Last night I made the comment to Zach, after he started in on his "woe is me--no one ever does anything for me" speech, that 18 couldn't get here fast enough. On some days it can't. Believe me, some days the thought of his being his normal jerk self to a college roommate instead of his mom brightens my day. Knowing him though he wouldn't be like that to anyone else but his family--he doesn't want them to know his true self. Not that I don't love that boy--because as I tell him often--he is a piece of my heart...but somedays I could use a break...or some duct tape.
I got two hugs this morning before he left for school and it took me back to that sweet 3 and 4 year old boy who loved his mommy. Nowadays I barely get a "good night". I love how independent my kids are...but some times just sometimes I miss those younger years. I can't go back though--only forward--so maybe I need to head upstairs before bed every night and "tuck" him in like I used to. Kate "tucks" me in since I go to bed before her--and I love that she does that. It's the only time the girl lets me kiss her cheek.
Mother's Day is on Sunday. And I know I'm not the perfect mom. But I'm the mom I'm supposed to be for them. God gave me those 2 for a reason--he's trying to teach us something. (Maybe that I should carry duct tape in my purse! Ha.)
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
I was raised "green" before "green" was cool.
(I can hear Marie Osmond in the background singing "I was country before country was cool". ha)
I don't remember my parents being particularly enviromental. When I say that I mean the things we did around the house weren't to save the earth--more to save my parents money. (And if they were to save the earth I never heard my parents say that.)
We grew up frugally. My mom was a stay at home mom until I was in high school, my sister in 7th grade. So, we had a big garden--1/4 of an acre--maybe not big to your standards but huge to us. We grew corn, green beans, sweet potatos, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, pumpkins, and I'm sure other things I don't remember. We also had a grape arbor and also Dad grew blackberries. We also had a cherry tree. We canned or froze most of the above veggies and fruits. Mom made grape and blackberry jams/jellies every year. My dad tried his hand at making wine too. I remember sitting at the front porch pitting cherries (which I hated)but I loved cherry pies so I did it. I also remember snapping beans, cutting corn off the cob and canning tomato juice. It was smoking hot in the kitchen those canning days--and of course because we didn't have central air conditioning. Mom's mom would come over and help us out. I remember hoeing and weeding and hating every minute of all that work it took to grow all those veggies. I also remember all the cool bugs that were in the garden--tomato worms and huge spiders and my favortie--praying mantis'.
We also mulched our yard. Then we raked up the grass and used it around our plants to keep the weeds away.
We turned off the water while we were doing dishes (until we rinsed), while we were brushing our teeth and while we soaped up in the shower. All this stuff is wonderful for the evironment now but we did it because we were on well water and they were afraid we would run out of water. It bothers me to this day when Doug is doing dishes and the water runs the whole time he is in there. UGH! Wasting water.
We didn't own Illinois Power either so we turned off the lights when we left a room or turned off the tv when we were done watching it--etc. I will go upstairs now after the kids leave for school and Zach's lights will be on and his tv is going and there is no one there.
And another one of my dreaded things growing up was hanging out the laundry. Everything.even.socks. ugh! Saved on electricity though. I'm looking now to get a clothes line. I won't be hanging socks out, but...I'm sure everything else will get hung out some time or the other.
I guess it is a good thing that I did all those things growing up because they are ingrained in me now and I do them without even thinking. I need to be better about recycling now--we are getting there--we do plastics and aluminum now. I need to move on to glass and paper too. Baby steps. My parents recycle. Have for a long time. So, maybe they are stewards of the earth--they just never told me that's why we were doing it.
I don't remember my parents being particularly enviromental. When I say that I mean the things we did around the house weren't to save the earth--more to save my parents money. (And if they were to save the earth I never heard my parents say that.)
We grew up frugally. My mom was a stay at home mom until I was in high school, my sister in 7th grade. So, we had a big garden--1/4 of an acre--maybe not big to your standards but huge to us. We grew corn, green beans, sweet potatos, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, pumpkins, and I'm sure other things I don't remember. We also had a grape arbor and also Dad grew blackberries. We also had a cherry tree. We canned or froze most of the above veggies and fruits. Mom made grape and blackberry jams/jellies every year. My dad tried his hand at making wine too. I remember sitting at the front porch pitting cherries (which I hated)but I loved cherry pies so I did it. I also remember snapping beans, cutting corn off the cob and canning tomato juice. It was smoking hot in the kitchen those canning days--and of course because we didn't have central air conditioning. Mom's mom would come over and help us out. I remember hoeing and weeding and hating every minute of all that work it took to grow all those veggies. I also remember all the cool bugs that were in the garden--tomato worms and huge spiders and my favortie--praying mantis'.
We also mulched our yard. Then we raked up the grass and used it around our plants to keep the weeds away.
We turned off the water while we were doing dishes (until we rinsed), while we were brushing our teeth and while we soaped up in the shower. All this stuff is wonderful for the evironment now but we did it because we were on well water and they were afraid we would run out of water. It bothers me to this day when Doug is doing dishes and the water runs the whole time he is in there. UGH! Wasting water.
We didn't own Illinois Power either so we turned off the lights when we left a room or turned off the tv when we were done watching it--etc. I will go upstairs now after the kids leave for school and Zach's lights will be on and his tv is going and there is no one there.
And another one of my dreaded things growing up was hanging out the laundry. Everything.even.socks. ugh! Saved on electricity though. I'm looking now to get a clothes line. I won't be hanging socks out, but...I'm sure everything else will get hung out some time or the other.
I guess it is a good thing that I did all those things growing up because they are ingrained in me now and I do them without even thinking. I need to be better about recycling now--we are getting there--we do plastics and aluminum now. I need to move on to glass and paper too. Baby steps. My parents recycle. Have for a long time. So, maybe they are stewards of the earth--they just never told me that's why we were doing it.
Monday, May 3, 2010
It's just another manic Monday...
Weekend was good. Saturday was a nothing day. The good kind. Kate had spent Friday night with a friend and was going to the movies Saturday afternoon and Zach went with a friend to Six Flags so Doug and I were pretty much on our own. My mom and dad came over so Dad could help Doug install a new light fixture in our bathroom and also an outlet. Up until then we couldn't plug anything in the bathroom. So I've been drying and straightening my hair in our bedroom and he has been recharging his razor...on. the. kitchen. counter. YUCK! It only took them 3 hours which was a plus considering this house is 90 years old--and you never know what you are going to find.
After Mom and Dad left Doug and I went and had a late lunch/early supper at Red Lobster. Yum. And then we ran a few errands--by ourselves. yeah. Kate was home when we got home and for supper for them Doug went and picked up a Pizza Hut pizza--her favorite. We went to pick up Zach around 10:00 and he couldn't quit talking about what a good time they had.
Sunday was kind of a lazy morning. We skipped Sunday School and church--uh oh. and hung around together. We left around 1:00 to head to Shelbyville for Zach's first travel baseball games. We played a double header against a Shelbyville area team. This was there 12th and 13th games and you could tell. Zach was upset with himself because he didn't hit very well but his "Sports Center" foul ball catch up against the other dug out fence while he was playing 1st was good enough for me. It was after 7 by the time we got home but luckily chef Kate was here to help us out so taco fixings were ready and waiting for us. Love that she can help with suppers. Makes it so much easier on me--and less stressful.
This week's agenda: Track practice until 4:30--practice baseball game at 6:00 today, Track meet in Clinton Tuesday. Track practice until 4:30 and then baseball practice at 6 on Wednesday. Thursday free--for now--hallelujah! Friday track practice until 4:30 and baseball practice at 6:00, Saturday is a track meet (that Zach will be skipping), baseball pics at 9, opening game at 10:00 and then a double header for travel starting at 2:00. Good thing Sunday is Mother's day! (And remember in my 40th bday list of stuff to do I said I was only going to buy myself one purse this year--that I bought in January? The way around that is to pick one out and to have your kids get it for you for Mother's Day.)
After Mom and Dad left Doug and I went and had a late lunch/early supper at Red Lobster. Yum. And then we ran a few errands--by ourselves. yeah. Kate was home when we got home and for supper for them Doug went and picked up a Pizza Hut pizza--her favorite. We went to pick up Zach around 10:00 and he couldn't quit talking about what a good time they had.
Sunday was kind of a lazy morning. We skipped Sunday School and church--uh oh. and hung around together. We left around 1:00 to head to Shelbyville for Zach's first travel baseball games. We played a double header against a Shelbyville area team. This was there 12th and 13th games and you could tell. Zach was upset with himself because he didn't hit very well but his "Sports Center" foul ball catch up against the other dug out fence while he was playing 1st was good enough for me. It was after 7 by the time we got home but luckily chef Kate was here to help us out so taco fixings were ready and waiting for us. Love that she can help with suppers. Makes it so much easier on me--and less stressful.
This week's agenda: Track practice until 4:30--practice baseball game at 6:00 today, Track meet in Clinton Tuesday. Track practice until 4:30 and then baseball practice at 6 on Wednesday. Thursday free--for now--hallelujah! Friday track practice until 4:30 and baseball practice at 6:00, Saturday is a track meet (that Zach will be skipping), baseball pics at 9, opening game at 10:00 and then a double header for travel starting at 2:00. Good thing Sunday is Mother's day! (And remember in my 40th bday list of stuff to do I said I was only going to buy myself one purse this year--that I bought in January? The way around that is to pick one out and to have your kids get it for you for Mother's Day.)
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Stuck in a rut...
I was so deep in the rut last week that I barely got myself out. I was feeling really unhappy about being home and really anxious about applying for the job that I was almost non functioning. I was crabby (that's putting it nicely honey!) and stressed and a lot depressed. While lying on the couch contemplating it all I decided that I needed to treat being home like a job.
I made some lists (imagine that) and came up with daily chores, weekly chores, bi-weekly and monthly chores. And yesterday--I got up with everyone else and took a shower and got ready--hair and makeup done--dressed decently with jewelry (and just by doing that I felt much better.) You know getting ready to start the day at this job.
Yesterday I got so much more done than I have in a long time. I made our bed, washed 2 afghans and a coat, made the bathroom presentable, picked up here and there and cleaned out every box, basket and bin that had paper work in them (well, all of my baskets, bins and boxes). I also tackled the filing. I have been putting it off for a really long time. Try the last year or so. UGH! I re-vamped some binders and categories and got everything but a handful of things filed. I need to make new folders and I don't have any so next grocery store run I will be picking them up and finishing that project.
One of my new goals is to finish what I start--that day. I did forget a basket last night but first thing this morning I tackled it and I'm done. I even cleaned the junk drawer. It felt so good to have it out of the way--it's been hovering on the to do list for a year and now it's done. I started at 11 and finished at 3--so it wasn't a big amount of time, but I had it in my mind for so long that it would be so hard and take so long so I never started it. Stupid of me.
Today I want to finish the 3 loads of laundry that I have and clean off the dining room table. I also want to figure out what we are having for supper and get that laid out. Plus all the daily chores I have listed. I need to look through my weekly and bi-weekly (pay day week) chores and figure out what days I am going to work on those things that need to get done. I might try to make up days of the week cards on them--assign certain chores to a certain day. Not sure on that yet.
Also I want to make a list of big "to do's" around here. One to go on the fridge so that any one can tackle them.
I made some lists (imagine that) and came up with daily chores, weekly chores, bi-weekly and monthly chores. And yesterday--I got up with everyone else and took a shower and got ready--hair and makeup done--dressed decently with jewelry (and just by doing that I felt much better.) You know getting ready to start the day at this job.
Yesterday I got so much more done than I have in a long time. I made our bed, washed 2 afghans and a coat, made the bathroom presentable, picked up here and there and cleaned out every box, basket and bin that had paper work in them (well, all of my baskets, bins and boxes). I also tackled the filing. I have been putting it off for a really long time. Try the last year or so. UGH! I re-vamped some binders and categories and got everything but a handful of things filed. I need to make new folders and I don't have any so next grocery store run I will be picking them up and finishing that project.
One of my new goals is to finish what I start--that day. I did forget a basket last night but first thing this morning I tackled it and I'm done. I even cleaned the junk drawer. It felt so good to have it out of the way--it's been hovering on the to do list for a year and now it's done. I started at 11 and finished at 3--so it wasn't a big amount of time, but I had it in my mind for so long that it would be so hard and take so long so I never started it. Stupid of me.
Today I want to finish the 3 loads of laundry that I have and clean off the dining room table. I also want to figure out what we are having for supper and get that laid out. Plus all the daily chores I have listed. I need to look through my weekly and bi-weekly (pay day week) chores and figure out what days I am going to work on those things that need to get done. I might try to make up days of the week cards on them--assign certain chores to a certain day. Not sure on that yet.
Also I want to make a list of big "to do's" around here. One to go on the fridge so that any one can tackle them.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Why do I always
Question myself? Now it seems like I can't decide if this is the job I want. I am giong to go ahead and apply and if I get it then I guess it was meant to be. Most of my problem is that I have "failed" at the last 2 jobs I had so I don't have any confidence. I also can't see myself in the future. Am I going to be Pat's age and still working at the school. The money would be nice, but I don't always want to have my life revolve around money. I guess time will tell...
Thursday, April 22, 2010
what's that saying?
Be careful what you wish for....hmmm...Kate came home Tuesday from school and said "I was working with the school secretary today instead of study hall and she's retiring and thinks you should take the job". Well...uh....I was totally speechless. I thought about it for a day, talked it over with Doug, texted it over with BFF and decided that I would go in there today and catch her in action and see what it would be like. It was hectic--and I was only there for an hour. 4 teachers, 2 discipline problems, 7 phone calls, 1 post-prom Mom, 10 students for random things. WOW! Of course I went in 2nd hour. Right about the deadline time that parents have to call in absent kids so I'm sure that was a lot of it. Principal was gone for the day so I'm sure other days would run smoother???
*7:30-3:30--no lunch but I could eat at my desk. If I want a lunch I have to work longer. (Not working until 5--on my wish list)
*work 10 days before school starts and 10 days after it is over. (Having the summers off--ultimate wish list)
*if the kids aren't there I don't have to be. (I would be home with my kids when they are off. ultimate wish list)
*12 sick days and 2 personal days
*insurance and retirement--bonus
*$10.50 hour (could use my money to start an emergency fund and to pay off our debt which is a major goal for me this year and until it gets paid off--it could possibly help me do it one year sooner than I originally planned--which would be next year instead of 2012)
So all in all, it sounds like a good deal. Who am I kidding, it sounds like a wonderful idea. Zach gets on the bus at 7:10 and Kate walks to school at 7:30--no issues in the morning. I could still get home in time to go get Zach from practices and such and head to games and meets at a decent time. Perfect for me.
So, I will work on my resume tonight to take in tomorrow to get going on the whole process.
*7:30-3:30--no lunch but I could eat at my desk. If I want a lunch I have to work longer. (Not working until 5--on my wish list)
*work 10 days before school starts and 10 days after it is over. (Having the summers off--ultimate wish list)
*if the kids aren't there I don't have to be. (I would be home with my kids when they are off. ultimate wish list)
*12 sick days and 2 personal days
*insurance and retirement--bonus
*$10.50 hour (could use my money to start an emergency fund and to pay off our debt which is a major goal for me this year and until it gets paid off--it could possibly help me do it one year sooner than I originally planned--which would be next year instead of 2012)
So all in all, it sounds like a good deal. Who am I kidding, it sounds like a wonderful idea. Zach gets on the bus at 7:10 and Kate walks to school at 7:30--no issues in the morning. I could still get home in time to go get Zach from practices and such and head to games and meets at a decent time. Perfect for me.
So, I will work on my resume tonight to take in tomorrow to get going on the whole process.
Monday, April 19, 2010
What to say...
I haven't written on here for a little while and it's because I really don't have much to say. I've been in a little slump lately. I'm getting my normal stuff done, but everything extra is well...waiting. What I am waiting for I have no idea.
I'd say I'm half depressed. I think I would like to work again, but when I think about it, I worry that I won't get to go to all of Zach's track meets or baseball games or even pick him up from practice. I should be happy to just be at home, but when I'm here I look around and think I want this I want that and it makes me want to go shopping and spend money that we don't have--because I am not working. Catch 22.
I've been trying to figure a way for us to be debt free except one car payment and the mortgage in 2 years. I think I have it figured out--but there isn't anything extra--there isn't anything fun. And to have to think that there will be nothing extra or fun for 2 years is just...not fun. I know we can do it. I have it figured out that we would be done paying on everything (and have a little savings--with a couple's vacation thrown in at the beginning of the 2nd year--so I guess that is fun but it's at the end of the time)in 2 years--by the end of 2012. Anyway, to convince everyone else to get on board is becoming challenging. Am I going to be the one that has to say no to everyone?
In fact last week when I had sat here for a whole day and figured out how to do it I proudly told Doug what I wanted to do and by when. He listened and probably not even an hour later says--we need to get "fill in the blank with an item that was not under $100". Can you say frustration. I of course said "were you not listening earlier?" I said there wasn't room for anything extra!!! That "fill in the blank" costs $300!!! Duh!
Today I went out to take the car to fill the gas tank and...flat tire. Didn't the Camry hear me say there wasn't anything extra? Luckily in the next 2 years I am building an emergency fund--but I don't have one now. Credit Card city--the very things I don't want to use for the next 2 years. I'm praying that it can be patched, but knowing my luck we will need to get a new tire. Cross your fingers.
BFF and I are doing a yard sale at the end of April and I hope I just squeak out enough to buy my flowers for the porches. I need at least $100. I have $50 in Wal-Mart gift cards--but that won't even cover 3 of the hanging baskets I want to get. I guess I don't have to get all my flowers--but they make me happy. I enjoy them all summer long and sometimes into the fall. So, I think I didn't even make $100 last rummage sale--hope I can at least get close. I've been going through a lot of our stuff and have a lot to get rid of, but...
We did save money from our tax return to do a weekend type vacation with the kids this year. The more I think about it I guess there will be fun thrown in here and there, but...for me fun things are things I get instant gratification from. You know my standbys--jewelry, crafts, scrap booking supplies, shoes, clothes, etc. And I could still use my personal spending money for that kind of stuff but I only get so much every couple of weeks.
I guess this whole post is about me trying to wrap my head around all these ideas I've been having about money. I need to get fully on board and then run with it.
I'd say I'm half depressed. I think I would like to work again, but when I think about it, I worry that I won't get to go to all of Zach's track meets or baseball games or even pick him up from practice. I should be happy to just be at home, but when I'm here I look around and think I want this I want that and it makes me want to go shopping and spend money that we don't have--because I am not working. Catch 22.
I've been trying to figure a way for us to be debt free except one car payment and the mortgage in 2 years. I think I have it figured out--but there isn't anything extra--there isn't anything fun. And to have to think that there will be nothing extra or fun for 2 years is just...not fun. I know we can do it. I have it figured out that we would be done paying on everything (and have a little savings--with a couple's vacation thrown in at the beginning of the 2nd year--so I guess that is fun but it's at the end of the time)in 2 years--by the end of 2012. Anyway, to convince everyone else to get on board is becoming challenging. Am I going to be the one that has to say no to everyone?
In fact last week when I had sat here for a whole day and figured out how to do it I proudly told Doug what I wanted to do and by when. He listened and probably not even an hour later says--we need to get "fill in the blank with an item that was not under $100". Can you say frustration. I of course said "were you not listening earlier?" I said there wasn't room for anything extra!!! That "fill in the blank" costs $300!!! Duh!
Today I went out to take the car to fill the gas tank and...flat tire. Didn't the Camry hear me say there wasn't anything extra? Luckily in the next 2 years I am building an emergency fund--but I don't have one now. Credit Card city--the very things I don't want to use for the next 2 years. I'm praying that it can be patched, but knowing my luck we will need to get a new tire. Cross your fingers.
BFF and I are doing a yard sale at the end of April and I hope I just squeak out enough to buy my flowers for the porches. I need at least $100. I have $50 in Wal-Mart gift cards--but that won't even cover 3 of the hanging baskets I want to get. I guess I don't have to get all my flowers--but they make me happy. I enjoy them all summer long and sometimes into the fall. So, I think I didn't even make $100 last rummage sale--hope I can at least get close. I've been going through a lot of our stuff and have a lot to get rid of, but...
We did save money from our tax return to do a weekend type vacation with the kids this year. The more I think about it I guess there will be fun thrown in here and there, but...for me fun things are things I get instant gratification from. You know my standbys--jewelry, crafts, scrap booking supplies, shoes, clothes, etc. And I could still use my personal spending money for that kind of stuff but I only get so much every couple of weeks.
I guess this whole post is about me trying to wrap my head around all these ideas I've been having about money. I need to get fully on board and then run with it.
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