I'm typing this without the keypad on the letter 'a' on my keyboard - which is totally throwing me off 'cuz I keep moving my hand over and consequently, type gibberish periodically. Searching for the key....thinking I'm too far left - but I'm there...it's just that I'm having to 'hit' the teeny, tiny rubber button that's under the keypad. Another keyboard on order. I must have a 'hard' touch....will probably plug in a keyboard instead 'cuz I've been needing a 10-key also and miss having one...so perhaps losing another keyboard on my laptop is just God's way of saying 'get a real keyboard, you typing maniac'. Heh.
New Years Eve is tomorrow and we're attending our usual party - and I'm actually going to COOK appetizers instead of buying them. Stuffed jalapenos and other stuff. We will be there around 6ish and be playing our usual games around 7. Hopefully I'll make it past midnight - I have the past two years and hope to continue that trend.
We have one more family outing planned for Thursday. I've promised the kids that I will not attempt to get them out the door before 11AM - we will all likely be sleeping in quite a bit since we're not usually in bed before 3AM - it's a fun party and we all stay up really late and sleep really late. But we want to get to the mall sometime during the break and Thursday is B's last day off this week - and we have things to take care of around the house tomorrow that make tomorrow problematic. We will shop a bit and then have a nice lunch at The Cheesecake Factory and come home in late afternoon/early evening. Everyone wanted to go tomorrow and I vetoed that - but then rescinded my veto....only to have B. decide that going anywhere tomorrow will interfere with his gym schedule. Between work and gym outings, it's nearly impossible to work out scheduling. But we continue to try.
J. and the kids went to Tulare for a night and returned late this afternoon. I had plans to go to Jackson for a day - but decided to not waste the money. So I spent about 1/2 what I would have probably lost on a purse - I don't need it but I want it - and I've been looking at it for a month. It's 1/2 off which is a phenomenal deal - so I bought it. It will be a nice addition to my purse 'collection'. And it's smaller than what I've been using and that is critical - the bigger the purse, the more crap I put in it and it's too heavy to manage. So I'm downsizing, even my purse. (Rationalization is a wonderful thing, isn't it?).
It's been a fun close to three weeks off and it's a bit hard to accept that it's winding down. Sometime in the next few days, the laptop from work will be on the desk and I'll attempt to clean up my emails. My mailbox has been basically 'closed' for the time I've been off 'cuz it's too full and I haven't done anything about it. Thankfully, we are all off for the two weeks of the holidays and so I haven't missed much. Still, it's astounding the amount of stuff I'm still getting that clogs my box. Oh well. I have to clean it out before we all arrive on Monday morning and try to clean it out - our Internet will undoubtedly be at a snail's pace for most of the morning.
Happy New Year to all....it's the year of change and I'm so happy to be watching this historic President take office. We have so many challenges ahead but I feel optimistic and hopeful for the first time in a long time. I hope it can only get better from here...but I say that guardedly because there have been so many times in the past 8 years when I've thought it was as bad as it's going to get only to wake up the next morning and discover it's even worse. Change will take time. I don't expect miracles. One day at a time.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
It was a glorious day - really great. I surprised everyone by being the first one up - wanted to get the pastries I had left out to rise (sounds like I baked from scratch, but these were frozen cinnamon braid and caramel rolls that we bought from a soccer fundraiser in early fall) in the oven. They were looking luscious after sitting out in the warmth (relatively speaking) of the kitchen and covered in plastic wrap. Were now three times the size they were when I went to bed - and they baked up easily and were delicious. Had lattes ready for me and J. (kids declined) and we started the great unwrapping around 8.
They had some video games to unwrap. PJs, clothes, socks, underwear, t-shirts, etc. But the main event was a scavenger hunt for cash. This year, instead of giving each of them a 'big' present and then a combined 'big' present, we decided to just stick with money. They know what they want. They change their minds as often as the tide changes and it's just easier (and safer) to give them money. But I make them work for it.
I had 16 clues. They were 'riddle' clues and took some noodling over for them to think of what I meant. For example:
We (sp?) = Wii (the envelopes were on the Wii set in the family room)
Owie! = envelopes in the band aid box under the sink in their bathroom.
Moo! = on the Cow Parade shelf of cows in the dining room.
A latte loot! = on the latte machine in the kitchen.
You get the idea. They had a terrific time and were stunned into silence at the grand total. They were over the moon happy - and received other really wonderful gifts from family to add to that total....so they spent the day planning shopping, etc. H. needs a new snowboard (thanks to a 12 inch [yes, really] growth spurt this past year that made his relatively new board from last year too short) and new bindings. B. is probably going to buy a better set of golf clubs. But for now, they are enjoying the joy of having cash - and all the fun in planning to spend it. We will make at trip to Stoneridge Mall next week after New Years. We were planning to go tomorrow but a snow board trip was too tempting to pass up.
They also spent the day preparing to head to the slopes tomorrow - not all final semester grades are in but the ones that are in are improved - so we agreed to let them take the Snow Cruiser bus up to Dodge Ridge tomorrow. There's a group of about 10 friends going - they leave at 5:45 and get home around 6ish. They've been finding snow clothes, tightening bindings, etc. all day - along with playing their new Playstation games, etc. We've had a good week of storms and there's finally quite a bit of snow - tomorrow is the first run of the Cruiser and it's a good deal. Lift ticket and transportation for $69. The kids sleep most of the way up, snowboard hard all day and sleep most of the way home. They will have a great time and it's really fun that so many friends were able to coordinate a free day at the same time. A rare and wonderful thing.
We had a wonderful Christmas dinner of standing rib roast (same as prime rib - I didn't know that) - we slow roasted it on 200 degrees all day - it was fantastic. I made Popovers - which didn't turn out perfect, but turned out OK. Green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie for dessert. Yummy!
Chloe wasn't left out - she received two new toys, which she carried around in her mouth most of the day - afraid to let them out of her site. She was with us all day and had a great time running all around and trying to commune with the cats.
Church services last night were lovely and we were glad we went. Though it was very emotional for us - the pastor mentioned how he knew a lot of people in attendance were missing someone from their celebration. This wasn't our first Christmas without my mom and Jim's folks, but it still was hard. Will it ever be 'easy'? I miss my Mom starting in November with her birthday and then carrying forward throughout the holiday season..culminating in a terribly hard December. Though it's a happy time and we enjoy it, we still miss them a lot and it was hard at church last night. But the candlelight was as lovely as ever and we enjoyed the music and the sermon.
I received many wonderful things - and I love them all! But I want to mention one particular gift that was so incredibly sweet. When H. went to SF a couple weeks ago with friends, he came home with a package. He quickly said 'uh, nothing' when I inquired what it was. This morning, I unwrapped a new Cow Parade cow - that sweet young man had found a cow, called J. from SF that evening to inquire if I already had it and just to be sure, looked at each cow when he got home to be SURE the one he selected for me was not one I had. Her name is Cali-Cow - she's covered in patchwork hearts. It's a perfect blend of two things I love - quilting and Cow Parade. It was so sweet! I just love it!
I hope your Christmas was faith-filled and fun!
They had some video games to unwrap. PJs, clothes, socks, underwear, t-shirts, etc. But the main event was a scavenger hunt for cash. This year, instead of giving each of them a 'big' present and then a combined 'big' present, we decided to just stick with money. They know what they want. They change their minds as often as the tide changes and it's just easier (and safer) to give them money. But I make them work for it.
I had 16 clues. They were 'riddle' clues and took some noodling over for them to think of what I meant. For example:
We (sp?) = Wii (the envelopes were on the Wii set in the family room)
Owie! = envelopes in the band aid box under the sink in their bathroom.
Moo! = on the Cow Parade shelf of cows in the dining room.
A latte loot! = on the latte machine in the kitchen.
You get the idea. They had a terrific time and were stunned into silence at the grand total. They were over the moon happy - and received other really wonderful gifts from family to add to that total....so they spent the day planning shopping, etc. H. needs a new snowboard (thanks to a 12 inch [yes, really] growth spurt this past year that made his relatively new board from last year too short) and new bindings. B. is probably going to buy a better set of golf clubs. But for now, they are enjoying the joy of having cash - and all the fun in planning to spend it. We will make at trip to Stoneridge Mall next week after New Years. We were planning to go tomorrow but a snow board trip was too tempting to pass up.
They also spent the day preparing to head to the slopes tomorrow - not all final semester grades are in but the ones that are in are improved - so we agreed to let them take the Snow Cruiser bus up to Dodge Ridge tomorrow. There's a group of about 10 friends going - they leave at 5:45 and get home around 6ish. They've been finding snow clothes, tightening bindings, etc. all day - along with playing their new Playstation games, etc. We've had a good week of storms and there's finally quite a bit of snow - tomorrow is the first run of the Cruiser and it's a good deal. Lift ticket and transportation for $69. The kids sleep most of the way up, snowboard hard all day and sleep most of the way home. They will have a great time and it's really fun that so many friends were able to coordinate a free day at the same time. A rare and wonderful thing.
We had a wonderful Christmas dinner of standing rib roast (same as prime rib - I didn't know that) - we slow roasted it on 200 degrees all day - it was fantastic. I made Popovers - which didn't turn out perfect, but turned out OK. Green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie for dessert. Yummy!
Chloe wasn't left out - she received two new toys, which she carried around in her mouth most of the day - afraid to let them out of her site. She was with us all day and had a great time running all around and trying to commune with the cats.
Church services last night were lovely and we were glad we went. Though it was very emotional for us - the pastor mentioned how he knew a lot of people in attendance were missing someone from their celebration. This wasn't our first Christmas without my mom and Jim's folks, but it still was hard. Will it ever be 'easy'? I miss my Mom starting in November with her birthday and then carrying forward throughout the holiday season..culminating in a terribly hard December. Though it's a happy time and we enjoy it, we still miss them a lot and it was hard at church last night. But the candlelight was as lovely as ever and we enjoyed the music and the sermon.
I received many wonderful things - and I love them all! But I want to mention one particular gift that was so incredibly sweet. When H. went to SF a couple weeks ago with friends, he came home with a package. He quickly said 'uh, nothing' when I inquired what it was. This morning, I unwrapped a new Cow Parade cow - that sweet young man had found a cow, called J. from SF that evening to inquire if I already had it and just to be sure, looked at each cow when he got home to be SURE the one he selected for me was not one I had. Her name is Cali-Cow - she's covered in patchwork hearts. It's a perfect blend of two things I love - quilting and Cow Parade. It was so sweet! I just love it!
I hope your Christmas was faith-filled and fun!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
San Fran
We spent most of the day in the city - three pairs of shoes, two sets of men's cologne, a pair of jeans and various accouterments from Sephora (and a partridge in a pear tree) later, we returned home from a fun filled shopping day. The city was packed as it usually is - traffic was crazy. And ESPECIALLY our departure. It took TWO HOURS just to get from down town SF to the freeway - and then another hour and 20 minutes from there to get home. We had to make a stop in Castro Valley - near our old stomping grounds when the kids were little (shocked to realize the McDonald's near their old school was torn down - it's being rebuilt, thank goodness, from the ground up) - we all had to pee and the kids were starving. We made it home to release Chloe from her puppy prison after 9 hours of being kenneled. Poor baby - but it's the same length of a typical (weekend) night time and she did great. Raced out the back door and headed out to piddle. Ate her dinner. And is now settled in her master's lap (J's at the moment) for some warmth and cuddling. She's fine though I was worried sick about her. We had called her regular kennel lady and she was full so couldn't take her. We thought we'd be in the city for a few hours and then home in 6 or 7 - it turned into longer because we didn't anticipate the horrifically bad traffic. Huge mistake. Won't do that again - we'll either never, ever go in the day before the day before Christmas ever again, or we'll be absolutely sure to head that way in the early morning to ensure we're home and out of the traffic before the 4:30 commute traffic starts. It was BAD. But the day was fun.
We were so incredibly late getting home 'cuz we didn't leave Tracy until after 11AM. Our delay was caused by a great thing, though - WE FINALLY SOLD THE VAN!!! A gentleman called last night after 7 and wanted to see it - so we met him and his family at 9 this morning. Had sealed the deal and had exchanged money for paperwork and keys by 10:30. A trip to our bank, then home, then out the door. We are so glad to finally have it sold. We accepted less than we were asking - and had lowered our price 10% already - but it's sold and will be off our insurance by New Years. That's a $75 savings per month - and a boost to our savings account. YEAH!
So we 'splurged' a bit and J. and I didn't hesitate to buy the shoes we both need, that are hard to find - I went to the Ecco store and he went to the Rockport store and we both left with shiny new shoes. B. got a pair of jeans and both boys picked out 'colognes' - something they both wanted for Christmas and certainly too personal to have their mom pick, so they got to go to Macy's in SF and choose scents they like. Those were early Christmas gifts. We ate at Lori's Diner on Powell Street - the place we always gravitate towards whenever we're near Union Square. It's good food and a 'diner' - nice people. It was great - and then we headed out for shopping.
I am tired and realize that tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I still have a zillion things to do to prepare for the day. We have to get to the bank for the 'main event' (more on that after Christmas) and to SaveMart to pick up the standing rib roast we ordered for Christmas dinner. And a day of wrapping, etc. before heading to church for the 7PM contemporary service. Then watching The Santa Clause and hopefully getting the kids to bed before 11. And unlike last year when we wrapped half the night, I do hope and plan to be DONE other than schlepping it all down under the tree.
The city was all lit up - beautiful trees everywhere. An ice rink in Union Square. It was pretty and frenetic and beautiful....and I'm really glad we went. And glad we have a very patient, sweet dog who was so glad her family had returned from a day in the 'big city'.
We were so incredibly late getting home 'cuz we didn't leave Tracy until after 11AM. Our delay was caused by a great thing, though - WE FINALLY SOLD THE VAN!!! A gentleman called last night after 7 and wanted to see it - so we met him and his family at 9 this morning. Had sealed the deal and had exchanged money for paperwork and keys by 10:30. A trip to our bank, then home, then out the door. We are so glad to finally have it sold. We accepted less than we were asking - and had lowered our price 10% already - but it's sold and will be off our insurance by New Years. That's a $75 savings per month - and a boost to our savings account. YEAH!
So we 'splurged' a bit and J. and I didn't hesitate to buy the shoes we both need, that are hard to find - I went to the Ecco store and he went to the Rockport store and we both left with shiny new shoes. B. got a pair of jeans and both boys picked out 'colognes' - something they both wanted for Christmas and certainly too personal to have their mom pick, so they got to go to Macy's in SF and choose scents they like. Those were early Christmas gifts. We ate at Lori's Diner on Powell Street - the place we always gravitate towards whenever we're near Union Square. It's good food and a 'diner' - nice people. It was great - and then we headed out for shopping.
I am tired and realize that tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I still have a zillion things to do to prepare for the day. We have to get to the bank for the 'main event' (more on that after Christmas) and to SaveMart to pick up the standing rib roast we ordered for Christmas dinner. And a day of wrapping, etc. before heading to church for the 7PM contemporary service. Then watching The Santa Clause and hopefully getting the kids to bed before 11. And unlike last year when we wrapped half the night, I do hope and plan to be DONE other than schlepping it all down under the tree.
The city was all lit up - beautiful trees everywhere. An ice rink in Union Square. It was pretty and frenetic and beautiful....and I'm really glad we went. And glad we have a very patient, sweet dog who was so glad her family had returned from a day in the 'big city'.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Decorating
As of this past Tuesday, we had very few decorations up. The tree was up and had extra lights on it and a bunch of glass 'globe' ornaments. That was it. And my husband was leaving for a business trip the next day...I was not pleased. I urged him (that's a nice way of putting it) to find the tree skirt. I was sure we had one. Somewhere. I have a zillion gifts ready to wrap and I guess my mind figured once the tree skirt was around the base of the tree, I'd get more motivated to wrap and put things under the tree? So my hubby goes up into the rafters of the garage and pulls down any and all boxes that might possibly hold Christmas stuff. I also rant about my nativity scene - where is it? Please find it before you leave....you get the idea.
I go upstairs. He comes in a bit later and says 'we've had a major disaster'. I felt the tears stinging my eyes because I knew - I just knew - that he had dropped the box of my nativity scene...my Avon Collectible porcelain bisque nativity scene that I collected over a 10 year period and have had since before we were married. I even bought a bunch of additional pieces to it in 2001 on eBay - which I remember because I was unemployed at the time and it was ridiculously cavalier of me to spend money on things we absolutely, positively didn't need. But I found so many pieces to my set that I never knew existed...and I bought all of them. Completed the set. It's beautiful...all white. I'll try to get a picture of it and put it up. Anyway, I was sure he was going to tell me it was a zillion, shattered pieces on the garage floor. But he didn't. He said 'I was trying to put the tree skirt underneath and I was leaning the tree and one of the welds snapped and the tree fell over. It's broken.
I said (I'm paraphrasing and my hubby is welcome to 'correct' the post with a comment) basically 'you will not leave for your trip until there is a tree in this house'. I didn't think there would be any artificial trees left - and assumed he'd have to run to SaveMart and pick up a $19.95 real tree to get us through. It would be tiny and old (having been out there since just after Thanksgiving) and I'd be frantically worried constantly that it would catch fire (one of the reasons we decided to change to an artificial tree - I worry a lot) but it would be a tree. If we didn't have two kids in the house who are all about 'tradition', I would have said 'let's just put up the nativity scene and skip the tree'. But we can't do that with the kids here celebrating Christmas.
I helped H. clean up the mess - shattered ornaments all over the place. We moved furniture, vacuumed everywhere.
J. headed to Target to return the tree (after re boxing it, of course). And 'lo and behold - they did have the same tree and it was on clearance! Saved us $75!
The tree is back up and we left it 'alone' until J. returned to decorate it. He also put up the outside decorations on the lawn - some spiral trees and our drum set. Put lighted rope around the grass. It's pretty and understated (and less expensive than what we used to do).
And, for the record: we didn't have a tree skirt. The 'thing' that J. was putting UNDER the tree was a felt circle that does ???. I have no recollection of buying it nor any idea why we have it...maybe it's made to reduce the 'effect' a tree stand has on your carpet? Anyway, that's what he was trying to put under the tree when the base broke. So I used some of our savings from now having a 'clearance' tree and bought a real tree skirt. I wanted the one that was $30 - it had snowmen sewn on it with all kinds of sequins, etc. But I realized the cats would just tear it to bits trying to get the sequins off - so I opted for the $15 one - it's like Santa's suit - fuzzy and red with a white trim. It looks great under the tree.
We are making some progress. Slowly but surely. We're just all in slow motion. So grateful to have a break to the frenetic pace we usually keep that we really aren't 'into' all the frazzle-making activities this year. I'm sure Christmas morning will change that...it usually does.
We hope to make it to San Fran sometime this week, though at the moment, we're having a challenge trying to figure out what to do with the dog for the day. It's way too long of a day to keep her kenneled all day here alone. And the kennel we usually take her to is full. So we'll try the other kennel we use sometimes and hope they can keep her for the day. If not, I don't know what we'll do - possibly just J. and the kids will go, which would be fine with me. Sure, I love going - but admittedly, I go to shop - and I don't really want to spend the money anyway. Hopefully, I can convince the men to go - and I'll happily stay home and dog sit for the day. I know they will protest. And if we can find a place to take her, I'll happily trek into the 'big city' with them...but if not, I'll be happy as a clam to just stay home - where it's warm.
I go upstairs. He comes in a bit later and says 'we've had a major disaster'. I felt the tears stinging my eyes because I knew - I just knew - that he had dropped the box of my nativity scene...my Avon Collectible porcelain bisque nativity scene that I collected over a 10 year period and have had since before we were married. I even bought a bunch of additional pieces to it in 2001 on eBay - which I remember because I was unemployed at the time and it was ridiculously cavalier of me to spend money on things we absolutely, positively didn't need. But I found so many pieces to my set that I never knew existed...and I bought all of them. Completed the set. It's beautiful...all white. I'll try to get a picture of it and put it up. Anyway, I was sure he was going to tell me it was a zillion, shattered pieces on the garage floor. But he didn't. He said 'I was trying to put the tree skirt underneath and I was leaning the tree and one of the welds snapped and the tree fell over. It's broken.
I said (I'm paraphrasing and my hubby is welcome to 'correct' the post with a comment) basically 'you will not leave for your trip until there is a tree in this house'. I didn't think there would be any artificial trees left - and assumed he'd have to run to SaveMart and pick up a $19.95 real tree to get us through. It would be tiny and old (having been out there since just after Thanksgiving) and I'd be frantically worried constantly that it would catch fire (one of the reasons we decided to change to an artificial tree - I worry a lot) but it would be a tree. If we didn't have two kids in the house who are all about 'tradition', I would have said 'let's just put up the nativity scene and skip the tree'. But we can't do that with the kids here celebrating Christmas.
I helped H. clean up the mess - shattered ornaments all over the place. We moved furniture, vacuumed everywhere.
J. headed to Target to return the tree (after re boxing it, of course). And 'lo and behold - they did have the same tree and it was on clearance! Saved us $75!
The tree is back up and we left it 'alone' until J. returned to decorate it. He also put up the outside decorations on the lawn - some spiral trees and our drum set. Put lighted rope around the grass. It's pretty and understated (and less expensive than what we used to do).
And, for the record: we didn't have a tree skirt. The 'thing' that J. was putting UNDER the tree was a felt circle that does ???. I have no recollection of buying it nor any idea why we have it...maybe it's made to reduce the 'effect' a tree stand has on your carpet? Anyway, that's what he was trying to put under the tree when the base broke. So I used some of our savings from now having a 'clearance' tree and bought a real tree skirt. I wanted the one that was $30 - it had snowmen sewn on it with all kinds of sequins, etc. But I realized the cats would just tear it to bits trying to get the sequins off - so I opted for the $15 one - it's like Santa's suit - fuzzy and red with a white trim. It looks great under the tree.
We are making some progress. Slowly but surely. We're just all in slow motion. So grateful to have a break to the frenetic pace we usually keep that we really aren't 'into' all the frazzle-making activities this year. I'm sure Christmas morning will change that...it usually does.
We hope to make it to San Fran sometime this week, though at the moment, we're having a challenge trying to figure out what to do with the dog for the day. It's way too long of a day to keep her kenneled all day here alone. And the kennel we usually take her to is full. So we'll try the other kennel we use sometimes and hope they can keep her for the day. If not, I don't know what we'll do - possibly just J. and the kids will go, which would be fine with me. Sure, I love going - but admittedly, I go to shop - and I don't really want to spend the money anyway. Hopefully, I can convince the men to go - and I'll happily stay home and dog sit for the day. I know they will protest. And if we can find a place to take her, I'll happily trek into the 'big city' with them...but if not, I'll be happy as a clam to just stay home - where it's warm.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Peace
Enjoying the last 'quiet' solitary morning of the winter break. Boys headed out at around 7:30 for their last day of finals. H. actually doesn't have any finals today - the two classes scheduled today for him are PE and English and he's taken the final in those already, last week, I guess....so of course, he sees no reason to attend class today. But he went. 'Cuz I had no paperwork from the school indicating skipping the scheduled final period was OK. (and also 'cuz I wasn't ready to give up my last 'free' kid-free day for the next two weeks. I like my quiet, solitude while I piddle around the house and I wasn't willing to say yesterday was my last day of that. No, not by a long shot...so off he went). B's light was on when I got up to rouse H. out of bed - and I tapped on the door and checked on him. My 'did you get any sleep' was answered with '5 hours'. I went downstairs and fired up the espresso machine and made him a triple shot, sugar-free, fat-free mocha and took it up to him. He was really appreciative - even elicited an 'I love you, Mom' from him. He's studying like a maniac 'cuz today is his BIGGEST, most important final of all - math. His grade in that class is abysmal and only a miracle will raise it to an acceptable semester grade - failing that, he may not actually attend a 4 year school 'cuz a semester grade of what he's currently carrying in that class will not pass muster at Chico. Or Monterey. Or anywhere in the state school system, for that matter. So we'll see. He'll arrive home at around 1 and undoubtedly go to sleep for a bit. As he has every afternoon of these early release 'final schedule' days. And then he'll go to work.
It's warmer by 10 degrees this morning (though I just realized the temp has dropped a few degrees from when I got up to now, so we'll see). It's cold...for sure.
I have a lot of wrapping to do - and then, hopefully, a trip to the UPS store to get things shipped to out of state family....undoubtedly, some of those gifts will arrive post-Christmas but that's OK. It's not lack of thought, just lack of effort. That, and I've changed my mind on how to 'present' these gifts so many times. The dining room table is littered with my 'various ideas' and today, I need to 'pick one' and stick with it - kind of the same message I've been giving B. regarding the college decision. 'Just decide and stick with it', I told him yesterday. 'Once we know FOR SURE, then we can start to figure out what comes next. It's the unknown that's killing me, B.'. He seemed to 'get that'. Hopefully, I won't have a heart attack and die in the next week, otherwise, the kid will be scarred for life. But that IS the hugest part of the stress for me - the constant 'changing his mind', applying all over the place and not being sure any of them is where he actually wants to go. He's paid all the application fees from his money (thank goodness he's working) so I can't gripe about that. Once we know where he wants to go, we know - and can chart out what $$ is due when, and figure out where it's coming from. Then we'll know.
So, I will be hopefully doing the same today. Will we keep the 2nd artificial tree (a post on why we're on our 2nd artificial tree will be up in a day or so - it's an amusing tale, full of mirth and whimsy, a tale of a wife and a husband and the 'tradition' that is Christmas in our home)? Will Majah ever decide which [xxxxx] (I can't type the word or the family that reads this blog will know what they're getting for Christmas) to use? Will she make it to the UPS store before Christmas? All those things yet to be answered.
For now, I'm heading into the kitchen to make my 2nd latte - we're out of sugar free vanilla syrup and I've added a trip to Smart and Final to my list of errands today 'cuz I'm sort of really missing it. I'd use vanilla extract but did you know it's mainly alcohol? And while you'd have to use a lot of it to get buzzed from a latte, it can happen? Not that I'd know....well.....that's another story for another day. I don't use vanilla extract in my coffee anymore. 'Nuf said.
It's warmer by 10 degrees this morning (though I just realized the temp has dropped a few degrees from when I got up to now, so we'll see). It's cold...for sure.
I have a lot of wrapping to do - and then, hopefully, a trip to the UPS store to get things shipped to out of state family....undoubtedly, some of those gifts will arrive post-Christmas but that's OK. It's not lack of thought, just lack of effort. That, and I've changed my mind on how to 'present' these gifts so many times. The dining room table is littered with my 'various ideas' and today, I need to 'pick one' and stick with it - kind of the same message I've been giving B. regarding the college decision. 'Just decide and stick with it', I told him yesterday. 'Once we know FOR SURE, then we can start to figure out what comes next. It's the unknown that's killing me, B.'. He seemed to 'get that'. Hopefully, I won't have a heart attack and die in the next week, otherwise, the kid will be scarred for life. But that IS the hugest part of the stress for me - the constant 'changing his mind', applying all over the place and not being sure any of them is where he actually wants to go. He's paid all the application fees from his money (thank goodness he's working) so I can't gripe about that. Once we know where he wants to go, we know - and can chart out what $$ is due when, and figure out where it's coming from. Then we'll know.
So, I will be hopefully doing the same today. Will we keep the 2nd artificial tree (a post on why we're on our 2nd artificial tree will be up in a day or so - it's an amusing tale, full of mirth and whimsy, a tale of a wife and a husband and the 'tradition' that is Christmas in our home)? Will Majah ever decide which [xxxxx] (I can't type the word or the family that reads this blog will know what they're getting for Christmas) to use? Will she make it to the UPS store before Christmas? All those things yet to be answered.
For now, I'm heading into the kitchen to make my 2nd latte - we're out of sugar free vanilla syrup and I've added a trip to Smart and Final to my list of errands today 'cuz I'm sort of really missing it. I'd use vanilla extract but did you know it's mainly alcohol? And while you'd have to use a lot of it to get buzzed from a latte, it can happen? Not that I'd know....well.....that's another story for another day. I don't use vanilla extract in my coffee anymore. 'Nuf said.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Acceptance
B. has been 'conditionally' accepted to CSU Chico and CSU Monterey. He is leaning towards Chico and I'm fine with that. He doesn't want to be at Monterey, which is really just 'starting out'. He wants to be at a well established school. I also think he's hoping he and his best friend will be attending the same school - and since his friend C. has also been accepted, they just might. CSU Chico has a great Resident Advisor program as well - and I'm really stressing to B. how important it is that he do well his freshman year and this time next year, go through the process of applying for an RA slot in the 10-11 year. They get a private room, all meals, free parking or free laundry (he gets to choose which one), $1,000 toward fees and a part-time job that will provide a little pocket money. If he can cover his room and board by doing the RA position, that will be his 'job' and we will be fine. If he can't, then we'll have to see how it goes - it's not like we are currently shelling out over $1,000/month now for his 'room and board'. That's what we'll have to come up with for his dorm/meal payment every month, 10 months of the year if he doesn't get an RA slot. That's a lot of dough! So I hope he will follow through. He's clear on this: he has to work. The RA slot is the best compensation available - it's on campus and while it's a big commitment, he will have free time, study time and 'on call' time. There aren't many other part time jobs he can get that will cover $11,200 in expenses each year.
He's excited. I'm overwhelmed. As soon as I saw the 'acceptance' packet in the mail (a dead giveaway was the CONGRATULATIONS, B., which showed through the window), I just felt nauseous. Trying not to worry too much - it will all work out somehow. I want him to have the experience he wants....and I know we'll figure it out somehow. I'm trying not to over think it right now.
He's excited. I'm overwhelmed. As soon as I saw the 'acceptance' packet in the mail (a dead giveaway was the CONGRATULATIONS, B., which showed through the window), I just felt nauseous. Trying not to worry too much - it will all work out somehow. I want him to have the experience he wants....and I know we'll figure it out somehow. I'm trying not to over think it right now.
Sponsorship
First, the concert was STELLAR. Just amazing. Michael W. plus two former American Idol performers - Melinda Doolittle and George Huff. Melinda was billed as 'touring' with Michael, while George first appeared as a backup singer - then got one solo: Oh Holy Night, my all time favorite Christmas Carol. Melinda has an incredible voice - just amazing. The orchestra was great! and while I really expected the show to be mainly orchestra and Melinda, MWS appeared at the 2nd song and stayed for every song after. Two full hours (20 minute break in the middle). All Christmas music - including a lot of his instrumental pieces which I just love!
During the break, the drummer for MWS did a presentation on Compassion International - the same group that I had been reading about at www.thepioneerwoman.com. Her family traveled to visit the young children they have been sponsoring and the trip sounded just amazing. I have been researching the group and learning about sponsoring a child - and had even started to push the 'sponsor a child' button a couple times - but there was always a question that tripped me up. The brief bios of the kids you can sponsor always include mention of the siblings in the family. For example 'Maria has two siblings also living at home'. So I always hesitate - thinking 'how can I give money to help one child in a family with three kids? How does that work? How is it THIS child in the family that gets a sponsor and not the other two'? Since Compassion Int'l was there last night, with lots of volunteers, I snuck out of the concert for a few minutes (also to use the restroom when there wasn't a tremendously long line) and asked that question. The lady who helped me said she's sponsored through Compassion for years - and her sponsored child has always sent pictures of the things the money was used for. Things that benefit the entire family - extra food, school supplies, etc. She also said that up to 2 children per family are allowed to be sponsored - so it's possible that the home is receiving additional support as well. I felt 'better' about that...I don't want to help just one child in a multi-child home. It never felt 'right' to sponsor a child when the siblings were left out. But I felt confident the money we would donate to sponsor one child would help all those in the family - and help the family. And I read the packet of information I received at the concert this morning and found out we are able to also make 'special' gifts to the child and family throughout the year - to be used to help the family with special needs. Compassion has staff that helps the family define what they most need and what the money will be used for. So that also feels good.
So, I signed up to sponsor two little girls - Any is 4 and Yanci is 3. One is in Honduras and the other in El Salvador. Tomorrow, I'm going to write our 'sponsor' letter to introduce our family to the the girls - Compassion will ensure this communication reaches them and as they grow, they will write back.
This seems like a really good way to help at a grass roots level - helping those living in extreme poverty. Compassion feels it's critically important to help children specifically - the money is for the benefit of the specific child vs. going to the community. The girls will receive food, medical care, clothing, school supplies (when they start attending school), school uniforms, etc.
I'm so excited about this - it's $64 per month for the two of them combined - and that's certainly an amount we can commit to, even in these times of belt tightening and watching our pennies. Heck, as I emailed J. this morning 'I can start buying only one iced tea each day instead of two and that will cover 2/3 of the expense each month'. Not that I 'have to' do that to make that amount feasible. But it really puts into perspective how much I spend without even thinking - and how that money could be a life changing amount for a child who lives in poverty. Wow...what a thought. The parents of Any and Yanci are living on less than $100 per month - supporting a family with multiple children, living in huts, scraping by. What a difference my $1 per day will make for them? Who couldn't find just a dollar a day to help a child?
I have their pictures on the refrigerator - and can't wait to get updated photos as they grow. I will pray for them nightly - that they have what they need and that our sponsorship helps them. I know it will. I believe Compassion works - and as MWS said 'I'm for things that work - and this does work'. I'm really excited about doing this - I feel really called to do it - not to just keep thinking about it - but to do it. It was so cool that they were there last night at the concert - what a great organization!
My friend J. and I were back in Tracy by 10PM - and I'm 48 years old and learned a 'new' way of approaching concert parking. We took the time to cruise the parking lot and figure out where people would be exiting - and we found a space right near the only 'exit' from the parking lot and backed in - so all we had to do was pull right out and head straight out the lot. We were probably one of the first 10 cars out of the parking lot last night - and in all my years of concert going, I've never thought of attempting to strategically park with your easy, speedy departure in mind! What a concept! Worked like a charm...thanks, J. - for finding out about the concert; for your brilliant parking plan and for picking up the tab for our scrumptious dinner! It was a wonderful night! Can't wait to see Third Day and Brandon Heath in April!!
During the break, the drummer for MWS did a presentation on Compassion International - the same group that I had been reading about at www.thepioneerwoman.com. Her family traveled to visit the young children they have been sponsoring and the trip sounded just amazing. I have been researching the group and learning about sponsoring a child - and had even started to push the 'sponsor a child' button a couple times - but there was always a question that tripped me up. The brief bios of the kids you can sponsor always include mention of the siblings in the family. For example 'Maria has two siblings also living at home'. So I always hesitate - thinking 'how can I give money to help one child in a family with three kids? How does that work? How is it THIS child in the family that gets a sponsor and not the other two'? Since Compassion Int'l was there last night, with lots of volunteers, I snuck out of the concert for a few minutes (also to use the restroom when there wasn't a tremendously long line) and asked that question. The lady who helped me said she's sponsored through Compassion for years - and her sponsored child has always sent pictures of the things the money was used for. Things that benefit the entire family - extra food, school supplies, etc. She also said that up to 2 children per family are allowed to be sponsored - so it's possible that the home is receiving additional support as well. I felt 'better' about that...I don't want to help just one child in a multi-child home. It never felt 'right' to sponsor a child when the siblings were left out. But I felt confident the money we would donate to sponsor one child would help all those in the family - and help the family. And I read the packet of information I received at the concert this morning and found out we are able to also make 'special' gifts to the child and family throughout the year - to be used to help the family with special needs. Compassion has staff that helps the family define what they most need and what the money will be used for. So that also feels good.
So, I signed up to sponsor two little girls - Any is 4 and Yanci is 3. One is in Honduras and the other in El Salvador. Tomorrow, I'm going to write our 'sponsor' letter to introduce our family to the the girls - Compassion will ensure this communication reaches them and as they grow, they will write back.
This seems like a really good way to help at a grass roots level - helping those living in extreme poverty. Compassion feels it's critically important to help children specifically - the money is for the benefit of the specific child vs. going to the community. The girls will receive food, medical care, clothing, school supplies (when they start attending school), school uniforms, etc.
I'm so excited about this - it's $64 per month for the two of them combined - and that's certainly an amount we can commit to, even in these times of belt tightening and watching our pennies. Heck, as I emailed J. this morning 'I can start buying only one iced tea each day instead of two and that will cover 2/3 of the expense each month'. Not that I 'have to' do that to make that amount feasible. But it really puts into perspective how much I spend without even thinking - and how that money could be a life changing amount for a child who lives in poverty. Wow...what a thought. The parents of Any and Yanci are living on less than $100 per month - supporting a family with multiple children, living in huts, scraping by. What a difference my $1 per day will make for them? Who couldn't find just a dollar a day to help a child?
I have their pictures on the refrigerator - and can't wait to get updated photos as they grow. I will pray for them nightly - that they have what they need and that our sponsorship helps them. I know it will. I believe Compassion works - and as MWS said 'I'm for things that work - and this does work'. I'm really excited about doing this - I feel really called to do it - not to just keep thinking about it - but to do it. It was so cool that they were there last night at the concert - what a great organization!
My friend J. and I were back in Tracy by 10PM - and I'm 48 years old and learned a 'new' way of approaching concert parking. We took the time to cruise the parking lot and figure out where people would be exiting - and we found a space right near the only 'exit' from the parking lot and backed in - so all we had to do was pull right out and head straight out the lot. We were probably one of the first 10 cars out of the parking lot last night - and in all my years of concert going, I've never thought of attempting to strategically park with your easy, speedy departure in mind! What a concept! Worked like a charm...thanks, J. - for finding out about the concert; for your brilliant parking plan and for picking up the tab for our scrumptious dinner! It was a wonderful night! Can't wait to see Third Day and Brandon Heath in April!!
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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)...
