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August 23 The Red Sox, The Dragon, The Sea Dogs and The RiverSince I started my new job in the middle of April....I didn't really plan a summer vacation. School is starting soon and it hit me that I didn't take much time off with the kids. So a little over a week ago, the husband decided to look for tickets to the Red Sox. My daughter has been a fan for a couple of years, but this year she is a fanatic. She knows all the players and their stats. She watches all of their games and if she misses one or falls asleep, the first thing she does in the morning is put on Sports Desk. Lucky for us, we were able to get 4 tickets.
The drive to Boston went surprisingly well. The kids behaved amazingly and we were able to check into our hotel before we headed to the game. I had never been to Fenway, so I was just as excited as the kids. It was amazing walking into the park for the first time. Our seats were 8 rows behind the Red Sox bullpen. We got to see David Wells, Craig Hansen, Manny Delcarmen and Jonathan Papelbon up close and in person. Which was pretty darn awesome! What was also pretty darn awesome was the fact that the game we were at....they won!! The only disappointment for the night was that Alex Gonzalez, my daughter's favorite, did not play.
The next day we headed to Funtown to spend the day. My daughter loves rides.....my son...not so much. So the son and husband spent most of the day in the water park while my daughter and I hit the thrill rides. Her favorite at the park is Dragon's Descent. This ride goes straight up.....220 feet up.....and then drops. I have a huge fear of heights....but I go on it. The husband told me to look down and wave when we got to the top and he would take our picture. No $%&*%#$ way!!! I have all I can do to look straight ahead! There is no way in heck I'm looking DOWN!! Going up bothers me and then sitting there for 10 seconds.....but the drop part is a complete rush! I have always loved thrill rides....however, I find now that I'm a parent, I'm a little more cautious of them. I now think of things I never thought of as a kid. Things like....construction, how rusted are the bolts, how old is the ride...and so on. The kid in me ends up fighting with the parent in me to stop being a fun sucker and just get on and hold on tight. So I did! We had a blast and no rides fell apart while we were on them.
After we left Funtown we went to a Sea Dogs' baseball game. Being at Fenway the night before, this park really didn't compare....but the beer was cheaper!! Unfortunately the Dogs didn't win....but it was fun just being there. The kids enjoyed it and that was the important thing. One poor guy got hit in the head with a foul ball. A guy near him was trying to catch it and it went right through his hands. I think there should be a law that if you get hit with a foul ball....you get to keep it. Hmmm....I need to send that request on to King Tom!!
On Sunday I went white water rafting with some friends. It wasn't the best of days to go since it was rainy and cold....however, a good time was definitely had. Our guide rocked! We hit the rapids perfectly and he didn't lose any of us. Although....there is one point where they encourage the rafters to get out and drift.....he even tried pushing me out....but I held onto him and informed him there was no way I was going in that river. Apparently he saw that as a challenge. Later on when the raft was just drifting, he did a back flip off the raft and said he was going to do a little swimming. I...not really paying attention....didn't notice him swimming up behind me. He grabbed me and pulled me into the water. I do not go swimming unless it is in a heated swimming pool. Clear, warm water. Bath water...where I can see what is swimming along side of me. I do not do rivers, lakes or oceans. I must admit though, the water wasn't as cold as I expected it to be. So he still got a good tip out of me.
On a side note....the Queen of Procrastinators...that would be me.....has done it again. School starts one week from today and I have yet to buy the kids one thing. No new clothes, no backpacks, no pencils, no paper....nothing. I guess I need to finish this up and start doing some online shopping!!! August 01 A Great ManOne week ago last night I received a call that no one is prepared to take. My former boss, the one that I worked with for thirteen years, committed suicide. This man was more than a boss to me….he was a friend. He was a person that I knew if I ever needed him, he would be there for me and I’m pretty sure that he knew the same held true for me. This man had great integrity and always put others before himself. Some of you are thinking that if that is true, he would not have done what he did. Suicide is often viewed as a selfish act. Let me assure you that with this man, it was anything but selfish. He honestly believed what he was doing was the best thing for those he loved.
I understand why he did it, so that question is not haunting me. However, there are the “what ifs” and the “we should’ves.” The last email that I received from my boss was in June and in one paragraph he wrote, “Isn’t it awesome how we still know what is going on in each other’s lives.” I just wish I had known everything that was going on with him. I know that we can’t beat ourselves up over this….it’s just that he didn’t have to do it. There were other options.
The wake and the funeral have me emotionally drained. I can’t get the thought out of my head of him sitting alone in his car, thinking he had to do this. Losing my own father at such a young age, I feel so bad for his kids and all that he is going to miss with them.
It was so rough seeing some of the people that I haven’t seen in over a year and a half. Some of these people I had become really close to and they were like family. Some I really didn’t want to see. Others…..I’m afraid I’ll probably never see again and it hurts.
The team that this man brought together while we were working for him went to our favorite Thai restaurant, as we had done together so many times before, in his honor. This group of us had plans that would see us all working together again. That dream has faded over the past year and a half….but there was still that tiny bit of hope that one day it would happen. Now reality has sunk in that it isn’t going to and that is pretty hard to accept.
I know that life goes on and I can’t sit here holding onto the past or dwelling on things that I cannot change. I need to cherish the memories and move on. The days will get better.
Rest in peace, my friend….. July 26 I'm Back!!!I can’t believe it has been that long since I last updated. I wish that I could say that I’ve been on a month long cruise or vacationing in some far away place…..but unfortunately it was the result of getting outside and enjoying the weather and my computer has been broken. I know that I should have logged on somewhere and at least posted a brief paragraph stating that I was still alive…..but I truly didn’t expect to be so long without my computer. Thank you all for the concern and I apologize for not letting you know what was going on.
So far the summer has been very enjoyable. I finally got my hot weather. We have been camping every weekend except for one and last weekend I actually towed my 27’ 5th wheel camper from my house to the campground all by myself. Behind the truck of course. No injuries or damages occurred. For a while I even forgot that I was hauling it….ooops!
Last week was my 39th birthday! Thank you so much to Kim, Denise and Alicia for the cards and birthday wishes. You three truly are angels. King Tom…thank you too for the birthday wishes….you’re the best! And Russ….your phone call really brightened my day….thank you.
As some of you know….turning 39 was something that I was so not looking forward to. The morning of my birthday, I received a text from a sweet friend that made me smile. So I thought I was going to be able to handle it. As it turned out though, that was not the case. I was an emotional wreck. It was awful. Since I was in no mood to celebrate this particular birthday, I had made plans to bring my computer to a guy that I used to work with that had offered to fix it for me. However, as the day went on and the depression hit….I decided I really needed to be with a friend and declined the guy’s offer to fix the computer. L was supposed to meet me for drinks after her daughter’s dance class. Unfortunately, her youngest daughter took ill and she needed to be with her. So I drove around for a while bawling like a big baby and then decided to text my friend J, who agreed to meet me out for a drink.
We have this awesome pub that sits above the river with a deck that over looks it. J and I sat out there and just talked. He was just what I needed to help close out my crappy day. He reminded me that 39 is just a number and that I should not dwell on it. I know that he is right…..but my fear has not left me completely.
Onto happier things….
My daughter who is only 10 is 5’ 4 ½”!!! She has grown 2 inches this summer. She is going to be an amazing basketball player…..if I could just teach her to JUMP!! Since she has only played with kids that she is taller than….she hasn’t had to jump. She is also so into baseball this season. She has been a Red Sox fan for a few years now…..but this is the first year that she has become a true fan! She knows every player, what position they play, their batting average….you name it. If the games are on too late for her….the first thing she asks in the morning is who won and then she turns on SportCenter. I love it. I would much rather have her following the Red Sox than Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan.
Of course I couldn’t update without a little info on the son! This little man is still keeping me quite entertained. His new favorite song is “I’m TNT, I’m dynamite….!” I can’t even remember who sings this or where in the world he heard it….but he walks around singing it. At night he has been walking with me on occasion. He will do between 2 and 3 miles before he starts complaining. Last night when we were walking, he pulled his shorts down an inch or so on his butt, so he could show me his tan line. I asked him if he wanted me to show him mine…..and he said “UGH….NO WAY!!”
Alright….I think I have written enough for tonight and I have a lot of blog walking to do!! It is going to be hard pulling myself away from the computer tonight, without catching up on everyone!! Do they still sell NoDoze???? June 14 A Day of FunOh my word am I tired!! Today was “Fun Day” at the elementary school and I volunteered my time for the day. It started with helping set up for the planned activities. Then I was stationed at one of the activities to assist the children. On to lunch.....where I got to join my son and the husband got to join our daughter. Back to our stations for the remainder of the day…..and then help with clean up.
I really enjoy days like these. Maybe it’s because they are so few and far between. But I have fun with all of the kids and hearing the laughter and seeing the smiling faces is wonderful.
We did have a couple of hours after school to get some stuff done around the house before we had to get ready for the last baseball game of our very short season. Shhh….don’t tell….but I snuck in a nap instead.
7,8 & 9 year old boys are really not so much interested in actually playing the game. They love to hit and run around the bases. But to keep their attention on the game when they are on the field is a very tough job. I feel like I am constantly yelling to them to get off the ground, put their glove on, stop throwing grass, dirt or rocks in the air and to turn around and face the batter. A few of the games we actually had to rotate one of the kids to sit an inning out. You would not believe how many of them volunteered.
All the excitement from today and knowing that tomorrow is the last day of school, made for a rather a “different” game. The first couple of innings we seemed to be on fire. Our third baseman made a triple play! It was so awesome!!! He caught a ball that was hit to him, tagged the runner on third that started to run home and tagged the runner on second that ran to third. The best was that his mom was filming the game. But it quickly went downhill after that. Two boys were fighting over one helmet resulting in one of them crying. They were letting balls roll past them and dropping balls they should have easily caught. Luckily the boys on the other team were in the same funk and we managed to maintain the lead the entire game. That was a joy to end the season with a winning game.
So now both kids and the husband are sleeping. The sound of the Red Sox losing is coming from two different TVs. And I’m thinking how relaxing it would be to be sitting outside with a nice glass of wine enjoying the peace and quiet. However, 4:30 is not that long from now and I should really be off to dreamland myself. Hmmm…..tough decision. June 08 Rain, Rain Go Away....What the heck did we do to p*ss Mother Nature off??? I am so over the rain and the cold. I actually had to turn the furnace back on today because it was so chilly in the house. Two nights in a row our games have been cancelled due to rain and the forecast is calling for more and more of it. Should be another fun weekend camping.
My friend and her family just bought a camper last month and this will be the first trip for them. I ran into her husband at the grocery store and from the looks of his cart…..I’m eating at their camper. Usually when a group of us go we plan our meals together. This weekend, my sister and I decided to go the easy route…..Take out from the store at the campground. They make chicken baskets, burgers, fries, pizzas…..no cooking on our part, except for breakfast. I have to have my bacon in the morning. I told my friend that all she needed to buy was bacon and beer. But I guess she wants to do things the hard way…..so I’ll let her.
Even though I went to the store to buy only bacon and beer….somehow it cost me $130.00. It amazes me that I spend more at the grocery store for two days than I do for a whole week. I have a feeling that the amount of alcohol in my cart was the majority of that charge. I figure if I’m going to be spending another weekend in the rain and cold….I was going to enjoy it one way or another. After a few Ruby Relaxers I won’t care if it’s raining and the temperature isn’t above 60.
My son discovered the Three Stooges about three months ago and he just loves them. I’m not sure if they are good role models for him….seeing as he already has quite the sense of humor…..but they are better than Spongebob. My friend’s son just discovered them a couple of weeks ago and he too can’t get enough. So she ended up buying him a couple of DVDs for him to bring camping. I told my son about it and he is all excited. I will not be surprised if the two of them end up in school Monday acting out some of the scenes. Uh oh!!
Hey….if any of you are enjoying the sun this weekend….please take a picture for me so that I can remember what it looks like!!! June 04 CampingNow I know that some people do not consider my way of camping as really camping. My idea now of camping is in our 5th wheel, with a slide out so we have plenty of floor space, a shower, microwave, two tvs and dvd players and going to a campground where there is power and water. I used to do the tent thing and thoroughly enjoyed it as a kid. Even more so as a teenager.....pitching the tent in the backyard and sneaking out of it to go to the parties. However, as I got older it wasn't so much fun waking up during a thunderstorm and realizing that there really isn't much difference between being in the tent and being outside the tent. There was also the time the pack of coyotes were 10 feet away from my tent. I do believe that was the last time I "roughed it" camping. We all had a great time camping Memorial Weekend. The campground that we go to has really big sites. We put 4 campers on our site so that we form a square all facing the firepit. Since Friday night was the kick off night to camping season and it was a beautiful night at that, people were all out visiting and saying hi to those they hadn't seen since Labor Day weekend. Quiet hours normally start at 10, but we kept the couple making the rounds at our campsite drinking, so we were able to be a little noisier than we should have been. By 1 am, most people had either gone back to their own sites or had gone to bed. I decided I should probably do the same. I had gone in my camper and was washing up when I heard someone knocking on my door. It was my sister telling me that she had just opened a beer and I needed to come out and have one more drink with her. Okay.....sounded good to me. I mixed another drink and went back out to join her, my husband and a camper from another site. Some time between my plopping my butt in my LaFuma and 2:45, I fell asleep. When I woke up, I was the only one sitting at the fire and there wasn't a fire going. I found out later that my husband left both of us girls sleeping and went inside. Then my sister woke up and left me outside alone. I'm glad I can count on her to protect me. Saturday night we had more people join us around the fire. My husband's cousin came up and was rather entertaining. Luckily he is the nephew of the owner's of the campground or I'm sure we would have all been kicked out. He was rather loud and obnoxious, but in a very funny way. I hadn't laughed that much since Larry the Cable Guy. That is another plus to camping.....you don't have to drive. The rest of the weekend was perfect weather and the kids even went swimming. We started a game of wiffle ball and some of the other kids camping there asked to join in. I don't know who had more fun....the kids or the adults. We ended up leaving our campers at the campground and went back up this weekend. This weekend was not as pleasant. Friday night was very nice....but it started raining at 4 am on Saturday and hasn't stopped yet. The kids don't seem to mind though. They had a great time and not once complained about it raining.....unlike the adults. Whether in a tent or in a camper....packing up in the rain really bites. So we decided to just leave the camper there again this week and will go back up next weekend. I'm so glad the owners like us. I have really enjoyed my relaxing weekends since my weeks have been so darn busy. Last week we had either a baseball game or softball game or both every night. The husband coaches my son's team and I keep the scorebook. But nights when they both have a game, I go and cheer on my daughter. This week we will be having at least one game every night again. One benefit.....I don't have to cook any meals. When you get home at 7:30 or 8:00.....spaghettios or cereal is the only thing on the menu. Holy crap....I didn't realize it was so late. I need to get my butt to bed. I have been doing my walking in the morning and 4:30 is not that far away. Speaking of walking.....I'm anxious to read how Betsy made out on her marathon today! I totally admire her for doing it! She definitely deserves the vacation she is taking afterwards!! May 25 Working for the WeekendThe camper is all cleaned. But I have to be honest here and say that the husband did most of the work. We were able to finish it up last night by restocking the cupboards, the supplies and I did manage to make our bed. After the ball games tonight, the guys headed up to the campground to set up so that all we need to do tomorrow is pick up the kids after work and head up for a weekend of total relaxation.
This week was totally crazy both at work and at home. The boss is really impressed with how quickly I catch on to things and has no problem giving me more and more responsibilities. It's funny talking to the other employees because they keep telling me the horror stories of the people that have come and gone that have had my position. For some reason....no one seems to last. I may be naive, but I do think it will be different this time. My boss went to college with me and has known me for....umm...let's just say quite a while. He knows that I am not the type that is intimidated easily and I am not afraid to give it right back if I feel he is being out of line. He often asks me how I like it there and also asks our mutual friend. I think I should hit him up next week for a raise.
Every night this week after work I have had to race home to pick up one or both kids to bring them to a baseball or softball game. Monday night my daughter's game was the next town over, about 15 minutes away. After we arrived at the field and she hopped out of the car to go warm up, she realized she didn't bring her glove. Ummm....can you say ditz? Luckily one of the coaches had an extra one with him. Unbeknownst to me, she was the starting pitcher. For her first time pitching ever, she did a very good job.
It is so different for me going to my daughter's game than going to my son's game. For the boys' team, I keep the scorebook and spend most of the game yelling at the kids. These boys have so much energy and very little attention span. But the benefit of all of this is that I realize that there are worse acting kids than my own. :) Oh yeah....and little boys have to pee a lot. At least once during every game I find that the kid on deck is off in the woods relieving himself.
This weekend though, there will be no games, no practices and no mom's taxi driving here and there. I get to stay up late and sleep until noon. I don't have to cook, only do dishes. Where we go camping it is the most family friendly campground imaginable. As a very paranoid, over protective parent I worry less about my kids riding their bikes around the campground than I do up and down our very own street. We know most of the people that go there and all the kids take turns hanging out at each other's campsite. It's simply wonderful.
I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!
May 23 I'm Still HereI cannot believe how long it has been since my last entry. I thought that week I would be able to post most every night. Uh huh.....who was I kidding? My Mother's Day week was very busy and yet very peaceful. Between baseball and softball practices, games, team pictures and karate, Mom's Taxi was on the road quite a bit. If I had been charging fares, I could probably have taken the summer off.
Once the taxi was parked and the kids were in bed, it was just me, the sofa, the TV and a nice glass of Chardonnay. It's awful, but I couldn't tear myself away, knowing that it was all going to end in a few days, to type up an entry. So instead I took full advantage of the situation, enjoying my shows in peace and quiet.
The week was also extra special because my friend Bob paid me a visit. It had been a while since I had last seen him. He is the type that is always a pleasure to have around and he leaves you feeling so much better than you had before. I just wish he could stop by more often.....but our schedules are usually conflicting. But we promised not to go so long between visits.
The day the husband got home, we had a surprise 30th birthday bash for my sister's husband. It was a nice way for me to end my Mother's Day week.
The following week was my Mom's birthday. My brother flew home from San Diego on Tuesday to surprise her....and did he ever. My sister picked him up and they didn't get home until 11:30 that night. My mom had no idea who was coming to her house at that time of night. But once she opened the door, he knew that he had just given her the best birthday present he could have. Side note....he is the baby and the only boy....in other words....Mom's favorite.
It's funny seeing my brother around our kids. He only gets to see them twice a year and he has no clue. Friday night he asked if he could take them all to the movies to see Over the Hedge. I was going to let him....but I'm just not that mean. I don't know who I was more worried about, but I knew it would not be a good thing for him to be at the movies alone with 2 seven year old boys, 1 eight year old girl and 2 ten year old girls. So instead I went with him. It sure wasn't my idea of a Friday night out without the husband....but, the kids were excellent and the movie was pretty good too.
Friday my Grandfather and his girlfriend came down from Quebec. I don't know which one is worse.....as soon as they see me, he is getting me to eat and she is getting me to drink. (You know they are twisting my arm and forcing me to do so.) I ate a whole bag of squeaky cheese, minus 3 pieces that my brother in law took while I wasn't looking and I'm not sure how many Kaluha sombraros. Oh yeah, squeaky cheese....it is fresh cheese curds. The absolute best!!
The guests all left on Sunday, so things should have slowed down and I have more time to blog right?? WRONG!! As some of you know....I am the Queen of Procrastinators. This coming weekend is Memorial Day Weekend.....the first official weekend for camping season. Well......my camper is not prepared. The husband did his part, de-winterize, but my part of cleaning the inside, scrubbing the walls, washing the carpets and floors and washing all of the sheets and blankets is yet to be done. Normally I could have come home from work one night and get it all done. Normally. However, this week both kids had a game last night, by daughter had a game tonight and my son has a game tomorrow night. The game that my daughter had scheduled for Thursday night has now been changed to Friday night. WTF??? I told her coach that he couldn't do that to me. He was cutting into my relaxing by the campfire, drinking heavily time. The one good thing is that the campground that we go to is about 45 minutes away. The guys will bring the campers up Thursday night so that we won't have much setting up to do when we get there Friday night. I think there is a law in there somewhere that needs to be requested from King Tom.
Well, I am not getting that camper cleaned by wishing it so. I did try pawning the dirty job off onto my sister's ex-father in law, but for some reason I don't think he is going to show up tomorrow like he said he would. So I guess I better get my big ol' butt out there and get to work.
Oh yeah....one more thing. Betsy...when I read your comment I knew I had to share this one. Friday night after taking the kids to the movies and visiting with relatives at my mom's for a while, I decided it was time to get the kids home since it was past 10:00. The kids had gone outside to get in the car while I was saying good night. My son comes running back in and says "Mom....you have to hear this!" He turned so his butt was facing me and let one rip! All I can say is that he gets that from his father's side! May 07 An Early PresentA lot of men have a difficult time finding the perfect gift for their wives for Mother's Day. Some just don't understand the whole idea behind gift giving and their brains turn to mush. For example, giving a wife, mother of your children, a hand-held vacuum for Mother's Day is a definite don't.....right Jennifer?? Then there are some men....rare...but they do exist....that put a lot of thought behind it and just have a difficult time finding the right gift that will truly show his love and appreciation. Unfortunately, my husband fell into the first category....that was until a few years ago.
It happened a few years back that a group of men got together and decided to plan a week long fishing trip. I'm not sure who chose the date or if it they even knew what day it was....but it just so happened that the planned trip would begin on Mother's Day. Now I know many women would feel hurt or betrayed that their husband would plan to go out of town on Mother's Day and be gone for a whole week. I for one thought this was the best present I could get. My day ended up being all about me and the kids. We did whatever we wanted. The kids got up early and made me breakfast in bed. Since they were still quite young, it consisted of soggy Raisin Bran, warm milk and an apple. It's the thought that counts, right? Then at night....I got to sleep in the bed alone. There was no snoring. No one to hog the bed, leaving me to hang onto the edge in hopes of not falling off. And the best part....it continued for a whole week. I also got to enjoy some Secret Single Behavior. Watching TV without being interrupted. Feed the kids Spahettios for supper and not have to worry about cooking a whole meal. That year...there were no complaints about my gift.
Apparently the other wives didn't complain either as the fishing trip was planned for the same time the next year and the year after. This year however, they decided to go a week earlier and leave on a Saturday, which was today. It's not the same as leaving on Mother's Day and it also means he will be home on Mother's Day.....but I will gladly accept my present early. Plus this way, since he will be home for Mother's Day....he can wait on me all day and I won't need to lift a finger! May 03 Git 'er Done!!Friday night, the husband, my brother in-law, his date (pre-approved by his wife, of course) and myself went to see Larry the Cable Guy. (My sister could not make it as she was in Florida on a husband-less, kid-less mini getaway.) Larry puts on one hell of a show. The opening act, PJ Walsh, was quite funny as well. It felt so good to sit there and laugh for two hours straight. After the show, we went out to eat and then on to another bar to play some pool before calling it a night. Actually it ended up being more like a morning. Not a good thing since I had committed to going in to work at my old job to train the new girl.
Saturday morning was a little rough, but I managed to get there by 9:00. Everyone was there for some training on other issues, including the General Manager and the Owner. I knew the girl that they hired, so being hungover wasn’t too bad. After spending 5 hours with her, I felt so good. The responsibilities associated with that position require an accounting background…..she doesn’t really have one. She either snowed them really well….or she got the job based on her looks. I’m convinced it was the latter. She has no experience filing state taxes or doing bank reconciliations. Her experience with payroll was collecting the time cards and faxing them to the company that they outsourced the payroll too. The notes that she was taking, leads me to believe that she has very little experience with spreadsheets. The other thing that convinced me of how she was picked for the job was with each thing we went over, she would ask, “Now who do I call if I have a question with that?” When I would tell her that she could call me, she responded by saying that she didn’t want to be calling me all the time. She did call me Monday, but I have not heard from her since.
OMG….too freaky! As soon as I typed that….my cell phone rang and it was her! Hahaha
Baseball and Softball are in full swing. The husband is once again coaching our son’s team and my daughter has moved up to a travel team. Late practices has helped to decrease the amount of cooking I have to do each night. When they don’t get home until 7:00 or even later, spaghettios are the only thing on the menu. This week, my daughter has practice Monday, Wednesday and Friday and karate on Tuesday and Thursday. So between the kids and the stuff they have going on and my commitment to removing my little muffin top before bikini season, I am finding it very difficult to get any blogging time. I am determined though to come up with a plan. I can’t miss another birthday like I did Alicia’s! Happy Belated Birthday Angel #4!!!
So if anyone knows how to work around the internet police at work……I would greatly appreciate the info! I feel violated knowing that big brother is monitoring my every move. It just isn’t right!
April 24 The WeekendI did see a side of my new boss last week that made me think it would not be a good idea to ask if I could leave a little early on Friday. So Friday morning I called the Duty Free store to see what time they closed. The news was not good. They closed at 6:00. Since I wouldn't be leaving work until 4:30 and I would still have to meet up with my mother along the way, there was no way that I was going to make it. But the sweet woman that answered the phone told me that she would wait until 6:15 for me. Now I'm not sure if that is due to I go up there too much and they know how much money I spend there....or if the lady was just in a super mood. Regardless of her reason, I was extremely grateful.....but I still didn't think I would make it. It normally takes 2 hours to get there.
It actually ended up being my lucky day though. My boss told me that I could sneak out a little early. So with that and the fact that I'm an awesome driver.....I made it by 6:00!!!
After getting us to the border on time and with no trouble, and only seeing one Moose, my mom offered to drive the rest of the way. It really was my lucky day.
On Saturday my mom let me sleep in and she cooked breakfast for the 3 of us. Then her and I decided to hit the mall. Not as much fun now that the exchange rate has gotten a little more even....but I did manage to spend $45 on a new tank top. I know.....WTF??? My mom just loves having me spend money on myself. I then treated the 3 of us to St. Hubert. Yes, there are a lot better places to eat in Quebec City, but that was where my Grandfather wanted to go and I actually like it too. Besides, I planned on treating them to breakfast at the Chateau Frontenac (I'm sure I totally screwed up the spelling there) on Sunday. Unfortunately though, I kept my Grandfather up too late watching hockey and the NASCAR race....and fed him a few too many beers.....that he didn't want to go to breakfast on Sunday. Oh well.....next time.
The drive back was uneventful. We even got pretty lucky at the American border. No cars....no waiting. Friday....the cars going into the US had an hour to an hour and a half wait. The border patrol agent was again not a friendly one. I know they are doing their jobs, but I'm so used to my old border patrol. They at least used to smile.
When I got home Sunday, my daughter was working on her project that is due tomorrow. So my son and I went outside to play some football. It's just not the same when it's one on one. I tried to talk him into a game of basketball....but no such luck. We then went for a short walk and I ended up giving him a piggy back ride on the way home. I didn't mind as I pigged out on squeaky cheese all weekend and needed to burn a few extra calories.
All in all the weekend was really great. Even though it is not my idea of a weekend away from the husband and kids.....it was pretty quiet and relaxing. April 19 A Little of This and a Little of ThatRemind me again why it was that I quit my old job??? I worked part time, I had all the time in the world to blog, I was up to date with the happenings in the lives of my blog buddies......but oh yeah, I was bored and not being challenged. Well I was faced with a big challenge yesterday. I had a meeting at 7:00 a.m. WTF??? I am having a hard enough time getting to work by 8:00. At my other job, I arrived any time between 8:30 and 9:00. I had a 10 minute drive. Now I have 20 minutes. Oh my! Russ....let's just say....you would probably not like me very much as an employee. Although this week I have made it 5 minutes early each day. The kids are on vacation, so I am not running around getting them ready in the morning.
Speaking of kids....my daughter has another project due on the 25th.....that you guessed it.....she hasn't started yet. This one is on the digestive system. YAWN! I can totally understand why she hasn't started it yet. Oooops! I probably shouldn't be thinking like that. I am the mom....I should be setting a good example.
That is why I filed my taxes on Monday instead of waiting until yesterday. I am so proud of myself. I did not wait until the last day! Go Me! Oh yeah, some of you may not be aware, but Monday was a holiday for Maine, therefore we are given an extra day to file. I don't know why I wait so long to file. I normally get a refund and it would be nice to have that money sooner....but each year I wait until after April 1st to just start gathering the proper paperwork. Maybe next year I'll be better. Yeah, right!
I have to ask my boss if I can leave a little early on Friday. My mom and I are going to Canada for my Grandfather's birthday. I want to be sure to make the duty free store before it closes. If I am spending the whole weekend with them two....I need alcohol....and lots of it. My kids were supposed to come with me. Which would have given me a little leverage for next weekend when I want to go on a Girls Night Out.....but they both have backed out. How rude! Except, I can't really blame them. It's a 4 hour drive and my Grandfather is a cranky 89 year old french man and there really isn't much for the kids to do this time of year. Well, maybe I can get my mom to drive and I can drink the whole way up. She is an awesome DD!
I should really get my butt moving and finish getting ready for work. I don't want to ruin my streak of getting to work early. Today will be 3 days in a row! April 14 Good FridayOkay, okay....I admit it....you were all right!! The job is getting better. The kids are doing better. I'm doing better. Although there was the minor mishap where I backed into my mother's car one morning. No real damage....just scratches to the bumpers. The big issue now is that I forgot to get in writing that I would be allowed 10 minutes of blogging every hour. I miss my blogging buddies. I am going to have some serious catching up to do this weekend.
Oh yeah....the other thing.....my boss is a Gordon fan!!! Kim....I know.....WTF????? Can you believe I didn't find that out beforehand???? He and I have not discussed this issue yet. Our postman and one of the program directors filled me in. I love the postman....he has all the dirt.
I need to cut this short. I have one more kid that I need to wake up and get in the shower and then I need to get my butt ready for work. Maybe this morning I'll actually make it in a few minutes early. Nah.....don't want to give the boss the wrong impression.
Happy Easter!!!!!
April 10 Time Will TellIf someone were to ask me right now if I thought I made the right decision about quitting my job and taking on this one.....I would probably say I made a huge mistake.
The day started off real slow. My boss had suggested last week that I stop in, get the necessary paperwork and fill it all out at home so that I wasn't wasting my time on the first day with that. I saw no problem with that until today. I sat at my desk looking at a black screen for the first 2 hours....since I had no computer access. The boss was stuck in a meeting this morning and the other employees were busy with their Monday morning routines. Yeah! If I hadn't done the paperwork at home, I would have at least had something to occupy my time.
My boss and I did have some time to work together before lunch. I was upstairs in his office working beside him, when an email came through with my name as the subject. It was from my younger sister. She was asking him how many times he had yelled at me today. He replied that I actually went home crying already. She then replied "Yeah, right! You would be the one crying! Remember....she's mean!" I just love my little sister.
When lunch time finally rolled around, by boss asked me to join him. I didn't have any plans, so I did. I don't understand why hospital food has the bad reputation that it has. The meals at this hospital are better than some restaurants I've eaten at....and healthier....not to mention CHEAP!
The rest of the afternoon was tough. I'm not sure if it was from listening to him talk or what...but my eyelids became very heavy. When it was almost 3:00, it dawned on me that I would be home by now if I had stayed at my other job. Instead....I had 2 hours to go.
As I was leaving for the day, I checked my cell phone and I had a message from one of the girls from my old company. They had a problem and didn't know how to fix it. I called her back and said that I would stop by in a few minutes as I was on my way home. Was it ever strange. I couldn't help but think that maybe I was meant to stay there.
When I got home, my poor mother filled me in on her afternoon. It was not pleasant. I think my kids are acting out because I'm not here any more. I really don't think it's intentional. I believe that they just don't know how to deal with what they are feeling right now. The sad thing is that I don't know how to deal with what I'm feeling either. I was having a hard time not breaking down and bawling when I was trying to get them to bed.
Is this another mistake to add to the list??? I guess only time will tell.....
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****I would like to thank you wonderful people for the good luck and well wishes for my first day! I was having withdrawals today not being able to visit your sites and see how your weekends were! Hopefully I have computer access tomorrow!!!! April 07 The Last DayWhen I walked into work this morning one of my co-workers stated that she cleared off the banquet table so that I could do my happy dance for all of them. It's strange though....it just doesn't feel like it's my last day. I guess it just hasn't hit me yet. I'm not sure why. They gave me a bunch of balloons that say "Congratulations" and "Good Luck." I got a going away gift. We will be having a pizza party at lunch. A sweet friend of mine sent me a text message that read "Happy Last Day." All the signs are there that this is it. Please don't tell me that I'm having mixed feelings. I have complained about this place since the first day I started. I'm looking forward to my new job. Getting back to my work ethics that I am proud of. Having a job that is both challenging and rewarding. Maybe I'm dwelling on the fact that I am giving up that extra time I had with my kids since I cut myself to working only when they are in school. Or maybe it's the unknown that lies ahead. Whatever it is....I need to snap out of it. I think in order for it to feel like it is my last day, I need to keep singing.... "Take this job and shove it I ain't working here no more....." Ohhh....you are so lucky you can't hear me! April 06 Baby Got Back"Oh my god, Becky, look at her butt
It is so big
She looks like one of those rap guys girlfriends...."
I think my kids are trying to tell me something.
I have never had a real weight problem. Although some would say that gaining 49 pounds during both pregnancies is an issue....but hey....I lost it all. This past winter, though, I did get kind of lazy. Okay...really lazy. It's just so much easier to grab a bowl of chips and plop down on the sofa to watch TV than to haul out the Nordic Track.....so I chose the easy route. Now it seems that my laziness is finally catching up to me. It's either that or my jeans are shrinking each time they get washed.
This morning my daughter and I were both in the bathroom getting ready to leave the house. She turns so that her backside is facing the mirror and asks...."Mom, do these jeans make my butt look big?" I said, "No, of course not babe." Her next words were, "Good, because your's do!" So I guess those deep knee bends that I did this morning really didn't work at stretching the pants out.
Fast forward and we are all downstairs finishing our morning routine in order to leave. My daughter starts singing Baby Got Back and as some of you already know, this is my son's favorite song to sing to me, so he didn't hesitate to join her in belting out the tune. I'm sure my niece would have jumped in too, except she doesn't know the words....so she just kept giggling and nodding her head.
My son then proceeded to compare the size of each of our butts to determine which one was bigger. Hey...not fair....I'm older and bigger. Which I guess is the point that he was making.
So I guess I either need to teach my kids about respecting their elders and not make fun of them or I can get off my lazy big ol' butt and work out! April 05 Nearing The EndOne question that has been asked of me lately by almost everyone I talk to is....Am I taking time off before I start my new job. I had considered taking Friday off, but they are throwing me a pizza party, and I'm am definitely not one to say no to free pizza. Besides the kids will be in school, so I would still have to get up early with them and what's the point of taking a day off if you can't sleep in.
This week has been rather busy. I'm trying to get done as much as possible to relieve some of the pressure off the girls that have been shadowing me. I think I actually saw the weight lifted slightly off their shoulders yesterday. I told them that when I gave my notice I offered to come in on a couple of Saturdays to train my replacement. The General Manager was really happy about that....I'm just not so sure what the owner thinks.
It's been really tough getting close to the people that I have worked with now for a little over a year. There isn't much of a team environment here. It's been so different than the job I had before. I think that was one of the biggest things that I did not like so much about this place....and of course there was the fact that I was not challenged at all. Maybe I am still comparing the people here to the team I worked with at my last job and there is no way they could ever take their place. The General Manager that I used to work for was the best. Oh sure, we had our differences, but I could talk to him. He was a hard worker, he was fun and he was fair.....even though I accused him many times of treating me like the red-headed step-child....I couldn't have asked for a better boss. The Merchandise Manager started at the company before me. We had gone to college together and she became my little sister in our sorority. We had lost touch for a few years and then I landed the job working with her. Over the 13 years working together, we didn't always see eye to eye, but we always kissed and made up. Since we both left, we have remained in touch by phone, email, IM and have gotten together a couple of times....but I still miss her. The Regional Manager was fairly new to the company. When he first joined our little family, I did not want to like him. I was cold and distant. I viewed him as an outsider. Yes, I can be quite mean. Eventually, though, he knocked down the walls that I had built up and we became close friends. He taught me a lot. I found myself doing things that I never would have even dreamed about. I miss him a lot. We try to keep in touch...but life gets in the way.
In a span of 3 months, we each left that company. The last time we were all together was last April when we met for breakfast. We had hopes that one day we would all be working together again....but those hopes have faded over time.
Neither one of us has been happy at our jobs since we "broke-up." A dear friend of mine referred to this one that I'm leaving as my "rebound" job. So here's hoping that the job I will be going to on Monday is "the one!!" April 04 Lesson LearnedBeing a featured spot on "What's Your Story" has been pretty darn exciting so far. I greatly appreciate people stopping by and all the wonderful comments. I didn't get out to do much blog walking yesterday since the Queen of Procrastinators....that would be me....spent most of the day and evening catching up on some tasks that have been put off until "tomorrow." Hopefully that will not be the case today. ________________________________________________________________________________________
When you hear the words "Book Fair" what comes to mind? A bunch of books maybe? Well that is what I thought it meant. Yesterday was the first day of the book fair at the school where my kids attend. So before they left the house, I handed ten dollars to my daughter, ten to my son, ten to my nephew and five to my niece. No, I don't think less of her, that is all that she said she needed. Any way.....I gave specific instructions that they were to use the money to buy books. Not any of the pens or notepads that they might also be selling. Apparently I left out.....do not buy any other junk that might be for sale. My daughter followed my instructions and bought two books. My nephew bought two books and two posters. Ny niece came home with two posters. The picture below.....well....that is what my son came home with. Oh yeah, isn't it lovely? I should also mention that he got a free poster as well. I asked if he had any money left and he said just some change that he left in his desk. I was definitely not impressed that the school would even have this crap on display, let alone have it for sale. I am half tempted to send it back to school with him so that he can sit in the classroom making hand gestures.....just like what I'm sure he was doing to me as I walked out of the room yesterday after having a chat with him about his purchase. I had explained to him that he did not make the best choice and that when I give him money for something it does not give him the right to buy something else. The kicker......my son asked if he could bring in some more money today to buy some books. Ummm....let me think.....No!! Not quite sure if he learned his lesson.....but I know I learned mine!
April 03 The Heat is OnThis week should be one of "those" weeks. You know the kind....you have a lot going on and everything needs to be done NOW. It is the last few days of my notice, so I will continue to be haunted by my two shadows. Last Friday was end of month, so I have March to close. I would also like to tie up any loose ends that I may have been procrastinating about. My daughter has a school musical production that she is in Tuesday night. There is also the task of getting all of my tax information together. That's right.....I have not filed yet and need to get that done. Plus, and this is the best thing, I'm being featured this week on "What's Your Story." Yes, you did read that right and I know, I know.....how did that happen? Not quite so sure myself, but if you go here, you can check out the other 3 spaces and vote for the best one.
Of course Daylight Savings Time occurred yesterday. What a way to mess with your internal clock. I saw what time it was last night when I went to bed. My brain knew it was time to go to sleep, but the rest of my body parts kept saying, nah...we got another hour. For some reason, those body parts were saying the same thing when the alarm went off this morning. I really think that the day after should be a national holiday, so that people can get adjusted. I need to email a suggestion for a new law to King Tom. Every Monday after DST will be National Call In Sick Day. I will also suggest to Russ that he enact this when he becomes President. If I did not have the other 3 kids coming this morning, I would not have set my alarm clock and my two kids and myself would have slept in and enjoyed a day of hooky. Hey, again, what are they going to do....fire me.
Ooops....I've got 5 kids downstairs that will probably fire me too if I don't get their breakfast soon. April 01 April Fool'sI'm sure if I did some research on April Fool's Day on the internet I would learn about the origin and who thought of it and blah, blah, blah. That really doesn't interest me. What does though, is finding a way to put an end to it.
Now, don't get me wrong.....I love a good prank. I have even been known to pull off one or two or three in my lifetime. However, this morning, I was woken up very early by my sweet, darling, little boy when he came into our bedroom and yelled..."I hate you two!" Now, I must admit, this is not the first time these words have crossed his lips, but usually I have done something to cause those words to spew. I was sleeping....what could I have possibly done. So the husband responds with...."That's nice." Then my darling son yells...."April Fool's!" I'm thinking, oh great.....a whole day of this.
My son was kind enough to go back to his room and let us sleep some more....or so I thought. He then yelled from his bed...."Mom, I just threw up." A few seconds of silence and then...."April Fool's!" Make it stop!
Luckily, he had baseball clinic this morning and the husband and he left the house at 7:45. Ahhh....peace and quiet. Too bad it only lasted 2 hours. They just returned and the first thing I heard when they walked through the door was...."Hey Poopyhead!" Again, a few seconds of silence and then...."April Fool's!!!" This is definitely going to be a long day. It's a good thing I already started drinking to help me deal with my grief over the horrible tragedy.......please go there and pay your respects. They are taking donations to help with expenses. |
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