Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Decisions, Decisions

Scenario: You're buried at work and buried at home. There is so much to be done, but there just aren't enough hours in a day to complete every task on your "to-do" list. The stress is getting to you. Your focus is suffering, your work is suffering, your family is suffering. You have the opportunity to take a day off, with pay (Thank the Lord for personal days). What do you do with that day?

a. Get away from it all. You need time for you. You haven't spent any time on yourself in a looong time. Look at your hair! It hasn't been cut in weeks/months/years! When was the last time you relaxed and read a good book or saw a movie, or treated yourself to a cup of tea at the downtown cafe...ALONE!?!?! Slept in?!?! Watched the Price is Right?!!

b. The night before your day off, you go to bed early and rise early. Get up, put on your crushing music, your comfy sneakers, hat and apron. You are determined to conquer the umteen billion loads of dirty AND clean laundry that have invaded your bedroom. You are going to cull through the mountain of papers and locate the wahtchamajig that you've been looking for since the 2004 Summer Olympics! You're going to suck up every dustbunny, locate every missing gamepiece, wash, and detail your car, take the clothes to the dry cleaners, dispose of the mystery leftover containers sitting in your fridge, create a monthly meal planner and menus for a century! You might even decide to unpack the 25 boxes that have been sitting there since you moved in a month ago!

c. Don't even think about saying "Go half and half on the day", because there is no way that would work. "Survey Says! XXX!!!!"

d. Why in the world would you take a day off now? You're drowning at the office, and taking a day off would just put you farther behind.

So...what would you do?

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Anniversary Top Ten

In honor of our 9 year wedding anniversary...

Top Ten Reasons Why I Love My Hubs

1. You can make just about anyone laugh. Even when I didn’t think your jokes were “that” funny when we were dating, I would end up smiling and laughing because you were making everyone else around you contagiously happy.

2. You are the poster child for Patience. You put up with my crazy moods, you persevere when times are rough, you stick to your guns instead of fold when it comes to raising our daughter, and you never doubt God’s plan

3. You are a wonderful Son and Son-In-Law. You have a great relationship with your parents as well as mine. It is good to know that they are “in-rents” and not “out-laws”. I always say that my parents liked me better once I married you.

4. You are always striving to better yourself. After being away from text books for nearly 10 years, you got right back into the swing of things and went back to school to become a CNA and you’re not stopping there. You’re looking forward and I admire that.

5. You are my “Barnabas”- You encourage me even when I am determined to sit and mope. This comes natural for you.

6. You can manage stress exponentially. Not only can you handle your own stress, you are always there to take the load off of me when it is possible.

7. You are everyone’s friend and their “go to guy”. If someone needs something, you’re ready to serve.

8. You are the best listener I have ever met. It makes me feel good that not only can I depend on you to listen to what is on my mind; you do that for all of your friends. You know when to give advice, when to withhold opinions and how to show perspective.

9. You are brilliant, especially when it comes to your Biblical knowledge. – You were given the nickname of “Moses” as a kid. Now I understand why. You are so amazing at rightly dividing the Word. I would always pick you first to be on my team in a Bible Bowl. :)


10. You are one of the strongest Christian men I have ever met. There are days when I wonder why God pitched a tent in my cluttered and worn heart; and then you come to my rescue like a knight in shining armor and remind me why it is, that God made me and put me on this Earth. You’re the type of Christian that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, all of Satan’s angels shout, “RUN!! He’s AWAKE!!!”


I was going to do just 9 reasons, but I figured I would do 10 since we're starting our 10th year together as hubs and wifey.

Also, I wish I had a photo to upload onto this bloggy thing, now that I know how to do it. Unfortunatley, I don't have any "digital" photos of hubs. Perhaps it is time to retire my old 35mm and purchase one of them there filmless electronic picture takers. :)

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Tagged!

A. Attached or Single- attached legally for almost nine years, but he’s had my heart for almost twelve.
B. Best Friend- Barry
C. Cake or Pie- Pie ( my father’s Key Lime)
D. Day of Choice - Sunday
E. Essential Item – Eyeglasses, Bible, Lip Balm
F. Flavor of Ice Cream- I prefer rainbow sherbet
G. Gummy Bears or Worms- coke bottle gummies


H. Hometown- Tavares

I. Indulgences- Popcorn, Music, Internet, and of course chocolate

J. January or July- July, tubing at Rock Springs
K. Kids- one, and she’s growing up way too fast!!
L. Last movie I saw in a theater- P.S. I Love You
M. Middle Name- Elaine
N. Number of siblings- two sisters (one older, one younger) and one older brother. FYI-I was the baby until my parents decided to have another one when I was 13.
O. Orange or Apples- Oranges

P. Phobias or Fears- people on T.V. wearing ski masks (you asked!)
Q. Quote- “Be the change you wish to see.”
R. Reasons to smile- Children, especially my daughter
S. Season- Summer
T. Tag 4- Why? Are they frozen? (Kenny, Jamey, Ray and Cristina)

U. Unknown fact about me- I have never grilled anything in my life unless you count the Foreman Grill. I love grilling out, but I have not a clue on where to even start. I am thankful for Hubs.

V. Vegetarian or oppressor of Animals- Omnivore
W. Worst Habit- The inability to say NO (biting off more than I can chew)
X. X-rays or Ultrasounds- X-Rays
Y. Your favorite Food- Calamari
Z. Zodiac – Leo, but who cares?

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

It's Great To Be 8!!!

MINI ME TURNS "8" TODAY!!!!




HAPPY BIRTHDAY 'LIL MISS!


8 Random, but signifigant things about Mini Me I bet you didn't know. (And if you did, Kudos!)

  • She lost three teeth in the past year

  • She was a real trooper and packed up her room and moved to a new home "far away" from her friends and her school to start over in a new home and a new school. I am so pleased that she has adapted so well!

  • She learned how to ride her bike.

  • She performed in the Children's Theatre Production of Alladin, Jr. She did a wonderful job and had a fabulous time!

  • She can play the top part of "Heart & Soul" on the piano. (This is one of our favorite things to do together.)

  • She is learning ASL (a little at a time).

  • She can do splits and straddles and really wants to take gymnastics.

  • She is such a God's Girl! I am amazed on what she retains from Sunday morning worship, and admire her dedication to always being there and be fully engaged.

I could name 100 things, but since the theme is "8" I'll stop.



We had her party on Saturday at the local Bowling Alley and it was a blast! 20 bowlers in all. Everyone enjoyed the time Bowling, laughing, eating pizza and drinking soda. As a momento, everyone signed a bowling pin for Mini Me. It was really nice!! This was by far the easiest party I have ever planned!


Today, she had to go to school (No I won't let her skip on her birthday). She didn't want me to bring cupcakes to class because she isn't a big fan of cake. So, I suprised her by dropping by her classroom and going to lunch with her. The children started lining up at 11:00am and I was there to wish her Happy Birthday at the exactly 11:01 (The time she was offically introduced to this world). She was quite amused by this and we enjoyed our lunch! This afternoon, we'll be heading home for me to prepare her birthday meal (She chose Tilapia, rice and fresh steamed string beans). My parents and my little sister will be joining us . It will be fun. I still cannot believe Hubs and I have an eight year old!!!



So..happy birthday Mini Me! We love you!!!








Friday, May 9, 2008

No Summer Road Trip For Us.

Well, we/I have finally come to the realization that a summer road trip to Tennessee is not happening. Would you like to know why?




Yup! That's why.


I think we're just going to stick close to home this summer. After all, this is Florida. This is where everyone goes to vacay, right? So, we'll hit Rock Springs, the Orlando Science Center, the beach (for sure...even though we don't live 30 minutes from the shore anymore), Old Town, and other places of the like. These places are all about an hour away from the comforts of home, and that makes my worry 'o' meter stay in the black!


Hubs doesn't like this plan so much.


Speaking of Hubs, he is doing well with his new job. I am so thankful he has discovered what he really enjoys doing in life. (This is so much easier on his body than being a mechanic) I have great news. (Since he doesn't do this bloggy thing and isn't the best at making the time to write letters or pick up the telephone). He finally got the call from the hospital! He starts May 27th!! WooHoo!!! I am happy for him. He has been content working nights at the Rehab/Nursing Facility, but this is what he really wanted. If my memory serves me well, he will be working 7am-7pm in the Neuro Unit. How exciting!!! Now, once he is settled in that, I wonder if he'll go right into LPN school or wait a bit. I am so happy for him!!


So that is about it. Gas prices vigorously inhale and Hubs got the job he was hoping for. As long as I never see a sign like the one above, I think we'll be okay.


That brings me to a question. With fuel/oil prices being what they are, I was thinking about ditching the Van and the Passat (Keep Hub's truck though) and getting a "newer" more efficient vehicle. The passat is quite efficient, but we use the Van alot because we often have other children with us. The van gets very poor mileage, but is very comfortable. We haven't had a car payment in almost 8 years, so I am reluctant to have one again. Also, we have full coverage and then some more (alot more) on our auto policy, which is as added expense that we could do without. (It only took one bad car accident to convince me to do that!) So what do you think? Then, if you think we should swap out, what should we get? A Hybrid? A Crossover? Should we just go small and get a Saturn Astra or Huyndai? Or a Vespa? :)


If I had it my way, I would buy the Scion TC in a 5spd. I love those cars!

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Where does the time go?

Things at Casa del CoeCoe are loco. Hubs passed his state test with flying colors, did the graduation party thing and is now working as a CNA. (Woo Hoo!!) His first day was actually today. We are thankful he is employed full time, (the movie store he's at only gives him about 20 hours a week at conservative wages) but he isn't working for the hospital he had his eyes on. They have promised him a position, but are dragging on the orientation part of things. They cannot give him an exact date for him to start, so Hubs had to go somewhere else temporarily. (After all, he hasn't had full time wages since early February and I am starting to sweat a bit) That is where our little rut is now. Should he leave this facility once he gets his final offer from the hospital? It could be days or weeks.(It has already been over three weeks since the hospital said "yes") What do you think? What would you do if you had the opportunity to work in your preferred field, but were already employed somewhere else for a few days or weeks. Oh the drama!

Other than that, not much is going on. I am staying seriously busy here at the office and temping for the Children's Home. Mini Me is going to be performing in her school drama performance this weekend so I am already busy with her costume details and helping her rehearse, and later this week I'll be making 12 dozen Rice Krispy Treat bars and 8 batches of Puppy Chow and wrapping them all up. I try my best not to rush the days away for fear I'll miss something important in Mini Me's life, but I am really looking forward to summer vacation. Everything won't be so "planned " out all of the time. Yes, I'll still be working full time and temping at the Children's Home (DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYONE INTERESTED IN BEING A FULL TIME RELIEF HOUSEPARENT??), but we'll have more time for the public Library, the Springs, and bike riding. So, hurry up summer vacay, and get here!!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Spring Break

Mini Me Is on Spring Break this week and she has been a busy bee.

Monday she went to the day camp on the school campus while I worked and Hubs went job hunting with Report Card and recommendations in hand. At the camp, they did artsy craftsy stuff which she loves to do. And they played some ball games and she really had a blast. That afternoon, I took her to the pool and let her swim around for a while to brush up on her skills. (It had been a while since she had been swimming.)

On Tuesday, she went to Camp again and went swimming and had a blast once again. I have come to the realization that Mini Me is going to always get burned no matter how much sunscreen we slather on her. She has a pink nose and pink shoulders, and I promise we caked it on ahead of time and not right before she went swimming. (She would have been severely fried if not) But she had a great time and crashed the moment her head hit the pillow that evening.

Wednesday was Mid- week Bible study and camp. (I got to teach a bunch of exhausted first graders that have been on Spring break all week)

…and today (Thursday) Hubs and I took Mini Me roller skating. Let me tell you something…I am getting too old for this kind of thing (Or I am out of shape, you decide). Mini Me glided with beauty and grace around and around the rink and didn’t fall once. Hubs did his best to make his way around the rink and succeeded with only little swaying. I must give it to him though, he looked good!! I love that man of mine. Only he can entertain a room full of elementary schoolers while on eight wheels. Kudos Hubs! I did very well with the exception of the very end of the afternoon. I crashed HARD into the floor. My right hand is swollen and my wrist and knee are too. Hopefully all will be back to normal by tomorrow morning because I know I am going to be sore everywhere else! All in all today has been a great day.

Now tomorrow is going to be tricky. The agenda goes like this; Hubs has a big interview with the Hospital (PRAY PRAY PRAY) there is Bowling, and then we’ll head to Orlando Friday evening to hang out at the Pop Century Hotel at Disney to join in the celebration of my nephew’s 15th birthday. I just can’t believe he is 15 today! He’s about 6 feet tall and wears a size 435 ½ (give or take a few) So Happy Birthday Ky!

Now only 9 weeks or so until Summer Break! Woo Hoo!