It has been a busy summer with work, travel, company. So busy that we haven't even gone camping. What is more summer than camping? Now school has started for my high school senior and we saw the college boy off this week. Today was my first day off in a long time, ALONE. I accomplished much in the way of paperwork and clean up. I feel like life is getting back to normal-thus the title of this blog entry.
This month has flown by at work because nearly everyone has gone on vacation. That has left me working extra shifts to cover, and when I am there we are shorthanded, so there is also extra work for me to do too! I did manage to paint Noah's dresser that he was taking to college. I was really pleased with how it turned out and wondered why I didn't do that a lot sooner. I had the cute new twig drawer pulls for years! Noah and I were supposed to do it together, but guess who wound up doing 95% of the work-ME. Because he didn't have much invested, he wasn't too bothered when he dinged it up moving or when the paint job was ruined when the drawers stuck (like his momma told him they would). He also assured me that his new queen bed would go up the narrow staircase at the house. Instead of grabbing the spare queen box springs that were sitting at the house when he went down a few weeks ago and trying it out for size-he was too busy having fun-he eyed it up and made a poor judgment call. I wasn't too concerned that we couldn't return the mattress. I told him before we purchased it that if it didn't fit, I was leaving it at the house and it was his problem to deal with. Regardless, there were some tense moments when it wouldn't go up, and after all this his momma decided to wash her hands clean of caring so much for her dear firstborn son. I looked around his college room and then thought back to my college room. No comparison. Obviously things are more important to me than they are to him. Because of this, he lacks the appreciation I think he should shower upon me. Maybe there was some wisdom in my parent's decision to do so little. Regardless, I don't think it will take long before he "hits the wall" and comes looking for a bailout, which I have told him upfront will not be happening this year. The expectations and responsibilities have been made very clear and he had his year of grace last year. I think that is what he will need to learn and grow up, but it upsets me that he is probably still going to put me in that position by asking. Anyhow, I still have a lot of concerns for Noah. He is living in a house with three pampered privileged boys. Two of the boys are over 21 (which doesn't really matter since the third boy's parents provide booze for him). The campus is large and I still think Noah would function better at a smaller school. He doesn't have enough money. Keep him in your prayers. Me too! It's not easy letting go. Nate too! He is not starting out with his usual hopeful attitude. He's being pretty negative and getting into bad habits already (staying up late, not doing homework until morning). The good thing is he has a pretty easy schedule this year, but he has no wiggle room. He must pass all of his classes to graduate. He has work study the last couple of hours. He is learning how to install car stereos and do upholstery work for vehicles. He has filled out a couple of applications and had a couple of interviews, but no job yet. There are also many opportunities he lets pass him by...... He has his last driver's ed class tomorrow, but says he isn't scheduled to drive until mid-October! He's not happy about that; he's not happy that we won't just give him a car........he too has a lot of growing up to do.
I continue to lose weight. Right now, I am 57 lbs down-10 to go! I've gotten sloppy about writing things down this month, but am encouraged that I seem to be doing ok. We start back in the fall, and with new determination I hope to reach my goal before the end of the year. Things have slowed down and I have a feeling these last 10 lbs will be the most difficult. I don't want to settle though! Fall will bring new challenges with new people joining. We had another bible study reunion. We invited our beloved director of women's ministries to speak. She is such an inspiring, beautiful, wise woman of God. She will be moving to Texas soon and I will miss her dearly. I have a frame on my nightstand that has a copy of something that Anne Graham Lotz gave to her. It is the words-Not Somehow, but Triumphantly. That is how Nancy has lived her life and that is how I want to live mine too. I have agreed to lead a grief group in the fall. I am really nervous-it should be another growing experience (we never stop having them). I went to the dermatologist this week and he froze a bunch of growths. I was trying to get him to take a large red mole off that Mya didn't like (and she let me know nearly every day she was here), but that didn't work out this time. We have to do this delicate dance back and forth, to communicate with each other in a way so that he can charge my insurance for the procedure. Oh, I almost forgot-I got a new fridge! I did measure and it still barely fit! I am liking it very much-a side by side with water and ice on the door. Our old one had so many pieces and parts broken, it was going to cost as much as I paid for it to replace them. I'm glad we did it now, they are phasing out the color Bisque, which is what all our new appliances are. As it is, we didn't have many to choose from.
Well I've got to get going and hit the sack. Driver's Ed comes early tomorrow morning and I've got to shower and make my "hussy" self up before meeting a friend for breakfast. Keep in touch!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Kim's Visit
Kim and the kids just left this morning after spending nearly a week here with us. It was so good to spend some time with my sister and so much fun doing things with my niece and nephew! The day they arrived, it was pretty hot, and those "northerners" had a hard time handling it. It was supposed to be like that all week, but thankfully we caught a break on the weather and most days it was overcast and cooler. The first day, we went to the water park. Nathan was able to come with us, and we all had alot of fun. Conner really liked the water slides and wave pool. Mya started swimming underwater and went down the big water slide too (Aunt Shelly had to catch her at the bottom). The next day, we went to the zoo. Both my boys went with us! I know, I was surprised too. I said I'd take them anytime, but they said it was boring to go to the zoo with me! Mya did not like the crocodile swamp, but both kids loved the aquarium and the gorillas. Mya was tickled when one gorilla sat in a window near her and picked his nose! The following day we went shopping for a new WebKinz. Aunt Shell learned all about the WebKinz-have to get one of my own! We also went to a melodrama in the evening. A melodrama is a play that requires audience participation (which is what makes it so fun). We got a front row seat and a tub of popcorn and we were all set. When the hero comes on stage, you are supposed to cheer. When the heroine comes on stage, you are supposed to say, awwwwwwww. And when the villain comes on stage, you booooo and throw popcorn at him. That was the best part! Jim took the next day off work and took Conner fishing. Kim, Mya, and I went shopping and joined them later with a picnic. We arrived just in time to see Conner catch the biggest fish of the day. Mya caught two fish after lunch and then we went swimming. Friday, both my boys joined us for some putt putt golf and refreshing slushies at Sonic. It was great having little kids around again. I learned I've lost touch with that world and I have some work to do before I have them in my life again (grandkids). I also had a crash course in how exhausting it can be-I'm not as young as I used to be! All the more reason to take better care of myself. It was refreshing to have the laughter and silliness again-after the dourness and sarcasm of my teenagers. I'm so grateful they came out to visit. I got to know them better and we really created good memories that will be with all of us throughout our lives. I don't get company often, and this visit was special.
We have to begin getting ready for the fall. Nate starts school in a few weeks, and Noah will go to his new university in less than a month. Nate has a good friend from FL visiting right now, and after he leaves will start three Saturdays of driver's ed. We haven't done anything as a family this summer. Hope to do some fall camping at least. Jim still hasn't fixed the boat seat. Two summers almost have passed and we haven't taken it out. We purchased a new fridge. It should be coming this week. I'm excited to have decent storage space again. Stuff kept breaking on our old fridge and it cost enough to replace/fix that we decided to just get a new one. We got a side by side, with water and ice on the door. Jim is finally done with the outage, but they are so shorthanded at work that he has to go back on shift later this year. Our dog's health is declining and I believe it is getting close to the time where a decision needs to be made. Of course, my husband is going to try and put it off by living in denial. Can't think of much more for now-so ta ta.......
We have to begin getting ready for the fall. Nate starts school in a few weeks, and Noah will go to his new university in less than a month. Nate has a good friend from FL visiting right now, and after he leaves will start three Saturdays of driver's ed. We haven't done anything as a family this summer. Hope to do some fall camping at least. Jim still hasn't fixed the boat seat. Two summers almost have passed and we haven't taken it out. We purchased a new fridge. It should be coming this week. I'm excited to have decent storage space again. Stuff kept breaking on our old fridge and it cost enough to replace/fix that we decided to just get a new one. We got a side by side, with water and ice on the door. Jim is finally done with the outage, but they are so shorthanded at work that he has to go back on shift later this year. Our dog's health is declining and I believe it is getting close to the time where a decision needs to be made. Of course, my husband is going to try and put it off by living in denial. Can't think of much more for now-so ta ta.......
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Happy Fourth of July
Hello again! Hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th. Even though fireworks are illegal in our town, it sounded like WWIII last night. I think my old dog must be going deaf, because she is usually a basket case, but didn't seem to notice last night.
Just a few things to update today. First of all, Nate and his girlfriend broke up. She has decided to move in with her dad on the east coast. The worst part about it is that Nate knew a few days beforehand that it was a possibility, and he prayed that she would come back here. He feels like God is always telling him "NO", and so it is hard for him to even pray. "What's the point", he says. What I can't tell him is that I struggle with this same thing and haven't figured it out for myself. I don't mind God telling me "NO". I trust Him to lead me in the right path, but when I look for that guidance lately He has been silent , and I am confused. What I also can't tell him is that I had my reservations about this family and had just found out some information that day that led me to pray to God to drive a wedge between them that would break them apart. That was a quick answer. I know I sound awful for praying that prayer, but you would have to know my son Nate. He has such low self esteem right now, that he doesn't feel worthy of being with good kind people. He only feels like he can be with people that are on the "fringe", and that is not good for him. Now I'm not saying anything bad about his girlfriend, as you know I barely knew her, but the things I had been putting together about her family life and background did cause some concern which led to that prayer. It must be God's will, but I feel guilty and I feel bad that by God answering my prayer and not his (again) that his fragile faith is shaken even more.
In a few weeks, things will be hopping around here. Nate's best friend is coming for a couple of weeks from FL. Now Nate is wishing he had got a job (since he is flat broke) and his driver's license (so they could go places). You know what that means for me-a difficult few weeks! At the same time, my sister and her children are coming for a visit and I am so excited. I have been planning things we can do together-go to the zoo, the water park, the playground......I realized that it has been a long time since I have done these things, because my kids grew up and now think they doing anything with me is LAME. It will be wonderful to be around little ones that enjoy spending time with you and can laugh and have fun.
I have lost 49 lbs to date. One more little pound and I can say 50. I can't wait! My exercise has been cut back because of my back. It started acting up right before the trip and still is not good. I keep walking though. I noticed on my trip how hard it was for Jim to get in and out of the seat on the plane, and how much easier it is for me now. I would have struggled like that before. I also notice that when I look in the mirror, I am finally starting to see myself looking back. I haven't recognized my image for years now.
Well I'd better sign off and get my day started. It is always good to hear from you!
Just a few things to update today. First of all, Nate and his girlfriend broke up. She has decided to move in with her dad on the east coast. The worst part about it is that Nate knew a few days beforehand that it was a possibility, and he prayed that she would come back here. He feels like God is always telling him "NO", and so it is hard for him to even pray. "What's the point", he says. What I can't tell him is that I struggle with this same thing and haven't figured it out for myself. I don't mind God telling me "NO". I trust Him to lead me in the right path, but when I look for that guidance lately He has been silent , and I am confused. What I also can't tell him is that I had my reservations about this family and had just found out some information that day that led me to pray to God to drive a wedge between them that would break them apart. That was a quick answer. I know I sound awful for praying that prayer, but you would have to know my son Nate. He has such low self esteem right now, that he doesn't feel worthy of being with good kind people. He only feels like he can be with people that are on the "fringe", and that is not good for him. Now I'm not saying anything bad about his girlfriend, as you know I barely knew her, but the things I had been putting together about her family life and background did cause some concern which led to that prayer. It must be God's will, but I feel guilty and I feel bad that by God answering my prayer and not his (again) that his fragile faith is shaken even more.
In a few weeks, things will be hopping around here. Nate's best friend is coming for a couple of weeks from FL. Now Nate is wishing he had got a job (since he is flat broke) and his driver's license (so they could go places). You know what that means for me-a difficult few weeks! At the same time, my sister and her children are coming for a visit and I am so excited. I have been planning things we can do together-go to the zoo, the water park, the playground......I realized that it has been a long time since I have done these things, because my kids grew up and now think they doing anything with me is LAME. It will be wonderful to be around little ones that enjoy spending time with you and can laugh and have fun.
I have lost 49 lbs to date. One more little pound and I can say 50. I can't wait! My exercise has been cut back because of my back. It started acting up right before the trip and still is not good. I keep walking though. I noticed on my trip how hard it was for Jim to get in and out of the seat on the plane, and how much easier it is for me now. I would have struggled like that before. I also notice that when I look in the mirror, I am finally starting to see myself looking back. I haven't recognized my image for years now.
Well I'd better sign off and get my day started. It is always good to hear from you!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Back from Vacation
Well we flew home last night and everything is still standing in relatively good shape. Our fist time leaving the boys home alone went ok. Jim and I had a really nice time in North Carolina. The first evening there was a fancy reception with wine and hors dourves at the hotel. The hotel was very fancy-down comforters, dual shower heads, terry robes. Jim was at the conference all day, so I slept in and then started exploring. When Jim finished up, we would go out to dinner. Charlotte is a really nice town, but expensive. Most of the restaurants had sidewalk cafe seating and the weather was nice, so we enjoyed that. The only thing that saved my diet, was all the walking you do when you are downtown. I was going to go to the Billy Graham Library one day, but getting around was tougher than I thought and the weather couldn't have been more perfect that day. After walking a couple of blocks and getting some breakfast, I decided to sit in the park and read instead. I didn't regret it one bit-it was the first day that felt like summer to me! I also thought about getting a massage at the hotel, but after spending $10 for a GLASS of wine one evening, I changed my mind. The prices weren't listed for the spa services-and that is never a good thing!
After the conference was done, we drove to Asheville. We took the scenic route, driving up into the mountains. It was lovely, until we discovered that a retaining wall had washed out and the road was closed. We had to turn around and drive clear back down the mountain and around to finally get there. Our bed and breakfast was a beautiful 100 year old southern home. We would get up and have a wonderful breakfast and then head out for the day, returning at 5 pm for appetizers and wine on the veranda (we northerners call it the front porch), and then into town for dinner. We had some fabulous food in Asheville! We visited Biltmore Estate one day. That is something I always wanted to see. It was huge and very beautiful. Spent the entire day there and didn't see many of the things we had hoped (the stables, the farm, the surrounding village, ran through the winery just to get to the tasting (hmmm... sensing a theme here). Our last morning we explored a few craft shops. Jim bought me a beautiful silver handmade bracelet. It has a pansy on it. Very pretty. I wish we had more time-Asheville is a really neat town and we didn't even scratch the surface of all there was to see. Mark Twain said, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness" and I understand. I feel like my horizons were broadened by this trip and look forward to taking many more.
Our flights were good-thankful for that. There were a couple of big storms while we were gone-no damage here, again very thankful. Last night a horrible storm blew through and two teens were killed as a huge tree fell on their car. Lots of damage around town. Thinking about going camping for the 4th of July, but we have had such bad weather that I'm not sure that would be a good idea.
Otherwise, not much is new. I rode the library float in the local parade again. It was not as fun as last year because they didn't get our registration and so they put us at the end of the parade. I had to lock Nate out of the computer today, so he will get off and look for a job. It is not going over real well. Have to start figuring out Noah's stuff for college in the fall. He still doesn't have a place to live!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Just checking
Hey-is there anyone out there that is reading this? I never hear from anyone so I'm just wondering if keeping up on this blog is worthwhile.
We had another close brush with tornados this week. The tornado sirens went off for about an hour and a half. We were out watching the storm clouds. Several times they began swirling over our house and we started to take cover indoors, and then it broke up. Unfortunately, the Boy Scout camp about 40 miles away was not so lucky. They took a direct hit from the tornado and four scouts were killed. It has been a hard week hearing stories of what happened. Three of the boys were from the metro.
Yesterday I volunteered with TBH for the first time. It was really great. I was paired up with a young girl. Her dad had died. She made a comfort pillow out of her dad's favorite sweatshirt, a memory box with her dad's picture on top, a garden stone, a bracelet with her dad's name on it, a sock puppet, a father's day card, and she had her face painted. As we got to know each other, she talked with me about her dad, her feelings, and we even laughed as she shared some good memories of her dad. I think she had a good time and I hope it helped her too. I really look forward to volunteering again!
Today, I am upset. My boys are shutting us right out of their lives. They NEVER bring friends over. When I ask why-they say because there's nothing to do. I ask what they do at their friend's houses. Other than watch cable tv (which we don't have), they could do the same things here as they do there. Nate wouldn't even introduce us to his new girlfriend. I finally went up to her door and introduced myself when I picked Nate up! I ask if we embarrass them or our house embarrasses them. They say no. Noah has a friend from college staying with us for a few days. He was here for less than a half hour when they left to go to a friend's house to watch the game. They were watching the game on our tv before they left! It is father's day and both our boys took off! That is another sore spot. One son has no money, so I suggested two things he could do for his father that wouldn't cost him anything. He could clean his car out or he could pick cherries from our tree. He decided to do nothing-and then whine to his father that he doesn't have any money (same excuse I heard the past two mother's days)..... His brother hadn't said a thing other than groan about his awful sunburn. At three thirty, I called him at home and asked if he even knew what today was. He said he knew. At four he called me from the grocery store where he works and asked if his dad likes Merlot or Chardonnay. I said neither. He went on to say he was just going to get the fancy Merlot glasses because his friend's parents (where he is hanging out tonight) had them and they were classy. Now this rubbed me wrong for a couple of reasons. First of all, he ran to the store and just bought something to give to his father without much thought or reason. Second, he thinks so highly of his friend's parents and so little of us. We have red wine glasses. We don't need them-but because his friend's parents have them they are classy. We aren't classy enough I guess. If it were just this, I'd let it pass, but it is so obvious that he adores and prefers them. He wants to be a doctor like his friend's father, not so he can help people or go on missions trips (like his mother had taught him), but so he can have a sweet black Mercedes just like this doctor. He makes me feel so little because I can't compete with this family. I tell him to wear sunscreen and he rolls his eyes at me and tells me to stop mothering him. He gets a blistering sunburn and his other friend's father (also a doctor) talks with him about the increased chances of developing melanoma after getting a bad sunburn (something his mother has told him and tried to help him prevent) and he listens and respects what he has to say. I'm just really disappointed with our boys and they way they treat us. They have really rich friends and they like to pretend they are rich too and I guess when they look at their parents and their home, it is a reality check. So instead of accepting us and appreciating us for who we are and what we do have to offer-they run away and so they can keep pretending. It really hurts to be treated so poorly. I sure do miss my mom at times like these. You could bounce these kind of things off her and she would tell you if this is a normal stage and it will pass. She would remind me that I did these things too. Without her I feel so lost.
Belle had an accident this week. We'll have to keep an eye on her. If it keeps happening, I know it is time to put her down.
Well, I need to sign off and get to bed. One more week of work and then vacation!
We had another close brush with tornados this week. The tornado sirens went off for about an hour and a half. We were out watching the storm clouds. Several times they began swirling over our house and we started to take cover indoors, and then it broke up. Unfortunately, the Boy Scout camp about 40 miles away was not so lucky. They took a direct hit from the tornado and four scouts were killed. It has been a hard week hearing stories of what happened. Three of the boys were from the metro.
Yesterday I volunteered with TBH for the first time. It was really great. I was paired up with a young girl. Her dad had died. She made a comfort pillow out of her dad's favorite sweatshirt, a memory box with her dad's picture on top, a garden stone, a bracelet with her dad's name on it, a sock puppet, a father's day card, and she had her face painted. As we got to know each other, she talked with me about her dad, her feelings, and we even laughed as she shared some good memories of her dad. I think she had a good time and I hope it helped her too. I really look forward to volunteering again!
Today, I am upset. My boys are shutting us right out of their lives. They NEVER bring friends over. When I ask why-they say because there's nothing to do. I ask what they do at their friend's houses. Other than watch cable tv (which we don't have), they could do the same things here as they do there. Nate wouldn't even introduce us to his new girlfriend. I finally went up to her door and introduced myself when I picked Nate up! I ask if we embarrass them or our house embarrasses them. They say no. Noah has a friend from college staying with us for a few days. He was here for less than a half hour when they left to go to a friend's house to watch the game. They were watching the game on our tv before they left! It is father's day and both our boys took off! That is another sore spot. One son has no money, so I suggested two things he could do for his father that wouldn't cost him anything. He could clean his car out or he could pick cherries from our tree. He decided to do nothing-and then whine to his father that he doesn't have any money (same excuse I heard the past two mother's days)..... His brother hadn't said a thing other than groan about his awful sunburn. At three thirty, I called him at home and asked if he even knew what today was. He said he knew. At four he called me from the grocery store where he works and asked if his dad likes Merlot or Chardonnay. I said neither. He went on to say he was just going to get the fancy Merlot glasses because his friend's parents (where he is hanging out tonight) had them and they were classy. Now this rubbed me wrong for a couple of reasons. First of all, he ran to the store and just bought something to give to his father without much thought or reason. Second, he thinks so highly of his friend's parents and so little of us. We have red wine glasses. We don't need them-but because his friend's parents have them they are classy. We aren't classy enough I guess. If it were just this, I'd let it pass, but it is so obvious that he adores and prefers them. He wants to be a doctor like his friend's father, not so he can help people or go on missions trips (like his mother had taught him), but so he can have a sweet black Mercedes just like this doctor. He makes me feel so little because I can't compete with this family. I tell him to wear sunscreen and he rolls his eyes at me and tells me to stop mothering him. He gets a blistering sunburn and his other friend's father (also a doctor) talks with him about the increased chances of developing melanoma after getting a bad sunburn (something his mother has told him and tried to help him prevent) and he listens and respects what he has to say. I'm just really disappointed with our boys and they way they treat us. They have really rich friends and they like to pretend they are rich too and I guess when they look at their parents and their home, it is a reality check. So instead of accepting us and appreciating us for who we are and what we do have to offer-they run away and so they can keep pretending. It really hurts to be treated so poorly. I sure do miss my mom at times like these. You could bounce these kind of things off her and she would tell you if this is a normal stage and it will pass. She would remind me that I did these things too. Without her I feel so lost.
Belle had an accident this week. We'll have to keep an eye on her. If it keeps happening, I know it is time to put her down.
Well, I need to sign off and get to bed. One more week of work and then vacation!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Stormy Start
Well June is off to a stormy start. Rain is in the forecast for every day this entire week! We are already waterlogged. Last night at 2:30 am, sirens went off and a tornado touched down nearby. Unfortunately, we slept through the whole thing! That is rather scary! Thankfully, the Lord protected us and the others that were affected by the storm. There were no serious injuries and even though there is damage, it is not too bad. They were calling for clean up volunteers at church today, so Noah decided to help out. He found where they were supposed to meet, but couldn't find anyone from church. The city had the place closed off and wouldn't let him in, so he wound up coming home. He wanted to take Jim's chainsaw and was shocked and disgusted that I told him "NO". He said he was an adult and I was treating him like a child. When I asked him how much experience he had with a chainsaw he said, "Plenty, I ran the chainsaw when Dad cut down all those trees in our yard". He was between 6-10 years old when we cut those trees down-please....... He said Dad would let him take the chainsaw; so I called Jim and asked him what he thought about that idea. He thought it was a bad idea too. Guess I'm not so stupid after all.
The furniture came on Friday and we are working on putting the rooms back together. It sure looks nice; just wish I'd got the rooms painted first. I'll have to work on that in the fall. I did dig out my old rotting whiskey barrel and replace it. Planted flowers (looks like one plant is rotting out with all the rain) and am pleased with my efforts. I haven't had flowers in a few years. Got some more to plant flower boxes for the front deck. We had a garage sale over the weekend. While others in the area did well, I didn't have many people even stop, much less buy anything. I only had some big ticket items for sale-the bunk beds & matching dresser, the pool, the tent, a victorian christmas village, Noah's paintball gun. Going to have the boys help me post them on Craig's list and hopefully unload some of this stuff.
Work is going ok. It is busy, but not obnoxiously crazy like it usually is during the summer. I've managed to keep up with my other duties this week, so I'm thankful. Please pray for my co-worker, Pam. Her brother is very ill, and she is very stressed out. I have been exercising everyday for two weeks now. The weight loss is slowing, but I am continuing on. Yesterday, I finally dropped below a weight I haven't seen since I moved here. It was a big goal and it felt good to see that number. So far I have lost 44lbs. We bought a memory foam mattress topper for our bed last week. I am having alot of problems with pressure points. I laid on a memory foam mattress and it was oh so nice-but not affordable. My Beautyrest mattress is only 4 years old. It has a pillowtop, but it obviously isn't enough for me. I feel like the princess from the Princess and the Pea story! Anyhow, the memory foam topper is nice and seems to be helping. I toss and turn less often and feel more comfortable.
Noah messed up his checking account for the first time and bounced 5 items. The overdraft fees used up his entire first paycheck. Hard way to learn that lesson! Nate has been doing some odd jobs and earning a little money. He now has a girlfriend. Her name is Vickie and I met her once (because I went up and forced my son to introduce me). He goes over her house in the evenings, when her mom is home, to spend some time with her. Supposedly she is leaving for a couple of months soon, so he is putting off getting his hair cut or getting a job until she leaves. We'll see.....
Well, that's all for now. I have to get going on my laundry and install a new faucet on the tub. Noah has a friend from college coming this week for the College World Series next week and I have alot to get done before he arrives!
The furniture came on Friday and we are working on putting the rooms back together. It sure looks nice; just wish I'd got the rooms painted first. I'll have to work on that in the fall. I did dig out my old rotting whiskey barrel and replace it. Planted flowers (looks like one plant is rotting out with all the rain) and am pleased with my efforts. I haven't had flowers in a few years. Got some more to plant flower boxes for the front deck. We had a garage sale over the weekend. While others in the area did well, I didn't have many people even stop, much less buy anything. I only had some big ticket items for sale-the bunk beds & matching dresser, the pool, the tent, a victorian christmas village, Noah's paintball gun. Going to have the boys help me post them on Craig's list and hopefully unload some of this stuff.
Work is going ok. It is busy, but not obnoxiously crazy like it usually is during the summer. I've managed to keep up with my other duties this week, so I'm thankful. Please pray for my co-worker, Pam. Her brother is very ill, and she is very stressed out. I have been exercising everyday for two weeks now. The weight loss is slowing, but I am continuing on. Yesterday, I finally dropped below a weight I haven't seen since I moved here. It was a big goal and it felt good to see that number. So far I have lost 44lbs. We bought a memory foam mattress topper for our bed last week. I am having alot of problems with pressure points. I laid on a memory foam mattress and it was oh so nice-but not affordable. My Beautyrest mattress is only 4 years old. It has a pillowtop, but it obviously isn't enough for me. I feel like the princess from the Princess and the Pea story! Anyhow, the memory foam topper is nice and seems to be helping. I toss and turn less often and feel more comfortable.
Noah messed up his checking account for the first time and bounced 5 items. The overdraft fees used up his entire first paycheck. Hard way to learn that lesson! Nate has been doing some odd jobs and earning a little money. He now has a girlfriend. Her name is Vickie and I met her once (because I went up and forced my son to introduce me). He goes over her house in the evenings, when her mom is home, to spend some time with her. Supposedly she is leaving for a couple of months soon, so he is putting off getting his hair cut or getting a job until she leaves. We'll see.....
Well, that's all for now. I have to get going on my laundry and install a new faucet on the tub. Noah has a friend from college coming this week for the College World Series next week and I have alot to get done before he arrives!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
More May Days
Well things have changed in just a couple of weeks! Noah found out the apartment his roomie picked out is far from campus, and that is not what he is looking for. Their third roomate bailed on them, so now they are down to two (which will make a difference when it comes time to split the bills). He also had to take several finals, because the professors wouldn't allow him to drop the final exam from his grade. The good news is that he wound up with all A's and one B in chemistry. He was so relieved to get that B-thought it was going to be a C. He has been working close to full time at the supermarket-in produce this summer. Nate squeaked by and passed all his classes. His grades in Math and English dropped the last two weeks and he barely passed with just one point to spare between the two! Nate is dragging his feet on getting a haircut, working on his driver's license, and getting a job. I'm afraid things may have to get ugly to get him going.
Wicked was wicked AWESOME!! We had fantastic seats right on the floor! This was the most expensive musical I have ever attended and I wondered why. The sets were awesome and it lasted over 3 hours. It was done very well and was quite funny. We were able to walk from our hotel, which was in downtown Kansas City, to the theater. The hotel was a luxury boutique hotel-valet parking, terry cloth robes, down comforters and pillows on the beds. We were on the 10th floor and it was so quiet and relaxing. I was surprised. We ran into a problem leaving town. We hit a piece of metal and sliced our tire while driving on the expressway. Jim did a great job getting it changed at 4:30 am-not what I wanted to get up that early to do! We were just miles from home, so we turned around and went back to the place we purchased the tires last fall to get it replaced. By the time it was all said and done, it was 8:30 am and we were going to be pushing it to get to Pitt State and then back up to KC for the show. So Noah threw away some stuff and repacked and was able to get it all in his car. He met us in KC for lunch and then we took him to see the Bodies Revealed exhibit. Normally, I would not have gone to see this exhibit. It was very interesting from a scientific point of view, but ethically I was opposed to it. These are real preserved human bodies (obviously from China-some think they were political prisoners). Noah was so excited though, and there isn't much we can do together anymore, so we decided to do it. They had some very knowledgeable volunteers telling you about the things you were looking at. One came up and had a good conversation with Noah about a knee joint. Afterwards, Noah asked me if I saw that knee joint. "Yeah", was my response. "Wasn't that so COOL", was his reply. "Uhhhhhh....." He was so into it, and that was great to see.
I want to paint the boys rooms, but needed to get a bed frame first. There is this big ugly greasy streak on the wall at the head of the bed right now and I don't want that after I paint. Yesterday, Jim and I found a set that will work for both rooms. We bought two queen bed frames, a dresser with mirror, a chest, and two nightstands. That way they each have a dresser, bed and nightstand. If we ever want to sell it, we can put it all together and sell it as a complete master bedroom set + sell the extra queen bed frame separately. Got a pretty good deal-should be here in a few weeks. Sad that it has taken us 20 years to furnish a home properly!
Belle is hanging in there. She is doing quite well right now. Sometimes I forget she has cancer. Jim & Noah attempted to go fishing, but Jim's car kept overheating. It is probably time to replace that car. It has close to 200,000 miles on it. Work has been very busy and stressful. It is only going to get worse when the summer reading program starts in a week. We are going to be shorthanded this year due to budget. At least I can look forward to taking a week off to go to Charlotte, NC and another week for my sisters' visit. I still need to take another week and a half to get my hours back to budget! Maybe in the fall. I filled in some holes left from old trees and planted grass. This morning it finally sprouted. I'm excited to see how it looks when it fills in. I continue to work on losing weight. It is slowing a bit, but I finally hit the 40lb mark! I'm starting to exercise, so hopefully that will help. Jim is still working the outage. It should be wrapping up in a few weeks. Still, it will take him months to stop "dial toning". He was such a dud in KC-I know he was tired, but it was disappointing.
Well that's all for now.
Wicked was wicked AWESOME!! We had fantastic seats right on the floor! This was the most expensive musical I have ever attended and I wondered why. The sets were awesome and it lasted over 3 hours. It was done very well and was quite funny. We were able to walk from our hotel, which was in downtown Kansas City, to the theater. The hotel was a luxury boutique hotel-valet parking, terry cloth robes, down comforters and pillows on the beds. We were on the 10th floor and it was so quiet and relaxing. I was surprised. We ran into a problem leaving town. We hit a piece of metal and sliced our tire while driving on the expressway. Jim did a great job getting it changed at 4:30 am-not what I wanted to get up that early to do! We were just miles from home, so we turned around and went back to the place we purchased the tires last fall to get it replaced. By the time it was all said and done, it was 8:30 am and we were going to be pushing it to get to Pitt State and then back up to KC for the show. So Noah threw away some stuff and repacked and was able to get it all in his car. He met us in KC for lunch and then we took him to see the Bodies Revealed exhibit. Normally, I would not have gone to see this exhibit. It was very interesting from a scientific point of view, but ethically I was opposed to it. These are real preserved human bodies (obviously from China-some think they were political prisoners). Noah was so excited though, and there isn't much we can do together anymore, so we decided to do it. They had some very knowledgeable volunteers telling you about the things you were looking at. One came up and had a good conversation with Noah about a knee joint. Afterwards, Noah asked me if I saw that knee joint. "Yeah", was my response. "Wasn't that so COOL", was his reply. "Uhhhhhh....." He was so into it, and that was great to see.
I want to paint the boys rooms, but needed to get a bed frame first. There is this big ugly greasy streak on the wall at the head of the bed right now and I don't want that after I paint. Yesterday, Jim and I found a set that will work for both rooms. We bought two queen bed frames, a dresser with mirror, a chest, and two nightstands. That way they each have a dresser, bed and nightstand. If we ever want to sell it, we can put it all together and sell it as a complete master bedroom set + sell the extra queen bed frame separately. Got a pretty good deal-should be here in a few weeks. Sad that it has taken us 20 years to furnish a home properly!
Belle is hanging in there. She is doing quite well right now. Sometimes I forget she has cancer. Jim & Noah attempted to go fishing, but Jim's car kept overheating. It is probably time to replace that car. It has close to 200,000 miles on it. Work has been very busy and stressful. It is only going to get worse when the summer reading program starts in a week. We are going to be shorthanded this year due to budget. At least I can look forward to taking a week off to go to Charlotte, NC and another week for my sisters' visit. I still need to take another week and a half to get my hours back to budget! Maybe in the fall. I filled in some holes left from old trees and planted grass. This morning it finally sprouted. I'm excited to see how it looks when it fills in. I continue to work on losing weight. It is slowing a bit, but I finally hit the 40lb mark! I'm starting to exercise, so hopefully that will help. Jim is still working the outage. It should be wrapping up in a few weeks. Still, it will take him months to stop "dial toning". He was such a dud in KC-I know he was tired, but it was disappointing.
Well that's all for now.
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