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....

And so it goes...

The question of the day: How did people live years ago in such small houses with many more children and not kill each other??? Today the Momma needs her space!! Remember how I blogged about the benefits of no cable? It's still generally true, but there are times when I kind of wish everyone would scurry to their own room to watch tv! We have a relatively small house, although I know years ago it would have been considered huge- and sometimes there is just too much commotion in a small place. I took the newspaper and headed to my room tonight! ( Hmm, maybe in the "good old days" people were just too tired)

Jayna just turned 9 and had a fun birthday party at Bounce magic. I don't know if I can pick out a favorite present- she received lots of great items, and I'm glad she has good friends. Richard and I recently went to her parent- teacher conferences and we talked about sometimes more important than academics is the ability to have friends.

Whitney has finished field hockey and is now on to basketball. Her Christmas advice to me " don't buy me and clothes or purses"

Andrew just went to visit the Harkness program for audio and video production, and seemed quite interested in it. If he chooses to do that he would attend Harkness next year in the morning, then go to his home school for academic classes. Still things to figure out, but maybe it is something he'll do?

Work- at times I think 2 jobs is too many.( I only work part-time) Although I like things about both of them. My plan for now is to finish out the school year with both jobs and then reevaluate. Today was a good day at my official OT job- I love it when you can come up with something that seems to work! And I've had some positive success with some of my "more difficult" students. There are times when you can feel nothing but love and compassion for these kids.

Getting ready for Christmas! I have assigned Whitney to make some of the holiday goodies! We have a real tree that smells great!

And so it goes...

Oh the benefits of no cable!

Well, it wasn't the initial plan, but has ended up to be the much better one. At least if you ask the Mama of the house. It started with the desire to save some $. We decided to switch from Fios, back to Time Warner- bad mistake, but in the end it worked out. After having Time Warner back multiple times to make our internet and Tv work, even one of the customer reps.there suggested it might be best if we switched back to Fios. However we took it a step further and decided to just get internet and drop cable. The plan was to get an antennae for the basic stations, and then watch other things online. However, hubby forgot- and it was certainly nothing that would have entered my mind, the kids tv's would be too old for reception unless they had a digital converter box ( which cost about 50 each and defeats the initial save money idea, although eventually it would) So for now, what do we have?? One Tv in the Living room with the basic stations on it. And why does that make me happy????

1. I came home the other night to see my teenage daughter watching the news.
2. We watch TV more as a family now.
3. Nobody can hide in their room and turn on something I may consider inappropriate.
4. No more wasting electricity by people falling asleep with their TV on.
5. Less sleep deprivation- no one has to stay up to see the next episode of Hank Hill or....

Anyhow, I think it's great, although I understand others may not share my same opinion!! :)

REading Now: nothing, the "Book Thief" is still lost!- Oh but we do get the daily paper now and that's been good reading too- and funny to discuss news stories with the FAM!

And so it goes....

Random Thoughts- Oct. 6, 2010

So, I felt a little proud of myself for making an apple carmel pie the other day. Sounds yummy, huh? Actually it was, and it helped make up for the fact that family home evening did not go the way I had envisioned, oh well. Apple carmel pie and hot spiced cider makes everything better. Speaking of recipes, that was a new one, and I'll admit it, I used a store bought pie crust, but the truth is, without it, the pie would probably have remained just a nice thought. Sometimes I wish I was more of a kitchen person than I am- but I'm not, and that's okay- nobody has starved yet. The next new recipe to try?? Stuffed pepper soup- I had a sample of this one morning at the Farmers Market and thought it was delicious- and better yet, Richard liked it too. So, I have a new recipe to try- who knows if it will taste like our sample, but I hope so!

Kids and Sports! I have debated in my head and to those who would listen- my dilemma about attending every sporting event. Yes, I think it's important to support your kids in their activities, however, I have also come to my own conclussion that if attending a game an hour away is going to make you a grouchy mom, that sometimes its okay to say "not this one". I think my kids would appreciate it more to have a happy relaxed Mom than a crazy strressed out one. Plus there are certainly times having 3 kids that more than one kid needs a parent at the same time- thankfully there are two of us! Naturally however, this year and last I believe Whitney has chosen to score her first time of the season when we were not there! Hmm, maybe she does better without us anyway!

Politics- I'm not against old people,education, young people or the arts- however, I am against uncontrolled spending that is burying as a nation. Along with the sense of entitlement that it seems to breed. In high school I did a paper on Confucius and he had a quote that has stuck with me ( or the idea of it anyhow, it was quite long)- it had to do with for someone to govern a country that first they had to be able to govern themselves, and then their family and on up the line. Looking at political candidates- I feel that many are stuck on step one- the governing of themselves. Geesh! Is all I have to say.

Cookie dough, girl scout cookies, wrapping paper, magazines- all things that you could probably buy from one of my kids right now! Yep, it's fundraising season. As a parent I'm not a fan of, but is it a necessary evil? Two of my kids are trying to earn money for school trips- totalling close to $1000 this year. Honestly, I don't have that in my budget right now. But would people rather donate $10 to a trip or spend $15 on cookie dough where the child gets a$5 credit. And it does seem wrong to ask random people for $10 for a trip, but not so bad to say hey would you like to buy some chocolate- but they are usually just buying it to be nice anyhow- hmm... the dilemma. In some ways I think it is good for social skills, but I hate the "prize incentives", where a little girl begins to think they could sell 400 boxes of cookies without a problem, and if we didn't have these prizes would cookies be less expensive, would people buy more????

Time to finish up- about time to head to work

Trying to read: The Book Thief - however I believe it is hiding somewhere in my house?

And so it goes...