Oh some days the bed just feels so good. Today was one of those days. I called my boss, told him I was sick and would not be in; talked to the Singles Minister and told her I wouldn't be able to keep our lunch date and took Leah to Holiday MAC. I came home, crawled back under the covers and didn't see the light of day again until 4:45 when I woke up. Talk about being shocked! I didn't set the alarm because I thought I'd sleep maybe an hour or two at the most. I got up and had to immediately leave to pick Leah up. We had supper at Panera and then came home and had a very quiet evening. She did get a bath and shampoo so I at least feel like I accomplished something. I do feel better. I must have really needed the rest or I wouldn't have been able to sleep that long. It's not often that I allow myself to really take time off and take care of myself.
Tomorrow our new senior pastor will be in town and wants to meet with the staff at 4:30 p.m. I hope the meeting won't take too long. I'm also in hopes that this guy will be personable and will genuinely care for his staff and not carry such a heavy political agenda. I know the church is huge and politics usually run the big ones, but I can at least hope. I have amazed myself that in my first month here I've kept to myself pretty much, have not emotionally invested myself therefore I've not pulled any of my rebellious stunts. I just feel that the church today doesn't meet the needs, is not spiritual enough and I'm just stupid enough to go against the grain too much of the time. This used-to-be rule follower has become a somewhat rule breaker and I know I can't continue to do that if I'm going to keep a roof over our heads and food on our table. It was so much more fun when I didn't have so much at stake!
This past weekend we had three new sets of neighbors to move into our building alone. Two apartments upstairs and the one behind mine. A retired couple from New York moved in behind me. They signed a four month lease, rented their furniture and told their grown son they would give it four months. If they didn't like it they were going to move back home. Upstairs behind me we have a gay couple (male) and across from them is Eddie, the obvious body builder. He is divorced, has a 7-year-old son and has a great sense of humor. It's a whole new flavor to our building. We are definitely a mix. That will be for another blog entry. Apartment living is definitely not for the faint hearted!
Well, off to bed for me. I plan to go to work tomorrow and I can't over sleep.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Just Call Me Snotty
I've been called snotty for several things but tonight I mean it in the form of cannot breathe. Even though I've taken nighttime cold/sinus meds, I still absolutely cannot breathe through my nose and that just drives me insane. I made soup for supper tonight in the hope that it would help but it didn't. Leah didn't like the soup so she had left over chicken pasta. What would I do without leftovers??
I enjoyed my four day weekend. We got together with friends yesterday and barbequed out. Afterwards we played board games because it was raining outside. It was a lot of fun. It was hard going to work today; especially since I didn't feel all that great but at least I got a lot done. Hopefully I'll get some sleep soon so I'll feel like going tomorrow.
It was an interesting weekend with Leah, to be sure. Saturday Kathy and I visited by the pool in my apartment complex while her grandson Wesley and Leah swam. They had a great time and spent about 2 hours in the pool. As we were leaving Wesley complained about his feet hurting and genuinely seemed to have difficulty walking. When I talked to Kathy later that evening she told me that the bottom of Wesley's feet were pretty raw so we concluded that the bottom of our pool was rough and that he was tender footed. Swimming shoes would be on the next Wal-Mart list. When Leah and I were on our way home from one of our many trips of errands, she told me that her toes were hurting. She went on to explain it to me like this: "Mommy, it's not my big toe, or the second toe, but the third toe. You know, the one that got roast beef." At that moment I had to admit that Ray and I had done the "Piggy Went to Market" just a time or two with her. I loved that moment of innocence that I rarely see from her anymore. I especially enjoyed it after another conversation we had in the car on Thursday. Yes, most of our profound conversations take place in the car. We ate supper with John, Kathy & Wesley Thursday evening and as usual, Leah and Wesley did their share of fighting like brother and sister. That was one of the main reasons we decided to do carry out and eat at Kathy's house so we could put them outside and we could actually have an adult conversation. As we were pulling out of their driveway to go home, Leah piped up from the backseat and told me that she really did love Wesley. I told her I knew she did and that he loved her too. They've known each other since they were infants. Leah then told me that she had something to tell me that she knew was going to make me angry. I told her it probably wouldn't, so go ahead and tell me. She then told me Wesley told her not to tell me as I'd get angry. I told her no, I wouldn't, go ahead and tell me. It turned out that they had a few moments of kissing each other - on the lips. My mind quickly raced ahead ten years and I knew that I didn't want to blow it now or she'd never confide in me - now or ten years down the road. I stayed calm - on the outside - and told her that it was fine to kiss Wesley and for him to kiss her, but on the cheek for now. I explained to her that they were too young for the lip kissing thing. She said ok, she didn't know that and that they wouldn't kiss on the lips anymore. At age six or seven I never thought about kissing a boy on the lips and I was surprised that they had. I know even the Disney Channel shows it happening so much younger than when we were young. I told Kathy that I wasn't upset about it, afterall, look at Leah's genetic makeup. If she follows in her birth mother's footsteps, I'll be a grandmother in just 9 short years. Now THAT'S a very frightening thought! May the pendulum swing back to the middle and maybe even more back on the side of innocence where she still thinks of her toes and "Piggy Went to Market."
I'm getting sleepy but am still totally stuffed up. I think I'll go read for awhile. I would study but I'm too drowsy at this point.
I enjoyed my four day weekend. We got together with friends yesterday and barbequed out. Afterwards we played board games because it was raining outside. It was a lot of fun. It was hard going to work today; especially since I didn't feel all that great but at least I got a lot done. Hopefully I'll get some sleep soon so I'll feel like going tomorrow.
It was an interesting weekend with Leah, to be sure. Saturday Kathy and I visited by the pool in my apartment complex while her grandson Wesley and Leah swam. They had a great time and spent about 2 hours in the pool. As we were leaving Wesley complained about his feet hurting and genuinely seemed to have difficulty walking. When I talked to Kathy later that evening she told me that the bottom of Wesley's feet were pretty raw so we concluded that the bottom of our pool was rough and that he was tender footed. Swimming shoes would be on the next Wal-Mart list. When Leah and I were on our way home from one of our many trips of errands, she told me that her toes were hurting. She went on to explain it to me like this: "Mommy, it's not my big toe, or the second toe, but the third toe. You know, the one that got roast beef." At that moment I had to admit that Ray and I had done the "Piggy Went to Market" just a time or two with her. I loved that moment of innocence that I rarely see from her anymore. I especially enjoyed it after another conversation we had in the car on Thursday. Yes, most of our profound conversations take place in the car. We ate supper with John, Kathy & Wesley Thursday evening and as usual, Leah and Wesley did their share of fighting like brother and sister. That was one of the main reasons we decided to do carry out and eat at Kathy's house so we could put them outside and we could actually have an adult conversation. As we were pulling out of their driveway to go home, Leah piped up from the backseat and told me that she really did love Wesley. I told her I knew she did and that he loved her too. They've known each other since they were infants. Leah then told me that she had something to tell me that she knew was going to make me angry. I told her it probably wouldn't, so go ahead and tell me. She then told me Wesley told her not to tell me as I'd get angry. I told her no, I wouldn't, go ahead and tell me. It turned out that they had a few moments of kissing each other - on the lips. My mind quickly raced ahead ten years and I knew that I didn't want to blow it now or she'd never confide in me - now or ten years down the road. I stayed calm - on the outside - and told her that it was fine to kiss Wesley and for him to kiss her, but on the cheek for now. I explained to her that they were too young for the lip kissing thing. She said ok, she didn't know that and that they wouldn't kiss on the lips anymore. At age six or seven I never thought about kissing a boy on the lips and I was surprised that they had. I know even the Disney Channel shows it happening so much younger than when we were young. I told Kathy that I wasn't upset about it, afterall, look at Leah's genetic makeup. If she follows in her birth mother's footsteps, I'll be a grandmother in just 9 short years. Now THAT'S a very frightening thought! May the pendulum swing back to the middle and maybe even more back on the side of innocence where she still thinks of her toes and "Piggy Went to Market."
I'm getting sleepy but am still totally stuffed up. I think I'll go read for awhile. I would study but I'm too drowsy at this point.
Friday, May 23, 2008
My "Big" Second Grader
OK, it's official - I have a second grader. Didn't we just transition from sippie cups and diaper bags??? I'm not sure I'm ready for this. First grade flew by at a frightening pace. Of course the fact she was in three different schools might have had something to do with that. But still, I feel like she just entered kindergarten. I'm trying to plan out the summer so that it feels like summer for both of us. It's going to be a bit tricky with work and my school but I'll get it figured out. I'll be able to keep her in the accelerated reading program and that will be a blessing as she'll be earning points during the summer that will be used in second grade. Her teacher explained it all to me but I'm still not totally clear on it yet. I want to keep her in the habit of studying so I've found some good websites for math and reading that she can go and play games and not realize that she is actually still learning. Summer MAC will be fun as they'll do a lot of field trips and that sort of thing but I'm going to miss her this summer. These are the things that I used to do with her and still want to do. But, that opportunity died when Ray did. I call it the only parent syndrome. We make it work though so I'll stop whining.
I loaded more songs on my IPod last night. I went for more eclectic choices - I'm branching out. It's fun though, I like being able to listen to different artists. Right now I'm listening to Nora Jones - one of my favorites.
The puppy, Lily, is sound asleep in front of the front door on the tile. It must feel cool to her opposed to the carpet. She's a feisty little thing. She barked for a solid hour this morning wanting us to get up. I was so in hopes she would just shut up but of course she didn't, so we got up early. I really wanted to sleep in on my day off but oh well. Gosh, am I into whining today or what???
I need to take a shower and get us out the door. I have no idea what fun things Leah and I will get into this afternoon but I'm sure we'll find something. She's not shy about suggesting things. I'm sure a little bit will involve shopping. Her favorite thing to do. She does need new shoes - again. That is her favorite thing to buy so that will definitely be a big hit with her! Maybe we'll hit the pool a little later. She loves that as well.
OK, off to the showers for me.
I loaded more songs on my IPod last night. I went for more eclectic choices - I'm branching out. It's fun though, I like being able to listen to different artists. Right now I'm listening to Nora Jones - one of my favorites.
The puppy, Lily, is sound asleep in front of the front door on the tile. It must feel cool to her opposed to the carpet. She's a feisty little thing. She barked for a solid hour this morning wanting us to get up. I was so in hopes she would just shut up but of course she didn't, so we got up early. I really wanted to sleep in on my day off but oh well. Gosh, am I into whining today or what???
I need to take a shower and get us out the door. I have no idea what fun things Leah and I will get into this afternoon but I'm sure we'll find something. She's not shy about suggesting things. I'm sure a little bit will involve shopping. Her favorite thing to do. She does need new shoes - again. That is her favorite thing to buy so that will definitely be a big hit with her! Maybe we'll hit the pool a little later. She loves that as well.
OK, off to the showers for me.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
End of the School Year
I don't know why I even keep this blog other than I like to have a place to go write. I've been so busy lately that I haven't had much time to spend here. Work is going real well. I'm not emotionally invested but it is nice to have a place to go and pick up a paycheck twice a month. School is also going well. I've managed to score 100% on all of my exams so far. This Friday I have my final then on to the next class. I hope I can keep this pace up all year because I want to take as many classes as I can possibly fit in.
Saturday we added a new addition to our family. We got another Shih-Tzu and Leah named her Lily. She is 91/2 weeks old and gives Oreo (the 91/2 month) a run for his money. They are already getting along like they have always been together. I think Oreo needed a little companion as we are gone so much of the day. They play and chase each other all the time and it's fun to watch them. Leah wanted to name her Cookie but I just couldn't have one dog named Oreo and the other Cookie. So, after much consideration she was able to feel good about the name Lily.
Tomorrow is Leah's last day of school. I can't believe that first grade is over and second grade will start in August. It just doesn't seem possible. We have definitely forged ahead with our lives since Ray's death. So much has changed - especially the two of us. She does so much on her own now - my baby is definitely gone and I have a girl that is growing up very quickly.
As usual, I've got laundry to get done and a lot of studying to do. I fell a little behind because I didn't study at all last night. I hope that I can catch up tonight. Leah no longer has homework so she is a little more high maintenance but I plan on having math workbooks for her that she can work on in the evenings. That will keep her skills sharp and give me time to study.
Nothing profound here - just a recap of my life the last week or so. Maybe some prolific thought will hit my brain and I'll have something to write about that has a bit more substance to it!
Saturday we added a new addition to our family. We got another Shih-Tzu and Leah named her Lily. She is 91/2 weeks old and gives Oreo (the 91/2 month) a run for his money. They are already getting along like they have always been together. I think Oreo needed a little companion as we are gone so much of the day. They play and chase each other all the time and it's fun to watch them. Leah wanted to name her Cookie but I just couldn't have one dog named Oreo and the other Cookie. So, after much consideration she was able to feel good about the name Lily.
Tomorrow is Leah's last day of school. I can't believe that first grade is over and second grade will start in August. It just doesn't seem possible. We have definitely forged ahead with our lives since Ray's death. So much has changed - especially the two of us. She does so much on her own now - my baby is definitely gone and I have a girl that is growing up very quickly.
As usual, I've got laundry to get done and a lot of studying to do. I fell a little behind because I didn't study at all last night. I hope that I can catch up tonight. Leah no longer has homework so she is a little more high maintenance but I plan on having math workbooks for her that she can work on in the evenings. That will keep her skills sharp and give me time to study.
Nothing profound here - just a recap of my life the last week or so. Maybe some prolific thought will hit my brain and I'll have something to write about that has a bit more substance to it!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
I'm still here . . .
Yes, I know. My blog has taken a back seat to everything else in my life. Move me back to Tennessee and I suddenly have a life again. I'm busy, having fun, happy, and did I mention busy? At this moment Leah is dutifully doing her homework and the dog is running back and forth between us with a toy in his mouth, hoping that one of us will stop and play with him. He will just have to wait a few more minutes.
Work is going well - too well. It is almost frightening that I look forward to going in everyday. Of course my boss told me today that I was still in the honeymoon phase and that is very true. No matter; I'll enjoy it while it is still nice to go in everyday.
I took my first exam Friday and scored a 100% on it. That just totally blew me away. My instructor was so excited that he completely forgot about decorum and gave me a big hug. He told me that not many people scored 100% on these tests. I have my second one this Friday. I've been staying up until 12:30 or 1:00 a.m. studying but last night I was so exhausted that I was in bed by 9:00. It felt soooo good to get a good nights sleep last night. I won't go to bed as early tonight but I don't plan to stay up so late either.
Leah and I had supper at Puckett's tonight with Kathy and Wesley. Leah and Wesley are the same age and are so funny together. They are so competitive with one another. The more they try to "one up" each other the louder they get. Sometimes it is funny and other times I am a nervous wreck. Tonight, because Kathy and I kept finding things to laugh about, it wasn't so bad. They were rather humorous actually.
Well, that's the quick update. Maybe I'll find more time to blog tomorrow. I have to study and Leah needs to get to bed.
Work is going well - too well. It is almost frightening that I look forward to going in everyday. Of course my boss told me today that I was still in the honeymoon phase and that is very true. No matter; I'll enjoy it while it is still nice to go in everyday.
I took my first exam Friday and scored a 100% on it. That just totally blew me away. My instructor was so excited that he completely forgot about decorum and gave me a big hug. He told me that not many people scored 100% on these tests. I have my second one this Friday. I've been staying up until 12:30 or 1:00 a.m. studying but last night I was so exhausted that I was in bed by 9:00. It felt soooo good to get a good nights sleep last night. I won't go to bed as early tonight but I don't plan to stay up so late either.
Leah and I had supper at Puckett's tonight with Kathy and Wesley. Leah and Wesley are the same age and are so funny together. They are so competitive with one another. The more they try to "one up" each other the louder they get. Sometimes it is funny and other times I am a nervous wreck. Tonight, because Kathy and I kept finding things to laugh about, it wasn't so bad. They were rather humorous actually.
Well, that's the quick update. Maybe I'll find more time to blog tomorrow. I have to study and Leah needs to get to bed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)