Pick me ups for when life just sucks:
Go for a walk, or a run, or a skip, if you prefer, just get outside
Jump rope
Hula hoop, even if you're bad at it
Watch a funny movie
Watch a sappy movie
Call, text, email a friend
Call, text, email someone who may or may not be a friend, but who may have things worse than you
Pray
Take a nap
Eat fruits and veggies (to keep myself from eating the entire pumpkin pie on my counter, which I would like to say I threw away to resist the temptation)
Look at pictures of your children, especially from a few years back, and see how they've grown
Write a blog :)
Draw, who cares if you stink
Take a hot bath
Go get a massage
Fold laundry - okay this doesn't really make me feel better, just keeps me busy til the pity party ends
Clean the house - similar to above, but a sparkly house does make me feel good
Listen to music
Pet your animals - research shows this is therapeutic
Go to Walmart and actually stop to talk to the greeters - they are more than just the nobodies everyone pegs them to be
Sing at the top of your lungs, even if you're bad
Play with your children
Take your dogs for a walk, if you don't have dogs, talk yourself for a walk
Talk to yourself
Eat hot wings
Color a picture in a coloring book - I admit, I love to do this, and find it very therapeutic
Go for a drive
Look online at a place you've always wanted to visit. Dream up your next vacation, no worrying about money
Go fishing
Make a list of all the good stuff in your life
Pay your bills - I figure if I already feel bad, I might as well pay the bills at the same time, because that chore also makes me feel bad
Watch Veggie Tales - there's just something about those talking veggies...
Do any of the above with a friend - it will make it doubly fun
Remember that sucky times are temporary, it's up to you to determine how long you will let it last
Saturday, November 26, 2011
5 Days of "me" time
It's Thanksgiving break, and the kids have spent the majority of it with their dad. They left for his house Wednesday evening, and won't be back til Sunday night. They did all come over for Thanksgiving dinner, which was nice, but then they went right back. On the one hand I feel really bad and guilty for sending them away when they actually have time off from school and could just hang out and play. On the other hand, I needed this break so badly, and I'm really glad to have it.
I can't even tell you much of what I have done during my time off because it is that unimportant. Looking back, I went out on a date, cleaned for and prepped Thanksgiving dinner, did some laundry, did more laundry, cleaned some more, and slept a lot. Pretty boring, I know, but I really need boring right now. Oh, and I did take my kids to a movie on Wednesday before they went with their dad. By the way, Puss in Boots is hilarious, for both kids and adults!
I also started reading a new to me book, that I got from a book swap months ago. Good in Bed, by Jennifer Weiner, is awesome! And, no, it's not a book about how to be good in bed, I promise. I will admit that this thought is why it took me so long to start reading it. I could only imagine what it would be about. Overall, it is about a woman learning to be comfortable with herself and others, and to show herself and others how to be a good example. I love this book! It's been several months since I got this into a book; actually not since I read, Drunk, Divorced, and Covered in Cat Hair, another of my favorites.
I'm trying to get myself into the holiday spirit, but I'm not getting very far. Here is my very lame excuse - the Halloween decorations are still in the yard because the garage door is broken, so I can't open it to put them away. Lame, huh? Okay, more like lazy. I am considering putting up the tree while the kids are gone, so we can decorate it when they return. They will be soooooo excited!!! I'm also considering just putting a Santa hat on the skeleton and Christmas lights on the blow up ghost thing. Wonder what the neighbors would think? If they complain, I could just put out that obnoxious decoration that plays music every time someone walks by it. Our street is busy, imagine the possibilities!
As much as I hate to admit it, I do need to go to work today. My goal is to be completely prepared and ready to go for the next 3 weeks so I won't have to do anything til Christmas. That would be so awesome! I'm not sure it will happen at this point, but even having something for next week would be good.
So, with memories of a quiet and restful week off, and the thought that I need to get ready for next week, it's time for me to get moving and do something productive with my life.
I can't even tell you much of what I have done during my time off because it is that unimportant. Looking back, I went out on a date, cleaned for and prepped Thanksgiving dinner, did some laundry, did more laundry, cleaned some more, and slept a lot. Pretty boring, I know, but I really need boring right now. Oh, and I did take my kids to a movie on Wednesday before they went with their dad. By the way, Puss in Boots is hilarious, for both kids and adults!
I also started reading a new to me book, that I got from a book swap months ago. Good in Bed, by Jennifer Weiner, is awesome! And, no, it's not a book about how to be good in bed, I promise. I will admit that this thought is why it took me so long to start reading it. I could only imagine what it would be about. Overall, it is about a woman learning to be comfortable with herself and others, and to show herself and others how to be a good example. I love this book! It's been several months since I got this into a book; actually not since I read, Drunk, Divorced, and Covered in Cat Hair, another of my favorites.
I'm trying to get myself into the holiday spirit, but I'm not getting very far. Here is my very lame excuse - the Halloween decorations are still in the yard because the garage door is broken, so I can't open it to put them away. Lame, huh? Okay, more like lazy. I am considering putting up the tree while the kids are gone, so we can decorate it when they return. They will be soooooo excited!!! I'm also considering just putting a Santa hat on the skeleton and Christmas lights on the blow up ghost thing. Wonder what the neighbors would think? If they complain, I could just put out that obnoxious decoration that plays music every time someone walks by it. Our street is busy, imagine the possibilities!
As much as I hate to admit it, I do need to go to work today. My goal is to be completely prepared and ready to go for the next 3 weeks so I won't have to do anything til Christmas. That would be so awesome! I'm not sure it will happen at this point, but even having something for next week would be good.
So, with memories of a quiet and restful week off, and the thought that I need to get ready for next week, it's time for me to get moving and do something productive with my life.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
"Even the toughest people need a break sometimes"
I was talking to a long time friend on the phone about a week ago. I didn't even tell him I had gotten divorced until 3 months after the fact, and when I did he was shocked. He had followed our entire courtship, came to our wedding, basically watched our family grow up. I think he felt the loss almost as much as I did, and of course, his attention went right to me and my well-being.
When I talked to him yesterday, we chatted, and then he asked me, "how are you doing?" I respond with the usual, "I'm doing well," Then he repeated in the you better not lie to me tone, "but how are YOU?" I told him, "I'm good, I'm tough you know that." His response is one of the best bits of advice I have received in a long time, and it really got me thinking. He said, "I know you are tough, but even the toughest people need a break sometimes."
Wow! That really shocked my brain back into reality. Was I okay? Had I taken a break lately? Or was I so overwhelmed physically and emotionally that I had forgotten to take care of myself? Unfortunately, I think the answer was the latter. Busy with raising kids, maintaining a home, taking care of my school babies, and dealing with other life issues had just worn me out. I needed a break. "When will I get a break," I asked myself bitterly.
After thinking for a little while, it occurred to me that nobody has breaks handed to them, unless they are especially lucky. Breaks do not just appear out of nowhere. We need to make our own breaks.Taking care of ourselves is our responsibility and no one else's. The good news is we don't have to sit around waiting for someone to take care of us. The bad news is that we can't have someone take care of us, we have to do it ourselves.
How many people can honestly say they are good about providing themselves with breaks? I used to be good about doing this, but now that life has become so hectic, I tend to forget, or convince myself I don't need them "I'm fine," I say to myself. I can just push through this rough spot, and I'll be okay in the end. Unfortunately, this usually ends with me becoming burnt out.
That's not to say that we can't call on our friends to help us out; indeed I have many friends who are there in an instant, either physically, on the phone, or even checking in on Facebook. The thing is, I have to tell them that I need them. My friends are not psychic (though sometimes they impress me with seeming so), they have their own lives to live, and are busy with finding time for themselves. But, once they know I need something, they are right there.
In conclusion, we need to take some of what is referred to as "back of the boat time." I learned this term when I was in seminary; it refers to the story of Jesus falling asleep at the back of the boat while his disciples were scared during a raging storm on the sea. The disciples were angry that Jesus had just left them alone to fend for themselves. However, in the end, though he was taking a little break for himself, he was there when they needed them. I figure if even Jesus needs to take some "back of the boat time," then surely I do, too.
When I talked to him yesterday, we chatted, and then he asked me, "how are you doing?" I respond with the usual, "I'm doing well," Then he repeated in the you better not lie to me tone, "but how are YOU?" I told him, "I'm good, I'm tough you know that." His response is one of the best bits of advice I have received in a long time, and it really got me thinking. He said, "I know you are tough, but even the toughest people need a break sometimes."
Wow! That really shocked my brain back into reality. Was I okay? Had I taken a break lately? Or was I so overwhelmed physically and emotionally that I had forgotten to take care of myself? Unfortunately, I think the answer was the latter. Busy with raising kids, maintaining a home, taking care of my school babies, and dealing with other life issues had just worn me out. I needed a break. "When will I get a break," I asked myself bitterly.
After thinking for a little while, it occurred to me that nobody has breaks handed to them, unless they are especially lucky. Breaks do not just appear out of nowhere. We need to make our own breaks.Taking care of ourselves is our responsibility and no one else's. The good news is we don't have to sit around waiting for someone to take care of us. The bad news is that we can't have someone take care of us, we have to do it ourselves.
How many people can honestly say they are good about providing themselves with breaks? I used to be good about doing this, but now that life has become so hectic, I tend to forget, or convince myself I don't need them "I'm fine," I say to myself. I can just push through this rough spot, and I'll be okay in the end. Unfortunately, this usually ends with me becoming burnt out.
That's not to say that we can't call on our friends to help us out; indeed I have many friends who are there in an instant, either physically, on the phone, or even checking in on Facebook. The thing is, I have to tell them that I need them. My friends are not psychic (though sometimes they impress me with seeming so), they have their own lives to live, and are busy with finding time for themselves. But, once they know I need something, they are right there.
In conclusion, we need to take some of what is referred to as "back of the boat time." I learned this term when I was in seminary; it refers to the story of Jesus falling asleep at the back of the boat while his disciples were scared during a raging storm on the sea. The disciples were angry that Jesus had just left them alone to fend for themselves. However, in the end, though he was taking a little break for himself, he was there when they needed them. I figure if even Jesus needs to take some "back of the boat time," then surely I do, too.
Gearing up for Christmas - a reflection on STUFF
When Thanksgiving's over, the mad rush of Christmas will start. My kids have asked Santa for less than 3 things this year. They understand they already have too much stuff they don't use, and while they will be donating a lot of it, they also know that they don't need to replace it with more stuff they don't use. I'm so proud of my little Dave Ramsey's! I'm most proud that I didn't have to tell them to limit themselves. I asked what they wanted, and Alex said, "remember not to be greedy," and gave me his list :)
Seriously, all Alex ever plays with is a football, soccer ball, or baseball and glove. He does read, but he goes through books so quickly, it is crazy to buy them for him. He wants a Webkinz, a zhu zhu hamster, and football cards. Done. I did ask what his wish would be and he said a new big tv for all of us to share. Probably won't be happening, but one never knows what Santa might find on sale (doubt it).
Skylar wants the American Girl doll of the year and $200 so she can buy her computer (she has $300 saved toward it already and she wants an iPad). She also knows that the likelihood of the $200 is about none, but I told her if she could have 1 wish without worrying about greed what would it be. Many thanks to my parents for taking on the $200 burden, she will be SO surprised (side note, my parents ROCK!). The doll should be here any day now. The trick is to resist the temptation to buy more just because it looks cool.
I just don't get the obsession that people, including myself, have with stuff. Stuff causes so many problems - people arguing over who gets to have it, where to put it, who should take care of it. I have to fight with the kids to pick their stuff up, take care of their stuff, and even know where their stuff is. Every year since we moved to TX, and even before, we donate thousands of dollars of stuff to various organizations. Makes me sick to think we paid to move all that stuff just so we could give it away. This is all after a mega lawn sale and donating thousands of dollars of stuff in NY. In a little bit of defense, the last 2 years a lot of it was clothes, as Skylar went through a huge growth spurt, but still. Obviously she had too many clothes, but they haven't been replaced, so now she has almost none (but she has yet to go to school naked, go figure).
I continue the never-ending process of eliminating all the unnecessary stuff from my house, but it just keeps coming in. The other day, I told my friend I was getting rid of all flat surfaces in my house. Only round and pointed would be allowed. That way, stuff can't gather there.
Strangely enough, I can almost guarantee that we will become very talented at balancing it on such surfaces. Should I be disgusted at the thought or impressed at the talent?
Seriously, all Alex ever plays with is a football, soccer ball, or baseball and glove. He does read, but he goes through books so quickly, it is crazy to buy them for him. He wants a Webkinz, a zhu zhu hamster, and football cards. Done. I did ask what his wish would be and he said a new big tv for all of us to share. Probably won't be happening, but one never knows what Santa might find on sale (doubt it).
Skylar wants the American Girl doll of the year and $200 so she can buy her computer (she has $300 saved toward it already and she wants an iPad). She also knows that the likelihood of the $200 is about none, but I told her if she could have 1 wish without worrying about greed what would it be. Many thanks to my parents for taking on the $200 burden, she will be SO surprised (side note, my parents ROCK!). The doll should be here any day now. The trick is to resist the temptation to buy more just because it looks cool.
I just don't get the obsession that people, including myself, have with stuff. Stuff causes so many problems - people arguing over who gets to have it, where to put it, who should take care of it. I have to fight with the kids to pick their stuff up, take care of their stuff, and even know where their stuff is. Every year since we moved to TX, and even before, we donate thousands of dollars of stuff to various organizations. Makes me sick to think we paid to move all that stuff just so we could give it away. This is all after a mega lawn sale and donating thousands of dollars of stuff in NY. In a little bit of defense, the last 2 years a lot of it was clothes, as Skylar went through a huge growth spurt, but still. Obviously she had too many clothes, but they haven't been replaced, so now she has almost none (but she has yet to go to school naked, go figure).
I continue the never-ending process of eliminating all the unnecessary stuff from my house, but it just keeps coming in. The other day, I told my friend I was getting rid of all flat surfaces in my house. Only round and pointed would be allowed. That way, stuff can't gather there.
Strangely enough, I can almost guarantee that we will become very talented at balancing it on such surfaces. Should I be disgusted at the thought or impressed at the talent?
Sunday, November 13, 2011
The Two Faces of Jealousy
NOTE: This is post is from my Presbyterian Christian perspective. Feel free to tweak as you see fit to accommodate the name of whatever god you worship, or even mankind in general.
Ever had one of those moments where you're convinced the pastor wrote the sermon especially for you? How about a day where you're convinced the entire service was for you? Or, as in my case today, the prayer of confession was written JUST FOR YOU? We Presbyterians believe that, not only are we constant sinners, but that God is the constant forgiver. The prayer of confession is our time to come before God and admit our limitations, while asking for forgiveness. I always laugh to myself because I know asking is not a requirement, but as humans, it is something we feel we need to do. God's grace is granted to us before we are even able to understand it. Nothing we do, think, nor say will cause God to turn from us. There is nothing we can do to earn God's grace, nor lose it. I find this to be a re-assuring thought.
Today's prayer of confession dealt with the issue of jealousy. Well, let me tell you, that has been my biggest enemy in the last month or so, and boy, has it gotten me into a lot of trouble! You see, I let my guard down, and in so doing, I let feelings of inadequacy slip in (which is rare, this usually doesn't happen). When that happened, I behaved in ways that ended up hurting a friend, the friend's friend, and myself. So, there we were reading the words on the screen, the words meant for me. As I read, the idea came into my head that there are actually two sides of jealousy, neither of them is right, and they both hurt.
First of all, the obvious side of jealousy is when one wants something someone else has, either an object, a person, or a way of life. Jealousy, for the most part, is unhealthy because it blurs our vision of what is right and wrong. Jealousy has a way of making us act in ways that are unkind to others. Even though it makes perfect sense to the jealous, it seems most unreasonable to the person at which it is directed. Jealousy is wrong because it shows unhappiness with the many blessings in one's life already. It basically says, "hey, God, what you've given me is not enough. I want THAT (insert pointing finger)." This attitude is not the way to approach God, the giver of all things. In addition, it does not feel good to live with jealousy. It is right up there with hatred, seeing as it is based on hatred for what others have that you do not.
Before I go on to talk about the other side of jealousy, I need to clarify that what I am about to say does not excuse the actions of the jealous. It is not an excuse for behaving in hurtful ways, nor is it a way to take the responsibility off that person. Ultimately, we are all responsible for our own thoughts and actions, however, sometimes it is also important to look at the other side of the story.
The second side of jealousy, which people often do not consider, is that certain behaviors may lead to the development of jealousy in others. I think we all know of people who like to brag about their things and accomplishments. We're not talking about people who genuinely share with those that love them, but about people who show off only to make themselves look amazing. We can also be talking about people who are fair weather friends, going off with whichever friend is the most "useful" at the time, leaving others that care about them in the dust. Pushing one friendship aside for the sake of another can also create jealousy. As can over-emphasizing the worth of things over people. In my humble opinion, failing to be mindful of the needs others is just as thoughtless of the jealousy itself.
So, I guess the whole point of this post is to remind people that others are watching and caring about you. Please be aware of feelings of jealousy that creep up on you, and take steps to extinguish them as soon as possible. And, please be aware that your actions can hurt others in a way that makes them feel jealous. Neither is better nor worse than the other. For, we have been commanded to love one another, which can only happen when we are thinking about the needs of others, in addition to ourselves.
Ever had one of those moments where you're convinced the pastor wrote the sermon especially for you? How about a day where you're convinced the entire service was for you? Or, as in my case today, the prayer of confession was written JUST FOR YOU? We Presbyterians believe that, not only are we constant sinners, but that God is the constant forgiver. The prayer of confession is our time to come before God and admit our limitations, while asking for forgiveness. I always laugh to myself because I know asking is not a requirement, but as humans, it is something we feel we need to do. God's grace is granted to us before we are even able to understand it. Nothing we do, think, nor say will cause God to turn from us. There is nothing we can do to earn God's grace, nor lose it. I find this to be a re-assuring thought.
Today's prayer of confession dealt with the issue of jealousy. Well, let me tell you, that has been my biggest enemy in the last month or so, and boy, has it gotten me into a lot of trouble! You see, I let my guard down, and in so doing, I let feelings of inadequacy slip in (which is rare, this usually doesn't happen). When that happened, I behaved in ways that ended up hurting a friend, the friend's friend, and myself. So, there we were reading the words on the screen, the words meant for me. As I read, the idea came into my head that there are actually two sides of jealousy, neither of them is right, and they both hurt.
First of all, the obvious side of jealousy is when one wants something someone else has, either an object, a person, or a way of life. Jealousy, for the most part, is unhealthy because it blurs our vision of what is right and wrong. Jealousy has a way of making us act in ways that are unkind to others. Even though it makes perfect sense to the jealous, it seems most unreasonable to the person at which it is directed. Jealousy is wrong because it shows unhappiness with the many blessings in one's life already. It basically says, "hey, God, what you've given me is not enough. I want THAT (insert pointing finger)." This attitude is not the way to approach God, the giver of all things. In addition, it does not feel good to live with jealousy. It is right up there with hatred, seeing as it is based on hatred for what others have that you do not.
Before I go on to talk about the other side of jealousy, I need to clarify that what I am about to say does not excuse the actions of the jealous. It is not an excuse for behaving in hurtful ways, nor is it a way to take the responsibility off that person. Ultimately, we are all responsible for our own thoughts and actions, however, sometimes it is also important to look at the other side of the story.
The second side of jealousy, which people often do not consider, is that certain behaviors may lead to the development of jealousy in others. I think we all know of people who like to brag about their things and accomplishments. We're not talking about people who genuinely share with those that love them, but about people who show off only to make themselves look amazing. We can also be talking about people who are fair weather friends, going off with whichever friend is the most "useful" at the time, leaving others that care about them in the dust. Pushing one friendship aside for the sake of another can also create jealousy. As can over-emphasizing the worth of things over people. In my humble opinion, failing to be mindful of the needs others is just as thoughtless of the jealousy itself.
So, I guess the whole point of this post is to remind people that others are watching and caring about you. Please be aware of feelings of jealousy that creep up on you, and take steps to extinguish them as soon as possible. And, please be aware that your actions can hurt others in a way that makes them feel jealous. Neither is better nor worse than the other. For, we have been commanded to love one another, which can only happen when we are thinking about the needs of others, in addition to ourselves.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Workplace Evaluations - YUCK!
I was evaluated by my supervisor today, which, of course, always makes one at least a little nervous. I mean, I know I'm awesome, but what if the person who controls my destiny disagrees? What if all the amazing things I do on a daily basis end up not being so awesome to my supervisor? What if she picks up on the one flaw I forgot to fix (like, perhaps, not having a social contract up...oops). Or, my most challenging students have a particularly bad day? Does that one snapshot really give a clear picture of what I do and how I do it? If it's a great review, I'll say yes, if not, I'll argue no :)
Luckily, we are warned about the upcoming evaluation, and even get to pick the day and class period. Thank goodness, because I have some perfectly angelic classes and some that are still working becoming angelic (good way to put it, huh?). The class I chose is 6th graders, who still largely trust me as the motherly figure, and aim to please most of the time. This class is especially well behaved, and mostly independent in their work habits. Apparently, when I had a substitute earlier this week, the kids walked in to no adult, so they just sat down and started working. Eventually, when no one showed up, someone went to the office to let them know. Perhaps I've trained them well?
Imagine their delight when I shared with them that a principal was going to come into our room to see how very awesome THEY are!!! They were so proud and impressed with themselves. I found it very sweet. The big day got postponed a few times, and so when today came, they were triply excited about it. They just couldn't wait!
Well, we did our thing, it happened how it happened, and I think all went fairly well. My favorite part was when one of my students whispered in my ear, "do you think she's writing down good stuff about us? Does she likes us as much as you do?" Regardless of what happens with the official papwerwork stuff, that made my day, and reminded me why I go do this often thankless job day after day. Because I like them.
Luckily, we are warned about the upcoming evaluation, and even get to pick the day and class period. Thank goodness, because I have some perfectly angelic classes and some that are still working becoming angelic (good way to put it, huh?). The class I chose is 6th graders, who still largely trust me as the motherly figure, and aim to please most of the time. This class is especially well behaved, and mostly independent in their work habits. Apparently, when I had a substitute earlier this week, the kids walked in to no adult, so they just sat down and started working. Eventually, when no one showed up, someone went to the office to let them know. Perhaps I've trained them well?
Imagine their delight when I shared with them that a principal was going to come into our room to see how very awesome THEY are!!! They were so proud and impressed with themselves. I found it very sweet. The big day got postponed a few times, and so when today came, they were triply excited about it. They just couldn't wait!
Well, we did our thing, it happened how it happened, and I think all went fairly well. My favorite part was when one of my students whispered in my ear, "do you think she's writing down good stuff about us? Does she likes us as much as you do?" Regardless of what happens with the official papwerwork stuff, that made my day, and reminded me why I go do this often thankless job day after day. Because I like them.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
My Kitties are Mine, All Mine!!!!
Insert millions of happy faces here! Finally, officially, my two adorable and loving little kitties are mine. A little background, in case you don't know. After the ex moved out, and we decided the dogs had to go :(, I decided to get cats. I love them, and I hadn't had one since I was 17 on account of the ex being deathly allergic :( So, out with the ex, in with the cats!
I was afraid that we wouldn't be able to handle them, or that one of the kids would be allergic, or that it just wouldn't work out, so I decided to give fostering a try. These particular fosters were unadoptable because they had to be quarantined due to exposure to feline leukemia. They came in as strays, and one of their litter mates tested positive. They had tested negative, but they needed to be alone for 8 weeks and then re-tested. If they tested negative, and everything worked out, we would keep them. If they tested positive, they would be put to sleep. We found out after only 2 weeks into fostering that their littermate had been picked up by a rescue group, and ended up testing negative at his re-test! Great news! The little darlings were now adoptable!
We kind of laid low and no one bothered us, but eventually the foster coordinator emailed about 6 weeks ago to make sure we were keeping them. If so, we had to have them neutered, then we could fill out the papers, pay the adoption fee ($75 each, yikes), and they would be mine!
I got an email yesterday that if I wanted them, I could have them for free because the shelter is about to change locations and they were really trying to get as many animals as possible out of the shelter. Oh, happy day!
So, I received my official e-mail today, with adoption certificates, medical records, and congratulations. My precious little kitties are now mine forever!
Wow, do I love these guys! They have the best purr, they are so fun, and are okay with being held and dragged around 7-year-old boy style. They just adore me, a little too much sometimes. Truly, Shy Guy and White Out have played a huge role in getting me through these last three months. And now they're MINE :) :) :) :) :)
I was afraid that we wouldn't be able to handle them, or that one of the kids would be allergic, or that it just wouldn't work out, so I decided to give fostering a try. These particular fosters were unadoptable because they had to be quarantined due to exposure to feline leukemia. They came in as strays, and one of their litter mates tested positive. They had tested negative, but they needed to be alone for 8 weeks and then re-tested. If they tested negative, and everything worked out, we would keep them. If they tested positive, they would be put to sleep. We found out after only 2 weeks into fostering that their littermate had been picked up by a rescue group, and ended up testing negative at his re-test! Great news! The little darlings were now adoptable!
We kind of laid low and no one bothered us, but eventually the foster coordinator emailed about 6 weeks ago to make sure we were keeping them. If so, we had to have them neutered, then we could fill out the papers, pay the adoption fee ($75 each, yikes), and they would be mine!
I got an email yesterday that if I wanted them, I could have them for free because the shelter is about to change locations and they were really trying to get as many animals as possible out of the shelter. Oh, happy day!
So, I received my official e-mail today, with adoption certificates, medical records, and congratulations. My precious little kitties are now mine forever!
Wow, do I love these guys! They have the best purr, they are so fun, and are okay with being held and dragged around 7-year-old boy style. They just adore me, a little too much sometimes. Truly, Shy Guy and White Out have played a huge role in getting me through these last three months. And now they're MINE :) :) :) :) :)
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Christmas Ornaments
As I was walking through the store today, I decided to meander down the many aisles of Christmas decor which is already prominently displayed. I saw aisles of stockings and little Christmas villages, garland and trees, various forms of fake pine things, but mostly I saw ornaments.
This got me thinking - Of all the ornaments we own (or is it I own? Who really owns them?), probably 95 percent of them have a story. Of the ornaments with stories, probably 95 percent of those stories involve me and my ex. So, here's the question. Do I put those ornaments on the tree? My tree? Or, do I pack them away? Do I give them to him (NO!). What is the proper etiquette here? I just don't know. I suspect, because kids are involved, we will continue to put them on the tree as is. They are their memories, too. I will likely leave off ones that were specifically for our wedding (like the bride and groom with our names on it), but otherwise, the rest will go up. I hope it ends up being the right thing.
This got me thinking - Of all the ornaments we own (or is it I own? Who really owns them?), probably 95 percent of them have a story. Of the ornaments with stories, probably 95 percent of those stories involve me and my ex. So, here's the question. Do I put those ornaments on the tree? My tree? Or, do I pack them away? Do I give them to him (NO!). What is the proper etiquette here? I just don't know. I suspect, because kids are involved, we will continue to put them on the tree as is. They are their memories, too. I will likely leave off ones that were specifically for our wedding (like the bride and groom with our names on it), but otherwise, the rest will go up. I hope it ends up being the right thing.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Counting down to Christmas! And Family!
Only 6 weeks and 2 days til I get to see my mom and dad, and my brother, too!!!!!! Need I say more than that? I'm not a big "I have to have my family person," but boy this stretch was a long one. So many times I've been tempted to just call my mom and ask her to please come see me. I knew she couldn't and I didn't want to worry her, so I just learned to cope.
They are staying for a whole week, which will seem long at the time as we adjust to all living under one roof, but then the day will come to say goodbye, and it will be sad all over again. Sometimes, I think it would be better if they didn't come so I wouldn't have to say goodbye.
The kids are excited for their visit and we are going to make a countdown calendar in anticipation of their visit. We can't wait! We are not even going to do anything, just be together. We are planning a trip to Six Flags to go to Holiday in the Park, but other than that it's going to be a perfectly low key week (with the exception of Christmas, of course).
Until then, thank God for texting and e-mail, and for the power of the human voice. I've said it before, but it deserves to be said again, never underestimate the power of the human voice. All the texting and emailing in the world cannot even begin to make up for just 10 minutes talking on the phone.
They are staying for a whole week, which will seem long at the time as we adjust to all living under one roof, but then the day will come to say goodbye, and it will be sad all over again. Sometimes, I think it would be better if they didn't come so I wouldn't have to say goodbye.
The kids are excited for their visit and we are going to make a countdown calendar in anticipation of their visit. We can't wait! We are not even going to do anything, just be together. We are planning a trip to Six Flags to go to Holiday in the Park, but other than that it's going to be a perfectly low key week (with the exception of Christmas, of course).
Until then, thank God for texting and e-mail, and for the power of the human voice. I've said it before, but it deserves to be said again, never underestimate the power of the human voice. All the texting and emailing in the world cannot even begin to make up for just 10 minutes talking on the phone.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
(Im)Perfect Parenting
An entry I started several weeks ago:
Tonight Alex asked me to read to him for the first time in maybe a year. I was busy, tempted to say not tonight, but then I realized what I was about to give up - a chance to just hang with my big little boy. I admit that one reason I had stopped reading to him is that he has gotten into bigger kid books - Harry Potter and the like- and I hate reading aloud. The thought of reading a book like that aloud, UGH! But, I went anyway, because I wanted to take advantage of the limited time I get with him anyway.
I went and sat on his bed and he pulled his book of choice out from under his pillow. My heart melted when I saw what he chose - Frog and Toad. I guess my big boy isn't so big after all :)
My Skylar has been a nightmare lately! She has been practicing for her teen years for 8 years now, but holy cow! She is really perfecting it quite nicely! She is mouthy, doesn't listen, rolls her eyes and talks under her breath, is a drama queen, and is really just not that much fun anymore. Two nights ago we had a family movie night/sleepover in my bed. I fell asleep before they did, big surprise, but when I woke up to find them sound asleep, I took one look at her precious face and remembered what a beautiful little girl she is.
I've been going through a really difficult parenting time. Trying to decided what is the best thing for both me and my children is not easy. Wanting the absolute best, but being unable to give it is a painful and frustrating process sometimes. What I have been reminded of, however, is that it's not perfection they seek. They just want to be loved and appreciated and cared for. Even though I am about as far from perfect as can be when it comes to parenting, I love them more than anything. That, in itself, will be enough to give.
Tonight Alex asked me to read to him for the first time in maybe a year. I was busy, tempted to say not tonight, but then I realized what I was about to give up - a chance to just hang with my big little boy. I admit that one reason I had stopped reading to him is that he has gotten into bigger kid books - Harry Potter and the like- and I hate reading aloud. The thought of reading a book like that aloud, UGH! But, I went anyway, because I wanted to take advantage of the limited time I get with him anyway.
I went and sat on his bed and he pulled his book of choice out from under his pillow. My heart melted when I saw what he chose - Frog and Toad. I guess my big boy isn't so big after all :)
My Skylar has been a nightmare lately! She has been practicing for her teen years for 8 years now, but holy cow! She is really perfecting it quite nicely! She is mouthy, doesn't listen, rolls her eyes and talks under her breath, is a drama queen, and is really just not that much fun anymore. Two nights ago we had a family movie night/sleepover in my bed. I fell asleep before they did, big surprise, but when I woke up to find them sound asleep, I took one look at her precious face and remembered what a beautiful little girl she is.
I've been going through a really difficult parenting time. Trying to decided what is the best thing for both me and my children is not easy. Wanting the absolute best, but being unable to give it is a painful and frustrating process sometimes. What I have been reminded of, however, is that it's not perfection they seek. They just want to be loved and appreciated and cared for. Even though I am about as far from perfect as can be when it comes to parenting, I love them more than anything. That, in itself, will be enough to give.
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