Saturday, February 26, 2011

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...

Thursday, February 24, 2011

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...