Jumpin' Fish

I'm sitting here in my living room tonight cause its too buggy out there to sit on the porch.  Every window is open and I can see the sun racing to the finish line of the day.  The sky is changing from blue and orange to pinks and purples. Listening to the sea gulls on the mud flats in the marsh and the SLAP, SLAP SLAP of the fish jumping.  SLAP, SLAP SLAP.  Lots of fish are jumping.  They love to eat the bugs that are flying so low over the water.  Every where you look, there is disturbed spot in the water with rings running away toward the shore.  SLAP, SLAP, SLAP.

I told AZ he's missing a prime chance to catch us some dinner!

I get Jakes this weekend and boy do we have a busy one planned!  Dinner tonight on the way home from getting him.  Riding lessons and community day tomorrow morning.  Trip up North for a double birthday party where we'll spend the night.  Come home early Sunday so I can take my Mom's out for Mothers Day lunch. 

Jakes has been texting me quite a bit this week.  Lots of love youuuuuuuuuuu's and stuff.  So cute!  And he starts it.  :)  He's also had a head cold so I think he's been wanting his momma.  All kids want their momma's when they're sick.

AZ started his new job yesterday and it kicked his BUTT.  He's not used to spending all that time on his feet.  And to be honest, if I were to do what he did yesterday, I probably would have been wiped out too.  Its not like a desk job, for sure!  But he's ready to go back and do some more.

SLAP, SLAP, SLAP.....  Wonder how far into the night this will go on..............

I finished up Season 6 of Weeds and can't wait for Netflix to get season 7.   hint, hint, hint!  I started on Vampire Diaries but its just not holding my attention right now. I'll give it another episode or so before I decide definitely.

Well, the tide must have turned cause I don't hear the birds or the SLAP, SLAP, SLAP anymore.  Time for bed.  Have a fabulous weekend my friends!

Friday Fragments

Go me! I blogged three times this week!  And ya'll are still round to comment!  Love ya's!

My Spring Concert is this weekend.  We are singing lots of lovely songs again.  I can't think of ONE song that I haven't warmed up to.  When we first started practicing some of them, I didn't enjoy them. But they've grown on me.  Its going to be a lovely concert and I love being with these wonderfully talented people.  Each week I am simply amazed by the talent that is in the group.

Jakes is going camping with the g-parents this weekend.  I will be picking him up and dropping him off to them.  It was their idea to take him camping and I love the idea of Jakes getting time to spend with just them.  He hasn't had a lot of that since he moved.  And they will be camping local so if I wanted to pop in and get Jakes-hugs, I can still do that.

Work is busy as usual.  Lots of boring busy work happening, but its necessary stuff to make my job easier later.

I've started a new business through Scentsy.  They have a new product line called Velata.  Its a fondue warmer and you can melt chocolate in it.  There are so many good things to dip in chocolate.  How can you go wrong?  I'll post more on this later. Just let it be known that I am in heaven!  I love chocolate!

It seems that AZ and I are getting a Pop-up camper!  He's so excited about it.  Friends of his want to get rid of it cause they don't use it anymore.  AZ is making plans of taking me and the boys camping already and we don't even have the camper and don't even know what condition its in.  I've never been camping.  AZ has been tent camping in the past, even at places that don't have facilities like showers or anything.  I don't know that I would like that kind of camping.  I like to hear the flush..........

This weekend weather is shaping up pretty nicely!  Warmer temps and sunshine!  With a chance of storms mixed in.  AZ is happy with the warmer temps, he's still sensitive to the cooler temps.  I'm still calling him Popsicle.  ;)  Hopefully the weather will be good to get some fishing in........

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!  I know mine will be a great one!

Fragments, on Friday no less

Tomorrow is a full moon and that means the crazies may come out.  One of the counselors at work is experiencing the effect this morning.  And her group hasn't even started yet.  Its going to be an interesting Friday at work.

Speaking of work.  I wrote an application for a wonderful program that was a total of 34 pages.  It had to be 25 pages MAX, with point reductions for each page over.   Of course, once I took out the instructions (as allowed) I was only at 30 pages.  With lots of help from my boss and some careful analyzing of the information, I was able to get it down to 25 pages!  Woo ho!  Off to the bosses for one more review.  When they got back to me, they wanted stuff added in and now I'm at 26 pages.  Grrrrrrrrrrr    So today is going to be looking at it again to pare it down.  I am over by only about 2 inches.  This is the worst part of my job, I think.  There is so much to say but I have to say it with fewer words.

We are going to have a full house this weekend.  Jakes is scheduled to spend it with me and AZ's son will be staying with us as well.  Should be interesting since our boys have never met each other.  They are both teens but SO different.  I'm sure it will work out just fine.  More on Monday.

AZ is a pretty good person.  He does laundry and shares his Reese Cups.  It was a good evening. 

Dad and Renie hit the road in The Thing this morning.  Heading out for Harper's Ferry for the weekend.  I'm hoping they have good traveling and good weather.  I don't think its going to be all sunshine and roses this weekend but they will have shelter and company.  I know they will enjoy themselves.

Jakes texted me last night and was arguing with me over where to have dinner tonight.  Really?  You're going to argue with me?  Over the text?  Why, oh WHY?????  Wonderful Teens.

Well, I'm off to find 2 inches in my application.  Have a Fabulous Weekend!

Life Outside the Monitor

Wow!  Where does the time go?  I can't believe its over a week since I posted anything here.  Guess that's what happens when you are living life outside of the monitor!

Since I usually put these posts together at work and we haven't had Internet at work since this past Tuesday, I haven't thought about posting. I've had a couple of meetings in Trenton for work this week so being out of the office makes it difficult to post as well.

Then factor in that I've been enjoying things at home, I just haven't thought about posting.  Well, that's not true.  I have thought about posting but just haven't been around a computer or haven't wanted to get off my lazy bum to type something up.

AZ is pretty much all settled in.  He's still cold and still looking for a job.  We've spent time around bon fires with his friends as well as hanging out at the local fishing pier.  He's been helping with chores around the house, cooking and dishes.  Today he fixed the pantry door!  I could get used to this!

BUT, I DO have to get used to this.  I am so used to doing everything on my own that I am still trying to do everything before he does it.  I also have to work on accepting his help when its offered.  Definitely an adjustment for us both.

I'm having a Scentsy Party at the house this weekend and have lots of stuff to do to get ready for it.  He wanted to go fishing with a friend and have dinner with him AND he wanted me to go.  I would have loved to but there's just so much here to be done.  I'll go the next time.  I sent AZ on his way alone.  I hope enjoys himself.  AZ is also looking to get out of the house while the party is going on!  I don't blame him.  Can I go with?

Work is going swimmingly good.  My bosses are very pleased with my performance.  A couple weeks ago, a funder called to say my proposal scored second but they wanted to partially fund it anyway.  Of course, we'll take whatever money you want to give!  Today we got the contract and its for the FULL AMOUNT I asked for! Woo Hooooooo!

Plus at several meetings this week, they have been pleased with my knowledge base and motivation to get things done.  Hanging out with them today at the meeting and after was fun!  We even shared iPad app ideas!

Jakes is being a Teen.  He's doing well but doesn't want Mom texting him.  BUT when I get him, he acts like he misses me, wants to hug and lean on me.  He seemed to be ok with AZ being here the last weekend visit.  We'll see how it goes this weekend.  I'm sure it will be just fine!

The G-parents are going away this weekend.  They've had to postpone their Harpers Ferry trip for a month or so.  They are going to a park outside of Baltimore, which I think is better for their first trip.  If they run into serious trouble, I can run down there in a couple of hours to help.

Of course with the G-parents gone, there is no one but me to take Kathy to lunch and dinner and she doesn't usually cook at home. So, Me and Dolores (neighbor) will work together to make sure Kathy doesn't starve.  Plus, I've made Cinnabons to share with the G-parents and us.  YUM!

This Sunday, I will be getting my piggies pretty for Betsy's Pedicure Party!  Check it out and get your piggies ready for summer!  You too Brian!

Well, that catches you up.  I hope to make the rounds of your posts soon!  In the meantime, Keep On Living Beyong the Monitor!

Flakey Friday

I totally flaked on blogging yesterday!  I don't know what happened, I really wanted to post but next thing I knew the day was done.  Maybe it was because I did some work at work instead of blogging.......

Neicy and I are the best of friends.  We support each other through the good and bad.  We also get into new adventures together.  She was responsible for me doing the polar bear plunge each year.  So, Neicy and I have started training for a 5k in April.  She has been running for about a year now and loves it.  I've been complaining that I need to exercise and just haven't found something I like enough to stick with. SO, she twisted my arm talked me into training with her.  Why not?  There is the possibility that I will love it.  So far, so good!  I haven't had too much trouble physically with the program and she's starting from the beginning to work with me.  Plus we get time to chat (when we're walking and I can breathe!).

Jakes is coming for another full weekend with me.  I can't wait!  I've missed him this week.  And he didn't want to text with me this week....  :(

AZ is getting excited to be heading back home.  I might have to come up with a new name for him once he's back here.  He's got most of the planning done, he's going to start packing and his friend is ready to fly out to drive back with him.  AZ didn't want me to use more of my vacation time on him so he found someone else to ride with him.  So no cross country drive for me!  I'm kinda happy and sad about it.  But it will work out how its supposed to work out!  AZ will be staying with me once he gets back here until he gets things sorted out.

I really need to get motivated with my new business.  I just haven't felt like getting organized.  But I HAVE to get things ready this week.  I'm having my launch party next Saturday!  Lots of people in my house that I will have to sell things to.  I have lots to do around my house as well as educate myself on the products, etc.



Speaking of around my house, I'm getting new kitchen floors!  YAY!  I was allowed to pick out what I want in there and its going to be so pretty!  I'll post pictures once its done.



I read an article on Yahoo News today where the mental health community around the world is worried about the new DSM-V being harmful not only to those on the Autism Spectrum but across the board.  They are saying that a lot of the diagnosis are being moved from mental health to medical.  Not to mention the way things are classified may hinder people from getting appropriate treatments or even allow sex offenders to be released from prison!  I wrote how the new book could affect Jakes and millions of other kids who are currently diagnosed but may loose that diagnosis with the new standards.  Let's hope the APA takes another long hard look at what damage they may be doing to the mental health community.



This weekend will hopefully be filled with Riding lessons, running and some grocery shopping.  Then it will be home to clean and stencil my kitchen cabinets!  I've only lived here for 4 years and I'm just now getting around to decorating! 


Have a wonderful weekend!

Fabulous Friday

Its a Fabulous Friday before a 3 day weekend!  I get Jakes for Friday through Sunday and I've asked his dad if I can keep him until Monday evening since he's off school.  I'll probably regret it, considering Jakes was being bratty to me via text last night.

JF lives to annoy me.  On TUESDAY, I sent an email asking if I can keep Jakes on the following Monday.  JF read the email on Tuesday afternoon, yet he still hasn't bothered to let me know if I can keep Jakes on Monday.  Jakes said JF has talked to him about the schedule but of course, Jakes isn't supposed to get in the middle of things.  Why is it so hard to email me back to let me know what the schedule is?  I mean, you're right there reading the email, how hard is it to click "reply" and let me know what's going on?  JF does this all the time.  I think its because he doesn't want to email, he wants to text to me.  I want emails because if I have to go to court, I can use the emails as proof.  I can't easily get the text messages printed.

Or its just another way JF has to try and control me.  A$$hole.

Well, the cold that took my voice last weekend is still here in full force.  Only now its in my head.  I cannot breathe but I have snot dripping.  That is so gross.  And all the people I've talked to who have this cold say it hangs on and hangs on and hangs on.  HELP!  I need spring!

I was chatting with AZ yesterday and he said it was lovely weather out there.  He had his patio door open and was enjoying the warm.  I'm so jealous!  We had a cold front move through yesterday and this morning we had a temp of 17.  Freaking COLD. 

He's moving slowly on wrapping things up out there to move back here.  He wants to try and wait out the cold weather here before he comes back.  I don't blame him!  I'm thinking the snow-birds have the right idea; head south for the winter.  Someday......

Dad and ESM are looking for a motor home.  Dad is retired, ESM is almost ready to retire, she only has a few more years to ensure health benefits.  So they are looking for a motor home so they can tool around the country when they are both retired.  Good for them!  Of course, that would leave me in charge of Kathy.  hmmmmm.........  Maybe its time to get a life of my own............  I have a couple of years to do that!

I've cut back on my depression meds and don't seem to be experiencing too much in the way of side effects.  Life is still good.  I'm still happy.  I have been wishing I could spend more time in bed, avoiding life but I've also had this miserable cold.  When I'm sick, all I want is to curl up in bed and sleep.

This weekend with Jakes will be a good trial to see if I can be around him without depression meds.  One of my co-workers suggested that I might need something to take just when he's with me; something with quick relief and short acting.  I hope not but its definitely something I will consider if necessary.  Jakes has been my biggest stressor and depressor.  I'm hoping that we can continue to be in a good place together that I won't need the meds at all.  Fingers crossed!

My computer at work is slowly falling failing.  I've been having trouble with the 'f' and 'u' keys.  IT thinks my hard drive is going bad.  They want to swap out my laptop for a different one. sigh.  That means I have to take all my personalization stuff off this laptop and then put it back on the other laptop.  Fun stuff!  But it means I will have a laptop that will actually work and not sit and spin, doing nothing.  It is an old laptop, over 6 years old and its got a lot of hours on it.

OOOOO!  Choir practice starts on Tuesday! I can't wait!  Of course with the cold, I don't know how much singing I'll be able to do but I'll be there to start learning the songs!  Such FUN!

In February I will be starting a new part-time job.  Its going to be exciting and fun!  More info to come........

Have a wonderful weekend and stay WARM!

Fragmented Friday

I think I've had too much time off work, if that's possible.  I totally forgot that it was Friday!  Its Happy dance time!  Also, earlier this week, I was positive that the IEP meeting was on Wednesday when it really was on Thursday.  DUH.

The IEP meeting went very well.  The team was pleased that I chose to come and they loved that I had so much to share.  They didn't come right out and say it but I got the impression that they didn't get much from JF at the first meeting.  OH!  JF didn't even show up!  Father of the Year Again!   I will share more details on the meeting later.  BUT, I am even more convinced that I've done the right thing where Jakes is concerned.  I've given him the best chance at succeeding for now.

ESM shared her cold with EVERYONE in the compound, including myself.  I spent yesterday other than the meeting under blankets sniffling and snotting.  I'm feeling better today, just a little snotty and a little dizzy.

Jakes starts up with riding lessons again tomorrow.  Its going to be SO cold!  He's excited.  Me - not so much!

I don't think I'll be swimming in the ocean this year.  I just don't have the money for the sponsorship nor for the gas to travel to the beach where it's held.  BUT thanks to my daddy, I almost have my budget balanced!  I should be back on track with my budget by March.  Fingers crossed!

My plans for the weekend are for Riding lessons and after Jakes leaves, I have a cookbook to work on.  My housework is done, so there won't be that.  hmmmmm.....  Maybe a little creative writing on the side.....  if its warm enough, I'll turn Jaxon loose on the beach at low tide again.  He loves to chase the geese!  One day, he'll get one, if only he'd take the plunge in the friged water.

What are your plans?

Friday Fragments

Its going to be a good day!  Its going to go quickly and before I know it, I'll be on the road to pick Jakes up for the weekend.  He wants me to bring Jaxon with me.  I think Jaxon is missing Jacob.  Whenever I'm home, Jaxon is right there with me and when I sit down, he's jumping in my lap.  Yesterday, I let Jakes talk to Jax on the phone and Jax went NUTS when he heard Jakes voice!  I can't WAIT!

That's all I got.  So much for fragmented! 

Have a great weekend everyone!