Okay, okay, so it's been 2 months since my last post...mostly due to my computer deciding to stop working. Then I was out of the habit, and kept meaning to get back to it, but just never really sat down and did it...so, yeah, sorry. Anyway...what has happened since June 3?? Let's see...I'll try to do an overview of each month.
June
Audrey officially finished 2nd grade (wow!) and then started summer school. She was gone half-days, which at least gave her some semblance of a schedule. The only bad part was that she had to be on her bus at 6:45am...and then got dropped off at 2pm, so the day was completely split in half. Isabel and I went swimming pretty much everyday and went to the library. Pete practiced more with his band, and they drove me crazy playing "Mississippi Queen" over and over again.
Isabel left on June 21st to go stay with her dad for the summer. I was not happy about that, especially since I was only given one week's warning...but I'm trying to be fair, so whatever. She misses him and his family. Luckily, once we live closer, I won't have to deal with her being gone for months at a time. Saying good-bye to her at the airport was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. It felt like I couldn't breathe. I have called her everyday since she's been gone at 6pm, just to tell her hi and I love her. Some days ( a lot of them) Jon doesn't answer, which pisses me off, but in general he's pretty good about remembering to have her call me back. On to...
July
The first is when Pete and I went to this awesome Lebanese restaurant for Sarah's birthday. The food was amazing, especially these appetizers wrapped in grape leaves...so good! Pete was very interested in the belly dancer...lucky for him, I'm not a jealous person. She tried to get me to dance with her, but I'd only had one dirty martini and was SO not drunk enough for belly dancing in front of a restaurant! hahaha!
Then on the weekend of the Fourth, we camped out in Rockwall at Rick's. That was a LOT of fun! My mom watched Audrey for us, and I got so, so drunk since I didn't have any children to keep track of...Pete just kept laughing at me. I am a chatty drunk, so every time he would catch my eye, I was huddled in a corner with someone sharing life stories and hugging. hahaha! I also threatened his place in the band by demanding he teach me to play the drums and the saying something to the effect of "you just wait, Buddy...they're totally going to want a girl drummer and you'll be gone" then I also informed him that he would have to teach me the songs and let me use his drums :) It's a good thing he loves me or else he would never put up with me! After it got dark, we went to watch fireworks...one of Rick's neighbors spent almost a grand on fireworks (wtf??) and they were awesome, but the thought of spending that much on fireworks boggles my mind. This is where it gets fuzzy. I know we went somewhere else, and I was laying on a blanket looking at the stars and then dancing to "Piece of My Heart" with Sarah...oh, and there was a song about "Jade is the girl of the hour" that I loved. I'll see if I can find the link she sent me. Around this point, I believe I passed out and woke around 5am to Corey, Sarah, and Sean drinking out of a whiskey bottle. I sat with them for a bit and then went back in the tent with Pete.
What else happened in July? We got our new bedroom furniture, which we both love and I have to say, it's nice to be able to fold and put away some clothes instead of having them all hanging in the closet. OH!! Harry Potter!! Pete got us tickets to the midnight showing in 3-D sometime in June when they first went on sale :) He's only read the first few books, but I've made him watch all the movies with me, and he really likes them. So, we dropped Audrey off with my mom in Plano, then went out to dinner at Love and War in Texas, which I'd never been to..driven by a few times, but Pete had a gift certificate from the owner, so we figured we might as well use it! I don't remember what I got, I think fish tacos. They were good. The place was very "Texas-y" which was cute. The beer I ordered was HUGE! But I only had the one...I didn't need to be wasted at Harry Potter. I won't get into just how awesome the movie was, but it was...it was pretty much perfect. Were there glaring differences between the book and the movie? Um...yeah. Did it take away from the movie? Not really. I was just happy that the part with Snape's memories was the way it should have been. That was one of my favorite parts of the book, and if that had been wrong, I would have been seriously pissed. I loved that the 3-D glasses were like Harry's...I have a pic of me and Pete wearing them somewhere...I'll see if I can find it.
Dianne and Caleb came to visit on July 20 (Mike and Paul's birthday) and we finally got to find out what they are having ...it's a boy!! His name is going to be Liam. My sister looks adorable, of course, thought I know she's uncomfortable. I hate to tell her that from here on out, it's just going to get worse...poor girl! We went (mom, me, and Dianne) and did her registry...it took about 2 hours and we all were sick of baby stuff by that point, but she did get some really cute things for Liam. On Saturday, Dianne decided she wanted to go see a roller derby at Fair Park, so off we went. Michael decided he would just meet us after...and Pete drove over after he got done with work. It was an experience, I'll say that. Very interesting people. I don't know if I'd go again, but at least I can say that I've been to one. Afterwards, Michael, Pete, Dianne, Caleb, and I went to Vickery Park to have some drinks. Well, Dianne had her one allotted cup of coffee. We had a pretty good time, I got kinda drunk from my martinis, and Michael got drunk from his whiskey and Coke...I don't know what Caleb was drinking, but he kept getting louder and louder...Pete was our DD, which was good, otherwise we would have been sleeping at my mom's place! Dianne managed to make it until about 12:30, which impressed me...I remember how tired I would get when I was pregnant. Dianne and Caleb left on the 26th, which was really hard. The next time I see them, I'll have a new nephew! When I told Isabel, she said that she wanted a girl cousin...I told her to take that up with her Aunt Dianne and Uncle Caleb.
Finally, on July 30th, Pete and I went out in Dallas for our one-year anniversary. I don't know how you figure out when your anniversary is, if you never have the "we're a couple" talk...for us, it was like, we met, we liked each other, and hung out every day. At night, we'd sit and talk until 3 or 4 in the morning. It just happened. So, he decided to count from the first time we kissed, which was a week or so after we met, which makes our anniversary July 23. So, we went to Dallas to the area where we actually had that first kiss. We road the trolley down to the DMofA and back. Stopped and got gelato and then walked back to the car. It was a really nice evening. Nothing too crazy, just the two of us spending time together. Which brings us to...
August (so far)
Well, aside from being hot as hell, the first week of August has been fairly uneventful. Audrey is most definitely ready to be back in school (so am I, kiddo, so am I!!) and Isabel will be back here in a couple of weeks. Jon and I are trying to figure out if I'm going to go there and get her, or if he's going to bring her here and logistics and money, etc, etc. Mostly I've read a lot of books today. I was annoyed when I went to return them yesterday and there was a sign saying the library was closed because of AC problems. The sign was also misspelled, which made me laugh. But that has left me with nothing to read while Pete is at work all day. Not fun.
And of course, I couldn't discuss this past week of August without at least mentioning the fact that Pete's ex-wife has decided to make a pest of herself...so there, I mentioned it. Jeanette needs to find a hobby that doesn't involve Google search...just sayin'...
Still have a couple more hours until Pete gets home...I know he's going to be exhausted, hopefully they had a good day today. Audrey is pouring Cheerios back and forth between two bowls and making a mess, luckily, they are easy to clean up, so I don't really care as long as she's happy.
Okay, I'm off...and I promise that I will never skip 2 months again. That took almost an hour to type up! Will have to add the pics and stuff later...can't remember what folder my pictures are in on Pete's hard drive, and don't feel like poking around trying to find them. Hope everyone has a great week!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
May 14, 2011
Sunday, May 8 4:38pm
Today is Mother's Day. Pete was really sweet and let me sleep in :) The girls have been mostly well-behaved today, which is a nice change. We've just been hanging out at home today. Maybe later we can go do something, but it's getting late and I have to get Audrey ready for school tomorrow. Isabel has decided that good behavior is over, and I'm watching her pull all the books off the bookshelf **sigh**...what do you do?
This afternoon was fun. The girls were watching a movie, so Pete and I hung out together and it was great to get to spend some time with him when we both weren't completely exhausted. I am so happy with him, I know I say that alot, but it's true. He makes me feel part of something. I don't really know hoe to explain it...I know people say there's that "bubble" that couples have when they first start dating and then it goes away, but it's been almost 10 months, and I still get that feeling with him. It's like we're the only two people in the world and nothing else matters. The girls and Pete are my life. He is my partner in it all, and helps me to feel less overwhelmed by life in general, and the girls in particular.
It's been a little weird not being with my mom today. Apparently my brothers took her out to lunch. No one thought to call me and tell me what was happening. I'm not going to say that doesn't hurt my feelings a little, but there's nothing I can do about it. I am not surprised that they didn't include me...I mean, what if I'd asked if Pete could come? Which is completely stupid, of course I wouldn't. I know how Paul is about him. But to not spend Mother's day with my own mom because my brother is a tool isn't very fair. Whatever. We took her to dinner a couple weeks ago. Hopefully Paul will come around at some point, but I'm not holding my breath.
Isabel talked to Jon today, mentioned Pete quite a few times, which was awkward. But at least he knows that Pete is part of her life and she seems to like him. That must help. Or not. I have no idea, to be honest. But for now it is what it is. And he's just going to have to deal with it. We'll figure it out as we go.
Right now, Pete is at the store. He just totally lost his temper because we couldn't find the keys to the car. We looked for about 15 minutes, and it was because I was exhausted when I got home from work last night around midnight. I vaugely remember having them in my hand when I opened the door, but didn't remember where I put them down. Then I thought where would Isabel put them? Opened the kitchen sink cabinet: bingo! Pete was completely pissed by this point. I mean, yes, it's frustrating when things get lost, but you can't lose it like that everytime something gets misplaced. Especially when it's not like he had to be at owrk or an appointment. He was going to the grocery store. I know he wanted to get it done and that he's exhausted, but geeze. Watching him lose his temper like that really made the happy feeling of this afternoon go away. Quickly. I don't want the rest of the day to be ruined because of that. That would suck. I'm just going to have to act like everything is fine and hopefully he'll calm down and quit acting like some sort of dictator who has to get all these things done NOW. That guy is not fun and makes me feel like just shutting down. I know he gets intense about getting work or chores done, but he doesn't have to make it the way he does. I understand that things need to get done, but you can have fun, too.
I have the best boyfriend ever. He just called me from the grocery store to apologize for losing it. :) I would have called him right when he left, but I didn't think he had any credit on his phone. I hate fighting with him. As soon as he walked off to go take the trash out and go to the store, I wanted to chase after him and tell him I wasn't mad anymore. But I didn't have shoes on, and I was afraid he was still mad and then might say something to hurt my feelings. He didn't, though...he was his usual incredible self and called and apologized and made me love him a little bit more. I can't wait to get home so I can give him a big hug and kiss!
Monday, May 9 9:29pm
Today is Pete's birthday...he's 33 and I have been giving him a lot of shit about it. I spent most of the day preparing for his birthday meal. I asked him what he wanted, and he gave me this recipe from his Meat Book by that British guy Hugh Whatever that he makes me watch those shows about. Anyway, it was for Herb Roasted Chicken. The recipe itself was pretty simple, but I had to go to the store to buy herbs, because I don't have acres of garden around my house, like Hugh does. In the book it says to go grab a couple handfuls of whatever is growing...riiiiight. But I got that stuff, a card, and then the indredients to make his chocolate-walnut cake with coffee-chocolate frosting. I forgot to put the nuts in the cake, but other than that, I think it turned out pretty good. The frosting was a little runny from adding the instant coffee, eh, you learn. I'm sure there's a way to make it so that doesn't happen. I'm just glad that everything was good (he says) and that he liked it. :)
He's so important to me and I want him to know it. I don't have money to take him on vacations or to buy him things, but I can cook. I can tell him how much I love him. That's what I can do. I just hope it's enough.
On a different note, I found a really funny website: ShitMyStudentsWrite.com.
Today is Mother's Day. Pete was really sweet and let me sleep in :) The girls have been mostly well-behaved today, which is a nice change. We've just been hanging out at home today. Maybe later we can go do something, but it's getting late and I have to get Audrey ready for school tomorrow. Isabel has decided that good behavior is over, and I'm watching her pull all the books off the bookshelf **sigh**...what do you do?
This afternoon was fun. The girls were watching a movie, so Pete and I hung out together and it was great to get to spend some time with him when we both weren't completely exhausted. I am so happy with him, I know I say that alot, but it's true. He makes me feel part of something. I don't really know hoe to explain it...I know people say there's that "bubble" that couples have when they first start dating and then it goes away, but it's been almost 10 months, and I still get that feeling with him. It's like we're the only two people in the world and nothing else matters. The girls and Pete are my life. He is my partner in it all, and helps me to feel less overwhelmed by life in general, and the girls in particular.
It's been a little weird not being with my mom today. Apparently my brothers took her out to lunch. No one thought to call me and tell me what was happening. I'm not going to say that doesn't hurt my feelings a little, but there's nothing I can do about it. I am not surprised that they didn't include me...I mean, what if I'd asked if Pete could come? Which is completely stupid, of course I wouldn't. I know how Paul is about him. But to not spend Mother's day with my own mom because my brother is a tool isn't very fair. Whatever. We took her to dinner a couple weeks ago. Hopefully Paul will come around at some point, but I'm not holding my breath.
Isabel talked to Jon today, mentioned Pete quite a few times, which was awkward. But at least he knows that Pete is part of her life and she seems to like him. That must help. Or not. I have no idea, to be honest. But for now it is what it is. And he's just going to have to deal with it. We'll figure it out as we go.
Right now, Pete is at the store. He just totally lost his temper because we couldn't find the keys to the car. We looked for about 15 minutes, and it was because I was exhausted when I got home from work last night around midnight. I vaugely remember having them in my hand when I opened the door, but didn't remember where I put them down. Then I thought where would Isabel put them? Opened the kitchen sink cabinet: bingo! Pete was completely pissed by this point. I mean, yes, it's frustrating when things get lost, but you can't lose it like that everytime something gets misplaced. Especially when it's not like he had to be at owrk or an appointment. He was going to the grocery store. I know he wanted to get it done and that he's exhausted, but geeze. Watching him lose his temper like that really made the happy feeling of this afternoon go away. Quickly. I don't want the rest of the day to be ruined because of that. That would suck. I'm just going to have to act like everything is fine and hopefully he'll calm down and quit acting like some sort of dictator who has to get all these things done NOW. That guy is not fun and makes me feel like just shutting down. I know he gets intense about getting work or chores done, but he doesn't have to make it the way he does. I understand that things need to get done, but you can have fun, too.
I have the best boyfriend ever. He just called me from the grocery store to apologize for losing it. :) I would have called him right when he left, but I didn't think he had any credit on his phone. I hate fighting with him. As soon as he walked off to go take the trash out and go to the store, I wanted to chase after him and tell him I wasn't mad anymore. But I didn't have shoes on, and I was afraid he was still mad and then might say something to hurt my feelings. He didn't, though...he was his usual incredible self and called and apologized and made me love him a little bit more. I can't wait to get home so I can give him a big hug and kiss!
Monday, May 9 9:29pm
Today is Pete's birthday...he's 33 and I have been giving him a lot of shit about it. I spent most of the day preparing for his birthday meal. I asked him what he wanted, and he gave me this recipe from his Meat Book by that British guy Hugh Whatever that he makes me watch those shows about. Anyway, it was for Herb Roasted Chicken. The recipe itself was pretty simple, but I had to go to the store to buy herbs, because I don't have acres of garden around my house, like Hugh does. In the book it says to go grab a couple handfuls of whatever is growing...riiiiight. But I got that stuff, a card, and then the indredients to make his chocolate-walnut cake with coffee-chocolate frosting. I forgot to put the nuts in the cake, but other than that, I think it turned out pretty good. The frosting was a little runny from adding the instant coffee, eh, you learn. I'm sure there's a way to make it so that doesn't happen. I'm just glad that everything was good (he says) and that he liked it. :)
He's so important to me and I want him to know it. I don't have money to take him on vacations or to buy him things, but I can cook. I can tell him how much I love him. That's what I can do. I just hope it's enough.
On a different note, I found a really funny website: ShitMyStudentsWrite.com.
May 7, 2011
Friday, May 6 3:05pm
I was really bad about writing this week, which isn't too surprising. It flew by! It's been a pretty good week, though, even if Isabel has been refusing to sleep. Audrey's been acting up, too, but I think that's more to do with her school. We're probably going to be sending her back to Plano next year. I think that might be the best thing for her.
So, the job at Macy's...that is done. I found daycare for the girls, but it was going to be so expensive, it wasn't worth it for me to work. Total it was going to be $269/week. I make 8/hour...before taxes it would have been about $290. That's not counting gas money driving to and from work twice a day (to go, then come back to get Audrey from her bus, then go back to drop her off, then come back after work). My work was willing to let me take my break at the same time every day so I could meet her bus, but the daycare cost was going to eat my entire paycheck...and then some. Once Isabel's in preschool, I will be able to find something and won't have to pay these ridiculous prices. Until then, I will go back to being a full-time stay-at-home-mom...which really isn't that bad :) Well, until I'm going completely stir-crazy, but until then, I should be fine. I'll just have to find stuff for us to do.
Audrey just got home from school and I got some cute fake flowers and a card for Mother's Day. I know she didn't make any of it, or write her name, but it's still nice. Speaking of, I need to get my mom a card. I'll do that tomorrow or tonight. Guess not tomorrow, because I am still working from 1-11:15 (yeah, that's gonna be fun). It reminded me (getting the card and flowers) of when I was in first or second grade. We made bath salts for our moms...don't ask me how, I just remember a baggie of stinky salt crystals that I gave my mom. I wonder if she ever used them. I should ask her.
I feel so relieved that I don't have to figure out a safe place for Audrey to go after-school. I was really stressing about that. I would have liked to be working and making some money, not to mention being around other adults for a few hours a day, but I guess it just wasn't meant to happen right now. Pete was so great about it when I sent him a text telling him that I was freaking out. I really was, too...I was shaking and having trouble breathing because I was trying to figure out a way to make everything work out. He was so sweet and called me to make sure I was alright. Then sent me an email telling me that if I have to stay home for now it's okay. :) I'm such an incredibly lucky person to have him. We'll be able to make it work, God knows I've made it on less! And he suggested that I try selling Avon or something (my mom does) so maybe I'll try that.
Alright, Isabel wants me to play with her, and I need to call my sister back. They got to hear the heartbeat yesterday and I want to hear all about it! :)
I was really bad about writing this week, which isn't too surprising. It flew by! It's been a pretty good week, though, even if Isabel has been refusing to sleep. Audrey's been acting up, too, but I think that's more to do with her school. We're probably going to be sending her back to Plano next year. I think that might be the best thing for her.
So, the job at Macy's...that is done. I found daycare for the girls, but it was going to be so expensive, it wasn't worth it for me to work. Total it was going to be $269/week. I make 8/hour...before taxes it would have been about $290. That's not counting gas money driving to and from work twice a day (to go, then come back to get Audrey from her bus, then go back to drop her off, then come back after work). My work was willing to let me take my break at the same time every day so I could meet her bus, but the daycare cost was going to eat my entire paycheck...and then some. Once Isabel's in preschool, I will be able to find something and won't have to pay these ridiculous prices. Until then, I will go back to being a full-time stay-at-home-mom...which really isn't that bad :) Well, until I'm going completely stir-crazy, but until then, I should be fine. I'll just have to find stuff for us to do.
Audrey just got home from school and I got some cute fake flowers and a card for Mother's Day. I know she didn't make any of it, or write her name, but it's still nice. Speaking of, I need to get my mom a card. I'll do that tomorrow or tonight. Guess not tomorrow, because I am still working from 1-11:15 (yeah, that's gonna be fun). It reminded me (getting the card and flowers) of when I was in first or second grade. We made bath salts for our moms...don't ask me how, I just remember a baggie of stinky salt crystals that I gave my mom. I wonder if she ever used them. I should ask her.
I feel so relieved that I don't have to figure out a safe place for Audrey to go after-school. I was really stressing about that. I would have liked to be working and making some money, not to mention being around other adults for a few hours a day, but I guess it just wasn't meant to happen right now. Pete was so great about it when I sent him a text telling him that I was freaking out. I really was, too...I was shaking and having trouble breathing because I was trying to figure out a way to make everything work out. He was so sweet and called me to make sure I was alright. Then sent me an email telling me that if I have to stay home for now it's okay. :) I'm such an incredibly lucky person to have him. We'll be able to make it work, God knows I've made it on less! And he suggested that I try selling Avon or something (my mom does) so maybe I'll try that.
Alright, Isabel wants me to play with her, and I need to call my sister back. They got to hear the heartbeat yesterday and I want to hear all about it! :)
Saturday, April 30, 2011
April 30, 2011
Sunday, April 24 10:07pm
Easter Sunday. I have mixed feelings about today. Not the holiday itself, but about how it was. On the one hand, the girls had fun with their chocolate and hunting eggs (well, Isabel did, anyway) and running around with a major sugar buzz the most of the day. I did not have fun, however, at church trying to keep them from yelling, running around, and basically being those kids. You know the ones I mean...they are noisy, rude, and you wonder if their parents are even aware that their kids are a pain. Well, having been on the other side, I can tell you that yes, I do know my kids can be annoying. Audrey is deaf and autistic...trying to make her understand that her moaning and yelling is bothering people is pretty much impossible. As for Isabel...she's 3-years-old and doesn't think rules apply to her. What this means is that trying to sit through church with them is a lesson in futility. I think we made it to the Gospel before we had to go to the foyer...then Audrey started darting through the people standing out there, so we went outside. Isabel started trying to pick flowers in a garden surrounding a statue of the Virgin Mary, which I'm pretty sure isn't a g ood idea. This made her (Isabel) mad, and so the kicking, screaming 'Go away!!' started, along with her taking off her shoes and running away from me. Awesome. Longest mass ever. At least I got some cute pictures of the girls.
Easter Sunday. I have mixed feelings about today. Not the holiday itself, but about how it was. On the one hand, the girls had fun with their chocolate and hunting eggs (well, Isabel did, anyway) and running around with a major sugar buzz the most of the day. I did not have fun, however, at church trying to keep them from yelling, running around, and basically being those kids. You know the ones I mean...they are noisy, rude, and you wonder if their parents are even aware that their kids are a pain. Well, having been on the other side, I can tell you that yes, I do know my kids can be annoying. Audrey is deaf and autistic...trying to make her understand that her moaning and yelling is bothering people is pretty much impossible. As for Isabel...she's 3-years-old and doesn't think rules apply to her. What this means is that trying to sit through church with them is a lesson in futility. I think we made it to the Gospel before we had to go to the foyer...then Audrey started darting through the people standing out there, so we went outside. Isabel started trying to pick flowers in a garden surrounding a statue of the Virgin Mary, which I'm pretty sure isn't a g ood idea. This made her (Isabel) mad, and so the kicking, screaming 'Go away!!' started, along with her taking off her shoes and running away from me. Awesome. Longest mass ever. At least I got some cute pictures of the girls.
Isabel and Audrey in the Virgin Mary garden where Isabel picked the roses.
Isabel with the infamous flower that started the tantrum.
Audrey was perfectly happy to sit in the garden quietly and nicely...why she couldn't do this in the church, I don't know.
So, even though I know this is technically Sunday's writing, we did stuff on Saturday after I posted...so, whatever. It's my blog and I can do what I want. Saturday afternoon my mom came by and we took her out to eat at this place called Kuby's. It's a German restaurant near SMU. The food was pretty good, I got Jager Schnizle and it basically is chicken-fried chicken. But the mushroom sauce was really good. The red cabbage was awesome. Isabel and Audrey both had a good time. Audrey ate her weight in butter and was super happy, as you can see in the picture below.
Okay, she looks a little possessed, but she's happy, I promise...that's my arm that she's making reach for more butter.
Isabel loved getting to sit by Oma (what she calls my mom) and listen to the accordian player. I took her up to the front where he was playing, and he even let her push some of the buttons. She was pretty excited about that. She was also a big fan of her apple juice, so, whatever.
This is Isabel eating her German sausage..she wasn't quite sure about it.
Finally, I had to get a picture of my mom with the girls in front of the restaurant...it went about as well as I would have expected...but was funny.
Audrey was watching a car, and Isabel didn't want to sit down...typical.
And to go back further in time: the last two pictures are from BEFORE we met up with my mom and the girls were playing at what passes for a playground at our apartment complex.
Pete pushing Isabel on the swings.
Audrey running laps around the play area.
Now it is pouring rain, both girls are asleep, I am stuffed from the Chili's we had for dinner, and am thinking that it sucks that the outfit I set out for Audrey to wear tomorrow is probably not going to work since it's raining. I guess I can always put he in her tennis shoes. Anyway, that's it for now. I'm off to read my book, spend some more time with Pete, and then head to bed.
Monday, April 25 11:25pm
Today was nuts. I took the car into be fixed and (of course) the guy wouldn't let me use Pete's card. So, Pete has to take the car in before work tomorrow and it should be done by tomorrow afternoon! Yay! I think the guy is trying to trick us into paying more money, though. I thought about what he said needed repaired...and I agree about the bend control arm, or whatever it's called, but he also said a wheel bearing needs to be replaced. That's what my dad had fixed before I came back to Texas. On the exact same wheel. Perhaps it got messed up when I hit that curb, but I remember the guy in Indiana who fixed it said he was surprised at how much "play" there was in the wheel, and then he saw that the others were like that, too. He said that some cars are just like that, and it's not that big of a deal. The guy today was shaking the wheel back and forth saying that it needed to be fixed...but I think he's just trying to get me to have a repair that's not necessary. I'll talk to Pete and see what he thinks.
Good news: I got a call from Leslie at Macy's today about the opening (full-time) in Intimates. She wants me to come in to talk to her on Wednesday. She actually wanted me to work, but I told her that I couldn't. Now I know that I don't officially have the job, but come on...everyone there loves me and talks about what a great job I do, and one of the managers called me personally to tell me about the opening. They don't normally do that. I'm just hoping I get it. Even though it's in Plano, and that's annoying, it's a full-time job and that is all that matters. I'll have to start looking really hard for daycare for Isabel, though. And some sort of after-school program for Audrey. Too bad they couldn't have given me this job back in February. Then we could have afforded a place in Plano and Elisa (according to my mom) would be more than happy to watch Audrey now. But what's done is done. The point is that I may have a job soon. :) I know that will take a lot of pressure off of Pete, too.
Alright, I'm going to read one more chapter (I've let myself start reading the Vampire Chronicles again) and then I HAVE to go to bed!
Saturday, April 30 10:55pm
So, this week totally got away from me...which is both surprising and not. At times this week seemed to drag, but then I went through most of it in a semi-exhausted fog. At least I made it.
This biggest news of the week is that I got a job!! Finally!! Macy's called me in for an interview on Wednesday and hired me on the spot! I'm going to be a full-time permanent employee in the Intimates area (which Pete thinks is funny, because he can say that he's dating a girl who works the Unmentionables Counter at Macy's, like that old guy in "Ocean's 11). I'm very excited about this, because I'm promised between 36-40 hours a week. Bad news? Daycare. The logistics of how this is going to actually work. I know that Isabel can go to a regular daycare. And next week I will find her one and get her all signed up. But Audrey is where I have problems. I could probably find her a place to go afterschool, if that was all that needed to happen...but part of my job means I HAVE to work til closing (9 or 10) twice a week. My mom would be able to pick Isabel up after work (5pm) and then watch her for me, but there isn't anyway for her to get to Dallas to pick Audrey up from her afterschool in time. They usually close at 6 or 6:30. And even then, it would be a lot to ask her to drive all the way to Dallas to pick Audrey up. Now that I'm typing, the only thing I can think of is that maybe if my mom did pick them up on those days and brought them here, then stayed with them until Pete got home from work. Then she wouldn't have to watch them all night. That might work. But it would depend on me finding a place that could watch Audrey until my mom got there to get her, or, on the days that I work until 6, they would have to keep her until I could get there to pick her up (around 6:30 or 7). I don't know any places that stay open until 7. I guess I will just have to look and see what I find.
Alright...Isable is STILL awake (more on that tomorrow) and I have to go be Mean Mommy and make her go to bed. I have let her get away with too much, and she's turning into a real pain in the butt...and a brat. This is done.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
April 23, 2011
Tuesday, April 19 1:30pm
I'm liking the new format. Makes it so I don't have to sit there on Saturdays and try to remember everything that I want to write about for the week. So far this week has been pretty great. On Sunday we went to the farm where Corey's girlfriend's dad lives. The guys (there were 4 of them) all brough their instruments and set up outside and played some songs. It was a lot of fun. The girls had a great time running around outside, but then both decided they'd rather be inside, which was really annoying. Other than that, though, it was a good day.
I'm liking the new format. Makes it so I don't have to sit there on Saturdays and try to remember everything that I want to write about for the week. So far this week has been pretty great. On Sunday we went to the farm where Corey's girlfriend's dad lives. The guys (there were 4 of them) all brough their instruments and set up outside and played some songs. It was a lot of fun. The girls had a great time running around outside, but then both decided they'd rather be inside, which was really annoying. Other than that, though, it was a good day.
Here's Pete setting up his drums and checking something...don't ask me what, though! :)
Isabel had a great time playing drums and looking cute in her tutu and sparkly pink sneakers :)
Me and my guy
Aly is Corey's little girl. She and Isabel sort-of played together...as much as little kids can play together at that age.
Couldn't resist...I love this picture of Pete. He's so handsome :)
Me and Audrey under the shady tree.
So, the pictures give some indication of the happy and fun day we had. I have a ton more, but I won't put them all on here. The girls got home (after Isabel was a terror the entire drive back) and crashed out, thank god! We were all exhausted!
Monday was a pretty regular day. Did some laundry and found out that I could put my memory card directly into my computer (haven't had the cord in forever) and upload my pictures. I had over 400! Now I'm gong to go back to my earlier posts and insert pictures that I didn't have before. Should be fun!
Saturday, April 23 1:40pm
This week dragged, and yet flew by...I can't belive it's already Saturday again. I didn't write this week, mostly because I was just exhausted. I was so tired most mornings that it was all I could do to wake up to get Audrey ready for school and on her bus. Then I'd come in and pass out again. I'm still tired, but feeling a little better. I think that sleeping on the floor is finally taking a toll on my back. That, and I wake up at night with my arms or hands numb. It's really annoying. Sometimes it's my leg. But it doesn't matter, because we'll have a bed soon!
Pete's dad sent him a pretty good amount of money, which will be enough to get the car fixed AND get us a matteress. Plus, we'll have money left over. I know that Pete is frustrated that we haven't done anything yet today. He woke up early today and is tired. I finally got him to go lie down for a bit. He was getting grumpy and snapping at us. I am going to finish this, then get in the shower. I already gave Isabel a bath, so she just needs to get dressed, then I'll bathe and dress Audrey and we'll be ready to go.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
April 16, 2011
You'd think that because I don't work (working once every two weeks hardly counts as "working") I'd be able to remember everything that happened in the course of a week that I wanted to write about on Saturday...you'd be wrong. So, I'm changing up the format of my blog. The anal-retentive person in me is screaming her head off, but I'm shutting her up. Yes, it grates on me that I'm changing the way I'm doing this, but sometimes improvements have to be made...and besides, it's my blog, and I can do whatever I want. Basically, I'll write during the week, not everyday necessarily, and then post it on Saturday. This way it will be a more complete look at the week. We'll see how it goes...if it works, great. If not? I'll just go back to writing and posting once a week. To partially satisfy Ms. Anal Retentive and quiet her objections to change, I'll date each separate post. That should do it. Yep...she's quieted down :)
Thursday, April 14 (1:54 pm)
Twitter. That is really all I have to say. The one word sums up so much. It is bad. I signed up for a Twitter account like 2 years ago, or something, but never really used it. I think after about a month I got bored and stopped. Now, you can see that I have a link on here to my Twitter account, and check it and tweet, frequently. It's bad. I mostly do it because I love reading what my favorite celebs have to say (nothing too intelligent most of the time)...but it's still pretty cool. I especially like that people like David Boreanaz (@David_Boreanaz) will take pictures on-set and post them. I am a huge fan of "Bones," and love that he'll take pics from behind his desk with all the cameras set up, or ask opinions about what crazy socks to wear (if you don't watch, you wouldn't know that his character, Booth, always wears brightly colored socks and a belt buckle with a rooster that says "Cocky"). Eliza Dushku (@elizadushku) is another one that's fun to read...and the fact that both of them were on "Buffy" isn't lost on me...but seriously, "Buffy" was awesome. I would love to have the entire series on DVD **ahem** hint to Mr. Duric!! :) I wonder if the guy who played Spike has Twitter...James Marsters is his name, by the way...let's check. Nope, no Twitter, just an official news page. Lame. Honestly, most of the activity on there is between me and Pete (dorky, I know...though if you would like to follow him it's @Stundek there you will learn about Manchester United, random music, and the annoying folks that come into his work! :) Pretty entertaining, though.
Now I am being forced to play Wii ping pong with Isabel, so I will write more later.
Friday, April 15 (7:05 pm)
Today was shopping day. After the nightmare that was yesterday (my car got towed, it cost $170 to get it back, then got lost driving to the towing lot TWICE, and had to drive the car 25-30 mph the entire 16 miles home).it was nice to go buy some stuff. Shopping always makes me happy :) I don't think it has the same effect for Pete, but that's probably because I'm spending his money. Though I didn't go too crazy...the only thing I bought that I really didn't need was a dress that cost about $15. And, once he sees it, I don't think he'll be too angry! :)
Audrey and Isabel have been eating pretty much all day. It's insane. They went through an entire package of cookies, Audrey's had 8 chicken nuggets and a medium order of fries from Jack in the Box, Isabel had the same, then Isabel has had 2 pieces of turkey, an apple, and 2 oranges. And they both want more food. Seriously?? At this rate, the food will all be gone by the weekend!
I made some chicken and vegetables for dinner, but the carrots and potatoes cooked down to mush...so, I don't know if anyone is even going to want to eat them...I know I don't want to...but I will, just to be a good example and not waste food...blah, blah, blah. That's what I get for using canned veggies instead of fresh or frozen. That's what I usually buy, but these were on sale. Now I know why. Lesson learned.
I have to work tomorrow, which I'm really not looking forward to. It's a one-day sale, and a Saturday. Shoot me. But it's good that I'll be earning some money. I have to be there at 2, and am done at 11. Yuck. Plus, I'll have to get the girls from my mom's and then drive back here, so I probably won't even get home until around midnight. Awesome. I just have to keep reminding myself that it's money...that's a good thing.
I need to go now. Pete will be home any time. I can't wait to see him. I missed him a lot, and won't see him at all tomorrow...well, not really. He's leaving around 5:30 tomorrow morning, and then I won't be back until late...sucky.
Saturday, April 16 (9:52 am)
This week has seriously tested my ability to be lose my temper and not lash out. Isabel has been awful all week. I know she misses her dad and his family, but good god!! She is kicking, biting, screaming, crying, and throwing toys and stuff at me...this week her redeeming qualities have remained dormant. Bedtime is a constant bid for "something else," whether it's a story, song, or drink, or she just starts sobbing. Which quickly turns to rage. Then hysteria. It's fun.
I have to work today from 2-11, not looking forward to that, but I have to remind myself that it's money. It's not really working that I have a problem with, it's having to drive there in my car. I get so nervous that the wheel is going to fall off or something...but what choice do I have? I have no idea how to get there with the buses and trains. I'm sure it's possible, but then how do I get home? As much fun as staying the night at my mom's with the girls sounds, I mean, keeping them from breaking things and stuff...I just don't want to. Plus, we're (me, Pete, and the girls) are going to that farm tomorrow morning and have to be ready by like 10am.
Awesome, Isabel just threw a toy at me because I won't play Wii for her. She had to go to timeout because it was a giant plastic book. I swear, anyone else and I would beat the crap out of them...lucky for her, she's my daughter and I love her and I know she's not trying to piss me off.
Thursday, April 14 (1:54 pm)
Twitter. That is really all I have to say. The one word sums up so much. It is bad. I signed up for a Twitter account like 2 years ago, or something, but never really used it. I think after about a month I got bored and stopped. Now, you can see that I have a link on here to my Twitter account, and check it and tweet, frequently. It's bad. I mostly do it because I love reading what my favorite celebs have to say (nothing too intelligent most of the time)...but it's still pretty cool. I especially like that people like David Boreanaz (@David_Boreanaz) will take pictures on-set and post them. I am a huge fan of "Bones," and love that he'll take pics from behind his desk with all the cameras set up, or ask opinions about what crazy socks to wear (if you don't watch, you wouldn't know that his character, Booth, always wears brightly colored socks and a belt buckle with a rooster that says "Cocky"). Eliza Dushku (@elizadushku) is another one that's fun to read...and the fact that both of them were on "Buffy" isn't lost on me...but seriously, "Buffy" was awesome. I would love to have the entire series on DVD **ahem** hint to Mr. Duric!! :) I wonder if the guy who played Spike has Twitter...James Marsters is his name, by the way...let's check. Nope, no Twitter, just an official news page. Lame. Honestly, most of the activity on there is between me and Pete (dorky, I know...though if you would like to follow him it's @Stundek there you will learn about Manchester United, random music, and the annoying folks that come into his work! :) Pretty entertaining, though.
Now I am being forced to play Wii ping pong with Isabel, so I will write more later.
Friday, April 15 (7:05 pm)
Today was shopping day. After the nightmare that was yesterday (my car got towed, it cost $170 to get it back, then got lost driving to the towing lot TWICE, and had to drive the car 25-30 mph the entire 16 miles home).it was nice to go buy some stuff. Shopping always makes me happy :) I don't think it has the same effect for Pete, but that's probably because I'm spending his money. Though I didn't go too crazy...the only thing I bought that I really didn't need was a dress that cost about $15. And, once he sees it, I don't think he'll be too angry! :)
Audrey and Isabel have been eating pretty much all day. It's insane. They went through an entire package of cookies, Audrey's had 8 chicken nuggets and a medium order of fries from Jack in the Box, Isabel had the same, then Isabel has had 2 pieces of turkey, an apple, and 2 oranges. And they both want more food. Seriously?? At this rate, the food will all be gone by the weekend!
I made some chicken and vegetables for dinner, but the carrots and potatoes cooked down to mush...so, I don't know if anyone is even going to want to eat them...I know I don't want to...but I will, just to be a good example and not waste food...blah, blah, blah. That's what I get for using canned veggies instead of fresh or frozen. That's what I usually buy, but these were on sale. Now I know why. Lesson learned.
I have to work tomorrow, which I'm really not looking forward to. It's a one-day sale, and a Saturday. Shoot me. But it's good that I'll be earning some money. I have to be there at 2, and am done at 11. Yuck. Plus, I'll have to get the girls from my mom's and then drive back here, so I probably won't even get home until around midnight. Awesome. I just have to keep reminding myself that it's money...that's a good thing.
I need to go now. Pete will be home any time. I can't wait to see him. I missed him a lot, and won't see him at all tomorrow...well, not really. He's leaving around 5:30 tomorrow morning, and then I won't be back until late...sucky.
Saturday, April 16 (9:52 am)
This week has seriously tested my ability to be lose my temper and not lash out. Isabel has been awful all week. I know she misses her dad and his family, but good god!! She is kicking, biting, screaming, crying, and throwing toys and stuff at me...this week her redeeming qualities have remained dormant. Bedtime is a constant bid for "something else," whether it's a story, song, or drink, or she just starts sobbing. Which quickly turns to rage. Then hysteria. It's fun.
I have to work today from 2-11, not looking forward to that, but I have to remind myself that it's money. It's not really working that I have a problem with, it's having to drive there in my car. I get so nervous that the wheel is going to fall off or something...but what choice do I have? I have no idea how to get there with the buses and trains. I'm sure it's possible, but then how do I get home? As much fun as staying the night at my mom's with the girls sounds, I mean, keeping them from breaking things and stuff...I just don't want to. Plus, we're (me, Pete, and the girls) are going to that farm tomorrow morning and have to be ready by like 10am.
Awesome, Isabel just threw a toy at me because I won't play Wii for her. She had to go to timeout because it was a giant plastic book. I swear, anyone else and I would beat the crap out of them...lucky for her, she's my daughter and I love her and I know she's not trying to piss me off.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
April 9, 2011
Last night was LONG...Isabel isn't feeling good and was up most of the night coughing. I felt so bad for her because there wasn't much I could do for her except try to get her back to sleep when she woke up. That's one of the worst things about being a mom: watching your kid feel bad and not being able to make it better.
Seven hours later:
My mom came by today and hung out for a few hours. It was good to see her, we chatted and she took me and the girls to the grocery store to get some stuff. Isabel had a complete meltdown in the store...like hitting, screaming, going rigid...lots of fun. I knew it was because she was tired, but geeze! It was like she was possessed! Finally she calmed down, but for a while there I thought her head was going to start spinning!
Now she's watching "Ponyo" again and Audrey is laying in her room playing with some toys. All is calm...for now...let's just hope it stays that way. :)
This week has been okay. Audrey was really sick Monday and Tuesday...like, fever, sleeping 23 hours a day, not eating sick...I was worried for a while that she was going to end up in the hospital again, but by Wednesday she was doing better. We finally got her bus situation taken care of--thank goodness! All it took was me emailing her teacher, principal, and the autism compliance specialist to get it taken care of! hahaha! It makes me glad to think that I won't have to deal with DISD after next year...
Speaking of plans for the future...Pete and I have been doing a lot of talking about weddings and marriage. Things are looking pretty serious, and he even had me give him a short list of rings that I like (granted, this was because I sent him a pretty long list on Monday or Tuesday). But if he wasn't in the same place, he wouldn't have been so interested...right?? The date is pretty much set: July 28, 2012. We met on July 17 of last year, and this summer would be too soon to have anything put together...so I looked at a calendar and found a Saturday that was close to our anniversary. This year July 23 is actually on a Saturday, but I think that it would be too soon. Not that I am worried about our commitment to each other, but that we could not afford anything more that a trip to City Hall...not what either of us has in mind. :) I love that he actually will look at wedding stuff with me and give me opinions. This is about both of us, not just me. I have never understood why people tell the bride that the day is all about her...um, without the groom you're just a nut in a white dress at a hugely expensive party...by yourself.
The only person I've told (aside from the Internet!) is Amanda. Mostly because of my friends, she's the one I talk to the most. Normally I would have told my mom and sister by now, too, but I don't want to take away from Dianne's news :) She and Caleb are having a baby (it was confirmed) and she's due December 4th!! I've already gotten the attention/excitement of having babies and getting engaged and married...I'm not so selfish that I can't let her have that. And besides, we're not even officially engaged yet. Once that happens, then obviously I'll tell everyone :) But for now, I'm fine with keeping it (mostly) to myself. Besides, Paul is just now sort-of coming around. He is giving us his old couch and love seat, and even bringing it here, but he said he doesn't want to see Pete when he does...luckily, we have plans with one of Pete's friends tomorrow for the entire day, so I told my mom that I would give her a key to give to Paul and he could bring it by while we're gone. I can just imagine the shit storm when he finds out that we're getting married. BUT it wouldn't be until next summer...by then, we'll have been dating for 2 years...I'd say that's plenty of time. And please, him and Elisa were dating for like 6 months or something before they got engaged.
Planning this wedding with Pete is a lot of fun...and is coming shaping up to be a much different type of wedding than the one I had with Jon. It seems like Pete and I both want a small, semi-casual, outdoor wedding. It's going to be special and only have the people we want there. The colors are looking like they'll be lemon yellow, white, and a kind of charcoal grey color. I saw them in a picture on the Knot, and it seemed perfect for a summer wedding. And yellow is such a joyous, optimistic color...exactly what I imagine for my marriage to Pete :) There are lots of really pretty decor ideas using tall vases and lemons...maybe I should grow a lemon tree! hahaha!
Even though we don't have a whole lot of money, I wouldn't trade my life now for my life a year ago...or even two years ago...I feel like a different person: happier, freer, more optimistic about life, the future, and pretty much everything. I know a lot of people would chalk that up to the "honeymoon phase" of a relationship, and they may be right...it has only been about 8 1/2 months that Pete and I have been dating, but the changes I've seen in myself are more than just the happy feeling you get when you're falling in love with someone. It's like I've found myself again, and while I was doing that, I found him. And he helped me with becoming the me I used to be (does any of this even make sense??)...which is weird, because he didn't even know the old me. That is just another example of how I know he is the one for me...well, that and even after 8 1/2 months I still sometimes get butterflies when he smiles at me :)
Seven hours later:
My mom came by today and hung out for a few hours. It was good to see her, we chatted and she took me and the girls to the grocery store to get some stuff. Isabel had a complete meltdown in the store...like hitting, screaming, going rigid...lots of fun. I knew it was because she was tired, but geeze! It was like she was possessed! Finally she calmed down, but for a while there I thought her head was going to start spinning!
Now she's watching "Ponyo" again and Audrey is laying in her room playing with some toys. All is calm...for now...let's just hope it stays that way. :)
This week has been okay. Audrey was really sick Monday and Tuesday...like, fever, sleeping 23 hours a day, not eating sick...I was worried for a while that she was going to end up in the hospital again, but by Wednesday she was doing better. We finally got her bus situation taken care of--thank goodness! All it took was me emailing her teacher, principal, and the autism compliance specialist to get it taken care of! hahaha! It makes me glad to think that I won't have to deal with DISD after next year...
Speaking of plans for the future...Pete and I have been doing a lot of talking about weddings and marriage. Things are looking pretty serious, and he even had me give him a short list of rings that I like (granted, this was because I sent him a pretty long list on Monday or Tuesday). But if he wasn't in the same place, he wouldn't have been so interested...right?? The date is pretty much set: July 28, 2012. We met on July 17 of last year, and this summer would be too soon to have anything put together...so I looked at a calendar and found a Saturday that was close to our anniversary. This year July 23 is actually on a Saturday, but I think that it would be too soon. Not that I am worried about our commitment to each other, but that we could not afford anything more that a trip to City Hall...not what either of us has in mind. :) I love that he actually will look at wedding stuff with me and give me opinions. This is about both of us, not just me. I have never understood why people tell the bride that the day is all about her...um, without the groom you're just a nut in a white dress at a hugely expensive party...by yourself.
The only person I've told (aside from the Internet!) is Amanda. Mostly because of my friends, she's the one I talk to the most. Normally I would have told my mom and sister by now, too, but I don't want to take away from Dianne's news :) She and Caleb are having a baby (it was confirmed) and she's due December 4th!! I've already gotten the attention/excitement of having babies and getting engaged and married...I'm not so selfish that I can't let her have that. And besides, we're not even officially engaged yet. Once that happens, then obviously I'll tell everyone :) But for now, I'm fine with keeping it (mostly) to myself. Besides, Paul is just now sort-of coming around. He is giving us his old couch and love seat, and even bringing it here, but he said he doesn't want to see Pete when he does...luckily, we have plans with one of Pete's friends tomorrow for the entire day, so I told my mom that I would give her a key to give to Paul and he could bring it by while we're gone. I can just imagine the shit storm when he finds out that we're getting married. BUT it wouldn't be until next summer...by then, we'll have been dating for 2 years...I'd say that's plenty of time. And please, him and Elisa were dating for like 6 months or something before they got engaged.
Planning this wedding with Pete is a lot of fun...and is coming shaping up to be a much different type of wedding than the one I had with Jon. It seems like Pete and I both want a small, semi-casual, outdoor wedding. It's going to be special and only have the people we want there. The colors are looking like they'll be lemon yellow, white, and a kind of charcoal grey color. I saw them in a picture on the Knot, and it seemed perfect for a summer wedding. And yellow is such a joyous, optimistic color...exactly what I imagine for my marriage to Pete :) There are lots of really pretty decor ideas using tall vases and lemons...maybe I should grow a lemon tree! hahaha!
Even though we don't have a whole lot of money, I wouldn't trade my life now for my life a year ago...or even two years ago...I feel like a different person: happier, freer, more optimistic about life, the future, and pretty much everything. I know a lot of people would chalk that up to the "honeymoon phase" of a relationship, and they may be right...it has only been about 8 1/2 months that Pete and I have been dating, but the changes I've seen in myself are more than just the happy feeling you get when you're falling in love with someone. It's like I've found myself again, and while I was doing that, I found him. And he helped me with becoming the me I used to be (does any of this even make sense??)...which is weird, because he didn't even know the old me. That is just another example of how I know he is the one for me...well, that and even after 8 1/2 months I still sometimes get butterflies when he smiles at me :)
Saturday, April 2, 2011
April 2, 2011
This week has been absolutely insane. The car problems have continued, and now I am the proud owner of two vehicles that aren't drivable...awesome. The car's steering is all screwed up, and one of the wheels points the wrong way. I don't even want to guess at how much that's going to cost to fix. And the van (which I've had to drive illegally for almost a week) decided to no longer start. I'm pretty sure it's just the battery, but right now we can't afford a new battery, so that vehicle is a no-go as well. Top that off with the fact that Audrey STILL doesn't have bus service, and you've got a completely annoying situation. Hopefully that school will get it's act together by Monday, or else she's going to miss another day of school (she couldn't go on Friday because the van wouldn't start). Having Audrey home from school is no fun for anyone...her schedule is all messed up, and that basically means that she is pissed off until she goes to bed. Fun for all involved. I thought none of us were going to be alive when Pete got home Friday night. Luckily, he correctly assessed the situation and took the girls to the park for an hour so that I could return to normal. He's such a great guy!
It's finally gotten hot here, which is great. I hate being cold (as you read in my earlier posts). It's 10:30 at night and 79 degrees...I love it! It did get hot at work today. Yeah, Macy's actually had me come in to work today for 6 hours. It wasn't too bad, but the air wasn't working and it got really stuffy in the store by late afternoon...I talked to one of the assistant managers, Jessica, and told her how I needed to either get more hours, or some sort of permanent position, and she told me about an opening. In handbags and accessories. My least favorite place to work. Well, next to recovery (which is a fancy way of saying that you are the person who clears out dressing rooms and puts clothes away for hours on end, without ringing up any sales). But, the main reason I don't like handbags is that it's boring. Not many people come in to drop hundreds of dollars on a purse. Lots of people come over to look at the Coach bags, have you pull them out, then decide that $300+ is too much. That's what drives me nuts. And there's not much to do when there aren't customers. You can only re-organize displays of un-touched purses for so long before your mind starts to wander. And you're not allowed to just stand behind the counter, so I have to wander up and down the area, trying to look purposeful. It's exhausting. BUT if they offer it to me, I'll take it. True, it's in Plano (about 30 minutes from where we are in Dallas) and I don't have a working car right now...or daycare for Isabel...and it's only a part time position...eh, I'll take what I can get at this point. At least it'll be something. And it'll open the door to possibly moving to another department in the future. Fingers crossed.
One bad thing about it getting hotter is it's made me wear fewer baggy sweatshirts and realize that the two months that I haven't been going to the gym are showing...in a major way. I haven't quite gotten back to where I was last summer, but I'm dangerously close. I have to do something before this gets completely out of control. Not sure what, because I have no way to get to the gym now, but I'll have to think of something. I refuse to look the way I used to. Eww. I know Pete says he loves me no matter what, but I also know that no one wants to be with someone who doesn't even have enough self-control to take care of themself.
Other than that, things are great. Pete and I are happy. I'm feeling a lot more comfortable being a mom. It doesn't feel like an imposition on my time, like it used to. I know that sounds terrible, but it did sometimes. Maybe it's because I've finally found the right person to do this with. It makes everything else seem manageable. Whatever it is, I'm glad. :)
Speaking of being glad, I got some GREAT news about my sister and Caleb tonight...I'm sure you can guess what it is, but I'll wait before going all-out about it! Part of me was a little jealous, but then I thought about my life and what needs to happen and realized that I just need to be patient. There are lots of other exciting things that will happen, and when they do, it'll be at the right time. I just have to have faith. And enjoy what's happening instead of focusing on what will happen. That's living, right? Enjoying the present with the knowledge that it will take you where you need to be...in my case, I feel like lots of different parts of my life were taking toward Pete. It may have been a roundabout course, but I'm here now...and it was SO worth it.
It's finally gotten hot here, which is great. I hate being cold (as you read in my earlier posts). It's 10:30 at night and 79 degrees...I love it! It did get hot at work today. Yeah, Macy's actually had me come in to work today for 6 hours. It wasn't too bad, but the air wasn't working and it got really stuffy in the store by late afternoon...I talked to one of the assistant managers, Jessica, and told her how I needed to either get more hours, or some sort of permanent position, and she told me about an opening. In handbags and accessories. My least favorite place to work. Well, next to recovery (which is a fancy way of saying that you are the person who clears out dressing rooms and puts clothes away for hours on end, without ringing up any sales). But, the main reason I don't like handbags is that it's boring. Not many people come in to drop hundreds of dollars on a purse. Lots of people come over to look at the Coach bags, have you pull them out, then decide that $300+ is too much. That's what drives me nuts. And there's not much to do when there aren't customers. You can only re-organize displays of un-touched purses for so long before your mind starts to wander. And you're not allowed to just stand behind the counter, so I have to wander up and down the area, trying to look purposeful. It's exhausting. BUT if they offer it to me, I'll take it. True, it's in Plano (about 30 minutes from where we are in Dallas) and I don't have a working car right now...or daycare for Isabel...and it's only a part time position...eh, I'll take what I can get at this point. At least it'll be something. And it'll open the door to possibly moving to another department in the future. Fingers crossed.
One bad thing about it getting hotter is it's made me wear fewer baggy sweatshirts and realize that the two months that I haven't been going to the gym are showing...in a major way. I haven't quite gotten back to where I was last summer, but I'm dangerously close. I have to do something before this gets completely out of control. Not sure what, because I have no way to get to the gym now, but I'll have to think of something. I refuse to look the way I used to. Eww. I know Pete says he loves me no matter what, but I also know that no one wants to be with someone who doesn't even have enough self-control to take care of themself.
Other than that, things are great. Pete and I are happy. I'm feeling a lot more comfortable being a mom. It doesn't feel like an imposition on my time, like it used to. I know that sounds terrible, but it did sometimes. Maybe it's because I've finally found the right person to do this with. It makes everything else seem manageable. Whatever it is, I'm glad. :)
Speaking of being glad, I got some GREAT news about my sister and Caleb tonight...I'm sure you can guess what it is, but I'll wait before going all-out about it! Part of me was a little jealous, but then I thought about my life and what needs to happen and realized that I just need to be patient. There are lots of other exciting things that will happen, and when they do, it'll be at the right time. I just have to have faith. And enjoy what's happening instead of focusing on what will happen. That's living, right? Enjoying the present with the knowledge that it will take you where you need to be...in my case, I feel like lots of different parts of my life were taking toward Pete. It may have been a roundabout course, but I'm here now...and it was SO worth it.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
March 26, 2011
I don't know how long this post will be...I have both the girls sitting next to me, and I am pretty sure that at any minute Audrey is going to drag me to the kitchen to get her something to eat. I'm holding off giving them lunch because we're going to be leaving for my nephew Collin's birthday party in about an hour. There will be tons to eat there, and it's a way to keep them occupied...at least for a little while.
I can't belive that Collin is already turning one. It doesn't seem like it's been that long. It makes me a little sad that I don't know him very well, and he doesn't know me at all. I know that I should just suck it up and go over there more often, even if I'm not the biggest fan of his mom. That's not his fault. But, man, she makes it hard to like her sometimes. I've tried. Honest. But she has gotten so used to being by herself that I think she's forgotten social rules and how to interact with other people. I get it, I kind of had that happen the last year I was in Rochester...but I had friends that I hung out with and talked to and stuff. I didn't just shut myself off from everyone. Whatever.
So, things are good. I'm not sure about Audrey's new school, but hopefully they'll get it together and I won't have to go in and yell at them (again). The biggest issue is that her bus hasn't been arranged yet, so I have to pick her up and drop her off every day. It's really annoying. Especially now that the car needs a front-end alignment. I drove up on a curb on my birthday (completely sober) and blew the tire and bent something. Driving it makes me nervous now.
Sorry this is so short, but I have to go give both the girls baths and make them presentable. Even though I know my mom is going to be late getting here. :)
I can't belive that Collin is already turning one. It doesn't seem like it's been that long. It makes me a little sad that I don't know him very well, and he doesn't know me at all. I know that I should just suck it up and go over there more often, even if I'm not the biggest fan of his mom. That's not his fault. But, man, she makes it hard to like her sometimes. I've tried. Honest. But she has gotten so used to being by herself that I think she's forgotten social rules and how to interact with other people. I get it, I kind of had that happen the last year I was in Rochester...but I had friends that I hung out with and talked to and stuff. I didn't just shut myself off from everyone. Whatever.
Isabel with my brother, Michael
Isabel with her cousin, Collin, the birthday boy...Audrey did not want her picture taken.
So, things are good. I'm not sure about Audrey's new school, but hopefully they'll get it together and I won't have to go in and yell at them (again). The biggest issue is that her bus hasn't been arranged yet, so I have to pick her up and drop her off every day. It's really annoying. Especially now that the car needs a front-end alignment. I drove up on a curb on my birthday (completely sober) and blew the tire and bent something. Driving it makes me nervous now.
Sorry this is so short, but I have to go give both the girls baths and make them presentable. Even though I know my mom is going to be late getting here. :)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
March 19, 2011
Driving. That is how I spent this Saturday. Driving and driving and driving. I was at my sister's (Dianne) and started feeling sick early on Friday. Most of Friday night was me feeling like I was delirious and freezing. Luckily by morning the fever had broken, so I could leave. I had to meet Jon in Kokomo at 9am to get the girls. Dianne came with me so she could see them. Caleb (her husband) met us in Carmel so that I didn't have to drive her all the way back to Fishers.
Anyway, back to my week in Indiana...I spent most of it in Rochester. I stayed at Amanda's house, which was cool. She and her family weren't home much. They had a funeral and viewing to go to right after I got there, so I was by myself most of the time. During the day, I watched Audrey and Isabel, because Jon didn't have anyone to watch Audrey (don't get me started). It was good to get to spend time with them, Isabel especially, since I hadn't seen her in so long.
Saturday (the day I got to Rochester) I went out with Erica and Amanda. Erica's boyfriend was there, too. We went to this tiny bar in Mentone...it was actually fun, though. We ran into two of the three people I knew that went to Valley. One of them I used to call Minkus after that guy on "Boy Meets World." Not nice, I know, but it's not like he still looks like that...though he is still a tool. I apparently took a ton of random pictures that night. I'm not sure why I said "apparently," like I haven't seen the pictures on my camera...and the time stamps...and seen that they are, indeed, some of the most random pictures ever. Some are pretty funny, though. Mostly they're fuzzy and out-of-focus...it's like my camera was drunk, too! hahaha!
What else, what else? I'm SOOOO happy to be home. I missed Pete like crazy. In a way (and I tried to explain this to him) I'm glad that we had this time apart. It reaffirmed what I already knew: that he is totally and completely the man for me. I had a tiny part of me that worried that this was proximal...you know, we're together all the time, I don't have any other friends, so of course I would think that we were totally in love and get more serious than everyone thinks I should. But being away from him, those feelings weren't diminished. If anything, I talked about him all the time (not just when I was drunk) and called him, texted him, and thought about him constantly. Oh, and we did FB chat. But, yeah, to me, it showed that it's not just a case of us being around each other. I've had those kind of relationships or friendships...once someone moves or it's not convenient anymore, the relationship/friendship suffers. For us, it's strengthened it. Sure, this may be the "honeymoon" phase, but we're closing in on 8 months...getting an eight month honeymoon sounds pretty amazing to me :)
Caleb and I on St. Patty's day
Dianne and Caleb
Anyway, back to my week in Indiana...I spent most of it in Rochester. I stayed at Amanda's house, which was cool. She and her family weren't home much. They had a funeral and viewing to go to right after I got there, so I was by myself most of the time. During the day, I watched Audrey and Isabel, because Jon didn't have anyone to watch Audrey (don't get me started). It was good to get to spend time with them, Isabel especially, since I hadn't seen her in so long.
Molly and Quinn
Amanda V and Quinn
Me (exhausted) and Miss Molly
The pictures Molly and I colored...I even got a sticker! Yay, me!
Saturday (the day I got to Rochester) I went out with Erica and Amanda. Erica's boyfriend was there, too. We went to this tiny bar in Mentone...it was actually fun, though. We ran into two of the three people I knew that went to Valley. One of them I used to call Minkus after that guy on "Boy Meets World." Not nice, I know, but it's not like he still looks like that...though he is still a tool. I apparently took a ton of random pictures that night. I'm not sure why I said "apparently," like I haven't seen the pictures on my camera...and the time stamps...and seen that they are, indeed, some of the most random pictures ever. Some are pretty funny, though. Mostly they're fuzzy and out-of-focus...it's like my camera was drunk, too! hahaha!
Jon and Erica
Amanda D and me
Me and Erica
Erica and Jon with the guy I called Minkus
What else, what else? I'm SOOOO happy to be home. I missed Pete like crazy. In a way (and I tried to explain this to him) I'm glad that we had this time apart. It reaffirmed what I already knew: that he is totally and completely the man for me. I had a tiny part of me that worried that this was proximal...you know, we're together all the time, I don't have any other friends, so of course I would think that we were totally in love and get more serious than everyone thinks I should. But being away from him, those feelings weren't diminished. If anything, I talked about him all the time (not just when I was drunk) and called him, texted him, and thought about him constantly. Oh, and we did FB chat. But, yeah, to me, it showed that it's not just a case of us being around each other. I've had those kind of relationships or friendships...once someone moves or it's not convenient anymore, the relationship/friendship suffers. For us, it's strengthened it. Sure, this may be the "honeymoon" phase, but we're closing in on 8 months...getting an eight month honeymoon sounds pretty amazing to me :)
Monday, March 14, 2011
March 12, 2011
Saturday I was in a post-drive fog. I somehow managed to stay awake and somewhat function, but the whole day is a bit of a blur. That is probably because I got to Rochester around 10 am, and had been driving since 2:30 pm the previous day...and had gotten up on Friday at 7-ish. I still don't feel completely together, but it's better.
The drive wasn't too bad. My mom talked to me on the phone quite a bit, which helped because for a while I was hallucinating and seeing mysterious shapes on the highway. Never a good sign. But I made it, and got to see Isabel!
She is so grown-up compared to how she was when she left in December. So many little (and big) changes...it's strange. At first I barely recognized the (much) taller and articulate little girl talking to me...but then she started laughing...if you've ever seen Isabel laugh, you'd recognize her anywhere. She just grins and all of her teeth show...hilarious!
According to Susan (Jon's mom) Audrey has been having a really rough time. Hmmm...funny, because although she doesn't sleep through the night, behavior-wise she's never been better. I don't know what's going on over there, but I think it's not so much that she's having a rough time and it's more that THEY'RE having to actually take care of her. A slight, but important, difference.
Whatever. Jon wanted to see her and spend time with her. He's had months to figure out who was going to watch her this week...guess he forgot to tell me that I was going to be the one watching her. Normally, I wouldn't care, but I actually have plans on Thursday night with my sister in Fishers. So, I told him if he wants to bring the girls to Kokomo (about halfway) on Friday, I would watch them...but I haven't heard from him, so who know what is going on.
I just know that it's been great to get to see my friends, it's been great to have Isabel back, and it's going to be great to see my sister in a couple days. The best will be going home, though. As weird as it may seem, Rochester doesn't seem like home anymore. I lived here for almost 18 years...but aside from my friends, I don't feel connected. Home is where I'm happy and where I belong. Home is where there is love and peace. Home is truely where the heart is. Home is with my girls and Pete.
The drive wasn't too bad. My mom talked to me on the phone quite a bit, which helped because for a while I was hallucinating and seeing mysterious shapes on the highway. Never a good sign. But I made it, and got to see Isabel!
She is so grown-up compared to how she was when she left in December. So many little (and big) changes...it's strange. At first I barely recognized the (much) taller and articulate little girl talking to me...but then she started laughing...if you've ever seen Isabel laugh, you'd recognize her anywhere. She just grins and all of her teeth show...hilarious!
Giggly girl on her 3rd birthday
According to Susan (Jon's mom) Audrey has been having a really rough time. Hmmm...funny, because although she doesn't sleep through the night, behavior-wise she's never been better. I don't know what's going on over there, but I think it's not so much that she's having a rough time and it's more that THEY'RE having to actually take care of her. A slight, but important, difference.
Whatever. Jon wanted to see her and spend time with her. He's had months to figure out who was going to watch her this week...guess he forgot to tell me that I was going to be the one watching her. Normally, I wouldn't care, but I actually have plans on Thursday night with my sister in Fishers. So, I told him if he wants to bring the girls to Kokomo (about halfway) on Friday, I would watch them...but I haven't heard from him, so who know what is going on.
I just know that it's been great to get to see my friends, it's been great to have Isabel back, and it's going to be great to see my sister in a couple days. The best will be going home, though. As weird as it may seem, Rochester doesn't seem like home anymore. I lived here for almost 18 years...but aside from my friends, I don't feel connected. Home is where I'm happy and where I belong. Home is where there is love and peace. Home is truely where the heart is. Home is with my girls and Pete.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
March 5, 2011
Let's just pretend that I actually remembered to post this on Saturday...I did think on Saturday, "oh yeah, I need to go do my blog..." but then got busy and forgot. Oops. Lots going on, though, so I think that I should be given a break. And now that we have the internet at the apartment, I'll be able to actually do it on Saturdays, since I won't have to head to my mom's and steal her internet access.
Still unpacking (that's what I should be doing now, actually) and getting stuff organized at the new place. It's coming along, though. Furniture will make a big difference. At least Audrey and Isabel (when she gets back) have beds to sleep on. Hopefully while I'm in Indiana Pete will get us one, too. Not that sleeping on the floor isn't super-fun...wait, no, it sucks. But he had to spend so much money from his last check getting things like food and dishes that we couldn't get a mattress yet. Soon.
I never realized how much stuff I have, either. Most of it is in boxes because it's things like journals (which are really intersting to re-read) and things I've saved from high school, college, and the last 10 years. Lots of books. The clothing needs to be sorted, but I think for now Pete would just be happy to have it off the floor and hung up in a closet...any closet. :) I'll try to make that happen before I go get Audrey from my mom's.
That's been really annoying. This past 2 weeks (since we've moved to Dallas) Audrey's still been at her school in Plano. They have Spring Break starting on Friday, so we figured she would go to her old school until then, then switch to her new one. However, that means that she's been sleeping at my mom's apartment to catch the bus in the morning at 7am, then I have to be over there by 2:30 pm to meet her bus and hang out until my mom gets home at 5:30. It's not too bad, but it really cuts the day in half. Then I leave from her place and go get Pete from work. Repeat.
I'm still waiting to hear from some jobs and stuff. Hopefully I'll get SOMETHING. This whole being-broke thing sucks. Big time. I hate not having money of my own. Soon, though, I should have some sort of job. If Macy's would just give me more freaking hours I would stay with them, but whatever.
What else, what else? So, I'm leaving for Indiana on Friday afternoon...so not looking forward to the drive. Audrey's pretty good in the car, so I'm not worried about that, but the trip back with both of them should be interesting, to say the least. I can't wait to see Isabel, though. Three months is just too long! Her birthday is Sunday, and I can hardly believe that she's going to be 3 years old already. Time flies, huh? It's going to be good to have her home. I know that she was driving me crazy before, but I think that was largely due to the incredible stress I was under because of the divorce and living with my mom. Now both of those things have been taken care of, and I have to say, I feel pretty damn good. Despite sleeping on the floor and being broke. hahaha!
I'm excited to see my friends, too. I talk to Amanda pretty regularly, and I'll be staying at her place while I'm in Rochester. She's been really good about calling and stuff a couple times a week. I text with Kristin every so often, but that's how it's always been with us. I get to go to Ellie's birthday party on Sunday (and Jon said I can bring the girls), so that will be fun. I haven't gotten to see them since Christmas. Amanda D and I have plans for lunch at some point while I'm up there, and I want to see Carol (Jon's sister), too. I wanted to see her when I was there last time, but was worried that it would be too weird. Erika is down in Anderson now, and I haven't heard from her in a while. I don't know if I'll see her, or what. And Erica is living in Rochester now, so I'm sure I'll see her while I'm up there. Then I get to go spend a couple days with my sister, who I talked to for like, a minute when I was there in December. It should be a good trip. I just need to remember to bring my camera AND actually take pictures!
Alright, I have 10 minutes to hurry and put some stuff away...wish me luck!
Still unpacking (that's what I should be doing now, actually) and getting stuff organized at the new place. It's coming along, though. Furniture will make a big difference. At least Audrey and Isabel (when she gets back) have beds to sleep on. Hopefully while I'm in Indiana Pete will get us one, too. Not that sleeping on the floor isn't super-fun...wait, no, it sucks. But he had to spend so much money from his last check getting things like food and dishes that we couldn't get a mattress yet. Soon.
I never realized how much stuff I have, either. Most of it is in boxes because it's things like journals (which are really intersting to re-read) and things I've saved from high school, college, and the last 10 years. Lots of books. The clothing needs to be sorted, but I think for now Pete would just be happy to have it off the floor and hung up in a closet...any closet. :) I'll try to make that happen before I go get Audrey from my mom's.
That's been really annoying. This past 2 weeks (since we've moved to Dallas) Audrey's still been at her school in Plano. They have Spring Break starting on Friday, so we figured she would go to her old school until then, then switch to her new one. However, that means that she's been sleeping at my mom's apartment to catch the bus in the morning at 7am, then I have to be over there by 2:30 pm to meet her bus and hang out until my mom gets home at 5:30. It's not too bad, but it really cuts the day in half. Then I leave from her place and go get Pete from work. Repeat.
I'm still waiting to hear from some jobs and stuff. Hopefully I'll get SOMETHING. This whole being-broke thing sucks. Big time. I hate not having money of my own. Soon, though, I should have some sort of job. If Macy's would just give me more freaking hours I would stay with them, but whatever.
What else, what else? So, I'm leaving for Indiana on Friday afternoon...so not looking forward to the drive. Audrey's pretty good in the car, so I'm not worried about that, but the trip back with both of them should be interesting, to say the least. I can't wait to see Isabel, though. Three months is just too long! Her birthday is Sunday, and I can hardly believe that she's going to be 3 years old already. Time flies, huh? It's going to be good to have her home. I know that she was driving me crazy before, but I think that was largely due to the incredible stress I was under because of the divorce and living with my mom. Now both of those things have been taken care of, and I have to say, I feel pretty damn good. Despite sleeping on the floor and being broke. hahaha!
I'm excited to see my friends, too. I talk to Amanda pretty regularly, and I'll be staying at her place while I'm in Rochester. She's been really good about calling and stuff a couple times a week. I text with Kristin every so often, but that's how it's always been with us. I get to go to Ellie's birthday party on Sunday (and Jon said I can bring the girls), so that will be fun. I haven't gotten to see them since Christmas. Amanda D and I have plans for lunch at some point while I'm up there, and I want to see Carol (Jon's sister), too. I wanted to see her when I was there last time, but was worried that it would be too weird. Erika is down in Anderson now, and I haven't heard from her in a while. I don't know if I'll see her, or what. And Erica is living in Rochester now, so I'm sure I'll see her while I'm up there. Then I get to go spend a couple days with my sister, who I talked to for like, a minute when I was there in December. It should be a good trip. I just need to remember to bring my camera AND actually take pictures!
Alright, I have 10 minutes to hurry and put some stuff away...wish me luck!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
February 26, 2011
We got an apartment! I didn't think it was actually going to happen, but we did! Last night was our first night in there...no furniture, so we slept on the floor with blankets and pillows. My back and shoulder were definitely not impressed! We will have beds by Monday or Tuesday, though. Audrey didn't seem to mind, mostly because she likes sleeping on the floor, but she did really well. Fell asleep around 9:30pm, and only woke one time around 2am for about 15 minutes. Maybe it was a fluke, but she also actually slept in her room. That's good, because I wanted to make sure that she realized where her (and Isabel's) room was, and that it was the place for sleeping.
We have a lot of stuff to buy, but it's okay. It's fun to be able to sit up watching a movie and not have one of us worried about what time it is, or if we're being too loud, or anything like that. It didn't feel weird at all, which I was partly expecting. It felt completely normal. :)
More good news: I had an interview for the job at the Marriott Foundation on Friday. I think it went extremely well, but probably won't hear anything until some time next week. I really hope that I get it, though. Even if that means we're going to have to figure out where Audrey will go after school for a week. The money is totally worth it, and the cause they work for would make all the typing and copying and filing feel worthwhile. I mean, most jobs you do just to get paid, but what they do there is really making a difference...and if my contribution would be making sure that bills get paid and that people have enough copies of invoices, well, that's my part.
Isabel will be back in about 2 weeks...thank, God! I never thought I would miss her as much as I do. That may sound terrible, but I'd never been away from her for longer than a couple days. I knew that I would miss her, but I didn't realize it would be this aching feeling in my chest when I thought of her. That I would start to forget how it felt to hug her...just hearing her voice makes me all teary. She is going to love the new apartment and the playground there. I'll have to find a daycare for her, though. I don't like it, but she loves being around other kids, so I'm not too worried about it. Audrey's new school is a bit of an issue. My mom checked out the neighborhood school and is concerned that they may not be able to meet her needs...luckily, she knows that we have the right to request her transfer to a different school, so it should be okay.
Things are definitely looking up...last year at this time I never would have imagined that things would have improved the way that they have. I have an amazing boyfriend that I love, a new apartment, a new car, and the prospect of a job that would mean something AND pay well. Life is awesome.
Me and Pete on our first night in our new apartment
We have a lot of stuff to buy, but it's okay. It's fun to be able to sit up watching a movie and not have one of us worried about what time it is, or if we're being too loud, or anything like that. It didn't feel weird at all, which I was partly expecting. It felt completely normal. :)
More good news: I had an interview for the job at the Marriott Foundation on Friday. I think it went extremely well, but probably won't hear anything until some time next week. I really hope that I get it, though. Even if that means we're going to have to figure out where Audrey will go after school for a week. The money is totally worth it, and the cause they work for would make all the typing and copying and filing feel worthwhile. I mean, most jobs you do just to get paid, but what they do there is really making a difference...and if my contribution would be making sure that bills get paid and that people have enough copies of invoices, well, that's my part.
Isabel will be back in about 2 weeks...thank, God! I never thought I would miss her as much as I do. That may sound terrible, but I'd never been away from her for longer than a couple days. I knew that I would miss her, but I didn't realize it would be this aching feeling in my chest when I thought of her. That I would start to forget how it felt to hug her...just hearing her voice makes me all teary. She is going to love the new apartment and the playground there. I'll have to find a daycare for her, though. I don't like it, but she loves being around other kids, so I'm not too worried about it. Audrey's new school is a bit of an issue. My mom checked out the neighborhood school and is concerned that they may not be able to meet her needs...luckily, she knows that we have the right to request her transfer to a different school, so it should be okay.
Things are definitely looking up...last year at this time I never would have imagined that things would have improved the way that they have. I have an amazing boyfriend that I love, a new apartment, a new car, and the prospect of a job that would mean something AND pay well. Life is awesome.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
February 19, 2011
So, I suppose I should change the name of this blog to "52 Saturdays." I know, I didn't write last week. It's not because there was nothing to write about...I seriously just forgot. I had to work that entire weekend and was just exhausted. But there is a LOT to write about today...
The biggest news is that Pete and I have found an apartment! Yay! It's technically in Dallas, though it's right outside of Garland. That's good, though, because it's only about 10 minutes from where he works. Audrey's going to have to switch schools, but that'll be okay. She wouldn't have had the same teacher next year anyway. The apartment has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and the price is reasonable. :) I'm just excited to be getting a place with Pete and being able to spend more time with him. I'm worried, though, about how he's going to be with not getting enough sleep...ever. I know that he knows that I don't get much sleep because of the girls, but knowing and experiencing are two completely different things.
The next big news is that I have a potential job that totally kicks ass. I love my job at Macy's, don't get me wrong, but working only 12-10 hours a week at $8/hr? Not going to cut it. Ever. Unless I was someone who was just working to get out of the house. But, that is not the case. So, I've been looking for something that either will give me more hours, or will pay substantially more. Given my less than impressive work history (staying home with kids doesn't really translate well into work experience) it's been difficult. Add onto that the fact that I can't find after-school for Audrey...pretty impossible. BUT the apartments we're moving into actually offer after-school care FREE until 4:30. The job I've applied for (and had a phone interview for) is M-F from 8 to 3. AND pays really well. AND gives full benefits. It's almost too good to be true. I spoke with them on the phone Friday and it went really well. The woman asked me to write a cover letter/letter of interest for the position, which I spent the rest of the afternoon doing. Now I just hope that they like what I wrote and offer me an actual interview...and job. :)
What else? Things with my mom have improved considerably, which is awesome. We've had some really great talks and figured out that basically she treats me like a child, but that's because when I'm around her I act like one. So...yeah. We're working on that. I feel really good, though...she's such a great mom.
Isabel will be back home in less than a month. Thank god. She is never going to be gone that long again. It wasn't too bad at first, but after Audrey got back it was a lot harder. Now, I have to try not to cry when I see kids her age, or things that she likes. It doesn't help that Jon hardly calls for me to talk to her, and when I call or text, half the time he doesn't answer the phone. Whatever. Soon she'll be back where she belongs. And will be turning three! Wow! That's insane. Preschool, too. I wonder if she can start in March, or if she has to wait for the school year to being in August...I'll have to find out.
Okay, that's pretty much all that's going on right now. I promise to write more next week.
The biggest news is that Pete and I have found an apartment! Yay! It's technically in Dallas, though it's right outside of Garland. That's good, though, because it's only about 10 minutes from where he works. Audrey's going to have to switch schools, but that'll be okay. She wouldn't have had the same teacher next year anyway. The apartment has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and the price is reasonable. :) I'm just excited to be getting a place with Pete and being able to spend more time with him. I'm worried, though, about how he's going to be with not getting enough sleep...ever. I know that he knows that I don't get much sleep because of the girls, but knowing and experiencing are two completely different things.
The next big news is that I have a potential job that totally kicks ass. I love my job at Macy's, don't get me wrong, but working only 12-10 hours a week at $8/hr? Not going to cut it. Ever. Unless I was someone who was just working to get out of the house. But, that is not the case. So, I've been looking for something that either will give me more hours, or will pay substantially more. Given my less than impressive work history (staying home with kids doesn't really translate well into work experience) it's been difficult. Add onto that the fact that I can't find after-school for Audrey...pretty impossible. BUT the apartments we're moving into actually offer after-school care FREE until 4:30. The job I've applied for (and had a phone interview for) is M-F from 8 to 3. AND pays really well. AND gives full benefits. It's almost too good to be true. I spoke with them on the phone Friday and it went really well. The woman asked me to write a cover letter/letter of interest for the position, which I spent the rest of the afternoon doing. Now I just hope that they like what I wrote and offer me an actual interview...and job. :)
What else? Things with my mom have improved considerably, which is awesome. We've had some really great talks and figured out that basically she treats me like a child, but that's because when I'm around her I act like one. So...yeah. We're working on that. I feel really good, though...she's such a great mom.
Isabel will be back home in less than a month. Thank god. She is never going to be gone that long again. It wasn't too bad at first, but after Audrey got back it was a lot harder. Now, I have to try not to cry when I see kids her age, or things that she likes. It doesn't help that Jon hardly calls for me to talk to her, and when I call or text, half the time he doesn't answer the phone. Whatever. Soon she'll be back where she belongs. And will be turning three! Wow! That's insane. Preschool, too. I wonder if she can start in March, or if she has to wait for the school year to being in August...I'll have to find out.
Okay, that's pretty much all that's going on right now. I promise to write more next week.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
February 5, 2011
Remember how I was complaining about how it had gotten cold here and I was tired of it? I would like to go back in time and tell myself to shut up. It has been so freaking cold here for the past week. I'm talking freezing, icy roads, school cancelled for FOUR DAYS cold. Even in the apartment, I'm still cold. This sucks. Majorly. Hopefully it'll be gone by next week, but who knows. In all honesty, it's not that much worse than winter in Indiana...but here's the thing: I'm in TEXAS, not Indiana. In Indiana, I expect shitty weather in the winter...not here! Here it's supposed to be in the 50s and 60s by now. So unfair.
Still haven't heard anything about a job, which is really annoying. I wish that I could just find something. I have to work today from 2-10, and all I can hope is that we're more busy than we were yesterday night. I worked for four hours and didn't make a single sale. I did sign a guy up for a credit card, but that was it. I had never been so bored in my life. It didn't help that it was cold where I was, either. By the end of the night, my hands were all red. So, fingers crossed that I have some customers today.
I've started looking at apartments again. I can't help it. I think that my mom would be willing to give me money to get a place at this point. She must really want her apartment to herself! I've got a couple of prospective places. The most promising doesn't have an opening until April 2. It's affordable, and still in Plano ISD. But that means another 2 months-ish of sharing an apartment with my mom. Though, I can't really afford to move out yet, so I guess it's okay. Especially with the trip to Indiana to get Isabel coming up.
Pete and I have actually talked **tentatively** about getting married in a couple years. It's so weird that I'm even considering it, but the more we talk about it, the more it doesn't scare me. I've even gone so far as to start thinking of colors and possible bridesmaids...yeah, I know. I'm a dork. It's so exciting to think about, and honestly, I can't imagine not having him in my life. I've only known him a little over 6 months, but I just know.
True, we may get snippy with each other or not agree about something, but we talk and figure it out. That's one of the things I love most about him. He is not passive aggressive (which I HATE) he will tell you if some thing's bothering him. And he expects you to do the same. If you don't say what's bothering you, he just assumes everything is fine. It drives my mom nuts, but I've explained to her that is how he is. She thinks he's just being oblivious, or something.
I am really missing Isabel. It's been almost 2 months since she went up to Indiana. I try not to think about it, but it's hard. Lots of things will remind me of her...going to the grocery store and seeing things she likes, or at work when I see a little girl the same age as her. I don't know what we're going to do, but I can't have her gone this long again. Not while she's this young and can't talk on the phone very well. It's just too long. We're going to have to figure something else out.
Alright, I might write more when I get back from work, unless I go hang out with Pete...let's just pray for warmer weather by my next post!
Still haven't heard anything about a job, which is really annoying. I wish that I could just find something. I have to work today from 2-10, and all I can hope is that we're more busy than we were yesterday night. I worked for four hours and didn't make a single sale. I did sign a guy up for a credit card, but that was it. I had never been so bored in my life. It didn't help that it was cold where I was, either. By the end of the night, my hands were all red. So, fingers crossed that I have some customers today.
I've started looking at apartments again. I can't help it. I think that my mom would be willing to give me money to get a place at this point. She must really want her apartment to herself! I've got a couple of prospective places. The most promising doesn't have an opening until April 2. It's affordable, and still in Plano ISD. But that means another 2 months-ish of sharing an apartment with my mom. Though, I can't really afford to move out yet, so I guess it's okay. Especially with the trip to Indiana to get Isabel coming up.
Pete and I have actually talked **tentatively** about getting married in a couple years. It's so weird that I'm even considering it, but the more we talk about it, the more it doesn't scare me. I've even gone so far as to start thinking of colors and possible bridesmaids...yeah, I know. I'm a dork. It's so exciting to think about, and honestly, I can't imagine not having him in my life. I've only known him a little over 6 months, but I just know.
True, we may get snippy with each other or not agree about something, but we talk and figure it out. That's one of the things I love most about him. He is not passive aggressive (which I HATE) he will tell you if some thing's bothering him. And he expects you to do the same. If you don't say what's bothering you, he just assumes everything is fine. It drives my mom nuts, but I've explained to her that is how he is. She thinks he's just being oblivious, or something.
I am really missing Isabel. It's been almost 2 months since she went up to Indiana. I try not to think about it, but it's hard. Lots of things will remind me of her...going to the grocery store and seeing things she likes, or at work when I see a little girl the same age as her. I don't know what we're going to do, but I can't have her gone this long again. Not while she's this young and can't talk on the phone very well. It's just too long. We're going to have to figure something else out.
Alright, I might write more when I get back from work, unless I go hang out with Pete...let's just pray for warmer weather by my next post!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
January 29, 2011
I can't believe it's already the last Saturday in January! Time has flown by! If this month went this quickly, I can't imagine how fast the rest of the year is going to go. I think that's good, though. When time drags, that's the worst.
What's been going on this week? Mostly the usual: taking care of Audrey, hanging out with Pete, working, and going to the gym. I will be really glad when this weekend is over...since I work "On-Call" at my job, that means that every week, they will have the available hours for two weeks from now and we can sign up for whichever ones we want. The past THREE WEEKS all that's been open are hours in the fitting room. I don't mind doing it from time to time, but for that long...shoot me. All I do is walk around putting clothes away. It's as much fun as it sounds. I have to keep reminding myself that I actually LIKE my real job...the one where I get to talk to customers and ring up their stuff. Being glorified maid service is not what I signed up for. But, after tomorrow, I won't be doing that again. I'm working in Juniors next week, and then a couple different places the following week. I would like to say that I refuse to do fitting rooms ever again, but I know that probably won't happen...unless I get really lucky and they hire me either full- or part-time. It's looking more like part-time at this point, which is really annoying. They hired someone (without Buddy's knowledge) to fill the FT position. He was pretty ticked off about it. So, if I get the PT spot, depending on my hours, I may have to get another part-time job. Awesome.
This past week I've had a blast hanging out with Pete. We'll get together during his lunch break from work and talk, which I love, and then he comes over after work and we'll make or eat dinner (depending on our mood) and once Audrey's asleep, we'll watch "Dexter." So far we have almost finished the first season. Maybe tomorrow, or something. I love being with him. We have such a great time no matter what we're doing. I seriously see this being a very long-term relationship. Who would have thought that six months after starting to date I would even be considering something like this...but he's something special. He brings out the best in me, and I think that I'm good for him, too. Or at least I like to think so. :) I could go on and on about him, but I won't. I promise!
Didn't get my IDs this week, like I'd planned...the whole "not-having-money" thing. It sucks, what can I say? Soon, though, I will get that taken care of. I did find out that I'm only 13 credit hours away from an Associate of Art degree in Psychology from Collin Collage. Not exactly the Master's Degree I'd envisioned, but a step in the right direction, nonetheless. And it's super cheap...only $34/credit hour! Wow!
The weather today is absolutely beautiful. It's sunny and warm. I'm wearing a dress and sandals. It's the end of January. God, I don't miss the weather in Indiana! :) I do miss my friends, though.
I'm off...
What's been going on this week? Mostly the usual: taking care of Audrey, hanging out with Pete, working, and going to the gym. I will be really glad when this weekend is over...since I work "On-Call" at my job, that means that every week, they will have the available hours for two weeks from now and we can sign up for whichever ones we want. The past THREE WEEKS all that's been open are hours in the fitting room. I don't mind doing it from time to time, but for that long...shoot me. All I do is walk around putting clothes away. It's as much fun as it sounds. I have to keep reminding myself that I actually LIKE my real job...the one where I get to talk to customers and ring up their stuff. Being glorified maid service is not what I signed up for. But, after tomorrow, I won't be doing that again. I'm working in Juniors next week, and then a couple different places the following week. I would like to say that I refuse to do fitting rooms ever again, but I know that probably won't happen...unless I get really lucky and they hire me either full- or part-time. It's looking more like part-time at this point, which is really annoying. They hired someone (without Buddy's knowledge) to fill the FT position. He was pretty ticked off about it. So, if I get the PT spot, depending on my hours, I may have to get another part-time job. Awesome.
This past week I've had a blast hanging out with Pete. We'll get together during his lunch break from work and talk, which I love, and then he comes over after work and we'll make or eat dinner (depending on our mood) and once Audrey's asleep, we'll watch "Dexter." So far we have almost finished the first season. Maybe tomorrow, or something. I love being with him. We have such a great time no matter what we're doing. I seriously see this being a very long-term relationship. Who would have thought that six months after starting to date I would even be considering something like this...but he's something special. He brings out the best in me, and I think that I'm good for him, too. Or at least I like to think so. :) I could go on and on about him, but I won't. I promise!
Didn't get my IDs this week, like I'd planned...the whole "not-having-money" thing. It sucks, what can I say? Soon, though, I will get that taken care of. I did find out that I'm only 13 credit hours away from an Associate of Art degree in Psychology from Collin Collage. Not exactly the Master's Degree I'd envisioned, but a step in the right direction, nonetheless. And it's super cheap...only $34/credit hour! Wow!
The weather today is absolutely beautiful. It's sunny and warm. I'm wearing a dress and sandals. It's the end of January. God, I don't miss the weather in Indiana! :) I do miss my friends, though.
I'm off...
Saturday, January 22, 2011
January 22, 2011
So it is barely Saturday (1:27am to be exact), but I'm up and figured I should take advantage of the free time to write before tomorrow. A side note: I don't count it as the next day until I go to sleep...it's one of my weird things...it doesn't matter if it's 5 am on Wednesday; if I haven't gone to bed, it's still considered to be Tuesday to me. But anyway, tomorrow I have to help my mom make a PowerPoint presentation for her class over a chapter that I'm pretty sure she hasn't read yet, take care of Audrey, and go to work. Good times.
This past week went pretty quickly. I'm loving the new Britney Spears song "Hold It Against Me." This is something else you'll learn about me...I am a HUGE Britney fan. Even when she lost her damn mind there for a while, I was still rooting for her and loving her music. Here's the song:
This past week went pretty quickly. I'm loving the new Britney Spears song "Hold It Against Me." This is something else you'll learn about me...I am a HUGE Britney fan. Even when she lost her damn mind there for a while, I was still rooting for her and loving her music. Here's the song:
And yes, I realize it's nothing new or whatever, it's a dance song...it's Britney Spears. She's a fun entertainer...take it for what it is. :) I'm sure Pete will have something to say about it, to which I reply: Ke$ha...he'll know what I mean.
So, aside from my Britney love...what else? Oh! I've applied for some full-time positions at Macy's, which is where I work now. I'm on-call, which means I work when other people can't. This wasn't bad during the holidays when we were open extended hours and lots of people needed time off. Now? I'm lucky to get 13 hours a week, which is just not cutting it. Fingers crossed that I hear from them this week about an interview, at the very least. It would definitely help with getting an apartment. I think that is going to happen in April. After the trip to Indiana in March to get Isabel...because until then, all my "extra" money (hahaha!) is going towards the trip.
What else, what else? The working out-thing is not working out...somehow my trainer and I keep cancelling on each other. I should be seeing him three times a week, and the most we've managed the past two weeks is once each week. Hmmm...maybe get a new trainer? Who knows. At least I'm still going to the gym. It's getting to be spring, dammit, and I am NOT going to be stuck wearing pants all summer. Granted, I wear dresses now, but I want to be able to wear shorts or even a swim suit without feeling like a beached whale! I'm just going to have to make sure that I'm getting to the gym at least three days a week, whether or not I'm meeting with Matthew (my trainer).
Have gotten Pete sucked into "Dexter," which is awesome. We're watching season one, and about halfway through. I watched it so many years ago, that I've forgotten some of what happened, and some of the characters that are...shall we say "no longer with us." I had to keep myself from saying something to that effect about some of the people when we first started watching...it's fun though. And he makes me watch this River Cottage show about a British guy who grows his own food and raises animals. I give him a lot of shit about it, but it's actually pretty interesting. :)
I need to find something to read. I really need to go to the BMV and get a new license and then I can get a new Social Security card and FINALLY get a library card. That will be my goal for the week. To get those three things. God, I'm going to be standing in a lot of lines. Puke. But it must be done.
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