Settling In

We are heading into our 3rd month of calling Alexandria, PA home. And that is what it is starting to feel like "home." We went back to Buffalo about a week ago and I have to say that I didn't feel like I was going home, and when I was in our house there, it no longer felt like home. I can't say that everyone in the family is feeling quite the same way,( and I'll write more about that later) but for Richard and I at least we have found a new home.

It feels more relaxed here, I don't feel like we are keeping up with the Jones's. It feels more like everyone just does their own thing, whatever that is. I love the nature that is all around. The trees, the mountains, all of the water and the wildlife. Richard and I rode the motorcycle the other day and ended up doing a little bit exploring of a nearby state park. It looks like a great place to swim and rent boats in the summer. The kids and I do feel a little weird always seeing people you know, wherever you go around here. It's different- if you go out to eat you'll see a teacher or a classmate. Much more small town feel ( well, duh, huh?) and sometimes I like like I would like to be a bit more anonymous.

I have to say that sometimes I get tired of explaining to people why we live so far out in Alexandria. It's not like it was exactly what we were planning, however, when the time came and with the houses that were available, and the price ranges, and the schools, and a timeline as well as other things- this came down to feeling like the best thing for our family at the time. It can be hard not having things nearby, and I drive 35 minutes to church and about 55 to work. But it has had it's benefits too. Jayna and Andrew have adapted alright, but Whitney has really struggled. My heart aches for her. She is a trooper though and I know she will make it.

Our house is much larger than before, and it's nice for everyone to spread out and have more room. ( Andrew often says it's too big- especially when he is hunting for his shoes!) I love having a formal living room- it is a nice calm space. I was disappointed, but not really surprised, when we had our fireplace inspected and they said it was unsafe to use. However, we found a great candleholder at the thrift store that fits perfectly into our fireplace and holds five small jar candles. It looks great and adds a warm and cozy feel to the room.

Here are a few random pictures:

Baked eyeball casserole- for Halloween of course!

Jayna trying out instruments- she has chosen the trombone and enjoys playing it.

Our backyard

cookout in Buffalo

Jayna dressed as a witch for Halloween.

And so it goes-

Reading now-

Just read- Crime and Punishment- I was hoping for something better as this book ended, but it did make you think. I'm saying maybe 3 stars? I found it to be kind of a tough read-and it took me awhile to get through.

Anniversary

I met him when I was 16, married him when I was 19, today we celebrate 20 years of marriage together. I am overwhelmed today by the tender feelings of my heart. A lot happens in 20 years. We have had some really good times and some really hard times and through all of these times we've had each other. There have been times I've wondered how I could live with him, but mostly times I've wondered how I could possibly ever live without him. Richard is my safe spot, my comfort zone- the person I can be myself with. He lets me be the worst possible me, but makes me want to be a better person. He is always there for me and so non judgemental- often I have felt that he is much better at being a husband than I am at being a wife. Words can't express the feelings in my heart today- I love him and I'm looking forward to the next 20 years.


** Oh and he's patient- the last post wasn't true! I later found out that Jayna had hung the mirror herself on a nail already in the wall.

Reading Now- Crime and Punishment

"Mirror Mirror on the Wall"

It's nice when your husband is willing to do the chores you give him. It can also be interesting and amusing. Last night I told Richard I wanted him to hang a mirror on Jayna's wall. She had seen a mirror I have from the Phillipines and expressed interest in it. Since we've moved she no longer has a door mirror, and I thought this might also encourage good hygiene ( hair brushing) It's a small mirror, maybe 8x14 or so. I went in her room today and saw that yes he had hung the mirror. However- it is very high! I can not look in the mirror while standing on the floor, surely my 9 year old can not either! But Jayna does have a chair in her room that I found pointing towards the mirror- perhaps that was her solution?? The situation gave me a little smile this morning- which is just what I needed- I guess my hubby knew what he was doing after all.

And so it goes...

Reading now : Crime and Punishment by Fydor Dostoevsky

Alexandria, PA

I've been wanting to write for awhile but things have been so crazy- even now I don't know where to begin and I'm sure I'll just cover little bits of things.

Anyhow- we have been in our home for almost two weeks now- it seems like it can't possibly be that long- it seems so much more still needs to be done. We've been busy- last week I took kids to 3 doctors appts.- and the doctor is now about 35-40 minutes away, and no none of the apts. were on the same day. It's been an adjsutment getting use to our new area- not all bad or good- but definitely things to adjust to such as:

1. Everyone knowing where we live- " Yes we do live in the parsongae" Our house was completed in 1901 and had been the Presbyterian Parsonage until now. It is a very well known home in the area and it's weird for people to talk about your home and how it was taken care of and... I almost feel guilty- like we stole the Parsonage! I'm curious to know why they sold it now- I'll have to find out!

2. Lightening bugs and toads! This is a YaY thing for me!! It has been since I lived at my parents that I could go outside and see toads and lightening bugs- but I can here so that's kind of cool.

3. The traffic on Main Street- we live in such a tiny area, the traffic that goes by is much louder and disturbing than I had imagined. It appears that mufflers are optional here- or that people do something to purposely make their cars loud. Farm equipment goes by, and there is also a Mead factory that creates traffic. Oh- and if your neighbor recommends you don't park on the street- I recommend you listen to them- which I did not completely do. I was having appliances delivered so I parked on the street. Next day I heard a crash and saw someone drive away as a piece of my mirror flew onto the sidewalk. Evidently it's normal- my neighbor had 2 mirrors swiped and one of those also hit the fender- and no stopping. If you are in the area you will notice that some people fold their mirrors in- if you are considering parking on the street- you better.

4. Living in the country is an adjustment for my kids. It is hard not having stores and such that they can ride their bikes too. And Whitney was taken back when someone recommended basketball practice be adjusted based on their milking schedule. It's an adjustment for me as well- but I grew up in similar area, so not quite so much for me as it is for them.

5. Hunting is HUGE here. The school is closed the first 2 days of deer season.

So it's been interesting and has had it's share of ups and downs- I'm wondering how we will all feel about things a month from now. There is a great lake about 20-25 min. away, the library is next door ( the books are somewhat limited since it is not affiliated with any govt., but is self funded) but there's some good stuff and helpful library ladies. Our neighbor to the right reminds me of my brother- a bit redneck perhaps but with a good heart. He has given us all kinds of info., and set us up with some firewood for our firepit.

And so it goes...

Reading now : "A Tale Dark and Grimm"- although it's a kids book I can't read it when Richard is away and I have to sleep in my new house alone ( sometimes it feels a bit creepy still)

And so it goes...

It gets a little draining after awhile- you know the part when the other half of you is gone and is just coming home for the weekends. There are lots of things that are just hard to do over the phone- and we're both swamped with responsibilities on both ends. And you know when you talk on the phone and are getting bugged because the one your talking to seems a bit "off" and you think your not connecting well, but really the other person is just sick- physically, but also drained from being apart and the issues he has to deal with also?

So I have had 3 lovely kids to deal with and the parenting issues that come up there. As well as the craziness of having our house show ready and getting the kids and the dog out as needed. ( and for those who know me well know I'm really not an animal person.)And he is subletting a room in an apt. and has a roommate. Poor Richard is sleeping on an air mattress that he has to blow up about every 3rd day. He took a camp chair to sit on. He calls his room his jail cell. He's not eating well- just doesn't feel like putting effort into it. He is a sample of his daily meals- pop tarts for breakfast, for lunch hot dogs from the gas station ( because really, I guess who can pass up 2 hot dogs for a buck!) and dinner is 1 1/2 peanut butter sandwiches ( no jelly, just pb) and some microwaveable single serving of mac and cheese ( or something like that)

Needless to say we are both waiting for when we will all be together as a family- and that is just a few weeks away. If all goes as planned we will be leaving the Buff early August. I'm still not sure how to say good bye???

And so it goes...

Reading Now: Son of Hamas- an interesting read

Pictures

Our family is really lousy at taking pictures, and once we do have a few- I'm technologically challenged and need Richard's help to put them on the computer for me. You will also note that we are not "posers". Anyhow TA DA- Pictures!!!






Whitney before her 8th grade farewell dance


Whitney before 8th grade graduation. I have some pictures of her with friends that are nice, but was uncomfortable posting other peoples children on my blog without permission.


Jayna at the bike rodeo held at her elementary school.

Jayna on the horse at Viddlers. We just recently made our first trip to Viddlers- an old fashioned 5 and 10 store. You can ride this horse for 10 cents. It was not the standard slow motion ride, but more like a bucking bronco!

Gratitude

It's been a "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week" Well, not exactly or completely and that's the point of this post. Because truthfully- there have been some terrible, horrible no good, parts to this week- and it's been draining and frustrating. But I'm trying to look for the good in it all and not get too discouraged. So here are some of the good things of the week:

1. Family fun- an afternoon spent bowling with Richard and the kids. Jayna even did one game without bumpers and did quite well.
2. Church friends to chat with for a bit today. I was only there for the first hour, but it was long enough to be with some very sweet people.
3. After being away since Sunday, Richard returned Friday night.
4. Richard was home to make a certain house repair ( part of the terrible, horrible)
5. I finished up what I needed to for one of my jobs- although I felt kind of melancholy about it I'm glad it's done and I can focus on other things that need my attention.
6. Since Richard was home I got some better sleep.
7. Richard seems to be really enjoying his new job.
8. The dog came right back after she escaped out the front door, while I was trying to carry her dog bed out to the car for a showing.
9. Dinner with my kids at Tullys.

So there- some good things of my week- and we'll leave it at that.

And so it goes....

Sue

Adventure?

So we are in the midst of plans to move and I really want it to feel like an ADVENTURE! But sadly I must say that more than anything (especially tonight) it is feeling more like STRESS.

Selling our house- We've had several people come and look, and people that we were told that were interested in it- yet we wait for an offer. It's draining- we have tried to do all that we can do- put in new carpet, got a storage unit for clutter, keeping it clean and ready to show, and more. It gets discouraging to have showings then wait to here something back. We've dropped the price once, hoping that it would encourage some of those that had "shown interest" to make a commitment. Nothing yet. I'm trying to believe that if I've done all I can, God will magnify our effort. And I know we are not in an unusual position- our house has been on the market for just about a month, which is normal. It's just being on a timeline has me stressed out.

Richard leaves on Sunday to start his job. He is subletting a room for awhile. It sounds pretty dumpy, but we needed something pretty fast, and this is rather inexpensive. He'll be sharing a place with a college student. I'm not looking forward to him being gone. There are days I feel my share of "Girl Power", but I'm just not feeling it this time around.

The move- a lot depends on selling our house here. We have considered buying a home as we wait to sell this one- but I'm nervous about multiple payments if this one doesn't sell soon. We have looked for places to rent but haven't had much luck finding a 4 bedroom that will also allow a dog. There is one possibility, but it would be much more expensive than paying a house payment. If we don't find a home soon though- we won't be able to get the kids started at school for the beginning of the year- and as I hard as it is to move them - I think that would make it so much worse.

Like I said - stress, plus Richard and I are busy trying to finish up the end of our jobs here. Sorry this all sounds so down- blech- not what I like, but I was hoping this would be a good way to vent or share or something. Things will all be okay- I just don't know how or when. On another note- more negative things have come up with the company Richard has been working for- just more confirmation that it was good for him to get out when he did.

Just read: "How to Break a Terrorist"- yep you should read it. It opens your mind and gives background on Iraq war, and talks about using "brains" not force to interrogate. It's really good

Reading now: "have a little faith" by Mitch Albom

Ok- and so it goes... ( I know this is all just life and we have to have these times- so here's to ADVENTURING on)

How do you choose a neighborhood?

Well, among all the crazy and busy things that have been going on, the thing that is on my mind is how hard it is to chose a neighborhood without being familiar with the area. We have tried to rank things like: schools, cost, neighborhood characteristics,and distance from Richard's job. It is so hard to rank and then find a neighborhood that matches what we hope for.

Schools- we use the "great schools" website as a starting point which ranks how well schools perform on standardized tests. The ratings go up to 10. However, I know that thats not the only important thing. I want to at least have a 5 or above, and Whitney would really like to have a school that has field hockey- which there aren't that many in the area.

Cost- after moving to where we are now we have thought that we would have done better to choose a less highly rated school and live in a cheaper area so we didn't always feel like we had to penny pinch. Once again the areas with the best rated schools are more expensive to live in ( but also much closer to Richad's job)

Neighborhood Characteristics- This can be tricky- after living in suburbia for years- Richard and I would just like a little more space and privacy- plus many of the areas with more space, are actually less expensive to live in- But we also have 3 kids and the catch is that they would like things close around. Whitney is use to riding her bike all around.

Distance- We are looking at areas very close to Richard's work- but then areas 40 minutes away. We are already preparing for the change of Richard having to work a regular 9-5 job. Right now he often works from home and has a lot of flexibility in scheduling- so he is often home when the kids get home from school or what not. That's going to be a change- and do we want to add another 40 minutes to the day he's gone ( or 80 )- or do we pay more and live in suburbia, with the best schools??

It seems like if we focus on one of the above four topics, the others lose out and I'm having a hard time figuring out what is best. For our whole family. So, how do you choose a neighborhood? ( Much harder with 3 kids!)

And so it goes...

5/22/11

State College- Here we come! After living in Buffalo NY for the past 10 years, it is time for the Ashead's to move on. Richard has been offered a great opportunity working for Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Don't let the word Hershey confuse you, although the main medical center is in Hershey, Richard will be working for the medical centers in State College. His official title is "Lead Support Specialist" I was so excited for him to have this opportunity. He hasn't been happy in his job for awhile here, and has looked elsewhere for a while, but nothing ever came together. This job however seemed to be looking for just what Richard had to offer- and what he would like! Throughout the waiting process- I believe I had my own personal confirmations that this was the right situation for us. (which keeps me sane when I worry about how everything is going to fall into place)
The first day or two I tried to encourage my husband and myself to just be excited and happy and thankful for this opportunity! It is so easy to rush onto all the things we have to worry about and figure out. Anyhow, in the past week or two we have been able to accomplish a lot. Our house is listed to sell and has had a couple of showings; we rented a storage unit to put some of excess stuff in; we did painting and lots and lots of cleaning! Soon we will be going to look at houses in the State College area. Richard is suppose to start work there June 21-I would like the rest of us to be able to join him by mid July or early August.

Lots more to say, but I'm leaving it at this for now.
And so it goes...

Sue

Speculation

Well- for now we are still living in a world of speculation. Are we staying or are we moving? And what's this all about anyhow?

If this was years ago I don't think I would share much info., I would have thought that it would be embarrassing to say we might do something and then not get the job or what not- but here and now- I KNOW MY HUSBAND is AWESOME- and whether he gets this job ( or if we take it or not) does not change the fact that he is AWESOME at all. Anyhow Richard has interviewed for a position working for an out of state university medical center. It seems like it would be a step up from his current job- at least in enjoyment and be a bit more of a challenge for him (which he needs) He has another interview on May 6th- they had told him before that they usually only call one person in for this interview- unless it is very close. So I'm guessing he's top choice- but maybe still has someone he is in contention with. So we still wait. And we don't know what it pays yet- and if we would choose to go if he is offered it.


While we wait- we speculate! Of course! Richard and I have gone to the area and had a quick look at several communities. We had considered taking the kids with us- but decided against it. I didn't want to ruin their perception of the area, by being stuck in a car driving around to areas we may or may not live in. (when we moved to NY- I think I destroyed their appreciation of Niagara Falls by taking them on a freeezy snowy day in Nov. when I needed to get out of the house) Anyhow-at this point I'm not even sure if we hit the area we're most likely to live in, we were able to at least cross a few areas of our list though. So much to consider. Last time we moved, our oldest child would have been starting first grade. This is a whole new ball game with 3 kids aged 9,14, and 16. The area is different too- more rural- I probaly shouldn't have mentioned it to my son that he could join a fly fishing club at school? I have been wanting more space around- but also need a place for everyone to do things.

Well- I still remain so antsy, while I wait- probably another 2 1/2 weeks I'm guessing.

Happy Easter everyone! We were able to do some visiting of family over this weekend and that was good. We continued the egg hunt with the cousins on my side of the family and had one with their little cousins on Richard's side. We had one at my parents on rainy Friday- hiding over 400 eggs for 8 kids aged 8-16! It's kind of fun and funny! When they all go to college we'll probably still have to do this but put gift card prizes in them or something! Although we were visiting family, I did go to church today ( just the first meeting/sacrament) I'm glad I did- I needed it. I love the meaning of Easter.

And so it goes...

Before my head explodes!

I think a lot- sometimes too much, I'm sure. I'm afraid my son has the same tendency- sorry Andrew. I hope through all the negatives my kids get from me- there is something positive too! Anyhow- there is lots on my mind right now- so I'm just going to start writing. Sometimes- poor Richard, I think hears my thoughts over and over as I'm trying to process things. He tends to internalize things,where I like to talk everything out- over and over again. See- like I said lots of thoughts and we haven't even started with the thoughts I was thinking of!

Being in limbo- I don't like it. I'm a planner (sort of.) So right now I find myself in that place of limbo- not knowing exactly what the near future holds. I don't want to give too many details- but here are the basics: my husband interviewed out of state last week. And so now we wait- I'm hoping it's not long- but my understanding is it could be weeks. I've decided that I'm not nervous really- there are good things about staying and good things about moving, but what I am is ANTSY! I've been spending time looking at real estate in our potentially new area, jobs for me in the area, schools...., but I know I could just be wasting time. I want to know and move forward. The good things about staying- not moving 3 kids, including 2 teenagers, things are okay here, and no routine would have to be horribly interrupted. The good things about moving- new opportunity for my husband, benefits that could be really nice to have, and the excitement I get about starting over somewhere new. Oh- and to be honest- it would include a house with at LEAST
1 1/2 baths! This situation with one bathroom in our house is ridiculous! The kids have been told the possibility of moving and they have met it okay for the most part- Whitney has shed a lot of tears. And at this point it is just an idea.

Work- I'm a bit conflicted here- maybe a lot- and as the above paragraph states-maybe I shouldn't even be worrying about it since I might be moving. Since August I've been working two part-time jobs. My intent was to work both of them for a year- or at least until the end of the school year- and then reevaluate. It's been on my mind a lot- and one of my employers said he would like to know my intentions.

Job A- I work as a COTA (certified occupational therapy assistant) in an alternative school. ( the kids here have behavior, or emotional or psychological issues that don't allow them to attend a "regular" school) I work there 3 days a week. I have around 15 kids ranging from kindergarten through high school. I prepare activities for each of these kids to help meet their goals. I see most kids 2 days a week. Their goals range from visual motor/visual perceptual activities, to handwriting and scissor skills, social skills, safety awareness, and self regulation abilities.

Job A's Pros:
1. It can be fulfilling to see one of your kids "get" it or to provide a positive example to some of these kids who don't have many.

2. The pay is decent.

3. I am using the degree I went to school for.

Job A's Cons:
1. It can be overwhelming- the schedule is tight, and there is a lot to do besides just treat the kids- documentation, working with teachers, finding activities and getting supplies. I find I do more on my own time than I would like.

2. I still feel "new" at this job- and sometimes wish I knew so much more! I want my time with these kids to be as productive as possible.

Job B- I work as a Program Assistant at an Adult Day Care Center. Several of the clients here have dementia. We help them with breakfast and lunch, plan activities/games for them. Occassionally help with personal care. I am hired per diem here. I originally was working one day a week, which was good. Then I was asked to cover for someone once and from them on it's been the two days a week. Just recently I asked to go back to one day a week- in the end I said at least give me a day off here and there.

Job B Pros
1. I feel passionate about the service this is providing- we allow caregivers the ability to carry on with their daily needs or gain some respite AND provide positive socialization and activities for their loved ones. I know this is meaningful to me since I have a Dad with alzheimers, but I think I would feel this way anyway.

2. Although I'm just per diem and can't really take advantage of most of the benefits- the company is one of the best to work for in the area ( through Kaleida Health)

3. If I ever wanted to work as a COTA with a different population- this would be a good way to keep my foot in the door.

4. No stress- I show up, do my thing and go home!

Job B. Cons

1. The pay is lousy ( just a little more than 1/2 of what I make at my other job)
2. I'm not using my official degree
3. I work short hours- usually 4 hour shifts and it's fine- but I think if I worked more there would be times I would find it a bit mind-numbing.

So anyhow- that's what I end up with. There are times I would really like to consider just being a program assistant ( or something similar), no stress- show up, go home, do something good, help others. I really feel like all this working and stress on my mind has made me not the Mom and wife I want to be. But I have a hard time justifying working for so much less- if the reason one works is to make $. The other option is maybe there is a job C that I have discovered yet. I don't know- I come up with a plan then change it....

Vitamin D- Oh it was a nice sunny day! Did some yard work, cleaned out the car and am getting ready to go start a fire in our fire pit.

And so it goes...

Reading now : To Kill A Mockingbird . It was choosen for book club- I have a friend that LOVES it, but I have to say I haven't fallen in love with it. It was kind of fun when I opened up our old copy. Inside, around page 20 I found a hall pass from my husband from when he was in high school- truthfully that was probably as far as he ever got with it. (He's not a fan either!)

Hooray for Technology

This kind of goes with my last post about Richard being gone. I was thinking how thankful I am for technology and how it lets us communicate when he's away. Growing up my Dad was away for work a lot - I think the general schedule was gone two weeks, home one. I grew up knowing I didn't want a husband that was away a lot. I felt like with my Dad being gone so much, he didn't really know me well and wasn't as involved as I would have liked or as I wanted for my future children. Thus- probably one reason Richard is not the over the road truck driver that he had shown interst in at times! Anyhow- with all the advances in technology- it really lets us communicate even when he's away. Certainly he calls us, but he also does a daily blog while he's away. I have to say I'm pretty impressed with it! And it lets us see a little more into his day. Sometimes if I'm missing him I'll go back and read one of his posts. There is also texting- a quick easy way to say "hey", or communicate when you don't want the kids to hear what you are saying! Facebook- we have been keeping a scrabble game going while we are apart. It's just nice having so many ways to keep in touch so we can still feel close while we are apart. I think it certainly makes things easier for me.

Watched Moulin Rouge with Andrew last night- good story. A bit more risque than I liked a the beginning, but a great story!

Taking Jayna and a friend to Bounce Magic today. It's been spring break week and I've only worked one day. It is nice to rejuvenate and feel refreshed. ( I've even been sleeping in until 8!)I got some supplies for work and feel more ready to tackle next week. When I first started working at this school (it's an alternative school for kids with behavior or emotional/ mental health issues that don't allow them to attend a "regular" school)people did things like wish me luck, said they wouldn't want to start there... Anyhow, the kids have been good- sure some days are hard- but the things a lot of these kids have to deal with are hard. I have become quite fond of several of them.

And so it goes...

Feb. 24,2011

So I wrote previously about Richard's trips. He has one more to go. Mentor, OH. So how am I doing at being cheerful while he's been away??? Truthfully- I think it's been one of the better times, so I guess making up your mind ahead of time really does make a difference. Although there have been a few stressful times- but that's just life. Here's the thing though- Richard has really enjoyed this new experience. He's been doing project management- and he really likes it because he gets to do some supervisory/management work, but still gets to do technical work. I'm afraid he'll feel let down when he comes back to his day to day job. It's just not challenging enough. He has missed his family while he was away, and writes a great blog when he's gone. I don't know really what this means for our family in the future concerning his job. I know upper management thinks he's great and said they will keep him in mind for stuff in the future- but... I don't know- I really think it makes a huge difference to have a hubby that is happy in his work. So I hope something changes for him- whether it is with his current company or elsewhere.

Yesterday we celebrated Whitney's birthday- her birthday is today, but Richard will be gone. It is fun to see who she is and who she is becoming- Whitney bursts with personality!!! She may be inspiring me to dye my hair someday! She is currently a strawberry blond- this is the second time she's dyed her hair. Her big present was a new bike- she loves to ride her bike around town- it gives her the freedom that she loves and allows her to go on adventures!

So I've been working about 6 months- it's been a big change. I'm still working 2 part-time jobs, averaging around 28 hours a week. However, those days are spread out working 5 days a week- so I don't generally have a real day off- except weekend days ( which don't feel like days off!) My plan was to work both jobs until summer- then reevaluate. I had a bad week or so awhile ago and ended up sending out my resume elsewhere- I was called in for an interview. It went fine- but even if I'm offered it I'm still not sure it is the best fit. I thought I had a summer plan- then Jayna asked how I was going to take her swimming more. Oh the parent guilt...She is the first one that has had to attend the afterschool program (3 days a week), and who I haven't been able to be a room mom for much. It is discouraging to me. I have found it hard to find the perfect balance. And I know everyone has different ideas of what is right- but I am trying to find what is right for my family- emotionally, financially.... I had thought about quitting one of the jobs- it made "sense", but I really feel I was prompted not too, so I've kept it. One of the jobs pays much less- but is also much easier- basically just show up. The other job pays more- but certainly requires more also. I enjoy different aspects of both of them. Well for now- I'm just going to keep doing what I've been doing. We have a week off school this week- I've had to work one day- I feel I should be busy making freezer meals or something. With Richard being gone, home cooked meals have dwindled somewhat.

Trip to the aquarium this week- it was lovely because Everyone had a good time. It is so hard to find activities that 9 and 16 year olds both like! We are lousy at taking pictures, but hopefully I'll post some odd and ends pictures soon.

Just read:The Adoration of Jenna Fox.

And so it goes...

I don't hate...

I don't hate bean burritos, nor do I hate apples- but for some reason I have an aversion to both. I don't know why. Apples- I ate one yesterday, and again it suprised me how much I like them. It's not like we never have them in our house- in fact I usually buy them in 8 lb bags. I slice them up for the kids, pack them in lunches,add them to meals, but for me it really takes something for me to get that first bite in - even though I know I like them. Why- I don't know? Bean burritos- ( I have to say my aversion doesn't include Taco Bell), but for someone who always wants to eat more vegetarian meals- why do I have such a hard time making them- I actually make good ones, and it's one of the few vegetarian meals Richard really likes. Yet it takes a lot for me to make them. Weird.

And so it goes...

What a year- 2010!

Well 2011 is here, which makes me reflect back on the past year. It's been one of those "big" years for me-with a lot of major things occuring. In January I had emergency surgery to have my gall bladder removed, in May I graduated from college with an associates degree in occupational therapy assistant, in July our Family took a nice vacation to NYC, in August I started working in my new career field, and in December my oldest child turned 16. All good things - except perhaps the surgery. However, what really makes the year is just the day to day things with my family. We are truly blessed to have one another, to live in this land of freedom, to have the means to provide for our needs. I'm thankful that as we are entering the new year we have jobs and health and one another.

I think the goals for last year were to try more new recipes and to have a vegetarian meal each week. I do think I did a decent job at trying new recipes- and even posting about some of them, however the vegetarian meals kind of slipped away. Not that we didn't have any, but certainly not the quality or quanity I had hoped for. Goals for this year??? I'm not sure, I'm still thinking about that. I want to be reasonable and not set myself up to be disappointed as the year goes on. Maybe something to do with organization?

Richard's going to be travelling more the next few months. I am determined to be a relatively happy wife while he is away! I have a bad habit of taking on the attitude of "if you're not here when I need you, then I don't need you" Oh, the poor man, he really is a good guy. Hopefully the kids, the cars, the weather and everything else will cooperate with me!

Wishing everyone a happy, truly happy New Year.

**Just Finished- The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney ( I think)It was okay, the first half was really good, but unfortunately I felt it went downhill from there.

And so it goes....