Last week of summer hours here, so the office is quiet - except for those of us on "coverage". I have a great agenda for the afternoon, hoping to get some things organized and even completed before leaving. I need a good, productive week next week, and I think an afternoon of doing research, putting things in order, will help tremendously.
We've entered the ever hectic life of the school year. Football has begun, practices 2 nights a week, games on Saturdays. Volleyball has begun, practice and/or games every night. School starts on Tuesday - which means HOMEWORK starts on Tuesday.
Along with school comes working the consession stand, fundraisers, parties, and all that jazz. First varsity football game is tonight, which is always fun. We travel to all the games if possible. Even though DS is only 11. It's great to watch, and social too. Time for us parents to reconnect after the summer too.
Sept and Oct are crazy busy - with only 2 weekends between the two months that aren't booked. I hate that aspect of my life. But unfortunately that's who I am. I need to work on that. But FUN things to look forward to. 5 days in the northwoods with my hubby and the harley. A weekend of fun at our best friends house in the southern part of the state. Scrapbooking with friends from NE. Mama Mia on stage in Milwaukee. All good things. All great things. I really can't wait! But I do love those weekends at home, with nothing to do. And unfortunately, they are far and few between these days! Maybe November.....
Friday, August 29, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Monday already?
The weekend felt SO short. We were camping, but near our home because DS had football scrimmages on Saturday. So after practice on Friday - 7:30 - we headed to the campground. Spent much of Saturday at football - 7:30-2:00, then camped the rest of the weekend. Lots of good talk, laughing, and fun was had.
I spent Sunday trying to recoup the house, hanging out laundry, baking breads, just enjoying an afternoon at home. DH was working, DD was gone with friends, so the DS and I just hung at the house. I swear I should have lived in the 50s. I love days like that - cleaning, washing laundry and hanging it out on the line, baking, making dinner for the family. I love being domestic. (Kind of a sickness).
Honestly, that is the ONLY drawback to having a career. I don't get enough time to just take care of the house...
Well, back to career lady. Two more weeks of 50 hour weeks, and I'm BACK TO NORMAL. I can't wait.
I spent Sunday trying to recoup the house, hanging out laundry, baking breads, just enjoying an afternoon at home. DH was working, DD was gone with friends, so the DS and I just hung at the house. I swear I should have lived in the 50s. I love days like that - cleaning, washing laundry and hanging it out on the line, baking, making dinner for the family. I love being domestic. (Kind of a sickness).
Honestly, that is the ONLY drawback to having a career. I don't get enough time to just take care of the house...
Well, back to career lady. Two more weeks of 50 hour weeks, and I'm BACK TO NORMAL. I can't wait.
Friday, August 22, 2008
an honor
So today I received a letter of congratulations for being accepted into a leadership program in the town where I work. It will be a LOT of work, but also an amazing journey of personal growth, representing my company in the community, and DOING things for the community. I'm ridiculously honored and humbled to be accepted.
WOO HOO for me~
WOO HOO for me~
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
the meeting...
So I had the big meeting with HR yesterday. I took my entire personal folder - with all past reviews, letters, emails, everything. She will review it. We will meet again. I have nothing to report from the meeting, except that she said she's never heard anything but praise. That's good I guess. But it doesn't mean I'll get anywhere with it either.
the saga continues.
the saga continues.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
pondering society
Sunday at church, one of the ladies had her beautiful granddaughter with her. Haven't seen the little girl since Christmas, when she was only a couple weeks old, and it was a joy to see her. She sang along with the hymns, smiling at everyone.
It reminded me of a saying I saw on a building in Omaha - the birth of every baby is a sign that God is not yet done with us.
I have always loved that saying, and think it each time a baby is born. But especially with this little girl.
This little girl has two dads. Her dads, committed to each other, adopted her. She has the most amazing, loving family you could imagine. A wonderful fate. Or is it?
I have two couple friends who are in same-sex relationships, that have adopted. And in both cases, they are the most amazing families. They have SO much love and committment, it's both a Blessing and a lesson. We should ALL be that devoted.
What frustrates me, is that though both of these beautiful, and amazing little girls, have fantastic families, and will never want for any affection, love, help, or whatever they may need in life, society is not ready for them. And will this adversely affect them?
I am a strong Christian, and I know that there are Biblical passages against same-sex marriage, or at least in interpretation. There are many Christians who are VERY vocal against it. I just am not one of them. I see the love that these two families have, and cannot for the life of me think that God is upset with them. Jesus preached agape love. He didn't judge, not the Canaanite woman who needed help for her daughter, not anyone. So how can we, as Christians, judge anyone?
It really upsets me that in a society filled with hate, crime, violence, war, and all the other bad, we don't realize the need to break down the walls. The walls should be between good and bad, not between different sexual orientations, or different religious beliefs, or different skin colors, or... If we spent half of the energy wasted on discussing, protesting, or fighting about those types of differences on creating unions, and helping people in need, what a great world this would be. If we spent more time worrying about and taking care of others BEFORE ourselves, think of what we could do.
I often wonder if we are nearing the end of the world. Not in a defeatest mentality, but in the fact that the true good in people, the love between DIFFERENT people, is missing. It saddens and scares me that hating others is so easy for so many, but helping and caring for others is something people "don't have time for". Our world is in a downward spiral. And until we get back on track, focusing on what is truly important - love, family, caring for others - it's not going to change.
Why should two beautiful girls, being raised by loving parents, EVER have to worry about being judged. But I have a gut feeling they will. AND THAT IS WRONG.
It reminded me of a saying I saw on a building in Omaha - the birth of every baby is a sign that God is not yet done with us.
I have always loved that saying, and think it each time a baby is born. But especially with this little girl.
This little girl has two dads. Her dads, committed to each other, adopted her. She has the most amazing, loving family you could imagine. A wonderful fate. Or is it?
I have two couple friends who are in same-sex relationships, that have adopted. And in both cases, they are the most amazing families. They have SO much love and committment, it's both a Blessing and a lesson. We should ALL be that devoted.
What frustrates me, is that though both of these beautiful, and amazing little girls, have fantastic families, and will never want for any affection, love, help, or whatever they may need in life, society is not ready for them. And will this adversely affect them?
I am a strong Christian, and I know that there are Biblical passages against same-sex marriage, or at least in interpretation. There are many Christians who are VERY vocal against it. I just am not one of them. I see the love that these two families have, and cannot for the life of me think that God is upset with them. Jesus preached agape love. He didn't judge, not the Canaanite woman who needed help for her daughter, not anyone. So how can we, as Christians, judge anyone?
It really upsets me that in a society filled with hate, crime, violence, war, and all the other bad, we don't realize the need to break down the walls. The walls should be between good and bad, not between different sexual orientations, or different religious beliefs, or different skin colors, or... If we spent half of the energy wasted on discussing, protesting, or fighting about those types of differences on creating unions, and helping people in need, what a great world this would be. If we spent more time worrying about and taking care of others BEFORE ourselves, think of what we could do.
I often wonder if we are nearing the end of the world. Not in a defeatest mentality, but in the fact that the true good in people, the love between DIFFERENT people, is missing. It saddens and scares me that hating others is so easy for so many, but helping and caring for others is something people "don't have time for". Our world is in a downward spiral. And until we get back on track, focusing on what is truly important - love, family, caring for others - it's not going to change.
Why should two beautiful girls, being raised by loving parents, EVER have to worry about being judged. But I have a gut feeling they will. AND THAT IS WRONG.
signs...
Is the universe full of signs? And do we just not take time to see them?
I have always been a strong believer in signs. Everything happens for a reason. So I ask, what is God, or the universe, trying to tell me today?
I slept in a few minutes - not a lot - was on the road just in time. About 4 miles down the road, I realized I'd taken the wrong route to work. A wrong decision that would take me about 5 miles out of my way, now making me about 5 minutes late.
I left the facility to return to my office this morning, and stopped to get a coffee. In leaving the store, I decided for no reason to take the back driveway out, only to find myself blocked by construction. So I took a left, going one more block, to find THAT road closed as well. So I took another left, now 3 blocks out of my way, and wasting more and more time.
I have to think that God is telling me something. Maybe I needed to be held up to avoid some potential situation. Maybe my guardian angel saw something ahead, and I needed to go a different way.
I have the big meeting today - with HR. I hope that these signs aren't preparing me for a rough meeting. I guess time will tell.
I have always been a strong believer in signs. Everything happens for a reason. So I ask, what is God, or the universe, trying to tell me today?
I slept in a few minutes - not a lot - was on the road just in time. About 4 miles down the road, I realized I'd taken the wrong route to work. A wrong decision that would take me about 5 miles out of my way, now making me about 5 minutes late.
I left the facility to return to my office this morning, and stopped to get a coffee. In leaving the store, I decided for no reason to take the back driveway out, only to find myself blocked by construction. So I took a left, going one more block, to find THAT road closed as well. So I took another left, now 3 blocks out of my way, and wasting more and more time.
I have to think that God is telling me something. Maybe I needed to be held up to avoid some potential situation. Maybe my guardian angel saw something ahead, and I needed to go a different way.
I have the big meeting today - with HR. I hope that these signs aren't preparing me for a rough meeting. I guess time will tell.
Monday, August 18, 2008
a new week
Last week was tough. 55 hours at work. Busy every night with football. DH on graveyard, so no help at all. I am exhausted. Unfortunately it took my entire weekend to get my house back in order- - scrubbing the bathroom, cleaning off the kitchen cupboards. Did get a little organizing done, but not nearly what I was planning! I have a big garage sale coming up and I'm in the THROW it mode, so it's time to dig in! Funny how freeing that can be!
Had some blood tests done today - follow up of a research program I started when I was TWELVE. I have no problem answering some lifestyle questions, having measurements and stats taken, even giving up my blood. BUT I COULDN'T HAVE ANY COFFEE UNTIL THE TESTS WERE OVER. That is where I draw the line. I didn't have my first cup until noon! That is unnecessary, and inhumane. HAD I KNOWN, I would have made an earlier appt! :-)
But it's all in the name on research, and for that, I'm happy to help. Hopefully they gain lots of good info - it's been 26 years since the first screening!
Well, time to get back to work. Dig in. Lots of things on my plate these days - no time to waste. Maybe I'll drink enough coffee that I'll sort and toss well into the night...................
Had some blood tests done today - follow up of a research program I started when I was TWELVE. I have no problem answering some lifestyle questions, having measurements and stats taken, even giving up my blood. BUT I COULDN'T HAVE ANY COFFEE UNTIL THE TESTS WERE OVER. That is where I draw the line. I didn't have my first cup until noon! That is unnecessary, and inhumane. HAD I KNOWN, I would have made an earlier appt! :-)
But it's all in the name on research, and for that, I'm happy to help. Hopefully they gain lots of good info - it's been 26 years since the first screening!
Well, time to get back to work. Dig in. Lots of things on my plate these days - no time to waste. Maybe I'll drink enough coffee that I'll sort and toss well into the night...................
Friday, August 15, 2008
taking a step!
ok, a baby step.
But I've made an appt with Human Resources at work to create my career path. I've done enough whining - it's time to take it into my own hands.
But I've made an appt with Human Resources at work to create my career path. I've done enough whining - it's time to take it into my own hands.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
wind from my sales...
My horoscope today alluded to the following:
You need to know when to keep pushing yourself to do more, and when to walk away.
I have been pushing myself to the edge for 15 years for the company I work for. Constantly taking on more responsibilities, pushing my limits, and I think, doing a great job. I've been praised constantly for it.
But today - another woman, my same age, was promoted for the second time - while I am still in the same title I was 15 years ago. What am I doing wrong?
I think it's time to just walk away.
You need to know when to keep pushing yourself to do more, and when to walk away.
I have been pushing myself to the edge for 15 years for the company I work for. Constantly taking on more responsibilities, pushing my limits, and I think, doing a great job. I've been praised constantly for it.
But today - another woman, my same age, was promoted for the second time - while I am still in the same title I was 15 years ago. What am I doing wrong?
I think it's time to just walk away.
stress
I have realized that this blog replaced venting to my BF when she moved away. I worked with her every day - and was able to vent, let things go, and move on. But now she works for our competition, so I can't say ANYTHING to her about ANY part of my job, and that sucks!
I work in a dept that services almost the entire company - in different ways. I think my greatest stress comes from the fact that all of these departments don't realize that I DO service the rest of the company. In any given day, I will get a dozen email requests for information - some simple, taking less than an hour, but others require hours of research. And answering these requests is really just a "side job" of my position. My real job is much more intense. So getting these little "requests" just adds additional stress to an already stressful position!
UGH!
whew. thanks for letting me vent!
I work in a dept that services almost the entire company - in different ways. I think my greatest stress comes from the fact that all of these departments don't realize that I DO service the rest of the company. In any given day, I will get a dozen email requests for information - some simple, taking less than an hour, but others require hours of research. And answering these requests is really just a "side job" of my position. My real job is much more intense. So getting these little "requests" just adds additional stress to an already stressful position!
UGH!
whew. thanks for letting me vent!
vacation
So the family spent four days last week on vacation. I cannot express how much it means to me to have so much fun just hanging out with my DH and kids. Some of my favorite moments...
- the kids hanging out in the hammock TOGETHER horsing around
- sitting by the fire with DH
- getting a hole in one at putt putt
- playing goofy arcade games with DS
- realizing at the same moment as DD that the "boutique" we were in was a wee bit beyond our means, and exiting quickly
- playing in the sand of Lake Michigan
- sitting outside watching a movie at the drive in with DD - counting the shooting stars - we saw NINE!
It was just so awesome to have no agenda, but just do fun things for a few days. DD will be out of the house in two years, and its moments like these that I will cherish my whole life.
Monday, August 11, 2008
home at last..
Wow, the last three weeks have been a whirlwind. The last week the busiest of them all. After a wonderful weekend getaway with my DH, we took the kids to Door County, a beautiful little piece of Wisconsin, to go camping for four days. Needless to say, I'm wiped.
I am continuing to enjoy my reconnection with several friends from our class reunion. Seriously reconnect. Emailing, chatting, and planning some get-togethers. What an awesome thing this has become. We had some amazing friends back then - and now!
Having not really been home for the last two weeks, I have a lot to catch up on this week. Need to get back into my FLYlady routine - get the house (and my life) back on schedule. I NEED ROUTINE.
DS has his first ever football practice tonight. He's pretty excited. Dad's pretty excited. Heck, I'M pretty excited. I'm a big football fan, so this is something I've wanted to see my entire life. My DS playing. WOO HOO. Hope he likes it!
We are nearing the time to put my dad in a nursing home. I went to see him at lunch, having been gone for 5 days. It wasn't one of his better days. Definitely not. So I know that the home is the right place for him, but that doesn't make it any eaiser...
I realized that once dad is in the home, and the house is sold, I will have nothing to do at lunch. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I don't live in the town I work in. So every day for the last 16 years, I've gone to my parents house at lunch when I didn't have other plans. On average, four times a week. What am I going to do on my lunch hours once the house is sold? I really don't want to start working through lunch. I don't want to get in the habit of shopping every day at lunch either. I'm thinking I'll take my lunches at the library - - - read my books.
Weird, to all of a sudden be faced with this reality. My daily life will be more affected by this move than any of my siblings - who don't live here. For them, it means visiting dad somewhere else. They lost that attachment to the homestead years ago. I don't know if I'm ready to do that...
I am continuing to enjoy my reconnection with several friends from our class reunion. Seriously reconnect. Emailing, chatting, and planning some get-togethers. What an awesome thing this has become. We had some amazing friends back then - and now!
Having not really been home for the last two weeks, I have a lot to catch up on this week. Need to get back into my FLYlady routine - get the house (and my life) back on schedule. I NEED ROUTINE.
DS has his first ever football practice tonight. He's pretty excited. Dad's pretty excited. Heck, I'M pretty excited. I'm a big football fan, so this is something I've wanted to see my entire life. My DS playing. WOO HOO. Hope he likes it!
We are nearing the time to put my dad in a nursing home. I went to see him at lunch, having been gone for 5 days. It wasn't one of his better days. Definitely not. So I know that the home is the right place for him, but that doesn't make it any eaiser...
I realized that once dad is in the home, and the house is sold, I will have nothing to do at lunch. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I don't live in the town I work in. So every day for the last 16 years, I've gone to my parents house at lunch when I didn't have other plans. On average, four times a week. What am I going to do on my lunch hours once the house is sold? I really don't want to start working through lunch. I don't want to get in the habit of shopping every day at lunch either. I'm thinking I'll take my lunches at the library - - - read my books.
Weird, to all of a sudden be faced with this reality. My daily life will be more affected by this move than any of my siblings - who don't live here. For them, it means visiting dad somewhere else. They lost that attachment to the homestead years ago. I don't know if I'm ready to do that...
Monday, August 4, 2008
on being a grown up
Being a grown up sucks. Two years ago I had to issue DNR orders to allow my mom to die. Today I had to have my dad sign papers to enter the King Veterans Home. Days like these are SO hard. I'm only 38. Having to deal with aging parents has been so much harder than I ever imagined. Mix that in with taking care of a teenager and a son, and it's so taxing.
Dad is ready to leave the house, but not to enter a home. It is so hard to try to explain. He just doesn't remember or understand things. Some days he doesn't realize Mom is gone and it's been two years.
I realized that now that the papers are signed, and he has his doctor appt in early September, that he could be in the home by mid-sept. I realize now how much I'm going to miss taking care of him. While it's so much mental strain and work, I have come to enjoy my lunches over there. They've become a way of life.
Dad's only going to be an hour away, but I know that it will be much further between visits. I've said from the beginning that I worry that my visits will become so much fewer. Taking care of him has insured my time with him.
While days are hard - especially having to relive mom's last days to help him remember - they've also been fun. It's great listening to his stories. It's fun when he cracks a joke. We discuss world events, and family. I go over every detail of my vacations with him - as he lives through me.
I guess today I realized just how much of a Blessing the last years (16) have been - coming back here to take care of both Mom and Dad. I wouldn't trade them in for the world. Many (including some family) looked down on me for moving back - feel I've not lived to my potential. I realize now my greatest potential was in the last 16 years. What a gift.
Dad is ready to leave the house, but not to enter a home. It is so hard to try to explain. He just doesn't remember or understand things. Some days he doesn't realize Mom is gone and it's been two years.
I realized that now that the papers are signed, and he has his doctor appt in early September, that he could be in the home by mid-sept. I realize now how much I'm going to miss taking care of him. While it's so much mental strain and work, I have come to enjoy my lunches over there. They've become a way of life.
Dad's only going to be an hour away, but I know that it will be much further between visits. I've said from the beginning that I worry that my visits will become so much fewer. Taking care of him has insured my time with him.
While days are hard - especially having to relive mom's last days to help him remember - they've also been fun. It's great listening to his stories. It's fun when he cracks a joke. We discuss world events, and family. I go over every detail of my vacations with him - as he lives through me.
I guess today I realized just how much of a Blessing the last years (16) have been - coming back here to take care of both Mom and Dad. I wouldn't trade them in for the world. Many (including some family) looked down on me for moving back - feel I've not lived to my potential. I realize now my greatest potential was in the last 16 years. What a gift.
Another monday!
Trying to recoup after an amazing long weekend with the DH. He swept me off on the Harley for a three day get away - up around the northern tip of Lake Michigan, down into lower Michigan - for an amazing Kid Rock concert - outside, on the side of the hill. Very "woodstock" if you will. We rode the bike (only a true fan rides 800 miles on a Harley to go to an outdoor concert), and had a fantastic time. (Although today I'm walking a little bow legged!)
Weekends like this really refresh a person. Getting away from the kids - from the responsibilities at home. It was long overdue and needed. Only downside is packing for the two of us for three days on a cycle... I got might sick of those jeans!
Cking the blog today - I'm really surprised at how many readers I have. I hope I'm not disappointing anyone! One of my short term goals is to start added more pix. Just haven't had time to download any from the summer. And I have lots....
Another short week - only working two days - then off to Door County with the family. So I'll have two LONG days, but knowing it's a short week makes it all worth it!
Weekends like this really refresh a person. Getting away from the kids - from the responsibilities at home. It was long overdue and needed. Only downside is packing for the two of us for three days on a cycle... I got might sick of those jeans!
Cking the blog today - I'm really surprised at how many readers I have. I hope I'm not disappointing anyone! One of my short term goals is to start added more pix. Just haven't had time to download any from the summer. And I have lots....
Another short week - only working two days - then off to Door County with the family. So I'll have two LONG days, but knowing it's a short week makes it all worth it!
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