Yeah, I caught the cold from hubby, and even after all my efforts of olive leaf extract and black elderberry syrup and even soltice, I could not get rid of it. I had to work last week because I had meetings I was in charge of pulling together - but by Friday, my boss tells me I have to go to the Urgent Care - she was sending me! And by then I was actually starting to feel I was coming out of it! But like a good employee, I did go to Urgent Care where they told me I had a cold with chronic cough. Seriously? Got an antibiotic and cough syrup, and a $75 bill for going to Urgent Care. It's all good. Took the last pill yesterday and finishing up the cough syrup in the next day or so. I'm finally getting back to "normal" - whatever that is.
With being so sick, I haven't been going anywhere. In fact, I didn't even go to church on Sunday. Just didn't want to get in to a coughing fit in the middle of the message. It's been nice being able to 'lay around' and just take care of me. I've been sleeping in the back room because I cough throughout the night. By Friday this week I will probably be back in my bed because our granddaughter will be spending the weekend.
I was so sick that I actually forgot a grandson's 13th birthday! Could not believe I forgot it. But, I made amends by picking him up on Sunday and instead of going shopping for a toy, we took him out for dinner and he got his $20 to buy whatever. And of course, Dairy Queen dilly bars to take back home. That is sort of a tradition for the two of us. Sure do love that little boy!
Work has been really busy again this week and the longing to retire has been great. If we could find a smaller place (much smaller) and get rid of a bunch of things, there is hope that I could perhaps find a part-time job and be closer to home, and we make it on what social security is. Hubby chose to retire at 70.... I should have that choice, don't you agree? sigh. If only it was that simple.
I'm feeling better, which is the purpose of this update, just to say I've caught the cold and getting rid of it. My big brother sent me a bunch of puzzles - which I dearly love! I ended up buying a puzzle board to work them on so that when I have to move them from the table I don't have to tear them apart. In fact, I got notification it arrived today. But, I won't have time for a puzzle until tomorrow night or this weekend. Always something going on, for sure.
Gotta get ready to leave - 4 minutes to go and counting. Stay Healthy!
Blessings!
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Working from home today....and I'm glad.
Definitely glad as the big super snow storm is moving across the eastern United States - and is dropping lots of cold and rain here in middle Arizona. About an hour up north from us is reporting 8 inches of snow already.
Sitting here at my computer, working from home, I feel the cold coming in through the big air conditioner in the wall that we don't use. Would love to have it removed, but it would require tear out the entire wall and because our wood outside the house is unique and OLD. With planning to move within a few years, I'm hoping to just 'deal with it' and let the new owners make that decision and have that expense. I love my house, but we can't afford it once I quit working, and I really do want to quit working. Sometime. It panics the hubby because he knows he will have to quit doing some things that he enjoys doing.... but that is a whole nother story. I could give up a lot of things in order to retire.
Life is settling down somewhat with the granddaughter. Now that the 'newness' is wearing off, she won't get by with as much as she has been. This isn't a 'vacation' for her, even though she is relishing it I'm sure. I told my daughter the other day to lay down the law and tell her if she doesn't stick to the rules, she can go back and live with the stepmother. See how fast she straightens up. I just don't know. We've found some flaws in the story and just am not sure what to do. In the meantime, we still have her every other weekend. In fact, we have her this weekend. She may think it will be a lazy quiet weekend, but I have something at church Saturday morning and she will be going with me - even if she is the youngest one there!
Gasp! The sun just came out in the midst of the cold and rain! It just brightens the entire room! :-) Even though I am working from home, I am hoping another dear friend is also working from home - and if she is, we are meeting up for lunch today. And there the sun goes away just as fast as it came up! sigh. She is working from home so now we are trying to decide if we want to brave the crappy weather to meet up. Usually we meet in the evening with the hubbies, but we haven't been able to truly chat like we like to. My problems are NOTHING compared to what she has had to deal with over the years. She sure could use a break!
Need to get back to work - only taking a short break to add something. Hubby has been sick with a cold x two weeks - this morning I woke up with the raspy chest and sore throat. Olive Leaf Extract and Black Elderberry syrup and green tea is my menu for today. It's helped a lot already. I can't get sick - I have to work.
Hope you are having a good day.
Blessings!
Sitting here at my computer, working from home, I feel the cold coming in through the big air conditioner in the wall that we don't use. Would love to have it removed, but it would require tear out the entire wall and because our wood outside the house is unique and OLD. With planning to move within a few years, I'm hoping to just 'deal with it' and let the new owners make that decision and have that expense. I love my house, but we can't afford it once I quit working, and I really do want to quit working. Sometime. It panics the hubby because he knows he will have to quit doing some things that he enjoys doing.... but that is a whole nother story. I could give up a lot of things in order to retire.
Life is settling down somewhat with the granddaughter. Now that the 'newness' is wearing off, she won't get by with as much as she has been. This isn't a 'vacation' for her, even though she is relishing it I'm sure. I told my daughter the other day to lay down the law and tell her if she doesn't stick to the rules, she can go back and live with the stepmother. See how fast she straightens up. I just don't know. We've found some flaws in the story and just am not sure what to do. In the meantime, we still have her every other weekend. In fact, we have her this weekend. She may think it will be a lazy quiet weekend, but I have something at church Saturday morning and she will be going with me - even if she is the youngest one there!
Gasp! The sun just came out in the midst of the cold and rain! It just brightens the entire room! :-) Even though I am working from home, I am hoping another dear friend is also working from home - and if she is, we are meeting up for lunch today. And there the sun goes away just as fast as it came up! sigh. She is working from home so now we are trying to decide if we want to brave the crappy weather to meet up. Usually we meet in the evening with the hubbies, but we haven't been able to truly chat like we like to. My problems are NOTHING compared to what she has had to deal with over the years. She sure could use a break!
Need to get back to work - only taking a short break to add something. Hubby has been sick with a cold x two weeks - this morning I woke up with the raspy chest and sore throat. Olive Leaf Extract and Black Elderberry syrup and green tea is my menu for today. It's helped a lot already. I can't get sick - I have to work.
Hope you are having a good day.
Blessings!
Thursday, February 7, 2019
What is really going on....
I don't know. Clouds are starting to clear, and yet, there are still issues. Of which I'm not really a part of and yet, I have become involved. As have others.
The granddaughter with the wicked step-mother. The granddaughter is actually doing quite well and is bringing her grades up (from a D to a B, I think) because she is 1) doing her homework and 2) getting help when she needs it, and 3) being encouraged to think it through and complete it. It's only been a couple weeks since everything blew wide open. It sure does seem like a lot longer. Yeah, things have calmed down somewhat.
The step-mother found a "good-bye" note written by the granddaughter in the car when she was cleaning it out. Issues brought out were her parents divorce (typical) and a few other things. Interestingly enough, although I have not seen the actual note, the daughter has and the stepmother is not listed as an issue at all. Isn't that interesting. Of course some in the family don't care for the stepmother, i.e., her constantly shrieking high-pitch voice and ramblings about nothing and always having to 'have a friend who, that happened to me, I did that, I went there, I I I I' comment.... anyway, I digress.
I do know that the stepmother is vicious in degrading and putting down my son's children, especially if they do something wrong. She thinks her son is perfect and he is her idol. No one compares to him in her eyes because 'she wasn't supposed to have any children'. Good thing it stopped with one! (Did I really say that out loud?) Sigh. She sometimes brings out the worst in me.
It has been an inconvenience of sorts - the daughter is a lyft driver and has had to quit early every day to pick the granddaughter up from school and then help with homework, fix dinner, etc. She loses about 3-4 hours a day income. Since it is vital right now to have the income, it hurts financially. But, at least the weekends another granddaughter has responsibility or we have her. It hasn't been too bad.... but I wonder if we are just making it too easy on the one granddaughter. Where are her daily chores, etc. Maybe after this weekend, we need to return her to her stepmother... and yet, I hate for her to be in that predicament again. The son won't be home until May or so, he says. We all want to help, but....
We have the granddaughter this weekend and we are taking her to see her father at the hospital. He is wanting to spend some time with her alone to discuss the letter so I'm hoping we will have some time to visit our other granddaughter and great-granddaughter while in Tucson. Although they may be coming up here as her other grandmother is ill and in the hospital. I will wait until we are down there and know what is going on before I contact her. Don't want her to wait for us and then we don't get the opportunity to visit for a little bit. I'm hoping we can before we leave, anyway, if she is in town.
On the other hand, I wish I knew how to help my other daughter-in-law. I know she is spending a lot of time at the hospital with her mother. Maybe I can fix dinner Sunday for the family. Will have to see what I can do. It's always good news when I read her mother is doing better. I wish I didn't have to work and could take time off to help with the family meals. But, it just isn't possible.
Sometimes I get really frustrated I have to work. I would much rather be busy helping family in tough times. But for now, that's my life. I like my job, love the people I work with. I just don't find enjoyment in the work. Doesn't that give me permission to retire? But then, the bills won't get paid. Need to work on emptying out the house and put it up for sale, find a smaller place, and then make my plans. Hopefully within the next few years I can be in a position to walk away. I would love that.
Gotta get back to work!
Blessings!
The granddaughter with the wicked step-mother. The granddaughter is actually doing quite well and is bringing her grades up (from a D to a B, I think) because she is 1) doing her homework and 2) getting help when she needs it, and 3) being encouraged to think it through and complete it. It's only been a couple weeks since everything blew wide open. It sure does seem like a lot longer. Yeah, things have calmed down somewhat.
The step-mother found a "good-bye" note written by the granddaughter in the car when she was cleaning it out. Issues brought out were her parents divorce (typical) and a few other things. Interestingly enough, although I have not seen the actual note, the daughter has and the stepmother is not listed as an issue at all. Isn't that interesting. Of course some in the family don't care for the stepmother, i.e., her constantly shrieking high-pitch voice and ramblings about nothing and always having to 'have a friend who, that happened to me, I did that, I went there, I I I I' comment.... anyway, I digress.
I do know that the stepmother is vicious in degrading and putting down my son's children, especially if they do something wrong. She thinks her son is perfect and he is her idol. No one compares to him in her eyes because 'she wasn't supposed to have any children'. Good thing it stopped with one! (Did I really say that out loud?) Sigh. She sometimes brings out the worst in me.
It has been an inconvenience of sorts - the daughter is a lyft driver and has had to quit early every day to pick the granddaughter up from school and then help with homework, fix dinner, etc. She loses about 3-4 hours a day income. Since it is vital right now to have the income, it hurts financially. But, at least the weekends another granddaughter has responsibility or we have her. It hasn't been too bad.... but I wonder if we are just making it too easy on the one granddaughter. Where are her daily chores, etc. Maybe after this weekend, we need to return her to her stepmother... and yet, I hate for her to be in that predicament again. The son won't be home until May or so, he says. We all want to help, but....
We have the granddaughter this weekend and we are taking her to see her father at the hospital. He is wanting to spend some time with her alone to discuss the letter so I'm hoping we will have some time to visit our other granddaughter and great-granddaughter while in Tucson. Although they may be coming up here as her other grandmother is ill and in the hospital. I will wait until we are down there and know what is going on before I contact her. Don't want her to wait for us and then we don't get the opportunity to visit for a little bit. I'm hoping we can before we leave, anyway, if she is in town.
On the other hand, I wish I knew how to help my other daughter-in-law. I know she is spending a lot of time at the hospital with her mother. Maybe I can fix dinner Sunday for the family. Will have to see what I can do. It's always good news when I read her mother is doing better. I wish I didn't have to work and could take time off to help with the family meals. But, it just isn't possible.
Sometimes I get really frustrated I have to work. I would much rather be busy helping family in tough times. But for now, that's my life. I like my job, love the people I work with. I just don't find enjoyment in the work. Doesn't that give me permission to retire? But then, the bills won't get paid. Need to work on emptying out the house and put it up for sale, find a smaller place, and then make my plans. Hopefully within the next few years I can be in a position to walk away. I would love that.
Gotta get back to work!
Blessings!
Friday, January 25, 2019
Chaos in the family.... and other things....
It seems like some days the chaos in my family is overwhelming and crazy. I'm actually doing ok. Either that, or it hasn't soaked in, the things that have been happening.
I got word yesterday afternoon that my dearest adopted aunt, Aunt Sue, passed away. I didn't want my kids hearing it from others so got ahold of my daughter-in-law so that she could pass the news on to her family before they heard from others. I let my daughter and granddaughter know - they could pass it on. Still debating on passing the news on to the youngest son - of course he is in the right place to hear about it, so I may text him this morning. Aunt Sue is the last of the four sisters. I think there is one brother left back in Arkansas I think it is. Aunt Sue would have been 95 in July this year. One of my granddaughters immediately called me to see if I was ok, for they know how much I loved Aunt Sue.
The youngest son is in the VA hospital in Tucson getting much needed help for his alcohol addiction and then for PTSD. Now if 'life' would just leave him alone so that he can get better. I'm so glad he is there now for with what is going on, it would cause him to drink even more.
I received a hysterical call from his wife the other day that my granddaughter was 'cutting' herself. Then the conversation (on her side) turned to her emotions, etc. (like it was all about her) - and then I spoke with my granddaughter. I got her to promise she wouldn't do it again and I was going to pick her up this weekend so that we can have some time together. After talking with my son, she had done this real lightly about 3 weeks ago when he was home. He talked to her about it then. Then he was gone to the hospital. The granddaughter has been "alone" with the wicked stepmother. sigh. I understand that 3 nights ago now, she again cut on her wrists. Not real deep, but probably enough to get a trickle of blood - I really don't know. Anyway, that is what the daughter-in-law saw and went into hysterics about.
So the son suggested that his wife call the school and ask the counselor to talk with the granddaughter. Only the school doesn't have a counselor - they have a psychiatrist. Who asked the question: Do you ever feel like you don't want to be on this planet anymore? And of course the question was 'sometimes'. Even I could answer that question today that way! So they called in a crisis team who talked with her, then took her to a hospital nearby when they questioned her more. In the end, the granddaughter was released to her aunt's custody with the instructions she was not to be left alone with the wicked stepmother. Ok those are my words. The wicked stepmother part. She is the reason our granddaughter feels unwanted, humiliated, embarrassed. The stepmother puts her down and embarrasses her.
The daughter took her to get her clothes and the stepmother was very irate with her, demanding to know why the granddaughter couldn't be alone with her - that "I saved her life and you are being unfair. I need to know what she has said that she can't be with me alone. Those are your words, I want written proof." And so on. My daughter sent me a copy of some of the texts written after she left the house with my granddaughter. Even after my son told her 'it's not about you'.
I had to ask my son why he stayed with her when she causes such chaos in his family. She is always the victim and ridicules his children and puts them down all the time while building her son up. If anyone observed him, they would know he is going to have major obstacles as he grows up due to her parenting. My son responded, when the kids aren't around, they get along fine, and one day the kids will leave. The boys have already left; our granddaughter is only 14. To allow her 4 more years of this verbal and emotional abuse is unacceptable. Because of whom I'm married to, my hands are tied. I did tell him that if I was single - which I am not - if I was single, she would be able to come live with me. He just doesn't get it.
So after all this, the bottom line is, the granddaughter will be staying with my daughter until my son gets out of the hospital in about 4-5 months. Another granddaughter and son-in-law will make sure she gets to school every day. This granddaughter and I will split weekends having her stay at our places to give my daughter a break.
and you thought you had problems? But in all of this, it IS about my granddaughter feeling safe, loved, and wanted. And we will make sure she feels that way. It takes a village to raise a child.
Blessings!
I got word yesterday afternoon that my dearest adopted aunt, Aunt Sue, passed away. I didn't want my kids hearing it from others so got ahold of my daughter-in-law so that she could pass the news on to her family before they heard from others. I let my daughter and granddaughter know - they could pass it on. Still debating on passing the news on to the youngest son - of course he is in the right place to hear about it, so I may text him this morning. Aunt Sue is the last of the four sisters. I think there is one brother left back in Arkansas I think it is. Aunt Sue would have been 95 in July this year. One of my granddaughters immediately called me to see if I was ok, for they know how much I loved Aunt Sue.
The youngest son is in the VA hospital in Tucson getting much needed help for his alcohol addiction and then for PTSD. Now if 'life' would just leave him alone so that he can get better. I'm so glad he is there now for with what is going on, it would cause him to drink even more.
I received a hysterical call from his wife the other day that my granddaughter was 'cutting' herself. Then the conversation (on her side) turned to her emotions, etc. (like it was all about her) - and then I spoke with my granddaughter. I got her to promise she wouldn't do it again and I was going to pick her up this weekend so that we can have some time together. After talking with my son, she had done this real lightly about 3 weeks ago when he was home. He talked to her about it then. Then he was gone to the hospital. The granddaughter has been "alone" with the wicked stepmother. sigh. I understand that 3 nights ago now, she again cut on her wrists. Not real deep, but probably enough to get a trickle of blood - I really don't know. Anyway, that is what the daughter-in-law saw and went into hysterics about.
So the son suggested that his wife call the school and ask the counselor to talk with the granddaughter. Only the school doesn't have a counselor - they have a psychiatrist. Who asked the question: Do you ever feel like you don't want to be on this planet anymore? And of course the question was 'sometimes'. Even I could answer that question today that way! So they called in a crisis team who talked with her, then took her to a hospital nearby when they questioned her more. In the end, the granddaughter was released to her aunt's custody with the instructions she was not to be left alone with the wicked stepmother. Ok those are my words. The wicked stepmother part. She is the reason our granddaughter feels unwanted, humiliated, embarrassed. The stepmother puts her down and embarrasses her.
The daughter took her to get her clothes and the stepmother was very irate with her, demanding to know why the granddaughter couldn't be alone with her - that "I saved her life and you are being unfair. I need to know what she has said that she can't be with me alone. Those are your words, I want written proof." And so on. My daughter sent me a copy of some of the texts written after she left the house with my granddaughter. Even after my son told her 'it's not about you'.
I had to ask my son why he stayed with her when she causes such chaos in his family. She is always the victim and ridicules his children and puts them down all the time while building her son up. If anyone observed him, they would know he is going to have major obstacles as he grows up due to her parenting. My son responded, when the kids aren't around, they get along fine, and one day the kids will leave. The boys have already left; our granddaughter is only 14. To allow her 4 more years of this verbal and emotional abuse is unacceptable. Because of whom I'm married to, my hands are tied. I did tell him that if I was single - which I am not - if I was single, she would be able to come live with me. He just doesn't get it.
So after all this, the bottom line is, the granddaughter will be staying with my daughter until my son gets out of the hospital in about 4-5 months. Another granddaughter and son-in-law will make sure she gets to school every day. This granddaughter and I will split weekends having her stay at our places to give my daughter a break.
and you thought you had problems? But in all of this, it IS about my granddaughter feeling safe, loved, and wanted. And we will make sure she feels that way. It takes a village to raise a child.
Blessings!
Friday, January 11, 2019
First month - half over - already!
Is this a half full or half empty type of comment? The realization today that it is January 11th and come Tuesday we will nearly be at the 1/2 way mark for January - wow - it seems like it has gone by so fast - and I know it is only because I have been so busy. Funny, though, it isn't just me, one of my co-workers came by a bit ago and made the same comment! So what do you think?
New Years went well although not all showed up for the lunch - and that's ok. We had a good meal, then my daughter and I knitted for awhile before we went home. I think. I can't remember that far back - and yet, I'm sure that we knitted. We seem to do that a lot together anymore. I enjoy it. :)
It's 2:15 and yes, I'm at the office, and I need to be working on minutes, but I decided to take a few minutes break. I don't take a break often, and today I even skipped the lunch break so I guess by taking a few minutes to add to this is ok. I just happened to remember I hadn't written for awhile and my goal this year is try to do this at least every other week. I hope I remember! Maybe I should put that on my calendar!
Work has increased substantially. My one boss has ten-fold - seriously! - increased my work. I like being kept busy, so that's ok, but it has become overwhelming. I have so much to do that I'm taking my computer home this weekend and MAYBE will get on it Sunday and do a little work, just to sort things out that I need to do. I'd rather sit and knit, but that's the way it is.
Tomorrow the new Board that I am on is having a "dream day" - I'm not sure what all that involves - but I will be driving six of us to the meeting for the day. Got to get the car washed first thing in the morning and cleaned out - it's a mess! We were to take a spiritual gifts test prior to going and I completed mine this morning. My top three are not surprising. What is surprising is that they had shifted down to the middle a few years ago. But now, they are back at the top. And I like them being at the top. Of course this is a different test - and could probably get a little different result each time - but for this test, my top 3 are: (1) Faith (2) Intercession (3) Shepherd I have always had faith so am glad it has increased and jumped back on top again. I feel encouraged by what mine came out to be so I am anxious to see what we learn in our 'dream day' class tomorrow.
So stay tuned - I will have to share what I learn tomorrow!
Blessings!
New Years went well although not all showed up for the lunch - and that's ok. We had a good meal, then my daughter and I knitted for awhile before we went home. I think. I can't remember that far back - and yet, I'm sure that we knitted. We seem to do that a lot together anymore. I enjoy it. :)
It's 2:15 and yes, I'm at the office, and I need to be working on minutes, but I decided to take a few minutes break. I don't take a break often, and today I even skipped the lunch break so I guess by taking a few minutes to add to this is ok. I just happened to remember I hadn't written for awhile and my goal this year is try to do this at least every other week. I hope I remember! Maybe I should put that on my calendar!
Work has increased substantially. My one boss has ten-fold - seriously! - increased my work. I like being kept busy, so that's ok, but it has become overwhelming. I have so much to do that I'm taking my computer home this weekend and MAYBE will get on it Sunday and do a little work, just to sort things out that I need to do. I'd rather sit and knit, but that's the way it is.
Tomorrow the new Board that I am on is having a "dream day" - I'm not sure what all that involves - but I will be driving six of us to the meeting for the day. Got to get the car washed first thing in the morning and cleaned out - it's a mess! We were to take a spiritual gifts test prior to going and I completed mine this morning. My top three are not surprising. What is surprising is that they had shifted down to the middle a few years ago. But now, they are back at the top. And I like them being at the top. Of course this is a different test - and could probably get a little different result each time - but for this test, my top 3 are: (1) Faith (2) Intercession (3) Shepherd I have always had faith so am glad it has increased and jumped back on top again. I feel encouraged by what mine came out to be so I am anxious to see what we learn in our 'dream day' class tomorrow.
So stay tuned - I will have to share what I learn tomorrow!
Blessings!
Monday, December 31, 2018
Last of the year post....
I won't even begin to say 'where has this year gone?' for it is nearly over. And I'm glad. It's been a tough year in a lot of respects, and yet, it has been a good year. Just finished the last group of baking with the grandchildren before they were taken back to Showlow to be with their mother. It was a fun time.
I'm working from home again today. One of my bosses pushed last Thursday for me to work at home on Friday and today as it was very quiet in the office. She knows I drive a long ways - so she gave me back two hours a day by letting me work from home. I'm definitely glad to be working from home today as it is COLD and DREARY - and now it's raining! I don't do well with cold weather. My body shuts down and hibernates when it's cold out. Sitting here at my desk in this little alcove - the cool air is blowing in from around the wall air conditioner. We have never used it - although it did work years ago. But, to remove it will mean tearing out a good portion of the wall and then having to do siding on the outside as well as drywall on the inside. And I think I won't say anything else. sigh.
We had a good Christmas. I did a lot of cooking - but I do enjoy it. We started Sunday evening when a granddaughter and her boyfriend came over for dinner - and it went all the way through Christmas. I so much love being with my family. Our little great-princess is so precious! I just love her to pieces - and she gave us a gift that I will always treasure. It's a plaque to hang up and it calls us Oma and Opa - which is what I suggested she call us. I received so many nice gifts, some homemade, some bought but exactly what I was hoping for. Hubby got me a Kitchenaid mixer so now I will be requesting attachments for it. I priced them yesterday at Walmart and they were $39.96 each! I didn't buy any. There were only a couple that I would want anyway. I don't have time to do the baking and mixing like I would want - but I need to at least use it soon so maybe next weekend I can use it.
Tomorrow is January 1, 2019 and we will be heading over to my daughter's for New Years Day lunch. She even offered to do the ribs this year so I quickly said 'ok'. I'm bringing coleslaw and black eyed peas. Grateful I don't have to do it all. It is a lot of work but I have always done it willing for my children and grandchildren. I'm not that fond of ribs so it doesn't even matter to me. I suggested even going with a pork loin as it is just six of us. Both sons have other plans. And that's ok. It's a rest day for them as well.
Need to get back to work - just took a short break. It's different working from home versus from the office. At the office I can get up and move around - here at home I'm afraid to. I get up occasionally, but always stay close to the computer in case someone IMs me. Like right now.
Hope you have a good evening and please be safe out there. Happy New Year - I hope and pray 2019 will start and end exactly the way you want it to.
Blessings!
I'm working from home again today. One of my bosses pushed last Thursday for me to work at home on Friday and today as it was very quiet in the office. She knows I drive a long ways - so she gave me back two hours a day by letting me work from home. I'm definitely glad to be working from home today as it is COLD and DREARY - and now it's raining! I don't do well with cold weather. My body shuts down and hibernates when it's cold out. Sitting here at my desk in this little alcove - the cool air is blowing in from around the wall air conditioner. We have never used it - although it did work years ago. But, to remove it will mean tearing out a good portion of the wall and then having to do siding on the outside as well as drywall on the inside. And I think I won't say anything else. sigh.
We had a good Christmas. I did a lot of cooking - but I do enjoy it. We started Sunday evening when a granddaughter and her boyfriend came over for dinner - and it went all the way through Christmas. I so much love being with my family. Our little great-princess is so precious! I just love her to pieces - and she gave us a gift that I will always treasure. It's a plaque to hang up and it calls us Oma and Opa - which is what I suggested she call us. I received so many nice gifts, some homemade, some bought but exactly what I was hoping for. Hubby got me a Kitchenaid mixer so now I will be requesting attachments for it. I priced them yesterday at Walmart and they were $39.96 each! I didn't buy any. There were only a couple that I would want anyway. I don't have time to do the baking and mixing like I would want - but I need to at least use it soon so maybe next weekend I can use it.
Tomorrow is January 1, 2019 and we will be heading over to my daughter's for New Years Day lunch. She even offered to do the ribs this year so I quickly said 'ok'. I'm bringing coleslaw and black eyed peas. Grateful I don't have to do it all. It is a lot of work but I have always done it willing for my children and grandchildren. I'm not that fond of ribs so it doesn't even matter to me. I suggested even going with a pork loin as it is just six of us. Both sons have other plans. And that's ok. It's a rest day for them as well.
Need to get back to work - just took a short break. It's different working from home versus from the office. At the office I can get up and move around - here at home I'm afraid to. I get up occasionally, but always stay close to the computer in case someone IMs me. Like right now.
Hope you have a good evening and please be safe out there. Happy New Year - I hope and pray 2019 will start and end exactly the way you want it to.
Blessings!
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
It's beginning to look a 'little' like Christmas....
I have been so busy at work and at home that I haven't taken the time to write a few lines here. Some days I wish I had a lot more time to ponder stories and other things. It would be nice to have alone time to do that. But, I don't so quit wishing for it. :-)
Our speaking times at the two RV parks has really gotten off in November and we have been busy. Hubby has another one this week, then we will be back at our church for the next two weeks before I have the first Sunday in January. Need to start working on that one because Christmas shopping and baking will take up a lot of my time the last two weeks of December!
I have so much shopping to do and I have no idea where to start for some. It really is more difficult this year as last year I took the theme of 't-rex-saurus' for my middle child and family - and I thought it was a lot of fun. I hope they enjoyed it anyway. This year I have no clue what to get them and I'm sure I will bore everyone to death with clothes. But what else is there!
I need to get out and get the cherries and almond slices to make our Christmas mice too. Then I need to get the grandchildren scheduled for doing their baking of cookies and making Christmas mice - yipes - 3 weeks from today is Christmas! Soooo much to do.... soooooo little time! Especially with me working Monday - Friday until then! Need to check and see if I have any time off for vacation days. I've taken several days off here and there, with a week off in August for our anniversary - and since I only earn two weeks a year, it sure cuts a hole in my vacation time.
We are drawing names today for Secret Santa here at work. There were about 15 of us that wanted to participate and that is ok. There are two people that I am close to whose names are still in the basket (out of about 6 names) and I haven't drawn yet... I'd love to get one of their names. I was going to take the last one that is left - but, maybe I just ought to draw it. Ok - I drew one. I know this person and it will be fun to buy for her.
My knitting is coming along slowly. I am about 3-5 inches away from finishing my first baby blanket. I can't wait to finish this project and learn a new stitch! I enjoy knitting so much - but in doing so, I have slacked off on a lot of other things I need to get done.
I did make a wall-hanging of a snowman for a co-worker in Tucson. She really enjoys making me look bad to my boss and to her boss - copies them on every email - especially if I don't follow up soon enough for her. Well, this past week she stepped over the line. Yes, I had missed something, but caught it before she sent her email...copying my boss and her boss.... and I had a meltdown. My boss laughed and gave me a hug. She knows how this person is. On the way home from work I'm thinking hard about the hours I put into this wall-hanging, thinking I was going to 'kill this person with kindness' and give to her - but it seemed that God clearly said to me that I didn't need to give it to her as it was nothing more than a bribe (which it was) to be respectful. This person would not care about the wall-hanging, and except for pointing out mistakes to make herself look better, she is totally rude and disrespectful to me (and others). So, I felt that I should not give it away. I think I'll send it to Indiana for a gift for someone. Maybe they would appreciate it. Afterall, when FAMILY gives you something, you usually hang on to it or pass it on, right?
I am looking forward to Christmas. I love the gathering of my children and grandchildren. No one understands all of that - but someday they will. I want so much to make memories that when I am gone, my grandchildren will say... remember when Grandma always had us over to bake cookies for Christmas... and then when they start their own families, they will want to start that tradition for themselves. That is my greatest joy, being with those I love.
I reckon I've written enough here so will hush. Maybe I ought to put this on my calendar once a week at least so that I can remember to take some time to write. Surely I have a life, right? :-)
Blessings!
Our speaking times at the two RV parks has really gotten off in November and we have been busy. Hubby has another one this week, then we will be back at our church for the next two weeks before I have the first Sunday in January. Need to start working on that one because Christmas shopping and baking will take up a lot of my time the last two weeks of December!
I have so much shopping to do and I have no idea where to start for some. It really is more difficult this year as last year I took the theme of 't-rex-saurus' for my middle child and family - and I thought it was a lot of fun. I hope they enjoyed it anyway. This year I have no clue what to get them and I'm sure I will bore everyone to death with clothes. But what else is there!
I need to get out and get the cherries and almond slices to make our Christmas mice too. Then I need to get the grandchildren scheduled for doing their baking of cookies and making Christmas mice - yipes - 3 weeks from today is Christmas! Soooo much to do.... soooooo little time! Especially with me working Monday - Friday until then! Need to check and see if I have any time off for vacation days. I've taken several days off here and there, with a week off in August for our anniversary - and since I only earn two weeks a year, it sure cuts a hole in my vacation time.
We are drawing names today for Secret Santa here at work. There were about 15 of us that wanted to participate and that is ok. There are two people that I am close to whose names are still in the basket (out of about 6 names) and I haven't drawn yet... I'd love to get one of their names. I was going to take the last one that is left - but, maybe I just ought to draw it. Ok - I drew one. I know this person and it will be fun to buy for her.
My knitting is coming along slowly. I am about 3-5 inches away from finishing my first baby blanket. I can't wait to finish this project and learn a new stitch! I enjoy knitting so much - but in doing so, I have slacked off on a lot of other things I need to get done.
I did make a wall-hanging of a snowman for a co-worker in Tucson. She really enjoys making me look bad to my boss and to her boss - copies them on every email - especially if I don't follow up soon enough for her. Well, this past week she stepped over the line. Yes, I had missed something, but caught it before she sent her email...copying my boss and her boss.... and I had a meltdown. My boss laughed and gave me a hug. She knows how this person is. On the way home from work I'm thinking hard about the hours I put into this wall-hanging, thinking I was going to 'kill this person with kindness' and give to her - but it seemed that God clearly said to me that I didn't need to give it to her as it was nothing more than a bribe (which it was) to be respectful. This person would not care about the wall-hanging, and except for pointing out mistakes to make herself look better, she is totally rude and disrespectful to me (and others). So, I felt that I should not give it away. I think I'll send it to Indiana for a gift for someone. Maybe they would appreciate it. Afterall, when FAMILY gives you something, you usually hang on to it or pass it on, right?
I am looking forward to Christmas. I love the gathering of my children and grandchildren. No one understands all of that - but someday they will. I want so much to make memories that when I am gone, my grandchildren will say... remember when Grandma always had us over to bake cookies for Christmas... and then when they start their own families, they will want to start that tradition for themselves. That is my greatest joy, being with those I love.
I reckon I've written enough here so will hush. Maybe I ought to put this on my calendar once a week at least so that I can remember to take some time to write. Surely I have a life, right? :-)
Blessings!
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