did you miss me?

I’m uber close to being able to journal regularly again (at least I think I am anyways – Sasha may play a hand in keeping me a bit delayed).  

I don’t really remember too much from the last week to tell you about, but I’m sure there are several things I wanted to remember.  Guess I’ll tell you what I can huh?!?!

First I’ve spent most of my time lacing cork ornaments to hand out for Christmas.  I did 12 a day (usually at night while watching a show or movie, but had to do it in the a.m. once).  That’s the true reason I haven’t journaled in a while, but you’ll be glad to know that they are all laced, painted, and decorated and ready to be handed out tomorrow to book club and Wednesday to staff.   

From Thursday I wanted to tell you about dinner w the gals at Sambuca.  It was okay.  The happy hour special was kind of nice: $4 off wine, $3 off liquor (I think), and $2 off beer (I think).  The downer was that it was only till 6:30, 30 more minutes to go when I got there; and only at the bar.  I ordered the first Merlot on the menu and it ended up being around $5 or so.  Luckily for me Donna went to get it and there was some nice ladies that bought our drinks for us (she got an amaretto and cranberry – which I really want to try).  I ordered calamari for dinner: large enough for one as a meal so I didn’t get the extra veggies I wanted or else I’d been miserable.  They were okay.  Some of the pieces were great and others were a little too chewy.  My dessert was A-M-A-Y-Z-I-N-G!!!!  I ordered the sticky toffee pudding; which was described as bread pudding and was false, but still tasty.  It was a warm cake like food, muffin sized served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a toffee cup.  The toffee cup was the best part!  I could have eaten several of those w some drizzle and been happy.  I got on Aaron’s Droid and checked on FB for some reason the night before and discovered that Kathy posted a suggestion about dirty Santa so I actually got to dig through my re-gift box and take something.  I went w a Yankee Candle, Cookies for Santa.  The other ladies got: a sandalwood gift set w reeds, cone incense, and a candle in a coconut; a set of four melamine holiday plates that were uber cute; a scented wax warmer; two drinking beach themed wall decos; and $25 gc to Bath & Body Works.  I almost came home with the wall pieces but luckily Allison wanted them (I think she knew how much I didn’t – sometimes I think I can’t hide my lack of desire for things) and I got to steal the warmer to bring home.  I parked in the lot behind Swt. Ce Ce’s and got a ticket that I need to pay ASAP so I can save $15 (making it $25).  And for some unknown to me reason Monica picked up my tab (which I asked Allison about and she didn’t know anything about it).  Honestly I think that’s part of the reason I got the ticket; I was ready to leave b/4 the time stamp on the ticket but I was waiting for my receipt to sign and it kept me there an extra 20+ minutes.  So all in all I’m glad she paid for my check, but still curious as to why.  We talked about doing a slumber party, an 80s party, and our wine trip.  I also found out that Allison ended up having her Harvest Moon Party back in September and felt a bit awkward not knowing what they were talking about since I didn’t get invited to the make up session.  

On Friday I was pissed at the DR and the PC and a little upset with the LC.  I got approved to do this super cute craft with the kids for their parents for Christmas.  So I went to OTP and bought plates (which I didn’t get reimbursed the tax part – no big deal; the OTP wouldn’t let me buy the plates tax exempt since I didn’t have the company card) and the LC bought all the paint.  I asked for enamel paint and she brought me back acrylic; supposedly enamel has oil which can’t be used on kids.  Anyways I discovered on Friday that the acrylic comes off way too easily.  I learned that acrylic is only supposed to be used on porous surfaces, which is why it worked so well on my corks!  I tried to talk to the DR for almost two hours on how to solve the problem, but she wasn’t available every time and then ended up leaving early so I didn’t get to talk to her about it.  So I spent my Friday afternoon trying to figure out a way to save these plates without having to go buy new/more paints.  

The only things I really did on Saturday was spend the entire day, literally I got up when Aaron left (@6), did my regularly routine, and then got started; painting all the cork ornaments.  I started the day listening to X-mas music and around lunch time put in Stargate Atlantis while I ate lunch.  It was a gloomy kind of day so Sasha and I took a nap for about an hour or so.  Afterwards I got back to painting.  That night I went to Allison and Trey’s to take care of Hayden.  He’s the youngest I’ve sat for, just 10 weeks old.  It was pretty easy.  I was worried that I was going to hold him too much, but he was content to lay in his boppy with weight on his arms to help him sleep.  Allison said she thought he’d play all night, but he slept more than played.  Even though I took dinner w me I ended up snacking on a bunch of their stuff: grapes, cheese, and chips.  It was an easy night of earning.  

Sunday after getting my morning routines done I wrapped Aaron’s x-mas gifts and a few others just to use the paper and then headed out to pick up a few last minute items.  When I talked to dad he said he wanted some more ‘cookie scoops’, nice ones – not Farberware.  I went to Target, B.B.&B., and back to Essex.  I didn’t find any at all!  I also had time to stop and check OTP, but there wasn’t one there either!  So as of right now I don’t really have anything for my dad! I did pick up a little something extra for Aaron and myself at B.B.&B.  though.  I only had an hour and half or so to shop and rushed over to IL’s to go to the ballet.  I finally got to watch The Nutcracker!  There were several parts that I loved, but my two favorite were the Italian Doll and the Snake Charmer/snake dance.  Now I kind of want to watch the movie version to see how similar/different the ballet here is.  Wonder if I’ll have time over the break? 

Today was crazy!  The kid’s weren’t necessarily bad, they were just nonstop all day.  The FDA brought in some cookies and somebody else brought in peppermint cheesecake.  The cookies were great: pb balls, pb cookies, and chewy ginger cookies.  The cheesecake wasn’t that great, but I still ate it.  I have no will power.  I did however save two of my cookies for tomorrow!  I had to stop at Aldi’s on the way home and spent way more money than I wanted.  I spent $72!!!  The two pack lobster tails were there for 13 and I picked up three (one for us, one for dad, and one for mom).  I also splurged and bought blackberries (1.49 for 6oz) and some Spanish cheese (3.50 for 3 wedges that are already sliced horizontally into four – super convenient).  We already knew what we wanted for dinner so I sautéed some onions and mushrooms for mine, then made the stuffed pasta and tossed it all w some seasoning, new cheese, and a bit of sprayed EVOO.  Good Stuff!!!  I completely finished my ornaments w Aaron’s help!  He did the hats for the elves, outlined the Santa hats, and folded the reindeer antlers for me.  They are super cute (I hope to get a picture on here b/4 posting it too).  In between paining I tried to express my desire to eat somewhere other than Olive Garden tomorrow, but we’ll see.  Speaking of eating Lindsay messaged me today and we are going to have dinner with them at our place on Friday so Colin can meet Sasha – I hope it’s not raining!  

Guess that’s all the catchup I’ve got for ya.  In case you’re wondering the best part of today was getting all the ornaments completed!!!!

What all do you have left to do b/4 the holiday?  Thanks for being interested in my business (now I’ve got to work on wrapping all my presents).

soapbox again - horrible floater

Today was another easy ending day.  I actually played with Sasha a little bit longer and still got to work about fifteen minutes early.  

The first part of the morning was okay but from circle time till gross motor was hell!  The floater, yes I’m going to complain about her again and so soon; is scheduled to be in our room from 9-10 and isn’t usually in there b/c of shortage in staffing.  Well today she came in a few minutes after and hung out till around 9:20 or so.  We were in circle time, me, my CCT3, the LC, and herself.  However she wasn’t in circle the entire time, as usual, she was doing busy stuff around the room and talking to the kiddo who wasn’t ready to come to group yet.  When she did get over she sat down for about two minutes and the metro therapists (2 of 3) and the Spec Ed Teacher came in.  The OT came to the carpet, but not the other two.  In case that is confusing there were 3 teachers on the carpet, 2 at the counter, and 1 in passing.  Instead of staying in circle the floater said ‘there’s too many grown ups in here I’m going somewhere else’ and left to somewhere unknown.  The LC noticed and gave me a funny look and I really really really hope she mentions it to the DR.  After circle we did an art activity and played in fake snow again.  That was when we really needed her b/c it went to chaos.  Even if she was in there I’m not sure she would have done much help, but maybe and we’ll never know b/c you can’t undo things.  

Okay, just in case you don’t get the idea; I was extremely livid about the situation.  I really wanted to talk to the DR about it and ask how to approach it b/c I’m sure it’ll happen again and I don’t want to be that tense.  

The afternoon was easy even though everyone woke up early.  We had cupcakes from Publix for a bday and I resisted!!!  I wish you could feel how proud of myself I am.  Yes I did taste the icing, it was on my fingers from peeling the wrapper, but it was actually gross.  It was chocolate which makes me think I only like their white fluff.  I also put a few goldfish in my mouth thinking ‘I shouldn’t do this b/c I know it’ll be hard to stop’ and they came right back out into the garbage.  That’s TMI right?  

The late afternoon was easy too.  I actually had time to sit at the table and start working on the LP for next week, which needs to be figured out by tomorrow afternoon.  That’s right the PC came in and informed us that the FDA is shopping on Thursday and needs the list by tomorrow afternoon.  Stress much? Thanks Admin Team.  I said something just in response to PC and she said she understood b/c everyone was in the same boat about it.  

I left at 5:02 and didn’t get home till right after 5:40.  That blows!!! It usually only takes me 22 minutes.  The other thing that sucked was Aaron pulled in the drive way right after me, which means Sasha has been in her kennel all day.  Surprisingly enough she didn’t potty on her pad though.  She’s done so well holding her bladder.  I think we’ve only washed the pad 3 or 4 times in a week and a half.  

I’m supposed to go to a training tomorrow so I didn’t really have to pack too much for lunch, just some snacks (carrots, orange, apple, & pineapple).  My CCT3 said they served pasta and salad which was yummy.  

After dinner I laced more ornaments, just six, and tried to create a wreath, but it sucked ass.  I found out today that there are 41 people staffed in the entire co.; that includes all center based, outreach, therapy, and admin..  I wonder if I can make that many b/4 next week?  I’m at least trying for 16.  I’d also like to make some for the girls that I’m gonna have dinner w on Thursday and book club, but doubt I’ll get that far.  SHIT, I need to get on it.  It’s making my thumb a little tender though and I wish Aaron would help a little but I feel guilty asking him.  

Now for my eats: 

Bfast – cranberry banana oatmeal (not the best berry count or softest banana)

Lunch – sirloin veggie soup w extra mushrooms and spices (YUCK, not good, will not buy this soup again I hope)

Snacks – grapes and apple

Dinner – left over pork roll w roasted veggies and wine

I’m so very proud that I didn’t eat the cupcake!!!!

Hope the floater doesn’t suck ass tomorrow and the food at the training is tasty?  What are you looking forward to tomorrow? 

miscommunication is a bitch!

Today wasn’t that terrible of a Monday at all.  I got to work almost a half hour early, I thought maybe there was a late day at metro or I guess other people are just running a little behind.  When I got there only one computer in the workroom would connect to the internet and it happened to be available so I checked all my emails and half my blogs.  I also worked a bit more on my images for the letter ‘s’ for my supervised LC visit on Wednesday.  

Once I clocked in I didn’t really have to go to my assigned class since she was in ratio, but I did anyways just to play with the kiddos while the teacher in there did care routines.  

However once I got to my room it was a whole nother story!  The little guy who’s been out sick for almost two weeks came back, but looked a little off.  He was sitting at the table drinking his milk and watching his friends play.  His eyes were really pink and puffy which I just attributed to being sick for two weeks and needing to get re-energized.  WRONG – his eyes were still puffy and pink b/c he was still feeling bad; his entire carton of milk came back up!  Mom came in and said she didn’t think he was sick anymore that it was just the milk and belly acid not mixing well (your not supposed to give kids milk w upset stomachs for that very reason), but he actually asked for milk and it was the first calories he’s wanted and actually consumed in a while (he’s mainly been drinking water).  

After that the day went well.  We only had 12 children (another lady was out) and our hard to handle two had good days.  The hardest part was having to go to the gym during am and pm play due to rain.  However my little lady (the one that screeches I was telling you about last Monday) did so great walking!  She typically has to walk w two hands held maximum support and I’ve been working on walking with w less support.  Well today she walked by herself almost the entire way across the gym; with several intermittent pauses (a few feet at a time the hugs and more walking).  The greatest part about it was she asked ‘again’, clapped her hands, and cheered for more when asked!  

The damn printer/copy/internet still wasn’t up and running so I had to inconvenience the DR several times to get papers printed.  After my CCT3 typed the DN the DR printed it to the back printer and we had to hand-write in all the something specials; which I hate!     

Our numbers dropped down to nine b/4 3 and I asked my CCT3 if she wanted to get out or share the time and she said I could go so I went.  

Around 3:30 or so the DR asked if I could stay late, not to close a room, but to answer phones, the door, work on paperwork (which is much needed I was two months behind on seven kids) and help out around the building.  I told her I didn’t mind and then she mentioned that the front desk assistant (FDA) would be leaving early.  Then I mentioned/ask that if the DR wanted and could get the floater in my room I’d go out whenever the FDA left.  So I checked numbers in the rooms and reported back to the DR and she said the floater could go in whenever the AT (thinking about calling her Nista?) in the baby room finished her assmt.  Well the AT was done so I asked the floater to go in at 4:00 since all the numbers were okay after pushing just one kid and the floater got a bit huffy/aggravated.  At a quarter to I found the floater up front talking to the AT (let’s call her Breadby?) from our 4 year old class and the FDA and I really needed to talk to my CCT3 so I asked if she could go in a few minutes early so I could get help.  When I walked up to ask the ? Breadby was discussing how when she was in the workroom the other day it really upset her and then she stopped talking when I walked up.  Which basically means that she was talking about me; b/c I’m pretty sure the floater was pissed and complaining like women do; and Breadby reciprocated the negative comments like women tend to do.  

Told myself they needed to get over it and went about my business.  Around 4:30 or so when I was in the room working on data collection on my goals the floater (doesn’t have a name yet) opened up when I asked if she was okay b/c she had just come back from the bathroom and looked a little off.  She said yes she was upset b/c she felt like she was being taken advantage of due to the DR telling her one thing (I’d be closing and putting in the code) and me telling her something different (to go into my room so I could be up front and doing paperwork) within minutes of one another.  Which kind of was my fault b/c I asked if I could stay out the entire time since numbers were low, but was also the DR’s fault b/c she didn’t mention that I wouldn’t be in the room till close.  So we worked it out I guess, but I’m still really irked about Breadby’s comment.  I just can’t get down w her so to speak and everyone else seems to really like her.  I’m not sure why I feel that way nor am I really sure what I could have done the other day in the workroom that upset her other than the comment about I do my summaries/assmts similar to what I thought I saw her doing.  Totally wish I was a more confrontational person!!

Since I agreed to close I didn’t get home till around close to 6:30, damn traffic was backed up something terrible!  I did the usual evening prep and settled in to watch this movie (link Horrible Bosses) and laughed a lot!  I’m not sure who the short guy is (Charlie Day?) but would love to watch something else he’s in.  

While eating I finished painting my rough drafts of my Christmas ornaments w/ Aarons help and laced six more.  It takes for ever to lace them and I really hope I can start doing it quicker.  

My eats were pretty good today: 

Bfast – cran blue berry 7 grain hot cereal

Lunch – canned veggie soup

Snacks – fruits and tasty veggie straws (those things are soooo addictive).  

Dinner – black bean burger w roasted onions and peppers

I ended up having a glass of wine w dinner only b/c hubby cracked open a beer and it made me crave a glass. 

I’m glad I got October’s goal sheets handed in finally!

Thanks for letting me moan this long…

getting creative

Even though today started out as a bust it ended up good for the most part.  

There was a possibility that Sasha and I were going to have a play date w Franklin, my CCT3’s Shar Pei (sp?).  She msged me around ten or so, as I was calling Dickie, to let me know she didn’t want to do it since it was a bit raining off and on.  She decided she wanted to have some cuddle time with him.  

Since she canceled I went over to my IL’s for her to play with Bosco instead.  While I was over there Dickie had a great idea to help me with my x-mas presents (cork discs turned into holiday ornaments): soak the cork in water and then cut them.  He said it’d take a couple of hours, but I didn’t feel like waiting that long, so I upped the ante so to speak and put them in boiling water which made them swell much faster!  I was able to cut around 80 discs in about three hours (it wasn’t really that long I played w the dogs and checked blogs several times for several minutes in between).  

That really was the extent of my day.  I think Sasha is anti car riding I think.  When it was time to get in to go to their house and come home she played ‘tag’ (basically ran away).  Oh yeah, she learned how to jump up out of the den today!  

When I got home I fixed dinner (sautéed chicken w cucumber salsa glaze and roasted zucchini) and watched some Ghost Whisper.  I also knitted a few rows!  

I’m excited I finally figured out how to cut the corks into consistent discs!  

What did you do on this Saturday?   

training on my own, in the rain

Day four of puppy life!  Well hubby left at a few minutes till five and then I got up at five.  After showering, eating breakfast, and getting halfway ready for work Sasha and I went outside to play for close to thirty minutes.  She did sooooooo well!!!!!  She went over the concrete (she’s not too fond of it I think due to her pads still being a little soft from playing in grass and being a puppy and all) and ran to my whistle from around two corners!  When it was time to go she wasn’t too fond of having to climb into her crate this morning.  She went to the door acting like she needed to go potty only to lie down on the grass and just look at me.  I had to actually put her in, but then rewarded her so she knew it was okay.   

I got to work early enough to transfer funds to dad and check my emails to delete the trash, but not actually look at the items.  

The first hour was okay, but a little after eight one of the little ladies had a diarrhea and when I called her dad he made a semi huge deal about picking her up.  I knew he was going to since mom is out of town.  I told him he needed to be there within an hour and he said the earliest he could be there was noon, due to several reasons.  He ended up calling back and said he’d be there around eleven.  He finally showed up at around eleven thirty five or so.  

In relation to the rest of the class it went smoother than I thought since my CCT3 was out and the floater actually pulled her weight (or the kids weren’t too terrible awful).  It hit a rocky spot around 10:10 b/4 going to the gym and went mad crazy right b/4 lunch b/c of all the xtra help we had.  The DR came in and was prepping applesauce for all the kids, but they didn’t need it (not to mention I didn’t know we were supposed to give it to them).  Then the DR tried to help the floater pass out milk, but did it wrong (we give the kids open cartons and wrapped straws and they open the straw and put them into the cartons on their own – the DR was putting the straws into the cartons while the floater was passing out straws; basically double strawing our children which is a huge wasit!).  Also the LC came in and tried to talk to the kids, but they really only get wound up when she comes in rather than follow the rules AND we only have one sink for the kids to wash their hands AND the floater had trouble following the command: sit on carpet and read them a book.  

After nap wasn’t that bad, we actually had another child leave since he had a diarrhea too.  From then on it was easy.  We were low in numbers, had fun playing in the gym, spent time out chatting w the DR for a few minutes as well as looking through some donated books from the lady who does our payroll (not sure her title).  

When we got back to the room from gym time I attempted to get our stuff together for tomorrow since I was pretty sure my CCT3 is going to be out tomorrow too.  It’s kind of nice not actually having to be the one responsible and make sure to get other stuff together for a change.  

After I clocked out I checked FB to see if there were any responses to my ?: where can I take puppy to play indoors or somewhere dry since it rained almost all day today.  There were three, two of which I’d never heard of b/4 and the third I was pretty sure was more of a doggy day care kind of place rather than somewhere I can take her to play with her.  

On the way home I called the lady who posted the info and chatted w her for a few.  The place is a doggie day care like I thought.  She and her new baby are doing well.  While talking I found out that she basically wishes or doesn’t like that most people treat her differently now that she’s a mom.  I confessed I was sure I was one of them.  I feel a bit awkward calling moms b/c I’m worried about interfering w their family time.  Her response was the same as Amanda: if I can’t do it I’ll let you know.  (did I ever tell you that when I mentioned something to Amanda about hanging out that day she thought I was supposed to call her and I thought she was supposed to let me know?)  I know I read way into things, but today I thought there was a strange vibe.  I’m sure it’s just b/c she’s busy w planning for our x-mas party on Thursday since it’s at her house!  So back to my other friend the new mom.  She’s available on Wednesday to do things.  So I told her the first Wednesday I had free I’d call and see what she’s doing.  

When I got home Sasha and I played together for a long time.  From around 4:30 to 6:00 or so.  I kept her in the den while I did my daily routines.  She did something absolutely amazing: I put her out through the den door and shut it.  When I watched to see what she would do I saw her shoot across the door.  I thought maybe she was something only to learn that she had realized that she could go to the back door, scratch, and then come in!  So smart for just three/four days!  Oh yeah she’s 11 weeks today!!!!!

We had a lovely evening together: playing footsie/chew toy and cuddling.  The hardest part was she kept piddling everywhere!  Also she fell asleep on the couch while I was knitting and when I got up to go to the restroom so did she, in the floor infront of the door, while I watched from the toilet!  Aaron will be so proud to learn that while waiting form me she just chilled in the bedroom on his clothes until I came in there!  

My CCT3 is going to be out again tomorrow.  She didn’t eat until this evening and that was a saltine.  The upside is I get to work the early shift again!  Hopefully it won’t be raining and Sasha and I can play better and longer outside!  

My eats:

Bfast – blueberry banana 7 grain cereal

Lunch – chicken salad & teeny pizza slice

Dinner – mac and cheese w venison summer sausage w a hearty lass of wine.  

Snacks – three gummy worms, apple, carrots, six cookies, and a few pieces of chocolate

I’m not sure what made the day the best: Sasha running a full lap this morning or going to the back door to be let in. 

What do you do with your puppies (if you’ve had one) on rainy days?...

need to cope

Well I’m in a piss poor mood at the moment so there isn’t too much to tell you about.  The few things I do have are all negative.  

The last couple of hours at work were miserable.  I’m so far behind on paperwork and can’t get time to catch up.  The little girl w special needs that stays till almost close screamed bloody murder for at least half an hour.  She was mad b/c I brought her to the carpet with the class rather than let her hop around in circles.  It was one of those ear rattling screeches that I had trouble putting out of my head.

When I was on the phone w Aaron he dropped the bomb that he has to go out of town for the next three days.  I panicked; I have never done puppy training.  After all the tears and words I finally got him to understand that it similar to if we had a three month old infant and I got hospitalized for a few days what would he do?  I think that got him to finally realize why I was so nervous: something I’ve never done, on my own, so soon.  

Oh yeah, I ate horribly today too and I really think that has something to do with how terrible I feel.  Lots of shortbread cookies.  

I honestly can’t think of a high other than the tasty cookies which in the end made me feel a little icky I believe.

Have you ever done puppy training?..

Day 2

Day two of new puppy life.  It hasn’t been as scary as I thought it would be.  

After showering I checked in on her.  I slowly lifted the blanket over her crate (that’s right Aaron crated her around 2:30 or so when she got her batteries recharged and wanted to play) and she started to growl.  After she realized it was me she was happy and tail a waggin’.  

She did have a potty accident during the five or so hours and I cleaned it up while leaving both her gates open.  She slowly came out on her own and then eventually went out the door to the front yard on her own!  

We came in and I called my dad.  While I was on the phone w him Sasha realized she needed to go poo again!  Aaron got up and took her out and played w her while I cleaned up.  

After finishing my PDA list and putting away presents I did litter and helped the robot along and then we headed out and about for our day.  

Before heading out we figured out that Sasha is 10 weeks and five days today, her DOB is 9/18/12, and weighs 31.6 lbs.  

Our first stop was the store: Wal Mart and Lowe’s.  Then we stopped at the ‘greenhouse’ lot to play w Cooper (Mike & Tara’s, Aaron’s bosses dog).  They left a few minutes after we arrived and we took a walk.  Sasha LOVED exploring and was so free (I think it’s due to her free roaming and playing the last three months).  

Then we went to the pets store, goodwill, and headed home.  

She’s roamed and slept easily in the main room, but doesn’t really enjoy crossing the thresholds from room to room.  Also she isn’t too comfortable on concrete.  Funny little lady.  She also really loves my soft squishy house shoes.  

I’ve spent my evening knitting, reading, and playing w our new friend as well as playing w Aarons’ new smartphone (yeah he got one through work and I’ve downloaded Scoutmob and uploaded pics on FB of the new puppy).  

My eats:

Bfast – banana, ½ English muffin w butter and brown sugar and coffee

Lunch – Arby’s roast beef junior (half a bun) & ½ curly FFs

Dinner – fish sticks, ½ mac and chz, steamed broccoli, 2 glasses of wine

Snacks – apple and chocolates

Again the high today was playing w Sasha.  Also I loved that Bella kitty sat w me while I knitted and tried to play w the string.  

What did you do today?  

meet Sasha

So it’s been a week and half since I’ve told you about my life.  The biggest happening is we got a dog!  Really Aaron, but b/c we are a we instead of a he and me, it’s our dog.  

That’s really what we did today.  I woke up early and re-loaded my PDA (forgot to tell you that it died and when it died it COMPLETELY died – as in had to reboot and reset all the info) w all my x-mas gifts.  I didn’t finish due to having to leave for puppy purchase.  

The home was in Hartsville, TN, which is a bit north of Lebanon and fortunately enough we had time to stop in their outlets.  I picked up 10 sugar plum antibacterial sanitizer minis for 10 bucks for her x-mas gifts.  

I drove on the way back while Aaron bonded w Sasha (that’s her name BTW) in the back seat.  We stopped in Providence and she ‘lost her cookies’.  

Before heading home we popped in at his parents place for a visit to introduce the new family member.  Carolyn was tickled and Dickie took a couple of shots (I’m glad).  

While we were over there Dickie gave me the memory cards from our Honeyversary trip so now I can tak pictures too!  

Once we got back home we had a bit of trouble getting her to explore.  She really enjoyed sitting infront of Isabelle’s old couch.  She did get up to sniff Bella, but hung out there for a while.  Lindsay came over and she slowly progressed to her papasan (sp?) cushion with Linds help.  

After she left we just watched the puppy and relaxed while watching our show.  

I’m hoping to include a picture in this post so you can see her.  

My eats for the day:

Bfast – banana and doffee

Lunch – Wendy’s; a mini cheeseburger and half an order of FF

Dinner – left over venison BBQ w cranberry jalapeno glaze and half a swt potato as well as some vino.  

Do I even have to tell you my high today?  

Hope you enjoyed the first day of the last month of 2012….

give thanks

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!!  

I’m stuffed.  Been awake since regular time.  Spent the morning getting ready to go to Paris for the holiday.  

Since I wasn’t having actual dinner w mom tonight I pigged out!  

Doubtful I’ll do entries over the weekend, but know that I’ll get back to the grindstone as soon as I can. 

Enjoy your holiday and hope that you get to spend lots of quality time with the people you care about the most.

back in the baby room

The day at school was decent enough.  We were low in numbers and the ones that were there behaved nicely.  

We were kind of low in numbers and I got to play with the babies the last hour.  It’s been so long since I’ve been in there.  It was so easy though; there were only three babies.  All I did was lay on the floor and literally play with them: clap hands, stack toys, and practice reaching.  

The PC was nice enough and allowed me to leave at 5:00 to go to ‘book club’ dinner.      We met at Cheddar’s.  At the end I realized I’m not so sure I’ll be part of it, if it continues to exist that is.  I realized I don’t have too much in common with the ladies at the table and I felt a bit awkward.  I was the oldest person of five and didn’t/don’t have the tiniest inkling of the momminess they all have.  Also they all started talking about their past together from high school and some people they all know currently, and of course I haven’t a clue who they were talking about.  

On the way home I tried to talk to Aaron about it but he wasn’t too interested in my needs/subject matter.  I also realized while driving that I don’t have too many people I have stuff in common with.  Man am I in the wrong town or something.  

I know the next meeting we have will be a dinner too, it should be our x-mas dinner.  I hope that dinner is better and I leave a bit happier.  

To stick with a positive note, glad that we were low in numbers.

Hope tomorrow is easy too….

thank you GOFOBO

LOVE LOVE LOVE this movie!  I told Aaron when I got home ‘I want to own it’.  I’m so thankful I got free passes.  Hope I can get my hands on The Hobbit, x em’ for me.  

Go see this and get back to me.    

Christmas shopping

Today was way more busy than yesterday!  I slept in an hour or so, YAY for me!!!!  I didn’t spend too much time dilly dallying, I jumped up, ate yogurt, and headed out the door.  

My day was full of shopping: Christmas and grocery.  I used almost all my GC from last x-mas to buy gifts for peeps from Target.  Spent more than I though at Costco, got some beautiful large Jonagold’s.  Was super quick at Publix and Aldi.  I was a bit bummed Aldi didn’t have the coffee I wanted yet.  And finished my day at Wal Mart.  

That’s it, really.  I rented a redbox.  It’s got that actor I’m really digging currently.  I totally need to IMDB him and see the other things he’s been in I’ve seen.  

Dinner was a smart ones: broccoli alfredo w some chicken and extra broccoli.  Now I’m waiting for my water to get hot so I can have a mocha.  

Best part would be marking off some of my gifts.

Looking forward to a short week…

a memorable kinda day for me

Today was an extremely different kind of Saturday for me.  I slept in till 9:30!!!  I think that’s the latest I’ve slept in years!  It wasn’t a sound sleep, I woke every hour or so, but didn’t want or have to get out of bed.  

After going through a little bit of mail I called mom.  We talked for 3 hours!  There was like a thirty minute break, but I don’t think we’ve ever talked that long.  We talked about all sorts of stuff: x-mas gifts, thanksgiving plans, shopping, redecorating, life, and many more other topics.  

Then I tried to find a movie at the redbox, but no luck.  Instead I watched two that I had at home that I haven’t seen in a while.  

I enjoyed a black bean patty w zucchini and red bell pepper for dinner followed by a tasty spiked coffee.  

Hopefully tomorrow I’ll pay my bills and do a bit of shopping, x-mas and grocery.  Aldi should have cranberries and I can’t wait to have banana cranberry oatmeal soon! 

I loved the quality chat time w mom.

How was your Saturday??? 

kitty dr appt

This was a busy nonstop Friday.  As soon as I got to the building I did the usual and barely finished in time to get to class.  

This kid that’s been out for a week and half or so came back today.  I was a bit perturbed b/c I figured he’d have a rough one considering his parents have been out of town and when they finally get back they bring him to school!  But he did alright.  

I didn’t take an actual lunch break and that was helpful, I got a bunch of stuff done for the week after Thanksgiving.  

I thought I was going to be shy an hour and half on my week, but I was only short half an hour when I got ready to leave at 1:30.  However b/c I wasn’t sure about the addition I didn’t really leave till 1:45.  

I took Bella kitty to the doc’s and they said what I thought: just allergies.  If she starts to have mucus then it’s infection.  For the time being I can just give her 2mg of chlortabs, which I have in my medicine cabinet.  

When I got home I was going to just bite the bullet and do my paperwork, but the laptop had trouble loading so instead I took an hour long nap.  The laptop was still bonkers when I woke up so I just watched some movie and ate dinner.  

I borrowed a couple of movies from the library and watched this one.  I liked it.  

Time to go through nightly routines now.  Best part was knowing that my kitty was okay.  

Have a great weekend…

WTF, where's the celebration?

Today I went back to working my normal schedule till 5:30.  Hubby left at some point and I actually don’t remember!  I woke up thinking ‘I didn’t think he had to be at work till after me’.  I finally finished my last borrowed book during bfast.

Man was I glad that my CCT3 was back today!  I was so very tempted to run up and give her a hug as soon as I arrived, but I don’t think she’s a hugger kind of gal.  Instead I did my usual of checking emails and blogs.  Nothing worth buying today, especially after realizing I need to start saving on Sunday! We had four peeps out today, but I okayed it with our HR lady to just take a 30 minute lunch since the DR said I could leave early on Friday for a dr’s appt.  

My CCT3 seemed to enjoy her training.  

The kids were back to pretty much normal, we were down one so Thursday should be a more accurate judge of behavior.  

During the kids lunch I heard that our campus Thanksgiving luncheon had been canceled so I had to hunt the answer down.  Come to find out it has been!  I’s so bummed!!!!  I already had me a dish picked out and everything!  So I took it upon myself to check around w the staff to see if they were interested in doing a staff potluck luncheon instead.  The majority of the gals were, but when I went to ask the HR lady her opinion/desires she told me to put me thoughts on hold for a couple of days.  I told her I needed to know sooner rather than later b/c peeps needed to go shopping if they were going to participate and it was this Friday! She’s supposed to let me know what her thoughts were tomorrow so I can finish trying to get it all together.  The PC mentioned ‘who’s gonna do the protein source’, which I of course didn’t think about at all b/c I never eat the turkey b/c I think it’s icky! 

The rest of the afternoon was pretty normal too.  The only weird part was when a parent, the parent who posted negative comments on FB b/4 asking ?’s, & the one I saw on Friday @ the wine tasting mentioned letting her know about any other tastings I come across.  She seems ‘cool’ enough, but I’m still really weary b/c of that action.  I also think I did an excellent job trying to get our most high maintenance parent to start bringing in cartons of milk rather than the ‘illegal’ metal drink canister.    

On my lunch break I successfully reserved some books at the library, but I forgot to pick them up after work.  I realized right b/4 I got on the interstate, but didn’t feel like turning around to go back and get it/them.  So I’m going to have to delve back into the Inkheart series again in the a.m..  

So I swear yesterday hubby told me he only had to work a half day, but around four msg’d me he’d be home late and would keep me in the know.  I was a bit confused.  Come to find out the place he had to work had lots of issues and he got home around 8:30.  Since he had to work all day I took care of the dishes while making dinner after prepping lunch for tomorrow.  While eating dinner I fixed my nails and watch a b-rate sci fi flick with the chick from Battlestar Galatica. 

If you wanna know my eats: 

Bfast – one of my best apple cinnamon oatmeal (Honeycrisp, cinnamon, sugar, salt, butter extract, and caramel coffee sweetner)

Lunch – 2^nd half of Kickin’ Buffalo Chicken Soup 

Snacks – tangerine, apple, one ritz cracker, & ½ serving grapes

Dinner – supper yummy mango jalapeno chicken sausage w roasted zucchini and cauliflower as well as a glass of vino and spiked coffee w chocolate for dessert.  

I was the most happy about my CCT3 returning to work today! 

Have a happy HUMP DAY tomorrow….

night of babysitting

Today was my last day to work the early shift and to work with the floater, which I might add kinda $u(%$ a$$!!!!  She hadn’t been too terrible last week but really pushed me today.  She’s pregnant I get that, but man does she stay in the potty for a long time!  I was so used to CCT3, 2, & 1 being quick.  Also floater just kind of failed at helping all day: while doing mats she wanted to help (she asked) when obviously the kids needed to be supervised, while I did the morning circle she stood over at the counter and checked her emails and did whatever-in-the-hell on the laptop, and at nap I specifically asked her to sit next to one child and told her help him but when I got back she was sitting next to a kid that can go to sleep on their own and was already asleep!  Additionally I didn’t get the 30 min period to do paperwork like my CCT3 and I split. I might go insane and snap if I had to work w her for one more day.  

The kids were pretty much ok, except for during the 30 sec warning to clean up.  Some of the rough boys have decided to run and shoot and jump, basically act a fool, and I snapped.  

I also talked to the DR about going to the doctor’s (really for Bella Kitty) on Friday and she okayed it, but left early b/c she was sick so I don’t know if she got my message or not.  I made an appt during nap time for Friday at 2:20.  

After work I did an impromptu babysitting for the Mitchels and had so much fun!  They live out by the zoo I didn’t have to be there till around six so on the way I stopped at Essex and Aldi.  The essex had a large back side w clothes, shoes, and home stuff, but really small shelves w random supplies.  I wish they’d mix this back with the front from the one in Rivergate!  Oh man was I in trouble.  They had a whole container full of X-mas socks for a dollar!  Dude I could have bought them for gifts for work!  Ohs well.  I did get mom a new bath robe and found some fun red and gold shimmery, hopefully knee high socks to wear incase I do the Santa Run again.  I should ask Ashley M if she wants to do it w me.   At the grocery I got my regular veggies as well as two bags of honeycrisp and had to have one as soon as I got in the car.  Oh yeah I purchased two pomegrante’s as well, let’s hope they are yummy enough for all the work it takes to eat the suckers.  

When I got to the Mitchels I found out they were eating at Carraba’s.  It’s their seventh anniversary as well as Steven started a new job and now has a 7:00 to 4:30 schedule instead of the third shift!  How exciting.  Paula had already made dinner: baked chicken and pears over spinach topped w a blue cheese and celery salad w cous cous on the side.  The celery and blue cheese topping was addictive!  The pears had a great flavor, a little soft for my liking, and the chicken was just chicken.  The directions said to cook the chicken first, then put the pears tossed in honey and other stuff in the pan w the chicken and finish cooking.  However the chicken and liquid from wherever made the chicken a little boring in flavor.  There was just watery juicy stuff in the pan.  The recipe said it should be a pan sauce, but it could have been thickened up on the stove to pour over.  Or the chicken should have been drained first or possibly removed from pan before adding the pears.  I’m not sure if the water came from the meat or the fruit?!?!?!   

Anyways it was fun sitting at the table w em while they ate.  I gave little guy a two bites of everything except the cous cous, he loves it.  I told them both they had to clean their plates in order to get a special treat after dinner.  I’d say about twenty or so minutes after I found little man in the cabinet getting almonds.  I had to stop him in and redirect him back to the table to eat off his plate, but he didn’t want any of that.  We tried to watch a streaming show, but couldn’t figure out how to work it so instead we tried playing Chinese Checkers.  It was fun.  A.L. seemed to really enjoy it, but the board got bumped twice and all the balls went rolling and lost their place so we called it quits and put A.H. to bed.  Oh he pooped his pants and let me know as soon as he was finished.  I made him actually dump it into the potty which mom thought was hilarious!  He did well doing it on his own.  I hope it doesn’t backfire later.  After putting him down I read with A.L. and he heard and screamed and cried almost the entire time.  When I went to talk to him he just buried his face.  He stayed awake till they got home and was able to come out of the crib.  A.L. was asleep though.  I’d say that was probably one of the easiest sitting jobs I’ve done, mind you it was only for a couple of hours though.  

High today is knowing my CCT3 will be back tomorrow!!!

Thanks for listening to the mundane of today…