Quit Yer' Moanin'!

I offer my apologies for my attitude earlier in the day. I was awake during my normal sleep time and it really showed.

It has been wonderful to be off for three days.

We went to see the Co-Cathedral yesterday and stopped at Sacco's, the Catholic store with every religious item you can think of - really! The only bad part was driving through the heavy rains on the way home.

I've got my shopping done.

Working on my January Grocery list and menu.  I know you are disgusted with me - admit it;-) it is okay - really.

Got my ONS annual report completed. And sent out January renewal applications for members.

I'll print out my posters for work tomorrow. And make the new ONS nametags for the January 11, 2011 meeting.

I feel very productive, even if it started at 9 PM after I picked up Amy's prescription!

Where do they all come from?

I'm off, but does anyone get out of my way?

It is not supposed to be so busy at the stores. I have shopping to do, and I really do not like to fight through the crowds.

It is bad enough I have to shop, but really, people, get out of my way.

I had to go get Christmas presents and buy the boy shoes today. We went to the Premium Outlet Mall by Fairfield. Got a bit drizzled on but we survived and did not melt.

Then stopped to get Amy's RX for acne and they told me $125. I said "How much?"

And I heard, along with the kids that "The insurance picked up $375."

I quickly called my money man at home and he told me he had a card for a $10 co-pay.

Now I know how the drug companies make money. Ripping off the consumer. I asked for the generic and they told me they would have to refile. I told them to hold the prescription and I would return with the card.

Amy said for that amount of money the prescription should walk itself into her mouth.

Updates

Hey crazy people! It's been forever! Now that I'm on break and bored out of my mind, I figured I'd give updates :D Get happy :)

Side note: Loki is sitting in my lap and taking away most of my concentration so let's hope I can get this done and still make sense. I love my white fluffy fat weirdo cat <3

So let's see... the confined feeling has moved to the back of my mind. I think it's because I (along with the rest of the junior class) has realized that we only have three semesters left until we're in college.... O.o Scary, I know...

School's going pretty good. Parentals are extremely proud of their two straight A children. I'm proud too :) I'm hoping next semester is better.

I'm not really falling for any guy right now. Rene has waaaayyy to much fricking drama. And I'M the girl! Anyway, I'm not sold on anyone, which I kind of enjoy. There's a song by John Mayer called "Perfectly Lonely". I hit that status pretty much everytime a guy proves himself something I don't want. I think it's healthy to be happy you're alone.

So it doesn't feel like two days til Christmas at all. Stupid bipolar Texas weather is to blame. Ugh. I have to serve Christmas day and then we're headed over to Aunt Jennifer's and Uncle Tom's. I'm excited!!!

So far my break is pretty pathetic. It has consisted of TV and computer. I vacuumed the whole house and washed dishes. I'm about to go eat some chocolate :)

Hope you guys are more exciting than me! LOVE YOU! Have a marvelous Christmas :D

Wide Awake

Normally, I am eating lunch at 2:30 am.

Normally, I am finishing checking chart at 3:30 am.

Normally, I am putting needles in arms and drawing blood at 4:00 am.

Normally, lately, I am working.

But now, I am wide awake, after being woken up by my bed mate when he came to bed at 2:30 am (don't ask) and trying to dose back off, my body decided it had a nice nap and perked right up.

I finally crawled out of bed, got dressed and came down in the dark house and decided I could at least catch up on e-mails and online education.

I am nibbling on some crackers and hot tea. Amy's alarm should be going off any minute to get her up for school.

Minnie is lying here at my side, sleeping.

I am also trying to decide when I should try to go back to bed before I go to work tonight.

Twisted

I woke up at 6 am to make sure Colt was up this morning, after only 3 hours of sleep.

Needless to say, I went right back to bed until 9 am.

Currently, I am up and will return to my warm cocoon at 1 pm to sleep another 4 hours before I am up at 5pm to get ready for work.

I've been off for 4 days and cannot seem to get to bed before 2 am. The mornings and early afternoon are sluggish as best. My eyes don't seem to function well even with glasses until noon and even better at 5 pm.

I had to get up at 6 am yesterday to take the kids to school with their formal uniforms for orchestra pictures and once I was up I was okay until about 10 am.

Probably, the saddest part of this is that my spouse insists on staying up with me, despite the fact he is often sound asleep in his recliner at 8 or 9 pm.

I am scheduled to work for the next 5 days straight, so sleep is mandated from 9 AM- 5PM daily. I'll resurface on Tuesday and Wednesday then work for two more days until a weekend off.

Like I said 'twisted' would be an apt decription of my wake-sleep cycle.

Quiet

I am going to have a quiet day.

Ripping music to my computer and working on my CCE lessons, updating my ONS roster for submission to National ONS offices, completeing a poster on CINV (chemo induced nausea and vomiting), and ... and ... working with the tutor on his ad for the church bulletin.

It will still be quiet just more challenging to wait for his creative mind to tell me what to change next.

Maybe I should have Enya playing in the background to sooth the senses.

Here is another picture of the kids from homecoming.

I need more pictures. I'll try to remember my camera Tuesday at their concert when they are both dressed in their formals.

They Still Look Good

Okay, so I am a bit behind in getting the pictures off my camera.

But it doesn't mean I didn't take the pictures.

Homecoming was ... 2 months ago.

Amy and Colt went - not together - it just is that they wanted to hang out with their respective socail clans and it happened to be at the same high school.

Yes, they are the same height now, and Colt is slimming down so quick as he shoots up that his pants, bought in August, fall off his skinny butt and ride up to his ankles.

I believe Iwill need to take the boy shopping after Christmas!

On the road......finally.

We got Amy on the road, the actual road, Tuesday.

I think it freaked the crap out of her when I made her drive with other traffic and then drive us home.

The grin all the way home was really cool to see!

And she did great, as you all knew she would.

Next weekend, I'll be child free as they are both going to the Archdiocesan Youth Conference in Arkansas.

If you don't succeed...try, try again.

We are going to try to go driving today. I am ready and waiting to take her out and it has been too much homework the past few days. I just don't remember, wait, yes, I DO remember staying up late to finish homework. Golly, homework stinks.

In the meantime, I am working on recipe cards and my grocery list for next week.

Back to work tomorrow night for 3 nights.

Tutor student this Saturday. And the crew to see PawPaw.

RCIA, UpperFaithmen, CCE and Mass on Sunday.

I can try to take Amy driving again on Tuesday night. in the dark.....oooooh, what fun.

What Do You Think?

Amy needs more driving instruction and driving time, but it is raining today. Should I take her out in this?

The sad thing is that I have been working so much or she has too much homework that we have not been out but three times since August. How sad is that?

Confused

My week is all messed up. No, I am not complaining just explaining if you talk to me and I am not really oriented.

I was off all weekend, sleeping nights. Although I practically was asleep at  3pm Saturday at the Renaissance Festival!

Had to work Monday night, so nap time from 12-5 pm. I love to sleep.

Worked from 6:45 PM to 7:15 then taught a class til 9 AM. Back home to nap from 1-5 then up for the night and back to bed at 1 AM til 6 AM.

Wednesday, back to work to give chemo at 8:30 AM but got held up and ended up staying until 6 PM. Was SUPPOSED to work at 7PM but luckily got a replacement to cover me and got to go home to sleep.

Thursday back to work at 7:30 AM for a meeting then taught another class, completed my biometric profile for open enrollment and am now back at home.

I am headed to bed at noon and back to work at 6:30 PM.

Friday will be interesting as I finish work at 7:15 AM then am going shopping for the Toys for Tots program, then back to the hospital for the ICARE awards luncheon at 11:30 AM. I then plan to come home nap for an hour then go get Amy for her cello lesson at 2:30 PM. Back home for dinner then off the the church for the Junior High Dance from 6:30 PM-10:00 PM. Sleep a bit then do grocery shopping Saturday AM and down to bed for work Saturday night.

Are you confused yet?  How about feeling tired?

Yes, I love my job, and yes, I love working nights.

p.s. I also love my sleep.

Orch('ork') Dorks

I've gotta' couple of them - Orch Dorks.

Had their first concert last night. Amy in her formal gown and Colt in a tuxedo. Weird.

The orchestra parent association (OPA) sent out an e-mail at 12:30 pm asking for food donations to be brought up at 6:30 pm. Didn't happen in my world as I just looked at my e-mail this morning.

And they had plenty of snacks, enough for even the band students who tromped through after the concert when they finished marching band practice.

Colt was asking to wear his tuxedo to the Homecoming dance.

I said "No", often and repeatedly.

When he found out they omitted him from the program - he asked again.

Then I said....

"No"

Yup, he is an orch dork of the highest magnitude. And I still love him!

Day and Night

First of all, an apology to my Mom, I don't know when is the best time to get a hold of me. Sorry.

I work nights, 7p-7a.

This means at any given moment, you could find me sleeping.

I love to sleep. It restores me and keeps me sane.

I also love to be a nurse. It restores me and keeps me sane.

But working nights, I nap from 1-5p on those days that I was off the night before. On days I worked the night before, the bed and I have a set rendezvous from 9 am to 5 pm. Then if I worked and am off work, I come home and snuggle into the bed from 9 am -1 pm or maybe 2 pm or sometimes 3 pm ( all depends on how exhausted I am).

AND things a going to get even more crazy as I begin teaching CCE at 3:30 pm on Sunday. Think of getting up at 3:30 am to go teach Sunday school.

But don't feel sorry for me or anything, I love what my life is and am so blessed to have a job I truly love.

I just wanted to let you all know - I could be sleeping. .  .or awake. You just never know.

Wanting Independence

I don't know why but I'm feeling a little cramped at the moment. Well maybe cramped isn't the best word. I guess I just feel kind of.... stuck? Here's how I can best explain it: I'm happier at school than I am at home. When I'm home, I want to be alone in a big room where I can run around, screaming my head off or singing at the top of my lungs to my favorite songs. I often dream of ice skating alone or with a guy to a random song depending on my mood.

So that makes me remember the one weekend I was completely alone here at home while Mom, Dad, and Colt were at a retreat. I was completely self sufficient for and entire two and a half days. I liked not being told what to do. The reason I think I cleaned up after myself and got everything done is because I knew it pertained to me. Not so much that Mom would kill me if I didn't, but because it was just an obligation, I suppose. I didn't feel guilty if I didn't do something and I didn't feel "responsible" if I did do something. Does that make sense??

So at the moment, I just wanna move into a big space with all my music and school work and other supplies and just be alone for a while, away from family. I'm not sad, I've just got this overwhelming urge to just run off to a random open space with a friend and just rock out or be completely silent.

Just for right now. :)

First Week of School :)

My schedule didn't change, but I got my teachers :D

1st period: English III AP. Mrs. Rasmussen (Ms. Raz). I REALLY like her. She's not too strict or too lax; just right :) I have like 36 people in that class so we are VERY cramped for space. I set in the very back corner of the class (for right now, cuz I don't know if she's gonna move us) and I love it. Right now we are prepping for writing a major essay/research paper thingy about the American Dream. Anyone up for an interview?? :P Seriously call me if you want your opinions heard. In class, we're watching Miracle (that hockey movie) and I'm loving it. I'm in there with Matt, Phillip and Kristen :)

2nd period: Scholars. Here's the interesting thing: My teacher switches everyday. One day I'm with Ms. Raz (don't even have to move classes) and the next I have Mrs. Clifton. So far, we haven't really done anything major, just vocab. and a little practice math test. Again, I like Ms. Raz. Mrs. Clifton is really awesome... more to come :) Kristen (from my first period), Guillermo, Rene (teehee), Margaret, Taha, and Lindsay (she's going out with Davis).

3rd period: US History AP/Dual Credit. Mrs. Hoover. She's fricking amazing and hilarious to the nth degree :) Not to mention a great teacher. She really gets us thinking. We've had to read/take notes on a chapter pretty much every two nights and have a quiz on it the next day. The first two quizzes are group quizzes so we can get an idea of what to expect. Monday will be the first individual quiz on Chapter 3. I really like the textbook. It's not a super challenging read; it almost reads like a regular book. And it's smaller than a normal textbook, so I don't have to carry around this HUGE book (although for it's size, its HUGE; it weighs about 5 pounds). Guillermo and Alexis are in it with me.

4th period: Precalculus K. Mrs. Clifton (told you more to come :)) She's tiny and skinny and she's got a really interesting way of teaching. She's one of those teachers that doesn't just know one way to solve a problem (like Mrs. Rodriguez from last year); she can teach you like seven different ways. She's really quirky and blunt and she doesn't care. We've done distance formula and midpoint and functions so far, which is easy-peasy stuff. Phillip, Casey, and Matt are in that class with me.

5th period: Biology AP. Mrs. Gill. She's really sarcastic and blunt and funny and weird and really enthusiastic about what she teaches. I really like her. She kinda looks like Mrs. Piggy which is so ironic to know because it looks like pink threw up in her room. Oh, and there's a little piggy bank that gives you a pencil for a quarter. :D just funny. We did a Pillbug (Roley-Poley) lab on thursday and the paperwork is due on Friday. I only know one girl in there and she sits on the other side of the room and I don't know her that well.

Lunch: I have the last lunch with Kim, Arryn (like Erin), Sarah and a few other people. I don't have Ashley (my bestie) in anything, not even lunch which makes me sad, but I talk to her through Kim, so it's all good :)

6th period: CHAMBER Orchestra :D :D :D. Mrs. Robicheaux (Ms. Ro). I really like it so far because it's challenging and not boring. And I really feel like a huge family with all those people unlike last year where it was like I only felt kin to a few people. I have it with Arryn, Gabriel, Jacob, An... gosh just so many awesome people in there that I'm proud to call my second family :)

7th period: Physics K. Ms. Raju (R-agh-shoo). She's very strict and very young. She has an INCREDIBLY thick Indian (like the country) accent and she can't say my name correctly, even though there's another Amy in the class and I've corrected her about five times. So far, it's been really easy. We've done one lab. I've heard from other people though that you have to read the textbook because she doesn't really teach anything. So it should be like last year in Chemistry: self-taught. I think I can do it.

Dad's gotten a little better. But I think he's just really lonely despite the fact that Mom's been home the past week basically. I feel for him, but I'm just tired of it at the same time. I'm trying my hardest not to piss him off or be short with him but I'm afraid I'm just going to snap one of these days. :(

That's about it. I'll try and hound Colt to give you a day in his shoes, but I'm not making any promises :)

Love you guys :)

P.S. Thanks for the advice about Rene. I'm just working on being friends right now and maybe working up the guts to ask him to go to homecoming with me (JUST AS FRIENDS, I SWEAR!!). If he says yes, and something happens, then we'll see.... :)

Crap on a Cracker!

I called this morning to find out what I needed to bring in to get my dysfunctional computer fixed by the Geek Squad. Just the tower.

The lame person at Best Buy then explains to me, like I am an idiot, that the information is incorrect. They need to recovery discs that came with the unit when I purchased it. And, did I back up the computer? Because if and when they do the recovery, it will wipe all the files and data I have on the unit.

Well, no, your people did not tell me THAT when I called this morning! Oh, and if I want they will back up the data files for $150 for me on a separate hard drive that runs $99. How about that?

NO, I can back up my files. All I want is for you to restore my ability to use Internet Explorer on a Vista System and block any further downloads to upgrade to IE8.

I walked out with the unit in hand.

Guess what I have been doing all night. Transferring files to backup drives offline of this stupid machine.

Photos to the Kodak gallery for off site storage. Music files are gone - too much data to put on a USB or disc. Everything else on a flash drive.

Biggest issues is the Outlook Email files. I have no idea how to manage saving those to a storage file elsewhere. Any suggestions??

Momma, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up....

I'm off to buy the stuff that the kids need for school. Didn't know what was needed until they got home from school yesterday.  Going now while the little monsters are still in school. Okay, Big Monsters.
Gotta turn in my computer for some repairs - I have Vista and it does not like Internet Explorer so I had switched to Mozilla FireFox but now the computer has decided it does not like FireFox either. So I am taking it to get 'fixed'.
Also on the prowl for some kitty behavior modification agents. Ezzie (esmeralda also known as evil black kitty) keeps marking someone's bed with urine - Gross - no it is not my bed - Thank Heavens!
And need to get my vehicle registration tags. New fridge (6 months old )needs a new water filter.
Need a new headlight for the CRV.
And finally back home to greet the monsters.
School just keeps getting more and more expensive. We have spent over $200 on school stuff - fees, club dues, laptop, yearbooks, lunch fees, and it just keeps coming.
I need to work more to pay for it all!

Now! When I Have the Time :) *WARNING: may be very long*

School starts tomorrow. I haven't been on here in a LOOOOOOONNNGG time!! Just thought I'd give updates. :)

OK, so first; my schedule (subject to changes tomorrow, hopefully not though):

English III AP

Scholars (1st semester)/PE (2nd semester)

US History Dual Credit (it's basically AP curriculum)

Pre-calculus K

Biology AP

Lunch (should take some big changing into since it's two hours after I always had lunch before)

Orchestra III (CHAMBER HOMIES!!!!! :D)

Physics I K

Hopefully it'll stay in that order like a good schedule :) Colt's schedule is Cross Country, meaning he'll be going from one end of the school to the other with every other class :'( I feel bad for him but that just means he'll be focused on getting to class rather than getting into trouble with upperclassmen.

2nd: Events :)

Wow. I haven't blogged since June!! DUDE!! No wonder I'm pouring everything out to Mom!! hahaha just kidding :P

Alrighty then. Let's see..... Scholars was in July, so I guess I'll start there :)

Scholars is Advanced SAT Prep for those of you who read this and don't already know. I had to take a two week introductory (I guess that's what you'd call it) class of sorts. I got this HUGE binder and SAT book. When I take it first semester, I will have to have it EVERYDAY except the first day because they love us :) I got to spend a few more weeks than other people did with one of my good friends Puneet, who is moving to Dallas to go to Texas Academy of Math and Science (TAMS). I'm gonna miss her dearly :'( But I'll stay in contact via Facebook.

Speaking of, if you have one and you REALLY want to, send me a friend request :)

Anyway.... for Scholars, I have to do vocab. flashcards from 36 lists, 10 words from each list. It wouldn't be that bad if I didn't have to do sooo fricking much per flashcard. I have to draw a picture, write the definition, write my own definition, put it in a sentence, synonyms and etymology. For. Every. One. (O_O) I'm gonna go insane. I've done up to list 20 where they told us to, so I'm not concerned, I just REALLY don't want to spend an hour every night doing vocabulary.

That's pretty much all of July, so AUGUST!!!!

I went to Bobcat Express and got my schedule and all my books (well, most anyway) and took my yearbook picture which I think looked very nice, but I don't know for sure :) While I was there, I got to see my fwends that I hadn't seen ALL SUMMER LONG!! Very exciting. Oh, and I straightened my hair which freaked everyone out :P

Then we went and got my permit, FINALLY!! Five hours at the DPS and not sitting down once is not my ideal day, but... that's life I suppose :)

Then we went to Fish Camp for Colt. By we, I mean Dad, me, and I. I went because I wanted to drop off my HUGE binder so I don't have to worry about it tomorrow :) Bummer: I have to angle it in my locker cuz it's too deep :( I saw/talked to Melissa and Guillermo. Guillermo's was a more interesting conversation which shall be my fourth topic cuz it's happy/interesting :) *hint hint: guys hint hint, stay tuned :)*

Then mother and I went driving for the very first time last Thursday :D :D :D :D :D It was soo nerve-racking (sp?) and exciting at the same time. It still feels like I dreamt the whole thing :) I'm pretty good at left turns (better than I am at right turns), and I can't back into a space to save my life. Well not yet, anyway :) She was going to take me again today, but somehow I don't think it's going to happen :( We'll see.

This past weekend, we went clothes shopping because of Tax-Free hoopla (I love that word, don't you???) We started at JCPenney. Since Colt already got his clothes before he went to A&M, he didn't need a whole lot, but I haven't been true clothes shopping in a couple of years and most of my old shirts have holes in them like you wouldn't believe (thanks, gatos), so we were mainly shopping for me. I got some lower-cut stuff than what I usually do and I think it scared the crap out of Dad when he saw :P teehee. Get used to it, old man; I'm not eight anymore!!! *more further in part three and four* I got a couple pairs of black jeans cuz (Colt just went "You're typing like 40 pages!!!!" hahahaha) cuz the ones I had from last year faded to a dark gray. I got a jacket that I am wearing now cuz it's kick-ass. You know the dangly string thing-a-ma-bobs that the jock messes with in the Breakfast Club??? Yeah, those things have earbuds threaded through them so I can listen to my musica in them!!!!! :D :D :D I love it so!! Anyway, then we went to Kohl's cuz neither one of us have long-sleeved shirts, but little luck there for me. Colt found some button-ups he likes. Then yesterday we went to Hot Topic where I got some more shirts and some hair bows (scared Dad too, but they're cute, so what-EVA!!) Then we went to the outlet mall for my underwear (pronounced in a German accent) and some socks for me and Dad and a watch for me :)

And now we're at today!!! :D I have to serve today, so.... :( I guess.

3rd: The Incredibly Horrible Captain Obvious

AAAAAAHHH!! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!!

Yeah, it's Dad. You guys thought I was lying???? Now Mom's getting a good dose of it and she hates it as well.

****PAUSE TO HELP CHALLENGED BOY MAKE QUESADILLAS****

And I'm back!!! I'll have to leave for occasional checks to make sure he's not burning anything...

OH! yes. and Mom's hating it has led to us being confidantes about it. It's driving both of us up the wall (which I'm sure would be really interesting to watch if it weren't a hyperbole) I'm glad schools starting so I won't have to spend as much time with him as I have been, but now that he hasn't found work I have a feeling Colt and I are going to get home tomorrow and he's gonna demand hugs and say "I missed you!!" *rolls eyes* Oh Lord, he's such a woman. And a lonely woman at that. :P Don't get me wrong or anything; I love the man, but for heaven's sake! I can only take so much of his crap!!!

4th: What You've All Been Waiting For! Le Guy I Likey :P

His name is Rene (pronounced Renee) __ ____ (yes he's Mexican, but he acts white)(and you guys can look him up on Facebook: Rene ****** ** **** {edited to preserve the innocent}). He plays varsity soccer @ school. I talked to him once in school this past year and then when I got a Facebook, I sent him a friend request. He sent me a message that said "do I know you?? lol" and we started talking. I like him a lot and I think he's thought about it. We've been texting all summer (which pisses of the parentals (although we have unlimited, so I don't fully understand that)) and I've gotten to know him pretty well. He's that shy kid that sits in the back of the class cuz he hates school but he's really awesome once you get to know him. We've seen each other three times and all three have been quite fantabulous, if I do say so myself. :) We've established we're just friends, but more like close friends, which is cool with me cuz it says "I like you, I want you to stay, but not like that". Which I can work on.

Here's the thing: He went to Washington a week ago and told me about this girl he likes. They kinda messed around meaning wrestling and tickling :/ I thought he went there to see her, but it turns out they did that stuff the FIRST DAY THEY MET!! So, I'm a little on the fence about me liking him right now. That's what I talked to Guillermo about. Guillermo's one of his close friends and he said Rene's been a little distant and I told him about the girl in Washington and he said that Rene's kind of a player but that he gets WAY to attached to each and every girl.

Right now, I feel like I just wanna be friends until I can talk to him in person about the whole issue. What do you guys think?? Any suggestions as to how to approach the subject when I DO talk to him??

That's about it!! I'm sorry it's so long, but I hope you enjoyed getting caught up!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! Hope you have a wonderful Monday like I will!!!!

Shoes

My feet hurt. Yes, it is getting older but also the weight I am carrying. But on the other hand I was in orthopedic shoes through 11th grade. Plus, I have been using orthotics since before Amy was born.

So when my orthotics started making my feet hurt more, I knew it was time to reinvest in a new pair. Back to the orthopedist. I got new orthotics and they feel great! This is wonderful for the working nurse but what about the casual person who wants to not have to wear shoes that accomodate an orthotic?

I have despaired about finding sandals for the arch challenged feet that I have. I will get a pair of sandals and then have to switch to more supportive shoes that I can wear my orthotics with. Totally unsatisfying for cool feet in the summer. So going with the recommendation of the podiatrist, we meandered over to "All About Feet". At first we were stunned by the prices. Some shoes ran up to $335. No they weren't Jimmy Choo's (is that right?). Then as we looked at the quality of the shoes and how long they lasted. Even if wearing them daily, the price was justified - not quite $335 worth - but even $250 seemed reasonable when the shoes will last up to 5-10 years. Seriously, The shoes have replaceable shoe insoles and so the shoe lasts longer. The insoles are @ $40. How often have you bought a shoe and then can't wear it because it hurts so bad? I know I've bought more than $250 dollars worth.

So I splurged and I have a pair of sandals made by FinnComfort. These are the best shoes I have had since I stopped wearing orthopedic shoes. Really!

They also carry Dansko clogs which are primo for nurses. I'll be shopping here again.

Homework Already

Amy went to Bobcat Express today to pick up her schedule, locker assignment and textbooks. She also received homework for her scholar's program. She went for two weeks this summer to classes to help prep her for SAT/ACT/PSAT testing in this, her junior year of high school. 

Can you all believe it?! 11th grade! She picked up her class ring with Vernon last week. 


Vernon found his college ring and realized he was a SKINNY guy back then. Nothin' but an adam's apple and hair. Truly, even Amy is fat compared to Vernon in college. I am so glad he isn't 101 pounds anymore. He is getting skinnier these days. He has lost 15 pounds on the Jillian Michaels program. It is his and my homework to keep to the program to tone up and lose weight. So far I am down 6 pounds and three inches.

End of Summer

Yeah, yeah....we have been lax in blogging.

I had the opportunity to have a whole block of days off and I have just slid through them like I'm on vacation. No ambition other than getting up and getting my requisite exercise in each day. Reading books in a leisurely fashion. Hanging at the house indoors away from the heat. Shopping with the family.

I stood in line yesterday with the girl child to get a learners permit for FIVE hours. She then understood why I insisted on getting there as early as possible. We got to see EMS come twice for people who had gotten overheated @ 10 am at the DPS office. And one lady had a bit of a meltdown screaming for her husband to come to her at the information desk. Teens filled the DPS office to get their permits and licenses before school starts.

I have to admire those workers for the DPS. Day after day they deal with the insanity of working in an office that is too small and crowded for the type of crowds they get there now. The particular office we went to has been there unchanged for 35 years, despite the phenomenal growth of NW Houston. DPS needs to get a new office to handle the load of NW Houston's population.

Now, I get to start behind the wheel driver's ed. I'll be starting in the church parking lot. You all are safe on the real roads for now.

For People who like country music(Unlike me "Colt" most of the time)

This is a great song and hilarious video!
Just click the title, I'll post more 2moro morning!
Goodnight!

Getting Older and Wider

I have never been thin. I will never be thin.

But, I can be healthier. So in that frame of mind and with the ever self-conscious behind me, I am looking for a program that will motivate me to move. Because, really, I eat healthy. I just don't move, exercise, grove, shake it, whatever you choose to call it, I do not do it.

So I began looking at what is out there to motivate me to move.

Quick Weight Loss Centers just opened in the neighborhood, and I just have this ting about paying someone to tell me what I already know and they do not really look at exercise as a full component of weight loss.

Weight Watchers is there, along with Jenny Craig and many others, but really they are telling me what I know.

What has really appealed to me is the Jillian Micheals' site. She has EXERCISES and it seems as if the information is based on the real world not the Biggest Loser mentality of exercising 4-6 hours a day. The cost is a easy $4 a week billed in quarterly increments.

Many of you have done this weight loss stuff with different providers, your thoughts?

The Amazing...

Minnie!

We all thought she was waiting for Colt to come home, but I guess we were wrong.

She is sill hanging in there. Her tummy is still firm and tender but she is continuing her normal antics. Herding the cats and Kane to do her bidding. She does not seem to be able to tolerate regular dog food. So, I continue to spoil her with boiled chicken and rice. Most days are spent following me around. She would go to work with me if she could.

Both dogs live in the bedroom when I am asleep. I often get feline visitors to my slumber chamber as well.

I had to clip Minnie's nails the other day and it looks like I may need to give her a shave soon as well with the heat. Her fur is just as thick as it ever has been and that along with the black color just heats her up quickly.

I could take Minnie back and get her lab redone but at $250 it is not worth it right now.

So for now, Minnie is still with us and doing well.

Working and Summer

I am lucky. I have a job that has me working in the cooler hours of the heat.

I leave in the humid steamy morning from work and go home to enter a night cooled house and proceed to go to bed.

I have noticed that the rest of my family has picked up my night time tendencies. The kids are staying up way beyond the usual bedtimes. And the man of the house tries to stay up on my nights off to hang with me, but, alas, he fades away in the recliner.

I am definitely sticking to the more than one night off in a row plan. The one night on and one night off was way too taxing on everyone.

I get to sleep through the worst heat of the day.

No more wimpy showers since no one is watering their lawn at 5 pm.

Now I just have to figure out when I should try to get some exercise.

I relented and allowed my two to get Facebook accounts. This has caused some consternation among the parental units. But then one of the parental units is a true enemy to technology. It never makes things easier, just more things to keep track of and manage. Ignorance would be bliss in this situation.

Hello from Evans Library at TAMU

Hey guys!,
I know its been a while, but I've been busy. At 7:42 I got on a computer in the library at TAMU and so here I am. DukeTIP is fun i live in A&Ms Crocker hall dorms with my triple-night-threat roommate(which means at night he whistles, humms, and talks in his sleep). It's really annoying but most nights I fall asleep before any ruckus starts. I'm taking an Architecture class which is fun but not all the time. I hate having to draw up plans, but freetime is fun. The camp DukeTIP is for kids who took the SAT or ACT in 7th grade and who scored well we take a 3 week class at a college. Lucky me, TAMU or ATM or A&M either way its the same. My teachers dont get along well but they seem to like me so its all good. I have a lot of friends, but they're also alot of annoying and "act-stupid" kids here too so it can get frustrating.


I love everyone family and friends, Mom & Dad & Amy,(associated pets), Aunts and Uncles and especially my Godson George! I look forward to seeing all of you and i will be available to IM on yahoo.com until about 9PM.
P.S.-Aunt Theresa & Uncle Chuck I went to a Brazos Valley Bombers game on the 26th of June. It was 0-4 in favor of visitors then in the last 2 innings it became 4-5 in favor of the bombers! Go A&M!
Love you all,
Colt /: 0

Still Alive

Recall how about 3 weeks go we learned that Minnie had liver cancer?

Amazingly, she is doing well. Her tummy is still firm and she does not like you touching her tummy but since she seems to be doing okay, I backed off the pain meds.

AND..

It is like she perked up. She is back to her old tricks of herding the cats out of her territory. She herds Kane to go outside in the morning and when we return to the house.

I am still spoiling her with rice and chicken meals.

The odd thing is she stinks. Like "wet dog' when she goes outside even for a minute and is back inside the smell is awful. I keep watching for jaundice with the liver dysfunction.

Colt asks if she is still alive when he calls.

Do you think she is waiting for him to come home?

It has me baffled since her liver function tests were so off the charts. I'm not complaining just commenting. I love having my little back shadow.

The Cost of Doing Business

I identified the cost to my immediate family earlier this week. And it has come to my attention that they are not the only ones who miss me.

I work every other weekend. It just happens to fall on our weekends to see PawPaw.

I love my father-in-law, Daddy. Not Dad, that would be my own departed father, but the southern vernacular, Daddy.

Over the years I have grown close to Daddy, helping him reconnect with his son, helping him care for Granny before she died and keeping him in line after her death. I promised her we would take care of him. But I haven't seen him since his birthday in May. Vernon has to pick up the hair cutting duties and the visits solo with one or both of the children. I need to make arrangements to go over some weekday when I am off and take him to lunch.

I also have to apologize to my Mother for messing up our weekend, which I am usually off of work for, But alas this weekend I signed up to help out on Saturday. This means I will be seeing her on Sunday and possibly messing up her weekend plans. Sorry, Mom.

It Is A Different World

I seem to be adapting to the night shift very well. But alas, my family is not doing so well.

Amy is in summer school and keeps Vernon busy being her chauffeur. Drop off at 7 am, pick-up at 2 pm, drop off at 4 pm and pick-up at 6 pm. Colt is away at his Duke TIP program. He is calling about twice a week, to Vernon on Sunday and to me on Tuesday. He is managing his own laundry. He told me he has lost about 10 pounds, but most students have picked up their 'freshman fifteen'. His voice is changing. It would be freaky to have dropped him off speaking an octave higher than when we pick him up. I'm not sure I will make that transition well. Although that is not really up to me.

Here is the issue with working nights; I leave for work at 6 pm and get back home between 8 and 9 am, depending on traffic and work delays. Then I go to bed @ 9 or 10 am and sleep til 4 or 5 pm. I cook dinner, then out the door at 6 pm. Tuesday is my eternal off day. So I come home Tuesday morning and try to stay awake until 10 or 11 then go to sleep until 3 or 4 pm. Here I am now, at 12:30 AM, wide awake. I am trying to get some things done but I will try to go to bed @ 2 am for a few hours then take a nap tomorrow from 1-4 before I go back to work.

Apparently, my spouse feels like I never am available. But let's look at this another way. When I get home from work he is in the midst of his workout and not available. I can't wait up until 11 or noon for him to finish, and sorry folks, but I am not going to sit in the exercise room while he grunts, sweats, and moans his way through his exercise. Yes, I am strange that way.

I think Amy enjoys the time with her dad and mom is not there, but remember Colt is not here to stir the pot with his dad and that makes a huge difference in the calmness of the house. We will have to see what happens when Colt gets back home. Amy has demonstrated more responsibility in household chores - like she is supposed to do but needed prodding to initiate and complete. Now, I come home and the kitchen is clean. Cool, huh?

Colt get all lovey dovey when I appear and seems to be okay with the new Mom working hours.

So the dilemma is finding a perfect time of the day we are both awake and oriented to each other and to the household/family/partner things we need to take care of. Colt found out that when I just wake up in the afternoon I am not WIDE awake. I have to ramp up to ALERT. Just like most people are not WIDE awake at 4 or 5 AM. From about 5-6 I am pretty alert and with it. And when I get home in the morning I am tired but usually conscious enough to have an intelligent conversation. I'm sure it will get better.

I am also putting in an extra shift or two during the work week. The rationale being a follows:
1. The hospital need the help and OT is available.
2. Through the end of June, we get a bonus for each extra shift we work.
3. It is cooler at night.
4. Who knows if the teacher will get a job, so while the opportunity is here and I am available, I am working and banking the money. After all, Vernon is at home and can cover the kiddo's activities.
5. I really love my job, really, really love my job.

I plan to back off the extra shift when school starts and that should make me more available during normal daytime hours. It has been amazing to me how well I have adapted to the sleeping during the day issue. I love ear plugs and the sleeping when it is light outside does not seem to be an issue in my world.

Driver's Ed.

First day wasn't so bad. I don't really know anyone in there, but I think I've maybe hit it off with one girl. She says she knows me from retreats, so that's nice. She looks familiar but I can't really say I know her.

The instructor, Ms. Tully, is a little on the boring side, but she throws in stories when she finds it pertains to what we're talking about, so it's not just straight reading and teaching. She's not evil, so I think this'll be OK.

I thought it'd be full of fish, but there are a few 17-year-olds. I'm not the oldest!!!! YAY!!!! :D

A good thing about the class being at the college is that if someone can't come pick me up @ 6 when we're done, is that I can head over to the library and spend some quality time there. I'm gonna start bringing my wallet that has my library card in it, so I can check out books.

Bummer: I won't get my permit until the end of the course and if I pass (shouldn't be a problem), which means I won't be driving until July. I have to have 14 hours of instructed driving and another 20 of JUST driving before I can go get my license. Oh, and 6 months of waiting (not a year, thank God). I'll be getting my license in January (?) then. Hopefully I can get it during Christmas break then and maybe I can start driving to school for the second semester!!! That'd be awesome!!!

But then Colt will want me to drive him..... :( He's got this fear of riding the bus. I think he needs to man up and grow a pair. 'S not my fault he's bullied. Not my job to protect him either. He just needs to learn my method of finding a seat by yourself and staring out the window. And when someone comes down the aisle, stare at them like "What? You really want to sit with the emo kid?" and they leave me alone. I don't have to talk to ANYONE and I'm a lovely happy camper. :) I guess it's a little more difficult for him because he's been riding the bus with those people since 4th grade and I've only had to deal with it since 6th grade.

Well, I'm gonna go work on the 84 questions I have to answer before Thursday for this wonderful class.

P.S. : One of my friends, Gabe, is Korean and the last few days of school all he could talk about was this band called SNSD. I looked them up (horribly, while Colt was in the room). Their a Korean pop band with 9 girls. So now, I have to hear constantly about how hot two of them are and everything Colt's found out about them via YouTube. Oh, joy. :/ Someone save me.

P.P.S. : I don't know if you've heard it before, but I think you guys should listen to Lover Lover by Jerrod Niemann. Enjoy!!!

And Curly....

I straightened my bangs cuz they looked stupid with a wave. I think this new do is gonna be good for my low maintenance lifestyle. :)

4 More Days

Monday so begins my journey into the world of driving. I'm SO excited!!!!! I think I'll be in the class with a bunch of teenagers like me, although probably more freshman than sophomores like me, but we'll see. Maybe I'll know some people in there.

I still don't have my permit, but I don't think that will take that long. Ashley got hers three days after she started drivers ed.

I just got a haircut, too, which makes me feel even more awesome!!! I got bangs and that's a little new. Getting used to that might take a little while, but no biggie. What do you guys think? He straightened it, by the way. My hair is gonna curl next time I wash it so it'll be interesting to see what it looks like then. I love it. Mom doesn't care, Dad's heartbroken (cutting hair is a big NO-NO), and Colt just thinks I look "different". Sorry the camera's a little lopsided. I'm technologically challenged.




So, let's see: Haircut, drivers ed. I have summer school in a little while too. That should be fun. Luckily, I'll be with all the people I know b/c it's at Cy-Fair with only Cy-Fair peeps. Weeeee!!!!

Already tired of the heat. GAH!!!! It's like the air is trying to give me a hug. Don't get me wrong, I love hugs, but the air is just waaaay to clingy for my liking.
Dad's last day is tomorrow and then Grilled Cheese Fest begins (he insists on something warm for lunch and that's basically all I can cook, so that's all he gets). Now that Mom's home during the day, though, I'm not sure how that's gonna change. She got promoted to a manager basically--she's in charge of the whole floor at night. Yippee!!! :D

Hope you guys are having an awesome summer so far. Don't die. Love you!!

Last Day of School, the Horrid Captain Obvious and Minnie's Condition

So today proved my point that there was no reason whatsoever in going. Few of my friends were there. We did absolutely squat in all of my classes. I waited two fricking hours for the end of the day and the bus.

But Captain Obvious insisted (more like demanded or forced, you pick) I go.

I'm not counting Tuesday next week as a day of school (and really why should I count this one?) because I'll be there for Orchestra, which I don't feel qualifies as school. More like my second family. Anyway, I have to go back to re-do my Chamber audition because Arryn confused Mrs. Ro. Not that big of a deal. I also have to get a private teacher.

So all in all it wasn't a very eventful last day of school and I will continue to regret it no matter how much Captain Obvious yells at me about my attitude.

You guys: Who's Captain Obvious?

Dad. He's pissing me off to no end with his insistence on telling me things I already know, hence the Captain Obvious title. He just yelled at me thirty minutes ago for "not caring" about earning money for college.

Background: I was in HSTE I this year. HSTE III is Pharmacy Tech. where I learn and register to become a pharmacy technician. With this comes better hours and better money. It's recommended that I join HSTE II, but I didn't. I honestly don't see the point in getting into a block course that will prepare me as much as Ag. did for becoming a veterinarian. And it's on-level, which lowers my GPA. I can still get into HSTE III without taking HSTE II, but the competition will be more.

Dad claims that because I didn't apply for the course (there's a whole process of essay, questionnaire and interview), I'm now giving a (pardon my French) "lame-ass" attitude towards my education. Ugh!

He's basically been pissing me off since Confirmation. I've tried to give him slack, but if he's gonna be such a fun-sucking, douche-y Captain Obvious ASS all this summer, I'm afraid I'm going to have to spend most of my time driving with mom as possible or in my room. Thank GOD I have summer school and classes this summer.

I think the lyrics to Pleasure and Pain by Bullet for my Valentine express how I feel. Especially the chorus. The lyrics to Alone are perfect too.

I'm guessing you guys haven't heard cuz it's been a while.

Minnie has liver cancer. She's only got between 1-3 weeks to live.

It's really difficult for me to grasp that. I guess it's just hard to imagine a world where Minnie doesn't exist. Mom's really stressed about it. She's going to need a replacement Minnie, even though I'm pretty sure that's not possible.
When she stops eating or gets too stiff to move, we've agreed to take her in to put her down. I think I'm gonna have to be there when it happens. I think that's the only way it'll actually be real that she's gone to me, and I need that clarification.
Overall, Minnie's doing OK. She doesn't have as much energy as usual and Mom says she has some difficulty with stairs. She's on a rice and meat diet and her stomach is really tensed up when you touch it. Mom's spoiling her as much as she can.
We never though Kane would outlive Minnie. For heavens sake! He's 5 years older! And she's only 10!

Thanks for letting me vent. I apologize in future for any further angsty (I know you guys love that word) posts about Captain Obvious. Hopefully driving will take away my focus on that.

Love you guys! :)

School Endings

We are on a countdown. How many more days until the 2009-2010 school year is over.

Amy is completing her 10th grade with awards scheduled for Tuesday.

Colt is completing 8th grade with awards scheduled for Thursday.

Amy will be taking Driver's Ed this summer, and two summer school courses, PE and Scholar's program.

Colt is going to the Duke TIP program in architecture this summer.

We are checking the balances due for Tech and looking to make sure we do not have any outstanding books on loan from the library.

Cleaning out all the unneeded papers from the 'homework table'.

Planning what we need to purchase for all the classes.

And counting - Amy has only one day left of finals then she is done. She has already cleaned out her locker.

Colt has 5 more days left and he is trying to complete his Tech projects this week.

Vernon has 7 days left and then,

"No more papers, no more books, no more teacher's (student's) dirty looks."

World History AP Exam

It's tomorrow.

7:25 am.

70 questions and 3 essays.

And I'm not nervous.

Shouldn't I be?

I feel like I'm as prepared as possible, but then there's a part of me that's not. The one thing I think I could use a little more study time on is the Compare and Contrast Essay Format, but that's it. Maybe India's history. But nothing else.

Why?

Has TAKS just dumbed my stress down so much? Is Mrs. Lawrence telling us that she's the one that worries, not us shouting to relax from my subconscious?

My hands aren't even shaking. My heartbeat stays relatively normal when I think about it. Maybe I'm just looking forward to getting it over with and partying afterward via Post-Exam Party in WHAP and Banquet. I think that's what it is.

I'm not complaining. Just speaking my mind.

Have you ever been extremely nervous about something?

First Night

Tuesday was my first night shift in , oh, let's see, 21 years!

Gosh that makes me sound so old. Shut up, Theresa.

It was surprisingly easier than I though it would be. But compared to what I used to manage with 12 patients - 4 patients was a bit slower and more manageable.

I had time on my hands to review policies and procedures.

The Manager asked me this morning if I managed okay, she was truly so sincere and apologetic. I tried to reassure her that this was wonderful.

I felt sleepy @ 4 am and walked the floor to wake myself up.

Then I learned how to run a 12 lead EKG.

Care plans are something I need to work on and I am having trouble putting them in a manner for the other staff to manage.

Sleeping during the day is a bit of a change. I went to bed at 9 am and laid there for a while. Got up before the alarm when Colt got home at 3:30 pm.

Dinner is cooking and then I am back out the door at 6 PM.

La Familia seems to be coping well. Big dog is loving being outside all day. And I have the other furry children walking all over me throughout the day - quietly checking on me as I slumber.

Snacks

Amy has snacks in her locker.

Nutrigrain bars and her friends know it.

She has become the requisite stop for people who show up to school hungry. Namely, Vivian who got Amy TWO boxes of Nutrigrain for her birthday.

We ran out of Nutrigrain. I had to supply with Fig Newton Crisps. I think I like Fog Newton Crisps better anyway.

Then, I found a box of Nutrigrain, hidden in the pantry.

Amy said she will take those tomorrow.

And I found out that Amy does not like Goldfish snack crackers. How weird is that?

Esmeralda is meowing for Amy. I hope that does not last for long. It could get annoying after a while.

So Quiet

It is almost magical how quiet it is after everyone leaves for school.

The magpie is not here to chatter or whistle or tap or shuffle. I don't often realize how noisy we can be until it is not there.

I often go to bed with the TV going and Colt's radio playing.

And I wake to the fan and the hairdryer going as well as Amy's radio blaring from her side of the house and usually an alarm clock or two going off.

The sound that most amuses me during the day is the animal noises. The cats running up and down the stairs like a herd of elephants. Kane yawning and dreaming whimpers. Minnie crawling up in Vernon's creaky chair to lord her dominance over the other animals. After all, that is THE chair for the master, right?

Quiet is good, I like quiet. Ahhhh....

Orchestra Banquet

Soooooo..... it's almost time. 1 more week. 10 days.

And I've got someone to go with!

YEP!!! So excited! It's quite a change in events. Ashley's not bringing a guy, and I am for the very first time! haha

His name is Davis. Actually Jefferson Davis, but we just call him Davis. He's really sweet and funny. Most people think he's awkward, but, then again, so am I. It's gonna be awesome.

My dress stops right above the knee, and, go figure, it's black. I honestly tried to look for a purple one, but I couldn't find one I liked in my size. Sorry, guys.

Colt thinks Davis and I are going out because he's going with me to banquet. I keep trying to explain to him that we're not, but then he insists I should ask Davis out. I don't know what to do. He broke up with Xenia, one of my friends, about a month ago. I'm just not sure he 1) likes me that way, and 2) if he wants a girlfriend right now. So for the moment, I'm leaving that subject alone. We'll see what happens at banquet. :D

8 days til my AP Exam. Starting to get a little nervous. After I finish my terms chart today, I'm hitting the books. The only part I'm worried about is Essays. I'm hoping she'll give us a little more help with those, cuz I don't think anyone is doing too hot with them.

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!

P.S.: Bullet for my Valentine has a new album out and it's AMAZING!!! I love the song Fever and Pretty on the Outside. GO LISTEN!!!!

End of Year

It is Nurse's Week - thank your nurses for all they do, they are some of the most amazing people I know.



CCE is over and Amy was Confirmed Sunday. Beautiful ceremony.

Now we are looking forward to summer - or maybe just looking. It will be so busy.

Colt is off for a Summer Duke TIP program from June to July. He still has one orchestra concert and the Middle School Awards night coming up. Aunt Theresa wants him to spend a couple of weeks in Fort Worth. Haven't brought that one up yet.

Amy has Compass Testing coming up, Orchestra banquet/Orchestra Concert, Vacation Bible School, PSAT/SAT Study Course, Drivers Ed classes, and she wants to take a PE course over the summer.

I'm shifting to nights - that in itself is going to be a bit of a challenge. One I'm looking forward to.

And the teacher needs to make some applications for a new job.

Doctor's appointments needing to be made and dentist, too.

New Toys

It is so cool at my new job! It is a new hospital addition and has all the latest and greatest and that is just after seeing a few samples of the technology.

Lifts that make a patient hover over the bed for transfers to a stretcher by just one person.

A lift that brings a fallen patient up from floor level to a stretcher level in a matter of seconds with the inflation of a mat. AND you can move that patient - up to 500 lbs - by just pulling the air mat.

Lifts that hang from the ceiling in some rooms to move patent from the bed to the chair and then back again.

Open showers for moving an entire wheelchair into the shower!

Neato beds that have foot pedals for moving the bed up and down.

Super friendly staff. And some of the best employee benefits I have seen since I worked at Baptist.

I am so loving going to work.

It doesn't seem like work when you truly enjoy what you do.

I'll keep you posted on the fun toys I get to use.

All Is Well....

What a wonderful day!

I started my new job and know I am in the right place. There were nurses there from the other surrounding hospitals and I knew then I had made the right choice. Everyone was so welcoming and kind. It is so exciting.

I also found out yesterday that I won SECOND prize from the Lumen Christi Spring Festival Raffle!! How cool is that? I'm not sure who is more thrilled, myself or Honey (Miss Graziadei) who sold me the ticket.

My children are doing their homework and NOT fighting.

"Wonerfulla', wonderfulla'!" as Lawrence Welk would say.

Agatha

"Agatha, be sealed with the Holy Spirit."
"Amen"
"Peace be with you."
"And also with you."

Amy has taken Agatha as her Confirmation name. And her sponsor - Aunt Theresa - was wonderful and called Agatha to ask her the above. Just to check and make sure the confirmante (a person who is to be confirmed) is ready for her big day.

I tried the same with my confirmante, Margaret, who is taking the name Bernadette. It didn't quite work out so well. But I flubbed in rehearsal and forgot to bow when we approached the altar.

Amy will have to explain the choice she made for Agatha. Agatha was a young girl who refused to marry at age 13/14 and for this was tortured by having her breasts removed with pincers. She was healed while imprisoned but alas, was put to death for refusing to renounce Christ.

Margaret chose Bernadette as she is the patroness of medical workers and Margaret wants to be a doctor.

Colt was perusing saints this evening and is trying to convince me that Holy Days and Observations - such as the Transfiguration can also be used as a saint's name. Sorry, Charlie, ain't gonna' happen.

If you haven't heard about the confirmation it is because we are not having a party and with 167 students the service is supposed to take about 2 1/2 hours and won't be done until 4 PM. There will be a reception afterward but again it will be crowded and we are kinda far out for most of you. So NO offense intended just our consideration for you all. We will post pictures after the event.

What is happening?

It has been a busy week one off and week two is only slightly less busy.

Last week I managed to start looking for a replacement refrigerator and freezer. We want to take advantage of the sales going on right now even if we weren't quick enough for the rebates.

I think we have it narrowed down to the final freezer and refrigerator. We will go look at the items tomorrow.

We did doctor's appointments for Colt and myself last week. I got my new employee physical and TB test done, my lab drawn and the last of the new uniforms ordered had arrived.

This weekend Amy had her big night out and we had Confirmation rehearsal Sunday after Mass and then my last CCE class was Monday night.

Today I went our to finalize the availability of the refrigerator and freezer, got thread for the hemming of the new uniforms, took Amy to get her dress for Confirmation and a dress for me.

Next to do is to take Colt back to school for his 5th grade open house elective review until 7:45 PM.

I need to get replacement shoes for my uniforms as the Skechers I had are wearing out rather quickly. I will also need to get Colt a pair of trashy sandals that he can wear until his feet gain another size in the next month.

I have enjoyed this time off and unfortunately got a cold for this last week of time off. I am really looking forward to the new job.

Now, what was I just doing??? ....... Oh, yeah, go finish cooking dinner.