, bananas, and a couple of Christmas presents--and then got to the swim meet in time to watch him get out of the water after his 400 IM. Whoops! Bad mom. I guess there were still some people having trouble getting to the meet and didn't show, making the timeline shorter. So we grabbed a bite at Subway and headed to the motel. While he rested and slept, I worked. Apparently all kinds of things were hopping at the office since guys were wanting to get out of town for the holidays and such, so the big main boss came into my office apparently wondering where I was at. He does not come to the office more than about 8-10 hours a week, but of course when I am gone he needs me for something? V told him that I was at a swim meet, but due to the workload I was there working from the hotel. Which was true. I finished up all kinds of work and ended up working about 4.5 hours altogether. So it is kinda annoying. Like I am taking a day off, end up working most of it, put in a bunch of hours the week before to get ahead, and then feel frowned upon for being gone? Well, I am not going to let it bother me. In face one time one of the guys said something (and I work on average 45 hours/week) and I retorted, "I will be glad to go to hourly wages!" and all of a sudden it was dropped. There is no question in any of the guys' minds that I work more than anybody else in the company. I like to work hard and get a good reputation so that when I need to be gone and have to do things with the kids or whatever, there is no question. However, this main boss guy isn't around to see that I'm working so much, so he has no clue. But I just need to let it go! LOL
I had massive fog all the way to Oklahoma City. It was actually scarier in the daytime than night. I guess I'm used to not seeing more than a little bit ahead of me at night, but in the daytime it was just scary. Older daughter gave me her itrip to use with my ipod to listen to since I was travelling solo. I couldn't figure out how to get it to work so ended up having to call her, and then of course it was something simple. Sigh. So it was nice listening to various things while driving in the fog. But before that I called and talked to my sister. Yes, I know...I was driving and talking on my cell phone. In the fog. Bad girl. But it did make the time go faster. Then while I was talking to her, I got two calls from work. I ign ored them until after I was done. So I listened to voicemail and it really wasn't anything important. I called V my assistant and ended up finding out what was going on at the office while I was gone. I didn't leave until 3:10, so you wouldn't think all that much would be going on, but apparently things were needed immediately and so on. I decided not to worry so I didn't. But I ended up getting lost somewhat since I didn't take the exit I needed to. I've driven throughOKC before, but never actually done much travelling inside of it and freeways were veering to the right and left and it was confusing. But I managed to finally get to the hotel, checked in, and one trip of stuff put up to the room before heading to the pool and filling up the gas tank. So, yeah, I did get to the pool kinda late, but I should have been on time except for the fact that due to the fog a lot didn't make it Thursday night. He did very well in his part of the 800 free relay, but it didn't count toward his 200 free time as he wasn't first, so kinda bummed about that. So we drove around, got a bite to eat at Sonic (his choice), got his gatorade at 7-11 and went to the hotel. I was going to say went to bed, but although he went to bed pretty quickly after channel surfing for awhile, I stayed up and did a little work on my laptop. Set the alarm for 6:15 am. Yuck.
So I didn't have to take him to the pool for warm up as son's friend's mom was gonna do Friday and I'd do Saturday. So I laid back down after getting him downstairs to the free continental breakfast. When I finally got back up (I didn't sleep, just laid there and rested) I was kinda sore. I think the tenseness of driving in the fog at night and getting lost kinda made my legs ache. I was too late for the continental breakfast as they closed at 9. So I found my way to Walmart and fought the crowds to get all manner of exciting things. I had left my coat at home, not thinking at all whatsoever that I was going north in mid December... so ended up buying a coat at Walmart. Actually I hadn't bought a coat for myself in forever, so it was kinda nice. And even though it was at Walmart it was a nicer one. Like suede and some furry stuff at the neck. And in black so I could wear it for casual or dressy. And it was not very expensive to top it off! So picked up some groceries for DJ --chocolate milk, gatorade, cheese, turkey, rolls, juice, crackers, bananas, and a couple of Christmas presents--and then got to the swim meet in time to watch him get out of the water after his 400 IM. Whoops! Bad mom. I guess there were still some people having trouble getting to the meet and didn't show, making the timeline shorter. So we grabbed a bite at Subway and headed to the motel. While he rested and slept, I worked. Apparently all kinds of things were hopping at the office since guys were wanting to get out of town for the holidays and such, so the big main boss came into my office apparently wondering where I was at. He does not come to the office more than about 8-10 hours a week, but of course when I am gone he needs me for something? V told him that I was at a swim meet, but due to the workload I was there working from the hotel. Which was true. I finished up all kinds of work and ended up working about 4.5 hours altogether. So it is kinda annoying. Like I am taking a day off, end up working most of it, put in a bunch of hours the week before to get ahead, and then feel frowned upon for being gone? Well, I am not going to let it bother me. In face one time one of the guys said something (and I work on average 45 hours/week) and I retorted, "I will be glad to go to hourly wages!" and all of a sudden it was dropped. There is no question in any of the guys' minds that I work more than anybody else in the company. I like to work hard and get a good reputation so that when I need to be gone and have to do things with the kids or whatever, there is no question. However, this main boss guy isn't around to see that I'm working so much, so he has no clue. But I just need to let it go! LOL
Oklahoma City
Yawn! I haven't written in awhile, not because not much has gone on, but because I've been scattered here and there and trying to write has not been the top priority, unfortunately. I am writing in a hotel in Oklahoma City for my youngest son's swim meet.
OK, the biggest news is that the red car died. Well, the first thing that happened was the electronic windows would not work, so two windows are perpetually halfway down. Then it wouldn't pass inspection this summer, so it has been driven anyway...
Well oldest daughter had a blowout tire the day after the last time I posted, which required hubby to change to spare tire and take it to the shop. On top of that, some light had been on the past day or so she said, so it needed something or another that was going to cost 900.00. Well, what with that cost on top of a new tire and the stuff to fix it enough to get inspected ....the car wasn't worth it. Plus, heading into winter (even the lame winters we have get cold sometimes) with two windows halfway down.... The reason it couldn't be inspected was the fact that the car is old and needed parts that were having to be special ordered and rather costly.
So you ask, why would you spend money on a hotel room so son could go to swim meet rather than get car fixed? I have no idea. It is our craziness I suppose. No, seriously here is what happened: We had told youngest son that if dad did not have a job we would not be able to go to this meet. Then dad got that first contract job, so it was already planned for him to get to go, hotel already paid for during Thanksgiving weekend, when the first contract job fell through, then the car thing happened. So in order to get the good hotel price you had to pay up front. So I guess we could have saved the gas money, but with prices at 1.49, the trip will be under 100.00 even with my running all over Oklahoma City trying to find a Walmart. And a Target. To get a couple of presents and get my red Target bags to finish up that tote. Which, by the way, they ran out of. So I am not looking for red Christmas Target sacks to finish it. Maybe back home they will still have one.
Which, of course, is another story.
But anyway, we are here and I've had all kinds of plans to get things done while he is swimming and sleeping but hasn't worked out quite like I planned. Which is normal!
Anyway, back to the car.... of course having only 2 cars, and both of us working has led to all manner of complications. On top of this, oldest son's car has been out of commission this week, too, so he was no help. Since hubby's new contract is far far away in the outer regions of Mongolia (er.. I mean Dallas) he has to leave early and come home rather late. So as far as transporting kids to school, that left me.
Monday wasn't so bad because we'd planned for somebody to pick up the kids from school. This is finals week (they started on Aug 11!) so rather odd schedule after Monday. So, hubby drops off son at swim practice at 5:30 and then heads off to new contract job. I get younger daughter up, check older daughter's blood sugar and she's been throwing up sick all night. She'd called in sick to work and went back to bed. So take younger daughter and pick up son at swim practice and get them to school. Son is a slowpoke and so I get mad at him for having to wait and we are nearly late to school, so in trying to teach him lesson he is denied the yummy breakfast we'd brought him, and he has to starve. Well, we did bring his lunch that he'd packed Sunday night, so do not think he will starve. And he didn't. So went to work feeling bad like moms do when they have to give their kids some discipline. Anyway, worked my tail off at work and then had to leave at 4:30 to pick up son for swim practice before Christmas banquet at swimming. So drop him off and head back home and weather is getting yucky. It is getting colder and a nasty wind is from the north. Check on daughter and she is still sick. No fever, wants a diet sprite really bad. So I tell her I will get her one after the Christmas thing. She was supposed to have made cupcakes for this deal, but due to feeling awful, she just made a cake. I frosted it since she wasn't feeling well. Anyway, talked to younger daughter, waited for hubby to get home, and then we headed off to swim banquet. Well, we were late as traffic was horrible and roads were getting slick in places (not that many, really, though) but the published time said that the younger ones would eat first and then the older ones at 6:45. It was only 6:30 and everybody was finishing up! It was so weird. Well, because everybody in Texas is so paranoid about ice and sleet and such, they were trying to end this banquet early. So L and I and another lady who works in Dallas were sitting there eating the food while people were taking off tablecloths, centerpieces, and basically packing up. Now that felt really uncomfortable. Oh well. The food was yummy. Then when we were not even halfway done, son comes by and says he is ready to leave. Needless to say, there was not much of the cake eaten, so we took it back home. We'd seen the traffic backed up both ways on the freeway, so we headed home the back roads, which isn't that much slower on a good day, and picked up the diet sprite. What a weird day!
Then Tuesday was another crazy day. No swimming in the morning, so let son sleep in since he was exempt from finals. Took daughter to school and then I went to work. Older daughter still not feeling so great. She had dentist appt scheduled back when she had a car to drive, so I decided to switch. My dentist appt was the next Monday with younger daughter's. So went over during my lunch and got my teeth cleaned and tried to get them to figure out how to deal with my new insurance. They are not the most organized people in that office. Anyway, had to leave early again to pick up younger daughter from school and get son to swim practice. Had older daughter put ham in the oven so I made mashed potatoes to go with that. Hubby picked up son from swimming after work and had a nice dinner together (well just the 5 of us that is)
Wednesday was interesting. I took daughter to school and then picked up her up at lunch and took her home. Then I had lunch with an older lady at church that has gone through all kinds of things with her now grown children. Sometimes it is nice for me to talk with somebody that has already been through this stage of life with their kids since my mom is no longer alive and I am not close to any older women. It's nice to get perspective. I told C that if she wouldn't mind having lunch once a month or whatever, I'd love to get her views on life. She and her husband head up the Celebrate Recovery group at church, so she's seen and heard it all! So my life isn't at all shocking to her! LOL. After a long lunch, I worked hard all afternoon at work and then left again at 4:30 to get son to swim practice. I thought older daughter might be going stir crazy from being sick and stuck in the house for 3 days, so asked if she wanted to go with me and after dropping him off, head to the mall with the promise of a Chick Fil A salad or something for dinner. Hubby had a lunch at his new job and younger daughter was going to a youth Christmas party, so not planning to have anything but ham leftovers anyway. Well, she was excited and we had a nice time. Turns out she was craving orange chicken, so for the same price as a salad, she got some Chinese food with two kinds of meats and rice. I wasn't very hungry so had a chicken sandwich. I had some coupons, so this was not too bad. Found a mall place going out of business so daughter picked up a couple of things very cheap and I got a couple of Christmas gifts. It was a pleasant time together, even if we did have trouble getting out of the mall parking lot as it was so crowded. Finished about the time to pick up son, so got him and headed home and packed for Oklahoma City. Had youngest son pack as well, as he was going to have to go with me to work in the morning. He found out that he was going to be on a relay Thursday night, so either I had to leave work at like 11, or ride with another boy. I told him no way I could leave that early, so he found a ride with G who lives near my work. It is amazing how resourceful a 14 year old boy can be when he is motivated.
So, took daughter to school and middle brother was to pick her up as he was off work Thursday. Then son ate and played on computer until 10:30 when I ran him over to G's house, about 5 minutes away. Came back and worked like a dog until 3. Then headed out of town in a fog. Literally. It was SO foggy that it was kinda scary driving. Fortunately Oklahoma City is a straight shot up I 35. Unfortunately I didn't know exactly where I was going and got lost and started going north of Oklahoma City trying to find the hotel. Driving in the fog at night when you don't know where you are going is not fun. Especially when you run into road construction. And your gas tank meter doesn't work. And you think you are about to run out of gas. So I called hubby and tried to get directions, but then I stopped and looked at the map and got my bearings and found the hotel and the gas station. Checked in and then zipped over to the pool and I just missed his race. I knew I would miss the relay, but didn't realize it would be over so soon. Well, figured out that because of the fog several of the teams didn't make it, so the meet was over sooner than expected. So waited around forever after that while he cooled down, talked to the coach, took a long shower and got dressed. Sigh. I drove around trying to find a Walmart forever, too, so we could get some gatorades for him, but we ended up at Sonic eating dinner. And picked up a gatorade for the next morning at a convenience store. I hate paying those prices, but I told him I'd get more Friday morning. The room was huge at the hotel! It could have fit our whole family with two beds and this huge long sectional sofa . I've never seen such a big hotel room except on TV. And for just the 2 of us. What a waste of space!
OK, the biggest news is that the red car died. Well, the first thing that happened was the electronic windows would not work, so two windows are perpetually halfway down. Then it wouldn't pass inspection this summer, so it has been driven anyway...
Well oldest daughter had a blowout tire the day after the last time I posted, which required hubby to change to spare tire and take it to the shop. On top of that, some light had been on the past day or so she said, so it needed something or another that was going to cost 900.00. Well, what with that cost on top of a new tire and the stuff to fix it enough to get inspected ....the car wasn't worth it. Plus, heading into winter (even the lame winters we have get cold sometimes) with two windows halfway down.... The reason it couldn't be inspected was the fact that the car is old and needed parts that were having to be special ordered and rather costly.
So you ask, why would you spend money on a hotel room so son could go to swim meet rather than get car fixed? I have no idea. It is our craziness I suppose. No, seriously here is what happened: We had told youngest son that if dad did not have a job we would not be able to go to this meet. Then dad got that first contract job, so it was already planned for him to get to go, hotel already paid for during Thanksgiving weekend, when the first contract job fell through, then the car thing happened. So in order to get the good hotel price you had to pay up front. So I guess we could have saved the gas money, but with prices at 1.49, the trip will be under 100.00 even with my running all over Oklahoma City trying to find a Walmart. And a Target. To get a couple of presents and get my red Target bags to finish up that tote. Which, by the way, they ran out of. So I am not looking for red Christmas Target sacks to finish it. Maybe back home they will still have one.
Which, of course, is another story.
But anyway, we are here and I've had all kinds of plans to get things done while he is swimming and sleeping but hasn't worked out quite like I planned. Which is normal!
Anyway, back to the car.... of course having only 2 cars, and both of us working has led to all manner of complications. On top of this, oldest son's car has been out of commission this week, too, so he was no help. Since hubby's new contract is far far away in the outer regions of Mongolia (er.. I mean Dallas) he has to leave early and come home rather late. So as far as transporting kids to school, that left me.
Monday wasn't so bad because we'd planned for somebody to pick up the kids from school. This is finals week (they started on Aug 11!) so rather odd schedule after Monday. So, hubby drops off son at swim practice at 5:30 and then heads off to new contract job. I get younger daughter up, check older daughter's blood sugar and she's been throwing up sick all night. She'd called in sick to work and went back to bed. So take younger daughter and pick up son at swim practice and get them to school. Son is a slowpoke and so I get mad at him for having to wait and we are nearly late to school, so in trying to teach him lesson he is denied the yummy breakfast we'd brought him, and he has to starve. Well, we did bring his lunch that he'd packed Sunday night, so do not think he will starve. And he didn't. So went to work feeling bad like moms do when they have to give their kids some discipline. Anyway, worked my tail off at work and then had to leave at 4:30 to pick up son for swim practice before Christmas banquet at swimming. So drop him off and head back home and weather is getting yucky. It is getting colder and a nasty wind is from the north. Check on daughter and she is still sick. No fever, wants a diet sprite really bad. So I tell her I will get her one after the Christmas thing. She was supposed to have made cupcakes for this deal, but due to feeling awful, she just made a cake. I frosted it since she wasn't feeling well. Anyway, talked to younger daughter, waited for hubby to get home, and then we headed off to swim banquet. Well, we were late as traffic was horrible and roads were getting slick in places (not that many, really, though) but the published time said that the younger ones would eat first and then the older ones at 6:45. It was only 6:30 and everybody was finishing up! It was so weird. Well, because everybody in Texas is so paranoid about ice and sleet and such, they were trying to end this banquet early. So L and I and another lady who works in Dallas were sitting there eating the food while people were taking off tablecloths, centerpieces, and basically packing up. Now that felt really uncomfortable. Oh well. The food was yummy. Then when we were not even halfway done, son comes by and says he is ready to leave. Needless to say, there was not much of the cake eaten, so we took it back home. We'd seen the traffic backed up both ways on the freeway, so we headed home the back roads, which isn't that much slower on a good day, and picked up the diet sprite. What a weird day!
Then Tuesday was another crazy day. No swimming in the morning, so let son sleep in since he was exempt from finals. Took daughter to school and then I went to work. Older daughter still not feeling so great. She had dentist appt scheduled back when she had a car to drive, so I decided to switch. My dentist appt was the next Monday with younger daughter's. So went over during my lunch and got my teeth cleaned and tried to get them to figure out how to deal with my new insurance. They are not the most organized people in that office. Anyway, had to leave early again to pick up younger daughter from school and get son to swim practice. Had older daughter put ham in the oven so I made mashed potatoes to go with that. Hubby picked up son from swimming after work and had a nice dinner together (well just the 5 of us that is)
Wednesday was interesting. I took daughter to school and then picked up her up at lunch and took her home. Then I had lunch with an older lady at church that has gone through all kinds of things with her now grown children. Sometimes it is nice for me to talk with somebody that has already been through this stage of life with their kids since my mom is no longer alive and I am not close to any older women. It's nice to get perspective. I told C that if she wouldn't mind having lunch once a month or whatever, I'd love to get her views on life. She and her husband head up the Celebrate Recovery group at church, so she's seen and heard it all! So my life isn't at all shocking to her! LOL. After a long lunch, I worked hard all afternoon at work and then left again at 4:30 to get son to swim practice. I thought older daughter might be going stir crazy from being sick and stuck in the house for 3 days, so asked if she wanted to go with me and after dropping him off, head to the mall with the promise of a Chick Fil A salad or something for dinner. Hubby had a lunch at his new job and younger daughter was going to a youth Christmas party, so not planning to have anything but ham leftovers anyway. Well, she was excited and we had a nice time. Turns out she was craving orange chicken, so for the same price as a salad, she got some Chinese food with two kinds of meats and rice. I wasn't very hungry so had a chicken sandwich. I had some coupons, so this was not too bad. Found a mall place going out of business so daughter picked up a couple of things very cheap and I got a couple of Christmas gifts. It was a pleasant time together, even if we did have trouble getting out of the mall parking lot as it was so crowded. Finished about the time to pick up son, so got him and headed home and packed for Oklahoma City. Had youngest son pack as well, as he was going to have to go with me to work in the morning. He found out that he was going to be on a relay Thursday night, so either I had to leave work at like 11, or ride with another boy. I told him no way I could leave that early, so he found a ride with G who lives near my work. It is amazing how resourceful a 14 year old boy can be when he is motivated.
So, took daughter to school and middle brother was to pick her up as he was off work Thursday. Then son ate and played on computer until 10:30 when I ran him over to G's house, about 5 minutes away. Came back and worked like a dog until 3. Then headed out of town in a fog. Literally. It was SO foggy that it was kinda scary driving. Fortunately Oklahoma City is a straight shot up I 35. Unfortunately I didn't know exactly where I was going and got lost and started going north of Oklahoma City trying to find the hotel. Driving in the fog at night when you don't know where you are going is not fun. Especially when you run into road construction. And your gas tank meter doesn't work. And you think you are about to run out of gas. So I called hubby and tried to get directions, but then I stopped and looked at the map and got my bearings and found the hotel and the gas station. Checked in and then zipped over to the pool and I just missed his race. I knew I would miss the relay, but didn't realize it would be over so soon. Well, figured out that because of the fog several of the teams didn't make it, so the meet was over sooner than expected. So waited around forever after that while he cooled down, talked to the coach, took a long shower and got dressed. Sigh. I drove around trying to find a Walmart forever, too, so we could get some gatorades for him, but we ended up at Sonic eating dinner. And picked up a gatorade for the next morning at a convenience store. I hate paying those prices, but I told him I'd get more Friday morning. The room was huge at the hotel! It could have fit our whole family with two beds and this huge long sectional sofa . I've never seen such a big hotel room except on TV. And for just the 2 of us. What a waste of space!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Selfishness
I was supposed to have lunch plans but they got cancelled so decided to stay in the office today. It is really cold outside and I do not feel like taking the effort. I had some cereal this morning (bran, even!) so I should be able to make it on a banana for lunch. Maybe I will leave earlier than 7 tonight.
Well I am pretty disappointed that L's contract job doesn't start now until Monday. Part of me is letting it roll right off my back and trusting God to provide for us, and part of me is really frustrated. When I am frustrated I tend to feel sorry for myself and blame L for all our problems. I know he's not perfect, but neither am I. I've learned to be more merciful because of him, but I do get frustrated that he is a procrastinator at times. I have been really aware of my shortcomings lately, particularly in dealing with my older daughter. From the outside it appears that I am selfless, but I know deep inside I really deal with my own selfishness. And I hate it. I recognize that I always think first about how something will affect me, and then make choices to do the right thing. Well, not always, but I try to make choices to do the right thing. But I fail.
I love chocolate. And my favorites are those Christmas Hershey's bells. They are so good, and they were on sale at Target so I got a bag and put them in my drawer at work. Not a good idea. It only took two days for them to disappear and I am the only one that ate any.... no wonder I am not having any success with losing weight. Sheesh. There is something comforting about chocolate, though. I noticed that the more stressful my life, the more I crave chocolate. I am not sure how to change that yet. Or maybe I am not willing to.
Well I am pretty disappointed that L's contract job doesn't start now until Monday. Part of me is letting it roll right off my back and trusting God to provide for us, and part of me is really frustrated. When I am frustrated I tend to feel sorry for myself and blame L for all our problems. I know he's not perfect, but neither am I. I've learned to be more merciful because of him, but I do get frustrated that he is a procrastinator at times. I have been really aware of my shortcomings lately, particularly in dealing with my older daughter. From the outside it appears that I am selfless, but I know deep inside I really deal with my own selfishness. And I hate it. I recognize that I always think first about how something will affect me, and then make choices to do the right thing. Well, not always, but I try to make choices to do the right thing. But I fail.
I love chocolate. And my favorites are those Christmas Hershey's bells. They are so good, and they were on sale at Target so I got a bag and put them in my drawer at work. Not a good idea. It only took two days for them to disappear and I am the only one that ate any.... no wonder I am not having any success with losing weight. Sheesh. There is something comforting about chocolate, though. I noticed that the more stressful my life, the more I crave chocolate. I am not sure how to change that yet. Or maybe I am not willing to.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Long Day at Work
Whew, long day at the office! I was there from 5:45 am till about 7:30 pm. Some days are productive, and today was one of them. My assistant was out today after surgery on her knee on Friday, so I buckled down and tackled one of the company's bank reconciliation that was a bear. And another company's budget for 2009. I took an hour for lunch and went to Target and picked up a few things. Well, I've been using Target bags to make various purses and stuff, and they have these big red ones for Christmas with grayish on the back. OK, I know I am a nutcase, but nevertheless I asked if they'd put my stuff in those bigger bags. They had 5 boxes of crackers on sale with a 5.00 gift card, so got those and then some ink cartridges for the printer at home. Oh, and one of older daughter's prescriptions was ready. And shampoo and conditioners were on sale. The big bottles of the cheaper kind for 1.57. We go through a whole lot of shampoo and conditioner at our home. My swim son takes two showers a day and always uses conditioner...snicker. He is higher maintenance than his sisters with his showers and acne medicine and stuff. He's tried a bunch of acne medicine, some even prescription, but seems to do the best with the Proactiv stuff. For some reason son number 1 had mild acne as a teen, but sons number 2 and 3 have had more sensitive skin and much acne. The girls have had a little bit here and there, but nothing much really like their brothers. It is weird how all that acne stuff works. I think it is hereditary, but neither L nor I had it that bad. OK, now how did I get from the Target bags to acne????
Anyway, I cut up the big red and gray Target bags and am making a cute tote out of them. I have no idea why, but it is kind of fun to crochet and they go really fast. I work on my little craft projects a little bit each day and they end up being done eventually. With working I really don't have much time to work on things like that, but I like to do stuff with my hands when I'm sitting around talking to the kids. They don't mind when I'm doing that sort of thing, but don't like it when they are trying to talk to me and I'm on the computer....
Well, I found out that hubby starts the new job contract on Wednesday! That is wonderful. He's printing out some Christmas pictures that I'm sending out this year instead of a letter while I am typing this on my work laptop. I really didn't feel like doing a letter as nothing really interesting to report and I really hate those braggy type ones, anyway. So am sending out a picture of our family with individual pictures of all of us doing something from this year. I enjoy reading those letters, but a lot of times they make me either feel guilty or like a loser. I mean I love my kids and all, but they really haven't done anything too newsworthy. I really mainly enjoy seeing pictures of the people that live far away that I don't get to see very often. Of course now with FACEBOOK and stuff I have more contact with old friends and family than ever before. I really hate getting just a card with a name in it and nothing else. That is really boring, sort of just lets you know that they are still alive.
I am getting loopy now so I guess I will get off and get ready for bed. Oldest daughter is working until 11 and I hear the thunder outside. A front is supposed to come in tonight and rather windy, but not cold. I'm jealous as my sister is getting snow! Of course living about 1000 miles due north makes a difference...
Anyway, I cut up the big red and gray Target bags and am making a cute tote out of them. I have no idea why, but it is kind of fun to crochet and they go really fast. I work on my little craft projects a little bit each day and they end up being done eventually. With working I really don't have much time to work on things like that, but I like to do stuff with my hands when I'm sitting around talking to the kids. They don't mind when I'm doing that sort of thing, but don't like it when they are trying to talk to me and I'm on the computer....
Well, I found out that hubby starts the new job contract on Wednesday! That is wonderful. He's printing out some Christmas pictures that I'm sending out this year instead of a letter while I am typing this on my work laptop. I really didn't feel like doing a letter as nothing really interesting to report and I really hate those braggy type ones, anyway. So am sending out a picture of our family with individual pictures of all of us doing something from this year. I enjoy reading those letters, but a lot of times they make me either feel guilty or like a loser. I mean I love my kids and all, but they really haven't done anything too newsworthy. I really mainly enjoy seeing pictures of the people that live far away that I don't get to see very often. Of course now with FACEBOOK and stuff I have more contact with old friends and family than ever before. I really hate getting just a card with a name in it and nothing else. That is really boring, sort of just lets you know that they are still alive.
I am getting loopy now so I guess I will get off and get ready for bed. Oldest daughter is working until 11 and I hear the thunder outside. A front is supposed to come in tonight and rather windy, but not cold. I'm jealous as my sister is getting snow! Of course living about 1000 miles due north makes a difference...
Hope
So, hubby called on Thursday to find out about the other contract job and good news! It was still open, but they were interviewing some people. However, he was still the best candidate. So on Thursday and Friday he dealt with them to try to finalize everything. He was able to get a new tire for the car we borrowed and get the car back to them as they flew in Thursday afternoon.
I know I am spoiled when he is home. There is less stress for me around the home when I know he is there taking care of things. But I just don't make enough for us to live on with the situation we are in right now. Had we not had several years of waiting for him to get a job, putting us in a bad situation, or if we didn't have a daughter whose medication is so expensive, or if my employers paid more of my health insurance, we would be able to make it. We are not extravagant people. We try to live fairly simply. But after several years of not much income things have broken down and we owe money places. I hate this. I grew up debt free and would have preferred my life to stay that way. However, it has not worked out MY way. And I am living with that.
Well, I was just dealing with the emotions of Wednesday night when I got a text from my older daughter. She started out wanting to tell me something negative. So I texted back saying I was busy at work and please do not tell me anything bad right now. But then she did anyway. I guess she got the other side of her lip pierced by a classmate. This was not something I wanted to hear about then. I really started having trouble dealing with my emotions at that point and couldn't concentrate on my work. I know it is not the end of the world, but when is this going to stop? Being diabetic makes it more complicated. She doesn't need to have all that done to her body right now. So I was mad. And when I am mad at her it is best for me to calm down before talking or dealing with her. So I did. I prayed for self control. I wanted to tell her all manner of awful things. But I didn't. I ignored her texts. Finally after she kept wanting to know if I was mad, I said I had work to do and would be working late. Period. No discussion about it. She knows how I feel. Her dad was able to talk with her about it. Both of us are unhappy. I did learn a lot about holding my tongue. So THAT is a good thing.
But I was rather annoyed that she was so selfish that she had to do this when she KNEW we were all really having a hard time. And that is the hard part. She is so incredibly self absorbed.
I think both her dad and I try to set an example of putting aside our own things when anyone else is having problems. Not perfectly, but we're trying. I think as a mom I've had to learn that teenagers are not usually intentionally trying to make your life miserable, they just are so self centered they don't even think. And that is painful sometimes. Sigh.
So now it is Monday and hopefully he will start this contract job this week. It's hard to go through Christmastime with his not working.
I know I am spoiled when he is home. There is less stress for me around the home when I know he is there taking care of things. But I just don't make enough for us to live on with the situation we are in right now. Had we not had several years of waiting for him to get a job, putting us in a bad situation, or if we didn't have a daughter whose medication is so expensive, or if my employers paid more of my health insurance, we would be able to make it. We are not extravagant people. We try to live fairly simply. But after several years of not much income things have broken down and we owe money places. I hate this. I grew up debt free and would have preferred my life to stay that way. However, it has not worked out MY way. And I am living with that.
Well, I was just dealing with the emotions of Wednesday night when I got a text from my older daughter. She started out wanting to tell me something negative. So I texted back saying I was busy at work and please do not tell me anything bad right now. But then she did anyway. I guess she got the other side of her lip pierced by a classmate. This was not something I wanted to hear about then. I really started having trouble dealing with my emotions at that point and couldn't concentrate on my work. I know it is not the end of the world, but when is this going to stop? Being diabetic makes it more complicated. She doesn't need to have all that done to her body right now. So I was mad. And when I am mad at her it is best for me to calm down before talking or dealing with her. So I did. I prayed for self control. I wanted to tell her all manner of awful things. But I didn't. I ignored her texts. Finally after she kept wanting to know if I was mad, I said I had work to do and would be working late. Period. No discussion about it. She knows how I feel. Her dad was able to talk with her about it. Both of us are unhappy. I did learn a lot about holding my tongue. So THAT is a good thing.
But I was rather annoyed that she was so selfish that she had to do this when she KNEW we were all really having a hard time. And that is the hard part. She is so incredibly self absorbed.
I think both her dad and I try to set an example of putting aside our own things when anyone else is having problems. Not perfectly, but we're trying. I think as a mom I've had to learn that teenagers are not usually intentionally trying to make your life miserable, they just are so self centered they don't even think. And that is painful sometimes. Sigh.
So now it is Monday and hopefully he will start this contract job this week. It's hard to go through Christmastime with his not working.
Stress
Stress. Everybody has it to some degree if they are at least school age. Everybody thinks their stress level is higher than the average person. I know I am guilty of thinking that surely there really are not that many people that have this level of stress in their lives. Only I find out after talking with people that everybody thinks the same way! Of course when you are dealing with difficult circumstances & situations it feels so much worse than what others must be experiencing. Not true.
Anyway, the stress level on Wednesday night was more than I could handle. Fortunately I have a wonderful God that helps me when I cry out to Him. And he did. Miraculously I got through that night. I didn't really want to write about it right away as I was so frustrated. With God. Yeah, I get really irritated with the way he works in my life. I know that I really need a lot of work or he wouldn't send me stuff all the time. Smile.
Work was very stressful last week. As an accountant, the first ten days of a month are the craziest. And it was crazier because of having 2 days off for Thanksgiving. I left work about 6 and picked up my husband to pick up the van that was finished. Then I headed to run a quick errand that included waiting for a train before picking up swimmer son. I was running a little late, but not much as he takes forever in the shower as I have mentioned before. And I got irritated with somebody in the right lane that was trying to cut me off. So I went over to the middle lane awhile when I heard a loud racket. There was a big truck to the left of me, so I thought that was it. Nope. It went by and the car still made the noise. Since this was a borrowed car I was unfamiliar with the feel and noises of it, but I did know that this was NOT good. So I pulled over to the right which was right by a merge lane and not very safe. I peeked out and there was a flat on the left rear tire. Urgh! I immediately called husband and then started trying to call people at swimming. By this time he would be waiting for me. Fortunately I was able to get his friend G's cell phone and left a message. A few minutes later swim son called me and I was able to let him know what the problem was. About 10 minutes later hubby arrived and I took the van to pick up youngest son. He was waiting there with one of the coaches. I thanked him profusely and headed back to the car to help. I had some gatorades in the car, so he was able to have a drink while we waited awhile.
Anyway, after much toil and calling the car owner and what not, I left with son to grab some sub sandwiches and head home. L was fixing the tire or having it towed and would meet us shortly.
Got home about 9 pm and middle son was there, so we all just sat down to enjoy some sub sandwiches, when L walked in. His face was white. I asked if he was able to get the car home. Yes. Didn't need to have it towed. However, the contract that he just started on Monday ended. Abruptly. The company killed the entire project he was to be working on. Dead silence. His voice cracked. Everyone's shoulders sagged. Sigh. Then quietly I asked if he could maybe get the other contract that he'd turned down? Hopefully yes. Suddenly I couldn't eat another bite. The bite of sandwich stuck in my throat. I took a sip of water and pushed my chair back. It would be a long night.
But we didn't have time to grieve as we were helping youngest son with the big presentation tomorrow at school. L got busy helping him make apple muffins to bring while I typed out his Apple to Apple style cards with history facts. I'm not great in Microsoft Word and it took me forever to print out cards with little apples on the back. I got to bed about 1:15 exhausted. But I did sleep well until about 5 when I woke up thinking about the job situation. I prayed to have hope. Faith. Trust. They are so hard sometimes.
Anyway, the stress level on Wednesday night was more than I could handle. Fortunately I have a wonderful God that helps me when I cry out to Him. And he did. Miraculously I got through that night. I didn't really want to write about it right away as I was so frustrated. With God. Yeah, I get really irritated with the way he works in my life. I know that I really need a lot of work or he wouldn't send me stuff all the time. Smile.
Work was very stressful last week. As an accountant, the first ten days of a month are the craziest. And it was crazier because of having 2 days off for Thanksgiving. I left work about 6 and picked up my husband to pick up the van that was finished. Then I headed to run a quick errand that included waiting for a train before picking up swimmer son. I was running a little late, but not much as he takes forever in the shower as I have mentioned before. And I got irritated with somebody in the right lane that was trying to cut me off. So I went over to the middle lane awhile when I heard a loud racket. There was a big truck to the left of me, so I thought that was it. Nope. It went by and the car still made the noise. Since this was a borrowed car I was unfamiliar with the feel and noises of it, but I did know that this was NOT good. So I pulled over to the right which was right by a merge lane and not very safe. I peeked out and there was a flat on the left rear tire. Urgh! I immediately called husband and then started trying to call people at swimming. By this time he would be waiting for me. Fortunately I was able to get his friend G's cell phone and left a message. A few minutes later swim son called me and I was able to let him know what the problem was. About 10 minutes later hubby arrived and I took the van to pick up youngest son. He was waiting there with one of the coaches. I thanked him profusely and headed back to the car to help. I had some gatorades in the car, so he was able to have a drink while we waited awhile.
Anyway, after much toil and calling the car owner and what not, I left with son to grab some sub sandwiches and head home. L was fixing the tire or having it towed and would meet us shortly.
Got home about 9 pm and middle son was there, so we all just sat down to enjoy some sub sandwiches, when L walked in. His face was white. I asked if he was able to get the car home. Yes. Didn't need to have it towed. However, the contract that he just started on Monday ended. Abruptly. The company killed the entire project he was to be working on. Dead silence. His voice cracked. Everyone's shoulders sagged. Sigh. Then quietly I asked if he could maybe get the other contract that he'd turned down? Hopefully yes. Suddenly I couldn't eat another bite. The bite of sandwich stuck in my throat. I took a sip of water and pushed my chair back. It would be a long night.
But we didn't have time to grieve as we were helping youngest son with the big presentation tomorrow at school. L got busy helping him make apple muffins to bring while I typed out his Apple to Apple style cards with history facts. I'm not great in Microsoft Word and it took me forever to print out cards with little apples on the back. I got to bed about 1:15 exhausted. But I did sleep well until about 5 when I woke up thinking about the job situation. I prayed to have hope. Faith. Trust. They are so hard sometimes.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tuesday
Today's big adventure on the way to swimming (now that the car alarm deal was figured out) was an accident. Not mine, however. L called to let me know there was an accident on the freeway, so we went the back roads to swimming. We had to go through a fast food drive through in order to feed my starving swimmer, and of course because we were running late, we had to get behind somebody ordering something really difficult I guess. I was writing tardy notes while waiting in the drive-thru lane just in case. Youngest son was the last to be picked up, but the coach was still inside, so whew! Fortunately, the freeway going the other direction on the way to school was clear, so we made it on time.
Speaking of starving swimmers, mine is a huge pig after he swims. Yesterday he ate 3 breakfast sandwiches and a gatorade and was still hungry. He usually has 3 sandwiches and various other items in his lunch and of course comes home at 3:30 starving as well. He does not have an ounce of fat on him, either. I told him that if he keeps on eating like this he'd better NEVER stop swimming because he would be enormous. He's only 14 so I think he's still growing, though. I don't remember my other sons being such big eaters, but then they played football at this age, and didn't swim 5 hours a day...
Well, the transmission guy called to let us know that our transmission work would be close to 2000.00. Yikes, on a 2000 van? Well, I did let my boss know. I think he sort of gulped and asked if that would be all and was it worth it? I said, yeah, it should be good for awhile after that. He probably wished he never offered.... I really don't know where the money is coming from, but I do consider it a huge blessing. I know that God has always provided for us through many random ways. I am so grateful.
Also I ended up having a wonderful text conversation with older daughter. As I've mentioned before, for some reason topics are brought up that are hard to discuss in person. I know it is rather unconventional, but it is really nice that she feels comfortable sharing all manner of things by text. I get a nice little peek into her inmost being with text messaging. Strange, but you know what? I love my kids so much and want to be a part of their lives, no matter how it works out.
And my sweet husband is cleaning up dinner after working all day and grilling some chicken fajitas that I marinated a couple of days ago...while I am sitting here on this. I am so fortunate. I am trying to be more grateful for my blessings. Today it was easy.
Speaking of starving swimmers, mine is a huge pig after he swims. Yesterday he ate 3 breakfast sandwiches and a gatorade and was still hungry. He usually has 3 sandwiches and various other items in his lunch and of course comes home at 3:30 starving as well. He does not have an ounce of fat on him, either. I told him that if he keeps on eating like this he'd better NEVER stop swimming because he would be enormous. He's only 14 so I think he's still growing, though. I don't remember my other sons being such big eaters, but then they played football at this age, and didn't swim 5 hours a day...
Well, the transmission guy called to let us know that our transmission work would be close to 2000.00. Yikes, on a 2000 van? Well, I did let my boss know. I think he sort of gulped and asked if that would be all and was it worth it? I said, yeah, it should be good for awhile after that. He probably wished he never offered.... I really don't know where the money is coming from, but I do consider it a huge blessing. I know that God has always provided for us through many random ways. I am so grateful.
Also I ended up having a wonderful text conversation with older daughter. As I've mentioned before, for some reason topics are brought up that are hard to discuss in person. I know it is rather unconventional, but it is really nice that she feels comfortable sharing all manner of things by text. I get a nice little peek into her inmost being with text messaging. Strange, but you know what? I love my kids so much and want to be a part of their lives, no matter how it works out.
And my sweet husband is cleaning up dinner after working all day and grilling some chicken fajitas that I marinated a couple of days ago...while I am sitting here on this. I am so fortunate. I am trying to be more grateful for my blessings. Today it was easy.
A new week
Well, our week started out with a bang! First off, L took swimmer son to his swim practice at 5:30 and then went on to his first day of his new contract job. Younger daughter and I left about 7:10 and put his school stuff in the car and in so doing, set off the car alarm somehow... I didn't know how to shut it off so I am sure the neighbors were thrilled with me. Finally I must have pushed the right button as it stopped and we went on our way. Well, when we picked him up, he opened the door and it went off again, only this time the car turned off and I couldn't turn it back on. Oh my, I envisioned a bad day ahead and what was I to do? Finally, I figured out which button I'd pushed the last time and we zipped off to school. This time he decided to go out the other door in order to not have the same issue. So of course it went off when he opened the other door. I didn't realize he was actually getting out because I was so embarrassed and trying to get it to turn off that I let the car keep going and he is half out of the car yelling. He let me know that I ran over his foot! Oh, dear! It was a miracle that he was ok....but I did kind of worry about his poor foot all day.
So, as I left the school parking lot I looked down and the car "low gas" light was on. However, the gas tank was just under half full, but not being familiar with the car I decided I'd better stop and get some gas. After filling it up the light stayed on for about 3 miles, halfway to work. Then it turned off, so not sure what the deal was.
The day was crazy hectic at work, but after running over my baby's foot everything else seemed to be less bothersome. Later that evening of course he let me know he told EVERYBODY about my running over his foot, but there wasn't anything wrong at all with it. Thank the Lord!
The biggest new obstacle was what to do with his swim paraphernalia that was in my car in the morning but needed to be either at home or in his sister's car for his afternoon practice. So the first day I brought it home at lunch and checked on animals.
After work I went to the moms of teens group at the church and helped get ready for Christmas decorating. There is a big decorating party on Saturday, but a lot of work was needed getting the various items in order. I was so tired that I talked to all the kids and hubby (who ended up working 10 hours on his first day!) and then fell asleep exhausted before 10:30. This is practically unheard of for me.
So, as I left the school parking lot I looked down and the car "low gas" light was on. However, the gas tank was just under half full, but not being familiar with the car I decided I'd better stop and get some gas. After filling it up the light stayed on for about 3 miles, halfway to work. Then it turned off, so not sure what the deal was.
The day was crazy hectic at work, but after running over my baby's foot everything else seemed to be less bothersome. Later that evening of course he let me know he told EVERYBODY about my running over his foot, but there wasn't anything wrong at all with it. Thank the Lord!
The biggest new obstacle was what to do with his swim paraphernalia that was in my car in the morning but needed to be either at home or in his sister's car for his afternoon practice. So the first day I brought it home at lunch and checked on animals.
After work I went to the moms of teens group at the church and helped get ready for Christmas decorating. There is a big decorating party on Saturday, but a lot of work was needed getting the various items in order. I was so tired that I talked to all the kids and hubby (who ended up working 10 hours on his first day!) and then fell asleep exhausted before 10:30. This is practically unheard of for me.
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Youngest son
Swimmer
