Ren Fested Out

I don't work there but I think I have had enough Rn Festival for 2011. Vernon loves this stuff and he had a great time working out there this year. I am sure this will be come a regular thing for him. But you can only see so many shows before they become routine, nothing new to inspire you. I do like the improv shows that follow a formula but the show is new each time as they improv the production. You never know what they are going to say.

Both the kids got to bring friends with us this year and they loved those weekends. Amy brought her significant other and they are henna tattooed half on each of their hands with a Celtic knot. NOT Amy's idea but one she went along with.

The weather has turned cool and those dratted Texans in my house insisted on turning on the heat. Pansies!

Don't they complain enough about the heat then when it gets a little chilly they turn off the fans and refuse to put on clothes that cover their limbs and say they are cold.

Pish Posh, get dressed you foolish people!

I am off to the groery store with my list and menus for the next week and then back to bed for some sleep before my last night for 7 days!!! It will be like a mini vacation.

EMHC

Yes, we have been beyond busy. Working , teaching chemo classes, getting teens to do homework, CCE and the Texas Renaissance Festival have kept us going non-stop.

But in the midst of all that I was able to become a EMHC - Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion. I was able to serve on the cup last week and am on the schedule to do it again today. I know it sounds silly, but what an honor to be able to be an EMHC.

I am off today and slept a full 14 hours after working all night Friday and spending the day at the Ren Festival. Than heavens that Amy can drive - I would have run us into a ditch. Needless to day a I was a bit surprised when I looked at the cloos and saw it was 11 am. Sleep is good!!

Now, I am off to get my teenagers to do their homework. and get myself to clean my house.

WHAT?!?!?!?! NO HOMEWORK??!??!?!!!!

Yesh, I said it. I have no homework... at the moment.... cuz I already finished it for the night :D And after talking with dearest Aunt Mary on Sunday, I thought maybe I should grace you lovely people with my presence :D Well really, I'm bored.... but I do love you crazy creepers (yay alliteration!). I say creepers because you all seem to know the inner workings of my social life even though I haven't discussed it with you... And then I find out Mother likes to disclose it to you at will... without telling me :P

Sooooo.... school's a pain the patooty (haven't used that word in a while.... prolly should & make some people giggle :D). I'm taking 6 AP (college credit for those of you who are challenged) classes. Oodles and oodles of endless fun, lemme tell you. I currently have a "C" in Calculus BC (an AP course) which I plan on a-fixin on Monday... possible Thursday and Friday.

I know some of you might say "Holy Guacamole (yes it must be capitalized, get over it) Amy, that is quite a buttload of work you're takin' on.... however shall you manage??" I must reassure you that without all of this insanity I'd prolly be bored out of my mind. Your response: *gasp* A high schooler WANTING to do work??? Yeah, I know, tis unheard of... & I'm just gonna start documenting how long it takes me to fall asleep in class.... some of my teachers are THAT boring.

One of the things I find most interesting about my predicament is that my dearest father suggested that I drop a class & do early release or late arrival. *double gasp* I know. I was shocked & awed as well. Only problem he overlooked is that.... (prepare yourself) I HAVE NO CAR!!! Yes, the lovely owner of the house completely forgot that we only have two cars. *smirks in disappointment* What a nerd.

I suppose things at home are pretty hunky dory... nothing major to report other than the fact that Colt is a challenged little booger that insists on receiving my help on practically all his homework... Don't worry, we're working on weaning him off :D You must remember he's in the dreaded WHAP this year *evil demented laughing in a far away corner* which requries constant pulling out of hair over the absurdity of it all. Mother sleeps. Dad works. I have smazoodles of homework. Oh yeah, & that boyfriend thing... :P

I guess now's as good a time as any to discuss the wonderful Phillip :) :) :) ..... *brief pause* ... I really don't know what you people wanna hear about him.... Leave me questions? I'm plotting to bring him to the Christmas party thingy.... I went to his family's get-together so it's only fair :P That might be a little easier said than done because I'm pretty sure he thinks everyone in my family is insane.... I spend more time at his house than he does at mine :( BUT I'M WORKING ON IT!!! I SWEAR!
*pauses to help brudder with hw*
Okietay :) Oh how I love Algebra :)))) Yes, I mean that. Sad isn't it?
ANYWHOOOOOOOOZLES... I don't know what else to talk about... What are you crazies dying to know? :D I shall try to get back to ya... not promising a time :)
Oh, btdubs (by the way) Colt is gonna ask this wonderful lady (idk, never met her) to homecoming tomorrow... get excited :P
I shall oopdat-eh you as I'm informed (& have the time). As for now, goodnightle dearest creepers. I love you!! <3

Cartoons and References

I remember watching Loony Toons when I was growing up they had Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam, Sylvester and Tweety. And they had a couple of character cats, one was kinda' big and not the sharpest knife in the drawer. And he and his friend, George, would be looking for food , mice, and they would always mess up. The mice would race by and the big cat would always ask the smart cat, "Where did they go, George? Where did they go?"

Even my kids know this reference but I guess if you don't hang with the old farts this reference is lost.

The reference of 6:15 am was the explanation that my daughter would rather get up butt-ugly early to ride with her significant other than sleep in and ride a bus. Phillip had an early meeting and came by to pick up his girl. Sigh, what can you do but explain that parents freak out when a child has disappeared before the alarm clock goes off. I don't think I had much impact as she looked at me like I was coo coo for Cocoa Puffs.

Roman Missal class tonight - should be interesting to hear the new Mass prayers that take us back to the true Latin translation. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I am excited, but then I am an old Catholic.

Where did they go, George?

I awoke this morning to my husband telling me my daughter was gone before 6:15 AM (when he awoke).
Of course, I got up at 8:30 to put out the trash and send Vernon on his way to work. Colt was already gone at 6:40. I did not even hear the irritated voices of my children arguing about who needs to shut-up, maybe that did not occur today.

Now I understand I missed them as I was wide awake until about 3AM, lying in bed trying to pretend I was a regular person sleeping at night.  When sleep came, I was out for the count, rousing only briefly at 6AM to make sure my husband was awake. Even now I am preparing to greet the sheets for some quality snooze time before I hustle off to work tonight.

However, all that said, I do wonder what she was headed out for when she was picked up by Phillip at 06:15 in the dark hours of morning?

I'm sure I'll know all by tonight.

Senioritis and Sophmoritis

Please forgive me, Mom, for I was a horrible teenager. I bow to the master of teenagers and keeping your sanity.

I really thought that Amy would not have issues - but I was wrong. I'm sure I will continue to be wrong through the entire Senior year ahead.

First day home, she walks around in >100 degree temps (it was 78 inside) in her letter jacket. It is not something light, but rather a heavy wool felt with leather sleeves and all the patches on the arms and front and back. I really am a mother as I said, "You know if you sweat on that thing it will stink forever, and I can't afford to have it fumigated. TAKE IT OFF!"

If looks could kill I'd have died right there. The jacket stayed home today.

Then my son proceeds to tell me all about the bus and how someone he likes RIDES the bus and he was so surprised and thrilled. It is his story to tell, hound him for more information. He thinks that freshman are obnoxious, and that he should have a second violin so that he does not have to carry his violin back and forth to school each day. Fashion man wants a $100 jacket and I refused to buy it. I told him he needed to come up with the money on his own, his tastes are too rich for me.

School supplies are killing my bank account - when did a one subject spiral jump to $4.79?? And a binder to $8-$10 each??

My relief? - It is so quiet here and the white kitty is all over me looking for attention. Sleep will be good with no noise in the background.

Cool Cool Pittsburgh

How sad is it that I am looking forward to 3 days in Pittsburgh, PA?

It is sad because I am going for Oncology Nursing Society Leadership Weekend and the best part I can think of so far is the cool weather.

Highs of 80-85 and lows in the 50s. It will be like a Texas winter.

I will most likely want to wear a jacket at night as I am so used to the lows of 80 degree nights and highs in the 90 with "feels like' temps in the triple digits. And the humidity from the 90% morning to less than 20% in the north.

I feel absolutely giddy with anticipation for the weather. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled about the weekend events also but the weather is the real coup.

Disappointed

You let me down - nobody replied to the movie quote - Nanny McPhee Returns. Emma Thompson is fantastic and such a wondeful actress to watch.

It was a fun movie and reminds me of the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books we got as kids.

I love the story about the girl who would not take a bath and had her parents in turmoil until Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle gave them seeds to plant on her dirty body. A couple of days later she sprouted tiny plants all over her body and then eventually bathed much to her parents delight.

I also like the story about the kids who argue and the parents argue to show the kids how horrible they sound. How about the story of the kid who has so many toys he can't get out of his room and woke up with a brick pattern imprinted to his cheek. His mom feeds him by putting toast on a rake and raising it up to his window with a hose for water.

What is your favorite Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle story??

Siesta

I vote that we initiate siestas to happen every day from here on forward.

The two teens and I went to visit PawPaw and after eating at Hunan Plus (greatest little asian restaurant - and best deal in Houston) we are all ready for a siesta.

Instead we let Amy drive us home and now we will start laundry and finish the grocery list. Maybe still get a nap in since it is after 3 pm and I always fall asleep in the afternoon.

Movie quote "Phil! I have to read it first don't I?"
Absolutely loved both versions.

Last Day - Now Boring Begins.

After 13 miserable days of exercise all day long for a PE summer school course - tomorrow is the last day for both the teenagers. They had perfect attendance and no tardies so they can skip the day 15 exam.

Thus ends my chauffeur duties and begins my dedication to Amy's driving school. Colt is planning to do 'something' with his friends this summer. Heaven only knows what that will be.

The two kiddos will have daily chores and instrument practice. Amy also has to begin the college search in earnest. Both Amy and Colt need to be reading before school starts back up in August. I know all I will hear is "I'm bored". I shall be immune - I shall not let is annoy me, or irritate me. I know better than bored, I have chores for boredom!!

We are spending my staycation through July 5th, close to home but I really mourn not getting to go to the Irvin reunion this weekend. I hope everyone has a great time in Michigan, bring some rain back when you all come home.

I Miss Them

How sad am I that I am on vacation and I miss having the teenagers here?

It is great on the one hand that my time is my time and I can do what I want around the schedule of driving then to and from summer school. But on the other hand I really like my kids, yes, even when they fight. They are two amazing and articulate (sometimes to articulate) people.

I will get to spend my time next week harping on them to get up out of bed and do something. Both will hear about playing their instruments and cleaning the house, and filling in their timecards. Yes, they have timecards. It is a way to get them to take responsibility for their chores and get paid for it. But my two have lost many funds due to their lack of monetary ambition and failure to fill out their timecards.

Maybe we will go swimming on my off days. And we want to go to San Antonio to see the God-parents and Fr. Dolan. Got to get planning on that one.

I like the quiet - I need to focus on the quiet because when the teenagers are here is is NOT quiet.

I still miss them.

SCHOOL!!

Summer school started Monday. YEP, in the heat, my two teens are taking PE. They want to get it out of the way so that they can free up time in the regular school year for other academic electives.

First day could have been a killer, literally. They took the kids out in the heat - Severe HEAT - and made them play softball. Amy and Colt got nauseous and lightheaded because they weren't allowed time to  go get their water. Now they are prepared and look like water vendors with their iced up water bottles and juice.

Sunscreen was missing the first day too. Amy is loosing her pale. She got sunburned over the weekend at Schlitterbahn and added to that burned her face Monday.

Yesterday was bowling. Amy got the highest score for the first game and then the lowest for the second game. AND she had the audacity to rib Colt about how he throws a bowling ball. For those of you who have never seen Amy throw a bowling ball let me share: Amy picks of the ball and then approaches the lane waving her right arm like she has a piece pf poop stuck to her fingers and is trying to fling it off, her arm ends up high in the air and the bowling ball is air bound for a moment of two while gravity pulls the ball to the lane moving forward. I still do not understand how she manages not to throw her arm out of the socket.

I wonder what is happening today.

Lovely Weather We Are Having...

if only we could get some rain. Things are so dry. The sky teases us and then the dark clouds disappear.

But is has been rally wonderful with the cooler temperatures. And I am grateful for it all.

Vernon celebrated his reception into the Roman Catholic church Satyrday past in his Confirmation and First Communion. Amy and Max (Vernon's sponsors) stood proudly at his back as he made his Profession of Faith and was sealed with the Holy Spirit. Yes, I was crying with joy. I don't think Vernon could have been happier. He is so thrilled to be a part of a community where people do for others just for the joy of it and love of fellow man. My Mom and his Dad were there and helped us celebrate.

It has been a wonderful journey for our whole family to accompany Vernon on his faith journey. And if you know Vernon, he in involved 110%. His next goal in the Church is to become a knight in the Knights of Columbus organization. I asked him what he wanted for his Confirmation and I was expecting something like "a crucufix" or " a new missal" but what I got was "a kneeler for at home". I told him I don't think we are that Catholic.

What do you all think? Are we that "Catholic"?

Heading to BOSTON

It will be a quick trip in one sense as I'll be gone overnight.

But then it will also be a looong trip as it will take me most of the day tomorrow to get there and then most of the night Wednesday to get back home.

Cheap travel ends up costing more one way or another in either your wallet or your time. But I just can't say I should spend $1500 to get to Boston in 3 hours versus $369 to get there in 8 hours.  I wish I could get paid $500/hour. Alas, that will not happen in my lifetime.

Lots of reading time and nap time. I'm trying to download some MP3 files worth CEUs to get caught up on that area of nursing that need some work.

I am looking forward to this trip to get my "Train the Trainer" certification to teach Chemotherapy and Biotherapy ONS Course.

As for the Easter Vigil, I must say it might be worth going to Church for a long service and avoid the crowds and crazy people who only come to Church once a year. Amazingly, it was pretty empty. We basically had our little side pews of 8 rows to ourselves. Absolutely, no crowding. Now having said that, I must also comment that we stood outside from 7:30 pm until Mass started at 8:30 PM and we returned home at 12:26 AM. It was long and the first set of readings were done in the dark. Amy and Colt loved it and then we all blinked like owls when the Light was returned to the world.
It was really neat to see all of Vernon's friends get Baptized, then Confirmed and receive First Communion. Next Saturday is Vernon's turn. Deep sigh, I'll most likely cry. Hankies are ready.

Wanna Join Us?

We will be partaking of the Easter Vigil at our wonderful church.

While I love my faith, I must admit I am not particularly excited about tonight's service. We will be watching 29, yes 29, people get baptized and welcomed into the Catholic Faith. The service starts at 8:30 pm and is projected to last for 3-4 hours. Anyone want to come?

My husband, already baptized, will not be welcomed into the Church this weekend but rather next weekend at 5 pm Mass. He will then make his Profession of Faith and be fully welcomed into the community of Faithful Roman Catholics. And he can take part in the Eucharist Feast.

We went to the Good Friday service last night and the last one I went to, in the past, was about an hour. This one last night was 2 hours and 27 minutes (not that I was counting, just know what time we started and when we finished) and I was amazed at how many people attended.

We were humbled by the priest prostrating themselves in front of the altar and the Cross. Then we were able to venerate the Cross ourselves and I admit the enormity of Jesus sacrifice for my sins was overwhelming. I was so glad that Vernon was able to experience a Good Friday Service with all of his family. Not that all of the family was as grateful to the togetherness. Ahh, teenagers.

Dinner was a great little restaurant call the FishPlace. I had fried oysters. Just like my Grandma Kurzy used to make. One thing she did really well was cook fried oysters. Seriously, I think this is the only place I will ever eat fried oysters ever again.

This morning we are headed over to PawPaw's for a quick lunch. Then back home for a nap before the Easter Vigil.

Again - anyone want to come with us??

Allergies... ACHOO!!

How soon will it end?

It seems like we have been dealing with the yellow pollen FOREVER, or at least three weeks worth.

My car is covered in yellow pollen. Today it is windy and it makes it super hard to go outside.

I am supposed to do my grocery shopping today and due to the wind I am dreading going outside. I already have a headache from letting the dogs in and out all day.

I am sucking down antihistamines all day long.

We desperately need rain, not only for the drought but also to dampen down the pollen in the air.

For now I guess I'll have to just learn to live with the yellow world outside my house.

Time Off

Who wants to be me?

Taking care of patients, teaching about diseases, cleaning up messes of bodily fluids, documenting all I did and failed to do (sounds a bit like the Confiteor {I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words,in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do;}).

How about being a nurse?

Anyone?

HA! Scared you off - huh?

But it is more than those things. How much more?

You know, all the compassion and caring things and knowing when I go home someone feels better either physically or mentally. They are more prepared to deal with the illness in thier lives and how to avoid being back in the place for sick people - the hospital.

Now the best part...


I only work 3 days a week!

Granted it is three 12 hour shifts but still 3 out of 7 days is a super bonus to being a nurse. If I time it right, and I do try to do my days in a clump, then I can have 6 or more days off in a row.

That could be a good or bad thing depending on your point of view - more time with my sweet husband or more time with the irritable curmudgeon in my house.  Lucky for me it is the sweet husband these days!

WATCH OUT!!...break, Break, BREAK!

Sadly, this is what some of our excursions include during the Driver's Ed portion of our lives. Overall, Amy is really getting good, but every now and then she scares the crap out of me, not literally, relax.

The bad part is we have been driving since August and have not managed to do the 60 hours she needs to get her drivers license. Either she is at school or I am at work or one is sleeping while the other one is awake. Good news is Spring break is coming up and so maybe I'll be able to get her out each day.

I need to follow up on what the cutoff it for completing this stuff. And no, Vernon cannot do this portion since we have me as the designated teacher. Yes, we are still playing chauffeur to the kid's high school and church commitments.


CANDIDATE UPDATE
Vernon got marked yesterday for the first time with ashes for Ash Wednesday. He wore them all day, foregoing exercise to avoid washing them off. He will be confirmed on April 30th. He has yet to do his First Confession and is quite nervous about that. Luckily, it will be while he is on retreat for Confirmation with lots od other candidate making their first confession also. Please keep him in your prayers.

THe Un-Birthday

We celebrated the unbirthday last week.

Yes, Colt is a Leap year Baby and only has a real bitrthday every 4 years.

We went out to Chuy's and enjoyed a great Mexican meal.

Unfortunately, I have yet to get Colt his unbirthday present. The boy is expensive and picky. Only wants certain items, especially now that he is a teenager. Hot Topic and Lids are just two of the placed I am allowed to shop at for SPECIFIC items.

It was so much easier when he liked just Legos. Now it is a major act of superhuman endurance to shop for the boy.

And heaven forbid, you get something he is not 'fond' of,  for it will find a deep dark hole to take up residence.

Maybe I'll wait long enough and he will forget I never got him a present.

Maybe.

Hmm, this is worth thinkg about...

I'll keep you posted.

Ever Wonder...

Where does all the pet hair come from?  You brush it out, toss it in the trash and then it just keeps popping up on the carpet, furniture and your clothes.

How can a floor get so dirty? You mop and wipe and nobody in the house is a drippy drooling mess that attracts dirt to the wet spot, so how does the floor get so dirty?

Why my kids can't wipe the counter after they finish making some food? Really, it is just a swipe of the sponge or disinfectant wipes. Come on guys!

Why clutter gathers on empty spaces? I clear spaces in my house and they look wonderful until some mechanism in our brains says, "Hey, empty space! Let me set something there to fill the void." Truly, not necessary, empty space is nice, it allows Mom to just pretend the house is clean fora brief moment in time.

What do you wonder?

IT is....

Raising Hope!

We came upon some intros to the show after watching Glee.

I absolutely love Martha Plimpton and Cloris Leachman.

The ensemble in this show is fantastic. From the clueless parental units to MawMaw and then Jimmy, all dealing with the small Hope.

There is something for everyone to enjoy in this show.

"I just wanted to mix it up."

I laughed so hard at this show.

I have found a TV show that is just too funny. And last night as we watched on the DVR, we had to pause because I was laughing so hard. Truly I will buy this DVD when the season comes out.

Tell me what show this is from:

" I was picking my nose a bit. I just wanted to mix it up. Some get to places the others don't. It is not something I am proud of."

I know it is disgusting but it is really too funny.

I'll post the answer Monday if you don't guess by then.

Wonnerfulla, Wonnerfulla

First, let me apologize for not keeping up with this like my sister.

Second. let me say I know some very special people. I meet with them monthly. They are smart, funny, realistic and they get me.

They get that I am a bit controlling and that I like to know the answers. They don't mind when I take over at meetings or projects. They let me be me and let me shine. The thing is that they are all just as wonderful as they tell me I am.

The accomplishments of these ladies is nothing short of miraculous. They have taken care of their families and managed to pursue a career in an emotional washing machine. They have obtained degrees of my dreams as masters and doctors of NURSING. I learn so much from these fantastic people. I am a fan.

I love my career choice. I have been blessed to be able to take my job all over and never fear for unemployment. I really do not know what I would do if I couldn't be a nurse. My family should have realized when I stuck that thermometer up the baby doll's butt when I was 4 or 5.

These nurses also know when to tell me to shut up and when to laugh at me and with me. They are forgiving when I come to a meeting half asleep. They hold my hand when I am sad and they are always there. Really - I could call any one of them right now and they would take the call.

I am so lucky to have these people in my life.

Thank you to the WOW-West Houston Oncology Chapter.

You keep me sane and smiling.

Rolling Blackouts

I went to take Mom for her cataract surgery yesterday.

We got there and they took her back to dilate her right eye. five minutes later staff came out to the waiting room offering blankets as the power had gone out and with that the heat.

After 45 minutes the power came back on and the medical director/anesthesiologist came out to the waiting room to announce that no surgeries would be done as the rolling blackouts caused equipment to go down and that made surgery dangerous. One guy, who had been talking on his cell phone the whole time after they took his wife back cursed and got all pissy. What a jerk!

They took us back to help dress our family member and the nurse said that Mom was laughing and taking it all in stride.

With deep apologies they got Mom ready to go and we waited for the doctor's nurse to come in so we could reschedule. I kept reassuring them it was okay and no problem and they all kept repeating how understanding I was after having worked all night. And that I needed to get home to sleep.

Yup, Mom had told them how her daughter was a nurse and had worked all night and then came to take her mom to her surgery. I was a bit taken aback as I HAD taken a nap at Mom's house before we went for her surgery. I guess I looked more tired than I thought.

Anyhoo (as Amy says), We went out to lunch and then back to her house and we will try it all again next week.

The kids got off to school this morning and the school district has planned for all day school. But more than likely, they will close early due to snow and there will be no school tomorrow. Amy is mad, after all she had "planned for a 5 day week. And now we will lose the 21st of February and I really wanted a 3 day weekend."

Now you know why we are a "smarty weird world" - my kids would rather be in school than have a snow day!

And we have had no loss of power here at the house - weird.

6th graders

We chaperoned the 6th Grade Retreat last night. And Whew!!, I am glad I do not have 6th graders in my house like that! Some of them were literally, jumping off the wall. It was outrageous.

And if you thought you have a talker for a kid, let me reassure you it come nothing close to this one who never, ever, not at all, closed his mouth.

I don't believe in medicating children for being engaged and active, but this one could have used a few downers. Truly, one would think he was on speed or some other hype-you-up drug.

We were exhausted and oh so glad, to let his parents take him home. It did make one of the parental units in this house appreciative of the children we have.

Sunny and... well...COLD!

I am so glad I do not have to wait and ride a bus.

Although the sun is shining and if you are wearing dark clothes, you will most likely feel warm if there is no breeze. BUT there is a mild breeze and is in the 40s - still - at 2PM.

Warmth is attainable. I refer to exhibit A - Kane. Dark color - brown, lying in the grass (also brown) with the sun shining on you = warm.

My two genius children wore light sweatshirts in 29 degree weather with a mild wind, that makes the wind chill 22 degrees. I was assured they would keep moving to stay warm and not to worry. They even demonstrated by waving their arms and legs like oddly tentacled people.

I guess that is how they boost their immune systems by constantly testing their endurance.

In the Top 20

Every year, Fortune publishes their list of top 100 companies to work for.

I work for number 19! And I wholeheartedly agree with the ranking.

I have been so happy working at Methodist Willowbrook.  I respect and admire my co-workers. The doctors are all tops. The management believes in taking care of their family - the employees. And I think that being a religious institution makes all the difference in the way this company works.

this is the entry - I am on the 5th floor, that is the third set of windows from the top on the right.

I can open the door....Really!

It is the cat, Loki.

He really thinks that if he just keep trying he will open the back door and get outside.

Not that he would really go anywhere. He hates to walk on grass. The back porch is surrounded by ... grass.

I think he delights in being 'dangerous' by going outside where the dogs romp and play in the sea of brown and green. No green now - dead of winter in the south means brown.

After going outside and crouching on the cement porch for an eternity and my leaving the door open a crack, he quietly slunk back in and jumped on the window seat. Pretending like he had never been outside.

Five minutes later he is reaching for the back door handle, trying to open the door. I call his name and he looks at me with disdain and returns to the door knob with intense concentration. 

Eventually, he decides this activity is beneath him. Especially, as I am reading paper, it is time to get in my face and prove that cats are more interesting that any old piece of paper.

Yup, a cool character, never does anything that he wasn't meaning to do. It makes me smile.

Whew!

The new year finds me running but in a good way.

As many of you know I worked A Lot during the holidays. Opportunities to make a bit extra to cover some bills, like the new AC unit and new refrigerator and freezer we had to get last year. It meant less time with the kids but made me feel a bit easier from a financial standpoint.

I am back to a more normal schedule and participated in our first confirmation retreat of the year at Camp Allen. Vernon, Amy and I were kitchen staff and it made for long days but it is oh so rewarding. We all pretty much pooped out Sunday on our return and it was hard to gear up and go teach CCE and then go to Mass and wait out while Colt had his CCE class. I slept WELL Sunday night.

I was back at work Monday and spent some time with my brother in law, who is recovering in the hospital. Came home and slept for 4 hours then out to my ONS meeting. I love seeing all those fantastic nurses who love oncology nursing. I also get to hear what is changing in the local job and Oncology market. Lots of moves by fellow nurses to Methodist. It is a great company and I just love working for them.

The nest two days finds me cleaning my house and relaxing before I am back on the weekend. Vernon and the kids are off to a 9th grade retreat at Camp Kappe. Vernon and Amy are team and will work and Colt is retreat attendee. I am praying for them all to have a blessed weekend. I am participating in making a medication form for the kids who have to take medicine over the weekend at the retreat. I was the first aid coordinator (the nurse gets to do pills and first aid) at last weekend's retreat and we were able to work out some kinks in the new policies we have instituted to make our retreat with our youth safer.

I am truly better when I have a plan. And currently my list is full of things to keep me busy. Including taking Amy driving today and tomorrow. ; -D