Did you accomplish anything today?

[Poppylicious]

Happy (belated) Birthday, MM! 

 

[galvo]

From me too, Mumsy.

[MommyChick]

Belated  &  MooseMom

[cariad]

I cooked breakfast and got Aidan out the door within an hour of receiving a call from his best friend (the one who still lives in Milwaukee) that they wanted to take him to the city water park. He left at 12:30 and was out until gone 9PM! The mother was apolgising profusely saying she lost track of time, but so long as they had fun I was completely unfazed. I did dishes and took Liot to the natural history museum where we completed two scavenger hunt/quiz things that the museum has on file, then we watched the IMAX film Cosmic Colors. I preferred Born to be Wild but Liot loves regaling people with his latest collection of science facts so I think he really enjoyed it.

A lazy day for the two of us, and just what we needed. I wrote adverts for G's car and our gorgeous couch and put them up on Craigslist. Cutting it fine on timing, but my parents will help sell the car if that does not go, can always donate the couch or (last resort) leave it curbside with a note on CL saying it's free to the first taker. (I did that once with a broken dresser from IKEA in LA. Our friend who was helping us pack thought we were crazy but I assured him it would be picked up. Within 10 minutes of posting it we watched from the window as a car pulled over, examined the dresser, shoved it in the back of the car, and took off.)

[kitkatz]

I worked out Saturday and Sunday at the gym.

[cariad]

3 weeks until the move and I am stressed beyond all measure. There is just so much to do. Yesterday I was feeling so proud of myself for effortlessly weaving through the logistics of two boys needing to be in two separate places and making it look easy, but I crashed when I got home. Liot had gymnastics out in the back of beyond. He was her only student yesterday and she said that she might just give him more free time because "he's going to be TIRED". Yeah, right. Got him back in the car afterward and I told him we had to collect Aidan for beach soccer and he insisted that he wanted to do beach soccer, too. OK, he's a bit young, but I've seen other small kids there, but Liot is a bit more challenging than most kids.

Got back to the children's centre at 5:30 and beach soccer is a 6:30 start. Walk the hallways to collect the big kid, and of course it's all people I know down there and this is me for 20 minutes: I love it usually, not as much when I'm stressed and on a deadline. Run into J whose kids attend the same public school as mine did and she tells me her kids will be at beach soccer too and she'd like an update.

Finally get out, pass a sandwich shop that i know the boys like and offer that we go there. I forgot a water bottle for Aidan. "How much is your [tiny bottle of] water?" "$2.39" "Oh, my god!!!" "Yeah, I know. Sorry." Well, that's a mistake I will be careful to avoid in future. At least it was a glorious, warm dining experience out at the lookout above the beach. Brought both boys down there. I really just wanted to curl up in my car and read/sleep but Liot was having a very difficult time with directions and that stressed Aidan so I felt I needed to stick close by and help the coaches when necessary. J wandered up to me when it was nearly over and we chatted for quite a while (it always runs late). She offered that Elliot could play in Lake Michigan with her boy and I asked Liot if he wanted to stop and he said no, then I told him the offer and he said "Yeah, I can stop."

They played in Lake Michigan for maybe half an hour and then we came home and it was 8:30 and I was tired from following the boys along in the sand for 90 minutes but I had to immediately clean everything that was there, including the boys, since there was wet and sand everywhere. Thank heavens I just grabbed fast food for them for dinner. Then I was up making phone calls, sending emails, and doing dishes, sorting laundry until gone midnight. G and I had an argument over the phone - we are both just so stressed. I canceled a meeting with the property manager this morning, I just ran out of time and have not had a chance to read the contracts. I am getting ticked off with all of these people whom I am paying trying to tell me what to do, and this property manager tops the list. I sent him a tensely worded email this morning, with a thin veneer of obligatory politeness to soften the edges. I think I may have sold my PBK train table set with mat and wooden trains, but I never believe it until it happens.

Gwyn texted me yesterday to tell me what CarMax offered on his Jag. Less than half of Blue Book value, although they said everything about the car was excellent. I texted back two words: That's bullshit. My father is now going to have to take over selling that car and he sooooo doesn't want to. I have not even addressed needing to sell my reliable but nondescript MomMobile. CarMax says that BlueBook is not a reliable indicator of pricing. I found another Jag just like Gwyn's except 2 years older that they were selling in SoCal for $5000 over Blue Book. Why do people like them?

Back to cleaning, always back to cleaning.

[deniferfer]

1st off happy Birthday MM!! Hope you had a great one!!

As for my day.. machine broke had to do a manual, so I have felt prego all day. went to babysit my nephew he is 10 months, smart and a really cutie!! Then came back and had a mini bday party for my sister bestie..it was just her, me, and him...He just turned 21 and made him dinner(ginger  sesame seed chicken and white rice  ) and cake...

[jbeany]

I made all the living things that depend on me happy today.  Filled the bird feeders, washed the cat's food feeder and water bowls and refilled them, refilled the aquarium that the cats usually drink out of anyhow, and watered all the plants.  There - no whining allowed now, from any of ya!

[kitkatz]

Made it through the first day of a new school year!

[jbeany]

Made it through the first day of a new school year!

Already???!!!!

[AnnieB]

Went to Barnes & Noble. Managed to get out of there with only one book (I am a bibliophile - is that the right word?). Dyed my roots, a job I detest but was putting off. Have been reading up as much as possible on this disease so I can think intelligently about treatment options (which all suck).

[kitkatz]

I worked out - swam 1/2 a mile.   I had a massage. Then had a manicure and pedicure.  Then a haircut.  Then a trip to Target.  Bought House Season 7 for under 20 bucks.  Bought a Christmas present already. LOL.  Also bought the Lorax.  Came home to leftover salad from Cheesecake factory.  air conditioning, because he-geez it is hot outside today!

[kitkatz]

Also made it through the second week of school.

[MaryD]

Weeded my garlic, planted snap peas, mulched where the new passionfruit is to go, swept the courtyard paving, tied up the guavas (they don't know they are meant to be turning into a hedge) and cuddled the cat.

[jbeany]

Went to Barnes & Noble. Managed to get out of there with only one book (I am a bibliophile - is that the right word?).

I went yesterday for the first time in almost a year.  8 books.  Ooops.  At least when I wait for ages to go, the stuff I want is out in paperback!

  Bought a Christmas present already. LOL.

I bought one yesterday, too!  When I see something perfect, I grab it then.  I've had my sister's gift for her November birthday for 3 months already.

[cariad]

Not yet. The wifi has been really patchy here. I am trying to find indoor activities for the kids as they are driving me bonkers and it is chucking down rain right now and will be for most of the day.

Yesterday.... could not avoid driving any longer. My mother-in-law never learnt to drive and I secretly have always felt that this was a bit, well, don't really have the word. Not lazy, not cowardly, those words are too strong, but sort of this cluelessly selfish way of just deciding that driving would be everyone elses problem. Completely unintentional I know that, she is far from a selfish person, but I do rather resent people who say they can't do something and then stick by that forever. At least the kids are old enough to know I was not feeling especially confident. I don't have a map or any working phone. We made it to the lake yesterday completely by accident. We had been once with Gwyn, and just as I was about to turn around and go back to the cottage in defeat, we realised we had arrived.

I made one horrible mistake driving, I thought I was entering a large roundabout when it was just a regular turn and wound  up on the wrong side of the road with an oncoming van. No one seemed to notice oddly - no car horns and angry gestures - but I was haunted by that for the rest of the day. On the way back we got massively lost. I saw the word "superstore" and we drove into a 24-hour Tescos and I asked the woman at the lottery desk if they sold maps there and she said to try the garage across the car lot. I asked if I could walk there - this car park was madness, there was a roundabout in the stupid lot! She said yes then asked where I was going. I told her the name of the town and then asked where I was and she told me and then gave the clearest, most amazing directions to the town centre. I ran back to the car, typed a few notes into my phone - about the only thing that works on it right now - and was away. She was absolutely right about how to get to this town and we made it back.

The people who own the cottage have a son living in, where else, Wisconsin. It is where their daughter-in-law grew up. When they asked me if I wanted to move to England I said yes, very much so. The woman lit up. They are hoping their daughter-in-law will agree to move back one day. From the description of her, I don't see this happening. The parents have not even bothered to learn the name of the town where they live.

I am depressed and overwhelmed right now.

[Poppylicious]

Not yet. The wifi has been really patchy here.

You must be in the country.

Yesterday.... could not avoid driving any longer. My mother-in-law never learnt to drive and I secretly have always felt that this was a bit, well, don't really have the word. Not lazy, not cowardly, those words are too strong, but sort of this cluelessly selfish way of just deciding that driving would be everyone elses problem. Completely unintentional I know that, she is far from a selfish person, but I do rather resent people who say they can't do something and then stick by that forever.

You must resent me then ... have tried, can't drive, won't drive.  I make no apologies for that and my self-inflicted punishment is having to rely on unpredictable public transport. For this moment in time I plan on sticking with public transport for ever.  The only thing I'll apologise for is that this seems to be offensive to some people, but I can also clarify that I never think that anybody owes me a lift anywhere and I don't rely on people to take me to places (except the bus drivers, obviously).

I made one horrible mistake driving, I thought I was entering a large roundabout when it was just a regular turn and wound  up on the wrong side of the road with an oncoming van. No one seemed to notice oddly - no car horns and angry gestures - but I was haunted by that for the rest of the day. On the way back we got massively lost. I saw the word "superstore" and we drove into a 24-hour Tescos and I asked the woman at the lottery desk if they sold maps there and she said to try the garage across the car lot. I asked if I could walk there - this car park was madness, there was a roundabout in the stupid lot!

I wondered what you meant by 'lottery desk' and then realised you meant 'cigarette kiosk' ... *grin*  You'll get used to the roundabouts, even the mini ones in silly places.  You might suddenly start calling 'car lots' 'car parks' as well ... then you'll know you've really settled in! I have never, ever, added as s to Tesco and I know lots of people who don't, but lots who do.  It causes debate ... 

I am depressed and overwhelmed right now.

I can't imagine beginning a new life on the other side of the world with children, even when there are extended family around for support.  I really hope it doesn't take you too long to settle in and begin to enjoy the experience. 

*huggles*

[jbeany]

  to cariad!  Such a challenge, and I know you'll get through it all, even if you get a bit frazzled along the way.

Today - oh, heaven's it's not even over and I'm already exhausted.

I need to get back on a morning schedule, so today was day one of that.  I got up at 7:30 am, (about 3 hours earlier than normal these days!), ran intervals for a mile and a half on my treadmill, cleaned the kitchen, and packaged up the dry ingredients for uber-healthy flax-seed pumpkin muffins for the rest of the week, so I can stir in egg and pumpkin and bake individual muffins quickly.  Then I got showered and dressed up and scooted off the pro-bono clinic to volunteer for 4 hours.  Sorting paperwork.  On the same file.  While swearing under my breath at the idiot student from last term who had completely misfiled nearly every bit of paper in it.

Okay, enough of that.  I finally got it finished, then talked with the clinic director and staff and worked out my volunteer schedule for the term that starts next week.  Hiked the half mile downtown from law school and filed yet another job application with the court, made a deposit at the bank, stopped for a quick shopping trip through my favorite vintage boutique, and grabbed lunch at the bookstore cafe.  They were already out of soup by the time I arrived, so I was naughty and had half a sandwich.  I did not accomplish a low carb diet today.  I did find two incredibly adorable vintage school chairs to go with the one I already own - or to use as end tables for my platform couch when I get it done.  I should, perhaps, have eaten lunch before shopping, but they were small enough to carry in the bookstore.  Then I hiked the half mile back to my car with them, causing flashbacks for every person over 50 I walked past on the way.  "I remember sitting on those!!!!"  They are made by Steelcase, which is based here in my hometown, so I'm sure they allllllll did.

I took off from there to run the rest of my errands.  Oil change for the car - which took forever, because I also needed some brake lights replaced, and all the bolts were rusted solid.  I stopped for vitamin cat treats at the vet, stopped at the thrift store and found another lamp and some giant wooden cheese boxes for nicer looking storage in the craft room (which has lots of floor space, but tiny closets in which to hide ugly but practical giant plastic tubs), and a random assortment of other things I can use for the house.  Stopped at the grocery store, got a cart load, wedged it in the car with the thrift and vintage finds, and just got home.  I logged on to check for job related email - I've got a security pre-screening to fill out for one possibility, so I need to get that done tomorrow first thing. 

Tonight, I still need to unload the car, change the cat pans and get all the trash to the curb, as well as water my newly transplanted flowers. 

Oh yeah, and eat dinner. 

If I'm still awake, since it's already 8:30.

[kitkatz]

I have made it through the fourth week of our school year.  Test in Language Arts today. I have not made anyone cry this school year, yet.  We seem quite happy.  The new room is working out great!

[jbeany]

I have made it through the fourth week of our school year.  Test in Language Arts today. I have not made anyone cry this school year, yet.  We seem quite happy.  The new room is working out great!

 

Yesterday, I filled out the 15 pages worth of security clearance docs for one of the jobs I applied for.  I opened it in Word and began working through all the questions.  I realized I had been deputized into the grammar police when I had corrected the grammar on the one of the questions without even thinking about it. (It's is NOT a possessive, folks!  Figure it out!)

Today, I found another job to apply for, wrote a cover letter and emailed out that with my resume.  The job looks interesting, but it's a small firm with only one lawyer and a handful of assistants for 3 different offices.  Guessing my insurance coverage would break him!  Ah, well, worth a shot.

Sorted a lot of electronic files, and went through the incredibly long list of books in my favorite author's series and figured out which ones I don't actually own.  I bought a duplicate home from the thrift store the other day.  Not a crisis, and nice to replace a paperback with a hardcover, but it occurred to me I'd save money if I was certain which ones I already owned!  Even found a website to put them in chronological order, along with the companion novels written by her family and friends.  There are an awful lot of Pern stories out there!

Did laundry.  Made sausage/cucumber kebobs and a creamy lemon pepper/cucumber dip to go with them for part of my contributions to the glut of food at the cottage this weekend.  They are marinated in the fridge.  Still need to make a sweet - either scones or cookies, I think, and finish packing. 

[kitkatz]

Pern stories- what do you need Jbeany? I have some extra ones.

[Leanne]

Mostly I have cried and felt sorry for myself all day.  Got to dialysis yesterday and found that a lady I liked very much had passed away in her sleep.  She was really nice and had overcome so much only to die anyway.  Then this morning got news that my aunt that has been in the hospital is now on hospice not expected to survive the next couple of days.  I lost my younger brother in May and I am just not sure I can handle losing someone else.  He died on hospice too after lingering for 11 days.  He had multiple sclerosis.  Just so much grief...

[cassandra]

That's a lot of losses in a short time, I'm very sorry for you Leanne, and hope you have some supportive people you can contact to just talk, I suppose. There's not much you can do, apart from that. I always try to put all my grief in a box (virtually) in my hands, very concentrated, and than put it in a corner in a cubboard, and say that's your place. Now let me live the rest of my life, cos I ain't got no room in my head.
I hope you find a way for you, that will help.

Good luck, and lots of strength Leanne,

love Cas

[Clara]

Yesterday I managed to make a salmon with a mango salsa for my husband's birthday, bake a cake and shop for groceries.  I had to take a three hour nap after falling asleep at my desk paying bills but it all worked out in the end.  Today I managed to do all my laundry, work for five hours and make a nice salad for dinner.

Here's to more productive days in the future. 

God bless you all.
Christi

[Leanne]

Thank you Cas.  I am trying not to let things get to me too much.  My aunt passed early Sunday night so at least she didnt suffer very long.  And I know she had a nice happy life too and i think that matters as well. It has been an awful year for us.  There have been many losses in our family and our close friends.

Today I just want an easy dialysis and hope to feel pretty good after.  Got up feeling pretty good so i am optimistic!  Hot shower and scrambled eggs later and its time to go the hour and a half to my center.  Good day to everybody, hope itsa great one!