the end of a loooooooonnng week!

So it is finally Friday!! Yippee! This is the week I had to work all 5 days, it's a killer. I sure hope a part time position becomes a reality soon.

So this week what has happened here.....

Monday night Steven had try-outs for baseball. As a junior in Little League they play on bigger fields with longer basepaths. He did super well at tryouts and was quickly snapped up in the draft by the Yankee's. Yes, Aunt Peg, both boys are on Yankee teams this year... I know, Go Team! He know several of the kids and is looking forward to the team meeting on Sunday. I got a call from some friends at the Team Mom meeting asking me to please take pity on the poor coach (who was there and clueless) and be team mom... so I agreed. We'll see how that works out for me.. I wasn't going to be team mom for either team because of working, but juniors are older, so hopefully it will be just paperwork type stuff and NO DRAMA!

The week seem to fly by and yet, I can't think of anything that really happened?

Today was a big day! Jackson received an award at school, Husky of the Month. It is given to 1 child per class each month based on a Life Focus skill/theme. This month's skill was Friendship and his teacher said the choice was easy to make. I am super proud of him. I was sad to not be able to attend the assembly -it was right in the middle of the day and I work 1/2 hour away. Since i don't have vacation time yet -there was no way to make up enough time to go. My parents and Steven attended in my place and say Jackson seemed happy. I can't wait to get home and hear all about it.

This weekend is our last really kick back, relaxed weekend. We are looking forward to some Olympic hockey action on Sunday as the U.S.A. is in the Gold-medal game!!!!! Go USA!!! Otherwise we have Steven's team meeting and not much else. Thankfully. I am tired and looking forward to gettting some things done around the house and just hanging out with my family.

Gotta get back to work... break time is over.

It's a new week!

The last 5 days have gone by in a blur. I have been trying to overcome this horrible cold and start to feel better. Finally, I can say, I do feel better, almost normal even.

Lets see what has happened this past week....

Thursday... I felt awful enough to stay home from work. I had a fever when I woke up, so back to bed I went. As things work out -Jackson was also sick enough to stay home that day so we both slept til almost noon, then watched some tv together while resting covered in blankets and drinking hot tea. He missed his baseball practice since he wasn't feeling well enough to go to school. Jonthan was home at lunchtime, still not feeling well enough to stay at work a whole day. Steven's teeth hurt and he could still not bite into food directly, so we had Jamba Juices for dinner.

Friday.. Jonathan was still home and we headed off to see Jackson get his Academic Award. He is on the Superintendent's list .. which is straight A's. We are very proud of him! I spent some time getting things together for my jewelry show that night and took it easy the rest of the day after running a few errands.

Saturday.. Steven wasn't feeling great when he woke up, so we pushed off his Jesuit interview until the Sunday afternoon option. I had a show and everyone else took it easy. We spent time watching Olympics and just being together.

Sunday.. We took Steven to his interview at Jesuit. It went really well. Turns out the guy he interviewed with is their head football coach. He was very nice and made us comfortable during the conversation. Hardest question --for us to each tell him what we think is one of Steven's strengths and a weakness. We left the interview with everyone feeling good about the chances of him getting in.

I spent Sunday evening cooking up a storm! I made a big pot of chili, sloppy joes for dinner and spaghetti sauce. We will have easy dinners this week as there is alot going on.

Tonight... Steven has agility & baseball try-outs, I have to attend a parent orientation for the local high school (just in case). So they'll be gone for try-outs before I even get home and when they get home I'll be gone. I am hoping to get to see a bit of the try-outs (stopping by on my way to the high school) .. I hate that they are the same day and time.

Our menu plan this week will include :

Chili
Spaghetti
Chicken something
Pork chops
Chili Mac
leftover sloppy joes


As you can see .. my planning is limited, but should be enough. I have a 5 day work-week and with being sick didn't really get to the grocery store. So we will make do with what we have and get thru the week... I am very lucky that my family only complains when there isn't food, not about what there is.

Ash Wednesday

FOR TODAY, Ash Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Outside my window... appears to be the most beautiful day ever! I went for a walk on my break this morning, but have been inside the rest of the day. I am looking forward to an hour from now, opening the sunroof in my van for the drive home!

I am thinking... about Steven. He had his braces put on today. I wasn't able to take him as I am at work. His dad was home sick. Papa came to the rescue and took him to lunch and then the orthodontist (thank you Papa -{in case Steven didn't say that}) I am sad that I couldn't be there for him. I just spoke to him and he is fine, says it went well. I am doing my best to not be sad about it -it happens.

I am thankful for... all the support I get! My family and friends have really made the transition to working outside the home mom easier for me. I appreciate all they do for the boys & me.

From the kitchen... it's Ash Wednesday so no meat. We are having grilled cheese sandwiches and soup.

I am wearing... my dressy clothes, because I just had a job interview. There is a permanent position open in the Board (different area though) and I got an interview. The position I have is limited term, 2 years -so the sooner I get a permanent position, the better! It went well, but there are lots of internal candidates, so I am just happy to have gotten the opportunity to interview. Plus I got to spend 1/2 hour with my supervisor --who I haven't really interacted with in the 8 weeks I've been here, I really enjoyed that. She cracks me up and reminds me a lot of Aunt Peg!~

I am going... to mass with Steven tonight. Hopefully Jackson will go too, depends on how tired he is and if he is feeling any better. We all have this sickness thingy -so if he isn't up to it, he will stay home so I can get something out of the service. My mom should be coming too!


I am hoping... that tomorrow I will wake up feeling better!

I am hearing... the printer buzz with the reports I printed before I started my break - so after I can sort and process the reports.

One of my favorite things... is baseball season!! It has started here -Jackson had his first practice yesterday. He is on the AAA Yankee's! When I picked him up from practice he said "that was a great way to spend an afternoon" which made me so happy! Can't wait til they start playing games on the 13th of March
!
A few plans for the rest of the week: One more day of work to get thru.. then Furlough Friday --which is the day of Jackson's Academic Awards assembly -so I can go!!! and then the weekend. I just hope I'm not sick thru the weekend -that would stink.

Gotta go, my break is over.

Today is Thursday, February 11th...
Outside my window... is the beginning of a beautiful day. I am so happy to have clear blue skies in my vision.. that one simple thing dramatically improves my mood. Plus it is great to be able to take quick walks around the building on my breaks -getting some movement and fresh air do wonders for my concentration.
I am thinking... about my 4 day weekend. I have lots of intentions for the weekend and hope to cross many things off my to-do list. Topping that list are defrosting the freezer, grocery shopping and planning a couple weeks worth of meals to ease my mind.
I am thankful for... the support I get from family & friends. I really appreciate your messages and words of wisdom! Lord knows, I am a work in progress and can always use helpful tips and ideas.
From the kitchen... today I don't have anything going on in the kitchen, except the grocery list I am working on. My goal is to stock the pantry with 5 meals that are easy, quick and don't require too much forethought. Then if I forget to defrost something... we can still have a nutritious meal without too much stress. Tonight we are dining out! We are eating at Johnny Rockets. Now I have nostalgia about this restaurant, I can remember eating at the original one on Melrose when visiting Maggie in LA as a teen... my family loves it too. We will be having burgers, fries, onion rings and most probably milkshakes too! I am having cereal for lunch in exchange for all the calories I will consume there.
I am going... to keep crossing things off my to-do list. Today so far I have made dentist appointments for everyone's exam/cleanings -Steven is getting his braces next week and really needed to get in before then, so what the heck -I scheduled us all! I have started my grocery list and reviewed the ad's while I drank my coffee this morning in preparation for tomorrows shopping. One step at a time.. that's all I can expect!
I am reading... haven't read anything all week -crazy I know! I have a book ready to start tomorrow though.
I am hoping... to hear about Jack's baseball team for Spring.. the draft was last night and we are all on pins & needles waiting to hear what team, whose coaching and if he knows anyone on the team.
One of my favorite things... is this blog. I really enjoy the process of writing, capturing and reading back over my thoughts.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Today it is raining. Not light, misty rain, but loud rain. I had another emotional morning -due to my feelings about Jackson waiting in the rain/cold before school. I needed to get to work a few minutes earlier today (by 8:15 ) and so I needed to leave our area no later than 7:50. Steven asked for a ride to school and I said yes if he could go right as I needed to leave so I didn't have to go and come back home and then leave. Jackson decided he wanted a ride and he would wait by the shade structure even though he would be there about 20 minutes before he could go into his classroom. He called about 8:11 to say he was freezing cold. I felt horrible. It is really an internal feeling of failure and although I am sure now (2+ hours later) he is just fine and has forgotten -I still feel bad. Now, it wasn't my idea for him to wear shorts --so maybe next time he will dress warmer or take an umbrella or heck, even a jacket (instead of just a hoodie). All I can say is I would really like this crappy, cold, dark rainy weather to end ... so I don't have to feel bad about him getting to school on his own, which I don't in the sunny, warm, light days of spring/early summer.

I am still struggling with figuring out commuting. I think it is in part due to the above paragraph. Some days it takes 20 minutes, other days it takes 50. No matter which way I go -I never know what to expect. So every dayseems like an adventure and at least a couple a week are stressful trying to be on time. Today, I just popped open a Dr. Pepper and enjoyed it on the way -that helped a bit. (really it did, no matter how sad that sounds).

I am also having a bit of a time with getting my menu plan in order and remembering to take out what is needed for dinner. The family has been good sports about it... but I need to get my act together on that. I have coupons that need clipping, cabinets/fridges/freezers that need defrosting/cleaning/organizing and needs shopping to do. That will be my priority on Furlough Friday this week -to get everything organized to make meals easier for everyone. I have great intentions and now I am making a plan to get it done.

I have been going to Curves on my lunch break. It feels good to stretch and move in the midst of my day. My body has felt better, stronger and less achy --I think this is why. So I am planning to continue going at lunchtime. It isn't a complete 2 times around the circle workout (2 machines less than 2x around) but it is better than not going at all.

Well, my break is over and so I have to sign off.. hope everyone reading this has a wonderful Tuesday!

FOR TODAY(Monday, February 8th)...
Outside my window... there is sun! I can see blue skies and the sun, the forecast says it will be 56 degrees today. I can't wait to go out and walk at lunchtime, it is so nice to have it not be raining or wet outside.

I am thinking...about Mondays. I have decided I am just not a fan. It seems harder to wake up on time (I didn't today), harder to get moving and a lot harder to concentrate after a weekend of relaxation. I guess I should take the bull by the horns.. make sure I get to bed early on Sunday, have absolutely everything ready to go in the morning to make things easier. I will do that next week (although next Monday is a holiday!) and hopefully things will go smoother and feel easier or less stressed.

I am thankful for... the strengthening of my faith. I have spent much time in the last year working on being closer to God and learning more about myself and my feelings about religion. I must say that the sense of peace I often have now is due in large part to my strengthened faith in God.

From the kitchen... I am working on a menu for this week, alas it isn't yet done. Tonight we are having tacos... the rest of the week is still a mystery.

I am wearing... my dark wash jeans, a black & grey shirt with a ruffled grey sweater and my comfy clark heels and jewelry -lots & lots of fun jewelry (theme today is silver & pink!)

I am going... tonight to a meeting with my Premier sisters in Roseville. I really enjoy training and spending time with them. I have met so many amazing women thru my Premier journey and truly feel they are like an extended family to me. I am so blessed to have Premier in my life.

I am hoping... that the news we hear about Jackson being drafted in baseball is good. I pray that he gets on a team with a coach who truly loves the game and is open to teaching the boys the next level. He is so excited to play and so I am hoping that he has a great season. Draft is Wednesday I think... so news this week!

I am hearing...listening to KNCI on the radio in my office. Music sure does help the day go faster and makes me happy.


A few plans for the rest of the week: We (the boys and I) are excited that we have tickets to the sneak preview of Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Thursday night. To see it first is exciting, to not have to pay makes my head happy. We are going to make an evening out of it -the whole family, dinner at Johnny Rockets and then the movie. Can't wait!

TGIT: Thank Goodness it's Thursday!

FOR TODAY Thursday, February 4th...
Outside My Window... it is starting to get gray again. The sun has been covered up by the gray clouds, signaling the storm that is moving in.
I am thinking... thank goodness this week is over! My weekend starts tomorrow because we have a Furlough Friday this week. I am wiped out and ready to have a few days at home. This week has seemed longer - I can't put my finger on why, just long.
I am thankful for...my parents! They are always there for me whenever I need them, even for the craziest things. Like bringing me a car to get to work when mine dies, or yesterday dad went to get me an official copy of my marriage license (needed it for my benefits) which was a huge help! Then today, mom met me for lunch and brought it to me so I could turn it in!!! I am so grateful that they are so present in our lives and I love them so much.
From the kitchen...I started a dinner of chicken & veggies in the crockpot before I left for work and we'll have that with biscuits.

I am wearing... some of my new spring jewelry! I love how light and delicate it is and how many compliments I have gotten about it. As my friend Gayla says "with every compliment comes a customer or hostess" I am starting to see how that can be true when you are exposed to large amounts of people every day.
I am creating... my menu plan for next week and my grocery/errand lists for tomorrow.
I am going... home in 1.5 hours!!! Then I have to take the boys for haircuts tonight.
I am reading... The Other Queen by Phillipa Gregory
I am hoping... that my new chicken recipe turns out well and is yummy tonight.
I am hearing... KNCI playing Tim McGraw, Southern Voice
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: tomorrow I have lots to get done! I am getting my permanent eyeliner touched up, gotta grocery shop, errands, hopefully spend some time at home, meet a friend and maybe make it to the scrapbook store.

Welcome February!

Well the last couple weeks have been big adjustments for me and getting on the computer to blog has fallen down on my list of things to do. Being on a computer most of the day, I don't really do much with mine once I get home and I always think ... oh I'll blog in the morning before heading to work, which hasn't exactly worked out either. So although I have had tons to say... I just didn't get it done. It happens.

So what have I been up to? The answer is LOTS!

I finished week 3 of working this past week -and I had to work all 5 days. Since we have Furlough Fridays 3 times a month, the last week of the month hit hard with a full work week. I do enjoy having Fridays off to get my errands done, have appointments and catch up with friends before the weekend. However I will say that it wasn't horrible having to work that 5th day. I got my first state paycheck --and wow, they take alot of deductions, but it was a great feeling going to deposit it into our account. My job is not stressful, I work with great people and overall I would have to say I enjoy it. So yay!

Things are going great right now because our sports schedule is pretty light -so I get home about 5:30 and we have dinner then hang out mostly. When baseball kicks into gear in a couple weeks, things might get a bit more hectic.

I went to Ontario, California for the Premier Designs Regional Rally -where the new Spring Line was introduced! I had a fabulous time once I got there (spent a day at the airport with flights cancelled, started off there at 9am, got to Ontario at 11pm). Met lots of great gals, heard some fantastic training and ideas and just had a wonderful girl weekend. If anyone wants a copy of the new catalog --just let me know!

Steven took his entrance exam for Jesuit and we completed his application -we have interviews on February 20th... then it's just a wait and see until March 20th when we should get the letter.
He is on track to receive Confirmation on April 15th. He attended his first training to become a Jr. Umpire at the little league and is super excited about that -he has waited a long time for this job. He will get paid $20 per game plus gets a meal ticket ($3) for every game he works. He will be umpiring the AA and AAA games this spring. He is also taking Agility classes to help him get ready for his upcoming baseball season --their try outs aren't until February 22nd.

Jackson had his try outs for Spring baseball. It was a rainy, stormy week that led up to the try outs, but I hear he did really well even though he didn't get to do much practicing. The draft is in 2 weeks and then we'll know more about where he'll be playing.

I guess that is about it... we are taking things one day at a time and it's working out well.
Happy Monday everyone!