It has been a very trying week, month, year. I really don't know when it all started. But I have a glimmer of hope that things have turned the corner. Adjustments to schedules, added work, more responsibilities. Perhaps I needed to find my stride and settle in. Some times it is just too much to handle.
Music for me is a wonderful way to express my feelings and gives me inspiration and hope. This past month I came across in fact a top 40 song, that I actually like. It was resounding 'loudly' from my daughters bedroom and something about it just stuck. So I clicked and dragged it from her playlist to mine and have listened to it most everyday since. Perhaps is was a way of someone saying, 'listen up'.
So...maybe someday we'll figure all this out
Try to put an end to all our doubt
Try to find a way to make things better now that
Maybe someday we'll live our lives out loud
We'll be better off somehow someday
'cause sometimes we don't really notice
Just how good it can get
So maybe we should start all over
Start all over again
I shared with someone the other day who was feeling a bit low. I said, 'most days I just have to take it a minute, a second, a day at a time. I realize that I am grateful for a my faith, my health, my family, my home, and just what I need TODAY. I don't have it all figured out. But what I do know is I am OK for TODAY. Someday is someday, but TODAY is TODAY!
P.S. And TODAY was a great day. Carpets cleaned and look BRAND NEW! Haircut/color, manicure and pedicure, and lunch at my favorite place. Now if I could only have ONE more day, I would watch movies all day in my pjs and fulfill creativity bucket scrapbooking the day away. Well, may be not tomorrow, but 'someday'.
Back on the gravy train I go. ONLY $14K left to go to hit $100,000. Track meet in Iowa City. Chocolate chip cookies, an early morning bike ride, and reconnecting with my housekeeper.
But until that day comes I plan to enjoy the last few hours of TODAY, in my pjs, wrapped cozy in a blanket. surrounded by those I love the most.
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
My O! My
why do weekends go by so fast?
I believe the working world is all messed up. I bet if I surveyed the average 40 hour/week employee, I would find at least 1 - 2 hours of their day is wasted in one way or another. Meaning that everyone is not being 100% productive every hour and minute they are at work. So then why is it necessary to spend 40 of those precious hours every week at your employment?
In my opinion work days should be no longer than 6 hours, with an opportunity to grab a quick 15 minute refuel on food. Get the work done and get out, is my motto! Life is too precious to spend long hours away from home and away from the people that matter the most.
And so most of my weekend was spent doing all of the necessary chores needed to make the next 5 days flow effortlessly. Wash completed, floors clean, groceries fetched, meals prepared in advance, and bills paid.
I so need to do something about this situation. Becasue... if given a really cute tiara, I am pretty sure I COULD change the world!
However.. in the mean time...Hi..Ho..Hi..Ho...it is back to work I go.
Friday, January 29, 2010
this is my day
the day starts like all others. a beeping noise urging me to open my eyes and greet another day in my life. i refused to oblige to its calling. ceasing it's annoyance with a tap of my fingers. eventually it wins.
i roll over to snuggle with ms. grace. she yawns and stretches. she too wondering why we must interrupt such a peaceful moment.
the clock continues to tick seconds and minutes away. i stumble into the bathroom to perform the necessary morning duties. i periodically check to make sure that all others parties are up and moving as to not miss our 7:25 departure time.
one last minute glance in the mirror. i decide that is all the better it is going to get. i have an extra swing to my step. i am wearing a new blouse, jacket, and necklace. i feel confident and stylish, but i wish i could lose weight.
we fly out the door, backpacks, lunch bags, and instruments in tow. my eldest asks if she can go home after school with a friend. i say no. she needs to do friday after school chores. i immediately receive the 'worse' mom alive award. i am ignored the remainder of the trip. i try one more attempt to wish her a 'good day'. with a slam of the door, i am reminded that i have completely ruined her entire life.
it is friday so i swing in for my weekly treat. a medium skim peppermint mocha, no whip. the coffee girls are hopping this morning. within minutes i am pulling out of the drive through hot drink in hand. i feel extra generous today. it tastes delicious and makes me smile. i leave a hefty tip.
i call my sister. she to is riding the gravy train. we laugh and share our 'toot, toots'. she is leaving for a weekend getaway with her husband. i share that am looking forward to working the weekend. with a love ya and a 'have a great day' i pull into the hand that feeds me. i look forward to working only until noon.
i extended the regular 'good mornings'. i warm up my mocha and attend an 8:00 am meeting. i complete my phone calls and paper work. the clock strikes noon. i have a 'lunch date' with prince charming. confident that i still look smashing for our date. i leave work with a spring in my step.
he lets me choose. i pick applebees. i am hungry for a bbque chicken salad. he arrives a few minutes late looking smashing in his business attire. i admire his good looks and charm. we talk about our next weekend getaway in march and savor an uninterrupted conversation free of children and pets.
lunch concludes with us running into old neighbors. we bundle up to brace the cold. we seal our date with a kiss and head to our respective vehicles. he turns and yells back, 'thanks for the date. i love you.' i smile and relish how lucky i am.
i call good friend and convince her that she needs to play in the upcoming 6 on 6 womens basketball tournament. she agrees. we laugh at how ridiculously out of shape we are. she recently returned to working full time. her heart is breaking to leave her little ones at day care. i listen.
i pull into the garage contemplating if i should clean the house. without thinking to much and with a quick change of clothes and ipod in place, the vacuum drowns out my off tune singing. i dust, dance, sing, and scrub the afternoon away. i know i will be glad when it is down.
a friend calls in dire need of skin care products. i reassure her that i will drop them off before the end of the day. her brother passed away yesterday from lung cancer. she is leaving for the funeral in california on sunday. i haven't seen her in forever. she gives the best hugs.
one daughter arrives home, changes, and then leaves again for dance class. the other daughter follows shortly after. surprisingly she has a markedly improved attitude. she willingly helps me complete the remainder of our cleaning tasks before heading to her friends house.
my man comes home. i love how a man smells after working all day. we kiss hello and i hand off the comet and toilet bowl scrubber. he has a bathroom and a bedroom to clean. he willingly agrees. i am once reminded of what a lucky woman i am.
i leave to drop off products i promise. i look forward to catching up with her. her house smells wonderful. she is making meat loaf for supper. we hug good-bye and i squeeze extra tight. i can't imagine losing a sibling. we both agree he is partying in heaven. i say, better that than heading out to get groceries on a friday night. she wishes he was there to eat her meat loaf.
i head to hyvee for my weekly grocery run. i wonder if the mundane tasks of life will ever seem less mundane. i then remember what my friend just shared. i am grateful for being able to get groceries for my family. i love shopping at hyvee. i know i should shop at walmart. i am reminded when i check out. it is substantially cheaper. may be next time. i love how they load your groceries in your car.
it is getting later, now almost 7:00. i decide that hyvee deli is what is for supper. i call home and take orders. i pull into the garage, weary and tired. the day just turned over 13 hours. i unload the groceries. i am getting grumpy. i don't know why exactly. just am. nephew eric shows up to watch the movie rain man. madison plays he her violin solo. we eat supper. my grumpiness is beginning to show to my family. someone suggests i should go to bed.
i decline the movie. instead i realize that i need some solitude and rest. i snag the lap top and head to the comforts of my bedroom. 2 loads of laundry stare at me, requesting to be folded. i ignore their request.
i pull down the comforter and get out my cozy quilt. i wash my face. someone has taken my eye make-up remover. probably the same person, whose life i ruined this morning. to tired to get more, i use my cleanser instead. i love the feel of pjs and a clean face when i am tired. i flip on the tv.
i watch a report on senator edwards and the secrets he with held from his wife and the public regarding his affair. i am grateful for a loving and faithful man. i drift off to sleep. i miss the end of the show.
i am awaken by the sound of my husband reminding me to set my alarm. i have to work in the morning. i am grateful that he remembered. i drift back to sleep. i love my bed.
i dream about work. i must be anxious about over sleeping. i awake to a beeping noise urging me to open my eyes and greet another day in my life. i refused to oblige to its calling. ceasing it's annoyance with a tap of my fingers. eventually it wins.
this is my day.
i roll over to snuggle with ms. grace. she yawns and stretches. she too wondering why we must interrupt such a peaceful moment.
the clock continues to tick seconds and minutes away. i stumble into the bathroom to perform the necessary morning duties. i periodically check to make sure that all others parties are up and moving as to not miss our 7:25 departure time.
one last minute glance in the mirror. i decide that is all the better it is going to get. i have an extra swing to my step. i am wearing a new blouse, jacket, and necklace. i feel confident and stylish, but i wish i could lose weight.
we fly out the door, backpacks, lunch bags, and instruments in tow. my eldest asks if she can go home after school with a friend. i say no. she needs to do friday after school chores. i immediately receive the 'worse' mom alive award. i am ignored the remainder of the trip. i try one more attempt to wish her a 'good day'. with a slam of the door, i am reminded that i have completely ruined her entire life.
it is friday so i swing in for my weekly treat. a medium skim peppermint mocha, no whip. the coffee girls are hopping this morning. within minutes i am pulling out of the drive through hot drink in hand. i feel extra generous today. it tastes delicious and makes me smile. i leave a hefty tip.
i call my sister. she to is riding the gravy train. we laugh and share our 'toot, toots'. she is leaving for a weekend getaway with her husband. i share that am looking forward to working the weekend. with a love ya and a 'have a great day' i pull into the hand that feeds me. i look forward to working only until noon.
i extended the regular 'good mornings'. i warm up my mocha and attend an 8:00 am meeting. i complete my phone calls and paper work. the clock strikes noon. i have a 'lunch date' with prince charming. confident that i still look smashing for our date. i leave work with a spring in my step.
he lets me choose. i pick applebees. i am hungry for a bbque chicken salad. he arrives a few minutes late looking smashing in his business attire. i admire his good looks and charm. we talk about our next weekend getaway in march and savor an uninterrupted conversation free of children and pets.
lunch concludes with us running into old neighbors. we bundle up to brace the cold. we seal our date with a kiss and head to our respective vehicles. he turns and yells back, 'thanks for the date. i love you.' i smile and relish how lucky i am.
i call good friend and convince her that she needs to play in the upcoming 6 on 6 womens basketball tournament. she agrees. we laugh at how ridiculously out of shape we are. she recently returned to working full time. her heart is breaking to leave her little ones at day care. i listen.
i pull into the garage contemplating if i should clean the house. without thinking to much and with a quick change of clothes and ipod in place, the vacuum drowns out my off tune singing. i dust, dance, sing, and scrub the afternoon away. i know i will be glad when it is down.
a friend calls in dire need of skin care products. i reassure her that i will drop them off before the end of the day. her brother passed away yesterday from lung cancer. she is leaving for the funeral in california on sunday. i haven't seen her in forever. she gives the best hugs.
one daughter arrives home, changes, and then leaves again for dance class. the other daughter follows shortly after. surprisingly she has a markedly improved attitude. she willingly helps me complete the remainder of our cleaning tasks before heading to her friends house.
my man comes home. i love how a man smells after working all day. we kiss hello and i hand off the comet and toilet bowl scrubber. he has a bathroom and a bedroom to clean. he willingly agrees. i am once reminded of what a lucky woman i am.
i leave to drop off products i promise. i look forward to catching up with her. her house smells wonderful. she is making meat loaf for supper. we hug good-bye and i squeeze extra tight. i can't imagine losing a sibling. we both agree he is partying in heaven. i say, better that than heading out to get groceries on a friday night. she wishes he was there to eat her meat loaf.
i head to hyvee for my weekly grocery run. i wonder if the mundane tasks of life will ever seem less mundane. i then remember what my friend just shared. i am grateful for being able to get groceries for my family. i love shopping at hyvee. i know i should shop at walmart. i am reminded when i check out. it is substantially cheaper. may be next time. i love how they load your groceries in your car.
it is getting later, now almost 7:00. i decide that hyvee deli is what is for supper. i call home and take orders. i pull into the garage, weary and tired. the day just turned over 13 hours. i unload the groceries. i am getting grumpy. i don't know why exactly. just am. nephew eric shows up to watch the movie rain man. madison plays he her violin solo. we eat supper. my grumpiness is beginning to show to my family. someone suggests i should go to bed.
i decline the movie. instead i realize that i need some solitude and rest. i snag the lap top and head to the comforts of my bedroom. 2 loads of laundry stare at me, requesting to be folded. i ignore their request.
i pull down the comforter and get out my cozy quilt. i wash my face. someone has taken my eye make-up remover. probably the same person, whose life i ruined this morning. to tired to get more, i use my cleanser instead. i love the feel of pjs and a clean face when i am tired. i flip on the tv.
i watch a report on senator edwards and the secrets he with held from his wife and the public regarding his affair. i am grateful for a loving and faithful man. i drift off to sleep. i miss the end of the show.
i am awaken by the sound of my husband reminding me to set my alarm. i have to work in the morning. i am grateful that he remembered. i drift back to sleep. i love my bed.
i dream about work. i must be anxious about over sleeping. i awake to a beeping noise urging me to open my eyes and greet another day in my life. i refused to oblige to its calling. ceasing it's annoyance with a tap of my fingers. eventually it wins.
this is my day.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Friday is here and I am just wrapping up the week. It was an uneventful one at that, so no complaining is in order.
Covered this week for Wendy Wu, my friend at the Cremation Society who decided to leave me alone in what I like to refer to as our island oasis. Completely separate from the funeral home, the building sits on the back grounds of Cedar Memorial. It is the building where the CREMATIONS take place. I fondly remember the first time I was introduced to the cremation society. During my 'tour' I was taken to 'the room' and promptly asked, 'Does this bother you?' Obviously it didn't because there I have sat all week just me and 'my friends'. O! I do occasionally get a visit from one of our first call directors coming down to check on things. I am always quick to ask my next probbing question related to embalming, cremation, and all the other things they do. Otherwise it is me, the computer, my radio, and an occasional phone call.
Wendy Wu decided to leave me this week to tour Washington DC and I am sure she will have many a tales to tell upon her return. So a successful week of coverage and it is always good when I can say, I didn't burn the place down.
I have been gravely disappointed in all reality TV this week. Other than Biggest Loser, I am just not feeling it this season. Guess that is a sign to redirect my attention elsewhere.
So what is on tap for the weekend you ask?
Of course my 'deep clean' fall list is slowly being checked off. All of my bathroom and kitchen cupboards are screaming for my attention. clean me, clean me, clean me. A fall/winter switch a rue needs to be had on the make-up drawer, brushes really need to be cleaned, and all that good stuff. Of course cleaning always means it is time to make room for new! Isn't the saying, out with the old and in with the new?
Sounds like a high of 40 degrees this weekend and possible, dare I say it...snow flurries! So obviously those disgusting, very dirty basement windows will wait yet another week.
Tonight is homecoming for Linn-Mar. After struggling for the past several years, they are boasting a 7-0 record this season. Mr. Milo went to the game a few weeks ago and after standing 4 deep on the side lines with not even a glimpse of the game, he left before 1/2 time. So with the cold, wind, and crowds we are opting for a night at home around the fire. By the way, what happened to homecomings like the 'old days'. Homecoming week was always a BIG deal with theme days and a huge pep rally all leading up to Friday night's game and dance. PJ day, Inside Out Day, Hat Day, Dress Up Day, Dress Like the Opposite Sex Day. As I was getting ready this morning, I thought to myself, 'homecoming week was always a blast.' And did I feel OLD this week when one of our funeral directors said she graduated from high school in 2004. whoaa..
So what else this weekend, well I need to finish hemming Kennedy's costume and spice up the fairy wings that I broke down and purchased at Halloween Express this week. After fighting with wire hangers and white nylons for nearly 2 hours last Sunday, in the trash they went and on the list for the week went 'stop at Halloween Express for fairy wings'. It was disgusting to pay $14 for something that honestly cost less than $5 to make. But me and hangers just don't mix.
That is about it to report for the week.
O! yeah...I did mention in my last entry that I am learning to be nicer to me! Most definitely a work in progress, but in the wisdom of my 40 years, I have realized that too many times I have not taken care of myself as I needed to. I have allowed others and too many commitments to come before making myself a priority. In my revelation, I am beginning to realize that taking care of me first allows me to give even MORE to others. light bulb moment!
stay warm...
jill
P.S. 12 days to Galena and COUNTING!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
36 Days?
Hmmmm…well let’s see, it is October 6th, I believe my last entry was August 30th. That my dear reader is called a blogging break.
If I recall, my last entry was introducing the newest member of our family, Gracie Mae. 100% Shitz Tue and 100% PUPPY. May be that in its self warranted a 36 day blogging break?
I am happy to report that Gracie is STILL a member of our family. That comes despite at least 7 of the past 36 days posing the mere threat that THIS birthday present was going BACK! Can any one guess what happened? Approximately 2 weeks after the ‘FUN’ of having a puppy left, ME (aka. Mom) was left holding her ‘birthday present’ singing, ‘Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me..happy birthday to me….happy birthday to me!’ I like to refer to Gracie Mae as the gift that just keeps on GIVING!
I am still in wonderment given all of the recent changes in our household (more later), why o! why… my family would feel that mom needed to add another helping on her already over flowing plate of life? Did I not mention I also was longing for a new Nikon mega-zoom, optical lens, lithium ion camera? Do I not love trips to the spa, coffee out with friends and crafting in my woman cave? Who can ever go wrong with a treat at the movies, lingering scents from Bath & Body Works, and trips out for Mexican food? Obviously the ‘occasional’ mention of getting a Shitz Tue PUPPY was louder than any of the above listed ideas.
So after some stern reinforcement of what this GIFT all entailed, the family once again has risen to the challenge and picked up the slack of ‘puppy rearing’. That is not to say that they too may fall of the wagon any day. Thankfully my ‘strict’ puppy training regimen was reinforced just yesterday on Gracie’s first trip to the vet, where Mr. Milo heard it from the words of the vet, himself. “Gracie either needs to be outside, in the kennel, or being watched or held ALL THE TIME!’
Gracie, goo Bear, or ‘my French pap pay’ has yet to go 2 days consecutively without any accidents. However we are sleeping through the night after 3 LONG nights of crying. Did I mention, crying ALL night? Thank goodness, she is too stink in CUTE to be mad at for any length of time.
Riley is ‘adjusting’. The realization that this new addition is not going any where is sinking in. She is also starting to tolerate the endless nipping and biting at her feet, as we all do. If you can imagine the cartoon with the BIG dog, Spike and his little counterpart, running as fast as she can just to keep up, panting and crying out, ‘Hey, Spike what are we going to do today? What do you think Spike? Is it going to be a good day, Spike? WOW, aren’t you excited Spike?’ Yep, that pretty much sums up their relationship.
Max, the cat on the other hand is still wishing that this rodent thing that we dragged in would just leave!
So after stopping over at my ‘neighbor lady’s’ house the other night to see her newly published ‘blog book’, I deemed it necessary to get back on my blogging wagon. I couldn’t let ONE more day go bye without documenting the latest. After all you can’t leave a well documented account if you don’t document?
So what else has happened in the last 36 days you ask?
School is back in session and in full swing at our household. Back packs, schedules, violin & saxophone lessons, dance, an 8th grade football manager, confirmation, friends, and friends.
The summer décor has been packed away and replaced with my favorite décor of the year, FALL! Warm hues of yellows and oranges adorn my mantle, while pumpkins and mums the front step. Halloween costume creations are well under way. Of course we can’t unveil anything until THE day! But let’s just say, this year ROCKS to the tune to a tin ‘girl’ and a beautiful fairy!
Windows have been washed, at least on the main level and the patio furniture is holding out for at least a few more weeks in order to gather around some evening bon fires.
My reality TV spree has started with Dancing With The Stars (not crazy about the cast), The Biggest Loser (BEST cast to date), America’s Next Top Model, Survivor, and The Amazing Race. So a few nights a week I give myself permission to lay like broccoli, snuggle up in my favorite quilt, and stitch the night away watching ridiculously STUPID TV!
And in the mean time I will continue to long to be twirled and swirled on the dance floor, yelled at by Jillian Michaels. Wishing for once they would make a plus size, model show for 40+ year olds. Wondering how long I would last in the same underwear for days on end and looking for the PERFECT partner in a race around the world and an experience of a life time. I am still working on my pastor at church to be a part of the pastor & parishioner team. It would be SCANDALOUS!
If you are wondering, which I am sure you are, I am STILL working on that mammoth cross stitch project I started in June! May be by NEXT June it will be done? But it is EXACTLY what I look forward to every night curled up tight in my quilt.
Milo is plugging along with the start of his new business. Some days are good and some days not so much. I am praying that by January 1st and a year later, the hard hit of a job loss cloud will be lifted and new passions will be ignited. Time will only continue to direct us on new paths, new passions, and ventures in store.
Speaking of JOBS, God does have a way of making me laugh sometimes. You know that part-time gig at the funeral home that was suppose to be a little something to help us out during a transition time? THAT has taken on a life all its own. November 1st, I will begin as a full-time Family Service Counselor, assisting families and individuals with pre-planning needs as well as meeting with families who have just lost a loved one to assist in securing a burial location. Seriously most days I shake my head in wonderment, asking how did this just happen? How did I go from answering the phones for a few hours a day, to serving as an after-care counselor and helping to improve that program, to covering for a few vacations, to a Family Service Counselor? In retrospect it is amazing how things work out. This will provide a full plate of benefits for our family, the opportunity to use much of my past 12 years of sales experience in a new challenging environment, and a means to replace much that was lost last December. Thus alleviating much stress from my husband’s weary mind. AND after the past 12 years, I am completely enjoying NOT working in the evening and most every weekend. Work is at work and home is at home.
So essence we have encountered a ‘role reversal’. He has picked up all the child transportation, is in the beginning stages of reading new recipes, grocery shopping is the next to pass off, and house cleaning, well lets just say we are ‘working’ on that one.
20 years of embedded roles in our house are not easy to transition over night. That coupled with my years of household managerial experience, a bit of OCD, and some control issues?
Like I said….’we are working on it’.
So that about sums up that past 36 days.
And you ask what about the next 36 days? Hmmmmm…well I can’t divulge too much. I do know that is will consist of a much needed stress reliever weekend for Milo and the boys in Milwaukee for the annual Packer game. We can’t forget about a romantic, fun filled weekend in Galena for Milo and Jill to celebrate the milestone of turning 40, no puppies allowed! Did I mention that Milo turns 40 in November? We will have our traditional Halloween dinner and my 13 year old will be turning 14!
So there will be lots to share in the upcoming weeks, coupled with new things to learn with on the job training, more puppy rearing, some reality TV moments, window washing on the lower level, some dirty bathroom cupboards and closets that need to be cleaned, and of course making it through the crazy thing we call life.
I am B…A…C…K!
P.S. Did I mention, I am being nicer to myself? (more later)
If I recall, my last entry was introducing the newest member of our family, Gracie Mae. 100% Shitz Tue and 100% PUPPY. May be that in its self warranted a 36 day blogging break?
I am happy to report that Gracie is STILL a member of our family. That comes despite at least 7 of the past 36 days posing the mere threat that THIS birthday present was going BACK! Can any one guess what happened? Approximately 2 weeks after the ‘FUN’ of having a puppy left, ME (aka. Mom) was left holding her ‘birthday present’ singing, ‘Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me..happy birthday to me….happy birthday to me!’ I like to refer to Gracie Mae as the gift that just keeps on GIVING!
I am still in wonderment given all of the recent changes in our household (more later), why o! why… my family would feel that mom needed to add another helping on her already over flowing plate of life? Did I not mention I also was longing for a new Nikon mega-zoom, optical lens, lithium ion camera? Do I not love trips to the spa, coffee out with friends and crafting in my woman cave? Who can ever go wrong with a treat at the movies, lingering scents from Bath & Body Works, and trips out for Mexican food? Obviously the ‘occasional’ mention of getting a Shitz Tue PUPPY was louder than any of the above listed ideas.
So after some stern reinforcement of what this GIFT all entailed, the family once again has risen to the challenge and picked up the slack of ‘puppy rearing’. That is not to say that they too may fall of the wagon any day. Thankfully my ‘strict’ puppy training regimen was reinforced just yesterday on Gracie’s first trip to the vet, where Mr. Milo heard it from the words of the vet, himself. “Gracie either needs to be outside, in the kennel, or being watched or held ALL THE TIME!’
Gracie, goo Bear, or ‘my French pap pay’ has yet to go 2 days consecutively without any accidents. However we are sleeping through the night after 3 LONG nights of crying. Did I mention, crying ALL night? Thank goodness, she is too stink in CUTE to be mad at for any length of time.
Riley is ‘adjusting’. The realization that this new addition is not going any where is sinking in. She is also starting to tolerate the endless nipping and biting at her feet, as we all do. If you can imagine the cartoon with the BIG dog, Spike and his little counterpart, running as fast as she can just to keep up, panting and crying out, ‘Hey, Spike what are we going to do today? What do you think Spike? Is it going to be a good day, Spike? WOW, aren’t you excited Spike?’ Yep, that pretty much sums up their relationship.
Max, the cat on the other hand is still wishing that this rodent thing that we dragged in would just leave!
So after stopping over at my ‘neighbor lady’s’ house the other night to see her newly published ‘blog book’, I deemed it necessary to get back on my blogging wagon. I couldn’t let ONE more day go bye without documenting the latest. After all you can’t leave a well documented account if you don’t document?
So what else has happened in the last 36 days you ask?
School is back in session and in full swing at our household. Back packs, schedules, violin & saxophone lessons, dance, an 8th grade football manager, confirmation, friends, and friends.
The summer décor has been packed away and replaced with my favorite décor of the year, FALL! Warm hues of yellows and oranges adorn my mantle, while pumpkins and mums the front step. Halloween costume creations are well under way. Of course we can’t unveil anything until THE day! But let’s just say, this year ROCKS to the tune to a tin ‘girl’ and a beautiful fairy!
Windows have been washed, at least on the main level and the patio furniture is holding out for at least a few more weeks in order to gather around some evening bon fires.
My reality TV spree has started with Dancing With The Stars (not crazy about the cast), The Biggest Loser (BEST cast to date), America’s Next Top Model, Survivor, and The Amazing Race. So a few nights a week I give myself permission to lay like broccoli, snuggle up in my favorite quilt, and stitch the night away watching ridiculously STUPID TV!
And in the mean time I will continue to long to be twirled and swirled on the dance floor, yelled at by Jillian Michaels. Wishing for once they would make a plus size, model show for 40+ year olds. Wondering how long I would last in the same underwear for days on end and looking for the PERFECT partner in a race around the world and an experience of a life time. I am still working on my pastor at church to be a part of the pastor & parishioner team. It would be SCANDALOUS!
If you are wondering, which I am sure you are, I am STILL working on that mammoth cross stitch project I started in June! May be by NEXT June it will be done? But it is EXACTLY what I look forward to every night curled up tight in my quilt.
Milo is plugging along with the start of his new business. Some days are good and some days not so much. I am praying that by January 1st and a year later, the hard hit of a job loss cloud will be lifted and new passions will be ignited. Time will only continue to direct us on new paths, new passions, and ventures in store.
Speaking of JOBS, God does have a way of making me laugh sometimes. You know that part-time gig at the funeral home that was suppose to be a little something to help us out during a transition time? THAT has taken on a life all its own. November 1st, I will begin as a full-time Family Service Counselor, assisting families and individuals with pre-planning needs as well as meeting with families who have just lost a loved one to assist in securing a burial location. Seriously most days I shake my head in wonderment, asking how did this just happen? How did I go from answering the phones for a few hours a day, to serving as an after-care counselor and helping to improve that program, to covering for a few vacations, to a Family Service Counselor? In retrospect it is amazing how things work out. This will provide a full plate of benefits for our family, the opportunity to use much of my past 12 years of sales experience in a new challenging environment, and a means to replace much that was lost last December. Thus alleviating much stress from my husband’s weary mind. AND after the past 12 years, I am completely enjoying NOT working in the evening and most every weekend. Work is at work and home is at home.
So essence we have encountered a ‘role reversal’. He has picked up all the child transportation, is in the beginning stages of reading new recipes, grocery shopping is the next to pass off, and house cleaning, well lets just say we are ‘working’ on that one.
20 years of embedded roles in our house are not easy to transition over night. That coupled with my years of household managerial experience, a bit of OCD, and some control issues?
Like I said….’we are working on it’.
So that about sums up that past 36 days.
And you ask what about the next 36 days? Hmmmmm…well I can’t divulge too much. I do know that is will consist of a much needed stress reliever weekend for Milo and the boys in Milwaukee for the annual Packer game. We can’t forget about a romantic, fun filled weekend in Galena for Milo and Jill to celebrate the milestone of turning 40, no puppies allowed! Did I mention that Milo turns 40 in November? We will have our traditional Halloween dinner and my 13 year old will be turning 14!
So there will be lots to share in the upcoming weeks, coupled with new things to learn with on the job training, more puppy rearing, some reality TV moments, window washing on the lower level, some dirty bathroom cupboards and closets that need to be cleaned, and of course making it through the crazy thing we call life.
I am B…A…C…K!
P.S. Did I mention, I am being nicer to myself? (more later)
Monday, August 24, 2009
You Don't Know Until It Is Gone
It was a wonderful, RELAXING weekend. Even with the mundane weekend tasks of cleaning, groceries, and laundry; time was spent hanging with good friends, a date night, watching a movie, and getting in a few games of Hill Billy Golf.
The past few months have brought a marked realization that despite the many perks of working from home, the a down side had been the ability to TRULY relax.
With all the changes in our household over the past 8 months including the loss of Milo's job, his transitioning to working from home, me looking for part time work to supplement our income, role changes for me at home and work, and more changes still to come. All of this has unraveled many NEW emotions AND revelations.
One of the first for me being the ability to leave work at work.
I was so caught up in focusing on the 'perks' of working from home that I never realized one major down side was I LOST my ability to TRULY relax.
There was ALWAYS the opportunity to work because it was ALWAYS there. The "on" switch never shut "off", it followed me EVERY WHERE!
While I firmly believe that things happen for a reason. The events of the past 8 months as they continue to unfold continue to bring new insights and lessons to be learned.
Stay tuned.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Office ReDesign
Carter made his way safe and sound back to Dell Rapids, SD this morning. By 9:45 I was in Office Max planning, modeling, and shaping my plan for an office re-organization in order to accommodate Mr. Milo into my space along with all of HIS stuff!
You could say, 'we are movin in together?' Sounds scrumptious!
The office re-org is nearly complete. Minus the bookcase and desk that had to be ordered. Not a drawer, corner, or cupboard went untouched. 9 hours later, I believe I am happy to now have a 'companion' in my space. Barring he is a tidy one!
So instead of facing the windows, I know face the wall. Nothin fuels my blood more than a day of reorganizing and throwing away!
One super, duper trash bag headed out to the garage and can you believe that was only for one room! But a fresh CLEAN, re organized space feels delightful.
Due to some downsizing many EMPTY containers made there way to my woman cave, which means another reorg is on tap for tomorrow!
So with that I believe my Colorado Bulldog and I will make our way to the bedroom for a face wash, a cozy comforter, and some channel surfing.
Sounds scrumptious!
My 'office mate' appears to be a bit pre-occupied with a Wii boxing game.
At some point I may consider asking my new office mate if he would be interested in a little 'office hanky panky'?
will keep you posted.
You could say, 'we are movin in together?' Sounds scrumptious!
The office re-org is nearly complete. Minus the bookcase and desk that had to be ordered. Not a drawer, corner, or cupboard went untouched. 9 hours later, I believe I am happy to now have a 'companion' in my space. Barring he is a tidy one!
So instead of facing the windows, I know face the wall. Nothin fuels my blood more than a day of reorganizing and throwing away!
One super, duper trash bag headed out to the garage and can you believe that was only for one room! But a fresh CLEAN, re organized space feels delightful.
Due to some downsizing many EMPTY containers made there way to my woman cave, which means another reorg is on tap for tomorrow!
So with that I believe my Colorado Bulldog and I will make our way to the bedroom for a face wash, a cozy comforter, and some channel surfing.
Sounds scrumptious!
My 'office mate' appears to be a bit pre-occupied with a Wii boxing game.
At some point I may consider asking my new office mate if he would be interested in a little 'office hanky panky'?
will keep you posted.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Click, Click, Click
I have been checking EVERY day since June 16th, just waiting and waiting for the PRIZE action item to appear. Then this morning....there it WAS! It was a click, click, giggle with glee, click and it was done!
And so of course the competitive side of me kicks in and I have to look at the prize brochure for the quarter starting June 16th. I select three options: a can reach it easily, a bit of a stretch, and a gigantic LEAP for man-kind. I look at my life and all that is happening between now and September 15th. I map out my daily, weekly, and monthly goal. I print out a picture and plaster it on my desk and in my daily planner. I set out to make it happen. Can you tell I am a bit competitive and LOVE a challenge?
The purple leather handbag is now being tucked away safe in a box. The box addressed to me. The handsome man dressed in brown shorts and a shirt will carefully retrieve it and place it on his BIG brown truck. He will drive hours on end from Texas to Iowa. Once he reaches my driveway he will hear the veracious bark of Riley, but that won't scare him in the least bit. He will grab MY box, fly off of his truck, and with a rap, tap, tap on my door he will lay it on my stoop. He will be gone so fast, I won't even have time to thank him personally. I will only be able to wave goodbye as he flies off to make yet another persons dreams a reality.
So a shout out and a BIG thank YOU to anyone who purchased ANYTHING from me between March 16th and June 15th. YOU were a part of this beautiful handbag! $6,000 in make-up and skin care sales in 3 short months!
And so of course the competitive side of me kicks in and I have to look at the prize brochure for the quarter starting June 16th. I select three options: a can reach it easily, a bit of a stretch, and a gigantic LEAP for man-kind. I look at my life and all that is happening between now and September 15th. I map out my daily, weekly, and monthly goal. I print out a picture and plaster it on my desk and in my daily planner. I set out to make it happen. Can you tell I am a bit competitive and LOVE a challenge?$4,800 in sales
$6,00 in sales
$12,000 in sales
The last one is 6 nights, 7 days in one of 60,000 resorts to select from. Airfare not included, but I do have miles to use!
Wondering which one I selected? Well you can cast your votes by simply clicking on the comment section below, otherwise I guess you will have to wait until September 16th. Now I am off to make some phone calls, book some appointments, and move some products off of my shelf!
AND wait patiently for the man in brown shorts and shirt to rap, tap, tap on my door. May be later next week?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
You May Need A Kleenex
Everyone has a story.
I am watching the last 45 minutes of the movie, 'Stepmom'. I love this movie. If you stay with me until the end, watch out because there WILL be tears. It gets me every time.
So what is YOUR story? Over the past month I have taken on more responsibility at the funeral home and now assist with the after-care program. A program designed to visit families a month or two after losing a loved one.
Over the past 3 months, I have asked frequently why I ended up where I am. Then I remembered that, God takes me on detours. I think I have made it, but then He reminds me that I still have lessons to learn and character to build. The dreams and passions He has laid on my heart are not quite ready to blossom. I am still a work in progress. DARN, I think. Just when I thouht I had it all figured out. The road I will travel, the towns I will come upon, and the stops I will make. I had the master plan and it is was timed down to the tee. Then out of no where a detour sign sends me miles off of my map. I get frustrated with the time delay, the bumps in the road, and the extra gas. Enough all ready!
I am watching the last 45 minutes of the movie, 'Stepmom'. I love this movie. If you stay with me until the end, watch out because there WILL be tears. It gets me every time.
So what is YOUR story? Over the past month I have taken on more responsibility at the funeral home and now assist with the after-care program. A program designed to visit families a month or two after losing a loved one.
Over the past 3 months, I have asked frequently why I ended up where I am. Then I remembered that, God takes me on detours. I think I have made it, but then He reminds me that I still have lessons to learn and character to build. The dreams and passions He has laid on my heart are not quite ready to blossom. I am still a work in progress. DARN, I think. Just when I thouht I had it all figured out. The road I will travel, the towns I will come upon, and the stops I will make. I had the master plan and it is was timed down to the tee. Then out of no where a detour sign sends me miles off of my map. I get frustrated with the time delay, the bumps in the road, and the extra gas. Enough all ready!
But suddenly and unexpectedly, something catches my eye. A flowering crab apple tree, off the beaten path trails, and I become completely enamoured with the new view. A view I would have never appreciated had the detour sign not directed me off my well thought out route.
About 10 - 12 times a week I have the privilege of hearing stories, lots and lots of beautiful stories. Stories of strong and courageous young men, precious babies, lovers, mothers, fathers, grandparents, and friends. Each one is special in it's own way. Each one is a treasure all it's own. Sometimes I laugh and sometimes I cry. I ALWAYS leave a better person. It matters not if the loved one was 1, 18, 49, or 96 the deep, raw pain is real for the one sharing. For a few hours every week, I listen to those 'left behind'. They courageously and sometimes tearfully share their story. They share stories of joy and times of sorrow. Often times they hang their head, with tears falling and say, 'I just miss them sooo much.' They allow me a glimpse into their life and the life of the one they lost.
So I wonder about this detour I am on? Was it because I wasn't fully appreciating all that I have. May be I am learning the God gave me two ears and one mouth for a reason. May be I am growing in compassion and servanthood. May be........
Wait..wait...the tears are coming. Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon are sitting in the restaurant. Susan says to Julia, 'I have their past and you have their future. There is no need for them to choose. They can have both.'
Death is going to happen to all of us. It is invidentable.
The last part of Stepmom is when Susan shares her Christmas gifts she made for her children. As they open the special gifts she sewed with love, each child has a touching moment when they try to comes to terms with the future. The conclusion is made that no matter what, even if we don't see someone, you always carry them in your heart. You can always take them along with you.
Wait..wait...the tears are coming. Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon are sitting in the restaurant. Susan says to Julia, 'I have their past and you have their future. There is no need for them to choose. They can have both.'
Death is going to happen to all of us. It is invidentable.
The last part of Stepmom is when Susan shares her Christmas gifts she made for her children. As they open the special gifts she sewed with love, each child has a touching moment when they try to comes to terms with the future. The conclusion is made that no matter what, even if we don't see someone, you always carry them in your heart. You can always take them along with you.
So tonight, hug your babies just a little bit tighter. When you kiss your husband or wife, hold his or her face and look them in the eye. Tell them just how much you love them. Tell them how special they are in your life. Tell them how deeply you would miss them if they were gone. Call your mom, call your dad and your friends. Tell everyone just how incredibly special they are and what they mean to you. Tell them that no matter what happens in life, you will carry them with you, forever and ever....always and always.
And pay attention tomorrow, the next day, and the next, there are people around you who are deeply hurting. Many you don't even realize. Take a moment to sincerely seek and ask about them. Listen intently and don't be quick to offer a suggestion or advice. Just nod, smile, and may be share a tear. Remember EVERYONE has a story, they may just need someone to listen.
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