Busy week and it's only Monday! My husband tried indoor surfing last night, check here for the results! We were afraid it was a rotating fracture of his big toe, but the orthepedist said it looked more like he dropped something heavy on it from the xray (he didn't, I watched him fall).
We enrolled Connor in a better pre-school starting next Monday -- wooHOO. Five days a week, and a more school oriented program. The last month at KidSpot helped get the potty issues under control (at least away from home). Wednesday brings the Dixie Classic Fair, and I'll be accompanying Duncan's class to the fair. We had planned to make it a family day at the fair, but it will depend on how Charles feels.
My niece Hanna is still hospitalized, but the reports are improving. Thanks to all of you who have sent prayers her way!
Monday, October 03, 2005
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Silly Blog Stuff
| Your Blog Should Be Purple |
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Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Prayers
My niece Hanna is ill at the moment, so please forgive me if I'm not updating as much -- my mind is on worrying about my brother's family.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Catch Up for My New Readers
Got a comment a few days back questioning something I said. Since I know I've gotten some new readers, let me "catch you up". My husband Charles & I have been married for 9 years, and we have two children, Duncan (9), and Connor (almost 5). We've been having some issues over the past few years, and have even been to counseling. Charles has bipolar disease, and we've had a rough summer with him as he had a major episode in June. Since then we are balancing getting his meds straightened out, finding the right therapist, and dealing with stress issues with both kids. If you truly want to know more than that, email me at cfodel@triad.rr.com and I'll fill you in.
Blog About Yourself Poll
OK, Brianna had this on her blog, and said she expected us to do it as well. Here ya go lady!
1. What is your dream occupation? Working in theatre as a professional stage manager
2. What color is your underwear? It varies -- todays is a pink/purple floral
3. What are you listening to right now? Connor playing on the stairs behind me
4. What was the last thing you ate? A flavored tootsie roll
5. Do you wish on stars? yes
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Green
7. How is the weather right now? sunny, warm
8. Last person you spoke to on the phone? my friend Penny
10. How old are you today? 40
11. Favorite drink? Diet Coke
12. Favorite sport to watch? figure skating
13. Have you ever dyed your hair? Only wash out color
14. Do you wear contacts or glasses? glasses
15. Pets? Fish
16. Favorite month? October
17. Favorite food? Steak
18. What was the last movie you watched? March of the Penguins
19. Favorite day of the year? Christmas
20. What do you do to vent anger? yell, kill electronic blips in video games
21. What was your favorite toy as a child? not sure
22. Fall or Spring? Fall
23. Hugs or kisses? hugs
24. Cherry or Blueberry? yuck, neither =)
28. Living arrangements ? Own my home, live with my husband & two children
29. When was the last time you cried? about two days ago
30. What is on the floor of your closet? lots of junk
31. Who is the friend you have had the longest? Missy -- been friends since college (1983)
32. What did you do last night? Read the cubscout handbook
33. Favorite smell? lately? eucalyptus/spearmint
34. What inspires you? people who can move me with their stories
35. What are you afraid of? snakes
36. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? Cheese
37. Favorite car? not sure
38. Favorite type of dog? mutts
39. Number of keys on your key ring? 4
40. How many years at your current job? 15
41. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
42. How many states have you lived in? 6 - Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Texas, North Carolina
43. How many cities have you lived in? 9 - Baltimore, MD, California, MD, Mechanicsville, MD, Lynchburg, VA, Concord, VA, Youngstown, OH, Plano, TX, Flint, MI, Winston-Salem, NC
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
The Bobcat Trail
I started working with Duncan tonite on his 8 achievements to get his Bobcat badge. The first one is to learn the cub scout promise. Any experienced moms of cub scouts out there? I'm just wondering how long it takes for these things... he's about to explode about "getting a badge", and it's not registering that this takes work rather than simply desire.
Anyhoo.... hope this finds everyone well!
Anyhoo.... hope this finds everyone well!
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
A New Cub Scout
Please do check out the photo blog -- we now have a cub scout in our family! Duncan officially joined the cub scouts on Friday night at the pack meeting (Pack 752), and we got his uniform over the weekend and he had his first den meeting last night. They listed to the Lewisville librarian give them a history of the town, and she gave them a chance to pan for "gold", and then made friendship bracelets. His classmate Comfort is also in his pack. He's really excited about this, except we're having trouble explaining that you don't just "get" badges, you have to earn them. First step on the bobcat trail is learning the cub scout promise -- we start on that tonite!
Connor continues to go to his MMO program and he's having a great time. I gotta run to work now, we're hiring another teammate and we have a candidate in today for interviews so I gotta get there.
Bye!
Connor continues to go to his MMO program and he's having a great time. I gotta run to work now, we're hiring another teammate and we have a candidate in today for interviews so I gotta get there.
Bye!
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Quotes from Oprah, and Apologies
I got the stomach flu this week, and have been kinda out for the count, or at least severely limited. Sorry! I want to share a lovely quote I found on another blog:
To me, this is what blogging is about, our passions, our thoughts -- and the freedom to express it. Some of the nonsense that prompted her to use this (getting blasted for NOT commenting on Katrina) made me glad I'm not a "popular" blogger. This is about ME. I'm thrilled if others get something from it, but it's about what I need to express.
I did update the photo blog today after taking a few days off. We are supposed to have our (mostly) weekly "date" with our friends at their church playground tomorrow for supper if Ophelia lets us. Friday brings our first cub scout meeting with Duncan -- I hope he likes the folks there and wants to join. Connor has been busy doing pages in the workbook Grandma sent him, and having a large time at "school".
Since I've been home sick for a few days, I've, well, been home. I'm worried about Charles -- he sure isn't doing much. I know alot of it he blames on me -- *I* make him sad. Oh, well. I wish I could use that excuse at work and still get paid, KWIM??? I've still got very sore ribcage muscles from vomiting earlier in the week, so I haven't been doing much physical even as I've started to feel better. Our friend Roger came over tonite for the first time in weeks and shared our spaghetti supper with us. It was nice to see him, but I worry about him too -- he's unemployed (again) and very negative at the moment. Don't get me wrong -- he's entitled to be negative, but I worry that it will impede him getting another job.
Anyways, it's way too late, let me try to sleep again.
"every day, passion speaks to us through our feelings. that's why when you allow yourself to become anesthetized by what others think, you literally block yourself from living the life you were called to live. i promise you that if you make a choice that doesn't please your mate, your friends, your mother, or whoever, the world will not fall apart -- the people who truly love you want you to love yourself. and as you become clearer about who you really are, you'll be better able to decide what is best for you -- the first time around." ~Oprah Winfrey
To me, this is what blogging is about, our passions, our thoughts -- and the freedom to express it. Some of the nonsense that prompted her to use this (getting blasted for NOT commenting on Katrina) made me glad I'm not a "popular" blogger. This is about ME. I'm thrilled if others get something from it, but it's about what I need to express.
I did update the photo blog today after taking a few days off. We are supposed to have our (mostly) weekly "date" with our friends at their church playground tomorrow for supper if Ophelia lets us. Friday brings our first cub scout meeting with Duncan -- I hope he likes the folks there and wants to join. Connor has been busy doing pages in the workbook Grandma sent him, and having a large time at "school".
Since I've been home sick for a few days, I've, well, been home. I'm worried about Charles -- he sure isn't doing much. I know alot of it he blames on me -- *I* make him sad. Oh, well. I wish I could use that excuse at work and still get paid, KWIM??? I've still got very sore ribcage muscles from vomiting earlier in the week, so I haven't been doing much physical even as I've started to feel better. Our friend Roger came over tonite for the first time in weeks and shared our spaghetti supper with us. It was nice to see him, but I worry about him too -- he's unemployed (again) and very negative at the moment. Don't get me wrong -- he's entitled to be negative, but I worry that it will impede him getting another job.
Anyways, it's way too late, let me try to sleep again.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Saturday
Ahhh, the weekend -- too bad my kids still get up at like 6am! I feel very domestic this morning, I made them scrambled eggs, bacon & toast for breakfast. Normally we do muffins, cold cereal or frozen waffles for breakfast.
I'm doing some scrapbooking today -- my favorite online site, Scrap Addict, is having an anniversary cyber crop. There are some pretty amazing prizes, so I'll be cropping today, as well as playing bingo.
I am so enjoying the fall weather -- the crisp, cool mornings are so nice to sleep in during! It still gets humid and warm in the late afternoons, but otherwise I consider this almost perfect weather!
I'm doing some scrapbooking today -- my favorite online site, Scrap Addict, is having an anniversary cyber crop. There are some pretty amazing prizes, so I'll be cropping today, as well as playing bingo.
I am so enjoying the fall weather -- the crisp, cool mornings are so nice to sleep in during! It still gets humid and warm in the late afternoons, but otherwise I consider this almost perfect weather!
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Blog Spammers
OK, I've turned on word verification for comments -- tired of getting blog spam, I get enough in my email. If anyone DOESN"T know how to do it, send me an email and I'll explain.
Fall
Ahhh, what wonderful weather we are having -- this is my favorite season. It's still a little humid in the late afternoon/early evening, but we have opened the windows and broken out the fans. It's delightful in the mornings.
Connor has started a "mother's morning out" program 4 days a week to get him over the potty training hump (and hopefully into "real" preschool in October). He has come home happy and tired both days. Charles hasn't gotten a huge amount done around the house, but I'm trying not to be judgemental til he's on this schedule a week or so. Duncan has started homework again -- yesterday he had to write a "movie plot" using his spelling words! His teacher tells me it will only get tougher as the year goes on. He has 3rd grade "pre-testing" next week; they test at the beginning of a year to establish a benchmark for the end-of-grade testing in May.
I'm having fun with some photo challenges over at Scrap Addict; you see the results in my photo blog from the Photo-A-Day one, and now we are doing a scavenger hunt one as well. I really need to work on the lighting on my inside photos, sheesh!
Connor has started a "mother's morning out" program 4 days a week to get him over the potty training hump (and hopefully into "real" preschool in October). He has come home happy and tired both days. Charles hasn't gotten a huge amount done around the house, but I'm trying not to be judgemental til he's on this schedule a week or so. Duncan has started homework again -- yesterday he had to write a "movie plot" using his spelling words! His teacher tells me it will only get tougher as the year goes on. He has 3rd grade "pre-testing" next week; they test at the beginning of a year to establish a benchmark for the end-of-grade testing in May.
I'm having fun with some photo challenges over at Scrap Addict; you see the results in my photo blog from the Photo-A-Day one, and now we are doing a scavenger hunt one as well. I really need to work on the lighting on my inside photos, sheesh!
Sunday, September 04, 2005
BackPacks, Girls Night Out, and Other Stuff
Hurray for holiday weekends! It's so nice to know I don't have to go to work tomorrow! I'm actually going to a free scrapbook crop tomorrow from 10-2.
We had company Friday -- my friend Stacy is out east visiting family, and came to see us with her friend Laura. The "girls" went out to Texas Roadhouse for dinner, then off to the mall to help Laura spend a gift card at Hecht's. Stacy brought her dog Thunder -- the kids really enjoyed his visit.
Saturday I headed out for a round of secret shopping ( a fast food one) then Charles & I put the kids at Kid Spot so we could run some errands. We found gas again for $2.99, and topped off the tank. We hit Target and got a deal -- both kids needed backpacks. I guess I didn't realize how much Connor was ready for some of the "trappings" of big-boy-ness. When I tried his backpack on him, he sighed, got a serious face, and announced "I need some homework!" He carried the backpack everywhere with him the rest of the evening, including to bed. He had filled it with toys and books -- he took a book out of it for me to read to him at bedtime, and then told me he had to put it away in his backpack!
I also went shopping for a new accordian file to put Duncan's school paperwork in this year -- didn't find what I wanted, so I'll empty and old one and reuse. I can already see from his homework so far that's he's digressed in his handwriting -- this will be the first year he hasn't had OT at school so hopefully practice will get him going again!
We still haven't gotten Connor enrolled in a "real" preschool, (due to the potty issues), but I think we have something figured out for September that is a transitional thing. He'll start four days a week on Tuesday.
We had company Friday -- my friend Stacy is out east visiting family, and came to see us with her friend Laura. The "girls" went out to Texas Roadhouse for dinner, then off to the mall to help Laura spend a gift card at Hecht's. Stacy brought her dog Thunder -- the kids really enjoyed his visit.
Saturday I headed out for a round of secret shopping ( a fast food one) then Charles & I put the kids at Kid Spot so we could run some errands. We found gas again for $2.99, and topped off the tank. We hit Target and got a deal -- both kids needed backpacks. I guess I didn't realize how much Connor was ready for some of the "trappings" of big-boy-ness. When I tried his backpack on him, he sighed, got a serious face, and announced "I need some homework!" He carried the backpack everywhere with him the rest of the evening, including to bed. He had filled it with toys and books -- he took a book out of it for me to read to him at bedtime, and then told me he had to put it away in his backpack!
I also went shopping for a new accordian file to put Duncan's school paperwork in this year -- didn't find what I wanted, so I'll empty and old one and reuse. I can already see from his homework so far that's he's digressed in his handwriting -- this will be the first year he hasn't had OT at school so hopefully practice will get him going again!
We still haven't gotten Connor enrolled in a "real" preschool, (due to the potty issues), but I think we have something figured out for September that is a transitional thing. He'll start four days a week on Tuesday.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Hump Day Ponderings
My boss told me this morning she was going to change my title to "Bonnie's Personal Translator" because, as she puts it, "I know I'm speaking english, but they sure don't seem to understand it!" At least my day started with a laugh!
I felt like I hit the lottery today -- I filled up my gas tank this morning at $2.55/gallon. By the time I left work it was $2.99/gallon. My MIL says they are worried that Charlotte will run out of gas here soon due to no deliveries in the past few days. I am really worried about gas prices.
Duncan had a bad day at school. Charles screwed up and gave him his night time meds this morning -- third time in a year this has happened. So I now have to make it MY job to give him his medications. Connor had a pretty good day today -- Charles put them both in our inflatable pool this afternoon so they got some much needed outside time.
I'm off to go work on some scrapbooking stuff!
I felt like I hit the lottery today -- I filled up my gas tank this morning at $2.55/gallon. By the time I left work it was $2.99/gallon. My MIL says they are worried that Charlotte will run out of gas here soon due to no deliveries in the past few days. I am really worried about gas prices.
Duncan had a bad day at school. Charles screwed up and gave him his night time meds this morning -- third time in a year this has happened. So I now have to make it MY job to give him his medications. Connor had a pretty good day today -- Charles put them both in our inflatable pool this afternoon so they got some much needed outside time.
I'm off to go work on some scrapbooking stuff!
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Almost "Fall"
Wow, is it really the last day of August tomorrow? Duncan continues to get great notes from school -- although he argued alot about ordinals repeatedly during homework last night. He actually fell asleep on the couch tonite -- check out the photo-a-day log I'm keeping to see.
We have a busy weekend upcoming -- I've got two secret shops to do, my friend Stacy is supposed to come in to visit Friday night, and Charles' mom is headed in on Saturday. Duncan & Connor need backpacks, I desparately need to edge the yard, and I'm behind on some Christmas gifts I'm working on. Ah well, we'll see what gets done!
We have a busy weekend upcoming -- I've got two secret shops to do, my friend Stacy is supposed to come in to visit Friday night, and Charles' mom is headed in on Saturday. Duncan & Connor need backpacks, I desparately need to edge the yard, and I'm behind on some Christmas gifts I'm working on. Ah well, we'll see what gets done!
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Third Grade
And so the first day of third grade begins! I took several pictures of Duncan at the bus stop this morning, but this was the only one where he didn't give me a "serious" face. We was actually easy to get up and moving this morning which surprised me. His planner note said he had a great day, and when he got home he went right to his homework. WooHOO!
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Giraffe Rides and A New School Year
Bet THAT got your attention... hahahha...
Our Saturday was fun -- we went out and saw March of the Penguins at the theater with our friends the Tomihiros. Connor got bored and was in and out of the theater, but I really enjoyed the movie. Dot & Susan took Duncan to see it on Sunday. He had studied penguins in school last year, so he really enjoyed it. But on to the bigger news of the week.
My mother-in-law called Saturday, and informed us instead of bringing Duncan home on Sunday, could Charles & Connor meet them at the Lazy 5 Ranch on Monday instead? But of course! We told Connor when he started balking at bedtime Sunday night that he needed his sleep because he had a "big day" tomorrow seeing wild animals... well on the ride to take me to work on Monday we were talking about it, and he informed me he was going to get to ride a giraffe today. LOL -- I told him he was going to SEE a giraffe. And he did -- even got to feed one!
They had a lovely time at the ranch -- they have a wagon ride that you can go on to see and feed the animals. Susan used my camera so I wouldn't have to miss the whole thing. I think all three of my boys had a good time. They were certainly exhausted Monday night.
Today we attended open house at Duncan's school -- can you believe he's going into 3rd grade?! I was so glad we went -- he has the same teacher as last year, but they moved his classroom. One of the assistants in his room, Mr. Cann, moved to West Forsyth HS, so Ms. Steward is now there. She was familiar with some of the techniques used with sensory problems, so I was very encouraged. We signed up for the PTA, bought Duncan one of the new school tshirts, and a magnet for our car.
Tomorrow is a "free day" for Charles and the kids, and then school starts on Thursday.
Our Saturday was fun -- we went out and saw March of the Penguins at the theater with our friends the Tomihiros. Connor got bored and was in and out of the theater, but I really enjoyed the movie. Dot & Susan took Duncan to see it on Sunday. He had studied penguins in school last year, so he really enjoyed it. But on to the bigger news of the week.
My mother-in-law called Saturday, and informed us instead of bringing Duncan home on Sunday, could Charles & Connor meet them at the Lazy 5 Ranch on Monday instead? But of course! We told Connor when he started balking at bedtime Sunday night that he needed his sleep because he had a "big day" tomorrow seeing wild animals... well on the ride to take me to work on Monday we were talking about it, and he informed me he was going to get to ride a giraffe today. LOL -- I told him he was going to SEE a giraffe. And he did -- even got to feed one!
They had a lovely time at the ranch -- they have a wagon ride that you can go on to see and feed the animals. Susan used my camera so I wouldn't have to miss the whole thing. I think all three of my boys had a good time. They were certainly exhausted Monday night.
Today we attended open house at Duncan's school -- can you believe he's going into 3rd grade?! I was so glad we went -- he has the same teacher as last year, but they moved his classroom. One of the assistants in his room, Mr. Cann, moved to West Forsyth HS, so Ms. Steward is now there. She was familiar with some of the techniques used with sensory problems, so I was very encouraged. We signed up for the PTA, bought Duncan one of the new school tshirts, and a magnet for our car.
Tomorrow is a "free day" for Charles and the kids, and then school starts on Thursday.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Tears and Frowns
I guess it's my day to be in a down mood. I've been having hot flashes really badly all week, haven't slept well, and generally haven't felt good this week. I brought home some work to do this weekend, but haven't gotten motivated yet. I got really depressed last night and cried alot -- although it did get me to clean Connor's room -- ewwwww. Charles keeps pointing out how well he's keeping the house -- there is dried shit on Connor's carpet I have to deal with today, and we haven't tackled Duncan's room yet. I guess Charles couldn't see the shit for all the toys on top of it?
I get so angry sometimes. I actually work 40 hrs a week. I know keeping kids is work, but is it too much to ask that he do housework too? He'll proudly demand I "notice" that he cleaned when I get home. OK, so he ran the vacuum for 45 seconds today. If I say anything about something that needs doing I'm "raising my standards".
And yet, I'm still motivated to try and make things work. And because of this I have been told I'm keeping secrets, rambling... well you know what, I'm a pretty open person. Except when sharing information gets me attacked. I don't like to fight. When I care about someone's opinion I'm very non-confrontational. Can I explain why I care about the opinion of a man who keeps a nasty house and wants me to praise it? No... when I figure it out my readers will be the first to know. One piece of advice I've gotten is to quit the best job I've ever had and move home. Hmmm, can barely make ends meet on what I make now, constantly get criticism that I don't manage my money well enough -- so I should go to $0 income... plus I don't want to live where I grew up. My job is the only part of my life right now that makes me feel good, besides my children. On my task list is to call a therapist I fired because he told me *I* needed to change so my marriage would work, and ask him to write up his comments about Connor's potty issues to try and get him into a preschool. Yep, I'm motivated to do that. I do good to get lunch some days, my boss is pressuring me to work overtime, yep, I've got tons of time to write those kind of letters or make phone calls. Oh, do it when I get home after 40+ hours? But when would I get my husband's job done, or give him the attention I deny him?
Sorry, apparently I needed to vent a little. Don't get me wrong, I think any readers are entitled to their opinion of me, good or bad. You're even entitled to express it. Just understand that my response might be an emotional blog entry.
I get so angry sometimes. I actually work 40 hrs a week. I know keeping kids is work, but is it too much to ask that he do housework too? He'll proudly demand I "notice" that he cleaned when I get home. OK, so he ran the vacuum for 45 seconds today. If I say anything about something that needs doing I'm "raising my standards".
And yet, I'm still motivated to try and make things work. And because of this I have been told I'm keeping secrets, rambling... well you know what, I'm a pretty open person. Except when sharing information gets me attacked. I don't like to fight. When I care about someone's opinion I'm very non-confrontational. Can I explain why I care about the opinion of a man who keeps a nasty house and wants me to praise it? No... when I figure it out my readers will be the first to know. One piece of advice I've gotten is to quit the best job I've ever had and move home. Hmmm, can barely make ends meet on what I make now, constantly get criticism that I don't manage my money well enough -- so I should go to $0 income... plus I don't want to live where I grew up. My job is the only part of my life right now that makes me feel good, besides my children. On my task list is to call a therapist I fired because he told me *I* needed to change so my marriage would work, and ask him to write up his comments about Connor's potty issues to try and get him into a preschool. Yep, I'm motivated to do that. I do good to get lunch some days, my boss is pressuring me to work overtime, yep, I've got tons of time to write those kind of letters or make phone calls. Oh, do it when I get home after 40+ hours? But when would I get my husband's job done, or give him the attention I deny him?
Sorry, apparently I needed to vent a little. Don't get me wrong, I think any readers are entitled to their opinion of me, good or bad. You're even entitled to express it. Just understand that my response might be an emotional blog entry.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Blah Blah Blah
Brace yourselves... this will probably a very bland entry. The bipolar mood swings continue -- Charles was depressed and combative last night, and today he is all smiles and upbeat. Connor has been in good humor lately other than being frustrated at Toon Town -- the other kids often won't include him when he's in cashbot headquarters, and if he's tired he cries over it.
Work has been incredibly busy. One of my team quit in July, and we are really starting to feel the effects of being down a person. My boss is lumping more on me, and I'm not keeping up very well at the moment. A few weeks back I traded this week as vacation for a week at the end of October. Duncan has a school break then.
I am busy trying to find a preschool that will take Connor since he's not 100% potty trained. We've all agreed he needs the time out of the house, and Charles would benefit from it. Connor missed the age cutoff for kindergarten this year by just a month, so he needs something to go to.
Did I mention I've started doing "secret shopping"? A friend clued me in to how to get on as a mystery shopper for a local grocery store chain -- thru that site I've found others that do merchandising audits, fast food shops, restaurant shops, even a gas station one. I'm hoping it will bring in some extra pocket cash, and lots of times you get reimbursed for purchases too.
Some days I wish I didn't have such good taste. My current wishes-and-wants list is getting long with items way out of my price range. I'd like to get an iPod, I've seen a computer desk I like so much better than my current one, and an awesome scrapbooking armoire. The scrapbook armoire/desk was "only" $1700.00.... think I should just run right out and order it? LOL -- at least I have my list ready if I ever hit the lottery!
Work has been incredibly busy. One of my team quit in July, and we are really starting to feel the effects of being down a person. My boss is lumping more on me, and I'm not keeping up very well at the moment. A few weeks back I traded this week as vacation for a week at the end of October. Duncan has a school break then.
I am busy trying to find a preschool that will take Connor since he's not 100% potty trained. We've all agreed he needs the time out of the house, and Charles would benefit from it. Connor missed the age cutoff for kindergarten this year by just a month, so he needs something to go to.
Did I mention I've started doing "secret shopping"? A friend clued me in to how to get on as a mystery shopper for a local grocery store chain -- thru that site I've found others that do merchandising audits, fast food shops, restaurant shops, even a gas station one. I'm hoping it will bring in some extra pocket cash, and lots of times you get reimbursed for purchases too.
Some days I wish I didn't have such good taste. My current wishes-and-wants list is getting long with items way out of my price range. I'd like to get an iPod, I've seen a computer desk I like so much better than my current one, and an awesome scrapbooking armoire. The scrapbook armoire/desk was "only" $1700.00.... think I should just run right out and order it? LOL -- at least I have my list ready if I ever hit the lottery!
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Our Weekend in Charlotte
Ladies, I'm sure you all agree, every now and then there has to be a little "me" time. Well I took mine this past weekend. I almost didn't get there. Wednesday I drove to work -- and at 5 after 2:00 I got a panicked call from Charles telling me he and Connor were romping on our bed and Connor fell off and got a lovely gash on his head. I've shared the pictures here, they aren't that great... (yes I took a camera to the dr).
So I go flying out of work and home to rush him to the doctor. Nothing too serious, but he was awfully sleepy and he staggered a bit, so we had to watch him for concussion symptoms for 24 hrs. Thursday morning we went to pull out of the driveway and this horrific grinding noise starts. WTH -- I had just had the brakes done (rotors no less) to the tune of $324 in June. So we detour to Midas. And when we get there the guy says he thinks it's the calipers. Thankfully it turned out to be a broken pin that holds the pads -- $28 and no real harm done, except I was an hour late to work.
Sooo, yes I did make it to Charlotte Thursday evening. Friday Charles dropped me at the Charlotte convention center for the Creating Keepsakes Scrapbooking Convention. I had bought class tickets in June. Over the next two days I took five classes -- everything from card making to grungy boy layouts. I had a lovely time, though I was exhausted. I spent very little at the vendor faire, but had a great time looking, and catching up with some of my cyber buddies from the NCMemory Makers list.
Saturday night, the rule of 3s struck -- we are still struggling with Connor & potty training. The therapist says Connor is using it as a control issue due to the stress in the house from Charles' illness etc. Charles and Dot don't agree. Well, I was laying down taking a nap, and apparently Connor had a potty accident. Next thing I know Charles' temper ERUPTS. He got so mad he broke a wooden spoon over the toilet, and scraped up his knuckles when he hit the wall. I really need more
education and support about bipolar disease. I am still upset -- I can't live with this kind of temper and strife in my family. I want to give Charles every opportunity to get the help he needs to be the best father & husband he can be -- but I can't continue to allow the effects of his illness on my kids and me... so I ponder my choices. Charles is very contrite and remorseful, but I'm just not sure I can stay the course. Connor will start preschool 1/2 days in September, and I will be working toward improving our finances to position us for whatever the right choice turns out to be.
I feel so inadequate some days.... those of you that have joined me in blogville... thanks for letting me into your lives. Seeing that we all struggle with our own issues and day-to-day decisions helps me feel normal. I'm sorry if I don't find time to post comments on your blogs, but I do read them (Deanna, Julie, Robin, Toni, Tara, Elyse, Courtney.. and others)
So I go flying out of work and home to rush him to the doctor. Nothing too serious, but he was awfully sleepy and he staggered a bit, so we had to watch him for concussion symptoms for 24 hrs. Thursday morning we went to pull out of the driveway and this horrific grinding noise starts. WTH -- I had just had the brakes done (rotors no less) to the tune of $324 in June. So we detour to Midas. And when we get there the guy says he thinks it's the calipers. Thankfully it turned out to be a broken pin that holds the pads -- $28 and no real harm done, except I was an hour late to work.
Sooo, yes I did make it to Charlotte Thursday evening. Friday Charles dropped me at the Charlotte convention center for the Creating Keepsakes Scrapbooking Convention. I had bought class tickets in June. Over the next two days I took five classes -- everything from card making to grungy boy layouts. I had a lovely time, though I was exhausted. I spent very little at the vendor faire, but had a great time looking, and catching up with some of my cyber buddies from the NCMemory Makers list.
Saturday night, the rule of 3s struck -- we are still struggling with Connor & potty training. The therapist says Connor is using it as a control issue due to the stress in the house from Charles' illness etc. Charles and Dot don't agree. Well, I was laying down taking a nap, and apparently Connor had a potty accident. Next thing I know Charles' temper ERUPTS. He got so mad he broke a wooden spoon over the toilet, and scraped up his knuckles when he hit the wall. I really need more
education and support about bipolar disease. I am still upset -- I can't live with this kind of temper and strife in my family. I want to give Charles every opportunity to get the help he needs to be the best father & husband he can be -- but I can't continue to allow the effects of his illness on my kids and me... so I ponder my choices. Charles is very contrite and remorseful, but I'm just not sure I can stay the course. Connor will start preschool 1/2 days in September, and I will be working toward improving our finances to position us for whatever the right choice turns out to be.
I feel so inadequate some days.... those of you that have joined me in blogville... thanks for letting me into your lives. Seeing that we all struggle with our own issues and day-to-day decisions helps me feel normal. I'm sorry if I don't find time to post comments on your blogs, but I do read them (Deanna, Julie, Robin, Toni, Tara, Elyse, Courtney.. and others)
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Duncan's Birthday
As I mentioned in my last post, we decided on Chuck E Cheese for Duncan's birthday party. I choked a bit on the price, but my mother-in-law helped out a bit. Fast forward to party day... we are driving home from my work and Duncan asks about his party. "What party?" I deadpan... and he eagerly informs me it's his irthday... "It is???" I know, I'm a bad mom to tease him so.
He got really REALLY excited when we arrived at Chuck E Cheese. I must say, if you haven't had an official party there, it's worth it. Our table was decorated at our arrival with a big sign that said "Duncan is 9". He and his guests got 40+ tokens each, and other than eating time and when Chuckee came to visit us in person, we only saw them when they brought tickets back or got more tokens. His friend CJ (and mom Janet) came, and the Tomihiro family came and brought nephew Scott too. Duncan was so excited about his Yu-Gi-Oh dealing thing from Dot Dot he squealed when
opening his presents. He also tried to ride his new scooter from Mom and Dad around the restaurant. His other big gift was from my parents -- a new hood/light for his fish tank and two new plecostomus. He's very excited to have his fish tank lit again.
We spent over 3 hours at the party, then Duncan left to head to Charlotte with Dot & Susan. Connor opened his "birthday brother" gift from Grandma & Granddad when we got home and hugged them all the way to bed (little Tonka friends). I was exhausted, but pleased. I think we'll be doing the same party for Connor in November.
He got really REALLY excited when we arrived at Chuck E Cheese. I must say, if you haven't had an official party there, it's worth it. Our table was decorated at our arrival with a big sign that said "Duncan is 9". He and his guests got 40+ tokens each, and other than eating time and when Chuckee came to visit us in person, we only saw them when they brought tickets back or got more tokens. His friend CJ (and mom Janet) came, and the Tomihiro family came and brought nephew Scott too. Duncan was so excited about his Yu-Gi-Oh dealing thing from Dot Dot he squealed when
opening his presents. He also tried to ride his new scooter from Mom and Dad around the restaurant. His other big gift was from my parents -- a new hood/light for his fish tank and two new plecostomus. He's very excited to have his fish tank lit again.
We spent over 3 hours at the party, then Duncan left to head to Charlotte with Dot & Susan. Connor opened his "birthday brother" gift from Grandma & Granddad when we got home and hugged them all the way to bed (little Tonka friends). I was exhausted, but pleased. I think we'll be doing the same party for Connor in November.
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