Tidbit Tuesday

Life is chugging along here.  Huny and I had a Date Night last week.  We don't get a lot of Adult Time with just "us" so this was wonderful to get out.  We went to see a preview screening of "About Time".  It was a good movie.  I loved the concept of the time travel but there were parts that just hit too close to home and I ended up crying through most of the movie.

We also have a date night planned for this week.  Tomorrow we have free passes to see a preview of Last Vegas.  I can't wait!  The trailer looks fabulous!

Dad is doing pretty well.  He's tolerating the chemo regime pretty well.  I think his biggest complaint is that he's tired.  But that can be a combo of the chemo and all the weight he's lost.  And he's still loosing.  Dad and ESM have gotten together with his brother and sisters over the past couple of weekends.  Is he saying good-bye or just feeling sentimental because of everything?  Of course, I'm going to read into his actions and assume the worst! Bad Amy.

Work is ramping up.  Lots of grants to write.  My fingers are going to fall off! But it's that time of year.

Jakes is doing well in school and is "in love" with his girlfriend.  He wants her to come over to the farm with him.  He wants to show her off to his friends there.  I'm all for it and will work to make it happen.  Her parents are keeping a tight leash on her because of her grades.  I told Jakes to tutor her so she can go places with him.

Time to get back to typing.  How're things in your neck of the woods?

Tidbits

Just a few quick thoughts to share......

From the news:

Do we really care that the Gov. of NJ had weight loss surgery?  I don't.  Now that I know, I'm glad he's doing what is necessary to make himself the healthiest person he can be.  I wish him luck.

Did you know that Jim Thorpe's kids and grandkids are fighting over where he's buried?  The kids want him moved from the town of Jim Thorpe where he has rested for over 60 years.  If I was Jim, I'd come back and haunt my son's for moving me.

So happy those women who have been missing for so long have been found!  I'll be following the story for more details.  They certainly are blessed.

From ME:

I am sick and tired of writing mental health policies at work.  This means I have to read the boring regulations necessary to be able to write the policies to fit into my agencies business.  I'm so bored!  And need a mental health vacation.......

Things with AZ and I are going well.  I've started making some decisions about this portion of my life but I need some input from my therapist so I can finish.  There is time for finishing.

I went for a bike ride yesterday.  I wasn't going to but AZ reminded me I should.  It was a great ride!  The gears worked wonderfully and it felt great to stretch my legs and just breathe......  Thanks for the push, AZ!

Jakes called me yesterday!  I hadn't heard from him in about a week.  He made me happy just by calling. Guess I'll be seeing him this Mother's Day Weekend.

I still have a couple of the songs from the concert bouncing around my head.  I'm so sick of being in my head right now.  The songs are fun, but not after three days.......

When is it time to go to the beach??  I am so looking forward to a day of sitting in the sand with a book in my hand.  Soon!

To my friends on the East Coast: stay dry and check with your local emergency services for the nearest Ark!  There's a massive storm dropping lots of rain up and down the coast.   Be Safe!

Tuesday Tidbits

I'm traveling today so I have just a few minutes to catch up with you.  I have to go to two different offices today to conduct meetings.  With my bosses there.  Should be interesting.


I need to find the new prescription for glasses that the eye dr gave me.  He said I didn't need the new script yet but he filled it out with the new measurements anyway.  I think I need it now.  sigh...... Just another reminder that my birthday is next week.



Jakes and I had a wonderful weekend!  It started out rough, with him getting upset over anything I would say to him.  He would have his temper tantrums in his bedroom or outside and I let him.  Finally, when he was a little calmer, I mentioned to him that he seemed super sensitive to me and my words.  He thought about it and seemed to get a new attitude (a better one!).  We had some silliness and snuggled to watch a movie and spent time with the gparents.  It was a great weekend!



AZ and I are working on things.  He's trying to be more affectionate and involved in "us".  I am finding that I have a lack of trust in him and his use of his medications.  I have been quick to accuse him of things that weren't him.  Getting that Trust back will take time.  All of this will take time.



I have started a wonderful project in the kitchen!  I will share it with you when its done.  I'm tapping into my inner-Martha!



AZ and I are looking to put in a little garden for the summer.  We need to borrow a tiller to break the ground.  We were talking this morning about how my mom and his dad had wonderful huge gardens while we were growing up.  Good memories.



Time to wrap this up and read through the meeting minutes from the last meeting with the staff.  Gotta be prepared!  Have a wonderful Tuesday.

Hello? Is anybody here? Just some Tidbits

Where does the time go?  I didn't think it had been so long since I checked in with ya'll!

Been livin' life.  Not much improvements to talk about.  Just waiting out my time until I have to make a decision.

Jakes sent over a picture of his middle of the marking period grades and I just want to say I am one proud Momma!  He's doing so well!  All A's and B's.  Just one C and that's in English where there is so much writing and he doesn't like that!  He's working on it though!

Just finished a Federal Application for work and while it took a LOT of reading (boring reading), I think it came out pretty good!  My bosses and other proof readers seem to be impressed with my work.  Fingers crossed that we get awarded the much needed funding!  Now onto reading the Mental Health Regulations for the state so I can write policies to get all the offices licensed.

Daddy received a commendation from the County Fire Police Association.  He's been a part of them for over 5 years now and they did a lovely job of recognizing him and others at their annual dinner. So proud of my Daddy!



We finally got back to riding lessons!  Its been either too cold or too wet and rainy since January for lessons.  We're hoping the weather stays clear so he can go back again this weekend.  The horses missed all the kids!



In a couple of weekends I am going to insure my place in Heaven.  I'm taking Sister Anne (she works with me and is an angel!) to a retreat in Massachusetts.  We'll be up around Stone Hill College so if you know of any good places to eat or just to sight see, let me know!  Also say a prayer for good weather on the drive up.

Tuesday Tidbits

Just a quick update on things around the nest.....

Spent the weekend SICK as a dog!  Just a cold, thanks for sharing AZ!  But it kept me in bed Sunday and Yesterday.  UGH.  I hate being sick!  Jaxon, on the other hand, loved it!  He spent most of the day snuggled in bed with me.

The Holiday concert went well!  We had an awesome turn out for both performances.  Daddy videoed a little bit for me but I have to catch up with him to get the thumb drive from him.

Jaxon is getting a playmate for a week or so!  Oscar is coming to visit while my parent go out of town.  Its going to be exciting having 2 dogs running under foot!  If anyone has any tips for parenting two active dogs, please share them!

I am going to be off work for almost 2 weeks between Christmas and New Years!  Jakes will probably spend most of that time with me! I am looking forward to and yet dreading the time!  I'll have to see if I can afford a little trip to OCMD for us like we used to do.

The weather here has been rainy, overcast and foggy for over a week now.  I'm beginning to think we live in Seattle rather than the East Coast.  YUCK.  What I wouldn't give to see a little sunshine!

Because of things going on in my life, I am thinking of getting in touch with my old therapist.  I have gotten some good advice from friends on the situations but I think I might want an unbiased opinion on some things.  And she could also remind me of the coping skills I needed in the past.  Not to mention some ideas for changing things that we haven't thought of.

I think Jakes is grounded because of his grades.  I got a progress report that included TWO F's and he hasn't texted me lately.  If he were in my house, he'd be grounded from texting.  I emailed his father letting him know that I am willing to continue the grounding rules in my home as well as curtail his working at the farm until his grades come up.  As usual, the father-of-the-year hasn't responded to my inquiries.  If the school didn't send me information, I wouldn't know anything.  Oh well, I will continue my efforts to co-parent even if his father doesn't reciprocate.  If we ever had to go to court over it, I can show my efforts and his lack of cooperation.

That's about it.  Its time for a quick walk over to the bank and then back to work on the applications at work!  Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Tidbit Tuesday

I'm getting good at avoiding things that can't be changed in my life right now.  But if they continue to affect my health, I might have to deal with them before I'm really ready.  We'll see what happens.

Jakes texted me last night.  He is having problems with controlling his temper and his mouth.  He wanted to know why.  I love that he came to me for advice!  He knows where to get the answers and support.  I've instilled a good thing in him!  He knows where to come for help with his behaviors. 

We talked about how he's a teenager and impulsive and that he needs to try to use the STOP method. 

S- Stop

T - Think

O - Options

P - Price

We used this when he was little and it worked for him.  As he's gotten older, I think he's gotten away from applying the skill.  I also didn't want him thinking that its from his Aspergers/ADHD because then he might think he can use that as an excuse to continue the bad behavior.  I also don't want him to think he can't change.  If he thinks its more because he's a teen, then he might put more effort into changing the behavior.

I was so proud of him for recognizing that he has a problem and that he wants to make a change.

Jakes, Jaxon and I stopped over to visit the Gparents this weekend.  Jaxon has been a little skitish with Oscar and Oscar likes being the boss.  When they play ball down the hallway, Oscar usually bullies Jaxon into letting him get the ball.  This weekend, Jaxon started fighting back to get the ball.  Good boy!  About time Jaxon put Oscar in his place!  They are learning to share.  Oscar is coming to visit us for a week or so while Dad and ESM go away.  Its going to be so much FUN!

Christmas is coming and I am so not ready.  I don't want to shop, decorate or anything.  But I have a kid who wants to see the tree and all that he's grown up with, so I have to get it done.  Time to get the tree out of storage and put up.  Maybe this weekend.

This weekend is my Holiday Concert.  I can't wait!  Going to be so much fun!  The countdown is on!

That's what's going on in my world.  How're things in your world?

Randomness

Its Tuesday.  Did you know its Webinar Tuesday?  Yup!  I have to sit through THREE webinars at work today.  One 10-11:30, one 12 to 1:15 and another from 3-4:30.  I think my head will explode! Or at least will be numb.............  Bring on the M&M's..........

We're having a little bickerment over money in the boys room.  Two weekends ago, Jakes left $4 on top the dresser.  When he came over this weekend, he mentioned that JR had found his money and left it for him.  When Jakes left on Sunday, he took the money with him.  Last night JR comes home asking where his $5 went.  So, who's money was it and how do we prevent this from happening in the future?  JR maintains it was his money and he left it on the desk over the weekend while he was not home.  Jakes maintains that he found it on the dresser and its his.  I'm tempted to just give JR $5 to save on an arguement.  But then what happens the next weekend where Jakes leaves his money.  So much to figure out........

The G-parents are still in Florida.  they should be making their way back north starting tomorrow.  I hope so, Kathy's Animals are missing her!  and I'm a little tired of taking care of her zoo........

Its only Tuesday and Jakes is putting in a request for a place to go for dinner on Friday already.  He wants to go to Friendlys.  They have ice cream so its probably do-able!  Then Jakes wants me to bring AZ with me.  Good that he likes AZ enough to include him in our visits.  AZ likes to give me and Jakes time with just us, which I appreciate too.

Well, time for the first webinar!  Wish me luck on staying awake today!

Tuesday Thoughts

What a weekend!  It was SO busy!  But SO good.  After Jakes Incident at school last week, he seemed like he needed some Momma Love so I went over there for dinner with him on Friday.  We had a good dinner!  We chatted, laughed and he didn't even mind that I hugged him. Several times!  After dinner we headed over to the Super Wal-Mart so I could finish shopping for my Scentsy Party.  Jakes was a big help, although he runs around the store like his father would.  Like its a race to get in, get the stuff and get out.

My Scentsy Party was a success!  I had lots of friends and family stop over, we chatted and talked scents.  We drank some wine and laughed.  We ate good food and deserts.  And then they all went home and I felt like I'd been hit by a truck!  After spending all morning in the kitchen cooking and baking, then the afternoon on my feet being hostess, I couldn't wait to curl up on the couch with Jaxon and read my book.

On Sunday, I spent the day cleaning and packing up my kitchen so the floor guys could come on Monday to install my new floor.  Jaxon and I played fetch on the beach.  He would rather play fetch with Jacob cause I throw like a girl.  Jaxon even went swimming a little bit, until a little wave got him in the face.  He was trying to grab a stick from the water and the wave got him.  He came out of the water pouting.  It was so cute!

Monday, I hung around the house while the guys replaced the floor.  They were in and out of the house.  I couldn't believe how quickly they worked and the wonderful job they did!  Pictures tomorrow.  Neicy and I ran again.  We are on Week 3 and I am still liking it.  I think I like it most because I get time to chat with an adult.  Then I had to put my kitchen back together.  But first Jaxon and I had to play fetch on the beach again.  No swimming this time.

I'm kinda glad to go to work today so that I can rest.  How was your weekend?

Its Tuesday

Oh yay!  Its Tuesday!  6 Days until vacation, 3 days until my weekend with Jakes. And 2 days to get these applications for work completed.  YIKES!

Dad went to the heart Drs last week and got a satisfactory report.  The Dr is ok with how he's been feeling, how the BP has been and all that good stuff.  As Dad says, "He said I have a heart."  Cute Daddy!  But I know where I get my sense of humor.

When Mom was sick, she worried that her cancer was hereditary and us kids would get it.  On my Dad's side of the family the women seem to get Alzheimer's.  I would tell Mom, "Don't worry about me!  I'll get cancer, then Alzheimer's and forget I have Cancer."  At first she wasn't amused by my attitude.  But you have to have humor when you're dealing with such serious illnesses.  Mom eventually came to accept my sense of humor about the illnesses.

In addition to all the applications I am typing for work, my ESM has me working on a cookbook for a club for which she is president.  I typed all the recipes over the summer and she finished reviewing and making corrections.  Her meeting with the club to discuss the cookbook is 11/28 when I will be in AZ.  So I have to make the corrections for her, get a mock up book read for her before I leave.  hummmmmmmm  At least its just a mock up and doesn't have to be perfect.

I get back from AZ on 12/1 which is a Thursday.  On Friday, I have to be packed up and ready to head to OCMD for my girls weekend!  NO JET LAG ALLOWED! 

I can't wait to see these wonderful women.  Its always a good time had by all.  Lots of laughter, fun and love.  We always exchange Christmas gifts when we go. This year I am going to attempt to etch glasses.  Over the weekend, Neicy and I found Irish Coffee mugs.  I have to figure out what I want to etch on them, probably something to represent the ocean and of course the love shared by all of us.  I think I'll get Jakes to help me with this project over the weekend.

I think my friend in AZ is getting excited for me to come out there.  He's been texting and calling more often.  We've made tentative plans to see a couple of movies while I'm there.  He's also going to cook Thanksgiving dinner for me.  :)   I can't wait!  Now to keep him out of the hospital while I'm visiting.....

Ok.  Time to get back to typing!  Happy Tuesday!

Let's Get Organized - Randomly

Its going to be a crazy, crazy day!  Jakes 24-hour EEG was canceled yesterday so I at least didn't have to deal with that today.  They rescheduled for next week.  I am very grateful that my boss allowed me to switch my time off around and for me to make up the time I was late yesterday.  I love that she is so flexible with me.

Today at work is going to be nuts.  I have stuff to get done, plus a meeting at headquarters this afternoon.  I haven't even STARTED prepping for this meeting.  Since I am the one that called this meeting, I probably should get ready for it.

After the meeting, I have to run over to the airport to pick up my Daddy.  My neighbor, Kathy went to Florida to stay with a friend so Daddy drove her down and now he's flying back.  I think ESM wants someone to pick him up, I think she wants Daddy home.

Once I get Daddy from the airport, I'll have to make my way through rush hour traffic to come back home to get Jakes from summer camp before they close.  I should be able to make it.  Hopefully.  Fingers crossed and I will be activating my cop-shield!

I hate when my subconscious mind takes over.  I have a situation which I'm trying to step back from to protect myself but my dreams won't let me.  When I'm awake I can control myself and put the wall up.  But when I sleep, my dreams take over and while I like those dreams and wish I could make them come true, I can't let them take over.  Last nights dream was so perfect and heavenly but I need to let it go for now.  I need to put that wall back up around my heart.  How do you do that when the wall came down so recently and when I don't really want to?  be strong and just do it.

I joined Google+1.  I got an invite from my friend, Annabelle Archer.  I don't know how to use Google+1 yet.  And I don't have many friends on it yet.  I still prefer facebook.  Maybe in time I will get the hang of it and it will become the New FaceBook.  We'll see.

I'm on vacation count down!  Not too many more days to go!  Can't wait to see my friend from AZ when he gets here!

Ok. I think I have everything organized in my head.  Now time to get organized for my meeting this afternoon.  Happy Tuesday all!