Yes my precious one is on the swim team. Paid the athletic fee. Paid the physical fee. Purchased the competition suit and cap. Purchased the practice suit. Looking into ordering the Swim team jacket today, and getting some fail proof goggles to protect the eyes. Really?!? Last night after the above said purchases were all completed I said to my self...."Self, this precious one's birthday is Sunday." I have to stop and pause here, because I don't even know what to say...should participating on the swim team be one's birthday present? Evidently, cuz it seems I just spent all the birthday money on swim team paraphernalia.
Ok, ok, don't get your panties in a bunch...the precious one will still be having the mother of all parties at Wisconsin Dells no less-- just not until February. Still, I must search for a gift for her for Sunday, with the remaining $4.37 I have left. Any ideas? :)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Swimming, High School, and work oh my...
I put in my 12 hours yesterday then rushed to my daughter's target meeting for swimming. The precious one begins practice on Thursday! I am so excited for her to be on the swim team, because well, first, she's a fish...she swims better than she walks on most days...and I think she'll really love it! I haven't figured out how to finagle my schedule to get to watch any of the meets, but I'm sure I'll figure out something. After the target meeting, we went to the walk in to get her sports physical done while I had a free moment, stopped at Walgreen's to pick up some much needed meds for her skin and finally made it home about 8:15.
I searched and searched for my corduroy pants I had washed before vacation, knowing I would relish in the fact that my work clothes were all ready to go when I got home. Now, if only I could find them. After much searching and questioning of the children as to where they could possibly be, I mean is there a hidden laundry basket somewhere with my neatly folded clothes in it? They were finally located...in.my.closet. Hmmph. Crisis averted. No need to do laundry...so I chose to go to bed...after a few minutes of R&R my sonshine bounds into my room saying, "Hey Mom! I got these papers you need to fill out by tomorrow so I can get these classes for high school." *sigh* another one in high school.
So we chose his classes and he chose not to have a resource hour, which I am not sure of, but we'll give it a go. He committed to going to after school homework club if he gets behind, because he really wants to take Art and Computer classes to work toward his chosen career of becoming a game designer. Let me check your temperature...is this my son? My sonshine? The one who I wasn't sure about? Would he actually choose a career and be motivated enough to pursue it and jump through all the hoops necessary to achieve it? Evidently! Maturity is a wonderful thing I'll tell ya. I have heard that Iowa State has a college program for students with Autism that I am very interested in checking into. I am certain he'll be successful, it may just not be through the most conventional route...since he definitely has his own will and determination.
After a long day at work...(have I mentioned that the re-entry after vacation is usually tough for me?), a target meeting, drive through dinner, drug store run, and 9th grade registration...I was certainly ready to call it a night!
I searched and searched for my corduroy pants I had washed before vacation, knowing I would relish in the fact that my work clothes were all ready to go when I got home. Now, if only I could find them. After much searching and questioning of the children as to where they could possibly be, I mean is there a hidden laundry basket somewhere with my neatly folded clothes in it? They were finally located...in.my.closet. Hmmph. Crisis averted. No need to do laundry...so I chose to go to bed...after a few minutes of R&R my sonshine bounds into my room saying, "Hey Mom! I got these papers you need to fill out by tomorrow so I can get these classes for high school."
So we chose his classes and he chose not to have a resource hour, which I am not sure of, but we'll give it a go. He committed to going to after school homework club if he gets behind, because he really wants to take Art and Computer classes to work toward his chosen career of becoming a game designer. Let me check your temperature...is this my son? My sonshine? The one who I wasn't sure about? Would he actually choose a career and be motivated enough to pursue it and jump through all the hoops necessary to achieve it? Evidently! Maturity is a wonderful thing I'll tell ya. I have heard that Iowa State has a college program for students with Autism that I am very interested in checking into. I am certain he'll be successful, it may just not be through the most conventional route...since he definitely has his own will and determination.
After a long day at work...(have I mentioned that the re-entry after vacation is usually tough for me?), a target meeting, drive through dinner, drug store run, and 9th grade registration...I was certainly ready to call it a night!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
It's official...kind of
I have taken the plunge, I have decided to go for it...yes you've heard right...I have decided to run for the Harlem School Board. I have ordered my packet and will keep you abreast of the latest developments. First and foremostly, I will need to gather a necessary number of signatures from registered voters within the Harlem District. If you can help me out let me know! If you're my friend or relative count on receiving a visit from me asking for your signature :) This project is one I've wanted to pursue for a long time, and since this is a year of monumental change for me...I decided why not? I grew up attending Harlem Schools and I have 3 children there now...I believe I am well vested in this district and perhaps even have something to offer! It's an exciting undertaking...
(not nearly as exciting as the fact that W only has 12 days left in office, but almost!)
(not nearly as exciting as the fact that W only has 12 days left in office, but almost!)
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Finally the Pictures...
Ok, Here's the deal...these pictures are in a crazy order and it'll probably take you until 2010 to view them all--my apologies for the technical difficulties...
Resolving? Maybe not...
Do you set New Year's Resolutions? I usually don't. For some reason this year, I had pondered (as I often do, ponder that is...) perhaps setting some resolutions. Here is what I pondered...
#1 Losing the 90 lbs. I've gained since I got married 18 years ago. I pondered that for about a nano second and then quickly realized I had lost my mind...and thought I'd set a more realistic goal of not gaining any more weight... And maybe buying me one of those wii fits. We'll see...
#2 Only working one job over the summer and truly enjoying my kids. Reality promptly kicked in with that one...I just started one new job on the 22nd of December, and start my new full time job on January 26th. Therefore, the minimum number I would have is two...plus I really need to be working toward my LCSW which would require a 3rd job...and then to pay insurance I have to work at the Y. So...after a bit of pondering I have resolved to work 4 jobs over the summer and truly enjoy my kids.
#3 A part of me thought about resolving to have a cleaner house...but that immediately contradicts my motto of "We can't both look good, it's me or the house." So...you'll find no resolution here having anything even remotely to do with cleaning. If you're coming to see my house, please make an appointment...if you're coming to see me, come anytime!
#4 Money? Probably there should be a resolution wishing I could save more. Please see #2-- if saving more was an option, probably having 4 jobs wouldn't be on the same resolution list. After graduation I think I'll resolve to purchase and read the latest Suze Orman book. That's as close as I come to a money resolution.
#5 Do not, I repeat do not use the credit cards. This I can do...no big deal. They really must be paid off before the student loan payments kick in starting November.
Ok, so...that's it...now for the actual list.
Maybe buy a wii
work 4 jobs
read a Suze Orman book
Don't charge
Manageable, very manageable...
You know me, I'm just keeping it real...don't want to set myself up for failure you know!
OH and, I have resolved to completing the 365 project. Since this is such a transitional year for me, with graduation, the new job, 3 teenagers, my son going to high school, our trip to New York, Steph's first college visit, etc. etc. I thought this would be the year to document our lives through one picture a day. I'm also stalking Becky Higgins site to see when they will have more kits available since I missed out on opening day, along with perhaps half the nation. This does require me to have a crash course on photo shop, which I think my big girl can teach me.
So there you have it!
Oh, and perhaps my vacation pictures will finally upload to slide for those of you that have been waiting!
Happy New Year to you and yours!
#1 Losing the 90 lbs. I've gained since I got married 18 years ago. I pondered that for about a nano second and then quickly realized I had lost my mind...and thought I'd set a more realistic goal of not gaining any more weight... And maybe buying me one of those wii fits. We'll see...
#2 Only working one job over the summer and truly enjoying my kids. Reality promptly kicked in with that one...I just started one new job on the 22nd of December, and start my new full time job on January 26th. Therefore, the minimum number I would have is two...plus I really need to be working toward my LCSW which would require a 3rd job...and then to pay insurance I have to work at the Y. So...after a bit of pondering I have resolved to work 4 jobs over the summer and truly enjoy my kids.
#3 A part of me thought about resolving to have a cleaner house...but that immediately contradicts my motto of "We can't both look good, it's me or the house." So...you'll find no resolution here having anything even remotely to do with cleaning. If you're coming to see my house, please make an appointment...if you're coming to see me, come anytime!
#4 Money? Probably there should be a resolution wishing I could save more. Please see #2-- if saving more was an option, probably having 4 jobs wouldn't be on the same resolution list. After graduation I think I'll resolve to purchase and read the latest Suze Orman book. That's as close as I come to a money resolution.
#5 Do not, I repeat do not use the credit cards. This I can do...no big deal. They really must be paid off before the student loan payments kick in starting November.
Ok, so...that's it...now for the actual list.
Maybe buy a wii
work 4 jobs
read a Suze Orman book
Don't charge
Manageable, very manageable...
You know me, I'm just keeping it real...don't want to set myself up for failure you know!
OH and, I have resolved to completing the 365 project. Since this is such a transitional year for me, with graduation, the new job, 3 teenagers, my son going to high school, our trip to New York, Steph's first college visit, etc. etc. I thought this would be the year to document our lives through one picture a day. I'm also stalking Becky Higgins site to see when they will have more kits available since I missed out on opening day, along with perhaps half the nation. This does require me to have a crash course on photo shop, which I think my big girl can teach me.
So there you have it!
Oh, and perhaps my vacation pictures will finally upload to slide for those of you that have been waiting!
Happy New Year to you and yours!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
HellOOOOO
Hi! Howdy! Hola! Hello! How the heck are you?!? It's good to be back to the blog! Whew, I have so much to say, so much to share, so many details and stories, you just won't believe it...
I have uploaded my 334 photos...I am currently uploading 100 and some onto slide to put on the blog...I think it says it should take 23 hours or so for that to be complete. As soon as it is...they'll be here for your viewing pleasure.
Now...a brief recap of the vacation, so that when you're looking at the photos, you'll have a clue of what you're looking at. For a helpful hint, you can position your mouse over the photo on slide and it will give you an image title to let you know what the photo is of. Cool!
Anyway....day 1 we drove from Illinois to just north of Atlanta
Day 2 we drove to Daytona Beach and stayed at an amazing Hilton right on the beach. The kids loved it. Hubby and I however realized that we are now way too old for Daytona, and although we love the beach there, we do not love the atmosphere. I believe Ocean City, MD is in our future as it is so much more family oriented than Daytona!
Day 3 we left Daytona and drove to Silver Springs, FL which is a nature theme park. We stayed there for the day and saw the park all donned in Christmas lights. It was very beautiful. That night we drove 4.5 hours to Sanibel and arrived at midnight.
Day 4 - sleep and lots of it...the kids swam, we explored the beach, hubby and grandma went to the grocery store. Took them two hours to go about 2 miles in the heavy heavy afternoon traffic. Ugh! Out to dinner at Cheeburger cheeburger, as recommended by Toot! We loved it!
Day 5 - Explored the island, shops, Ding Darling nature preserve, and Captiva Island. Relaxed, played games and watched movies at night. Ate at the Island Cow...not our favorite, but good :) I should mention here that my husband backed into someones car at the rental office. :( Didn't hurt our truck, but quite hurt her van...
Day 6 - Watched the sunrise at the lighthouse and went shelling. Found some beautiful shells and lovely birds, crabs, starfish, etc. Truly amazing! Cooked out on the grill--- yum.my Swam all day and played at the beach....this is the life! Tried to eat all the food we had purchased so we didn't have to haul it home. We were pretty successful.
Day 7 - Left Sanibel...sad to leave...stopped at Bowman Beach on our way out, drove to just south of Atlanta
Day 8 - Drove from Atlanta to Clarksville, TN...had dinner with my Mom's husband at a great pub in Clarksville. What a wonderful time!
Day 9 - Breakfast with Papa and then we're off to home...unpacked the car, started the washer, picked the dog's up from the kennel and here I sit.
Geez, it's cold here!
Did I mention every day we were in Florida it was sunny and 80? Not a drop of rain...it couldn't have been more lovely and we couldn't have been more pleased.
Those of you that know me well, know I'm seeking a beach home at least for a few months a year. Although I loved Sanibel, it is a very different lifestyle and VERY expensive...muy muy expensive. Whew! Did I mention it was expensive? So...although I believe we may vacation here again...it is not my future beach destination. Check one off the list...on with the search.
Tonight, I'm gonna play catch up with all of you. I was sad to not get a chance to see Sanibel Toot while I was there, since she was on vacation herself, but am glad to be home and able to catch up with all your lives! Happy New Year!
I have uploaded my 334 photos...I am currently uploading 100 and some onto slide to put on the blog...I think it says it should take 23 hours or so for that to be complete. As soon as it is...they'll be here for your viewing pleasure.
Now...a brief recap of the vacation, so that when you're looking at the photos, you'll have a clue of what you're looking at. For a helpful hint, you can position your mouse over the photo on slide and it will give you an image title to let you know what the photo is of. Cool!
Anyway....day 1 we drove from Illinois to just north of Atlanta
Day 2 we drove to Daytona Beach and stayed at an amazing Hilton right on the beach. The kids loved it. Hubby and I however realized that we are now way too old for Daytona, and although we love the beach there, we do not love the atmosphere. I believe Ocean City, MD is in our future as it is so much more family oriented than Daytona!
Day 3 we left Daytona and drove to Silver Springs, FL which is a nature theme park. We stayed there for the day and saw the park all donned in Christmas lights. It was very beautiful. That night we drove 4.5 hours to Sanibel and arrived at midnight.
Day 4 - sleep and lots of it...the kids swam, we explored the beach, hubby and grandma went to the grocery store. Took them two hours to go about 2 miles in the heavy heavy afternoon traffic. Ugh! Out to dinner at Cheeburger cheeburger, as recommended by Toot! We loved it!
Day 5 - Explored the island, shops, Ding Darling nature preserve, and Captiva Island. Relaxed, played games and watched movies at night. Ate at the Island Cow...not our favorite, but good :) I should mention here that my husband backed into someones car at the rental office. :( Didn't hurt our truck, but quite hurt her van...
Day 6 - Watched the sunrise at the lighthouse and went shelling. Found some beautiful shells and lovely birds, crabs, starfish, etc. Truly amazing! Cooked out on the grill--- yum.my Swam all day and played at the beach....this is the life! Tried to eat all the food we had purchased so we didn't have to haul it home. We were pretty successful.
Day 7 - Left Sanibel...sad to leave...stopped at Bowman Beach on our way out, drove to just south of Atlanta
Day 8 - Drove from Atlanta to Clarksville, TN...had dinner with my Mom's husband at a great pub in Clarksville. What a wonderful time!
Day 9 - Breakfast with Papa and then we're off to home...unpacked the car, started the washer, picked the dog's up from the kennel and here I sit.
Geez, it's cold here!
Did I mention every day we were in Florida it was sunny and 80? Not a drop of rain...it couldn't have been more lovely and we couldn't have been more pleased.
Those of you that know me well, know I'm seeking a beach home at least for a few months a year. Although I loved Sanibel, it is a very different lifestyle and VERY expensive...muy muy expensive. Whew! Did I mention it was expensive? So...although I believe we may vacation here again...it is not my future beach destination. Check one off the list...on with the search.
Tonight, I'm gonna play catch up with all of you. I was sad to not get a chance to see Sanibel Toot while I was there, since she was on vacation herself, but am glad to be home and able to catch up with all your lives! Happy New Year!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
On the road again!
Hello homies (translates to faithful blog readers) :) I am rested and a little relaxed and on my way home...from 81 to 43 degrees in one day BRRRRR!!! We are just outside of Atlanta tonight. Tomorrow we are going to stop in Tennessee and have dinner with my kid's papa and soon we'll be home sweet home. I have so many beautiful pictures to share. What a wonderful time we have had. I can't wait to catch up on all your blogs...I've missed you. Chat soon!
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