My first seven months...

So, 7 months ago today I started my job working for the State of California. It has been a roller coaster ride of bureaucracy to say the least. While I enjoy my job and the people I work with, I am very frustrated by the time it takes to get anything done or an answer to a question. Granted, I work in a "new" department. My dept was only established last year and it was not staffed properly for the first few months. My co-worker was there over a year and had finally gotten the hang of "why" we did certain things besides "it's just the way its done."

Things that I pointed out 3 weeks into my job tenure are now coming to light as "problems we didn't know about" yet I have been pointing these issues out and asking for answers on possible solutions for 6 months. In May there were 3 of us working full time in my department. Now there is just me, part time. One gal left July 1st -no replacement has been hired yet. The main person left August 1st.. I can only pray that one of them is replaced sometime very, very soon.
I have explained that I am limited in what I can get done half time and with furloughs. I work from the moment I get there until it is time to go -I can't do anymore than what I am already doing. So, I will continue to document and request answers and maybe someday I'll get some. Until then, I work my hours and leave my troubles at my desk when I head home.


I spent 5 months working full-time, everyday. If I am honest, it was too much for me. There was no sense of balance, everything seemed out of whack... and even 2 months into full time, my house hasn't recovered! I like working part-time, usually. A couple days a week out of the house isn't bad -if my office were closer I would work 4-5 hours every day. Today I worked a 4 hour day and came home to be productive. One thing that is difficult on my work days is I get home 2-3 hours after everyone else.. so they are in downtime mode. I am happy to sit down and enjoy time with them, but then I don't get back up and nothing gets done. Or I am off and running to a jewelry show and nothing at home gets done.

I am happy with my new schedule for the most part. I wish it was the same days every week, but I love that it is flexible with my kids events or school activities. It allows me to menu plan and grocery shop and cook. I have more time to build my Premier business. Most importantly, it allows me to be there when my kiddos leave in the morning everyday and home when they get home 3 days a week, with benefits.

Looking down the road... I don't know where I'll be next year or 3 years from now. I can only hope that I'll be doing whatever works best for my family at that time, as this does now.

My life

There have many changes in my life over the past year. Many I like, some I don't but can live with. In an effort to keep from offending others or self-editing in a way that wasn't honest, I stopped posting to my blog. It had become to hard to know how what I wrote would impact others. I really missed writing everyday -it had become a time I treasured, both the writing and planning about what I would write. I miss having the recap of my life complete with pictures that were entered as they happened -before I could forget them. The capturing of those little things had become very important to me. So I am making the most important change today - I am going to resume blogging on a daily basis. I want to start by saying what I write here is mostly for me, therapy if you will. In no way is anything written every intended to hurt or offend another. However, it is important that I say that because I am not going to self-edit my feelings anymore and sometimes how I feel will offend someone else. By choosing to read, you run the risk of reading something you don't like -your decision to make.

I used to wish that my life were filled with poetry and roses, but it isn't. I have a pretty simple life. I have a husband I love more everyday and two boys we are trying to keep on the right track. I try to surround myself with the people I love and do things that make me happy. I have made strides in the past year since I joined Premier and am now much more confident in who I am, no longer trying to be who others want me to be. I wake up every morning and pray that I will be the best person I can be, a person who is trustworthy, someone who is kind and most of all someone I can be proud to have been as I say my evening prayers. I have blossomed in my faith and now know that is all I can ask of myself. I have begun to "give my worries to God" knowing that he will take care of the worrying for me.

I am what I seem. There are no hidden agendas. I am working everyday to build my business with Premier, loving that this business brings me closer to God and allows me everyday to support missionary work all over the globe. I love the women I have met and the path I have chosen with Premier.

I am constantly surprised (although maybe I shouldn't be) at how many of those who surround me are not what they seem or sincere in their actions. I used to place my trust in people until they proved untrustworthy. Unfortunately I have learned that many people are not what they seem. Instead of being honest, they build a house of cards that eventually crumbles. I am looking for relationships that come without strings, without unreasonable expectations and with forgiveness attached. I am so blessed to have found people who feel the same and I do my best to limit my exposure to the rest.


Today was a difficult day for me. Jackson started middle school. He loved it, came home so excited about the independence, the different classes and the environment. He enjoyed being able to have lunch outside with his friends, not at a specified table with his classmates. He has a friend in all his classes from his baseball team this spring and likes that --they are in everything together. He is taking a special advanced math course and is excited about that. He's my baby though, and now he's in middle school. In 7 years he'll be in college!! This is my last first day of middle school, no more elementary school, it is somewhat heartbreaking for me, yet exhilerating at the same time. I love the young man he is becoming as he spreads his wings and starts exploring different likes and activities. He is a child without walls, not concerned with what others think about what he does or wears. He has a true artistic nature and it is starting to come out stronger and stronger. He still craves quiet and alone time. He still hugs and cuddles with me when he is tired. But he jumped out of the van so fast today my head almost spun -I won't lie, it hurt to watch him walk away without looking back. Because no matter how much loss I feel, he feels adventure and that is the way it should be. I know tomorrow will be better and when he heads out to school I'll smile a little more each day. For I want him to be happy and explore his new world, I know I am still a big part of it.

Well, I guess that is it for now, I need to go wipe my face and get lunches made for tomorrow.

Paul Revere Scene

A couple weeks ago Jackson was in a musical at school about The American Revolution. Here is the video clip of his performance. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Sorry but the end is a little messed up!

Happy Day after Easter!

It's my final day of Spring Break.. I have enjoyed being home since Wednesday, although not a lot got done. The boys and I spent time together -which is better than checking off any to-do list, for sure. Logan slept over last night (he has Spring Break this week) and we are heading out shortly for a movie & lunch. I lured them awake with fresh donuts and they are playing some PS3 while waiting for the time to leave.

Let's start with some picture catch up.....

We celebrated Logan's 11th birthday .. he is growing up so fast and we have so much fun.
Steven is playing on the Juniors field which is bigger and has 90 ft bases. After this game, we went home and checked the mail... he got his letter from Jesuit...



Opening the envelope....


Reading what it says....

He and G-ma both were happy, giving the acceptance letter a big thumbs up!
Papa wasn't here.. so as soon as he got inside he called to tell him, also posting the news on Facebook as he talks..


Jackson on his way to his game... in good spirits and enjoying the season so far!
Steven the day after he shaved his head for St. Baldrick's. So proud of him! This is also the day of his first game as a Jr. Umpire.Logan & Brian at our birthday celebration....
The kids and G-ma at Easter...

My family on Easter... notice that Steven is now taller than me.. it just happened and I am ok with it. Surprisingly, I have obsessed for years about how I didn't want them to be taller than me, but now it's a-ok with me.

I have managed during my time off to get the grocery shopping done! Finally, hooray! So I have a menu plan for the week -which makes me feel awesome & prepared! I like it.

Monday - Sausage & Peppers, home fries, veggie
Tuesday - Tacos
Wednesday - shepards pie
Thursday - chicken, stuffing, veggie
Friday - leftovers
Saturday - pork chops, rice, veggie
Sunday - spaghetti w/meat sauce, salad

long time, no blog --sorry!

Every day I have thought of blogging, then decided to wait until I get home to put pictures with the blog -but truthfully -after 8hours of working and almost 2 of driving -I am beat when I get home and I forget.

So let's start at the beginning and I will add pictures over the weekend....

*Steven shaved his head for St. Baldricks -he raised over $300 and I am so proud of him for really putting effort into this very good cause. Thank you all for helping him!

*both boys started their baseball seasons... Jackson's team is 4-0, while Steven's team is 0-3. It is just the beginning though and there is a long season in front of us. Jackson is playing mostly outfield and a bit of 3rd base, he seems to get hit by a pitch every game, but at least he is on base. Steven is playing mostly 1st, a bit of 3rd or catcher and he pitched the other night. He is making contact and getting on base consistently.

* Steven was accepted at Jesuit High School !!!! He is so excited about this new adventure and we are so proud of him! He is 1 of 262 incoming freshman out of 723 applicants. More info after we go to a meeting 4/10.

* Both boys are enjoying their first week of spring break at home with their dad.. some fun, some work, lots of hanging out...

* next week I am off Weds until Tuesday with them for the 2nd week of break.. can't wait!!

*April 1st I get to go part time!!! I got a permanent position in evaluations and will be moving over there after my time off. I will be working 2.5 days a week instead of 5 and we are all looking forward to it. This was my goal --so happy to have it happen so soon so as to not have to worry about summer vacations.

*we are headed to Brian & Cyn's tonight to celebrate my moms birthday (which is tomorrow). I am looking forward spending time with the family.

*Steven will be confirmed in the Catholic church on April 15th... such an exciting time

*Steven also started his career as an umpire. He is umpiring the level Jackson plays and enjoys it. He gets paid $20 a game once a month. He is anticipating his first payday. he isn't getting alot of games right now, as he has conflicts on Wednesdays with Confirmation, and thats when most of the games are. He is excited about his first job though!

I think that is about it for now... I will try to get pictures up this weekend.

Wednesday thoughts

I have so many things running thru my head.. lot's going on and a crazy schedule!

• Reconcilliation mass tonight with Stevenin preparation for Confirmation
  
• Steven registers for Woodcreek high school tomorrow -as a just in case
• 1.5 days to go before my 3 day weekend and the boys one too!
  
• 3 days until Woodcreek little league opening day --Play Ball!
• 5 days until my kiddo shaves his head for St. Baldricks
• one week to St. Patricks Day --love that day!!
  
• in 2 weeks Jesuit will mail the acceptance letters --almost there.
  
• 3 weeks until my spring break vacation with the boys... I took 2 days and get almost a full week off -- now to figure out if we are going to do anything or just stay home...
  
• 5 weeks until Steven's Confirmation at church. So happy about this....
  

Don't know what else is happening... these are the things on my mind right now. Now, if I could just remember to buy the pepper so I can get my menu back on track... oh well, pork chops instead for tonight.

Menu Plan Monday

Today is Monday, March 8th
Outside my window... the sky is grey with blue and white streaks. It looks like it might be a nice day, probably not as wonderful as yesterday, but nice enough. Yesterday was such a blessed day. It was about 68 degrees here!! Jonathan and I went together to watch Jackson's baseball practice and it was nice to have a couple hours to just hang out together, outside in the sunshine! We dropped Jack off, went to Starbucks and were back by the time practice started. We sipped our drinks, chatted and watched. I have to say that I am totally impressed by Jackson's coaches. They really seem to know what they are doing and are taking everything slow and building on the fundamentals. Jackson is enjoying himself and the practices. I liked that the coaches complimented the boys often and were gentle with their constructive criticisms. I liked that the coaches stressed that the boys only have control of their preparations, not the game and so they should be sure to make the most of the preparations.

I am thinking... that I do love baseball season, even with the craziness that it brings!

I am thankful for... all the blessings my family has. Life is good.

From the kitchen... I put a marinated pork roast in the crockpot this morning -so we'll be having shredded pork tacos tonight.

I am wearing... comfy attire so I can go workout at Curves on my lunchbreak without much fuss.

I am going... to see Steven play in a scrimmage game tonight.. can't wait to see how the team looks. They've only had one practice due to the rain... so we'll see how it goes.

I am hoping... that the rain is finished for now... Opening day for baseball is Satuday!


A few plans for the rest of the week: work, baseball and looking forward to Friday! The boys are off from school and it's my furlough day -so we get the whole day off together!

I want to say a big THANK YOU!! to all who have supported Steven's fundraising for St. Baldrick's. He will be shaving his head on March 15th and I am hoping to have video taken of it so I can watch (and share with you all!) when I get home from work. He is still looking to raise more money to benefit childhood cancer research.. if anyone wants to check out his page it's here.

OOPS. I published without the menu plan part of the post... my bad.

Monday -shredded pork tacos
Tuesday -sausage and peppers
Wednesday- spaghetti with l/o sausage and peppers
Thursday - tacos
Friday - tortellini alfredo
Saturday - chicken of some sort (hopefully grilled!)
Sunday - tri-tip, baked potatoes

Menu Plan Monday

I am pleased to say that I woke up this morning refreshed and ready to start my week. What a difference a weekend of rest makes after 2 weeks of feeling yucky.


Unfortunately, Jackson has been complaining (almost daily) of a stomach ache in the morning. I have been trying to be patient, cajoling him into getting up & moving, eating a little something and he is feeling better by the time we need to leave. I must admit however, that this is really energy draining on a good day and since I am not a morning person, it really gets my day going on the wrong path. I am now on a quest to figure out what is going on. My initial thought: stress. I wonder if my going back to work is causing the stomach pains.. I hope not, but he has endured a huge shift in his life without saying much at all. Second thought: allergies. I am going to run with this one because I know that any amount of gunk draining from my sinuses to my tummy make me feel icky. So I have started giving him a daily allergy pill to dry everything up.... please let there be a difference!

I spent a good chunk of time over the weekend planning our menu for March and getting the necessary grocery items to last us until my furlough day on Friday. I am keeping it penciled in until I see Steven's baseball schedule.. but at least I have a plan for now.

This week looks like this:

Monday: Carnitas, tortillas, refried beans, corn and maybe rice?
Tuesday: spaghetti with meatballs
Wednesday: Pot pie (made with (1)leftover carnitas (1) frozen turkey)
Thursday: tacos
Friday: Steven & Jonathan are headed to Stockton for a hockey game, they'll eat out, it's Friday so I 'll probably have scrambled eggs and Jack gets what he can find.
Saturday: sloppy joes (made on Thursday so only cooking beef 1x --plus they taste better after sitting in the sauce)
Sunday: Sausage and Peppers (make enough for another dinner later in the week)

Jonathan spent time getting the big freezer defrosted this weekend... I am hoping that is finished and it is ready to use by mid -week so I can take advantage of a great deal on meat that is coming up.

We went to Steven's team meeting on Sunday --looks like a good group of kids and parents. I am looking forward to the season -we are playing inter-league against 3 other leagues --so there should be some good competition. I ended up as the team mom (my friends volunteered me) but it should be pretty easy for this age group.. I got most of the work done yesterday.

Steven is participating in the St Baldrick's Fundraiser and will be shaving his head in solidarity with kids fighting cancer. The St. Baldricks Foundation uses donations to fund more in childhood cancer research grants than any other organization in the Unites States other than the US Government. You can go to his page if you are interested in donating and helping him reach his goal.

I decided over the weekend to host a Premier party at my house this upcoming Friday night to raise money for the fundraiser. Steven & Jonathan are headed to Stockton to see a hockey game and just Jackson & I are at home. I will be donating all of my profits from the show and any orders to Steven's St. Baldricks drive. So I am busy getting everything ready and excited to have an opportunity to help him, it is such a great cause.

Well I guess that is about everything... hope you all have a wonderful day!