Long time, no blog, right? ;) I've been super duper busy this semester. The online classes are kicking my ass, it's a lot harder keeping up than I had anticipated. I'm doing well in all of my classes, though, so that's good. I was also busy for a while helping to plan my sister's wedding. She got married on October 18. Hopefully I'll have pictures to put up soon! We haven't been able to get together to get the pictures since she got back from her honeymoon. It all went beautifully, though. We had a houseful the weekend of the wedding. My sister, her boyfriend, and my niece stayed with us all weekend. Then we had my other sister and niece, more nieces and nephews, my sister-in-law. One night, we had 14 people sleeping at my house! It was a disaster area by Monday morning.
My dad came to the wedding, and we visited with him some the next day, which also happened to be my birthday! So, I'm 30 now. I was kind of dreading it, but it doesn't feel any different than 29 or 28 or 27. I don't feel any different than I did when I was 18, in fact.
We went and voted today, of course. We took the kids, and I let Maggie press the button to cast my vote, then gave her my 'I voted' sticker. I printed out a map of the US and a chart of all the states and their electoral votes on it. We colored in the map, and marked off each state on the chart for Obama or McCain. I told the kids they could stay up as late as they liked and watch the returns with us. I told them however things turned out, this was an historical election and I wanted them to remember it.
Hunter stayed up with us for the whole thing. We skipped around from MSNBC to CNN to ABC, and even watched Comedy Central's Indecision '08 for a while. The whole thing was very exciting. I was more nervous and energized than I was in the previous two elections. I feel like the country got it right this time, especially in comparison to the '04 election. I was grinning like a fool after it was called. I actually enjoyed John McCain's speech. I felt he was very gracious in his words, and I believed what he said. I couldn't wait to hear President-elect Obama's speech, and I wasn't disappointed. Not only do I like Mr. Obama's ideas and policies, but it is nice to see him act like a person, rather than just a politician. You can see the love between him and his wife, and the love he has for his daughters.
I am very proud of my country tonight. It is an awesome moment in our history, and I'm so glad to be witness to it. Well done, everyone!
11.05.2008
9.02.2008
My brother, the stranger
Back in June, my little brother got in touch with me. He was leaving for the military in September, and wanted to see my sisters and I before he left. He's 25 now, the last time I saw him he was 16. We didn't grow up together, we don't really know each other. All we had in common was our DNA. It was funny, though. When he got here, it wasn't all that weird or awkward. We had a great visit, and we planned to come to their house in Tuscaloosa as soon as we could. We ended up visiting a few weekends ago, and had another great visit.
My brother and I sat on his patio for over 5 hours, talking until the wee hours of the morning. We got to know each other, told stories from our childhoods (how weird is it that you have to share stories of growing up with your sibling?), and talked about our parents. We laughed, and we cried. A lot.
He left for the military this morning. I'm worried about him, and I'm kind of angry. I don't feel like I had enough time with him before he left. I know he won't be gone forever, but he won't be in touch until around Christmas time. After that, who knows. The closest he may be stationed to us is a 7+ hour drive, or he could be as far away as overseas. I still don't know him. I feel we're on our way to having a good relationship, but it's still weird sometimes. I don't feel as completely comfortable with him as I do my sisters. We don't have childhood memories in common. He was so young when our parents split, that he doesn't remember much from when we all lived together. It's the small things that bring it home to me how much we don't know about each other. I don't know if something I say might offend him. I don't know if, when we get off the phone, I should say 'I love you', or if it makes him uncomfortable. And I don't feel comfortable enough to just ask him, like I would my sisters.
I miss him already, and I just hope he stays safe. It's hard enough staying in touch with a sibling when you've grown up together, but it's doubly hard for us. Not only are we trying to stay in touch as brother and sister, we're still trying to get to know each other as brother and sister.
My brother and I sat on his patio for over 5 hours, talking until the wee hours of the morning. We got to know each other, told stories from our childhoods (how weird is it that you have to share stories of growing up with your sibling?), and talked about our parents. We laughed, and we cried. A lot.
He left for the military this morning. I'm worried about him, and I'm kind of angry. I don't feel like I had enough time with him before he left. I know he won't be gone forever, but he won't be in touch until around Christmas time. After that, who knows. The closest he may be stationed to us is a 7+ hour drive, or he could be as far away as overseas. I still don't know him. I feel we're on our way to having a good relationship, but it's still weird sometimes. I don't feel as completely comfortable with him as I do my sisters. We don't have childhood memories in common. He was so young when our parents split, that he doesn't remember much from when we all lived together. It's the small things that bring it home to me how much we don't know about each other. I don't know if something I say might offend him. I don't know if, when we get off the phone, I should say 'I love you', or if it makes him uncomfortable. And I don't feel comfortable enough to just ask him, like I would my sisters.
I miss him already, and I just hope he stays safe. It's hard enough staying in touch with a sibling when you've grown up together, but it's doubly hard for us. Not only are we trying to stay in touch as brother and sister, we're still trying to get to know each other as brother and sister.
7.14.2008
Working from home - not your usual data entry
Working from home is all the rage these days - anyone with a telephone can get a job answering phones remotely, taking orders, and providing other customer service. But there are a whole range of jobs available that vary from the norm - they aren't the usual telephone work or data entry. Some pay better than others, some have varying schedules, so it's not constant income. It just depends on what you are good at, and what your financial needs are.
Please note: It is a good idea to research any job opportunity, and don't get scammed! The number one sign of a scam is that you are charged to start a job. A real work at home job will not ask for money up front (disclaimer: a few reputable companies will charge for things like background checks, but they don't charge to actually start the work).
Research positions:
Organized Wisdom - This is a health care related website. You will choose topics on various health related subjects, and compile "Wisdom Cards" related to that subject. You must have excellent research skills, as well as a good grasp of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Court Researchers - Court researchers go to area courthouses, look through records (on anything from real estate to marriages and divorces), then input the data to the company's website. There are numerous companies that employ people for this type of work; I'm only listing a few of them. A Google search will turn up many more. This is not an "at home" position, but it does allow you to be flexible with your time, and work when you want to. You will need to be able to travel to the courthouse(s) that you choose, as well as work on a deadline.
Other court researcher companies: JellyBean Services, United Data Network
Writing:
Mahalo - Mahalo is a human powered search engine. As a Guide, you are considered a freelance writer, not an employee. You put together links, write up short information segments on search terms (with citations), and a fast fact list.
Helium - On Helium, you can write articles on just about any subject. You come up with the subject and content, send it in and if approved, it is listed on the site. Articles are ranked by other members (you can rank articles as well). Members are paid by a shared revenue system; the more you write and participate (reading and ranking other members' articles), the more money you can make.
Associated Content - On Associated Content, you also write articles. However, you are paid a flat rate per article you write. The pay varies, so be sure to read up on their terms of service.
Handwriting - Handwriting jobs are usually location specific. You do work from home, but you must live within a certain radius of the company's location, because work is picked up and dropped off in person. Handwriting jobs usually include doing things like writing out thank you cards. You are hired to write them for someone who may be too busy to do it themself.
Write On Results, The DNR Group, Aria Calls and Cards
Voiceovers:
Opuzz Voice - Doing voiceover work is a bit more complicated, because you have to have (or have access to) certain equipment. However, if it's something that you can do, I think it sounds like a lot of fun!
Live Search Guide:
ChaCha - ChaCha is a live search site. You are hired as a guide to basically do people's searches for them. You must have excellent search skills to do this job, as there is a small turn-around time in which you must find the answers. This is a very flexible position, as you log in and work when you want to. Another plus is, you never know what searches you'll get, so it's not boring!
Website User Testing:
User Testing - To be a user tester, you view new websites while talking (using software provided to you), to record the website's functionality, ease of use, etc. You fill out a detailed profile, and are contacted when there are websites available that match your profile. Pay is $10 per website tested.
Stock Photography:
Shutterstock - On Shutterstock, you upload your original photography, which is then sold to subscribers to use as stock photography. You are paid 25 cents per photo downloaded. Pay is available through PayPal, or a check in the mail. The more photos you have on the site, the better your chances are of having them downloaded.
Surveys & Product Testing:
Product Evaluator - This is not a paying site, but you are sent brand new, cutting edge consumer items to try. You must actively use the items, and then provide feedback via the web, through surveys, or on the telephone.
Women For Hire - This is a list of paid survey sites, as well as product testing.
Freelance Position sites:
Guru and iFreelance are two great sites to find freelance work in many different areas. You bid on jobs against other freelancers.
Paid Blogging:
Blogitive, iHype, PayPerPost, and PayU2Blog are all paid blogging sites. You choose items that you wish you blog about from their site. Once your blog post is accepted, you will be paid the previously agreed on amount.
Other job search sites:
Rat Race Rebellion and Work Place Like Home both list work from home jobs on a regular basis (RRR lists daily, WPLH lists as members find them). Although they try to only list reputable jobs, it is your responsibility to research and use common sense when contracting or accepting employment with any company.
Disclaimer: I don't have personal experience with each of these companies. I do have accounts with Helium and ShutterStock. The Shutterstock link is a referral link, but that is the only one. From what I have seen, they are all legitimate companies and not scams, but please do your homework, ask questions, get all information in writing, etc.
Please note: It is a good idea to research any job opportunity, and don't get scammed! The number one sign of a scam is that you are charged to start a job. A real work at home job will not ask for money up front (disclaimer: a few reputable companies will charge for things like background checks, but they don't charge to actually start the work).
Research positions:
Organized Wisdom - This is a health care related website. You will choose topics on various health related subjects, and compile "Wisdom Cards" related to that subject. You must have excellent research skills, as well as a good grasp of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Court Researchers - Court researchers go to area courthouses, look through records (on anything from real estate to marriages and divorces), then input the data to the company's website. There are numerous companies that employ people for this type of work; I'm only listing a few of them. A Google search will turn up many more. This is not an "at home" position, but it does allow you to be flexible with your time, and work when you want to. You will need to be able to travel to the courthouse(s) that you choose, as well as work on a deadline.
Other court researcher companies: JellyBean Services, United Data Network
Writing:
Mahalo - Mahalo is a human powered search engine. As a Guide, you are considered a freelance writer, not an employee. You put together links, write up short information segments on search terms (with citations), and a fast fact list.
Helium - On Helium, you can write articles on just about any subject. You come up with the subject and content, send it in and if approved, it is listed on the site. Articles are ranked by other members (you can rank articles as well). Members are paid by a shared revenue system; the more you write and participate (reading and ranking other members' articles), the more money you can make.
Associated Content - On Associated Content, you also write articles. However, you are paid a flat rate per article you write. The pay varies, so be sure to read up on their terms of service.
Handwriting - Handwriting jobs are usually location specific. You do work from home, but you must live within a certain radius of the company's location, because work is picked up and dropped off in person. Handwriting jobs usually include doing things like writing out thank you cards. You are hired to write them for someone who may be too busy to do it themself.
Write On Results, The DNR Group, Aria Calls and Cards
Voiceovers:
Opuzz Voice - Doing voiceover work is a bit more complicated, because you have to have (or have access to) certain equipment. However, if it's something that you can do, I think it sounds like a lot of fun!
Live Search Guide:
ChaCha - ChaCha is a live search site. You are hired as a guide to basically do people's searches for them. You must have excellent search skills to do this job, as there is a small turn-around time in which you must find the answers. This is a very flexible position, as you log in and work when you want to. Another plus is, you never know what searches you'll get, so it's not boring!
Website User Testing:
User Testing - To be a user tester, you view new websites while talking (using software provided to you), to record the website's functionality, ease of use, etc. You fill out a detailed profile, and are contacted when there are websites available that match your profile. Pay is $10 per website tested.
Stock Photography:
Shutterstock - On Shutterstock, you upload your original photography, which is then sold to subscribers to use as stock photography. You are paid 25 cents per photo downloaded. Pay is available through PayPal, or a check in the mail. The more photos you have on the site, the better your chances are of having them downloaded.
Surveys & Product Testing:
Product Evaluator - This is not a paying site, but you are sent brand new, cutting edge consumer items to try. You must actively use the items, and then provide feedback via the web, through surveys, or on the telephone.
Women For Hire - This is a list of paid survey sites, as well as product testing.
Freelance Position sites:
Guru and iFreelance are two great sites to find freelance work in many different areas. You bid on jobs against other freelancers.
Paid Blogging:
Blogitive, iHype, PayPerPost, and PayU2Blog are all paid blogging sites. You choose items that you wish you blog about from their site. Once your blog post is accepted, you will be paid the previously agreed on amount.
Other job search sites:
Rat Race Rebellion and Work Place Like Home both list work from home jobs on a regular basis (RRR lists daily, WPLH lists as members find them). Although they try to only list reputable jobs, it is your responsibility to research and use common sense when contracting or accepting employment with any company.
Disclaimer: I don't have personal experience with each of these companies. I do have accounts with Helium and ShutterStock. The Shutterstock link is a referral link, but that is the only one. From what I have seen, they are all legitimate companies and not scams, but please do your homework, ask questions, get all information in writing, etc.
7.12.2008
I am employed!
I went out and got me a job today. I've been looking, but not getting any responses from anywhere. On a whim today, I called the movie rental store I worked at a couple of years ago and talked to the manager. I asked him if they were hiring, and when he found out it was me, he told me to come in and get an application. When I showed up, he had already called the district manager and okay'd it with him to hire me. I start tomorrow. Woot!
I don't even know how many hours he's needing someone for, but I need a job, so I don't care. I know the hours they are open, and I can work any of them. I am a bit nervous about managing to work and go to school, but I won't be the first person to do it, and I'll manage it somehow.
Go me!
I don't even know how many hours he's needing someone for, but I need a job, so I don't care. I know the hours they are open, and I can work any of them. I am a bit nervous about managing to work and go to school, but I won't be the first person to do it, and I'll manage it somehow.
Go me!
7.11.2008
I have writer's block
I've been trying to come up with ideas to write about lately, and I've had plenty of them! I just can't seem to craft anything into a coherent, non-sleep inducing post to entertain the masses (okay, the two of you that read here). Something will happen and I'll think "Oh! I can make a blog post out of that!", only to discover when it comes down to it, that I can't think of much to say on the subject.
Maybe things will get more exciting here, soon. The kids do go back to school in a month, and I start a couple of weeks after that. Hey, maybe one of the kids will get a sucky teacher again this year. That will guarantee ideas. Okay, I'm just kidding there.
I think I may be getting a bit delirious. It is past my bedtime. Okay, uh, bye!
Maybe things will get more exciting here, soon. The kids do go back to school in a month, and I start a couple of weeks after that. Hey, maybe one of the kids will get a sucky teacher again this year. That will guarantee ideas. Okay, I'm just kidding there.
I think I may be getting a bit delirious. It is past my bedtime. Okay, uh, bye!
7.05.2008
Not much to say lately
It's been pretty boring around here lately, and I haven't had a lot to blog about. Last weekend was fun, we spent Saturday with my brother, SIL, nephew & niece. On Sunday, we took the kids swimming and then fishing. The rest of the week has just been kind of blah. We've done pretty much nothing.
Tonight was a huge bust. We were supposed to go over to a friend's for a party, but that didn't work out. So we just sat around here and did a lot more of nothing.
I've got some stuff I wanted to get listed on eBay, but I haven't even taken the pictures for it yet. I've still got to call and schedule Maggie's Pre-K physical, and Shelby has a dental appointment in less than two weeks. I want to do some crafts with the kids before they go back to school, which is in a month. The girls and I are going to do some tie-dye shirts, and I don't know what else.
Boring, I know, but I wanted to post an update.
Tonight was a huge bust. We were supposed to go over to a friend's for a party, but that didn't work out. So we just sat around here and did a lot more of nothing.
I've got some stuff I wanted to get listed on eBay, but I haven't even taken the pictures for it yet. I've still got to call and schedule Maggie's Pre-K physical, and Shelby has a dental appointment in less than two weeks. I want to do some crafts with the kids before they go back to school, which is in a month. The girls and I are going to do some tie-dye shirts, and I don't know what else.
Boring, I know, but I wanted to post an update.
6.27.2008
974 and 195
974 is the number of text messages my husband had on his cell phone for last month's billing cycle. More were received than sent, and all of them were from and to my SIL. 195 is the dollar amount that said text messages are costing us on our bill. Pissed doesn't even begin to describe me over this. Like we can afford an extra $200 charge on our cell phone bill right now. I think I'm going to have to break down and buy the $30/month unlimited texting plan because the stupid bitch doesn't listen when she's told not to text anymore. What is so wrong with dialing the number and actually talking? Get an IM program if you want to type out your conversation! JHC!
6.21.2008
What is so fascinating about the shampoo?
What is it about shampoo that is so fascinating to a three year old? Maggie has this thing with pouring out entire bottles of shampoo and/or conditioner. In the past week, she has dumped out two family size bottles of shampoo and one of conditioner! It's driving me insane! I try to keep the bottles put up out of her reach, but sometimes I forget after I give baths. That's what happened with the first bottle of shampoo and the conditioner. The other shampoo was Hunter's, and he didn't get it and put it out of reach when I warned him to.
We have tried time-outs, talking, reasoning, explaining, taking away treats, and even spanking for this and she still does it. Why do kids think bathrooms in general are such fun places to play? Maggie and Shelby's bedroom is right outside of a bathroom, so Maggie is able to sneak in there when I think she's playing quietly in her bedroom. I'm thinking seriously about having them switch rooms with Hunter. His room is right outside of the laundry room, but I could put some childproof lock on the cabinet in there.
I hope she grows out of this soon!
We have tried time-outs, talking, reasoning, explaining, taking away treats, and even spanking for this and she still does it. Why do kids think bathrooms in general are such fun places to play? Maggie and Shelby's bedroom is right outside of a bathroom, so Maggie is able to sneak in there when I think she's playing quietly in her bedroom. I'm thinking seriously about having them switch rooms with Hunter. His room is right outside of the laundry room, but I could put some childproof lock on the cabinet in there.
I hope she grows out of this soon!
6.18.2008
Movies to blubber at
I am so chatty lately. I just keep thinking of things to blog about. I think it's my boredom showing.
Anyhoo. Tonight Darrell and I watched The Bucket List. It has Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. They meet in a hospital where they both have cancer, and they create a list of things to do before they die, and then go and do them. It started out great, Morgan Freeman does some narration and I could just listen to his voice for days. It was funny, and the two played off of each other so well.
Then something happened. It turned sad. Horribly sad. I admit, I cried like a little baby. I don't think I've cried at a movie like that since Steel Magnolias. The grave scene does it to me everytime. Darrell was looking like he was getting a little worried about me there for a minute.
If you've seen the movie, the part where he marks 'kiss the most beautiful woman in the world' off the list is where I officially lost it. Now I must buy this movie. If you haven't seen it, you must go get it now!
Anyhoo. Tonight Darrell and I watched The Bucket List. It has Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. They meet in a hospital where they both have cancer, and they create a list of things to do before they die, and then go and do them. It started out great, Morgan Freeman does some narration and I could just listen to his voice for days. It was funny, and the two played off of each other so well.
Then something happened. It turned sad. Horribly sad. I admit, I cried like a little baby. I don't think I've cried at a movie like that since Steel Magnolias. The grave scene does it to me everytime. Darrell was looking like he was getting a little worried about me there for a minute.
If you've seen the movie, the part where he marks 'kiss the most beautiful woman in the world' off the list is where I officially lost it. Now I must buy this movie. If you haven't seen it, you must go get it now!
6.17.2008
*Ring, ring* It's Avon NOT calling
I had requested some information about selling Avon recently. I thought it might be a good way to earn a few extra bucks, and I wouldn't have to do anything like home parties. I get a call from a lady wanting to meet with me to well, let's be honest, get me to sign up. She's not from here, but she had a meeting today in a nearby town, so I agreed to meet her at McDonald's in my town. We were supposed to meet at 3:30 this afternoon.
At a quarter to 3, she calls me, telling me she's leaving said nearby town and I gave her a little assistance with directions. She gets part of the way here, and calls back to make sure she's heading the right way. I assure her she is, and she is only about 20-30 minutes out -- tops. This was around 10 after 3. We get off the phone, and I wait until 25 after 3 and head to McDonald's.
The kids and I get there, I buy them an ice cream, and we sit down to wait. They eat their ice cream, we rent a movie from the RedBox, and she still hasn't shown up. I take the kids out to the play area to wait a little while longer. Finally, at 10 after 4, we have to leave to go pick Darrell up, and she's had plenty of time to get there. Even if she had to stop for directions to McDonald's once she got into town, she's still had plenty of time.
So, we left. I get home and she hasn't called me back at all. I realized I should have taken her cell phone number with me, but I forgot. Oh wait, now that I think about it, she gave it to me last night and I put it in my purse. I had it with me the whole time! D'oh! Oh well, too late now. I don't know what's going to happen at this point, I'm kind of turned off from the whole thing. I don't really see why someone that sells in this area couldn't have contacted me, since they would know their way around, and wouldn't be asking me to drive 40 miles to come to them.
I think, at this point, I'm not going to worry about it anymore. I'm still looking for an evening job out of the house. I'd really like to get out of the house by myself some. I'm bored, remember?
At a quarter to 3, she calls me, telling me she's leaving said nearby town and I gave her a little assistance with directions. She gets part of the way here, and calls back to make sure she's heading the right way. I assure her she is, and she is only about 20-30 minutes out -- tops. This was around 10 after 3. We get off the phone, and I wait until 25 after 3 and head to McDonald's.
The kids and I get there, I buy them an ice cream, and we sit down to wait. They eat their ice cream, we rent a movie from the RedBox, and she still hasn't shown up. I take the kids out to the play area to wait a little while longer. Finally, at 10 after 4, we have to leave to go pick Darrell up, and she's had plenty of time to get there. Even if she had to stop for directions to McDonald's once she got into town, she's still had plenty of time.
So, we left. I get home and she hasn't called me back at all. I realized I should have taken her cell phone number with me, but I forgot. Oh wait, now that I think about it, she gave it to me last night and I put it in my purse. I had it with me the whole time! D'oh! Oh well, too late now. I don't know what's going to happen at this point, I'm kind of turned off from the whole thing. I don't really see why someone that sells in this area couldn't have contacted me, since they would know their way around, and wouldn't be asking me to drive 40 miles to come to them.
I think, at this point, I'm not going to worry about it anymore. I'm still looking for an evening job out of the house. I'd really like to get out of the house by myself some. I'm bored, remember?
6.16.2008
Shelby: Gymnast Extraordinare
I had a cute idea for a post. I took pictures of Shelby doing her gymnastics stuff and was going to put them in a post. But, alas! ;p For some reason, PSP is missing from my computer, and we can't find the disk anywhere, so I have no way to resize. So, I can only link from my DropShots account
Anyway, Shelby loves doing gymnastics. She's taught herself how to do cartwheels, one and two handed; head stands, and back bends. I snapped some pictures of her doing her stuff the other day to put in a post. You can still click the link and see the pictures. Just a couple of things before you do.
1. I don't know what is on Shelby's butt in the head stand pictures. I think she got something on her pants from lunch, which she had just recently eaten when we took the pictures.
2. I had to get a head shot, so you guys could see her teeth, or lack thereof. And as of a couple of days ago, she has lost yet another. Right now, she has absolutely no front teeth; all four of them are missing. She's had three of them missing for almost 3 months now! We can finally see one permanent tooth poking through the gums a little, so I imagine she'll have them all in soon. I think she looks adorable with the no teeth look, though. :)
3. Maggie had to get in on the action, so there are a few pics of her rolling around on the floor. After we did those pictures, they decided they wanted to do some posing, so those are there, too. Feel free to look through the other dates as well, I put some newer pictures up there a month ago or so. I really need to get better about taking pictures more often.
Anyway, Shelby loves doing gymnastics. She's taught herself how to do cartwheels, one and two handed; head stands, and back bends. I snapped some pictures of her doing her stuff the other day to put in a post. You can still click the link and see the pictures. Just a couple of things before you do.
1. I don't know what is on Shelby's butt in the head stand pictures. I think she got something on her pants from lunch, which she had just recently eaten when we took the pictures.
2. I had to get a head shot, so you guys could see her teeth, or lack thereof. And as of a couple of days ago, she has lost yet another. Right now, she has absolutely no front teeth; all four of them are missing. She's had three of them missing for almost 3 months now! We can finally see one permanent tooth poking through the gums a little, so I imagine she'll have them all in soon. I think she looks adorable with the no teeth look, though. :)
3. Maggie had to get in on the action, so there are a few pics of her rolling around on the floor. After we did those pictures, they decided they wanted to do some posing, so those are there, too. Feel free to look through the other dates as well, I put some newer pictures up there a month ago or so. I really need to get better about taking pictures more often.
6.10.2008
Summer vacation has ceased to rock
Yeah, that lasted long, didn't it? I am so freaking bored! I guess the past two semesters at school got me used to being busy and now I have nothing to do but clean the house. It's too hot to hang around outside for very long, gas is too high, and we are too broke to go and do many things.
Mackenzie finished her softball season last night. I got some pictures of her when she was batting, but she never got a good ball to swing at, so they really didn't turn out too great. Of course, the time she actually hit the ball, I wasn't down there with the camera.
Something funny happened at the game last night, too. This year, the girls can steal bases. So, we had a girl running bases and she was at third, running towards home. The catcher got the ball and was coming towards her, so our girl started running back toward third base. The catcher threw the ball and the third base girl caught it, so our runner started running back to home. The third base girl threw the ball back to the catcher, and she caught it, so our runner started running back to third base again. The catcher threw the ball back to the third base girl again, but this time she didn't catch it, so our girl ran for home again and made a run. It was so funny, though, it might have been one of those things you had to have been there for. All the parents for our team were yelling, too: "Go back! Go back! No, run to home! No, go back! Go back! No, home! Home!" Etc.
Mackenzie finished her softball season last night. I got some pictures of her when she was batting, but she never got a good ball to swing at, so they really didn't turn out too great. Of course, the time she actually hit the ball, I wasn't down there with the camera.
Something funny happened at the game last night, too. This year, the girls can steal bases. So, we had a girl running bases and she was at third, running towards home. The catcher got the ball and was coming towards her, so our girl started running back toward third base. The catcher threw the ball and the third base girl caught it, so our runner started running back to home. The third base girl threw the ball back to the catcher, and she caught it, so our runner started running back to third base again. The catcher threw the ball back to the third base girl again, but this time she didn't catch it, so our girl ran for home again and made a run. It was so funny, though, it might have been one of those things you had to have been there for. All the parents for our team were yelling, too: "Go back! Go back! No, run to home! No, go back! Go back! No, home! Home!" Etc.
6.04.2008
It's official! Maggie's in preschool!
I got a call yesterday telling me that Maggie had definitely been secured a spot in the Pre-K program for next school year, and asking me if I wanted to go ahead and come in today to get her enrollment papers and have her testing done (They do some academic tests on them at the beginning, and then at the end of the school year. Of course, testing so early may skew Maggie's results, since she won't be four until September. They'd usually do the testing in August. But, anyway).
So, we went in this morning and got everything. The teacher that Shelby had was the one that did Maggie's tests, so Maggie was somewhat familiar with her. They finished the tests before I had finished going over everything with the director, and Maggie actually went off with Mrs. K again to play and wait for me in another room. I was pretty surprised, considering Maggie will generally not look at, talk to, or allow anyone she doesn't know well to touch her. Which does concern me for her starting school, but I can't keep her home forever.
Anyway, all I have to do now is return the enrollment packet after we get her physical done, and a copy of her shot record. My baby is going to school! Hold me.
So, we went in this morning and got everything. The teacher that Shelby had was the one that did Maggie's tests, so Maggie was somewhat familiar with her. They finished the tests before I had finished going over everything with the director, and Maggie actually went off with Mrs. K again to play and wait for me in another room. I was pretty surprised, considering Maggie will generally not look at, talk to, or allow anyone she doesn't know well to touch her. Which does concern me for her starting school, but I can't keep her home forever.
Anyway, all I have to do now is return the enrollment packet after we get her physical done, and a copy of her shot record. My baby is going to school! Hold me.
5.26.2008
And around....
Now Mackenzie's sick. :/ She's got the same symptoms the other kids had; fever, chills, headache, stomachache. She's not vomiting but she feels like she's going to. Ugh!
Yesterday, we went to my sister's house for a cookout. My other sister came, my grandparents, mom, uncle, and my sister's fiance's mom and stepdad were all there. We started it in late afternoon (around 4), since my sister worked yesterday. We visited for a bit while the burgers and hot dogs were cooked, and then ate. In addition to the hamburgers and hot dogs, we had chips, baked beans, two kinds of potato salad, coleslaw, and for dessert there was banana pudding, brownies, and cookies.
Most of the kids were swimming for a while, too. After we ate, we went to a field down the driveway and played a game of baseball, and then some volleyball. We kept playing until it got too dark to see. We all had a blast, though. I did something to my finger when I hit the volleyball, though. The area between the first two knuckles started swelling and bruising. It is still swollen today, but not nearly as bad as it was, and it's just a little discolored, not horribly so. I don't know what the hell happened.
ALL the kids went down to my other sister's to spend the night. Well, except Shelby & Maggie. But my two older kids, all three of my one sister's kids, and my cousin. She had two of her three kids home, so in all, she had 8 kids at her house. :O No way, I say! Of course, she ended up with 7, since we had to go get Mackenzie at almost 1 o'clock this morning. She came home, I gave her some Nyquil and put the mop bucket beside her bed, and she slept until around 11 this morning. I just gave her a piece of toast and some applesauce, and she's resting on the loveseat and watching tv. I hope this is the end of this damn virus that's been going around all the kids!
Yesterday, we went to my sister's house for a cookout. My other sister came, my grandparents, mom, uncle, and my sister's fiance's mom and stepdad were all there. We started it in late afternoon (around 4), since my sister worked yesterday. We visited for a bit while the burgers and hot dogs were cooked, and then ate. In addition to the hamburgers and hot dogs, we had chips, baked beans, two kinds of potato salad, coleslaw, and for dessert there was banana pudding, brownies, and cookies.
Most of the kids were swimming for a while, too. After we ate, we went to a field down the driveway and played a game of baseball, and then some volleyball. We kept playing until it got too dark to see. We all had a blast, though. I did something to my finger when I hit the volleyball, though. The area between the first two knuckles started swelling and bruising. It is still swollen today, but not nearly as bad as it was, and it's just a little discolored, not horribly so. I don't know what the hell happened.
ALL the kids went down to my other sister's to spend the night. Well, except Shelby & Maggie. But my two older kids, all three of my one sister's kids, and my cousin. She had two of her three kids home, so in all, she had 8 kids at her house. :O No way, I say! Of course, she ended up with 7, since we had to go get Mackenzie at almost 1 o'clock this morning. She came home, I gave her some Nyquil and put the mop bucket beside her bed, and she slept until around 11 this morning. I just gave her a piece of toast and some applesauce, and she's resting on the loveseat and watching tv. I hope this is the end of this damn virus that's been going around all the kids!
5.21.2008
It just keeps going around...
In my previous blog post, I said that Maggie was sick. Well, she was better by that weekend, and by then Darrell was sick. He was also being a big baby about it. I know he felt bad, but come on! I just thought Maggie was whiny. Heh. He went to the doctor on Monday, and has a severe sinus infection, so he's on antibiotics and some other meds. Monday morning, Hunter got up saying he wasn't feeling too well, but he went on to school anyway (it was the last day!). We had to pick up report cards yesterday morning, and he was still feeling bad. He went back to bed when we got home, and then started running a fever and vomiting. So, now he's sick. Geez, this shit can go the hell away any time now!
Mackenzie's softball schedule is well underway now. They've played three games and had one canceled due to rain. They've lost all their games so far, too, unfortunately. They are a good team, it's just a few sloppy plays that seem to lose it for them. They've lost two of the games just by one and two points, and the other one was the second game in a doubleheader. They were tired, and the pitcher kept walking the other team, so it was finally called after they got so far ahead.
Mackenzie is wanting to learn to do fastpitch, so we've been looking at instructional videos and stuff, but she doesn't want to practice the techniques, so I don't know how it's going to turn out. If she wants to learn to pitch properly, I have no problems helping her learn, but she just wants to go out there and start throwing the ball instead of practicing the wrist snap, and making sure she's holding the ball correctly, etc. I'm not going to push her, though. If she really wants to learn, she'll put the effort in.
Mackenzie's softball schedule is well underway now. They've played three games and had one canceled due to rain. They've lost all their games so far, too, unfortunately. They are a good team, it's just a few sloppy plays that seem to lose it for them. They've lost two of the games just by one and two points, and the other one was the second game in a doubleheader. They were tired, and the pitcher kept walking the other team, so it was finally called after they got so far ahead.
Mackenzie is wanting to learn to do fastpitch, so we've been looking at instructional videos and stuff, but she doesn't want to practice the techniques, so I don't know how it's going to turn out. If she wants to learn to pitch properly, I have no problems helping her learn, but she just wants to go out there and start throwing the ball instead of practicing the wrist snap, and making sure she's holding the ball correctly, etc. I'm not going to push her, though. If she really wants to learn, she'll put the effort in.
5.15.2008
Summer vacation rocks!
I have been thoroughly enjoying my summer vacation so far. To start with, I got As in Spanish II and Sociology, and a freaking B in Algebra. Hallelujah! The first week (last week), I pretty much laid around and did nothing, just relaxed, enjoying not having to study or complete homework. Woot!
This week, I went to the library and got some books, plus my sister gave me a big stack, so I've been reading a lot. I wasn't able to read much while I was in school, so I'm making up for it. I've read four books this week already.
The kids' school year is winding down as well. In fact, Monday is their last day of school, and we pick up report cards Tuesday morning. There is no school on Fridays this month, so they only have one whole day of school left. They haven't been doing much the past week-week and a half, either. Just things like field days and picnics and free recesses. Basically the teachers are killing time. Hunter had his D.A.R.E. graduation today, so I went to that.
Darrell would have went with me, but unfortunately Maggie is now sick. It appears that she has the same stuff Shelby had. She spiked a fever this morning, and it hasn't went away yet. She's complaining of the same pains Shelby was, which are headache and stomach ache. She's being dosed with Motrin and is laying around sleeping off and on, inbetween whining sessions. (Poor kid is very whiny when she's sick)
Mackenzie started softball last week. They only had a couple of practices before their first game. There was another game scheduled for tonight, but it rained off and on all day, so it was canceled. She is doing really well so far, though. She's a much better batter this year than she has been in previous years. She's playing centerfield again, that seems to be "her" spot. She is fast though, and has a very good arm, so she can get the ball back to the infield when it's hit way out there. She has been talking about trying out for the middle school softball team next year, but I think I'm going to encourage her to play with the park league until she's in 7th grade. 6th graders don't get a lot of playtime, and playing with the park league will give her another year of practice and experience before trying out with the school team. After this spring, she'll have played for 5 years, so she'll have 6 years of playing under her belt by the time she tries out for the school team.
We also finished up our Girl Scout meetings this past Tuesday. We did spring registration, although we didn't get nearly the amount of girls re-registering that we started with this year. Which is actually fine by me. We had 8 girls re-register, which is about what I expected. We have two more that are unsure, but I'm waiting to mark through their forms until I get ready to mail the stuff, so they can make up their minds for sure. I still have to meet with the troop leader over the summer to come up with about three projects for the girls' bronze award, so they can choose when we meet again in the fall. But we have plenty of time for that.
I guess that's about all that's going on around here. I am definitely enjoying my rest, and the less stressful pace of life right now. I have until mid-August before it starts back in full force!
This week, I went to the library and got some books, plus my sister gave me a big stack, so I've been reading a lot. I wasn't able to read much while I was in school, so I'm making up for it. I've read four books this week already.
The kids' school year is winding down as well. In fact, Monday is their last day of school, and we pick up report cards Tuesday morning. There is no school on Fridays this month, so they only have one whole day of school left. They haven't been doing much the past week-week and a half, either. Just things like field days and picnics and free recesses. Basically the teachers are killing time. Hunter had his D.A.R.E. graduation today, so I went to that.
Darrell would have went with me, but unfortunately Maggie is now sick. It appears that she has the same stuff Shelby had. She spiked a fever this morning, and it hasn't went away yet. She's complaining of the same pains Shelby was, which are headache and stomach ache. She's being dosed with Motrin and is laying around sleeping off and on, inbetween whining sessions. (Poor kid is very whiny when she's sick)
Mackenzie started softball last week. They only had a couple of practices before their first game. There was another game scheduled for tonight, but it rained off and on all day, so it was canceled. She is doing really well so far, though. She's a much better batter this year than she has been in previous years. She's playing centerfield again, that seems to be "her" spot. She is fast though, and has a very good arm, so she can get the ball back to the infield when it's hit way out there. She has been talking about trying out for the middle school softball team next year, but I think I'm going to encourage her to play with the park league until she's in 7th grade. 6th graders don't get a lot of playtime, and playing with the park league will give her another year of practice and experience before trying out with the school team. After this spring, she'll have played for 5 years, so she'll have 6 years of playing under her belt by the time she tries out for the school team.
We also finished up our Girl Scout meetings this past Tuesday. We did spring registration, although we didn't get nearly the amount of girls re-registering that we started with this year. Which is actually fine by me. We had 8 girls re-register, which is about what I expected. We have two more that are unsure, but I'm waiting to mark through their forms until I get ready to mail the stuff, so they can make up their minds for sure. I still have to meet with the troop leader over the summer to come up with about three projects for the girls' bronze award, so they can choose when we meet again in the fall. But we have plenty of time for that.
I guess that's about all that's going on around here. I am definitely enjoying my rest, and the less stressful pace of life right now. I have until mid-August before it starts back in full force!
5.11.2008
My dishwasher is fixed! Yay (and I am drunk)
Darrell got some bug up his ass today and fixed my dishwasher today, and our toilet (thank god, I was tired of using the kids' bathroom). So I don't have to wash dishes by hand as much anymore. Woohoo!
I am also totally drunk right now. Today is my sister's birthday. Her fiance is out of town, because his grandfather died, so we went over to her house tonight. It was just my two sisters, my mom, and me. I brought two six packs of Smirnoff ice and then I did seveal whiskley shots. My sister who has the birdthday and I were totally smashed. We were playing singstar, a ps2 game, and I'm sure we sounded horrible, but we had a great time. I am goin to call her tomorrow and say 'where you going with the mask I foudn?' Haha. My head is reallys wimming right now, i probably eed to go to bed. I think Darrell is mad at me, but I don't care. I had a lot of fufn, and it's been so long since I got drunk. Like before I hd Hunter, that's how long. This is probably lthe worst blg entry int he history of blog entries, so I'll stop now. See you all later.
I am also totally drunk right now. Today is my sister's birthday. Her fiance is out of town, because his grandfather died, so we went over to her house tonight. It was just my two sisters, my mom, and me. I brought two six packs of Smirnoff ice and then I did seveal whiskley shots. My sister who has the birdthday and I were totally smashed. We were playing singstar, a ps2 game, and I'm sure we sounded horrible, but we had a great time. I am goin to call her tomorrow and say 'where you going with the mask I foudn?' Haha. My head is reallys wimming right now, i probably eed to go to bed. I think Darrell is mad at me, but I don't care. I had a lot of fufn, and it's been so long since I got drunk. Like before I hd Hunter, that's how long. This is probably lthe worst blg entry int he history of blog entries, so I'll stop now. See you all later.
5.07.2008
Update on Shelby
Shelby is still sick. I took her to the doctor this afternoon. Her temp is running about 103, and I can't get it to come down. :/ They did a strep swab, which was negative. Then they drew blood, and said she's fighting a "strep-like" infection. Whatever the hell that means. The doctor said she was calling it tonsillitis, but uh, Shelby has no tonsils. If her fever hasn't broken by Friday, I have to take her back in. They gave us antibiotics for her, and told me to keep her home from school tomorrow, which of course I would anyway since she still has a fever! Duh.
As of now, her fever is still very high. She is being dosed with Tylenol every four hours, but it doesn't seem to be doing much of anything. I don't know what they plan to do if she still has a fever on Friday. I just hope it breaks before then.
So, that's all I know at the moment. Hopefully the antibiotics will start working and her fever will break and she'll be good as new soon. :)
As of now, her fever is still very high. She is being dosed with Tylenol every four hours, but it doesn't seem to be doing much of anything. I don't know what they plan to do if she still has a fever on Friday. I just hope it breaks before then.
So, that's all I know at the moment. Hopefully the antibiotics will start working and her fever will break and she'll be good as new soon. :)
5.05.2008
Shelby's sick. :(
Shelby came home sick from school today. She was wearing her jacket when she came out of the building, and it was 77 degrees this afternoon. She said it was cold in the school, so I didn't think much of it. Then she told me that she had slept the whole nap and Mr. H had to wake her up to leave, so I thought she was still groggy from having just woke up.
We went by the grocery store before we came home, and she was shaking and shivering the whole time, saying she was freezing. She even had chillbumps all over her arms. When we got home, I carried her into the house, and her legs were burning up. I put her on the couch and she laid down for a while, and gave her a chewable Tylenol. At one point, she got up and went outside, saying she felt better, but I made her lay back down. She fell asleep around 5, and she's still asleep. She's woken up a few times, including once to take more medicine, but she falls right back to sleep. When she woke up a little earlier, she told me her stomach and head hurt. :/ So, I guess she'll be staying home from school tomorrow; I'm not sure if I should take her to the doctor, or wait it out and see if it's just a virus. Decisions, decisions. I feel bad for the poor girl, though.
We went by the grocery store before we came home, and she was shaking and shivering the whole time, saying she was freezing. She even had chillbumps all over her arms. When we got home, I carried her into the house, and her legs were burning up. I put her on the couch and she laid down for a while, and gave her a chewable Tylenol. At one point, she got up and went outside, saying she felt better, but I made her lay back down. She fell asleep around 5, and she's still asleep. She's woken up a few times, including once to take more medicine, but she falls right back to sleep. When she woke up a little earlier, she told me her stomach and head hurt. :/ So, I guess she'll be staying home from school tomorrow; I'm not sure if I should take her to the doctor, or wait it out and see if it's just a virus. Decisions, decisions. I feel bad for the poor girl, though.
4.30.2008
Drama in la clase de espanol
(Sorry, I can't get the tilde over the N)
Today was my Spanish final (as well as Algebra), and it started out boring enough. I was there about fifteen minutes early, and a few other people and I were just chatting. Everyone started coming in and we were just talking about how nervous we were, etc. The teacher was about 5 minutes late, but she came in and we were talking and joking around with her.
All of a sudden, the instructor looked over and said "Are you okay?" I looked over to see what she was talking about, and this boy was sitting in his chair, having a seizure! He was leaning over the side of the desk that isn't open, if you know what I mean, and his arms were sticking straight out and he was shaking and foaming at the mouth. It was so freaking scary.
Mrs. B yelled at us to call 911 (there's a group of us that sit at the back of the room near the phone), so my friend Cindy dialed and then Mrs. B ran out of the room yelling for help. A couple of boys in front ran over to him, threw the desks in front of him out of the way, and pulled him out of his desk onto the floor. A nursing student in the room yelled at them when they said something about putting something in his mouth to keep him from choking, and told them to not put anything in his mouth, just roll him on his side.
Another professor came in the room and they turned him on his side. He stopped seizing by then, but he was breathing funny, it sounded like a snore, and he was blowing spit when he breathed. It seemed to take forever for the ambulance to get there, but they finally did, and they asked him some questions and took him out on the cot thingy.
Then, we got back to business and took our test. But everybody was pretty damn freaked out. One boy said, after it was all over, "Well, I won't ever forget my last day in Spanish!" Heh. I don't think I will, either.
Today was my Spanish final (as well as Algebra), and it started out boring enough. I was there about fifteen minutes early, and a few other people and I were just chatting. Everyone started coming in and we were just talking about how nervous we were, etc. The teacher was about 5 minutes late, but she came in and we were talking and joking around with her.
All of a sudden, the instructor looked over and said "Are you okay?" I looked over to see what she was talking about, and this boy was sitting in his chair, having a seizure! He was leaning over the side of the desk that isn't open, if you know what I mean, and his arms were sticking straight out and he was shaking and foaming at the mouth. It was so freaking scary.
Mrs. B yelled at us to call 911 (there's a group of us that sit at the back of the room near the phone), so my friend Cindy dialed and then Mrs. B ran out of the room yelling for help. A couple of boys in front ran over to him, threw the desks in front of him out of the way, and pulled him out of his desk onto the floor. A nursing student in the room yelled at them when they said something about putting something in his mouth to keep him from choking, and told them to not put anything in his mouth, just roll him on his side.
Another professor came in the room and they turned him on his side. He stopped seizing by then, but he was breathing funny, it sounded like a snore, and he was blowing spit when he breathed. It seemed to take forever for the ambulance to get there, but they finally did, and they asked him some questions and took him out on the cot thingy.
Then, we got back to business and took our test. But everybody was pretty damn freaked out. One boy said, after it was all over, "Well, I won't ever forget my last day in Spanish!" Heh. I don't think I will, either.
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