B. and I are in some kind of strange impasse. We are guarded with each other. He pointed out yesterday that I am giving him so many mixed signals - and he's right about that. One minute, he's my little boy and I am all protective, loving, gentle Mama. And the next, he's a 21 and a half year old ass who's living here sucking the life out of me. And I turn into 'the other Mama'. He doesn't like that mom much - and I truthfully understand and can't blame him for that.
We went to Starbucks - neutral territory with beverages - for a long talk. And the 'real behind the scenes' stuff he is dealing with came pouring out of him...stuff he hasn't shared with me - might have shared a little with J. . But it was all news to me. Only it really wasn't.
A story of a girl and a boy - who have been sweet on each other since 4th grade. The boy loves the girl. He doesn't really admit that - but he does. He has always loved her. And she has always cared about him - and been honest with him that she doesn't feel the same. He has had a friendship with her for a long time - and they hang out often with friends and without. I think B. has staged this 'friendship' in order to keep her in his life - because she knows he has feelings for her but she says she doesn't feel the same towards him. So they stay 'friends'. And he says he would rather have her in his life as 'just a friend' than not at all.
Something happened a month or so ago and they mutually decided to take a break. From all of their various statuses....friends, better than friends, wanting to be more than friends.....a break. He hasn't heard from her in over a month - and he's a bit sad about it. He enlisted - a huge milestone for him - and she never commented. Never texted him. Not a word.
His heart is breaking. He hasn't had her to talk to - to share life with - in a over a month. And he's always had her in his life - since he was 10.
I think the girl does truly have feelings for him - but she doesn't want to. And I was honest with him about that - that she may have feelings for him but wishes she didn't - and she seems to be saying that the life he plans is not a life she wants for herself. She doesn't want to be with someone who will be deployed periodically to foreign countries. She doesn't want that life. And as hard as it is for him to deal with that, he has to start accepting it - because as long as he keeps trying to hold on to her - friend or not - he will never allow himself to become involved with someone else. And that's a no-win situation.
B. cried a little at Starbucks - and he acknowledged that he feels 'depressed' about it all and has for over a month. I tried to offer the usual advice - go to the gym more; start running again; get up and do stuff instead of using a week's vacation to sit around the house and pine away for her [he has two weeks paid vacation now and used one week for the Montana/Canada trip and the second he took off this past week and spent it doing nothing...].
Last night, he went to a friends house. I got up to go to the bathroom around 3:30AM and his bedroom light was on...but it was off by the time I was walking back to bed.
This morning, J. told me that B. was opening a beer with a 'bad' bottle opener - and the bottle broke. He sliced his middle finger pretty badly - and he got a friend to take him to the hospital. He has seven stiches in his finger....
Sometimes, people just need to be heard. I told B. that it would be good for him to share more on a regular basis so at least I'll know why the ass that sometimes shows up is coming around more often at times. It's helpful to know the full story. All of us have had our hearts broken periodically and knowing that's what's up with him helps the patient, tolerant, loving mom be in residence more often than not.
I buy Bandaids (waterproof) and remind him to use Neosporin periodically. 'Cuz I'm the mom. Cut fingers I can handle (though I can't look at his Facebook pics). Broken hearts are a little more complicated.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Living it Up!
Vegas was amazingly fun and I wished we could have stayed another couple days. Our trip started out not so great - our Spirit airlines plane out of Oakland had mechanical problems. Our 12:52 departure was delayed until 2PM....then 3PM....then cancelled altogether around 4PM. I know that kind of stuff happens...still hugely frustrating. Their was a bridal party on the plane and by the time the flight was officially cancelled, the bride was a little bit upset.
I don't like Spirit and I don't think we will ever fly them again. Not because the plane had mechanical issues....but mostly because their employees were so ill-prepared for the consequences of having a flight cancelled. 150+ people want to get to where they planned to get to - Vegas! And to constantly ask those 150+ people to be patient instead of thanking them for being patient just seemed hugely wrong. They practically begged us to just take refunds - 'cuz then they were done with their responsibility to transport us to Vegas. One employee even implied to a guy that 'you'll be responsible for the difference'. True - if you allow them to refund you. So most of us didn't - and we all trekked back to the ticket counter to be put on other flights - which Spirit did not have leaving Oakland for Vegas. So it was Southwest.....and they trekked us from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 in small groups.
Our flight was a one-stop - in Reno. So 28 minutes in the air and then we landed - in 30MPH cross winds. I have never been more scared in my life. Ever watch those 'landing in cross winds' videos on You Tube? Go do that. I'll wait.....
THAT was what it was like. The pilot said 'approach courtesy of Great America and landing courtesy of Land 'o Lakes butter'. It was a smooth landing - as long as you didn't pay attention to the fact that the plane was coming in sideways and he touched down on the left wing wheel only at first - J. said I hadn't squeezed his hand that hard since giving birth to B. .
We arrived at the hotel close to 10PM...the check in clerk took pity on us and upgraded us to a larger room, which was very nice. It's the Bellagio - and it's great! We missed our Carrot Top show - which we had prepaid for and can't get a refund...so that was a waste of $100. We did buy insurance for the flight - not sure why 'cuz I never do that but I did - so we are going to submit that and see if we can get that money back. And also get back the meal we ate while we waited for our Southwest plane to depart - it was a long, long day and we were just glad it was over and we were finally in Vegas. TWELVE HOURS total is too long to be sitting in airports eating bad food.
The next day things greatly improved. We spent the entire day in a pool cabana and it was awesome. A waitress who checked in periodically. A stocked refrigerator with sodas and water, snacks, fruit plate included. TV with music stations and others. We lounged all day and I even got in the pool several times. It was heaven - and so nice to do absolutely nothing. We ordered many refreshing beverages (which were so obviously watered down 'cuz we never got even slightly buzzed) and lunch, too. It was delicious.
Yesterday we visited the Grand Canal Shops at the Venetian. Two 50% off Dooney & Bourke purses made their way home with me - J. got a shave at The Art of Shaving. I also bought a Brighton bracelet which I really love -
Last night, we went to see Absinthe - and I can't recommend it highly enough. I do have to say it was more than a little raunchy - but sexual innuendo [it wasn't even innuendo, really - it was flat out sexual topics] and colorful language 'sells'. The acrobatic acts and other 'variety' acts were amazing and we really loved every minute of it.
I tried really hard to win a $25K jackpot on a penny slot machine (2.00 a pull) so we could stay another night and day - I truly wanted to spend another day pool side and just do nothing but read, enjoy people watching and vegging. But we'll save that for next time.
We arrived home to a house that was being tidied in a hurry. Want to clean out your pantry, fridge and freezer? Go to Vegas for a few days, tell your kids it's OK to have a 'few' friends over - and viola! You'll come home to barren cupboards, an empty fridge and not much in the freezer either. We stocked up before we left - and all that is gone. Unbelievable - but true.... B. mopped the floors! With Simple Green!? WTF? There's Mr. Clean under the sink and 409 and Clorox Clean Up in the kitchen, too....and he uses Simple Green? and even with that cleaning effort, the kitchen floor is so sticky you can't walk on it without getting sticky shoes. We know a 2 liter bottle of ginger ale exploded upon opening (that happened after we were home) but we're pretty sure other stuff happened 'cuz the floor is a mess.
We are home and looking forward to our next get away. J. and I are enjoying spending some time alone and living a little....something I'm confident we'll be able to do more often.
OH - and one final newsy item. H. is now officially spending his days driving a fork lift! After one week at 'regular' pay, he got a $2 an hour bump in pay and is now driving 'heavy equipment' daily. He is tired and adjusting to the life of a 'working man'.
UPDATE: It's Friday now and H. got his first paycheck and he is 'stoked'! Bringing home more than $300 a week (and that was at the lesser pay rate - he will be at $11 an hour going forward - so another $80 a week before taxes) is pretty exciting when you've been working for your parents for a long, long time. We had to give him a $100 advance on his first check to pay for gas, etc. - he paid us back right away and has $200 burning a hole in his pocket. He feels rich - and we are trying to remind him to budget appropriately - he needs to fill his gas tank, get an oil change, etc. .
I have some pictures I will attempt to post later this weekend. We are still undigging from a mountain of laundry (beer pong uses a lot of towels to clean up - and we know they played beer pong 'cuz there was a folded up folding table in our living room and B. said he borrowed it for beer pong - J. has washed virtually ever towel (bath or beach) we own today). Work is looming large on Monday but it has been a hugely relaxing week of me working very hard at NOT working. Glancing at emails occasionally and responding as little as possible.
The weekend will be largely errands and house stuff - but I am hoping to also pretend to be in Vegas by lounging by our pool for an afternoon.
It's great to be home -
I don't like Spirit and I don't think we will ever fly them again. Not because the plane had mechanical issues....but mostly because their employees were so ill-prepared for the consequences of having a flight cancelled. 150+ people want to get to where they planned to get to - Vegas! And to constantly ask those 150+ people to be patient instead of thanking them for being patient just seemed hugely wrong. They practically begged us to just take refunds - 'cuz then they were done with their responsibility to transport us to Vegas. One employee even implied to a guy that 'you'll be responsible for the difference'. True - if you allow them to refund you. So most of us didn't - and we all trekked back to the ticket counter to be put on other flights - which Spirit did not have leaving Oakland for Vegas. So it was Southwest.....and they trekked us from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 in small groups.
Our flight was a one-stop - in Reno. So 28 minutes in the air and then we landed - in 30MPH cross winds. I have never been more scared in my life. Ever watch those 'landing in cross winds' videos on You Tube? Go do that. I'll wait.....
THAT was what it was like. The pilot said 'approach courtesy of Great America and landing courtesy of Land 'o Lakes butter'. It was a smooth landing - as long as you didn't pay attention to the fact that the plane was coming in sideways and he touched down on the left wing wheel only at first - J. said I hadn't squeezed his hand that hard since giving birth to B. .
We arrived at the hotel close to 10PM...the check in clerk took pity on us and upgraded us to a larger room, which was very nice. It's the Bellagio - and it's great! We missed our Carrot Top show - which we had prepaid for and can't get a refund...so that was a waste of $100. We did buy insurance for the flight - not sure why 'cuz I never do that but I did - so we are going to submit that and see if we can get that money back. And also get back the meal we ate while we waited for our Southwest plane to depart - it was a long, long day and we were just glad it was over and we were finally in Vegas. TWELVE HOURS total is too long to be sitting in airports eating bad food.
The next day things greatly improved. We spent the entire day in a pool cabana and it was awesome. A waitress who checked in periodically. A stocked refrigerator with sodas and water, snacks, fruit plate included. TV with music stations and others. We lounged all day and I even got in the pool several times. It was heaven - and so nice to do absolutely nothing. We ordered many refreshing beverages (which were so obviously watered down 'cuz we never got even slightly buzzed) and lunch, too. It was delicious.
Yesterday we visited the Grand Canal Shops at the Venetian. Two 50% off Dooney & Bourke purses made their way home with me - J. got a shave at The Art of Shaving. I also bought a Brighton bracelet which I really love -
Last night, we went to see Absinthe - and I can't recommend it highly enough. I do have to say it was more than a little raunchy - but sexual innuendo [it wasn't even innuendo, really - it was flat out sexual topics] and colorful language 'sells'. The acrobatic acts and other 'variety' acts were amazing and we really loved every minute of it.
I tried really hard to win a $25K jackpot on a penny slot machine (2.00 a pull) so we could stay another night and day - I truly wanted to spend another day pool side and just do nothing but read, enjoy people watching and vegging. But we'll save that for next time.
We arrived home to a house that was being tidied in a hurry. Want to clean out your pantry, fridge and freezer? Go to Vegas for a few days, tell your kids it's OK to have a 'few' friends over - and viola! You'll come home to barren cupboards, an empty fridge and not much in the freezer either. We stocked up before we left - and all that is gone. Unbelievable - but true.... B. mopped the floors! With Simple Green!? WTF? There's Mr. Clean under the sink and 409 and Clorox Clean Up in the kitchen, too....and he uses Simple Green? and even with that cleaning effort, the kitchen floor is so sticky you can't walk on it without getting sticky shoes. We know a 2 liter bottle of ginger ale exploded upon opening (that happened after we were home) but we're pretty sure other stuff happened 'cuz the floor is a mess.
We are home and looking forward to our next get away. J. and I are enjoying spending some time alone and living a little....something I'm confident we'll be able to do more often.
OH - and one final newsy item. H. is now officially spending his days driving a fork lift! After one week at 'regular' pay, he got a $2 an hour bump in pay and is now driving 'heavy equipment' daily. He is tired and adjusting to the life of a 'working man'.
UPDATE: It's Friday now and H. got his first paycheck and he is 'stoked'! Bringing home more than $300 a week (and that was at the lesser pay rate - he will be at $11 an hour going forward - so another $80 a week before taxes) is pretty exciting when you've been working for your parents for a long, long time. We had to give him a $100 advance on his first check to pay for gas, etc. - he paid us back right away and has $200 burning a hole in his pocket. He feels rich - and we are trying to remind him to budget appropriately - he needs to fill his gas tank, get an oil change, etc. .
I have some pictures I will attempt to post later this weekend. We are still undigging from a mountain of laundry (beer pong uses a lot of towels to clean up - and we know they played beer pong 'cuz there was a folded up folding table in our living room and B. said he borrowed it for beer pong - J. has washed virtually ever towel (bath or beach) we own today). Work is looming large on Monday but it has been a hugely relaxing week of me working very hard at NOT working. Glancing at emails occasionally and responding as little as possible.
The weekend will be largely errands and house stuff - but I am hoping to also pretend to be in Vegas by lounging by our pool for an afternoon.
It's great to be home -
Friday, June 22, 2012
He's Retired?
By J.:
- What I did on my first day of "retirement":
1. Made my bed
2. Read news, Ebert reviews and a few blogs, had coffee and toast
3. Talked to former work associate in Charlotte (can't go cold turkey, ya know)
4. Put on load of laundry
5. Cleaned cat box
6. Shaved
7. Went to the golf course, hit a small bucket of balls and putted
8. Went to mall, returned slacks, got birthday cards and gift cards
9. Went to PetSmart and got dog food
10. Went to Costco and got gas ($3.599)
11. Stopped by pool supply and got advice
12. Bought lotto
13. Got home and put on second load of laundry
14. Made a sandwich because it was 12:30 and I was hungry
Don't know if I can keep this up.
Pawns
[NOTE: This post was drafted back in May. I am feeling 'pissy' towards our state government this morning, so I am posting it. I changed the post date to today so it will be where it belongs chronologically in my posting history - but it was written about a month ago shortly after attending a workshop on the State budget....it's messy and a 'long and winding road'. But it might help those who live in California understand the complexity of the budget issues our state is facing. And it might help others who don't live here understand the complexity of my job and why I am often angst filled about it. There is no easy answer to any of it - but the future of our children can't keep being the 'fix'. Our state is having one of the absolute slowest returns from the massive recession - and if our schools continue to be the pawns, future generations will be struggling for decades. Education is the 'hope' for the future of our next generation - and we are failing them in California. Big time failing.]
This post has been a long time coming....there are various drafts in my folder awaiting continuation. Every time I start to write it, I stop. Partly because I don't like to discuss politics; or controversial topics; nor do I like to actually comment publicly on things that are both political and controversial. I'm not a politician but I am in a role that requires careful consideration and discretion about the things I rant about.
If you've made it through that first paragraph and don't live in California, this is your warning that much of this post won't be relatable....or maybe it will.
It's obvious to all of us that the economy is being incredibly slow in it's recovery. I'm not an economist or an expert....but clearly, things are not picking up. Our home value has declined AGAIN to a new 'all time low' - and the previous all time low was a shocking number. We are seriously under water in terms of our debt to equity ratio - and we are OK with that. I toy with walking away now and then but I won't do that - I love this house and I have to live somewhere. So we stay.
But this post isn't about housing...
In the news this week was our states budget 'gap' increasing from the previous $9.5 billion up to now an anticipated $16 billion gap. This is the gap between revenue and expenses.
At the $9.5 billion dollar gap, schools were being told to budget for a $440 per ADA (that's attendance - we are paid for the percent of time students are actually attending - not our enrollment - it's complicated and this post is going to be complicated enough without going into any of that - I call it 'butts in the chair'. That's how we're funded - kids attend and our revenue is based on their attendance).
The Governor has released details of his May Revise - his preliminary budget for the 2012-13 school year came out in January (as it does every year) and then in May, he issues his May Revise. This year's May Revise actually seemed to imply that maybe we really had hit our 'limit' in terms of education funding reductions - because early results indicated that we might actually not have to reduce by the $440...and that was because part of the proposed reduction to schools wasn't actually a reduction in our revenue. It was a reduction in the deferrals the state has implemented over the past few years.
Deferrals are what we've come to call the delays in our actual cash payments from the state. For years now, the state has been pushing back the apportionments of school districts 'cash'. There are currently many billions of dollars 'deferred' - cash school districts are owed but we don't have. And part of the 'gap' that the governor is trying to back fill by reducing our revenue yet again was based on the state paying back some of those deferrals.....
So it's not really a gap between revenue and expense as it seem(ed) at first glance. And if you take out that 'pay back' , the per ADA reduction is less. And that change makes a really huge difference to districts that are on the brink of disaster....
But that's not what's happening...
See, schools are the pawn in the Governor's desire to have a tax increase measure be on the ballot in November and be passed. A proposal of an increase to sales tax and an increase to the personal income tax of the state's highest earners. It's our only 'hope', really. We've done everything we can do to make reductions. No new revenue for five years. Not a dime. The last truly 'new' money our district received was in 2007-08. My district has a reduction in annual revenue of over $3 million a year....that's $15 million we haven't had over the last five years.
The Governor is basically saying that it doesn't matter that part of the 'reduction' being placed on schools again is to pay back some of the cash we haven't received. If the tax initiative doesn't go through, he's taking that money from our revenue regardless - a sort of double 'whammy' - because we will be paying ourselves back some of the cash we are owed. He will reduce our funding by $440 per ADA vs. $300 per ADA unless the taxes pass. We pay for that deferral 'pay back' and he wants it known that the taxes are the 'trigger' for that - without the new taxes, that's the plan.
I have worked in K-14 education for 10 years this August - and today was the first time I realized that we are basically pawns in this political mess. Sure, I've always known that politics is a part of everything - but holy crap. Today's realization that the taxes are the goal - and districts all over the state will pay the price if voters don't approve them was like a stomach punch.
If you ask the average voter in California today if they will vote on the tax increase, you'll get answers all over the place. If you imply that the tax increase will provide schools with 'new' revenue - which is what I believe the average voter believes the tax increase will do - they may vote differently. But we aren't talking about new revenue. 'New' revenue is the absence of another cut. They are not the same thing - by any stretch of the imagination.
Now don't get me wrong - I will take the absence of a $440 per ADA reduction over 'nothing' any day....our district will be making very hard decisions in the upcoming school year if that reduction goes through. But I think the average voter thinks the new taxes will 'fix' education - and we are a long way from being fixed. We've had millions of dollars of actual revenue reduced; and we've had even more millions of real cash deferred from our budgets - for a very long time. Think about what it would be like for your home budget if your employer said 'well, we owe you your paycheck but we can't send you the cash to cover it for a couple months...but you hang in there, 'kay? And we'll get it all worked out as fast as we can'. You'd have to borrow - right? From somewhere? Maybe put your mortgage on a credit card for a couple months to get by - 'cuz if you don't have the cash, what else can you do? So districts all over the state are borrowing to make payroll; are borrowing to pay vendors for supplies and electricity, etc. How long would be able to sustain that in your current household budget? Not long, right?
And I close with this: all of the above was based on a $9.7 billion gap between revenue and expense in the State's budget . But the gap is now projected to be over $16 billion. There's no discussion (yet) on how that gap will be bridged.
Whether or not you are for or against new taxes, you have to do that math before you decide. Because states all over America can't keep bridging gaps like the above gap without carefully considering that part of the answer has to be increased revenue. You can't 'reduce budget' your way out of these kind of gaps - or you'll end up like California. We can't get out of the hole we are in because we keep digging ourselves in deeper by doing things that don't solve the 'root' of the issue.
And don't blame the Governor. I don't. I think he's doing the best he can and I think he's done far more than his predecessor to try to force the legislature to do the right thing. He's a politician who doesn't give a crap about being re-elected - and they are few and far between...so more power to him.
Thank you for reading this far. I am making a 2nd latte and heading out for another fun day of running the 'business' of a school district.
This post has been a long time coming....there are various drafts in my folder awaiting continuation. Every time I start to write it, I stop. Partly because I don't like to discuss politics; or controversial topics; nor do I like to actually comment publicly on things that are both political and controversial. I'm not a politician but I am in a role that requires careful consideration and discretion about the things I rant about.
If you've made it through that first paragraph and don't live in California, this is your warning that much of this post won't be relatable....or maybe it will.
It's obvious to all of us that the economy is being incredibly slow in it's recovery. I'm not an economist or an expert....but clearly, things are not picking up. Our home value has declined AGAIN to a new 'all time low' - and the previous all time low was a shocking number. We are seriously under water in terms of our debt to equity ratio - and we are OK with that. I toy with walking away now and then but I won't do that - I love this house and I have to live somewhere. So we stay.
But this post isn't about housing...
In the news this week was our states budget 'gap' increasing from the previous $9.5 billion up to now an anticipated $16 billion gap. This is the gap between revenue and expenses.
At the $9.5 billion dollar gap, schools were being told to budget for a $440 per ADA (that's attendance - we are paid for the percent of time students are actually attending - not our enrollment - it's complicated and this post is going to be complicated enough without going into any of that - I call it 'butts in the chair'. That's how we're funded - kids attend and our revenue is based on their attendance).
The Governor has released details of his May Revise - his preliminary budget for the 2012-13 school year came out in January (as it does every year) and then in May, he issues his May Revise. This year's May Revise actually seemed to imply that maybe we really had hit our 'limit' in terms of education funding reductions - because early results indicated that we might actually not have to reduce by the $440...and that was because part of the proposed reduction to schools wasn't actually a reduction in our revenue. It was a reduction in the deferrals the state has implemented over the past few years.
Deferrals are what we've come to call the delays in our actual cash payments from the state. For years now, the state has been pushing back the apportionments of school districts 'cash'. There are currently many billions of dollars 'deferred' - cash school districts are owed but we don't have. And part of the 'gap' that the governor is trying to back fill by reducing our revenue yet again was based on the state paying back some of those deferrals.....
So it's not really a gap between revenue and expense as it seem(ed) at first glance. And if you take out that 'pay back' , the per ADA reduction is less. And that change makes a really huge difference to districts that are on the brink of disaster....
But that's not what's happening...
See, schools are the pawn in the Governor's desire to have a tax increase measure be on the ballot in November and be passed. A proposal of an increase to sales tax and an increase to the personal income tax of the state's highest earners. It's our only 'hope', really. We've done everything we can do to make reductions. No new revenue for five years. Not a dime. The last truly 'new' money our district received was in 2007-08. My district has a reduction in annual revenue of over $3 million a year....that's $15 million we haven't had over the last five years.
The Governor is basically saying that it doesn't matter that part of the 'reduction' being placed on schools again is to pay back some of the cash we haven't received. If the tax initiative doesn't go through, he's taking that money from our revenue regardless - a sort of double 'whammy' - because we will be paying ourselves back some of the cash we are owed. He will reduce our funding by $440 per ADA vs. $300 per ADA unless the taxes pass. We pay for that deferral 'pay back' and he wants it known that the taxes are the 'trigger' for that - without the new taxes, that's the plan.
I have worked in K-14 education for 10 years this August - and today was the first time I realized that we are basically pawns in this political mess. Sure, I've always known that politics is a part of everything - but holy crap. Today's realization that the taxes are the goal - and districts all over the state will pay the price if voters don't approve them was like a stomach punch.
If you ask the average voter in California today if they will vote on the tax increase, you'll get answers all over the place. If you imply that the tax increase will provide schools with 'new' revenue - which is what I believe the average voter believes the tax increase will do - they may vote differently. But we aren't talking about new revenue. 'New' revenue is the absence of another cut. They are not the same thing - by any stretch of the imagination.
Now don't get me wrong - I will take the absence of a $440 per ADA reduction over 'nothing' any day....our district will be making very hard decisions in the upcoming school year if that reduction goes through. But I think the average voter thinks the new taxes will 'fix' education - and we are a long way from being fixed. We've had millions of dollars of actual revenue reduced; and we've had even more millions of real cash deferred from our budgets - for a very long time. Think about what it would be like for your home budget if your employer said 'well, we owe you your paycheck but we can't send you the cash to cover it for a couple months...but you hang in there, 'kay? And we'll get it all worked out as fast as we can'. You'd have to borrow - right? From somewhere? Maybe put your mortgage on a credit card for a couple months to get by - 'cuz if you don't have the cash, what else can you do? So districts all over the state are borrowing to make payroll; are borrowing to pay vendors for supplies and electricity, etc. How long would be able to sustain that in your current household budget? Not long, right?
And I close with this: all of the above was based on a $9.7 billion gap between revenue and expense in the State's budget . But the gap is now projected to be over $16 billion. There's no discussion (yet) on how that gap will be bridged.
Whether or not you are for or against new taxes, you have to do that math before you decide. Because states all over America can't keep bridging gaps like the above gap without carefully considering that part of the answer has to be increased revenue. You can't 'reduce budget' your way out of these kind of gaps - or you'll end up like California. We can't get out of the hole we are in because we keep digging ourselves in deeper by doing things that don't solve the 'root' of the issue.
And don't blame the Governor. I don't. I think he's doing the best he can and I think he's done far more than his predecessor to try to force the legislature to do the right thing. He's a politician who doesn't give a crap about being re-elected - and they are few and far between...so more power to him.
Thank you for reading this far. I am making a 2nd latte and heading out for another fun day of running the 'business' of a school district.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Bites!
It sort of bites that today was my husband's last official day of work. Sort of. But not really. He went in three days this week and had a nice lunch with a lot of long-time friends/coworkers. It's never easy to leave before you were ready...before YOU decided it was time. But then again, sometimes those forced changes lead to life changes that are better than you ever imagined. That happened for me - a career in the business of education has been far more rewarding to me than any of my corporate careers ever were - and I mean that monetarily and emotionally. This is a good change for J.. And he is very deserving of an early retirement.
The real reason for the 'Bites' title is that a spider feasted on my right knee earlier this week....and he walked around my leg and bit me FIVE TIMES. He was a pretty straight walker until he veered up towards my thigh. I always react strongly to bites - but wow, these are doozies. I am sure they are spider variety because they blistered quickly. So itchy - I have been miserable all week and trying so hard not to scratch. And at the same time, totally creeped out that something bit me five times and I didn't even know until they started itching. I think it was in bed! So now I feel creep crawly things all the time and freak myself out on a regular basis - all night long. So great for someone who is currently averaging five hours sleep a night.
This morning, I drove to a little tiny town in the delta to check out decomposed granite. Why? Because we are building running tracks at our schools and we are trying to decide what type of product to use on the track. There are so many types and colors and they all have pluses and minuses. So I drove 50 miles to the little island town with one small elementary school. Then another 26 miles to a magnet high school. Then back 'home'. I had to stop for $10 of gas (non-Costco and I won't buy gas anywhere but there so I just bought a little bit) and a bathroom stop. The drive involved following a contractor through curvy roads during huge wind. It was 63 degrees and incredibly windy in the little town - and the drive was hard 'cuz I had no idea where I was; had too much to concentrate on (wind, trying to figure out where we were and where we were going; keeping up with him so I didn't get lost; my boss was following in his car so I had to be sure we didn't lose him, too)....though technically, he knew where we were 'cuz he lives out that way. OH - and there were bridges. Lots of them. I'm a little 'nervous' on bridges. Especially when it's windy....I survived. And we know what we want to do. My boss thanked me for arranging the trip. Three of us driving there and back 'cuz we were all heading in different directions after - it was crazy....
I survived another year's budget process (my sixth!) and am looking forward to a week off. This time next year, we will be one week away from a couple weeks at the beach. And this year, Vegas is really going to be fun. We are going to live it up a bit!
It's been quite a week....H. is coping (barely) with the realization that 'this is life'. You get up, you work, for 8 hours, take two breaks and a lunch. You head home, eat, spend some time with friends, (hopefully) spend a little time with your family, go to bed and get up and do it all again. Times five. He's glad for the job and though it's with a temp agency (something he just sort of figured out today - though I was pretty sure that's what it was), he and the friend who also works there are getting good feedback from the company's boss they report to - so hopefully, when they weed out others, they will stay. They are confirmed to work full time again next week - and at least if it's temp, the agency has placed him and they know he's a good worker. On time. Respectful. He can't wait until next Friday for his paycheck...
Time for bed. My work desk is a disaster and I have to undig a bit before leaving for a week. I've been up very early every day and tomorrow will be more of the same. And I think I will work 1/2 day this weekend just attempting to tidy up a bit.
Looking forward to fun and recreation with my sweetheart...
The real reason for the 'Bites' title is that a spider feasted on my right knee earlier this week....and he walked around my leg and bit me FIVE TIMES. He was a pretty straight walker until he veered up towards my thigh. I always react strongly to bites - but wow, these are doozies. I am sure they are spider variety because they blistered quickly. So itchy - I have been miserable all week and trying so hard not to scratch. And at the same time, totally creeped out that something bit me five times and I didn't even know until they started itching. I think it was in bed! So now I feel creep crawly things all the time and freak myself out on a regular basis - all night long. So great for someone who is currently averaging five hours sleep a night.
This morning, I drove to a little tiny town in the delta to check out decomposed granite. Why? Because we are building running tracks at our schools and we are trying to decide what type of product to use on the track. There are so many types and colors and they all have pluses and minuses. So I drove 50 miles to the little island town with one small elementary school. Then another 26 miles to a magnet high school. Then back 'home'. I had to stop for $10 of gas (non-Costco and I won't buy gas anywhere but there so I just bought a little bit) and a bathroom stop. The drive involved following a contractor through curvy roads during huge wind. It was 63 degrees and incredibly windy in the little town - and the drive was hard 'cuz I had no idea where I was; had too much to concentrate on (wind, trying to figure out where we were and where we were going; keeping up with him so I didn't get lost; my boss was following in his car so I had to be sure we didn't lose him, too)....though technically, he knew where we were 'cuz he lives out that way. OH - and there were bridges. Lots of them. I'm a little 'nervous' on bridges. Especially when it's windy....I survived. And we know what we want to do. My boss thanked me for arranging the trip. Three of us driving there and back 'cuz we were all heading in different directions after - it was crazy....
I survived another year's budget process (my sixth!) and am looking forward to a week off. This time next year, we will be one week away from a couple weeks at the beach. And this year, Vegas is really going to be fun. We are going to live it up a bit!
It's been quite a week....H. is coping (barely) with the realization that 'this is life'. You get up, you work, for 8 hours, take two breaks and a lunch. You head home, eat, spend some time with friends, (hopefully) spend a little time with your family, go to bed and get up and do it all again. Times five. He's glad for the job and though it's with a temp agency (something he just sort of figured out today - though I was pretty sure that's what it was), he and the friend who also works there are getting good feedback from the company's boss they report to - so hopefully, when they weed out others, they will stay. They are confirmed to work full time again next week - and at least if it's temp, the agency has placed him and they know he's a good worker. On time. Respectful. He can't wait until next Friday for his paycheck...
Time for bed. My work desk is a disaster and I have to undig a bit before leaving for a week. I've been up very early every day and tomorrow will be more of the same. And I think I will work 1/2 day this weekend just attempting to tidy up a bit.
Looking forward to fun and recreation with my sweetheart...
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Employment
H. has a job!! Full time!! He's making $9 an hour moving boxes in a warehouse in Livermore. He and a couple other friends got hired at the same time so they are able to carpool. And they all got put on the 'day' shift - so they have to travel over the Altamont in rush hour traffic...which sucks. But thankfully, it's the very first exit over the hill so it's not too bad. He is excited. And tired. Hard work getting up at 6 and working an 8 hour day multiple days in a row. Welcome to the world of working for a living, honey! We are very happy for him and proud of him -
Because he has a full time job, his 'house-sitting' for us next week can't happen - and that leaves Chloe unattended. So thankfully, we found a new kennel and they can take her - so she's set. She is going to love this new place (our old place went out of business - did I mention that?). She will be well cared for and I won't have to worry about her one bit - which makes my psychic break all the better. I know H. would do a great job taking care of her, but I know I would worry about her. So now it's all set and no worries. Expensive but oh well. It's a vacation and it will be worth every penny. Quick but fun.
J.'s employment officially ends this week - Thursday is his last day in the office in San Francisco. He's been commuting to San Fran for 37 years. He's looking forward to no commute and no schedule. I'm happy for him...truly I am. And I'm happy for me 'cuz one of us not working is going to be a really nice change for us both. We are compiling a project binder. I'm making menus. Fine tuning our budget. Culling out the house. Having garage sales - yes, plural! He will walk every day. The dog will join him. He and I will be able to go to lunch every week - something we rarely do...Indian, Thai, Mexican....he will help cook evening meals and I will cook on weekends. I won't come home to the question 'what's for dinner?'. I will come home to the offer of a refreshing beverage of either variety (non-alcoholic or with alcohol). Don't worry. We very seldom drink. But an occasional wine or a beer and once in a blue moon an actual 'cocktail' will be one of the nice things about J. being home. There will be so many nice things. I am very glad he's done commuting.
J. has worked hard for 37 years. His job has provided financial security in ways we never dreamed when we were first married. He has commuted an hour and 45 minutes each way since we moved to this house 12 years ago and he's never uttered a single complaint. He may share a 'bad commute' story - but never complains. He's been a trooper and he's earned this early work-stoppage.
A couple months down the road, he may take a temporary assignment working on a project he wants to work on at his 'former' employer. But he doesn't have to. And that's a wonderful change - he can choose to work on things he will enjoy for short duration if they fit his schedule.
Welcome to not working, honey. Thanks for all you've done to provide for your family. Thanks for taking on one of the worst commutes in America so we could live in this house we love....
I am very happy for you, J. - and I love you very much -
PS - it's OK to sleep in....
Because he has a full time job, his 'house-sitting' for us next week can't happen - and that leaves Chloe unattended. So thankfully, we found a new kennel and they can take her - so she's set. She is going to love this new place (our old place went out of business - did I mention that?). She will be well cared for and I won't have to worry about her one bit - which makes my psychic break all the better. I know H. would do a great job taking care of her, but I know I would worry about her. So now it's all set and no worries. Expensive but oh well. It's a vacation and it will be worth every penny. Quick but fun.
J.'s employment officially ends this week - Thursday is his last day in the office in San Francisco. He's been commuting to San Fran for 37 years. He's looking forward to no commute and no schedule. I'm happy for him...truly I am. And I'm happy for me 'cuz one of us not working is going to be a really nice change for us both. We are compiling a project binder. I'm making menus. Fine tuning our budget. Culling out the house. Having garage sales - yes, plural! He will walk every day. The dog will join him. He and I will be able to go to lunch every week - something we rarely do...Indian, Thai, Mexican....he will help cook evening meals and I will cook on weekends. I won't come home to the question 'what's for dinner?'. I will come home to the offer of a refreshing beverage of either variety (non-alcoholic or with alcohol). Don't worry. We very seldom drink. But an occasional wine or a beer and once in a blue moon an actual 'cocktail' will be one of the nice things about J. being home. There will be so many nice things. I am very glad he's done commuting.
J. has worked hard for 37 years. His job has provided financial security in ways we never dreamed when we were first married. He has commuted an hour and 45 minutes each way since we moved to this house 12 years ago and he's never uttered a single complaint. He may share a 'bad commute' story - but never complains. He's been a trooper and he's earned this early work-stoppage.
A couple months down the road, he may take a temporary assignment working on a project he wants to work on at his 'former' employer. But he doesn't have to. And that's a wonderful change - he can choose to work on things he will enjoy for short duration if they fit his schedule.
Welcome to not working, honey. Thanks for all you've done to provide for your family. Thanks for taking on one of the worst commutes in America so we could live in this house we love....
I am very happy for you, J. - and I love you very much -
PS - it's OK to sleep in....
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Beautiful Day
I didn't take this picture - my friend G. did - it's from her backyard looking west....it's absolutely beautiful!
It was a hot, hot day today - J. and I spent an hour or so in the pool....floating around, staying cool. I did my annual chore of scrubbing all the pool tile by hand with the little brush and scrubbing the stairs, etc. by hand. The pool was 84 degrees - and while it felt a little 'cool' when first entering, it was perfect after that. Very refreshing and fun.
The heat is zapping the energy of both of us. I went upstairs to change clothes after swimming and ended up falling asleep for a little bit while watching TV!
This is the first weekend off I've had in a really long time...and it felt good to be 'lazy'. To not feel compelled to be working - and also awesome to not be feeling guilty for not working.
J. and I are taking an impromptu trip in a week or so...a series of events that seem to be providing a relatively inexpensive get away for a few days. We need it. I want to celebrate his 'retirement' and give us both some time away from home and 'work'. He will soon be permanently away from work - and that's something to just revel in for a few days. And I seriously need a break....
There are a million reasons we shouldn't go anywhere or do anything....
But there are a couple really good reasons we should....
So we are. One long week of work ahead and then a week of R&R. Just the two of us. I'm nervous about leaving the kids at home 'alone'....but oh well. It's a risk I'm willing to take.
We need this break. Seriously need it. To do as much or as little as we want. Sleep all day if we choose. Stay up late.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Enlisted
B. is officially enlisted in the United States Army. The particulars as I know them include him shipping out for basic training (likely at Fort Benning Georgia) on January 2, 2013. He will possibly do another semester of classes and continue his SaveMart job until sometime in late November/early December.
I am proud of him for sticking with his dreams and goals. And glad it's official.
And then there's that feeling in the pit of my stomach that says 'your son just agreed to be paid around $10 an hour to risk his life for our country'. And I want to throw up.
But I won't. This may be one of the hardest parts of parenting - when all the talk of 'letting them go' and 'it's their dream, not yours' - really has to be 'real'. All true....but when the reality is he will be shipping out to a place he's never been and then shipping out again to some foreign country (possibly) to walk around armed and watchful on behalf of our country, it's a little different.
Like the news regarding J.'s employment (and yesterday there was a huge issue on BART and I texted J. to say 'isn't it cool to know that one week from now, you won't give a rat's patootie about BART alerts' and he promptly replied 'Yes!'), I am taking the news of B.'s enlistment somewhat stoically. Happy for him. Proud of him. And a little dazed and shocked about it all.
$10 an hour.....
On a good note he did get a higher pay grade because of all his college classes - so that at least (finally) translated into something he can 'see' that makes education worth the expense and effort.
I slept through my alarm for over 40 minutes so I am officially already behind for the day. I was working into the late evening here at home (after working a 12 hour day in my office) and commiserating with other CBO friends as they did the same - and we are all mind-boggling exhausted. So I'm in good company.
My boss agreed that two of my planned Power Points for our board meeting probably won't add anything so thank goodness for that. Still crafting the one 'must-do' Power Point....
Time to get moving. Thankfully, after a long day today, I will be taking the first weekend I've had off in a really long time...
I am proud of him for sticking with his dreams and goals. And glad it's official.
And then there's that feeling in the pit of my stomach that says 'your son just agreed to be paid around $10 an hour to risk his life for our country'. And I want to throw up.
But I won't. This may be one of the hardest parts of parenting - when all the talk of 'letting them go' and 'it's their dream, not yours' - really has to be 'real'. All true....but when the reality is he will be shipping out to a place he's never been and then shipping out again to some foreign country (possibly) to walk around armed and watchful on behalf of our country, it's a little different.
Like the news regarding J.'s employment (and yesterday there was a huge issue on BART and I texted J. to say 'isn't it cool to know that one week from now, you won't give a rat's patootie about BART alerts' and he promptly replied 'Yes!'), I am taking the news of B.'s enlistment somewhat stoically. Happy for him. Proud of him. And a little dazed and shocked about it all.
$10 an hour.....
On a good note he did get a higher pay grade because of all his college classes - so that at least (finally) translated into something he can 'see' that makes education worth the expense and effort.
I slept through my alarm for over 40 minutes so I am officially already behind for the day. I was working into the late evening here at home (after working a 12 hour day in my office) and commiserating with other CBO friends as they did the same - and we are all mind-boggling exhausted. So I'm in good company.
My boss agreed that two of my planned Power Points for our board meeting probably won't add anything so thank goodness for that. Still crafting the one 'must-do' Power Point....
Time to get moving. Thankfully, after a long day today, I will be taking the first weekend I've had off in a really long time...
Monday, June 11, 2012
Shows!
In a (likely futile) effort to prove that we (I) do in fact have a life - one that doesn't involve sharpened number 3 pencils (they're the best! They don't smudge!) and a 2 foot high 'pile' of adding machine tape cascading off the desk that is piled high with stacks of paper in so many colors, it's like a rainbow! - J. and I bought tickets for two shows at the Gallo Center for the arts next Spring. Sure, it's a ways away - but we got front row orchestra and are seeing two favorite comediennes. Jeanne Robertson and Kathleen Madigan. We'll make a night of it with dinner, too! And it's Gallo - so there will probably be wine. Laughing hysterically with a small buzz will be great fun! I am so proud of us!
I have a raging headache and still massive amounts of budget stuff to accomplish at home. I'm considering getting up at 3AM but I know myself - these days, it is getting harder and harder to awaken that early. I 'slept in' until 5 most days that J. was gone and it sort of 'spoiled' me 'cuz the 4:30AM alarm this morning felt like an attack on my frontal lobe. I just couldn't do it - and slept really hard for 20 more minutes....so awakened groggy and confused. Starting the day with a 'WTF' feeling is never a good thing - and most especially on a Monday.
Son #1 is going to MEPS - military speak for the medical exam phase of entrance into the armed forces - tomorrow and returning Wednesday. Hopefully with a signed contract in tow. I never imagined I would be hoping for that - but I am. He needs to move to his next thing as soon as feasible. It's long over due and past time for the young 'un to be out of the nest. It's not a nest I'm thrilled about - but life is all about prioritizing what one frets about - and I'm not fretting anymore. This is what he wants to do and though I don't think he's really going to like it much, I might be wrong. And he has to make his own decisions, right?
Son #2 has a date tonight - and that's rare for him. He sees many friends that are girls...but a 'date' is not typical. He also has a job interview tomorrow! Pray! It's with a staffing agency that fills warehouse positions and we are very hopeful he will find something through this staffing agency.
He also started summer school today - and when he realized that it is one semester of material crammed into six weeks of classes, four days a week, he texted J. with a text indicating his shock and dismay at having to work that hard....basically. Still, he seems up for it - though I know he's praying he gets a job and it's full time 'cuz he and a friend are itching to get an apartment together. Trust me when I say that's about as likely as a pig flying - but it's a goal. And goals are good!
My goal is to get some work done so I can get to bed soon. I am tired. This weekend will be the first non-work weekend I've had in a month or more....I am so exhausted. I want to just curl up in bed for a couple days and watch Kindle movies or TV shows all weekend. That and take my sweetie out for a meal to celebrate Father's Day....
I have a raging headache and still massive amounts of budget stuff to accomplish at home. I'm considering getting up at 3AM but I know myself - these days, it is getting harder and harder to awaken that early. I 'slept in' until 5 most days that J. was gone and it sort of 'spoiled' me 'cuz the 4:30AM alarm this morning felt like an attack on my frontal lobe. I just couldn't do it - and slept really hard for 20 more minutes....so awakened groggy and confused. Starting the day with a 'WTF' feeling is never a good thing - and most especially on a Monday.
Son #1 is going to MEPS - military speak for the medical exam phase of entrance into the armed forces - tomorrow and returning Wednesday. Hopefully with a signed contract in tow. I never imagined I would be hoping for that - but I am. He needs to move to his next thing as soon as feasible. It's long over due and past time for the young 'un to be out of the nest. It's not a nest I'm thrilled about - but life is all about prioritizing what one frets about - and I'm not fretting anymore. This is what he wants to do and though I don't think he's really going to like it much, I might be wrong. And he has to make his own decisions, right?
Son #2 has a date tonight - and that's rare for him. He sees many friends that are girls...but a 'date' is not typical. He also has a job interview tomorrow! Pray! It's with a staffing agency that fills warehouse positions and we are very hopeful he will find something through this staffing agency.
He also started summer school today - and when he realized that it is one semester of material crammed into six weeks of classes, four days a week, he texted J. with a text indicating his shock and dismay at having to work that hard....basically. Still, he seems up for it - though I know he's praying he gets a job and it's full time 'cuz he and a friend are itching to get an apartment together. Trust me when I say that's about as likely as a pig flying - but it's a goal. And goals are good!
My goal is to get some work done so I can get to bed soon. I am tired. This weekend will be the first non-work weekend I've had in a month or more....I am so exhausted. I want to just curl up in bed for a couple days and watch Kindle movies or TV shows all weekend. That and take my sweetie out for a meal to celebrate Father's Day....
Friday, June 08, 2012
Evening Espresso
I am surviving time without the men. I am working frantically and busily to get stuff done. I come home each evening and 'putter' around - getting stuff done around here that feels good. It's a lot to do with just one person - garden, pets, yard, day-to-day stuff. I sit down long enough to tend my games (and I've given up three of them entirely 'cuz it's becoming a full time job and I already have one of those) and eat - and keep moving. I'm living on leftovers (so far) and think how much less J. and I will spend on food when it's just the two of us. I think I'm getting wings tonight from Wing Stop - a treat I only do when no one else is home 'cuz feeding three men wings from Wing Stop requires a huge amount of $. So it's just me and Garlic Parmesan wings!
I've been bringing work home and usually work late into the evening. Last night, I did things sort of backwards....decided to work 'late'. Around 8:45, I made myself a shot of espresso with a little milk and caramel sauce over ice. Yummy! and a great pick-me-up. Psyching myself up for a late night and giving myself little pep talks....'I can do this. I pulled all nighters many times in college. Spend the time now and you'll feel so much better tomorrow'. Only thing is: I forgot that they bring the finance system down at 9PM every night - so I was amped up on caffeine and couldn't work! At least not on the system. I went to bed around midnight and was still awake at 1AM. Bummer....now I'm exhausted...but I'll make it. I have to.
Chloe is bereft without the familia. The first night, she sat on her haunches by the back door waiting for J. . At some point, she seemed to realize that he wasn't coming home - and when I walked by, she gave me a look that said 'well, I guess you'll have to do' and promptly flipped over on her side then rolled on her back, begging for a belly rub. I obliged. A few minutes later, she came over to me and 'begged' to be on my lap - something she does with J. every night...so I let her - but she can't lick me. Absolutely no licking allowed with Mom. She gave me the same look - 'you'll have to do' - and then stayed with me for a few minutes before realizing that my lap isn't nearly as comfortable as J.'s. So she curled up on her blanket - after she pulled it down from the chair. I had washed her linens and forgot to put them back down - so she needed to make her own bed. Poor puppy.
I've been able to come home every day to let her out mid-day and I feel so sad for her. When she hears me pick up my keys and grab my purse, her ears 'wilt' and she walks slowly to her kennel. I have been playing with her a lot and I've even taken her for walks most evenings. Quick - but it's something.
I started a 'routine' at work that has my co-workers cracking up - but what the heck. I run. We have a construction office now that's down a ways from my building - so I run to go see them. I run to/from the bathroom - though I think I'm going to limit running to the bathroom on mornings or weekends when no one is around - lest folks think I'm having some 'issues' that require running to a bathroom. These runs are short and quick - but I run full tilt - at least I have this week when the weather has been very mild. I doubt I will run that hard during the heat of the summer - but who knows. I run enough each day that my legs feel rubbery and I'm sore. I figure short bursts of effort are better than nothing - and based on my muscles, I think it's doing something! I wear flats to work everyday - if I wore heels, the running would be out - and when our track is finished (that's one of the construction projects happening), I plan to end each day with a run around the track. So these short bursts are building me up for longer running when the track is done. And/or running longer distances in the neighborhood. While a long run seems impossible, the short bursts are totally do-able. My only problem is: I have to remind myself to breath. I realized I hold my breath - not a good thing when you're exerting yourself...so I have to keep saying 'in/out, in/out' to remind myself.
The 'boys' are having a great time. Weather has been wet and rainy but they are still managing to enjoy the time of being disconnected. H. texted me the other day and I had to write him back to say 'no international plan! Shut off your phone!'. He did. :-)
They are home tomorrow - and I'm glad. It's quiet....and I'm enjoying the quiet...but I miss them.
I've been bringing work home and usually work late into the evening. Last night, I did things sort of backwards....decided to work 'late'. Around 8:45, I made myself a shot of espresso with a little milk and caramel sauce over ice. Yummy! and a great pick-me-up. Psyching myself up for a late night and giving myself little pep talks....'I can do this. I pulled all nighters many times in college. Spend the time now and you'll feel so much better tomorrow'. Only thing is: I forgot that they bring the finance system down at 9PM every night - so I was amped up on caffeine and couldn't work! At least not on the system. I went to bed around midnight and was still awake at 1AM. Bummer....now I'm exhausted...but I'll make it. I have to.
Chloe is bereft without the familia. The first night, she sat on her haunches by the back door waiting for J. . At some point, she seemed to realize that he wasn't coming home - and when I walked by, she gave me a look that said 'well, I guess you'll have to do' and promptly flipped over on her side then rolled on her back, begging for a belly rub. I obliged. A few minutes later, she came over to me and 'begged' to be on my lap - something she does with J. every night...so I let her - but she can't lick me. Absolutely no licking allowed with Mom. She gave me the same look - 'you'll have to do' - and then stayed with me for a few minutes before realizing that my lap isn't nearly as comfortable as J.'s. So she curled up on her blanket - after she pulled it down from the chair. I had washed her linens and forgot to put them back down - so she needed to make her own bed. Poor puppy.
I've been able to come home every day to let her out mid-day and I feel so sad for her. When she hears me pick up my keys and grab my purse, her ears 'wilt' and she walks slowly to her kennel. I have been playing with her a lot and I've even taken her for walks most evenings. Quick - but it's something.
I started a 'routine' at work that has my co-workers cracking up - but what the heck. I run. We have a construction office now that's down a ways from my building - so I run to go see them. I run to/from the bathroom - though I think I'm going to limit running to the bathroom on mornings or weekends when no one is around - lest folks think I'm having some 'issues' that require running to a bathroom. These runs are short and quick - but I run full tilt - at least I have this week when the weather has been very mild. I doubt I will run that hard during the heat of the summer - but who knows. I run enough each day that my legs feel rubbery and I'm sore. I figure short bursts of effort are better than nothing - and based on my muscles, I think it's doing something! I wear flats to work everyday - if I wore heels, the running would be out - and when our track is finished (that's one of the construction projects happening), I plan to end each day with a run around the track. So these short bursts are building me up for longer running when the track is done. And/or running longer distances in the neighborhood. While a long run seems impossible, the short bursts are totally do-able. My only problem is: I have to remind myself to breath. I realized I hold my breath - not a good thing when you're exerting yourself...so I have to keep saying 'in/out, in/out' to remind myself.
The 'boys' are having a great time. Weather has been wet and rainy but they are still managing to enjoy the time of being disconnected. H. texted me the other day and I had to write him back to say 'no international plan! Shut off your phone!'. He did. :-)
They are home tomorrow - and I'm glad. It's quiet....and I'm enjoying the quiet...but I miss them.
Sunday, June 03, 2012
Boys on the Go
All the men in my life are heading to the beautiful state of Montana and then to Canada for a few days of nature and family visits. They will leave the house at 4:15AM tomorrow - a time that the two younger men are often just getting to bed. That should be interesting....
I turn 52 tomorrow - it is most definitely just 'another day' in my book - though it does feel odd now that it's here to have my entire family leaving.
The kennel we use went out of business so I don't have anywhere to take Chloe - so I will attempt to come home briefly mid-day to give her a potty break. I am way behind on some critical work things so I absolutely will be working way into the night though thankfully, I can do a lot from home. And I've worked the entire weekend this weekend as well - and thankfully, there's still next weekend though I do hope to be wrapping things up by Friday. Next week will be board prep and it's a doozy of a list - so that will take up that week in the blink of an eye.
This is me in my hunker down mode - I work. It's only a couple times a year that it's this 'bad' but it is what it is. I have a boss I love who often forgets that all the 'mechanics' of our budget rest solely on my shoulders and he is scheduling meetings like crazy because he's out of the office for a few weeks. He's actually out of the country - as we enter into the first round of construction projects for our bond.
H. and J. are picking up Chinese food for dinner - my pick and eating at home was also my preference. It's easy and quick and saves drinks and tip. My frugal nature is kicking in big time at the moment. The reality of J. not working is an adjustment and while most of the time I feel totally OK about it, there are other times when I get a bit nervous. Still, I know we will manage. We always have.
My Kindle is sitting next to me playing Dawson's Creek episodes from the very beginning - for free! Love Amazon Prime and love my Kindle. It's great 'background' to crunching numbers and for me, it's the first time I've seen these - I started watching five years into the show...so seeing it from the beginning is great.
Time to post....
I turn 52 tomorrow - it is most definitely just 'another day' in my book - though it does feel odd now that it's here to have my entire family leaving.
The kennel we use went out of business so I don't have anywhere to take Chloe - so I will attempt to come home briefly mid-day to give her a potty break. I am way behind on some critical work things so I absolutely will be working way into the night though thankfully, I can do a lot from home. And I've worked the entire weekend this weekend as well - and thankfully, there's still next weekend though I do hope to be wrapping things up by Friday. Next week will be board prep and it's a doozy of a list - so that will take up that week in the blink of an eye.
This is me in my hunker down mode - I work. It's only a couple times a year that it's this 'bad' but it is what it is. I have a boss I love who often forgets that all the 'mechanics' of our budget rest solely on my shoulders and he is scheduling meetings like crazy because he's out of the office for a few weeks. He's actually out of the country - as we enter into the first round of construction projects for our bond.
H. and J. are picking up Chinese food for dinner - my pick and eating at home was also my preference. It's easy and quick and saves drinks and tip. My frugal nature is kicking in big time at the moment. The reality of J. not working is an adjustment and while most of the time I feel totally OK about it, there are other times when I get a bit nervous. Still, I know we will manage. We always have.
My Kindle is sitting next to me playing Dawson's Creek episodes from the very beginning - for free! Love Amazon Prime and love my Kindle. It's great 'background' to crunching numbers and for me, it's the first time I've seen these - I started watching five years into the show...so seeing it from the beginning is great.
Time to post....
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Tales of Helpers
Our cleaning lady D. is here today - she wears earbuds and chats on the phone while she works. She is the third cleaning 'person(s)'...
