One week down.............

Whew!  The first week of school is over!  Well, all two days of it anyway.  Who in the world thought it was a good idea to go for only two days?  The girls are pretty grouchy.  6am is pretty early.  Especially when the general wake up time this summer was around 9 or 10.  They seem to like their classes, and are OK with being back at school.  K is thrilled to finally be a Senior.  S is wishing that summer would just go on and on and on............................. everything just rainbows and butterflies.  :)

But alas, here we are.  Back in the swing of things.  No real homework yet, but I'm sure that will change soon. 

Now the gals are in the city with their dad for the night, and I am anxiously awaiting hubby to come home so we can go get some Mexican food.  We haven't been to our favorite hangout for a few weeks. 

I can hear the salsa bar calling my name......

As for weekend plans, I'm on call, and there are a few chores to be done around the house.  Nothing major. 

It feels very different this year.  We didn't have to run to Wally World with lists after the first day.  I didn't have to drop kiddos off at school.  No lunches to pack. And we didn't really go school clothes shopping this year.  S went in NYC and K just picked up a few tees. 

Hard to see everyone growing up and things changing.  But also kinda cool to see. 

Things I have learned this summer

This has been a crazy summer.  In June, I was still job hunting.  I was in research, and it was ok, but, well, to be honest, kinda boring.  Oh we had our crazy days, but they were few and far between.  And the benefits were lousy.  Really lousy.  So I put together a resume, and hoped I would find something.  I was disappointed a few times.  In one case, the employer was hiring two nurses.  Out of 65 applicants, they narrowed it down to 15.  I was number 3.  And really bummed out.  But then a new opportunity came up.  Something I never thought I would find myself doing.  And the pieces just began to fall in place.  It was kind of scary to change paths, but so worth it.  I love my new job so much.  Working with teens is not what I thought I would be doing, but here I am.  And I love it. 

My girls are getting so big.  K and S both have summer jobs.  A first!  It was kind of hard though, not taking them up to Gramma's house for a few weeks this summer.  K is working at a restaurant as a busser, and S is at Micky D's.  :)   So proud of them.  Neither one has missed a day, and even though there has been a little complaining, they have both been responsible and enthusiastic.  K has been earning minimum wage plus a % of tips.  She loves the tips.  She saves her paychecks for big ticket items, and uses the tip money for going out with friends.  S saw her first check, and was a little surprised.  I thought she would be so happy.  She looked at it and said "This is all?  I worked so hard."  She did work pretty hard that first week.  The computers went down one day and she was outside taking orders, running them inside, making change with the calculator on her cell phone..............  It's fun to see them enter this next chapter of their lives. 

Today I got a call at work from K.  She said she had just finished registering for 12th grade, paid her fees, dropped off her sisters paperwork, and was headed home.  She is so responsible.  I was happy that I didn't have to go, but also a little sad. 

S saved her money and helped pay for her trip to NYC.  I was pretty worried.  She can be a little unorganized at times, and I was so afraid that she would misplace her wallet and lose her money...........  but she did just fine.  She and her friend E flew all the way to NYC by themselves, got their luggage, found their "driver" (we decided this would be safer than a cab) and made it to Manhattan to meet up with I and her mom.  I was a very proud mama!  She will be home late tonight.  Can't wait to hear about the adventure through her eyes. 

This is kinda long, but this blog serves not only as a fun hobby for me, but also a journal.  I wish I would have started it sooner. 

So, here is to summer.  It was quick.  It was fun.  It was hot. It was full of memories. 

It's been a while...........

Well - it's nice to be back.  My laptop crashed, and is now all better!  We have two computers, but you know, the other one is all the way down in the basement............  :)  It's just easier to sit at the kitchen table and be around all of the household activity.  Too isolated downstairs. 

Summer is nearing an end.  School starts next week - the 26th!  My "senior" student is very excited, while my "sophomore" student is wishing summer would never ever end.  They haven't been in the same school since 3rd and 5th grade and they have one class together.  Beginning Arabic.  Should prove for a very interesting school year. 

S is in the Big Apple with two best friends and one Mom.  Having a wonderful time and doing some wonderful shopping.  :)   K and I are headed down to the city to do some shopping.  Hoping that it will be a little less hectic on a Sunday. 

Since this whole computer problemo, I also have a new job.  I love it love it love it. I am so thankful so have found such a wonderful job and I really will learn so much from the other Nurse I work with.  Looking forward to all of the challenges and rewards of working with teens.  My mom was always so surprised when I worked L & D, Hospice, Research.........  she said she always saw me working with kids in some way.  Guess mom was right.  Who knew?  I never would have believed it if I had told myself this 5 years ago.  But here I am, and it is great. 

Road Trippin' (sp?)

It is amazing how I have become such a poor speller.  Honestly, this really wasn't the case a few *ahem* years ago............  And at work it is even worse.  I have seen ibuprofen spelled incorrectly so many times, now I have to double check each time I spell it.  Arrrgh. 

Anyway, it is time for a Road Trip.  K and I are going up to see the G's (grandparents) and S is going to spend some time with Dad.  I was sad about all of us not going together, but I think some alone time for both gals will be good.  S and I will take a trip later this summer, and K just got a job.  Yes, finally, after filling out thousands of applications, she got a part-part-time job.  Was this because of her hard work hitting the pavement?  No.  She had to learn a lesson the hard way.  Sometimes, it's just who ya know. K has a really good friend. This friend's dad owns a restaurant.  I, being the wise mother I am, told K (after not hearing from any of the applications she/we I filled out) she should ask if there are any openings. Well, finally, shy Miss K asked Mr M. Long story short - she starts training next week.  And oh the sacrifices have already begun.  K won't be able to spend the entire week with the G's, and the 4th of July? Hmmm.... not this year. Busy time of the year for tourists..............  So a few valuable lessons have been learned.  Work is not fun.  If it was, it wouldn't be called work.  :)   *go ahead, feel free to roll your eyes here.  My earlier audience did.   

K has already requested several menu items............... I will have to let the G's know so they can start the grocery list!  I can't wait.  This time next year she will be getting ready for college and road trips/weekends at the G's won't happen so frequently.  So I'm gonna enjoy it while I can!  And start planning the next trip with S.  :)  Oh, how I love summer.

Wanna hear somthin' scary?

K asked me this the other day.  Of course, I answered "Yes!"  

Her reply?

"I'm a Senior!!!"

Yep - definitely scary.  :)

New toy

Since my weight loss plan has really not been working, I decided to try something new.  I have been seeing these great beach cruisers all around town for last, oh, maybe year and a half.  I always tell my hubby "that girl is riding MY bike."  He would just smile and laugh......... but was not getting the hint.  So I got on Craig's list and found me one.  All by my little self.  :O)  I had some mad money stashed away, and was going to treat myself to a little somethin' somethin', but just hadn't decided what.  It's really hard to splurge on myself,  with two daughters who always need something............  But I decided that maybe something fun would help me lose some weight.  I'm not really overweight, just not where I want to be.  It really hit me when S needed some baby pics for a school project.  When we were looking through her baby book, a little card fell out.  It was a small keepsake record of all of my visits to the ob/gyn while I was preggers with her.  I thought, aww.................  how sweet.  Until, that is, when I saw the weight record.  :(     I weigh more now than right before delivery!!!!  What a wake up call.  I admit,  I didn't gain much during that pregnancy, but still........................  now the only baby I have is a food baby.  I just need to lose a few, get in shape, and feel better.  And hopefully this bike is the ticket!  There are so many wonderful paved trails, and my girls said they would love to go with me.  So here goes.................  a new adventure.  And not to worry, my lil doggie won't be riding in the basket.  She likes to chase birdies too much.  Wish me luck!

Title: Prom 2010 or "Am I really old enough to have somone going to Prom?

Wow.  Big day.  First we went to Strut you Mutt, even though there was an inch of snow on my deck today.  Hello - Mother Nature, here's a tip.  Summer.  Maybe you should give it a try.  Anyway, there were sooooo many doggies out to Strut.  Nice to see such a great turn out for such a good cause (No more homeless pets).  My Scottie was a little bossy, but other than that it was so fun.  I met two of my co workers and got to finally meet their fuzzy kids.  Good times.   Then it was back up the mountain to get everything ready for Prom.  Yes, I have a daughter old enough to go to Prom.  Still dealing with that one.  I felt happy and sad at the same time.  I started to think about how much I was going to miss her next year...............  Then hubby said "She's a junior.  She will be her with us all year...........  "   Still, I was teary eyed.   Cleaned up the house so it would be presentable for the "after party" and picked up the flowers and headed over for pics.  The gals all got ready together and K's friend's mom invited all parents over for appetizers, wine, and pics.  :)  Very fun to see all of the hustle and bustle  of 4 girls getting ready and 4 guys not really knowing what all the fuss is about. K looked  absolutely gorgeous and I can't believe she's my lil girl.  They are going to have such a fun night.  Down to the Capitol for dinner and dancing, and a photo booth (too cool) and then back up here for movies, hanging out, munchies, and then........... if everyone is still awake - they are going to go out for pancakes.  I love having my two gals.  They keep me young. What keeps you young?

Happy Mama's Day

What a day.  I know the girls are always short on cash, because, you know, they don't have jobs...........  so I just planned some fun stuff for us to do today.  I didn't want them to feel they have to ask for money from me, and then buy stuff.  In the past I just give them my Macy's card and let them loose.  But even that can seem a little impersonal.  So today I let them do some of the planning, and I did some.  It was a really special day.  They knew we were getting pedicures, but before that we all went and picked out a new pair of sandals.  :)  Then after pedicures we went to a restaurant that K picked.  She said they have been voted the best Vegetarian Cafe by City Weekly for the last several years.  K has recently adopted a vegan diet, and wanted to us all to give the cafe a chance.  It was a nice surprise.  I had breakfast tacos that were wonderful.  S had some amazing french toast that she shared with me.  Then we went to a great little consignment shop.  I found this retro 50's table..............  Hubby didn't think it sounded too great.  So, it did not come home with me.  :(  sigh.  sad face.  I even sent him a picture..............  Then we did some shopping, and got K some tights for prom, had a coke and pretzel and came home.  I hope my gals know how special they are.  They keep me balanced, young, hip, and cool.  I have learned so much from them.  Patience, love, hope, ................  the list could go on and on.   It is really hard some days, when I just want to be their friend.  But sometimes being a mom has to come first.  
I hope everyone has a great Mother's Day! 

Don'tcha just love spring weather................

ARRRGH.  We were supposed to go out of town today.  :(   Campus visit in Montana with my 17 year old.  We were going to pick up my mom, and then go to my sister's home, and have a really fun girls weekend.  Oh well. My daughter is very disappointed, but better to be safe than sorry.  I told her the campus would still be there in June, and it will be a much nicer trip!  And we will have more fun!  MSU - sorry we won't be coming up tomorrow.  Catch you later!

Hmmmmm

Well, it's Saturday night and I am in my jammies watching TV.  Hubby went to see Clash of The Titans with Step son and dot in law.  :)   Last night of peace and quiet.................  K and S come home tomorrow!  I have kinda missed the lil buggers.  It has been kind of nice having a break, but I miss the chatter, homework, laughter.  It will be so nice to be back in the routine of "normal' life.   Hubby is checking out some possible leads on a new/different job.  At least he's employed and looking.  Makes it easier.  Hope something comes up that he will love. 

Finally used my gift certificate.  I thought it was a little extravagant - $100???  Now that I went into the store, I realized why.  I cannot believe the prices of bird feeders and yard decor.  Crazy.  But I did get a great stone bird bath and a new feeder.   Pics to follow when I find the cord for my camera.  It's so fun having lil birdies in the yard.  I love that sound.  Now if it would just warm up enough for me to sit on my front porch and relax.  Maybe next weekend. 

Woo Hoo

Hubby finally had an early night!  Home by 6:30, and sitting at our favorite Mexican cafe by 6:45.  What a great Friday night.  It is kind of nice not wondering if he will be home by 2am.............   the project at his office is somewhat finished.  He is tired of the overtime, 18 hour days and is going to begin job hunting. 

K and S are on their way to Yosemite and I am sitting here listening to our Golden Retriever, the Taz man, whine and cry.  How dare dad leave for Starbucks without him!  Doggies like coffee..................... 

Hubby said we need to get our life back in order.  I think this is code for "the house really needs cleaned and we need to make a trip to the market".  Better than telling me I'm a bad maid.  :) 

Looking forward to a great weekend and some yummy Easter Brunch!  We may even get creative and hide some eggs for the puppies to find.  Ok, maybe not eggs, but pupperoni and milkbones.   Happy Easter!

Happy Day

Well, my little gal turned 17 today.  I let her sluff school, sleep in, and relax.  I left work early, checked her little sis out of school, and we headed down to Forever 21.  Then off the Red Iguana.  When we arrived home, I barely made  it up the driveway - almost 3 feet of snow.  Craaaazy spring weather.  I knew I should have waited to put out the bird feeders - but last weekend the weather was just too irresistable.  After shoveling snow (where the h do you put it all?)  I came in, we opened presents and then decorated the cake. 

Katie wanted a Candy Land cake, so we made one that looks like the board game.  It was so fun.  I think she had a great day.  I hope so!  Kinda sad and happy at the same time for mom. 

I'm off to find the heating pad.  I hope I don't have to call in tomorrow due to a strained back!  Hubby needs to not work so much so he can shovel.  I haven't shoveled in ..................  hmmmm............... 6 years???? 

Should I fell guilty?

S and K 

Hubby has to work today/tonight.  Some big major project.  K and S are in the City with my best friend Mish and are staying over.  And me?  I am here all by my lonesome.  : P   I had to go into work at 5am.  Yuck. So it has been a real treat to have the day to myself.  I did a lil bday shopping for K and came home to just the doggies. The house is quiet and I have to admit I feel a little guilty.  I am completely enjoying it. The only noise was when the pups saw a robin a little too close to our property. By property, I mean anything within a 2 mile radius of our house.
 
I didn't have to tell anyone (K and S) to turn down the music or pick up their rooms.  I didn't have to play taxi or wonder what to fix for dinner.

Tonight I am going to watch a movie on HBO tonight and just relax.

I'll be ready for everyone to come home tomorrow and get back to the real world, but for now I am just going to chill.  And prepare for the wild and crazy week that is coming my way.

Movie Night

K asked me, her mom, to go to a movie tonight.  It's some surfing/snowboarding/cool movie put on by the local film series.  Yes, her friends were unable to go, and I was last choice, but that doesn't bother me a bit!  I'll take it.  :)   Glad to know she thinks of me as a friend and a mom.  I have been informed, however, that I will need to change out of my scrubbies.  :(   Jeans are still too tight.  Wonder if I can get away with sweats? 

We also went to meet with her school counselor today.  My lil girl is a senior next year.  We found out she only needs 2.5 credits to graduate.  She will have a very fun, low stress senior year.  She can't wait and is counting down the days.  I am so happy for her, to be moving on, and doing well in life/school, and thinking about the future.  It is a real mix of emotions.  I can't even think about how I will feel when I am downstairs in the kitchen, reading the paper, and I won't be able to look up and see her coming downstairs for breakfast in her jammies, messy bed head, and sox.   How can someone feel so happy and so sad all at once?   She has turned into such a beautiful young woman. 

At least her sister S will be around to keep things lively!  :)  For two more years......................

What is up w/that island?

Almost time for Lost.  I really don't know what's going on, but I have looked forward to this all day.  Anyone watch The Bonnie Hunt Show?  She used to do a bit called Turtle Island.  Funny spoof on Lost. 

Trying to get up the motivation to wake up 30 minutes earlier and go for a short jog/fast walk.  We'll see............ today when I was scraping my windsheild there was a sheet of ice on it.  I wish it would warm up so I can park in the garage again and let K park by the side of the house.  I may be crazy, but I didn't want her to not scrape her windows if she was running late for school.  So I opted to park outside and let her park in the garage.  Spoiled lil gal.  Anyhoo, I am trying to work in some time for a workout.  When I get home from work, I am just too exhausted and am just not motivated.  530am just seems way too early!   But I need to figure something out.  My scrubs fit great, but when the weekend come and my jeans don't fit..............  ugh, then I feel really yucky.

Lost is on!  See ya all tomorrow.

Snow

Ok, about an hour ago it was snowing outside.  :(   I'm getting a little tired of the white stuff.  Any Damages fans out there?  I heard an ad on FX and thought tonight was the season premiere.  I'm trying to follow along, and not getting it...................... went to the FX website, and guess what?  This was episode 8 of 9.  Season 3 - almost over.  Where was I?   Where was Tivo? 

Guess I'll try to watch online.  Bummer.  I really like it when I find a great series to get hooked on.  I don't watch much TV, but there are definitely a few shows I really love. 

Hell ay shish (is this even a word?)  day at work tomorrow.  I seriously hope a few pts cancel.  Not really sure how they are all going to get seen in a timely manner.  I know it is customary to wait at an office, but it drives me crazy when I know there are people waiting.   Hope the snow lets up so my commute is not wild and crazy. 

Spring is here............it's official

Well, it is official. We didn't think this day would ever get here.  With snow still covering our front yard and most of the back it was hard to believe.  But spring came and we celebrated by having the first Strawberry Shortcake of the season.  Woo Hoo!!! 

And I didn't even have to lift a finger.  My lovely baby girl made it.  From scratch.  Ok, K is a week away from being 17, so not really a baby, but I can get away with calling her that.  :)

Happy Spring!  Just hope it doesn't snow this week.

Spiders

Ok, I know that most people hate spiders (sorry in advance to any PETA members).  I don't really hate them, they are just, well, icky.  And creepy.  And I can feel my pulse race when I see one..............  Anyway, it was pretty warm out today, and I guess Spring is on it's way because I saw my first spider of the season.  In my living room.  Just waiting...................   so I went over and stepped on it.

Then, I looked to see if I made a stain on my carpet, and when I lifted up my shoe = no spider.  No spider on the bottom of my shoe either.  Great.  Now I wonder where the h*ll it went.  Is it out for revenge now and just waiting for that moment to get me back? 

Hello

Well, this is my first blog. It took me a while to pick a name, since I wanted to be really clever and have a catchy title. So I decided on STAT.  I'm a nurse, and wanted to choose something medical, and this just came to mind.  STAT or surviving this and that.  Because don't we all just try to survive whatever comes our way?  With a family, work, friends.......... it can be a little overwhelming.  So this blog is supposed to be fun and also a place to vent now and then.  :)