Daddy's footsteps

C-man is Star Student next week in school, and has to fill out a whole poster about himself as part of it. When he filled out what he wants to be when he grows up, I think I saw Beerman tear up a little. But I'd give just about anything to see the look on his teacher's face when he announces THAT one!

I just want a coherent day

I'm  struggling with what to write today. Let me rephrase that. I'm struggling. Period. The inflammation has been so high in my body, I picture my brain filled with some sort of mushy goo, kind of like the green slime they used to dump on kids on that Nickelodeon show way back, that it's almost impossible to string coherent thoughts together.

And I try. Boy, do I try. Over and over, I try. I write for my livelihood. All day long. And I find myself getting nowhere. Fast. Normal things, typical decisions allude me right now. It's like when you can touch something with your fingertips, but not fully grasp it. Not that it would matter much, as I can barely grasp things right now anyway. I try to pay attention. I try to listen. And I find myself failing over and over. It's like listening underwater - you can hear something going on, but it doesn't quite get through.

I know it's the inflammation, because this has happened before. Once the inflammation subsides, I'm coherent again. It's just gone on for so long this time, that it's starting feeling desperate.

Geez. Some days I'm really quite cheery, aren't I?

I could really use some sleep

I feel so drained lately. I really need to figure out a way to get my groove back, because it just isn't happening these days.

Part of it is because I have not been sleeping well the last couple of weeks. I don't know why. I suspect it has something to do with the fact that my hands and feet are giant red marshmallows and the rest of my body is following suit. Apparently this medicine isn't working anymore. But all my old tricks aren't working. I fall asleep watching Psych, but can't stay asleep. I read myself to sleep (I plowed through the first 2 Hunger Games books on my trip last week, and just can't seem to finish the 3rd book - They're decently written, but so incredibly predictable that I find them kind of boring, which in theory should help me sleep.), but can't stay asleep. I take herbs, and feel calm, but not sleepy. It's kind of exhausting.

We bought C-man a 125 gallon fish tank and stand for the porcupine puffer fish he wants for his birthday. Beerman did the calculations and realized we'd have to reinforce his floor to put it in his bedroom, which would be a giant pain. So now we're going to have another fish tank in the dining room, which means rearranging the whole thing. And to boot, C-man and his compassionate streak wants the one-eyed puffer fish he saw at the store because he felt bad no one was going to take him home. I should be overjoyed he's so compassionate, but the thought of all this money and work for an ugly one-eyed fish is too much. Maybe I'll be happier once it's installed and the pretty, serene fish tank is bubbling away. But for now, I'm finding the whole idea of eating with Popeye looking at me really annoying.

Work has been especially draining, because I have to work non-stop on something I detest. (Soul sucking might be a better description.) It's going to be at least another month before I get a break from it, too.

C-man is growing up. Besides turning 7 next week, he's detaching himself from us. This morning he asked if I could not wait for the bus with him anymore. I love waiting for the bus with him. But alas, I'll sit inside and drink my coffee alone.

I know none of this is earth shattering and I shouldn't be complaining. I think I'm just tired. And it's making everything a bigger deal to me than it really is.

So the good news is that spring is here. The sun is beautiful, it's 65 degrees, and deer are grazing through the yard to eat the tulips that are springing up. C-man has a birthday next week and is star student at school, which he's really excited about.We are supposed to write a love letter, poem or story for the teacher to read out loud on Wednesday. I wrote a story about C-manikin as a Jedi with his training wookie, Harry Chewbarka. He should like that. So things are actually quite good. I just need some good sleep to be able to remember that!

Back at it

Since it's back to work Monday after the springing ahead nonsense, I can't be relied upon to be coherent. So here is my random stream of consciousness in bullet form:

• Trivia was a really, really fun time. I feel so blessed to have such a great group of friends.
• Last night, C-man and I were talking about family, and he said, "Mrs. S is kind of like my mom, too. And Mr. M is kind of like my dad, too." I've always worried about giving him a strong extended family connection, since he doesn't have any siblings. So the fact that several families have kind of taken him in as their own makes me really happy.
• Slippy the Penguin had an adventurous weekend - playing games with the other penguins of the house, having a sleepover, riding on a bike, and attending a Cub Scout den meeting at the house. I think Slippy needs to go back to school to rest up. At least he's a lot cleaner than when we showed up at the house. (What are parents thinking not washing that dirty little bird?!?)
• Beerman held the Cub Scout den meeting at the house on Sunday afternoon. They did an activity with the nutritional food plate and then made healthy snacks. Harry and I spent our afternoon at the park, and then I went and got a massage. Based on the exhaustion level of the 2 of us, I'm pretty sure I got the better end of the deal.
• My spine is really a mess lately. I need to get some more regularly scheduled chiropractic appointments under my belt.
• Tonight is another episode of running to Being Human. I do really love that show.
• Marquette is the 3 seed. Go BYU!

Sort of winners

Last night we went to a school trivia fundraiser. You rounded up a table of friends, brought your own snacks and drinks, decorated your table (ours was the best) and then played trivia. The entry fee was pure profit for the school. We had such a fun time, and even had to bring over a separate table for all the snacks we brought. And, of course, we won. Well, kind of. We went into the last round in 2nd place, behind by 2 points. I put on my rally tiara, bet the full 15 allowed for the final question, and successfully put Argentina, Peru, Venezuela and Paraguay in order from largest to smallest. The table that was 2 points ahead of us was sad when the answer was revealed. So that made us the Winners!

Wrong. The lady running trivia said we were 5th. Being at a table full of people unwilling to let it slide, and knowing we got the final question right, a couple of my table mates approached the lady running the contest for a review. We were right. We won. But the money had already been dispensed to a table of 5th grade mothers, and the 5th grade teacher was one of our team members. Happy to know that we were the true winners, we did a parting shot of Jamison and went out to eat.

It was one of those nights of great belly laughs with great friends. I just don't envy the headaches of a few this morning.

The invasion of Slippy (the no longer filthy) Penguin

I finally made it home last night on two flights that were shockingly on-time. I even had a decent dinner in the Denver airport. Although in a mind boggling moment, while looking for a Bronco's something or other to get C-man (you'll remember he now adores them) there wasn't a single Broncos jersey, t-shirt or key chain to be found. When I asked about where I'd find one, because surprisingly the "Colorado" store didn't even have anything, the guy said, "But football season is over." While I know Packers fans are a bit extreme in this respect, REALLY?!?

Anyhow, I'm home and tired, but most importantly, home. And now, we have Slippy the Penguin to take on some adventures and write about and take photos of all weekend long. (Apparently, C-man has been waiting and waiting for this day, and has lucked out to get him on a weekend, so can keep him for 3 whole days.) While I figured I'd have to clean him up a bit, I didn't expect him to look like he'd been spending his free time dumpster diving.

But after 3 wash cycles, he's cleaned up a bit, back to his almost pristine self, and even had a little dinner.

Tomorrow, he's going to go to mass, and then to sleep over at a friend's house while we're out with friends at a trivia contest and dinner. (I can't wait.) Oh, Slippy. The fun we'll have together.

Traveling (wo)man

I left my house yesterday at 7 a.m. And arrived at my destination 15 hours later. In between those 15 hours included:

One 3-hour delay sitting on a stuffy plane in Milwaukee

One chatty seatmate who couldn't take the I'm knitting-reading-and watching TV with headphones in and pulling them out saying "huh" in an annoyed tone each time she hit me in the arm because she was trying to talk to me- hint

One missed connection

One long line to get rebooked to get out of Denver

One new flight to LAX

Ninety minutes sitting on a stuffy, delayed plane in Denver

Three hours of driving through LA rush hour

One sweater back complete

One Hunger Games book finished


And the best news? I'm flying back home tonight. Here's hoping I spent all my nasty traveling experiences yesterday!

Another day

We were under a blanket of heavy, wet snow this weekend, and today C-man is riding his bike around the driveway without a coat on because it's 65 degrees and sunny. What a strange, strange year it's become already.

I've got to spend the rest of my week in southern California. I'm not thrilled about it, but I do have a car to buy. I'm hoping to test drive my candidates this weekend. Because I'm SICK to death of this van. I took it in to get the EGR valve replaced because that's what the codes were saying it was. They cleared out the sensors, and away I went. 15 miles later *bing*, the engine light goes on again. So I called them on my way into work again today, they took it, and it needed more garbage done to the tune of another $700. Ugh. The sensors are cleared out again. Here's hoping it stays that way, because I'm so sick of socking money into this pit.

Well, I need to get my butt in gear and pack. Oh goody.

Growing up

The fry are growing up, and there are still about 50 of them. The good news is if we can keep them healthy, it'll help defray some of the costs of C-man's saltwater tank he wants (and is getting) for his birthday. He's already talking about what to name his puffer fish. I'd be lying if I didn't say I wasn't jealous.

Being Busy

It's still "lake effect"ing, so it looks like we're inside a snow globe. Despite having no real plans for this weekend, we have been fairly busy.

Yesterday, after the park and playing in the snow, we went to the Milwaukee Auto Show to compare cars in a non-sales environment. I'm really, really disappointed in the vast majority of options, as they all look the same and have crappy gas mileage. So we are considering buying something super small and cheap. We typically keep our vehicles until they die several deaths, but if we get a cheap one, we could get two in that same amount of time for the same price. It is really tempting to not have to address old age upkeep problems on a vehicle, especially considering I have the van going in tomorrow for a big, expensive emissions repair just so I can get my car re-registered. (I've been pulled over TWICE now for my "late" registration - even though it's technically up-to-date legally. ARGH!)  I need to test drive the final new car contenders before we make our ultimate decision, because sometimes small cars drive like crap. Regardless, I'm getting heated seats!

Since we were at the Auto Show, we parked in the museum parking lot (we're members, so get a cheaper rate). On our way back to the car, C-man announced he wanted to see the Cleopatra exhibit we haven't seen yet. (We've been to the museum several times since the exhibit has opened, but each time, he's decided against seeing the Cleopatra exhibit.) We all learned a lot (Like that Cleopatra was actually Greek not Egyptian, she married her brother, and they really don't know much about her because Alexandria had several earthquakes and tidal waves which then flooded it for good.) I really enjoy being museum members. It was one of my favorite places to visit as a kid, so it makes me smile that we enjoy going to hang out for an hour or two at a time whenever.

Today, we've got tickets to see First Stage's rendition of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. C-man and I are so excited, because it's definitely a favorite of both of ours. Hopefully they don't screw it up like they did A Wrinkle in Time.

5 Steps to a Morning Snowfall

Step 1: Taunt others

Step 2: Run like heck

Step 3: Endure facewash

Step 5: Plot revenge

Organizing stuff

The other day I had a physical. It was overdue and work gave me $300 off my insurance to get one. And I found out my cholesterol is too high. Which was the kick in the pants I'd needed to start putting things in order in my life. I am going to eat fish every week if it kills me. And it just might, because I hate fish. I'm cutting out the sugar, even though those dastardly Girl Scouts just made their big delivery. Because I need to for my long-term health, and because I'm carrying way too much weight.

Essentially, I vowed to get my shit together. Organize my life, if you will. And a bi-product of this new found shit-getith-togetherness was my spice rack. I should have taken a before picture for you to see the difference. But just picture 50 spices and bags all thrown on top of one another - a giant booby trap for each time we opened the cupboard doors. And now, it's a thing of alphabetically organized beauty.

And then I was at the gym last night working out (see the earlier comment about cutting off the weight nonsense) and I got an email from Beerman that said, "What the hello! I can find the spices!" (The 2nd email said, "Damn autocorrect. Dam it. Nice job on the spice rake." I might have laughed so hard I had tears.)

In like a lamb

I'm tired of the rain. My hands look like 10 stumps coming out of 2 puffy paws, and Harry is tired of cowering in the bathroom.

At least it's almost the weekend and we haven't gotten any tornadoes.

Not so much leaping.

Everyone is posting all these great leaping pictures and getting all philosophical about "what will you do with your extra 24 hours?" Um... After work, I'm hoping to get to Kohl's to do a couple of returns and get my new watch band sized. Then I'll go work out. And then I'll probably eat dinner and watch an episode or two of Psych on Hulu.

Because that's how I leap.

Snaggletooth

C-man lost his 3rd tooth yesterday. That tooth had been hanging out of his mouth for days now, and he was dying to lose it in school because they get a big deal made of it and get a poem sent home about his tooth boogieing out of his mouth. (Those poor teachers must see teeth flying out of kids' mouths in their nightmares.) I think he would have used a pliers just to get the thing out yesterday. And of course, his tooth fairy was short on cash, so had to stop at Walgreens and get some gum after her Being Human run. (Thank God for cash back transactions!) But it was worth it to see that gap-toothed smile this morning.

Upside down

Every time I try to get something done today, it's turned upside down, and I have to start something new. This blog post, for example, has taken me 5 hours to post. Good grief.

Circus Life

C-man had been begging us to go to a circus. And I realized that one was in town this weekend, and we didn't have any other plans, so I went online and got the tickets. We saw Pennywise the clown (sorry for that reference for my non Stephen King fans out there) and the elephant. (I couldn't help but think of Rosie the whole time)

We saw women who twirled by their hair.

We saw more clowns. (And yes, I read It in 6th grade. Shudder.)

We saw jugglers of rings, balls, big hoops and fire.

There was a tiger tamer.

We saw the crazy motorcycle stunts a la America's Got Talent.

 And the grand finale of a guy who was shot out of a canon.

But C-man's favorite? The kids who danced with boxes on their heads. Seriously. I could have saved the $200 in tickets, snow cones, pizza, cotton candy and popcorn and put a cardboard box on my head. I don't know whether I should be highly annoyed or amused.

Regardless, I do know I've fulfilled my circus quota for a while. And that, I feel good about.

Miracles do happen

C-man got his hair cut with my stylist yesterday. It's still long and shaggy like he wants, but it's not in his eyes and looks like he has a decent hair cut like I want. He was upset when we got to the salon and there were no other "dudes" there. But then one showed up, and he got to get his hair washed and head massaged, and then everything was cool. "Mom, my hair is so soft, I feel like Harry!"

I had my physical this week. I was overdue, plus my work gives me a $300 check to do a wellness physical before March 1. While there, my doctor very firmly told me I need to do some major weight training to combat this arthritis and arthritis treatment nonsense. Something I knew intuitively before but didn't understand quite how important it was until she showed me some pretty major recent studies. So much for any remaining excuses on that front.

We're heading to the circus tonight. I haven't been to a circus in years and years. I remember my first one vividly. I was C-man's age, and my Mom and I went to Green Bay with the Brownies. I don't remember liking it very much. Since then, I think the only other traditional non-Cirque du Soleil circuses I've seen were at the Circus World Museum in Baraboo. We'll see how this one goes. If nothing else, we can check it off the list as something he's done.

Off to get Harry to the park before he dies of exasperation at his lazy owners.

Today is a great day

C-man and I have the day off.

I slept in until 7:30 and C-man slept until 8:30.

My bonus for the year just paid out.

And it was bigger than they originally told us it would be.

C-man is getting his hair cut by my stylist.

It snowed big, beautiful, wet snow.

It'll be 40 on Sunday, so I don't have to use the snow blower.

I finally got my jensconsin.com domain for myself.
It's Cub Scout night, which means I get 3 hours alone.

In the palm of my hand

C-man and I have the day off tomorrow. I was planning on going to Loyola to see about their phd program, but after some more exploration, I don't think it's the right fit. Despite earlier conversations with the adviser, upon talking with a professor in the department, I've learned it's really academia-based in its intentions. And since I have no intention of working in a k-12 system.ever.I don't think I need to waste my time.

But what it means is C-man and I have the entire Friday to waste together doing something fun. Oh, the possibilities are endless...

Little Roy

C-man brings his school work home every day so we can see how he did. Yesterday, he wrote a story to Little Roy, our Royal Plecostomus and then came home to read it to him. This is Roy enjoying his story.

In other fun stuff, we put together a table for the school's spring trivia contest. Cocktail hour starts at 6:30, there are no kids allowed, you are encouraged to bring your own drinks and snacks, and try to answer 2 hours of useless trivia with friends. Sounds like a great time to me!

This spring's enrichment program at C-man's school was Korean drumming. Apparently they had a "performance" yesterday. And apparently I was the only parent who missed that memo that I was supposed to be there, as I was informed in the car on the way home from school. Just one more thing for him to bring up at therapy later in life.

It's a beautiful day outside and I'm stuck in cubeland with people eating nonstop. At least I'm not in a leadership training class like Beerman and then forced to go eat dinner at a bad chain Italian restaurant.

Setting Sail

It's Fat Tuesday. The last day of gluttony before the fast. The day when around the world, people are dressed up and dancing and drinking and having fun; gorging themselves on pancakes; or dropping sugary, raisin-filled donuts into the lard. The day when I sit at my desk and write a course for a topic that makes me a little ill. But I digress.

I asked C-man what he was going to do differently to remember that it was Lent. He first decided he wasn't going to have the Baskin Robbins Wild and Reckless sherbet. We decided that was a little weak since it's only a once a week thing. Then he decided he was banning all sweets. I suggested it just be chocolate, as all sweets was a little harsh, but he stuck to the all sweets thing. Then on the ride home from school last night, he said, "Mom, I think I'm going to just skip chocolate." Apparently he was thinking about what "all sweets" really meant.

I'm going to exercise every day and give up chocolate. The chocolate abstinence because I'm an addict, and the daily exercise because I feel like I need to appreciate the season a bit more. And focusing on and appreciating my health is significant on several fronts.


I hope you're enjoying your Fat Tuesday, whatever tradition you're following.

Serenely Sunday

It's finally here

I'm so thankful the weekend is almost here. C-man has a birthday party tomorrow and baseball, of course, on Sunday. Other than that, it's 2 whole days of freedom.

Thursday Thirteen Bits and Bytes

1. I ditched acupuncture. Came right out and told them they did me no good. I don't think anyone has ever told them that before, because they weren't the nicest about it. I'm suspecting a call from the acupuncturist himself will be coming soon.
2. On the way into work, I was listening to an NPR episode about how the DOD is covering acupuncture for wounded warriors. Interesting concept.
3. I am pretty sure I have an ulcer again. The only thing I don't have trouble eating is oatmeal. I've been eating a whole lot of oatmeal lately. It's definitely not my favorite thing to eat.
4. I switched from gym A to gym B because gym B is more family friendly - better pool, better kid-friendly gym hours, an area specifically for kids - But it's only so-so with regards to being an adult workout center. This was made really apparent when I went for my usual Monday night Being Human run and realized the TVs are only on the ellipticals.
5. The elliptical said I burned 580 calories, but I don't buy it. 580 calories on a bike or treadmill, and I'm jelly legged and need to refill my water at least once. 580 calories on the elliptical and I barely needed any of my water. It was like workout lite.
6. I've signed up for the Loyola PhD program open house later this month. It's still an exploratory search, but I feel better about this program than any other I've seen so far.
7. I got a dozen red roses delivered to my work for Valentines Day this week. Cliche? Totally. Overpriced? Without a doubt. Fabulous? Absolutely.
8. C-man has not relented in his quest for long hair. And I have not relented in my distaste for it, yet I will not die on this sword. Instead, I've made an appointment for him with my stylist to see what she can do to his mop of hair while it grows out. Because while I am unwilling to make a simple head of hair a bigger deal than it is, I will not let him look like crap either. And so, we compromise. Him to grow out his shag, and me to let him do it as long as it looks nice. I wonder if he'll get a head and hand massage, too.
9. I've started wearing lipstick again. I used to wear it when I was young and dumb. Then I had a baby and got out of the habit of it because it would just get kissed all over him. So now I'm back full-time. And I think I kind of like it. Plus, I am consistently getting compliments on looking good even on days I'm feeling like garbage. Red lips it is.
10. Lent starts next week. So apparently I'm making the most of it by stuffing my face with chocolate as hard as I can. I'm going to end up looking like a teenager before this is over. Strike that, a fat teenager.
11. A yoga studio opened by the house. It really is the end to my internal excuses about there being no yoga close by. I need to go try it out. This double chin isn't going to lose itself.
12. Since we got Hulu Plus, I don't think we've watched live TV. Even better, the whole family is addicted to Psych and finding the pineapple. Good stuff.
13. It's felt like an incredibly long work week, and I didn't really work much on Monday. That's telling.
    

Goosfraba

Lately, it seems like so many around me are in a negative funk. I've never been Priscilla Positive, and I know this is kind of a blah month with little going on in terms of distractions, but it seems out of the ordinary. More so, when I'm not feeling this way and am in stark contrast to what's going on. Even worse, is that when I listen to the negative blather, complaints and self-destructive behavior, when I have to listen to the exact same story...again...simply because the person is desperately trying to convince everyone around her to be on her side because she's clearly right, I find myself wanting to shake the person and yell, "Then stop being an ass!" or "Do you even remember why you hate this person in the first place?" or "You married him for a reason - and it wasn't because he was the most despicable person on the planet, so cut it out!"

It's so easy to point the finger at someone else. So easy to blame someone else for your troubles. But why aren't these people seeing the trouble they are causing, or continuing to keep snowballing, with their awful, vindictive or unforgiving attitude? Why don't we assume the best in people instead of the worst? Why are we starting from a place of assuming we're always right and the other person is always wrong? Why are we assuming the intent is negative or disingenuous, when maybe you just misunderstood what was happening to begin with? Can't we just forgive someone for a screw up and move on without it becoming a preposterously large argument? Or just realize you have absolutely nothing in common no matter how badly others want you to, so you just move on in a respectful way? Since when is human nature all black and white?

I'm talking about little stuff, but bad stuff, too - I'm seeing marriages go bad, kids hate their parents, siblings fighting - all because people can't let go of the idea that they are superior in their rightness.

I'm hoping it's just a February thing. Because I've got better things to do with my time. Like get my kid's ear healed up so he can swim again, and talk baseball, and smell the beautiful red roses that I got yesterday.

Life is short. So if you're being an ass, just cut it out. Goosfraba, people. Goosfraba.

Happy Valentines Day!

Krispy Fry and Other Sundry

Once upon a time we went to the fish store. And then afterward, we went to Krispy Kreme for a donut. (Because Krispy Kreme is the other side of the city from where we live and when we're anywhere nearby, let alone next door, I do NOT turn down a good greasy donut) And then C-man named his new fish Krispy. Fast forward a couple of months for that tiny speck of a fish to mature and discover that he was put in the tank with a female version of him, and we now have Krispy fries. Lots and lots of little tiny kribensis, much to C-man's delight. I was expecting a lot more questions about how that happened, but haven't gotten any. For now, we're just all excited we have a tank full of baby fish.
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I'm home today with C-man. We went into the walk-in clinic yesterday because he was in such awful pain and his ear was oozing gunk. Apparently he has inner ear AND ear canal infections. Which is delightful. And not at all gross since I'm the one he's deemed to be the only one who should regularly clean it out for him. (Dry heave) He's quite a bit better today mood-wise and was able to mostly sleep last night, but it was a hard sell sending him to school when his ear is oozing all that nastiness onto his shirt. Plus, I think one more day of playing bowling and watching the Pink Panther episodes will probably do his body some serious good.
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Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. At least C-man has all his Valentines written out. I wish I did.

Free Day

The boys are at Cub Scout camp today. They aren't doing the overnight because C-man has been sick - snotty nose and a fever this week with what we suspect is an ear infection. But I almost teared up a little when they left, because they're at the camp I was Director of for a few years. That was one of the hardest jobs I've ever had - starting at 23 years old with only 2 weeks notice, managing both a Boy Scout and Cub Scout program that I'd never personally experienced, in a camp filled with repeat campers and their expectations, a kitchen that served lunch each day with a "chef" who was less than worthy of the job, a cantankerous camp ranger I had to win over, a staff of 25, all while wearing olive green socks. And it was also one of the jobs I remember with most fondness. I had to quit because I met and got engaged to Beerman, and he quickly informed me he wasn't moving out to Boy Scout camp 4 months a year. The things you do for love, I guess.

I am well aware of what the problems are with the organization. But there is so much good to it, that I feel it way outweighs the negative. I saw kids who were constantly fighting with their parents come to camp as a counselor for the entire summer and be my absolute best kids because they had a specific purpose and we trusted them wholly. I saw kids come to camp and sob the first night with homesickness and by the end of the week ask if they could stay for another. I saw kids learn to do things they wouldn't have learned elsewhere. And while I don't know if learning about beekeeping changed any of their lives, it did mine. Because those summers taught me so much then, that I find I'm still using those lessons in how I deal with C-man.

So now, I have the day free to myself. Well, except for the time I need to spend taking Harry to the park, because he's not letting up on that idea. But I sure hope they have a smashing good time at one of my favorite places.

Quiet snowfall

Strangely enough, I've missed the snow. The lack of cold is fine, but that overall mucky, brown, yuk hasn't been fun. And there's something so insulated and hushed when the snow falls that is kind of nice. It's been a really pleasant morning, working in the quiet at my kitchen counter, watching the snow fall. I really needed this.

Jiggity jig

I am home. In the land of the brownish muck and winter jackets. No more palm trees. No more warm breezes and sweet water sounds across my balcony. And I couldn't be happier. I was so tired of this week's work stuff. More than I ever have been. My crappy health definitely has something to do with my irritability about it all. As does the fact that this isn't my first trip this month. So now it's time to hug up my boys (the littlest one seems to have an ear infection), eat some comfort food, and throw the stinky clothes down the chute for the house elves to resolve later. It's good to be home.

Time to go

It's been a long week. I've been working in Orlando. Long, long days of meetings followed by forced fun activities with co-workers who drink in abundance after. Two beers and I'm so uncomfortable and swollen, that it isn't worth it. But I did get to eat outside a couple of times, something I'm not doing in Wisconsin. And I did get to see Tom Papa and Jerry Seinfeld, which was great. I've taken no photos, because it's hard to explain lugging a big camera around. And quite honestly, a day without photos is kind of sad. And today, C-man was sick, and I was here. That sucked. So it's fair to say that I am more than ready to get back. Maybe next year we'll make it a Disney weekend, but for this year, I'm heading home to my family. And I can't wait.

Wordless Wednesday: Wishes

Kind of exhausting

I'm at a week-long work annual meeting in Orlando. I find these things so exhausting. There's the all-day sitting and listening. And then the all-night partying. Neither of which I'm in to these days. Partly because i feel like garbage and can't drink even one drink or i get really ill, and partly because i just don't enjoy partying with co-workers. Bleh. Last night was a little more subdued, as I opted for dinner with a few co-workers instead of a grand affair at Epcot or Downtown Disney. Tonight is the mandatory fun event. The headliner is secret, but I've been told by a solid source that it rhymes with Seinfeld. Or maybe that's his real name. But shhh... don't tell, because it's a secret. It's always a big competition about what you wear. And since I'm chubby, I am not really feeling that either. At least the food has been good. Hmmm... Maybe that's why I'm chubby. Only 2 more days of this...

Traveling Man

I'm heading to Orlando today. Whoopee. 4 crazy days in a hotel with co-workers. At least I don't have to share a room.

Super Sunday

It's baseball practice followed by a Superbowl. Not that I care about these teams, but a party with friends who highly encourage everyone to gamble on the game is always worthwhile.

Helpfulness

People often try to be helpful. Like the lady in the Target check-out line who kept grabbing my stuff to put it in my cart after it was scanned. Except she kept putting it on the bottom of the cart or in the corner of the cart to make sure there was enough room without anything being piled on top of something else.

Normally, I'd take this as someone trying to be helpful. Today is not normal. Well, maybe it unfortunately is.

I'm in rough shape. My hands are stiff and my body hurts. Going through the nightmare of Target was enough of a chore (I couldn't put off getting toilet paper and paper towel another day though) without the added burden of having to bend down to get things out of the recesses of the cart. But that's what was happening. And I don't know what to say when stuff like this happens. If I ask her to stop, I sound like a jerk. If I say, Hey, I know I'm 35 and you're much older than me, but bending over is kind of a process today, I sound like I'm asking for pity. So I let it happen and get considerably annoyed by it as it happens.

It's just one more piece of this disease. I can deal with the pain. But when others get in the way of me being able to function, I don't react very well. It's a true lesson in patience that I guess I haven't quite mastered yet.

Rambling along

I got my fix-it ticket for not having a registered plate, fixed. (Follow that?) But now I have to get my engine light that is simply a sensor error and not something wrong with the vehicle but I haven't fixed it because it's a $1500 repair fixed or the car won't pass emissions. I don't know what I hate more - the DOT or this vehicle.

Harry and I both got groomed today. Me to get rid of my grays, him to enhance his. We're both stunningly beautiful now, although he smells decidedly better.
C-man really wants to spend his allowance money on hermit crabs. They seem relatively easy, but they stink a little. I don't know if I want stinky crabs in my house. But he's sort of stuck on this. Maybe for his birthday if he's still on this kick in a month.

I've discovered another reason I love the Roku player Troy bought. There's a Pandora app that I can play through the TV while I'm working at home. Sweet!

I'm quitting acupuncture. I bailed on last night's appointment. I just don't see the point. But these offices are so cultish, I don't know how to do it and then have them leave me alone.

I've been feeling like total crap this week. I'm due for another shot on Tuesday. Maybe I'll cheat and shoot up on Sunday, since it's either that or Thursday when I get home.
 
Which sucks, because I'm kind of mentally obsessed with getting my sweater done and can't because my hands are so stiff. You know, since I only started it in August on my way to Japan and all.
 
Enjoy your weekend. And Go Pack. Oh yeah, right...

Thursday Thirteen Thingies

1. I decided to be done with acupuncture. I'd given my twice weekly for 3 months commitment and returned with zero results. So they switched up the routine and are giving me 3 weeks for free. Who am I to turn down free?
2. I'm pretty sure I'll be done with acupuncture in 3 more weeks.
3. The chiropractor is the only one who makes me feel good. I just need to have a standing date with that guy.
4. It's groundhog's day. The day when a rodent determines whether we'll have 6 more weeks of winter. But I want to know which rodent is going to explain the last 6 weeks of mostly non-winter!
5. I've been faithfully running to Being Human each Monday. I could easily stream it the next day, but this way is better. I need to find another show on Wednesday or Thursday to get me to do it a second time each week.
6. Harry had his annual checkup on Monday. He is showing no signs of a heart murmur (he has a hole in his heart and we were told he wouldn't make it past 5 when we got him), no cataracts, and zero health issues. Apparently lots of love, a regular second dinner, daily walks, and many naps is the secret to success.
7. I've been working on C-man's Valentines. Nobody else is as thrilled about them as me. Figures.
8. We got invited to three parties on Sunday. I feel obligated to attend one because it's the Superbowl, but I really don't care about any of it. At least it'll be fun with some good friends.
9. I'm on the road again next week to the blight on the earth that is Orlando. I'm hoping for good sunshine during the breaks, at least.
10. Today is dress up and grandparents day at school. C-man was so excited to have ice cream with his Nana. He was also excited to wear a sweater I'd knit for him. I was just happy it still fit.
11. Because the shoes I bought for him to go to the Christmas concert in December don't fit anymore. Oy!
12. I volunteered to start and run a plant sale fundraiser for the school. I have the wholesale prices, but am at a loss for how much to sell them for retail + fundraiser. Any idea what a flat of annuals goes for? I really should have paid more attention when I bought them last year.
    
13. I really don't want to do another school fundraiser, but it officially gets me out of the rummage sale business. And if I can make another grand or so for the school, it's worth it.

Wordless Wednesday: Ongoing projects