Yesterday the national company I work for made some cuts in staffing. 1,000 people were affected. In my department we were more lucky than some. Although it affected 5 people, only 2 of them are no longer with the company, the other 3 were moved to new positions, most a "demotion", but they are still there.
It makes you think about how secure are you really in your job? And what would you do if it had been me?
About 10 months ago it was Mark, and it was a scary time for our family, at least the adults. When a family of 5 drops from two incomes to one how do you cope? We were more lucky then most and Mark found a position with a new company quick enough that we didn't get into a real crunch for money. But not everyone is so lucky, a friend of the family has been jobless since last Spring and with the economy in it's current state it's scary to think of how much longer he will be without work.
Today emotions at work will still high, and it made you stop and think, could I be next? What reason do they have to keep me? The "big wigs" say we're done, but for how long? I am hopeful that the economy will come around and there won't be a need to cut more American jobs, but who can say for sure. I guess we just ride the wave as best we can.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
How do Single Mom's do it?!
Tonight brought a repeat of the message that I've been thinking for the last 2 and 1/2 years. Tonight the family was out and about - leaving Albert and I for some Mommy and Al time. What fun!! Except that Mom got brave - she did some laundry and then headed to Skyline for Kids night - free food for Albert and Santa was there!!! I knew it would be busy, we found a table and settled in for dinner! Al has gotten to the point that he's a Big Boy and doesn't want to use a high chair or booster, so he's sitting in a chair, sort of! About every 30 seconds he was leaning on me, or standing up on the floor, or trying to stand on the chair, or just generally "Ants in his pants" behavior.
Then we had the "trauma" of Santa. When we first got there he seemed excited to see him, but then he wouldn't go over to see him. When Santa came to our table he covered his eyes, although told Santa he wanted Darby (from My friends Tigger and Pooh), Thomas (the Tank Engine), and Elmo for Christmas. Then we pay and I talk to one of the servers who always waits on us and we head to the car, about half way out he starts crying. By the time we were in the car it was a full blown fit - what was wrong you ask. Well he wanted to see Santa! So we go back in and then what happens - he refuses to sit with Santa, so I end up next to Santa holding Al and all he seems to be interested in was the bag of candy :)
So I ask again how do the single Moms do it?!
I mean after this stress we had to go Giant Eagle and then to finish some Christmas Shopping at various stops. He stopped the crying fits (Yeah!) - till we got home, but then it was bed time and the world just stops! More crying and nothing we do is what he wants. I'm sure it was being tired on both of our parts but every child and every mother gets tired.
So I ask again how to Single parents do it? I mean there are Single Dad's out there too! How do they take a full day of work and then dinner and then "chores"?
I am so blessed to have a family around me. Step Kids who love there little brother and enjoy playing with him! A husband who loves his kids and will do anything he can to help them, and have fun with them.
To those single Mom's and Dad's out there - I hope you too have a support system to help through those stressful, sleepy days! I know it must be hard sometimes, because it's hard for me sometimes!
Then we had the "trauma" of Santa. When we first got there he seemed excited to see him, but then he wouldn't go over to see him. When Santa came to our table he covered his eyes, although told Santa he wanted Darby (from My friends Tigger and Pooh), Thomas (the Tank Engine), and Elmo for Christmas. Then we pay and I talk to one of the servers who always waits on us and we head to the car, about half way out he starts crying. By the time we were in the car it was a full blown fit - what was wrong you ask. Well he wanted to see Santa! So we go back in and then what happens - he refuses to sit with Santa, so I end up next to Santa holding Al and all he seems to be interested in was the bag of candy :)
So I ask again how do the single Moms do it?!
I mean after this stress we had to go Giant Eagle and then to finish some Christmas Shopping at various stops. He stopped the crying fits (Yeah!) - till we got home, but then it was bed time and the world just stops! More crying and nothing we do is what he wants. I'm sure it was being tired on both of our parts but every child and every mother gets tired.
So I ask again how to Single parents do it? I mean there are Single Dad's out there too! How do they take a full day of work and then dinner and then "chores"?
I am so blessed to have a family around me. Step Kids who love there little brother and enjoy playing with him! A husband who loves his kids and will do anything he can to help them, and have fun with them.
To those single Mom's and Dad's out there - I hope you too have a support system to help through those stressful, sleepy days! I know it must be hard sometimes, because it's hard for me sometimes!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
So it's been a long time again....
Life is ever changing - that is my current thought. Two months ago I was complaining about the rain on vacation -today I'm wishing it would because I miss the green of Spring. When I last blogged summer was just underway and now school starts in less then a week.
It's been a hectic summer of band rehearsals, Cedar Point trips, Concerts, Fairs, and Band Camp (and that's just the older two!). Add to that the fun of the "trying two's", potty training, and a week with Grandma and Papaw. Seems like the only time the 5 of us are together is in the car, and since Amber has gotten her drivers license that is less and less frequently.
Soon we'll all be home and asleep in our own beds at night, if nothing else (last week Amber and Andy were at Hartford Fair and this is the week Al is with the grandparents), it's seems like a puzzle with the key pieces missing. I know I seem to complain a lot about kids and schedules, but I really wouldn't have it any other way. When they are with the band I know they aren't in trouble ;)
Mark and I are just trying to hang on to what sanity we have left! The color coded calendar looks like a Rainbow and we just keep adding to it!
It's been a hectic summer of band rehearsals, Cedar Point trips, Concerts, Fairs, and Band Camp (and that's just the older two!). Add to that the fun of the "trying two's", potty training, and a week with Grandma and Papaw. Seems like the only time the 5 of us are together is in the car, and since Amber has gotten her drivers license that is less and less frequently.
Soon we'll all be home and asleep in our own beds at night, if nothing else (last week Amber and Andy were at Hartford Fair and this is the week Al is with the grandparents), it's seems like a puzzle with the key pieces missing. I know I seem to complain a lot about kids and schedules, but I really wouldn't have it any other way. When they are with the band I know they aren't in trouble ;)
Mark and I are just trying to hang on to what sanity we have left! The color coded calendar looks like a Rainbow and we just keep adding to it!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Vacation ;)
They always say you need a vacation from your vacation...for once I can say that isn't the case. The Holland family returned last night from a 6 day trip to Canada. Our destination - Niagara Falls! It was a wonderful trip - everything pretty much went as planned....except the weather! It's late June you would think it would be nice and warm, even if we were a little of north...not the case. We spent most of the week trying to stay dry and deciding how to make our "warm clothes" work to our advantage. Amber and I had packed for tank top weather, not long sleeve - needless to say we all have new Niagara Falls sweatshirts (even Mark!).
So Sunday we drove up to Niagara, stopping at Presque Isle at Erie, PA for a visit to the state park, which includes two Light Houses and a monument to O.H. Perry (think of the battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 if you wondering who he is.). After crossing into Canada at Buffalo we drove along the QEW to Niagara Falls, Ontario. We enjoyed the falls, during the day and evening. Sadly we missed the Fireworks on Sunday night because we didn't want to sit in the rain. Monday we started our Adventure pack with a Journey Behind the Falls and the Butterfly exhibit. Tuesday our trip continued with the Maid of the Mist boat ride and Sklyon Tower, Wednesday we drove up to Niagara on the Lake and visited McFarlan House and Ft. George, and the White Water Walk along the Niagara River. Thursday we checked out and started the drive home. You will note I say started....Thursday we stopped and visited the American side of the falls and the Lockport Cave and underground boat ride (it's a man made cave that factories used for Water ...different!) Thursday night we stayed in Erie, PA and Friday explored part of that area. We visited the Erie Maritime Museum (home for the Niagara when she's in dock), another light house (yes there are three lighthouses that call Erie, PA home) and then to Penn Shore Winery (no Holland vacation is complete without at least one Winery and we drove past a BUNCH in Canada - but didn't want to have to deal with shipping and were running low on time...) then on to home. Getting home Friday night around 7:30 or so - Amber even drove the last hour or so of the trip.
The best part to me is we once again took a vacation where we all had fun and we managed to avoid chain restaurants. We ate at locally owned places except for 3 meals...the drive up lunch was a picnic in the park, and then two meals at restaurants that are part of the Niagara parks system. No McDonald's, T.G.I.Friday's or Pizza Huts for us!
Sadly the trip does end with a dose of reality - the kids missed 2 4H concerts while we were gone and have one tonight and tomorrow Mark and Amber are off on a photo trip to the Palace theatre - so the world never stops turning for the Holland family!
So Sunday we drove up to Niagara, stopping at Presque Isle at Erie, PA for a visit to the state park, which includes two Light Houses and a monument to O.H. Perry (think of the battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 if you wondering who he is.). After crossing into Canada at Buffalo we drove along the QEW to Niagara Falls, Ontario. We enjoyed the falls, during the day and evening. Sadly we missed the Fireworks on Sunday night because we didn't want to sit in the rain. Monday we started our Adventure pack with a Journey Behind the Falls and the Butterfly exhibit. Tuesday our trip continued with the Maid of the Mist boat ride and Sklyon Tower, Wednesday we drove up to Niagara on the Lake and visited McFarlan House and Ft. George, and the White Water Walk along the Niagara River. Thursday we checked out and started the drive home. You will note I say started....Thursday we stopped and visited the American side of the falls and the Lockport Cave and underground boat ride (it's a man made cave that factories used for Water ...different!) Thursday night we stayed in Erie, PA and Friday explored part of that area. We visited the Erie Maritime Museum (home for the Niagara when she's in dock), another light house (yes there are three lighthouses that call Erie, PA home) and then to Penn Shore Winery (no Holland vacation is complete without at least one Winery and we drove past a BUNCH in Canada - but didn't want to have to deal with shipping and were running low on time...) then on to home. Getting home Friday night around 7:30 or so - Amber even drove the last hour or so of the trip.
The best part to me is we once again took a vacation where we all had fun and we managed to avoid chain restaurants. We ate at locally owned places except for 3 meals...the drive up lunch was a picnic in the park, and then two meals at restaurants that are part of the Niagara parks system. No McDonald's, T.G.I.Friday's or Pizza Huts for us!
Sadly the trip does end with a dose of reality - the kids missed 2 4H concerts while we were gone and have one tonight and tomorrow Mark and Amber are off on a photo trip to the Palace theatre - so the world never stops turning for the Holland family!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
The Best Laid Plans of Mice of Men....and BUSY Mom's
So the big plan was to take sometime for myself...so once a week I go to Weight Watchers....every other week I get with my friend Juli to Scrapbook....and the plan was a couple of nights a week to blog....you can all see how well that has worked!
It's been almost a month....where to begin.....INSANE that's what I would be with out my calendar and I'm on the border of it now even with it!
I guess I'll just go back 2 weeks ago tonight - Mark and I drove to Galion to drop the boys off for a weekend with Grandma and Grandpa Sisson. We woke up early on Friday morning to send Amber off with the Licking Heights Band to Chicago, and then after a few more hours of sleep we packed up the van and headed southeast. Our planned destination - the beautiful nature of Hocking Hills. This trip started right before Christmas when Mark and I realized we couldn't afford for all 3 of us to go to Chicago. Every year there is a photo contest called "Shoot the hills" - what a cool concept -take 24 hours or so and take pictures of nature - perfect get away for two nature loving photographers. Well then our lap top dies...how to burn a CD of our pictures to enter? We could drive home, but with CDs do at 4PM on Saturday that won't do....solution go down anyway, enjoy some of the public events like a wildflower and waterfalls hike and a wildlife photo shoot with the naturalist, and a craft show, hike about 10 or 15 miles total, take about 800 pictures and have a great time with no kids! It was a wonderful weekend for Mark and I to be kids without the kids around. We hiked through Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave and Rock House. Saw some beautiful landscape, ate some great food at a bunch of "non-chain" restaurants and just enjoyed making decisions on our own. (One of my favorite photos is above - of course it's one of mine - LOL)
Come home Sunday - meet up with my folks and the boys - get Andy up for school Monday and work for us .....back to reality. Tastefully Simple party that night with Angel at Juli and Ken's house, pick up Amber at Airport, come home and get some shut eye. Seems like every time you get a break from it reality comes back at your twice as hard. Laundry from 3 different trips, upcoming Prom, Drivers Ed classes that we need to register for , 4H band, counselor appointments, hair appointments and grades. That' s what life has been since the return. Seems like every time I get one thing done another thing creeps up.
There have been moments of greatness scatter throughout. Saturday we headed to Mason to see the H.S. team play baseball, visit Jackie, and her parents. Couldn't find the baseball game - but made it to a Winery! Then on the way home went West on 270 instead of East and joined up with Chris and Angel for Chris' birthday part at Dave and Busters. Sunday we went for hike at Clear Creek State Park - it's amazing what a 2 year old can do - never thought Al would have made it through a mile hike but he did walking most of the way himself! Then tonight last minute plans with Ken and Juli - leave Weight Watchers, grab beer and pizza and watch some hockey at our house! Would have been a perfect night if Pittsburgh would have won, but alas NY managed to avoid the sweep.
So here I sit listening to the Redwings and the Avalanche and Al snoring on the couch trying to make up for lost time. We keep picking on Andy because he always says "I can't wait till...." We tell him he is wishing his life away, but he's too young to realize it. We also all work for the weekend, but then Monday comes and we're wishing for the weekend again. What we don't realize is that the week flies by and we don't appreciate the quiet moments we get. So even though I might not get to blog as much as I'd like I'm going to try harder to enjoy those quiet moments when I can and fill you all in whenever time allows.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Pride
Pride, felt by everyone at some point in their lives but it hits an entire new level when a parent looks at a child. Yesterday was the District 10 Jr. High Solo & Ensemble contest at Riverview H.S. outside of Coshoton. Everywhere you look there were parents, and directors, with looks of pride on their faces! Every parent as a right to proud at such an event, having participated in some in my youth I know the courage, strength, and practice required to stand there in front of complete strangers and friends and be judged on your performance. We didn't stay the entire day but the Licking Heights students we did see, and scores we saw from them were something to be very proud of!
Sometimes being a step parent is hard, but as I watched Andy yesterday and Amber in February I had a few moments of being "the proud mother". During each of their solos I had to take a minute to blink back the tears. I get on them a lot about practicing and learning new skills on their instruments, but when I see them standing there earning scores that are in the top tier I know that the fighting and eye rolling is all worth it. In February I watched Amber play her trumpet, an instrument she's only be playing for 2 years, in front of a room packed with people and score a II (Excellent) rating. I was so overwhelmed and can only wonder what her Senior year will hold. As we were leaving that day we talked with Andy about his Solo and Ensemble Contest, he told us then he was going to get a I (superior) in everything he did! At that point he was planning on 3 performances, a percussion Solo, percussion Ensemble and vocal ensemble. The vocal ensemble was cut so yesterday he got to be the "cool drummer". He started the day with his solo on marimba (one of my favorite instruments) and did a WONDERFUL job. After lunch his Ensemble played, Andy on Snare, also a magnificent job by all the students and true to form - Andy scored a Superior in BOTH! Just like he said he would. I think the entire cafeteria heard by "YES!" when Mark told me - I even had to check the Solo score for myself!
We celebrated last night with a trip to Diary Queen (not great for the Weight Watchers, but we don't go out for ice cream that often and it's still early in the week.... and I walked a mile around the track in between performances.) I know Andy was excited about his performances and so were we!
Yesterday was just another reminder for me of how important music and sports can be for kids and how I hope Albert will learn from watching his siblings and go on to greatness as well in whatever extra curricular activity he finds suits him.
Sometimes being a step parent is hard, but as I watched Andy yesterday and Amber in February I had a few moments of being "the proud mother". During each of their solos I had to take a minute to blink back the tears. I get on them a lot about practicing and learning new skills on their instruments, but when I see them standing there earning scores that are in the top tier I know that the fighting and eye rolling is all worth it. In February I watched Amber play her trumpet, an instrument she's only be playing for 2 years, in front of a room packed with people and score a II (Excellent) rating. I was so overwhelmed and can only wonder what her Senior year will hold. As we were leaving that day we talked with Andy about his Solo and Ensemble Contest, he told us then he was going to get a I (superior) in everything he did! At that point he was planning on 3 performances, a percussion Solo, percussion Ensemble and vocal ensemble. The vocal ensemble was cut so yesterday he got to be the "cool drummer". He started the day with his solo on marimba (one of my favorite instruments) and did a WONDERFUL job. After lunch his Ensemble played, Andy on Snare, also a magnificent job by all the students and true to form - Andy scored a Superior in BOTH! Just like he said he would. I think the entire cafeteria heard by "YES!" when Mark told me - I even had to check the Solo score for myself!
We celebrated last night with a trip to Diary Queen (not great for the Weight Watchers, but we don't go out for ice cream that often and it's still early in the week.... and I walked a mile around the track in between performances.) I know Andy was excited about his performances and so were we!
Yesterday was just another reminder for me of how important music and sports can be for kids and how I hope Albert will learn from watching his siblings and go on to greatness as well in whatever extra curricular activity he finds suits him.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Spring?
So Spring in my book is starting to "spring" - we have some Lillies starting to pop through the ground, I was able to drive with my window down yesterday (only part way - but still), Baseball has started, Hockey is ending (at least of us Blue Jackets Fans) and I was able to wear Capri pants today ;) The right of Spring is always an amazement to me - how we celebrate it, how it comes with joy and happiness and how Winter tries to hang on as long as possible (which seems to be happening this year!) Mark always celebrates Spring with the window rolled down, a Reds game on the radio and a Chocolate Malt from UDF. For me it used to be the window rolled down, my hair blowing, and Prince BLARING on the radio....now it just seems to be that joy that comes with being able to open up the house and spend time outdoors again!
So how I have spent this first week of almost Spring weather - running around like crazy!! Monday and Tuesday I was home most of the night but had work to do getting the house clean and closing Pampered Chef shows and such. Then Wednesday hit - UGH! We had two doctors appointments (thank goodness for Alan helping with that!) a trip to the pharmacy and then 4 H band practice. Luckily it all went REALLY smoothly but I had psyched myself out so much that it was going to be crazy I started freaking out anyway - what a nut I am! (Mark is reading this shaking his head I'm sure). Thanks to the amazing wonder of a portable DVD player and Elmo the 3 hours in Newark while the oplder kids practiced went pretty smoothly and I was able to keep my volunteer assignment of helping with the Candy sales. Tonight I had my Weight Watchers Weigh in (and meeting that I missed) and Andy's parent meeting for his Washington D.C. trip. Both went pretty well - I managed to loose 3 more pounds which had me doing the "happy dance" as I was leaving - that means I've hit my 10% goal (too bad I have to wait till next week for my key chain since I couldn't stay for that meeting....) - but I am still VERY happy! At Andy's meeting we dotted the i's and crossed the t's and settled the $ and all of that so he'll be leaving around noon on Mother's Day - of all the Sunday's to choose from...but oh well such is life!
Tomorrow I will be enjoying the warm (rainy) weather inside again while I host a Tastefully Simple Party and then this weekend we'll be attending the Jr. High Solo and Ensemble Contest and Sunday the final home Blue Jackets game of the season -at least I'll be saying good bye to the "boys of winter".
So here is to enjoying your right of passage into Spring and hoping it brings you happiness and a new beginning!
So how I have spent this first week of almost Spring weather - running around like crazy!! Monday and Tuesday I was home most of the night but had work to do getting the house clean and closing Pampered Chef shows and such. Then Wednesday hit - UGH! We had two doctors appointments (thank goodness for Alan helping with that!) a trip to the pharmacy and then 4 H band practice. Luckily it all went REALLY smoothly but I had psyched myself out so much that it was going to be crazy I started freaking out anyway - what a nut I am! (Mark is reading this shaking his head I'm sure). Thanks to the amazing wonder of a portable DVD player and Elmo the 3 hours in Newark while the oplder kids practiced went pretty smoothly and I was able to keep my volunteer assignment of helping with the Candy sales. Tonight I had my Weight Watchers Weigh in (and meeting that I missed) and Andy's parent meeting for his Washington D.C. trip. Both went pretty well - I managed to loose 3 more pounds which had me doing the "happy dance" as I was leaving - that means I've hit my 10% goal (too bad I have to wait till next week for my key chain since I couldn't stay for that meeting....) - but I am still VERY happy! At Andy's meeting we dotted the i's and crossed the t's and settled the $ and all of that so he'll be leaving around noon on Mother's Day - of all the Sunday's to choose from...but oh well such is life!
Tomorrow I will be enjoying the warm (rainy) weather inside again while I host a Tastefully Simple Party and then this weekend we'll be attending the Jr. High Solo and Ensemble Contest and Sunday the final home Blue Jackets game of the season -at least I'll be saying good bye to the "boys of winter".
So here is to enjoying your right of passage into Spring and hoping it brings you happiness and a new beginning!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
So I don't seem to be very good...
So I don't seem to be very good at this blogging thing - seems I liked to take a few weeks at time in between. I guess I need to make a better effort to spend a little time each night at the computer. I'm sure those of you out there emailing me would appreciate that too!
So since the big storm the family has been "cruising along": Mark has found a job that he starts on Monday (YEAH!), Amber has turned a year older and had tons of fun shopping and watching movies on her Spring Break, Andy has also been shopping and playing video games galore, and Al is fighting double ear infections and a sinus infection for the second time in 6 weeks (I don't think he ever got over it the first time).
As for me, I'm just cruising along as well. Been working a lot of overtime at work, enjoyed a few books, been Scrapbooking with Juli every other week, and heading to Weight Watchers every Thursday. I still put the family in front of a lot of things, but I've been trying hard to do more for myself since the New Year and I think I've accomplished that. Every other Monday Juli and I get together for a few hours and work on our scrapbooks and chit chat (OK some nights it's more chit, chat then scrapbooking). I look forward to the hours of cropping and writing and girl talk about weddings and babies (no neither one of us is doing either one of those soon - she is working on her wedding album and me on Al's baby book - yes still). This week she and I also enjoyed a hockey game together - GO JACKETS! ***Yes Girls like hockey too!!!!!**** we managed to win that game 4-0 vs. Chicago -too bad last night vs. the Preds wasn't as exciting.
My current "magic number" is 24.8 lbs lost since New Years....0.2 more and I can get a pedicure (my little reward to myself). It's been some hard work and I see myself getting into ruts so I need to climb out - some days those salads and frozen lunches just don't seem that exciting, but I keep plugging along and know I'll hit my goal!
The last 24 hours Amber and I have done some "bonding", last night we went to the CBJ game together, saw some Zoo animals there too and today we went shopping at Indian Mound Mall. Our goal of the trip was to find a Prom Dress - something we accomplished within about 30-45 minutes. Then we spent about another 2 or 3 hours eating lunch, looking for accessories, and buying some casual clothes for the rest of us (everyone got something but Albert and that is only because I couldn't find a belt his size!)
My morning started out though with some bonding time with my husband. Mark and Amber are part of the Lens and Leaves photography club and this morning they had an outing at the Franklin Park Conservatory. Amber said she would sit this one out and babysit Al so I could tag along. It was a lot of fun - I got some pretty good shots of the butterflies. A year ago I would have thought most of them were GREAT! But having been around Mark for the past year or two as his photography has gotten better and better I realize mine are only "good" or "OK" - lots of lighting issues and I tend to get in a little too close and cut off a corner of a wing or antenna. But learning comes with time and Butterflies are a lot harder to shoot then Marching Bands :) The butterfly above is one I took that turned out well.
I think that pretty well sums things up. I'll try to include sometime for me to blog more in the coming weeks and hopefully I'll soon be able to include that in the list of "things for me".
Sunday, March 9, 2008
The Worst storm since '78?
Well seeing how I was just over a year old when that one hit I can't answer that question, but I must say that this is one of the worst storms I can remember, and what a strange time to hit! Columbus is all but shut down for the past 24 hours - it's been interesting. Mark and I put on our dare devil hats and headed to Meijer's yesterday for some essential items. We were out of Milk and unlike the rest of the city didn’t stop Friday to get some, plus this was my weekend to grocery shop so we were running low on other things too. So we crossed the parking lots and ran in for some milk, juice, bread, and ground beef (I can feed the family on lean ground beef for a few days if we have to!) $100 later and a few things not on the list and we’re heading back. Made it safe and sound, only mishap was I miscounted steps and almost went head first into the snow!
So Mark was hoping to be starting a job this week, but alas it wasn’t meant to be so. They courted him, but then didn’t have the budget to actually hire him – got to love the corporate world! I’m worried about him finding something. I keep hearing the stories of people who have been on unemployment for a year, or who settle for working at Home Depot to even try to make ends meet. Plus there are all these stories of layoffs and closures. I know the IT field is always in demand, and he has always said the pay would be better at a different job, but I wonder if it isn’t a case of the “grass is always greener”. I know I would be enjoying the time at home, but I would be stressing so bad about the money I would be checking for something new every few hours! A difference in personalities I guess since Mark seems to be surrounding himself with his pictures and websites.
I must admit to enjoying Wednesday afternoon with him and Albert at the conservatory – I’m glad we have family memberships to some Columbus attractions otherwise I think we’d be doing NOTHING outside the house right now! I think the entire visit we saw only 6 or 8 people who weren’t employees. It was the first time I had been there when it wasn’t crazy crowded! There wasn’t much in bloom and they were in the process of changing the displays, but Albert and I enjoyed the “Choos-Choos” and “fishes” and a nice quite afternoon with Dad.
Something else nice was last evening – you would think after being trapped inside all day we would be going stir crazy, but that wasn’t the case. We enjoyed a family favorite meal of broccoli, chicken, rice casserole, then Amber and I watched” Bring it on Again” (yes I’m a sucker for teen movies, especially if they involve, dance, cheering, or ice skating!), and after the kids went upstairs Mark and I played catch up with the DVR and watched 4 episodes of “The Celebrity Apprentice” – love that show and one of our least favorite people is GONE! It was a nice quite evening – not we had planned since the LH musical was suppose to be this weekend – but again the city was shut down .
So Mark was hoping to be starting a job this week, but alas it wasn’t meant to be so. They courted him, but then didn’t have the budget to actually hire him – got to love the corporate world! I’m worried about him finding something. I keep hearing the stories of people who have been on unemployment for a year, or who settle for working at Home Depot to even try to make ends meet. Plus there are all these stories of layoffs and closures. I know the IT field is always in demand, and he has always said the pay would be better at a different job, but I wonder if it isn’t a case of the “grass is always greener”. I know I would be enjoying the time at home, but I would be stressing so bad about the money I would be checking for something new every few hours! A difference in personalities I guess since Mark seems to be surrounding himself with his pictures and websites.
I must admit to enjoying Wednesday afternoon with him and Albert at the conservatory – I’m glad we have family memberships to some Columbus attractions otherwise I think we’d be doing NOTHING outside the house right now! I think the entire visit we saw only 6 or 8 people who weren’t employees. It was the first time I had been there when it wasn’t crazy crowded! There wasn’t much in bloom and they were in the process of changing the displays, but Albert and I enjoyed the “Choos-Choos” and “fishes” and a nice quite afternoon with Dad.
Something else nice was last evening – you would think after being trapped inside all day we would be going stir crazy, but that wasn’t the case. We enjoyed a family favorite meal of broccoli, chicken, rice casserole, then Amber and I watched” Bring it on Again” (yes I’m a sucker for teen movies, especially if they involve, dance, cheering, or ice skating!), and after the kids went upstairs Mark and I played catch up with the DVR and watched 4 episodes of “The Celebrity Apprentice” – love that show and one of our least favorite people is GONE! It was a nice quite evening – not we had planned since the LH musical was suppose to be this weekend – but again the city was shut down .
Monday, March 3, 2008
So it's been a couple of weeks....all kinds of things have happened...my husband is without a job, we've celebrated a birthday, have 2 on the horizon and I've been working 6 days a week and getting as much overtime as my body and family can handle.
The weight loss is going well - 17.8 pounds since New Year's - can't complain about that!
Potty training is still inconsistant, but we're getting there.
And tonight I'm fighting a headache and Al is pounding on his drum and the table (of course...).
This week starts 4 H band for the older kids and the Licking Heights musical is this weekend - so busy as usual!
The weight loss is going well - 17.8 pounds since New Year's - can't complain about that!
Potty training is still inconsistant, but we're getting there.
And tonight I'm fighting a headache and Al is pounding on his drum and the table (of course...).
This week starts 4 H band for the older kids and the Licking Heights musical is this weekend - so busy as usual!
Friday, February 15, 2008
What a week!
So I have been wanting to blog since Sunday night and this is my first chance...ah the life of a working mother ;)
So a recap if you will:
Sunday - An amazaing day in more ways then one ...first it was FREEZING I couldn't believe how cold it was and that wind was nuts! We drove up to North Canton to see our friend JeniLee in a play - Cry Havoc was amazing!!! It made me laugh and cry (seriously I know that may sound cliché but it's true!) it had a moment where I felt like my heart was being torn from my chest. To me that means it was a great play that was done wonderfully! If you get the chance to see it (in North Canton or anywhere else) do so! (Word of warning - there is a movie version but Jeni told me they changed the ending so not as moving).
Monday - Well let's just say Monday was a Monday and leave it at that!
Tuesday - Mark took a mental health day from work and the kids had a snow day so all the laundry got done, which for 5 people is quite a feet! Then when I got home from work Mark, Andy and I ran to the library to grab some books that were on hold for us and headed to Giant Eagle. It always amazes me how shocked they all are when that total comes up - do they think feeding 5 of us is free?! Granted since some of us are working on losing wieght it was a little higher then normal, but not too bad. Please explain to me why it costs twice as much to make something healthy as it does to add all the extra junk and make it unhealthy! I think half of our cart was fresh fruits and vegetables so that is part of the cost too, but there again how is it cheaper to take a something to a factory, can or jar it and then take it the store then it is to take it directly to the store...I'll never understand!
Wednesday - Mark and I's valentines celebration...would have been perfect if the third party involved would have shown up! The Holland Family have 2 season tickets to the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets, in what can only be called the "Cheap Seats". So for Valentine's Day Mark and I upgraded our seats to Club level (to see how the other half lives....). The seats were great - I had leg room and didn't feel squished all Three Periods, the food was Amazing and they had different options, and guess what...there are no blowers in hitting you dead on from the ceiling so even though we were MUCH closer to the ice we were warmer! Sounds like a great night, right....expect the Blue Jackets didn't show up! The defense broke down, they couldn't keep control of the puck and by the end of the first we were done 4-0. The game ended up 7-2 lose, let's hope tonight is better against Detroit....but they are on fire this season so it's going to be interesting. The advantage to all of this though is we had our camera and sicne I wasn't worried about if were going to win or not I spent most of the third period taking pictures and I could focus on following the puck through the camera and trying to get shots without missing the "important" play!
Thursday - Happy Valentine's Day! I had my weekly Weight Watchers meeting, and Mark and Amber had their montly photo club meeting at Blacklick Woods. So I go from work to Weight Watchers (lost 2.2 this week so that's 14.2 total!!!!) stop by the park and grab Al from Mark and Amber and then come home and eat dinner. Andy and I watched Ugly Betty on the DVR and then I finally managed to watch a movie that I burrowed like 2 months ago from one of Amber's friends, Sarah.
Friday - Today - so far it's been a good day. I'm off work and Al and are "hanging" in a little bit we are joining my Mom and sister at Easton for some shopping and lunch. Who knows what the day will bring, let's hope it's more calm then the rest of my week;)
Al has been sitting on my lap these entire time...getting into stuff and "drawing" - going to take me longer to clean up the desk then it took to type this I'm sure! Oh, yeah he goes "pee pee" pretty good every morning now - when he gets up in time!
So a recap if you will:
Sunday - An amazaing day in more ways then one ...first it was FREEZING I couldn't believe how cold it was and that wind was nuts! We drove up to North Canton to see our friend JeniLee in a play - Cry Havoc was amazing!!! It made me laugh and cry (seriously I know that may sound cliché but it's true!) it had a moment where I felt like my heart was being torn from my chest. To me that means it was a great play that was done wonderfully! If you get the chance to see it (in North Canton or anywhere else) do so! (Word of warning - there is a movie version but Jeni told me they changed the ending so not as moving).
Monday - Well let's just say Monday was a Monday and leave it at that!
Tuesday - Mark took a mental health day from work and the kids had a snow day so all the laundry got done, which for 5 people is quite a feet! Then when I got home from work Mark, Andy and I ran to the library to grab some books that were on hold for us and headed to Giant Eagle. It always amazes me how shocked they all are when that total comes up - do they think feeding 5 of us is free?! Granted since some of us are working on losing wieght it was a little higher then normal, but not too bad. Please explain to me why it costs twice as much to make something healthy as it does to add all the extra junk and make it unhealthy! I think half of our cart was fresh fruits and vegetables so that is part of the cost too, but there again how is it cheaper to take a something to a factory, can or jar it and then take it the store then it is to take it directly to the store...I'll never understand!
Wednesday - Mark and I's valentines celebration...would have been perfect if the third party involved would have shown up! The Holland Family have 2 season tickets to the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets, in what can only be called the "Cheap Seats". So for Valentine's Day Mark and I upgraded our seats to Club level (to see how the other half lives....). The seats were great - I had leg room and didn't feel squished all Three Periods, the food was Amazing and they had different options, and guess what...there are no blowers in hitting you dead on from the ceiling so even though we were MUCH closer to the ice we were warmer! Sounds like a great night, right....expect the Blue Jackets didn't show up! The defense broke down, they couldn't keep control of the puck and by the end of the first we were done 4-0. The game ended up 7-2 lose, let's hope tonight is better against Detroit....but they are on fire this season so it's going to be interesting. The advantage to all of this though is we had our camera and sicne I wasn't worried about if were going to win or not I spent most of the third period taking pictures and I could focus on following the puck through the camera and trying to get shots without missing the "important" play!
Thursday - Happy Valentine's Day! I had my weekly Weight Watchers meeting, and Mark and Amber had their montly photo club meeting at Blacklick Woods. So I go from work to Weight Watchers (lost 2.2 this week so that's 14.2 total!!!!) stop by the park and grab Al from Mark and Amber and then come home and eat dinner. Andy and I watched Ugly Betty on the DVR and then I finally managed to watch a movie that I burrowed like 2 months ago from one of Amber's friends, Sarah.
Friday - Today - so far it's been a good day. I'm off work and Al and are "hanging" in a little bit we are joining my Mom and sister at Easton for some shopping and lunch. Who knows what the day will bring, let's hope it's more calm then the rest of my week;)
Al has been sitting on my lap these entire time...getting into stuff and "drawing" - going to take me longer to clean up the desk then it took to type this I'm sure! Oh, yeah he goes "pee pee" pretty good every morning now - when he gets up in time!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Oh, Happy Day!
So today started out good and has just gotten better!
Albert, age 21 months, got up this morning and for the second morning in a row used a potty chair to go "pee pee". This proved to me that yesterday morning was not a random occurance. Of course we are just starting the potty training stage of life, so there is still a long way to go...but a start none the less. He also went tonight right after his bath with big brother - shocking to me since he was sitting in a tub of hot water and didn't go there!
Today was a nice day at work because all I had to do was run around and answer trainee questions...if I had been at my normal post I would have been taking the calls for most of the afternoon ;( I did feel particularly bad for my team mates though who weren't as lucky as I.
I checked my phone on break at work and had gotten a text from my hubby. Valentines day gifts are purchased...upgraded seats to next weeks home Jackets game against the Blackhawks. We'll be in row 5 of the club seats between the center line and the blue line ...this is going to be fun! (Better save my 35 weekly points for that night!)
This evening was my weekly weigh in for Weight Watchers. It started out good because my friend Juli has decided to join as well so we can support each other! Then came my weigh in, a moment of nervousness since I missed last weeks....but YEAH!! 5 more pounds gone in the past two weeks....that means I am 12 pounds lighter since New Years...who would have thought! Now, as Andy says if I keep that up that is 144 pounds in a year....which would probably make me look sickly - but it's a nice goal to shoot at! (of course I know there maybe some months I'll be lucky to get 5 - but my goal is no where near 144 total loss so that is ok by me.)
So when I got home I enjoyed a nice meal (made by Amber - THANK YOU !) with the family and as we are cleaning up it is an insurance guy I'm talking to calls with a quote....if we change to him we'll cut our monthly bill in half! I can deal with that and it's not even that Safe plan you see on TV...we'll still looking around a little, but I'm thinking this is going to be a good thing!
So now I'm blogging while Al plays and Mark is "exercising"his Mii on the Wii and Andy is doing homework, the only one not with us is Amber who is preparing to watch Lost in her room ... that show just gets me lost ....
What a great way to get ready for the weekend!
Albert, age 21 months, got up this morning and for the second morning in a row used a potty chair to go "pee pee". This proved to me that yesterday morning was not a random occurance. Of course we are just starting the potty training stage of life, so there is still a long way to go...but a start none the less. He also went tonight right after his bath with big brother - shocking to me since he was sitting in a tub of hot water and didn't go there!
Today was a nice day at work because all I had to do was run around and answer trainee questions...if I had been at my normal post I would have been taking the calls for most of the afternoon ;( I did feel particularly bad for my team mates though who weren't as lucky as I.
I checked my phone on break at work and had gotten a text from my hubby. Valentines day gifts are purchased...upgraded seats to next weeks home Jackets game against the Blackhawks. We'll be in row 5 of the club seats between the center line and the blue line ...this is going to be fun! (Better save my 35 weekly points for that night!)
This evening was my weekly weigh in for Weight Watchers. It started out good because my friend Juli has decided to join as well so we can support each other! Then came my weigh in, a moment of nervousness since I missed last weeks....but YEAH!! 5 more pounds gone in the past two weeks....that means I am 12 pounds lighter since New Years...who would have thought! Now, as Andy says if I keep that up that is 144 pounds in a year....which would probably make me look sickly - but it's a nice goal to shoot at! (of course I know there maybe some months I'll be lucky to get 5 - but my goal is no where near 144 total loss so that is ok by me.)
So when I got home I enjoyed a nice meal (made by Amber - THANK YOU !) with the family and as we are cleaning up it is an insurance guy I'm talking to calls with a quote....if we change to him we'll cut our monthly bill in half! I can deal with that and it's not even that Safe plan you see on TV...we'll still looking around a little, but I'm thinking this is going to be a good thing!
So now I'm blogging while Al plays and Mark is "exercising"his Mii on the Wii and Andy is doing homework, the only one not with us is Amber who is preparing to watch Lost in her room ... that show just gets me lost ....
What a great way to get ready for the weekend!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
My First Blog
So I have finally joined the 21st Centruy and have my own blog.
So a little about me. I live in Ohio with my husband and 3 of my 4 kids. We are huge sport fans especially when it comes to the Columbus Blue Jackets, OSU Football, and NASCAR. In contrast we are also very big music fans, two of my kids are in band playing Clarinet, Trumpet, and Percusion (yes that is like mutliple instruments per kid). I have also taught my power tool, sports loving husband to enjoy musicals and last month we made a trip to see the musical Wicked - A MUST SEE!!!! My husband, Mark, is also an aspiring photographer which is great since I enjoy Scrapbooking!
Right now I hate my job and am trying hard to get a new one - we will have to see what comes of that!
So a little about me. I live in Ohio with my husband and 3 of my 4 kids. We are huge sport fans especially when it comes to the Columbus Blue Jackets, OSU Football, and NASCAR. In contrast we are also very big music fans, two of my kids are in band playing Clarinet, Trumpet, and Percusion (yes that is like mutliple instruments per kid). I have also taught my power tool, sports loving husband to enjoy musicals and last month we made a trip to see the musical Wicked - A MUST SEE!!!! My husband, Mark, is also an aspiring photographer which is great since I enjoy Scrapbooking!
Right now I hate my job and am trying hard to get a new one - we will have to see what comes of that!
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