This is one of those rare times when, though there are several things I could write about, I don't really feel inspired to do so. Life has just been too busy. Practicality and to do lists are beating out creative impulses. Frustration at work is squashing humor and lightheartedness. I guess it shouldn't surprise me. We are headed out of town on vacation next week. (By "we" I mean the hubs and I, the 2 kids, my sister and her 2 kids, and my mom and her hubs. Yes, this could be a vacation worth skipping, but I digress.) So, in addition to work stress, I have the added pre-vacation stress: laundry so we all have clean clothes, making sure the kids pack what they need, packing what I need, packing sunscreen, toiletries, medicines, snacks, arranging dog care, etc., etc. On top of this, my mother is calling me (& my sister) with questions like "What kind of salad dressing should I bring?" and "What time are we going to eat on the road?" My answers? I don't care, and I don't know.
I know this all sounds very negative, but it's not really. I am actually so excited to be taking everyone with us (and to being able get away from work and "real life") that I'm ready to hit the road now. Never mind the 15 hour drive, overnight. Feeling the sand between my toes, hearing the surf, and spending time relaxing with family will make it all worth it. So, while I don't feel all that inspired by a story or situation because there is too much stress during these last days of the getting ready process, I know that next week is going to be fun no matter what does or doesn't happen. And maybe, just maybe, I'll have a story or two to share. A week spent with family, especially mine, is sure to inspire!
North Carolina coast? Ready or not, here we come!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
How long until Spring?
I had a long and funny story about some recent home incidents I had been hoping to post, but today the weather seems to be a more annoying and appropriate topic. Last week we enjoyed three days of near Spring-like temperatures here in northeastern Indiana. It was actually in the lower to middle 50's three days in a row in the middle of February. People were putting on flip-flops and getting pedicures.
Today, however, is a different story. We woke to a thin layer of ice on our cars and later on the street. Several kids, my daughter included, slipped and fell on the sidewalk trying to get to the bus stop. The ice rain started again at about 9:30 am, and it has been coming down since. As I was headed back in from lunch errands, it was starting to get large enough that the ice balls stung when they hit flesh.
Now, as I look out the window, it has converted to snow which is now coming down quite heavily. Our local forecast beginning this afternoon and going into tomorrow looks something like this:
TODAY TONIGHT TOMORROW
The view from my window and this forecast both beg the question: How long is it until Spring?
Today, however, is a different story. We woke to a thin layer of ice on our cars and later on the street. Several kids, my daughter included, slipped and fell on the sidewalk trying to get to the bus stop. The ice rain started again at about 9:30 am, and it has been coming down since. As I was headed back in from lunch errands, it was starting to get large enough that the ice balls stung when they hit flesh.
Now, as I look out the window, it has converted to snow which is now coming down quite heavily. Our local forecast beginning this afternoon and going into tomorrow looks something like this:
TODAY TONIGHT TOMORROW
| Icy conditions with periods of freezing rain. High 31F. Winds ENE at 15 to 25 mph. Snow accumulations less than one inch. | Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 19F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 90%. 2 to 4 inches of snow expected. | Scattered snow showers during the morning. Then partly to mostly cloudy for the afternoon. High 26F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 30%. |
The view from my window and this forecast both beg the question: How long is it until Spring?
Friday, January 14, 2011
Here come the cookies
Last night I sent an email to family and friends announcing/warning them that as of today their New Year's resolutions are in jeopardy. As of today, the local Girl Scout council begins selling cookies. And, as my daughter is a member of this council, I now have several cases (um, 10) of cookies in my possession for sale, IMMEDIATELY!
It also never fails that I am the biggest supporter of her efforts. Everyone in our household has his or her personal favorite, which means that we regularly buy at least 12-15 boxes of cookies. We're still polishing off Christmas cookies, and the extra pounds that always result. Why do they sell G.S. cookies in January? Is it because they KNOW everyone is still wearing their winter weight and think they won't care about adding another pound or two (or ten) for a good cause? Is it because our council got the short straw nationally when they decided, by region, when each region could sell? It is because everyone already thinks we're fat in the Midwest, so we would eat the cookies no matter when they were on sale?
I can't answer those questions. I do know that waiting another month or so to start would help me...but no one asked me my opinion. Regardless of what I think, I'll be out there at the cookie booths with her and helping to ask, "Would you like to buy some Girl Scout cookies?"
No, seriously, would you?
It also never fails that I am the biggest supporter of her efforts. Everyone in our household has his or her personal favorite, which means that we regularly buy at least 12-15 boxes of cookies. We're still polishing off Christmas cookies, and the extra pounds that always result. Why do they sell G.S. cookies in January? Is it because they KNOW everyone is still wearing their winter weight and think they won't care about adding another pound or two (or ten) for a good cause? Is it because our council got the short straw nationally when they decided, by region, when each region could sell? It is because everyone already thinks we're fat in the Midwest, so we would eat the cookies no matter when they were on sale?
I can't answer those questions. I do know that waiting another month or so to start would help me...but no one asked me my opinion. Regardless of what I think, I'll be out there at the cookie booths with her and helping to ask, "Would you like to buy some Girl Scout cookies?"
No, seriously, would you?
Friday, December 3, 2010
Mama Drama
My mother is a wonderful mother and always has been. She comforted me, disciplined me, loved me, and taught me to love others. If there was one thing I would change, it's that she doesn't love herself enough. She is a worrier and a bit of a pessimist, which eventually adds up to being overly protective of her children and grandchildren.
Case in point...my sister had "procedure" a few weeks ago. Because of all of the privacy laws in the U.S. and because my sister did not list her as a person with whom the doctor could share information, when our mom arrived at the office, they would not tell her if my sister was checked in or not. Long story short, she eventually found her and my dad (they're divorced, i.e. more drama). But, not before worrying herself into a panic and then being rude to the girl at the reception desk and yelling at my post-procedure, drugged up baby sister. My dad apparently then pointed out the inappropriateness of her behavior and indicated to her that she was smothering her girls.
How do I know this, and what does this have to do with me? Well, because my sister was loopy and sleeping most of the evening, I am the one who had the tearfully asked "do I smother you guys?" thrown on me when I called to check on my sister. In typical passive-aggressive fashion, however, she dropped it as soon as she asked it. So, for now, it sits quietly on the shelf of unresolved issues in all of our houses.
I know all kids have dramas with their mamas. Looking ahead, I see my own daughter and what she might say about me...not good...not good at all...
Case in point...my sister had "procedure" a few weeks ago. Because of all of the privacy laws in the U.S. and because my sister did not list her as a person with whom the doctor could share information, when our mom arrived at the office, they would not tell her if my sister was checked in or not. Long story short, she eventually found her and my dad (they're divorced, i.e. more drama). But, not before worrying herself into a panic and then being rude to the girl at the reception desk and yelling at my post-procedure, drugged up baby sister. My dad apparently then pointed out the inappropriateness of her behavior and indicated to her that she was smothering her girls.
How do I know this, and what does this have to do with me? Well, because my sister was loopy and sleeping most of the evening, I am the one who had the tearfully asked "do I smother you guys?" thrown on me when I called to check on my sister. In typical passive-aggressive fashion, however, she dropped it as soon as she asked it. So, for now, it sits quietly on the shelf of unresolved issues in all of our houses.
I know all kids have dramas with their mamas. Looking ahead, I see my own daughter and what she might say about me...not good...not good at all...
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Two-for-one
Today we have a two-for-one. They are totally unrelated to each other, but both are worth posting. Well, to me they are worth posting. Your opinion is just that, yours. Read and decide...
Number one:
This past Sunday I came home from a church service potluck (LifeWater Community Church) with a horrible headache. (This was not caused by the sermon, food, or anything like that!) The only thing I could do to escape the discomfort was take a nap, so I snuggled up in the recliner with my 10-year-old and proceeded to fall asleep. I really don't know how long I had been asleep, but do you know how it is to hear something while you're asleep that you sub-consciously know is a part of the conscious world? You aren't asleep enough to not hear it, so it pulls you from a semi-conscious state into full consciousness? Well, while I was sleeping, I heard this horrible snoring sound. Only after hearing it a second time and being pulled into full consciousness did I realize that the loud, chainsaw snoring was coming from my own mouth! Both the hubs and the daughter laughed at me as I laughed at myself. Then, I readjusted my position so my mouth wouldn't be hanging open and went back to sleep.
Number two:
I work in small, but busy, office. We have four PCs that are connected to a server along with three printers and all the typical office software, including an accounting program, an anti-virus package, etc. We can log into our server from our home computers. Earlier this year we survived replacing/upgrading our server and replacing/upgrading the owner's office PC. We are now in the first stages of replacing my work PC and changing the office over to the newest Microsoft and Windows products. So, when my boss called yesterday and casually asked me if we had ordered the new equipment and software yet, you can imagine my completely stupefied expression when he said, "My brother says Apples are better than PCs. Maybe we should look at changing." I think my response, both words and emotion, expressed my opinion of this comment only too clearly.
Now, before this turns into a PC vs. Mac war, I am not opposed to Macs, but they are not designed for doing what we do. We do not design artwork, buildings, or magazines. We run an office that pushes paper, and though the process of what we do is not hard, it is complicated, and we have over 10 years of data in our system that would be lost should we make this change. Virtually every computer, printer, and software program would have to be replaced, including the equipment purchased earlier this year. In all likelihood the office would have to shut down for a week at minimum, something the boss definitely does not want to do and did not factor into his comment.
The kicker of this was that he still wanted me to call our IT guy and ask his opinion of changing the office to Macs simply because his brother says the Mac OS is better! So, I did call our IT guy who, of course, said it was possible and that he would be happy to do it. "Show me the money," was also part of what he said. The labor time on this alone would probably cost $10,000.00. So, I made the recommendations to the boss and, so far, haven't heard another word about it. Let's just hope it stays that way.
Number one:
This past Sunday I came home from a church service potluck (LifeWater Community Church) with a horrible headache. (This was not caused by the sermon, food, or anything like that!) The only thing I could do to escape the discomfort was take a nap, so I snuggled up in the recliner with my 10-year-old and proceeded to fall asleep. I really don't know how long I had been asleep, but do you know how it is to hear something while you're asleep that you sub-consciously know is a part of the conscious world? You aren't asleep enough to not hear it, so it pulls you from a semi-conscious state into full consciousness? Well, while I was sleeping, I heard this horrible snoring sound. Only after hearing it a second time and being pulled into full consciousness did I realize that the loud, chainsaw snoring was coming from my own mouth! Both the hubs and the daughter laughed at me as I laughed at myself. Then, I readjusted my position so my mouth wouldn't be hanging open and went back to sleep.
Number two:
I work in small, but busy, office. We have four PCs that are connected to a server along with three printers and all the typical office software, including an accounting program, an anti-virus package, etc. We can log into our server from our home computers. Earlier this year we survived replacing/upgrading our server and replacing/upgrading the owner's office PC. We are now in the first stages of replacing my work PC and changing the office over to the newest Microsoft and Windows products. So, when my boss called yesterday and casually asked me if we had ordered the new equipment and software yet, you can imagine my completely stupefied expression when he said, "My brother says Apples are better than PCs. Maybe we should look at changing." I think my response, both words and emotion, expressed my opinion of this comment only too clearly.
Now, before this turns into a PC vs. Mac war, I am not opposed to Macs, but they are not designed for doing what we do. We do not design artwork, buildings, or magazines. We run an office that pushes paper, and though the process of what we do is not hard, it is complicated, and we have over 10 years of data in our system that would be lost should we make this change. Virtually every computer, printer, and software program would have to be replaced, including the equipment purchased earlier this year. In all likelihood the office would have to shut down for a week at minimum, something the boss definitely does not want to do and did not factor into his comment.
The kicker of this was that he still wanted me to call our IT guy and ask his opinion of changing the office to Macs simply because his brother says the Mac OS is better! So, I did call our IT guy who, of course, said it was possible and that he would be happy to do it. "Show me the money," was also part of what he said. The labor time on this alone would probably cost $10,000.00. So, I made the recommendations to the boss and, so far, haven't heard another word about it. Let's just hope it stays that way.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Getting off the Wheel
I haven't posted for a month, and I can feel it. When I stress out, I want to write, but usually being too busy is the cause of the stress, which means I don't make enough time to write. It's a vicious circle, and one that I will be running more often than not. It's like being a hamster on a wheel...running and running and never really getting anywhere but worn out. But, enough whining.
It's another beautiful, if cold, October morning in northeastern Indiana. The sun is shining and the sky is a brilliant, clear blue. There are still leaves on the trees, but there are also leaves on the ground. Each tree is wearing a different shade of green, orange, and red. As the wind blows the leaves on the driveways and streets, they sound like rain falling. But, until the rain actually comes in November, the fall here will be beautiful.
We're headed to my mom and step-dad's lake house tonight and will stay over night there. The hubs and step-dad will fish into the dark and cold late evening. A campfire might possibly be burning later as well, and my kids will enjoy looking up at the stars while they eat s'mores. As long as they don't irritate each other, or me, it will be a perfect evening with family. I'm looking forward to this mini retreat and to getting away from the mess of my own house, though it's only for a short time.
For the first time in two weeks, this hamster is getting of her wheel, even if just for a day.
It's another beautiful, if cold, October morning in northeastern Indiana. The sun is shining and the sky is a brilliant, clear blue. There are still leaves on the trees, but there are also leaves on the ground. Each tree is wearing a different shade of green, orange, and red. As the wind blows the leaves on the driveways and streets, they sound like rain falling. But, until the rain actually comes in November, the fall here will be beautiful.
We're headed to my mom and step-dad's lake house tonight and will stay over night there. The hubs and step-dad will fish into the dark and cold late evening. A campfire might possibly be burning later as well, and my kids will enjoy looking up at the stars while they eat s'mores. As long as they don't irritate each other, or me, it will be a perfect evening with family. I'm looking forward to this mini retreat and to getting away from the mess of my own house, though it's only for a short time.
For the first time in two weeks, this hamster is getting of her wheel, even if just for a day.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Out of the blues
I haven't written a word in two weeks, but today I needed to write. I was in a bit of a funk. Actually, it was more than a "bit" of a funk. Part of last week and the first of this week, I was in such a state that I was ready to quit my job, not just quit but walk out. To do what? Well, write, if the right opportunity came along. But, do nothing was looking good. Besides, as writers know, helping to feed your family when you are just starting out isn't too likely anyway. My mood was pretty dark, and I wasn't feeling very happy in a general way. As it would turn out, I had a church board meeting on Tuesday. (I'm on the board of LWCC, check us out if you get the chance!) We were talking about where all of the board members are spiritually, and what one dear friend of mine said helped to adjust my mindset. Without divulging too much, let's just say that this person has so much on her plate that anyone who was under this much pressure would break, if it were not for God's help. She basically stated that she surrendered her problems to God and asked His wisdom about how to handle it all, and in the end, she found the kind of peace only He can give. Her words were a reminder to me that I am not the one in control here and that I needed to give all of my own stresses over to God to handle--the kids (grades, weight issues, teen-stuff, etc.), the husband (who's job keeps him away from home most evenings), the job (UGH!), and even the stresses of my church. So, I did, and what do you know? Suddenly I'm feeling a bit better. Maybe I'm finally headed out of the blues.
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