Yesterday about 11:00 am, I received a telephone call from one of my friends asking if I wanted to go see Sex and the City with her and another friend. Always game for a night out, I negotiated with Larry to watch the kids and started a flurry of texting to our other two friends asking them.
Before I comment on the movie, can I just say how happy I am with our life right now? When Larry and I first moved to Florida together, we had a group of 4 couples that hung out together and had a lot of fun. Two of the couples moved and the remaining one we just don't see that often and Larry and I were sad. About 5 years went by before we really connected with anyone else. Lately though, through various work stuff and my scrapbooking group, we have once again gathered a group of 4 couples. All of us have kids of varying ages and we all get along really well. Our house has become the meeting place and almost every Saturday night, the eight of us plus kids will grill or order out and have a grand old time.
The three wives and a couple others were with me last night for the movie. It was just really nice and I hope the first of many girl's nights we get to have.
As far as the movie goes, if you are a fan of the show, go see the movie! Yes, it was a bit of an extended episode, but really, what would you expect? The dynamics though between the four characters are just so great and they stick together like girlfriends should. The 2 hours and 15 minutes didn't drag at all and there were many tears and laughter throughout. Two cosmo glasses up for me!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
What's this Thing Called?
Oh, hello there. Excuse the dust. I really need to vacuum and air this place out. You see, I have been infected with the snot virus and it refuses to go away. This congestion has effectively rendered me pretty much useless as far as extra-curricular activities go, including this here little blog. I drudge through work only to plop down on the couch as soon as I get home. I finally started feeling somewhat better this weekend, but the round of antibiotics left my stomach a wee bit irritated at me, so I'm not only dealing with a stuffy head, but an angry rear as well.
See, too much information. My filter is off.
Anyway, maybe one day in the near future I will be able to form a coherent sentence again without needing a nap. One day . . .
See, too much information. My filter is off.
Anyway, maybe one day in the near future I will be able to form a coherent sentence again without needing a nap. One day . . .
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Marco Polo
Forgive my lack of posting. I have been fighting a sinus infection for a month and I finally got some antibiotics on Tuesday. I am still really congested and exhausted. So instead, a video for you.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
6 Word Sentence
My oldest and dearest friend, Tamara tagged me to write a 6 word sentence that encompasses my life, so here goes: Life will always work out, eventually.
I find that no matter how broke I think we are, how irritated I am with my family, or how lousy things are in my life (and really, they are never that bad), change comes and we continue on our merry way.
Por ejemplo(also for Tamara), the car that wrecked our hedge? We will be receiving some money from the car's insurance carrier for our damages. This weekend, our AC died. So instead of going back with 10 foot hedges, we are going to get something smaller and use the extra money for a new AC. See how that all worked out.
Here's another one. Larry has been bugging me to buy a boat for years. We don't need a boat. I know that. We have nowhere to store it and they are expensive. Larry knows it too, but he wants one anyway. Sunday, we went out with some friends who just bought a new boat. We had great fun, but after Larry helped him clean the boat for an hour afterwards, he said, "maybe we don't need a boat." And the clouds parted as sunlight fell on my head.
I could go on and on, but that's the gist of it.
Just keep on keeping on.
I find that no matter how broke I think we are, how irritated I am with my family, or how lousy things are in my life (and really, they are never that bad), change comes and we continue on our merry way.
Por ejemplo(also for Tamara), the car that wrecked our hedge? We will be receiving some money from the car's insurance carrier for our damages. This weekend, our AC died. So instead of going back with 10 foot hedges, we are going to get something smaller and use the extra money for a new AC. See how that all worked out.
Here's another one. Larry has been bugging me to buy a boat for years. We don't need a boat. I know that. We have nowhere to store it and they are expensive. Larry knows it too, but he wants one anyway. Sunday, we went out with some friends who just bought a new boat. We had great fun, but after Larry helped him clean the boat for an hour afterwards, he said, "maybe we don't need a boat." And the clouds parted as sunlight fell on my head.
I could go on and on, but that's the gist of it.
Just keep on keeping on.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Happy Birthday, Peyton
My baby turned 6 yesterday. 6!! It just seems so old. I took white frosted cupcakes up the school with the little tubes of frosting, so the kids could decorate them. Then Peyton and I went to see Speed Racer. (The races and graphics were cool. The dialogue, not so much. I would rent so you can fast forward.) Tomorrow, we are having some friends over for a pool party.
Happy Birthday, baby!
Happy Birthday, baby!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Labor Day in May
Our company had Labor Day in May. A Nationwide effort to help out in our communities, and a day "off" work. Here's the write up I wrote for the company blog.
When the Powers that Be announced Labor Day in May, the Coral Springs office immediately decided they wanted to contribute to a region specific cause. Cleaning the beach would have been an easy option (looking at you, Boston!); however, we opted for a more challenging and very sweaty endeavor: The Everglades Restoration Movement.
The crew, bright and early, before the 90 degree heat and 1000 percent humidity set in. From left to right: Breann, Denise, Cindy, Tyler (Jim’s son), Larry, Erika, Rob and David.
The Melaleuca Tree was introduced to the Florida Everglades over 50 years ago to dry out the land for the progress of civilization. Little did our Floridian ancestors know, they were also sucking up a major source of water and the Melaleuca took over hundreds of thousands of acres. The Melaleuca virtually eliminated the natural vegetation.
This is Breann and Rob. We were given machetes (!!) and herbicide. The trees were cut at the base and then sprayed with the herbicide to inhibit further growth.
The trees were then hauled to a central location and piled. Each tree can release hundreds of spores which make more trees. The Melaleuca are better at producing than rabbits.
This is what happens when you take one too many breaks. Off with her head!
We were out in the boondocks, folks and lucky to have gotten back. See what happened to the last group?
Jim’s son, Tyler, is a freshman in high school and about 10 feet tall. He’s also pretty good at welding a machete and mastered the art of chopping the Melaleuca with a single blow.
We went through 40 bottles of water and gatorade, 10 bottles or so of herbicide and about a bucket full of sweat.
The Coral Springs crew made at least five piles of trees this size and a ton of smaller ones throughout the glades.
Larry, Cindy and Denise taking a much needed break.
Larry. There’s not much else I can say about that.
Oh yeah, we’re getting dirty now. Next year, we are doing Labor Day in May in January.
The trees and the debris and the hauling and the cutting was never ending. We would clear out a section, look to the left and see more trees, look to the right, even more trees, behind us, yep MORE TREES!
This is why Denise is our best Liability adjuster. Watch out!
Where’s David?
There was no distinction between the men and the women out in the glades. We were all busting tail!
Sawgrass is nothing to mess with. All of our arms were cut up, David lost the sole of his shoe, Tyler had a larva stuck to his back and I saw two stick bugs mating. On my arm!
Oh, and there was the Red Rat Snake our guide caught.
Dirty David.
Afterwards, we were still smiling, just a little grungier. Hey, it’s nothing a beer can’t fix.
When the Powers that Be announced Labor Day in May, the Coral Springs office immediately decided they wanted to contribute to a region specific cause. Cleaning the beach would have been an easy option (looking at you, Boston!); however, we opted for a more challenging and very sweaty endeavor: The Everglades Restoration Movement.
The crew, bright and early, before the 90 degree heat and 1000 percent humidity set in. From left to right: Breann, Denise, Cindy, Tyler (Jim’s son), Larry, Erika, Rob and David.
The Melaleuca Tree was introduced to the Florida Everglades over 50 years ago to dry out the land for the progress of civilization. Little did our Floridian ancestors know, they were also sucking up a major source of water and the Melaleuca took over hundreds of thousands of acres. The Melaleuca virtually eliminated the natural vegetation.
This is Breann and Rob. We were given machetes (!!) and herbicide. The trees were cut at the base and then sprayed with the herbicide to inhibit further growth.
The trees were then hauled to a central location and piled. Each tree can release hundreds of spores which make more trees. The Melaleuca are better at producing than rabbits.
This is what happens when you take one too many breaks. Off with her head!
We were out in the boondocks, folks and lucky to have gotten back. See what happened to the last group?
Jim’s son, Tyler, is a freshman in high school and about 10 feet tall. He’s also pretty good at welding a machete and mastered the art of chopping the Melaleuca with a single blow.
We went through 40 bottles of water and gatorade, 10 bottles or so of herbicide and about a bucket full of sweat.
The Coral Springs crew made at least five piles of trees this size and a ton of smaller ones throughout the glades.
Larry, Cindy and Denise taking a much needed break.
Larry. There’s not much else I can say about that.
Oh yeah, we’re getting dirty now. Next year, we are doing Labor Day in May in January.
The trees and the debris and the hauling and the cutting was never ending. We would clear out a section, look to the left and see more trees, look to the right, even more trees, behind us, yep MORE TREES!
This is why Denise is our best Liability adjuster. Watch out!
Where’s David?
There was no distinction between the men and the women out in the glades. We were all busting tail!
Sawgrass is nothing to mess with. All of our arms were cut up, David lost the sole of his shoe, Tyler had a larva stuck to his back and I saw two stick bugs mating. On my arm!
Oh, and there was the Red Rat Snake our guide caught.
Dirty David.
Afterwards, we were still smiling, just a little grungier. Hey, it’s nothing a beer can’t fix.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Crash, Boom, Bah
Larry, the kids and I spend Saturday night at a friend's condo only to come home Sunday morning to this.
Further inspection revealed, (that is such a phrase I use in work reports all the time) that a car with four drunken teenagers careened through about 40 feet of our eight foot hedge.
We learned through the neighbors that our cul-de-sac was full of cop and fire rescue vehicles and there were about 15-20 personnel in our yard. The kids tried to run from the accident, but being woozy and drunk, they were caught pretty quickly. Did you know if you get into a drunken accident if you are not in the car when the police arrive, they can't really charge you because they can't prove you were driving?
Thankfully, all four of the kids involved are ok, well, at least until their parents get a hold of them. (Hopefully) We are filing a claim through the driver's auto policy. Wheee! If it's not one thing, it's another.
Further inspection revealed, (that is such a phrase I use in work reports all the time) that a car with four drunken teenagers careened through about 40 feet of our eight foot hedge.
We learned through the neighbors that our cul-de-sac was full of cop and fire rescue vehicles and there were about 15-20 personnel in our yard. The kids tried to run from the accident, but being woozy and drunk, they were caught pretty quickly. Did you know if you get into a drunken accident if you are not in the car when the police arrive, they can't really charge you because they can't prove you were driving?
Thankfully, all four of the kids involved are ok, well, at least until their parents get a hold of them. (Hopefully) We are filing a claim through the driver's auto policy. Wheee! If it's not one thing, it's another.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Updates Galore
Now that I have dragged myself up from the dregs of sickness hell, I can provide updates for the recent events around here. I know you have all been on the edge of your seats.
First off, I spoke with Jim this morning and he sounded good albeit tired and still in a lot of pain. His blood levels are doing good and his kidneys seem to be picking up again, so they have quit dialysis for now. They have started physical therapy on his upper body and leg. The past couple of days, they have had him out of bed and sitting in a chair in his room. He still can't put any weight on the damaged leg, but is hopeful that by next week they will have him out of ICU and in the rehab hospital.
He is a bit overwhelmed at the outpouring of love and help that has come his and his families way since all this started. He truly is a wonderful man and friend. I couldn't ask for a better boss. Thank you again for all your continued prayers.
Next, I finally met with the principal today at Peyton's school and I think it went really well. He listened to my concerns, read the letter Ms G wrote and agreed with a lot of my issues. We also talked about Peyton and the type of personality he has. The Principal brought up Peyton's placement for next year before I did and told me he would make note to make sure he was placed with someone with the experience to work with a child like Peyton. He told me he would speak with the teacher and let me know how it went and if there were any concerns regarding Peyton's progress.
Yesterday when I was looking through Peyton's backpack I saw his reading list and the teacher's name was now Ms. G. When I asked Peyton about it, he told me they had dropped his reading level. In the course of the year, he has gone from the third level, up to the fourth level, back to the third level and now dropped to the second level. I'm not thrilled with Ms. G being is reading teacher as well now, especially with her grammatical issues and her appearant inability to provide Peyton with the structure he needs. I'm worried that Peyton's high frustration level and impatience is starting to affect his schoolwork and learning already.
I'm wondering if I should make an appointment with his pediatrician to have him tested? I wonder if it is an attention problem, or just an impulse problem? Is that the same? Anyway, all you gals with older children and my teacher friends, let me know what you think.
First off, I spoke with Jim this morning and he sounded good albeit tired and still in a lot of pain. His blood levels are doing good and his kidneys seem to be picking up again, so they have quit dialysis for now. They have started physical therapy on his upper body and leg. The past couple of days, they have had him out of bed and sitting in a chair in his room. He still can't put any weight on the damaged leg, but is hopeful that by next week they will have him out of ICU and in the rehab hospital.
He is a bit overwhelmed at the outpouring of love and help that has come his and his families way since all this started. He truly is a wonderful man and friend. I couldn't ask for a better boss. Thank you again for all your continued prayers.
Next, I finally met with the principal today at Peyton's school and I think it went really well. He listened to my concerns, read the letter Ms G wrote and agreed with a lot of my issues. We also talked about Peyton and the type of personality he has. The Principal brought up Peyton's placement for next year before I did and told me he would make note to make sure he was placed with someone with the experience to work with a child like Peyton. He told me he would speak with the teacher and let me know how it went and if there were any concerns regarding Peyton's progress.
Yesterday when I was looking through Peyton's backpack I saw his reading list and the teacher's name was now Ms. G. When I asked Peyton about it, he told me they had dropped his reading level. In the course of the year, he has gone from the third level, up to the fourth level, back to the third level and now dropped to the second level. I'm not thrilled with Ms. G being is reading teacher as well now, especially with her grammatical issues and her appearant inability to provide Peyton with the structure he needs. I'm worried that Peyton's high frustration level and impatience is starting to affect his schoolwork and learning already.
I'm wondering if I should make an appointment with his pediatrician to have him tested? I wonder if it is an attention problem, or just an impulse problem? Is that the same? Anyway, all you gals with older children and my teacher friends, let me know what you think.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
First Year Poopy Head
I'm sure I have written this before, but let's be clear, shall we? Peyton's kindergarten teacher is a brand new, straight out of school, no prior experience first year teacher. Her first ever kindergarten class is not so forgiving. There are several children that are a bit of a handful, Peyton included, but in the times I have helped out with parties and such, they aren't mean spirited children, just rambunctious.
That being said, Ms G has a little bitty voice to go with her small frame and does not command the respect or the attention of the kids at all. I also feel that Peyton was targeted from the beginning of the year as a "problem" child and now he doesn't catch any breaks. The parties I have helped with, he would sit on the carpet when asked and then when Ms G picked people to go to the different centers, he was often overlooked till the end.
Yesterday, Peyton tells Larry and me that his class is having a sleepover with their second grade buddies and Ms G told him he can't go. Do huh? So he hands us a letter and I wish I would have saved it to quote it verbatim, but I was so aggravated I threw it away last night.
The gist of the letter was we're having a slumber party, we (kindergarten teachers) feel that some of your children would not behave properly at a slumber party causing it to be unsafe for others and not allowing the children to sleep. If you didn't get a permission slip with this letter, then your child is one of these kids. If you speak with your child and they behave properly the rest of the week, then I may give them a permission slip.
Peyton did not get a permission slip.
You know, I am the LAST one to say that Peyton is perfect. I know he talks a lot. I know he gets frustrated easily. I know he likes to hit people on the butt to show affection, but I also know that he is not a vindictive child and if you keep him properly engaged as a kindergarten teacher should, he will do his work and be your biggest helper. Also, if they really feel he would be a problem, then ask me to chaperone. I just don't see how they can have a school event and exclude some of the kids.
You know what even bothers me the most about this whole thing? Every correspondence and newsletter, including this one, that I have received from this teacher has had at least one, if not more, grammatical errors. Larry was reading the permission slip letter out loud to me and even he stopped and said to me, "This doesn't make sense." If you are going to teach my child and have the nerve to complain about my child, then you damn well better express yourself in complete sentences.
I'm going to the school today to read with my fifth grader and I am going to find out who I need to speak with in order to ensure that Peyton has a teacher next year that properly handles their classroom and has a grasp on the English language.
That being said, Ms G has a little bitty voice to go with her small frame and does not command the respect or the attention of the kids at all. I also feel that Peyton was targeted from the beginning of the year as a "problem" child and now he doesn't catch any breaks. The parties I have helped with, he would sit on the carpet when asked and then when Ms G picked people to go to the different centers, he was often overlooked till the end.
Yesterday, Peyton tells Larry and me that his class is having a sleepover with their second grade buddies and Ms G told him he can't go. Do huh? So he hands us a letter and I wish I would have saved it to quote it verbatim, but I was so aggravated I threw it away last night.
The gist of the letter was we're having a slumber party, we (kindergarten teachers) feel that some of your children would not behave properly at a slumber party causing it to be unsafe for others and not allowing the children to sleep. If you didn't get a permission slip with this letter, then your child is one of these kids. If you speak with your child and they behave properly the rest of the week, then I may give them a permission slip.
Peyton did not get a permission slip.
You know, I am the LAST one to say that Peyton is perfect. I know he talks a lot. I know he gets frustrated easily. I know he likes to hit people on the butt to show affection, but I also know that he is not a vindictive child and if you keep him properly engaged as a kindergarten teacher should, he will do his work and be your biggest helper. Also, if they really feel he would be a problem, then ask me to chaperone. I just don't see how they can have a school event and exclude some of the kids.
You know what even bothers me the most about this whole thing? Every correspondence and newsletter, including this one, that I have received from this teacher has had at least one, if not more, grammatical errors. Larry was reading the permission slip letter out loud to me and even he stopped and said to me, "This doesn't make sense." If you are going to teach my child and have the nerve to complain about my child, then you damn well better express yourself in complete sentences.
I'm going to the school today to read with my fifth grader and I am going to find out who I need to speak with in order to ensure that Peyton has a teacher next year that properly handles their classroom and has a grasp on the English language.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Update -Part 2
I was going to head up to the hospital this afternoon, but Peyton was sick this weekend and Shey is snotty now, as well as I don't feel that great either, so it's probably best I don't go. I feel really bad about it though.
Jim is progressing well. They took him off the ventilator earlier this week. With that, they quit sedating him so he is awake more, but then he gets tired easier as well. They have been doing dialysis to help his kidneys out, but the doctors have said that this doesn't mean it will be a permanent thing, but rather there is so many toxins and fluid in his body that the kidneys just can't process it all.
I spoke with his girlfriend a little bit ago and they had brought a walked in for him to stand for a minute, so that is really good news. I even got to talk to him. He sounded really slow, but was appreciative of all the prayers. After we hung up, I cried.
I am so quick to distance myself from situations and people that are hurting so I stay neutral. I remember one time when I was still in Alabama and Larry had come into town to see me. We went with my parents to the lake and I was almost ignoring him. Mom made a comment about me doing the distancing thing then and I didn't even realize it. I'm there but I'm not at the same time.
It's hard though with this. Someone brought in a big (huge) teddy bear and it is sitting in Jim's office. Every time I see it, it hurts.
Please continue to pray for him. Pray that he continues to improve and pray that his attitude remains good. Pray for his daughter and son too. They lost their mom four years ago to cancer in the same hospital Jim's at now. I can't even imagine.
Jim is progressing well. They took him off the ventilator earlier this week. With that, they quit sedating him so he is awake more, but then he gets tired easier as well. They have been doing dialysis to help his kidneys out, but the doctors have said that this doesn't mean it will be a permanent thing, but rather there is so many toxins and fluid in his body that the kidneys just can't process it all.
I spoke with his girlfriend a little bit ago and they had brought a walked in for him to stand for a minute, so that is really good news. I even got to talk to him. He sounded really slow, but was appreciative of all the prayers. After we hung up, I cried.
I am so quick to distance myself from situations and people that are hurting so I stay neutral. I remember one time when I was still in Alabama and Larry had come into town to see me. We went with my parents to the lake and I was almost ignoring him. Mom made a comment about me doing the distancing thing then and I didn't even realize it. I'm there but I'm not at the same time.
It's hard though with this. Someone brought in a big (huge) teddy bear and it is sitting in Jim's office. Every time I see it, it hurts.
Please continue to pray for him. Pray that he continues to improve and pray that his attitude remains good. Pray for his daughter and son too. They lost their mom four years ago to cancer in the same hospital Jim's at now. I can't even imagine.
Friday, April 11, 2008
An Update
I've spent the last three days in the ICU waiting room and now Peyton is home sick, so I haven't been in the office at all.
Monday, my boss, Jim, went in to have his hip replaced. This was being done because in January, when he went in to have the right hip done, the doctor didn't account for the difference in the new hip and the hip he had replaced about 3 years ago, so his legs were about 3/4 of an inch off. (He's only 52)
So anyway, Jim decided that he would rather have the old hip redone because the technology has improved so much in the past few years. During the initial surgery on Monday, the doctor told his girlfriend, Linda, that they had to give him some extra blood, but the surgery went well and he was in recovery. A little while later, Jim started complaining that his stomach was bothering him and his blood pressure started fluctuating greatly.
They knew he was bleeding somewhere, but they didn't know where. They took him for a CAT scan, but it didn't show anything. Finally about 2:30 in the morning, they took him back in to surgery. They went in through his stomach and when they opened him up, his stomach cavity was full of blood. They also found that the artery in his leg, the one that brings the blood up from the leg back to the heart had about a four inch section missing out of it. The artery was so mangled that they couldn't repair it and instead tied it off to stop the bleeding.
They had to give him 20 units of blood, apparently, the body only contains 8-10 pints, so he was losing it rapidly. Later the vascular surgeon said that he shouldn't have survived and they had to bring him back a couple of times.
Due to that amount of blood they had to give him, his organs shut down and his body had to accept and process the extreme amount of fluids they were giving him. Thankfully, it appears most of his organs are fully functioning, with his kidneys lagging behind, but they are hopeful they will recoup as well.
The blood doctor is happy so far that his body is acclimating to the new blood and is starting to coagulate and act as it should. He is still heavily sedated, with a ventilator, but he knows we are there and is aware enough to look around at us and squeeze our hands or gesture with his.
For now, he is stable, and they are watching his leg very closely. The hope is that the other capillaries and veins will take over the circulation in his leg. Right now, they have two slits cut into his leg along the sides to aid in getting all the fluid out. His poor hands and feet are so swollen. Wednesday, his stomach was also really swollen, but it had gone down a lot yesterday.
We are thankful to God that he is still alive and I know it is because of all the hundreds of people praying for him, even those who don't know him. I thank you.
Monday, my boss, Jim, went in to have his hip replaced. This was being done because in January, when he went in to have the right hip done, the doctor didn't account for the difference in the new hip and the hip he had replaced about 3 years ago, so his legs were about 3/4 of an inch off. (He's only 52)
So anyway, Jim decided that he would rather have the old hip redone because the technology has improved so much in the past few years. During the initial surgery on Monday, the doctor told his girlfriend, Linda, that they had to give him some extra blood, but the surgery went well and he was in recovery. A little while later, Jim started complaining that his stomach was bothering him and his blood pressure started fluctuating greatly.
They knew he was bleeding somewhere, but they didn't know where. They took him for a CAT scan, but it didn't show anything. Finally about 2:30 in the morning, they took him back in to surgery. They went in through his stomach and when they opened him up, his stomach cavity was full of blood. They also found that the artery in his leg, the one that brings the blood up from the leg back to the heart had about a four inch section missing out of it. The artery was so mangled that they couldn't repair it and instead tied it off to stop the bleeding.
They had to give him 20 units of blood, apparently, the body only contains 8-10 pints, so he was losing it rapidly. Later the vascular surgeon said that he shouldn't have survived and they had to bring him back a couple of times.
Due to that amount of blood they had to give him, his organs shut down and his body had to accept and process the extreme amount of fluids they were giving him. Thankfully, it appears most of his organs are fully functioning, with his kidneys lagging behind, but they are hopeful they will recoup as well.
The blood doctor is happy so far that his body is acclimating to the new blood and is starting to coagulate and act as it should. He is still heavily sedated, with a ventilator, but he knows we are there and is aware enough to look around at us and squeeze our hands or gesture with his.
For now, he is stable, and they are watching his leg very closely. The hope is that the other capillaries and veins will take over the circulation in his leg. Right now, they have two slits cut into his leg along the sides to aid in getting all the fluid out. His poor hands and feet are so swollen. Wednesday, his stomach was also really swollen, but it had gone down a lot yesterday.
We are thankful to God that he is still alive and I know it is because of all the hundreds of people praying for him, even those who don't know him. I thank you.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
My Boss
Yesterday, my boss, Jim went in to have his hip replaced and the doctor nicked a large vein. He lost a lot of blood and is in ICU fighting for his life. Larry and I are about to leave to go to the hospital. He is my FLorida dad. Please, please add him to your prayer list.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Peyton
Last night Larry and I were eating a late dinner and the boys were sitting on the couch watching TV when Peyton turned around with the blanket around his head like a shawl and made a funny face. It struck how big he is and I had a momentary lapse of reason when I longed for a baby.
Peyton is such a unique child/person that I don't even know how to describe him. He seemed to go from baby to child. There really was no in between and we've always treated him older than he is because he gives that impression even though his actions are still that of someone his age. See, even that didn't make sense. Let's see, he's always been smart, but Shey has too, and Shey still acts like a baby, or has babyish ways about him at 3. Peyton never had these baby ways. Sometimes he is very affectionate, but other times, he holds back. Like when he does programs at school and such, he acts embarrassed already that we are there.
I think all this is why it is hard to parent him at times. Sometimes he is so very reasonable and willing to help, and other times he is just downright confrontational. It's always extremes with Peyton. The boy came out of the womb high maintenance.
I worry for him as he ages, his extremes and what they will mean.
Peyton is such a unique child/person that I don't even know how to describe him. He seemed to go from baby to child. There really was no in between and we've always treated him older than he is because he gives that impression even though his actions are still that of someone his age. See, even that didn't make sense. Let's see, he's always been smart, but Shey has too, and Shey still acts like a baby, or has babyish ways about him at 3. Peyton never had these baby ways. Sometimes he is very affectionate, but other times, he holds back. Like when he does programs at school and such, he acts embarrassed already that we are there.
I think all this is why it is hard to parent him at times. Sometimes he is so very reasonable and willing to help, and other times he is just downright confrontational. It's always extremes with Peyton. The boy came out of the womb high maintenance.
I worry for him as he ages, his extremes and what they will mean.
Friday, March 21, 2008
4x4 Meme
Anne tagged me to complete a meme and it's Friday, so I have agreed. Also, she has a wonderfully huge house for sale in Minnesota, if anyone is interested in moving there and freezing their tushes off.
4 jobs I have had (I'll try to offer new ones than last time): Gift wrapper at x-mas time, salesperson at an eel skin store (those were both with the same guy), Assistant to a lady selling health insurance out of her house (that one sucked big time!) and I worked for about a week, well long enough to do the training, at McRaes before they went out of business. I actually skipped town on the last one to come see Larry and called them to quit.
4 places I have been: Alaska, Mt. Rushmore, Bahamas, Yellowstone
4 shows I watch: Lost, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, Grey's Anatomy and The Office, oh and Biggest Loser Couples
4 foods that I like: I made these awesomely delish jalepeno, cream cheese and bacon apps from a recipe from The Pioneer Woman last night and they were YUMMY. I like hummus, hamburgers and fish as well.
Yay for Friday! Happy Easter everyone.
4 jobs I have had (I'll try to offer new ones than last time): Gift wrapper at x-mas time, salesperson at an eel skin store (those were both with the same guy), Assistant to a lady selling health insurance out of her house (that one sucked big time!) and I worked for about a week, well long enough to do the training, at McRaes before they went out of business. I actually skipped town on the last one to come see Larry and called them to quit.
4 places I have been: Alaska, Mt. Rushmore, Bahamas, Yellowstone
4 shows I watch: Lost, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, Grey's Anatomy and The Office, oh and Biggest Loser Couples
4 foods that I like: I made these awesomely delish jalepeno, cream cheese and bacon apps from a recipe from The Pioneer Woman last night and they were YUMMY. I like hummus, hamburgers and fish as well.
Yay for Friday! Happy Easter everyone.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
My Stained Glass Masquerade
I'll admit that after reconnecting with some of my high school (and even further back) friends lately on blogger, that I have censored my posts and the information I offer to the blogging community. We went to a small private Christian school and it was an automatic response to keep certain traits and habits hidden. And while I feel I have grown tremendously in the past couple of years in my efforts to reconnect with my upbringing, there are still some activities that I do partake of and hold on to that don't coincide with the 75% of me that is trying to live a more Godly life.
All that being said, there is one habit I am ready (although maybe not all the way willing) to ditch and I am going to put it out there for your prayers and accountability.
I started smoking (cigarettes, not the other) when I was 18 and have continued to do so more on than off the past 12 years. I stopped when I was pregnant and then stupidly picked it back up again after having each boy. I've never been a heavy smoker, 3 maybe 4 a day, and if I needed to, I could go days to a week without having one and be fine, which really just makes it even sillier that I keep it up. I rarely buy my own, content to bum off my friends around me and give them money, or buy their coffee instead.
I only smoke at home when we have friends over, but Peyton is definitely old enough to be influenced and remember it now, so it is time for me to be an adult and quit. If not for my own health, then for my kids.
I haven't had one since Friday, but I also haven't felt well this week, so it's been easier. In a few days when I have my energy back and I'm bored, stressed, or whatever at work, I know I will think "one won't hurt."
So that's it, all out there for everyone to see. And no, while it's not the worst habit in the world, like crack or whatever Amy Winehouse is on, it's not the best either. Please send your thoughts and prayers this way, I'm going to need them.
All that being said, there is one habit I am ready (although maybe not all the way willing) to ditch and I am going to put it out there for your prayers and accountability.
I started smoking (cigarettes, not the other) when I was 18 and have continued to do so more on than off the past 12 years. I stopped when I was pregnant and then stupidly picked it back up again after having each boy. I've never been a heavy smoker, 3 maybe 4 a day, and if I needed to, I could go days to a week without having one and be fine, which really just makes it even sillier that I keep it up. I rarely buy my own, content to bum off my friends around me and give them money, or buy their coffee instead.
I only smoke at home when we have friends over, but Peyton is definitely old enough to be influenced and remember it now, so it is time for me to be an adult and quit. If not for my own health, then for my kids.
I haven't had one since Friday, but I also haven't felt well this week, so it's been easier. In a few days when I have my energy back and I'm bored, stressed, or whatever at work, I know I will think "one won't hurt."
So that's it, all out there for everyone to see. And no, while it's not the worst habit in the world, like crack or whatever Amy Winehouse is on, it's not the best either. Please send your thoughts and prayers this way, I'm going to need them.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
A Meme for you
My computer is frozen at work, so here's a quick Meme as I was tagged by Kristin.
What I was doing 10 years ago: Larry had just moved to Montgomery and we were deciding what we were going to do. He wanted to move back to South Florida to finish school as he had pre-paid college, but he never did, and we're still here.
5 Things on my To Do List today: I have to go to Hialeah to pick up a surveillance tape from a strip club. I'm going to clean the kitchen tonight and maybe try to get some knitting in. I've been slacking on that lately. That's about it.
Snacks I Enjoy: I like wheat thins and hummus. Papaya is always good with a spritz of lime juice. Does caramel lattes count?
Things I would do if I were a Billionaire: I really would just like enough money to not have to worry about paying my bills with some left over for some fun. I would donate more too.
3 of my Bad Habits: Picking at my nails, not spending enough time in the evenings with my kids, and another one that I'm working on.
5 places I have lived: Montgomery, AL, Cooper City, FL, Plantation, FL and Coral Springs, FL
5 Jobs I have had: Daycare teacher, barista at Barnie's, customer service, office manager/adjuster
Okay, I'm unstuck, back to work.
Oh, I'm not going to tag anyone, but if you are up for it, leave me a comment.
What I was doing 10 years ago: Larry had just moved to Montgomery and we were deciding what we were going to do. He wanted to move back to South Florida to finish school as he had pre-paid college, but he never did, and we're still here.
5 Things on my To Do List today: I have to go to Hialeah to pick up a surveillance tape from a strip club. I'm going to clean the kitchen tonight and maybe try to get some knitting in. I've been slacking on that lately. That's about it.
Snacks I Enjoy: I like wheat thins and hummus. Papaya is always good with a spritz of lime juice. Does caramel lattes count?
Things I would do if I were a Billionaire: I really would just like enough money to not have to worry about paying my bills with some left over for some fun. I would donate more too.
3 of my Bad Habits: Picking at my nails, not spending enough time in the evenings with my kids, and another one that I'm working on.
5 places I have lived: Montgomery, AL, Cooper City, FL, Plantation, FL and Coral Springs, FL
5 Jobs I have had: Daycare teacher, barista at Barnie's, customer service, office manager/adjuster
Okay, I'm unstuck, back to work.
Oh, I'm not going to tag anyone, but if you are up for it, leave me a comment.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Scrapbooking
For the new scrapbooker in me, here is a great site for free fonts made from people's handwriting to download Fonts. My scrapbooking journaling just got a whole lot easier.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Life with Shey
(On the way to Peyton's baseball practice last night)
Peyton: On Saturdays when we go to
Shey: On Saturdays when we go to
P: Mom, on Saturdays when we
S: Mom, on Saturdays when we
P: Ugh, Mom (really fast) on Saturdays when we go to
S: (even faster) onSaturdayswhenwego
P: Shey! Stop!
S: Shey! Stop!
P: MOM!
S: MOM!
Mom: Shey, stop.
Shey: Sheeeey stooop
P: (bravely trying again with a bit of a whine) Mom, on Saturdays when we go to
S: onsaturdaysjfdkfnff (He quits making sense at this point, kinda like Steve Carrol's character in Bruce Almighty)
P: (half laughing, whining, crying) Mom! When we go to
S: (screaming) MOM! WHEN WE GO TO
We finally arrive at the field. I don't think Peyton ever got the whole sentence out.
The Blur
At Peyton's soccer celebration
Peyton: On Saturdays when we go to
Shey: On Saturdays when we go to
P: Mom, on Saturdays when we
S: Mom, on Saturdays when we
P: Ugh, Mom (really fast) on Saturdays when we go to
S: (even faster) onSaturdayswhenwego
P: Shey! Stop!
S: Shey! Stop!
P: MOM!
S: MOM!
Mom: Shey, stop.
Shey: Sheeeey stooop
P: (bravely trying again with a bit of a whine) Mom, on Saturdays when we go to
S: onsaturdaysjfdkfnff (He quits making sense at this point, kinda like Steve Carrol's character in Bruce Almighty)
P: (half laughing, whining, crying) Mom! When we go to
S: (screaming) MOM! WHEN WE GO TO
We finally arrive at the field. I don't think Peyton ever got the whole sentence out.
The Blur
At Peyton's soccer celebration
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Lunar Eclipse
As it was cloudy most of the day yesterday, I didn't think we would have the best view of the lunar eclipse, but the sky opened up as night approached and I was able to get some really clear shots.
The boys were in and out of bed looking at it till about 9:40 and then when I went to see if they were still awake around 10:00 for the full eclipse, of course, they had fallen asleep. I promised them pictures though.
The boys were in and out of bed looking at it till about 9:40 and then when I went to see if they were still awake around 10:00 for the full eclipse, of course, they had fallen asleep. I promised them pictures though.
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