Yep. Christmas has come and went already. Things are getting semi back to normal around here at work and at home. Work has already been interesting. First day back was yesterday..... and the woman I had mentioned in my last post.... well, she showed up yesterday, and after a short time, "resigned" and was escorted out with her personal things. I can't help but feel sorry for her for I'm sure she doesn't realize what had just happened. Her husband just got out of the hospital and I understand from others is quite the controlling bully. He wants to move back to the Philippines, so if she doesn't have a job, he will force her to go back. But, she is gone, and some of her duties have been divided up between me and one other person. I get the medical directors, which is a given.
Christmas was so good for me. I love so much being around family and was surprised at all the gifts I received - especially the special gifts I received from my boys. One granddaughter made me a beautiful top, and another sewed an apron for me - her first project! I received a new coffee pot I plan to bring in to work for my coffee - the coffee in the breakroom is terrible and I refuse to pay out $$ for a cup of coffee. I received a beautiful open heart diamond necklace. I received a lot of clothes from my hubby, which I needed, and a beautiful necklace. My daughter gave me a very warm, soft, sweater with a hoodie which I'm wearing all the time cause it feels so good. I even got an Amazon Tap this year - which I am having fun with. With not being home during the day, all I say to her is "Alexa, what is the weather outside?" and Alexa will answer, "In Phoenix the current temperature is.... and for today it will be a high of .... and ..... skies." I need to figure out more how to use it. I had her playing Christmas music on Christmas. So nice. I received a 'sling' for it yesterday which tells me that it is portable. Sounds like I can bring it with me wherever I go. But I hate to bring it here for I'm afraid I will forget it. People who have them say they love them - when you run out of something, you ask Alexa to put it on a grocery list. Is there a chance that I won't have an excuse to forget what I've run out of?
My neighbor gave me a bread maker. Which is nice, except we really (ok, me) don't eat that much bread anymore. So I need to get yeast and then make her a loaf every few weeks of something nice. Maybe cinnamon raisin or something. Let her know I am using it. My middle child gave me one years and years ago and I used it a lot. Then we quit using it and since no one in the family wanted it, I gave it away. At least this one isn't 'new' - it was her mother's, but she wanted me to have it.
I loved, loved, loved having all the grandchildren around throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas day. It was so fun to see our new little great-princess. What a joy she is! I had a theme for that family - we now all have 'saurus' t-shirts - ranging from Great Grandparents, to Grandparents, to Uncles, to Mommy and Daddy, and last of all, our little Baby Saurus. I was checking everywhere for a black t-shirt and the smallest I could find was a size 2. Then to order the decal so that I could sew/iron it on. Then paint 'Baby Saurus' on the t-shirt. Not perfect, but rewarding.
Came back to work yesterday, today, taking a sick day tomorrow so that I can get my physical in before the end of the year. Then all the lab work. Decided I didn't want to come down in for just a few hours. Maybe I can get our Christmas stuff put away. Or not. I hope to have the last two grandsons over to bake tomorrow night, but as one wasn't feeling well on Christmas, hubby doesn't want them over unless he is over it. I may have to delay a night or two... but then they are going back home so I do want to have them over before they leave.
And I need to get back to work. Just thought I would take the time to catch up on my writing. Trying to write a bit more often, but once work picks up, I may not be able to. I usually don't get on the computer at home - I need to clean up my clutter and get the computer set up so that I can. Always something! But for now - sending you
Blessings!
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Sometimes meetings with food....
isn't so good. Or rather, good for me. I have eaten wayyy tooo muuuchhhh this week!! In fact, after lunch today, I have emailed hubby that I don't want dinner tonight! But - the food is soooo good and I didn't have to cook it! Tell me if you would turn this down - baked ham, baked chicken, pasta, mashed potatoes and gravy, grilled broccoli and steamed zucchini, and I can't think of what else, but I didn't get dessert! And I don't usually do gravy! But had a bit of everything else. And it was very good. But now I need a nap!
One of my co-workers called in today. Again. I think she was already on shaky ground, but she called me and said she was going to put in for FMLA. She will use up her vacation time, her sick time, and then I almost would not be afraid to think she would request short term disability. Her time for FMLA is for her husband who was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia yesterday, but she told me he was doing much better now. She has had some medical problems to where she gets lost coming to work. Oh yeah, that's another story! Last week she ended up 20+ miles away - we thought we would have to go get her - but was able to direct her back this way. She is from the Philippines originally.... been here about 13 years I think - but her husband wants to go back to the Philippines and she doesn't want to. Not sure how that is going to end up.
So my work load is going to increase some - and that's ok. Most days I don't have that much to do anymore. For example, here I am typing this in the middle of the day....
I'm done with Christmas shopping. At some point I have to just say 'enough'! Gifts for different ones are not equal - but it is what it is. What can I say. I've spent a lot more than I meant to. I plan to open up a separate savings account and put money in it each month and save so that I can not skip a beat with my shopping next year. That's the plan, anyway.
Been struggling with tingling in my upper back and my neck hurting - to where occasionally I get a chill. Not sure what is going on there. Got hubby to put pain cream on my neck last night and I took a pain pill - slept good - and although it bothers me some today, it isn't too bad. I have too much to get done to sit on the sidelines.
I actually got some pickles made last night - not as much as I wanted to, but got a few jars made. It's my boss' fault - she asked for pickles. I have to make salsa tonight cause she asked for salsa too. Those two things are staples that I always give her - and she uses them in her gatherings at her house. Everyone loves them. :-) Which makes me feel good. I enjoy making them, and having them ready to give away.
Now I need to find something to do so will get off here. Hope you are getting everything done that you want to. And in every little thing, may you find -
Blessings!
One of my co-workers called in today. Again. I think she was already on shaky ground, but she called me and said she was going to put in for FMLA. She will use up her vacation time, her sick time, and then I almost would not be afraid to think she would request short term disability. Her time for FMLA is for her husband who was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia yesterday, but she told me he was doing much better now. She has had some medical problems to where she gets lost coming to work. Oh yeah, that's another story! Last week she ended up 20+ miles away - we thought we would have to go get her - but was able to direct her back this way. She is from the Philippines originally.... been here about 13 years I think - but her husband wants to go back to the Philippines and she doesn't want to. Not sure how that is going to end up.
So my work load is going to increase some - and that's ok. Most days I don't have that much to do anymore. For example, here I am typing this in the middle of the day....
I'm done with Christmas shopping. At some point I have to just say 'enough'! Gifts for different ones are not equal - but it is what it is. What can I say. I've spent a lot more than I meant to. I plan to open up a separate savings account and put money in it each month and save so that I can not skip a beat with my shopping next year. That's the plan, anyway.
Been struggling with tingling in my upper back and my neck hurting - to where occasionally I get a chill. Not sure what is going on there. Got hubby to put pain cream on my neck last night and I took a pain pill - slept good - and although it bothers me some today, it isn't too bad. I have too much to get done to sit on the sidelines.
I actually got some pickles made last night - not as much as I wanted to, but got a few jars made. It's my boss' fault - she asked for pickles. I have to make salsa tonight cause she asked for salsa too. Those two things are staples that I always give her - and she uses them in her gatherings at her house. Everyone loves them. :-) Which makes me feel good. I enjoy making them, and having them ready to give away.
Now I need to find something to do so will get off here. Hope you are getting everything done that you want to. And in every little thing, may you find -
Blessings!
Monday, December 18, 2017
The beginning of the week before....
and life is just as crazy as it always has been! I'm already at work - and have all-day meetings scheduled for today, tomorrow and Wednesday. Not my choice! I guess they figure people need to be at work - therefore, they will be in meetings! I don't have to attend the meetings (thank goodness!) but I did arrange for breakfast, lunch, and snacks to be delivered and need to make sure everything is set up like it should be. All of my bosses are in Tucson today for the meeting (it's A/V) so are calling in. It's all part of my job, getting it set up.
I think I am finally done with my Christmas shopping. I realized last night I hadn't sent anything to our granddaughter and great granddaughter in Nebraska yet - had thought about sending a check, but I really hate to do that, although they would probably be glad to get it. So I went on-line to a couple places and had some things shipped to them. One cost me as much in shipping as it did for the gift - only because I want it delivered by Christmas! And that's ok. Now I think I can say I'm officially 'done' - except I need to pick up things for the meals for the weekend. I'll probably do that Wednesday or Thursday evening.
I asked a couple of the kids what they wanted for meals cause I knew what my middle son wanted - ham sandwiches! His is lunch so isn't too hard to pull together. I'm hoping to find time over the weekend to make him potato salad, but will see. Then again, will have potato chips, so do we need potato salad too? It's only for him - but I would like to do it. Depends on time. At least I don't have to make a big batch, so it shouldn't be too hard.
The daughter said she wants baked chicken. Simple enough. I was surprised, though. Maybe she is trying to eat healthy. Baked chicken, salad, maybe baked potatoes with the trimmings... broccoli.... that should do it. Oh, and dessert. But what? Maybe the crockpot cobbler and ice cream.
The youngest wants a dish we call "garbage". At first I was undecided, but I figure if that is what he has asked for, then I'll fix it for him. At least his kids like it too. It's been a long while since I've made it, and with mashed potatoes it will be a big hit. And I can make it the day before so I don't have to extra stuff to do on Christmas day. Works for me. :-)
I love Christmas. I love the baking, I love cooking dinner for my kids, I love family being around. It's not about receiving gifts, it is about giving them and just having laughter and joy together for a short time. Forget our troubles, and focus on the reason we have Christmas. Of course it isn't just about the giving, but about celebrating Life - Jesus' life, His birth.
I wish I had done things differently when the kids were growing up. I am much wiser now, I think. I can't change the past, but I can try to make today better. And so can you.
Blessings!
I think I am finally done with my Christmas shopping. I realized last night I hadn't sent anything to our granddaughter and great granddaughter in Nebraska yet - had thought about sending a check, but I really hate to do that, although they would probably be glad to get it. So I went on-line to a couple places and had some things shipped to them. One cost me as much in shipping as it did for the gift - only because I want it delivered by Christmas! And that's ok. Now I think I can say I'm officially 'done' - except I need to pick up things for the meals for the weekend. I'll probably do that Wednesday or Thursday evening.
I asked a couple of the kids what they wanted for meals cause I knew what my middle son wanted - ham sandwiches! His is lunch so isn't too hard to pull together. I'm hoping to find time over the weekend to make him potato salad, but will see. Then again, will have potato chips, so do we need potato salad too? It's only for him - but I would like to do it. Depends on time. At least I don't have to make a big batch, so it shouldn't be too hard.
The daughter said she wants baked chicken. Simple enough. I was surprised, though. Maybe she is trying to eat healthy. Baked chicken, salad, maybe baked potatoes with the trimmings... broccoli.... that should do it. Oh, and dessert. But what? Maybe the crockpot cobbler and ice cream.
The youngest wants a dish we call "garbage". At first I was undecided, but I figure if that is what he has asked for, then I'll fix it for him. At least his kids like it too. It's been a long while since I've made it, and with mashed potatoes it will be a big hit. And I can make it the day before so I don't have to extra stuff to do on Christmas day. Works for me. :-)
I love Christmas. I love the baking, I love cooking dinner for my kids, I love family being around. It's not about receiving gifts, it is about giving them and just having laughter and joy together for a short time. Forget our troubles, and focus on the reason we have Christmas. Of course it isn't just about the giving, but about celebrating Life - Jesus' life, His birth.
I wish I had done things differently when the kids were growing up. I am much wiser now, I think. I can't change the past, but I can try to make today better. And so can you.
Blessings!
Monday, December 11, 2017
So quiet and boring.....
My one boss is out of the office today, my two co-workers are both out today (one her son is graduating from college, the other called in sick) - the two managers in front of me are remote today - and my other boss left about an hour ago for the day. So it is quiet. Very quiet. I told my boss that if nothing is going on at 3:30, I was going to cut out about 1/2 hour early as well! I could probably cut out at 3PM, but with the other two gone as well, I don't want the department left empty. Not that it matters as I don't have much to do with that department.
Had the first group of grandchildren over on Saturday to do their Christmas baking. I so much enjoy this time with them. Grandpa watched TV while we baked and then played games. Had a great time. Makes me want to do it more often. Will have to see how next year starts off. Maybe once a quarter have over... alternate the grandchildren or something. But it was fun.
More packages will be arriving this week, and what I have already received is wrapped and under the tree. I overdid it again. Even more so than in years past, I think. Or is it that my family has just gotten larger - but then - only by one! Altho I did buy a small gift for two of the grandsons girlfriends.... which reminds me - I need to get something for a granddaughter's boyfriend! I know what I want to do... will have to see if I can get it this next weekend. Or send her to pick it up for me. We shall see!
I just got a text from a dear friend at our 'old' church.... they invited us over for dinner Wednesday night. I don't get home until about 5:30 but she said that was fine, to come when we can. It will be nice to sit and eat and chat with them. I was going to have them over after the holidays - and I still need to do that. We met them back in 1984, I think it was, when their daughter was two years old. I did baking with their daughter until my oldest granddaughter turned two - then I quit. I have always felt bad that I didn't continue.
Just starting to ramble now..... where have all my stories gone... maybe 2018 will be a good year and my heart will feel joy again..... in the meantime.... don't spend all your money in one place!
Blessings!
Had the first group of grandchildren over on Saturday to do their Christmas baking. I so much enjoy this time with them. Grandpa watched TV while we baked and then played games. Had a great time. Makes me want to do it more often. Will have to see how next year starts off. Maybe once a quarter have over... alternate the grandchildren or something. But it was fun.
More packages will be arriving this week, and what I have already received is wrapped and under the tree. I overdid it again. Even more so than in years past, I think. Or is it that my family has just gotten larger - but then - only by one! Altho I did buy a small gift for two of the grandsons girlfriends.... which reminds me - I need to get something for a granddaughter's boyfriend! I know what I want to do... will have to see if I can get it this next weekend. Or send her to pick it up for me. We shall see!
I just got a text from a dear friend at our 'old' church.... they invited us over for dinner Wednesday night. I don't get home until about 5:30 but she said that was fine, to come when we can. It will be nice to sit and eat and chat with them. I was going to have them over after the holidays - and I still need to do that. We met them back in 1984, I think it was, when their daughter was two years old. I did baking with their daughter until my oldest granddaughter turned two - then I quit. I have always felt bad that I didn't continue.
Just starting to ramble now..... where have all my stories gone... maybe 2018 will be a good year and my heart will feel joy again..... in the meantime.... don't spend all your money in one place!
Blessings!
Friday, December 8, 2017
It's all about the....
gathering of family. For me it is, anyway. I love to have each and every one of my family gathered about. I'm actually glad we do the families separate as it gives me the opportunity to love on each one and give them my undivided attention.
I think I am finally done shopping. I ordered a bunch more stuff yesterday and now I am done. I have returned some things as well. As I like to say, "It is what it is".
I even ordered my very own Christmas gift. Or gifts, I guess I should say. I have always wanted Christmas dishes. A nice set. I use my white china as a rule whenever we have guests over for a meal, but I have always wanted a special set for Christmas. So, yesterday, I saw that Macy's had the Pfaltzgraff (brand) of Winterberry dishes on sale. Still, more than I have ever paid for a set of dishes. But I love that pattern, and I've always wanted Christmas dishes. So I ordered myself a set of 12 of the plates, salad plates, cups, bowls, and glasses. I then went to http://www.pfaltzgraff.com/ and ordered the bread and butter plates (12). I also have ordered - prior to this for me the Bless this house Winterberry platters. They have several other things that I would love to have, and I told my hubby that if the kids ask next year what I want for Christmas, just tell them to pick up some of the Winterberry pattern and I will love to add to my collection. They should be here next week and I can't wait! I hope none arrive broken.
What's your favorite part about Christmas? I love to give gifts and love, and salsa, and whatever else anyone wants. I love to be a part of their lives. I'm realizing more and more that I am getting older and some day I won't be around to share this time. Perhaps that is why I treasure it more. I want to give each one memories to have each year. And I want to have my own memories.
Blessings!
I think I am finally done shopping. I ordered a bunch more stuff yesterday and now I am done. I have returned some things as well. As I like to say, "It is what it is".
I even ordered my very own Christmas gift. Or gifts, I guess I should say. I have always wanted Christmas dishes. A nice set. I use my white china as a rule whenever we have guests over for a meal, but I have always wanted a special set for Christmas. So, yesterday, I saw that Macy's had the Pfaltzgraff (brand) of Winterberry dishes on sale. Still, more than I have ever paid for a set of dishes. But I love that pattern, and I've always wanted Christmas dishes. So I ordered myself a set of 12 of the plates, salad plates, cups, bowls, and glasses. I then went to http://www.pfaltzgraff.com/ and ordered the bread and butter plates (12). I also have ordered - prior to this for me the Bless this house Winterberry platters. They have several other things that I would love to have, and I told my hubby that if the kids ask next year what I want for Christmas, just tell them to pick up some of the Winterberry pattern and I will love to add to my collection. They should be here next week and I can't wait! I hope none arrive broken.
What's your favorite part about Christmas? I love to give gifts and love, and salsa, and whatever else anyone wants. I love to be a part of their lives. I'm realizing more and more that I am getting older and some day I won't be around to share this time. Perhaps that is why I treasure it more. I want to give each one memories to have each year. And I want to have my own memories.
Blessings!
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