I heard from a friend today that a very close mutual friend of ours has moved away. This friend was one of those really amazing people, who I find in my dreams, in my thoughts, in things I see around me. This friend has changed my life forever, in the things said during our long talks about how my family treats me, how people take advantage of me, how I don't take time for myself. This friend opened my eyes to so many things.
I knew they would move. Downsizing of a job made that inevitable. I've not spoken with this friend in literally months, as preparations began, so I didn't realize just how real the move was. Until today. And now, this friend is gone. I doubt I will ever see this friend again. And that hurts more than anyone can know (except for one person).
This friend was taken out of my daily life by a manipulative person, someone who had no regard for others around them. And now, this friend has been taken away - across the country - by corporate downsizing.
I know that everyone comes into our lives for a reason. What I don't get is why they have to leave.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
DC here we COME!
Last night my DD and I signed up for a trip to Washington DC next spring break - through school. She is a history buff, planning on teaching history, so this is a great opportunity.
The wierd twist...
I'm an aspiring writer... and years ago, before I met my DH, and I was a single mom, I began to write a novel. In that novel, I surprised my graduating daughter with a trip to DC. I may have to dig that out and finish it...
The wierd twist...
I'm an aspiring writer... and years ago, before I met my DH, and I was a single mom, I began to write a novel. In that novel, I surprised my graduating daughter with a trip to DC. I may have to dig that out and finish it...
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
a big month
My daughter has a big month ahead of her.
On Thursday, she leaves for three days at state track.
She just began off season workouts after being picked for varsity basketball.
She gets her braces off in a week. After almost two years, she will be metal free. Her smile back to (normal?).
On June 6th, we are having her Sweet Sixteen - a bbq with her 50 (closest?) friends..
On June 10th, she turns 16 officially.
On June 17th, she takes her first shot at getting her driver's license.
And all of this she takes in stride. She is the most amazing young lady. While I see the occassional roll of the eyes, she really has blossomed into an awesome woman. We are so ridiculously Blessed and proud of her.
And we look forward to celebrating all that she has become this month, and all she has ahead of her.
On Thursday, she leaves for three days at state track.
She just began off season workouts after being picked for varsity basketball.
She gets her braces off in a week. After almost two years, she will be metal free. Her smile back to (normal?).
On June 6th, we are having her Sweet Sixteen - a bbq with her 50 (closest?) friends..
On June 10th, she turns 16 officially.
On June 17th, she takes her first shot at getting her driver's license.
And all of this she takes in stride. She is the most amazing young lady. While I see the occassional roll of the eyes, she really has blossomed into an awesome woman. We are so ridiculously Blessed and proud of her.
And we look forward to celebrating all that she has become this month, and all she has ahead of her.
Friday, May 23, 2008
chicago..
I am back - only for a day - then off to camp for a long holiday weekend.
But I must comment on the amazing trip I had this week.
Six of us from work - from four different jobs - went to Chicago for the All Candy Expo trade show. I've never done a trade show like this - and was wow'd for a first one!
The show itself was amazing, but what struck me most was the wonderful way all six of us worked (and played) together. Those five women were the best - couldn't have asked for a better group to travel with. And we're all SO exicted coming back with new ideas!
Honestly - to watch everyone work their own job/angle, asking questions, looking at products. It was just an awesome opportunity - I'm completely refreshed here at work. It was great.
Off to camp for the three day weekend. Should be fun!
be safe
But I must comment on the amazing trip I had this week.
Six of us from work - from four different jobs - went to Chicago for the All Candy Expo trade show. I've never done a trade show like this - and was wow'd for a first one!
The show itself was amazing, but what struck me most was the wonderful way all six of us worked (and played) together. Those five women were the best - couldn't have asked for a better group to travel with. And we're all SO exicted coming back with new ideas!
Honestly - to watch everyone work their own job/angle, asking questions, looking at products. It was just an awesome opportunity - I'm completely refreshed here at work. It was great.
Off to camp for the three day weekend. Should be fun!
be safe
Monday, May 19, 2008
another manic monday
anyone singing right now? i am!
yes, it's another monday. I have to travel to chicago tomorrow - not returning until late thur night - so i'm frantically trying to get an entire week's worth of work done in one day. won't be an 8 hour day, that's for sure.
i have a cold. got it from my dh. and it's a doozy. just in time for chicago. eyes are watering, nose is running. i'm really pretty. :-)
went camping this weekend - at a place with an indoor water park. my pecs are TOTALLY wore out from the lazy river. i'm such a girl.
summer is right around the corner, as is my dd's sweet 16. we're having a big party (anyone who knows me is nodding right now), a bbq in the back yard. i have a lot of work to do! honestly, I have three weeks, and that is it. i've purchased most of the decorations, but many have to be "assembled" in my true martha stewart fashion. we also have to figure out what to give her...
ds's bday was last week, and he has yet to have a party. can't figure out when to do that. probably need to get on that, huh? i'm hoping he picks bowling. i'll write the check, and they can do it all!
well, being i only have 4 more scheduled hours here, and a LOT to get done, i better scat. i'll write more after chicago, where i'll be whined and dined by the likes of the Jelly Belly corp at their reception. should be a lot of fun.
yes, it's another monday. I have to travel to chicago tomorrow - not returning until late thur night - so i'm frantically trying to get an entire week's worth of work done in one day. won't be an 8 hour day, that's for sure.
i have a cold. got it from my dh. and it's a doozy. just in time for chicago. eyes are watering, nose is running. i'm really pretty. :-)
went camping this weekend - at a place with an indoor water park. my pecs are TOTALLY wore out from the lazy river. i'm such a girl.
summer is right around the corner, as is my dd's sweet 16. we're having a big party (anyone who knows me is nodding right now), a bbq in the back yard. i have a lot of work to do! honestly, I have three weeks, and that is it. i've purchased most of the decorations, but many have to be "assembled" in my true martha stewart fashion. we also have to figure out what to give her...
ds's bday was last week, and he has yet to have a party. can't figure out when to do that. probably need to get on that, huh? i'm hoping he picks bowling. i'll write the check, and they can do it all!
well, being i only have 4 more scheduled hours here, and a LOT to get done, i better scat. i'll write more after chicago, where i'll be whined and dined by the likes of the Jelly Belly corp at their reception. should be a lot of fun.
Monday, May 12, 2008
catching up
Friday May 9th. It was two years since my mom died. I stopped at the grave on the way to work. It's ridiculous how much I miss her. Being 38, there are a lot of things I'd be asking her right now...
Kind of freaky thing happened - went to a new salon to get my hair cut at noon, sat next to a chatty older lady. We talked away until she looked at me, stopped, and asked what my name was. She then smiled. "You're Maxine's daughter. Maxine was a wonderful lady." It made me smile. Mom sent her to give me a smile.
Stopped after work to put fresh flowers on the grave. They still look nice today.
Had a wine tasting party Friday night - in conjunction with a jewelry party. Wow, we partied like we were in college. Drinking wine from the bottle around the campfire until 1:30 am~ and the house LOOKED like we partied like we were in college.. .But so much fun. Man, we had fun.
Saturday night got the greatest surprise. It was 9:30, and I was alone on the couch watching tv. Kids and DH were in bed. I was just relaxing. It had been a busy two days. All of a sudden the phone rang. On of my BFF (:-) from Nebraska - just to ck in on me. We had the greatest talk. I needed it SO bad. And she knew. Things like that are reminders of all the Blessings in my life.
Mother's day was Sunday - took the kids to my sister's for her daughter's confirmation. It was good to be with her that day. After Ken went to work, the kids and I went bumming - shopping - etc. then came home and played board games. Perfect mother's day.
A few reflections:
At 2pm on Sunday, neither of my sister's kids had told her happy mother's day. nothing. Mine had both said it first thing (ds wasn't even out of bed), and both gave me wonderful homemade gifts. I'm so Blessed by them.
I am working on focusing on my family - and doing well so far. Ignored a phone message to call someone on sunday so that the kids and I could continue playing Caddoo. It was good. We played games for hours. We need that.
I really am Blessed. Having my mom back might make it better, but I think a lot of what has happened in the last two years to get me to this point are because I lost her. In the end we know everything is for a reason....
Kind of freaky thing happened - went to a new salon to get my hair cut at noon, sat next to a chatty older lady. We talked away until she looked at me, stopped, and asked what my name was. She then smiled. "You're Maxine's daughter. Maxine was a wonderful lady." It made me smile. Mom sent her to give me a smile.
Stopped after work to put fresh flowers on the grave. They still look nice today.
Had a wine tasting party Friday night - in conjunction with a jewelry party. Wow, we partied like we were in college. Drinking wine from the bottle around the campfire until 1:30 am~ and the house LOOKED like we partied like we were in college.. .But so much fun. Man, we had fun.
Saturday night got the greatest surprise. It was 9:30, and I was alone on the couch watching tv. Kids and DH were in bed. I was just relaxing. It had been a busy two days. All of a sudden the phone rang. On of my BFF (:-) from Nebraska - just to ck in on me. We had the greatest talk. I needed it SO bad. And she knew. Things like that are reminders of all the Blessings in my life.
Mother's day was Sunday - took the kids to my sister's for her daughter's confirmation. It was good to be with her that day. After Ken went to work, the kids and I went bumming - shopping - etc. then came home and played board games. Perfect mother's day.
A few reflections:
At 2pm on Sunday, neither of my sister's kids had told her happy mother's day. nothing. Mine had both said it first thing (ds wasn't even out of bed), and both gave me wonderful homemade gifts. I'm so Blessed by them.
I am working on focusing on my family - and doing well so far. Ignored a phone message to call someone on sunday so that the kids and I could continue playing Caddoo. It was good. We played games for hours. We need that.
I really am Blessed. Having my mom back might make it better, but I think a lot of what has happened in the last two years to get me to this point are because I lost her. In the end we know everything is for a reason....
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Daily Blessings
I have a book of bedtime Blessings I read each night and one for Blessings to start the day. Positive notes to begin my day and begin my dreams with.
Today's morning note put my mind at ease for giving up the job at Church. It said that everything I do has a purpose, be it changing a diaper, giving a speech, or closing a deal, and that all purposes when done for the right reasons serve God. I realize that I am serving God in doing all that I do - taking care of Dad, doing fundraising at work, or even just being a mom.
I needed to hear that. I needed to hear that today.
Today's morning note put my mind at ease for giving up the job at Church. It said that everything I do has a purpose, be it changing a diaper, giving a speech, or closing a deal, and that all purposes when done for the right reasons serve God. I realize that I am serving God in doing all that I do - taking care of Dad, doing fundraising at work, or even just being a mom.
I needed to hear that. I needed to hear that today.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
My faith and FAMILY
So I've been concentrating on my Faith. On Sunday I handed over the treasurer's books. It may seem strange that concentrating on my Faith involves getting RID of responsibilities at church. But I was feeling that church had become a job, not a spiritual center for me, and I NEED that spiritual center. At 1pm Sunday a huge burden was lifted off my back, and the freedom I feel is unbelievable.
I have spent time before bed in devotion. Nothing fancy, just reading a bit, going to bed with Christ in my thoughts rather than all the things going on in my life. It takes 7 weeks to make something become a habit... so we'll see.
The next thing I need to focus on is my FAMILY.
I've done a lot in the past two years to focus on my family. My core - Ken and the kids - that is. I've realized that I have only two years before Allie is off to college. And that is a scary yet exciting thing to realize. I'm so excited for her to be growing into the amazing young woman she is, but on the other hand, I can't imagine life every day without her in it. It's a double edged sword. So I want to create more time with both kids and with Ken. Time is priceless. It is immeasurable.
I have spent time before bed in devotion. Nothing fancy, just reading a bit, going to bed with Christ in my thoughts rather than all the things going on in my life. It takes 7 weeks to make something become a habit... so we'll see.
The next thing I need to focus on is my FAMILY.
I've done a lot in the past two years to focus on my family. My core - Ken and the kids - that is. I've realized that I have only two years before Allie is off to college. And that is a scary yet exciting thing to realize. I'm so excited for her to be growing into the amazing young woman she is, but on the other hand, I can't imagine life every day without her in it. It's a double edged sword. So I want to create more time with both kids and with Ken. Time is priceless. It is immeasurable.
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