It's been a rough week or two. Some bad things, some very good things. But a hard week for me. My co-worker, Donna, lost her husband last Wednesday. She says she's been expecting this for 10 years. Even when you know you're going to lose someone you love it's a shock. Been there, done that. It brings back memories of loved ones I've lost. My mother passed away on Mother's Day weekend years ago. I think of that every Mother's Day. I lost my Grandmother and Dad in the same week. I learned how strong I can be when needed. Donna will too. But it' a shock and it's hard to understand why someone you love has been taken from you. But, life goes on. With or without you. The sun comes up every morning and it really doesn't care if you want it to or not. We all grieve in different ways. We all get through the crisis, but there are always memories. Wonderful memories. I've been thinking of my dad a lot lately. I don't really know why, just things that have happened lately in my life. I miss him still. And it's been a long time that he's been gone. My mother, bless her soul, was such a simple person. Loving and caring. She loved my Dad from here and beyond! I see that same kind of love between my son and his wife. How wonderful to find your soulmate.
With Donna being off so much I'm trying to do 3 jobs at two different desks. I usually have the reception desk from 8 - 9 every morning and take it again in the afternoons. It makes getting some of my work done a bit of a stretch but I guess I'm getting it done. Donna will be off for at least 2 more weeks, possibly 3 weeks. We will manage. I have the help of my outreach workers and my clerk. I take work home and do some of it here. It gets done.
I'm having some problems with my legs . . . probably my own fault, but it hurts. The doctor gave me some exercises to do, told me to take Aleve for some of the pain and just get through it. I have a pinched nerve in my back. Sometimes the pain stops me in my tracks! And then there's usually that wonderful sound of "Ohhhhhh" or "Ouch". I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to pain. Like everything else in life, I'll get through it. I'm feeling much better than a couple of months ago. I still have a cough that wakes me from time to time but 100% better than I was. Barbie has a cold and worries me a bit. She just hasn't been able to get rid of it. She's a great help to me when I'm aching or hurting, but doesn't take her own medicine very good. GO TO THE DOCTOR BARB!!! Just get well kiddo.
Congratulations to Katie! Katie now has her PhD. Wow! What an accomplishment. I'm so proud of her. She's worked very hard. Best of luck to her in the future!
Sunday was Charlotte's 1st birthday party. What a beautiful little girl. My baby girl is certainly growing up. I love being a grandmother. Charlotte is so easy to love. Mandy and Jim had a party for her. Mandy did a great job on the decorations and all the other aspects of giving a party. I wished I lived closer so that I could see her more often and that the kids could come to visit more often, but that's not to be. We'll just enjoy the time we are together and make it quality time. Got some great pictures and hope that other members of the family got the same and will be willing to share. I could do a scrapbook of just Charlotte's birthday party! I probably will!!
I'm going to try and market some of my scrapbooks. I contacted a lady that is going to have a store at Kennedy Mall and I will have some books there for sale. The store will open this fall so I have all summer to get ready. I am excited about this adventure. Maybe it will give me a purpose in life again. Things have been going south of late. I will continue to work on the books that I have here at home too. I've got one started on Charlotte from Day One!! I want to start one for Tristan and continue to work on books about Jackson. Currently I'm doing a wedding book for me of Jim & Mandy's wedding. Probably should do something for me with my granddaughter too! There's plenty for me to scrap . . . not always the time or the willlingness to do it!!
Have been attending training on new rules and regulations with background and record checks for our employees. Lots of red tape and it all costs so much money! Lots of people are needy in our area. Being at the front desk and answering the phone I hear more about all the disconnects and problems with lack of food and other family emergencies. A person doesn't realize how good they have it until they hear some of these stories. We have people coming in with $800 - $1,400 electric bills. Shutoff notices! Health emergencies! I should be thankful for what I have (and I am) but it boggles your mind when you hear some of these stories.
We have state people coming in for monitoring. I go to Des Moines next week for a Planner's meeting. I am currently Co-Chair of that committee. Decisions need to be made as to what our group is going to do with our annual conference coming up in June. My major CSBG grant will be due the first week of May. I'm trying to get ahead a little and have started working on some of that. Quarterly reports are due the end of the month. Guess I should be glad I have a job and not complain. I am thankful I have a job . . . some times it just gets me down. Can I retire soon???
Tomorrow is another day. We get up, go to work and probably complain about the same things all over again. Such is life. Value your health and those you love. It's worth it.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Spring
It's finally starting to feel like spring! My sister came down to Dubuque today. She was looking for a new outfit for her grandson's baptism. I don't go out much any more, mostly because I just plain can't afford it. Being off work for over 3 weeks was a bit expensive, but I'm in recovery mode and doing much better. Back to shopping . . . first things first -- we had to have breakfast. We went to Village Inn and my breakfast was terrific! I love eating breakfast out!! It also gave us some time to talk. I had planned on attending Beth's 30th birthday party and Easter at my sister's . . . but at the last moment I didn't go. Cost had a lot to do with it. I'm sorry I missed Beth's party. Sounds like it was a lot of fun, and the pictures on Facebook look like it was a lot of fun!! Bets, I do have a gift for you!!!!
I spent Easter Sunday alone. I had invited a couple of co-workers to dinner but they declined because of other obligations they had. It was a quiet weekend. Before I even started this blog (thanks to my daughter-in-law Mandy) I read about blogging. The one article that stayed with me was one that said blogging is a way to remind yourself of what you've done previously or plan on doing. I do pretty good on writing things down, and then I go weeks without. Mandy was a big reason I have this blog, she even taught to how to change my background (or gave me the courage to change it). Thanks so much Mandy! It is a great way to express yourself and, if lucky, get comments from your friends and family.
Glee and I continued our Sunday adventure with going out to Dress Barn. She tried on a number of items and finally found something she liked. She looks great in it! (Ron did you read that comment!) I couldn't let her have all the fun and I tried some things on too. I have a birthday party coming up (Charlotte is turning one) and thought maybe I could find something springy to wear to the party. I did finally decide on a couple of tops. Nothing special, but something I can wear to work or out after work. I also got a check in the mail this morning (i don't pick my mail up very often) so had a little extra in my checking account. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow!!
We made a stop at Kohl's. Got all my little people taken care of too now. Last stop was the grocery store. I hate grocery shopping. You spend a lot of money on food that you can't even keep! But I bought some comfort food (fruits I like) and a few essentials. My driver (Glee) brought me home and I lugged my stuff up the stairs, put away what had to be and took a nap! Why am I so tired all the time??
I live a pretty boring life. That's probably why I don't go anywhere!! Well, the next two weekends are busy. Charlotte's party is this next weekend and the following weekend is Tristan's baptism. I'm looking forward to going to both. My camera will be busy, especially at Charlotte's party. She's such a lively little thing and I love her to death. Can't wait to see her again!!
I just finished watching last week's episode of Survivor. How can those people not want to get rid of Russell? What a villain! He's the best. I even liked Boston Rob this time around. I feel sorry for Coach and never liked him either. I can remember the first couple of years, there were alliances and some scheming, but nothing like they do today!! I suppose that's why it's such a popular show. I had a Board of Director's meeting on Thursday night so missed it and only thought of it this afternoon. I'm also a big fan of "Shark" which was on CBS years ago. James Wood was the main character. It's now on our ION channel on Sunday nights. Two episode's a night. I enjoy watching them again, some I remember, other's I probably didn't even see. Gives a person something to do!!!
I've put away the majority of my winter clothes. Some days I don't think that was a very good idea, but I did keep out a couple of long-sleeved shirts I can still wear. I have some mending to do. Last time Barb and I went shopping I got a pair of brown dress pants and have wore then twice, the last time they were washed I noticed the hem on the one leg was completely gone. Hung them up but now will definitely have to fix them as I have a number of tops that look great with them. I hate mending!! I remember when I sewed a lot of clothes for Barb. She had some really cute dresses when she was about 2-3. That was fun, and now I hardly look at patterns or do anything with my sewing machine. My sister makes quilts and I keep telling her I'll take one with blues and lavenders in it. Hint, Hint!!!
I have state meetings coming up in Des Moines too. But before I go down there for that I have a couple of state reports that have to be done. They're on the top of my list for this next week's work. My receptionist has been out of the office for a few days and I'm expecting more days off to come. Her husband, John, is very sick. He was in the hospital last week for a few days. I think he was able to come home over the weekend. Guess I'll find that out tomorrow. He has cancer and the outlook is not very good. Say a pray for John and Donna. It's been a rough year for both of them. They've been together since they were 14 and married over 40 years. They have a wonderful relationship, with two great sons and grandchildren. Keep them in your prayers. When Donna is out of the office, I usually take the reception desk in the afternoons. Thank goodness we're not real busy right now. We're not booked with 4 or 5 clients per half hour like we are during fuel season. The only problem with me being downstairs is I don't get my work done upstairs. But at the present time it's more important for Donna to be with John than me complaining about my work. I can get a lot done in the mornings, and if I could get my butt out of bed in the mornings, could go in early and get a lot done! I can be such a sleepy head!!!
I think I've rambled on enough. Hope this finds all well. To those of you that read it, leave a comment once in a while (that way I'll know someone is reading it). I'm sure next week I'll have scads of pictures of my precious granddaughter. Birthdays are fun, even when you get old!
God Bless All!
I'm anxiously waiting for Friday. I'm finally getting my hair cut and permed. It's really looked bad the last few weeks. I can get in Friday, so Sarah here I come!! It'll be nice to be able to do something with it again.
I spent Easter Sunday alone. I had invited a couple of co-workers to dinner but they declined because of other obligations they had. It was a quiet weekend. Before I even started this blog (thanks to my daughter-in-law Mandy) I read about blogging. The one article that stayed with me was one that said blogging is a way to remind yourself of what you've done previously or plan on doing. I do pretty good on writing things down, and then I go weeks without. Mandy was a big reason I have this blog, she even taught to how to change my background (or gave me the courage to change it). Thanks so much Mandy! It is a great way to express yourself and, if lucky, get comments from your friends and family.
Glee and I continued our Sunday adventure with going out to Dress Barn. She tried on a number of items and finally found something she liked. She looks great in it! (Ron did you read that comment!) I couldn't let her have all the fun and I tried some things on too. I have a birthday party coming up (Charlotte is turning one) and thought maybe I could find something springy to wear to the party. I did finally decide on a couple of tops. Nothing special, but something I can wear to work or out after work. I also got a check in the mail this morning (i don't pick my mail up very often) so had a little extra in my checking account. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow!!
We made a stop at Kohl's. Got all my little people taken care of too now. Last stop was the grocery store. I hate grocery shopping. You spend a lot of money on food that you can't even keep! But I bought some comfort food (fruits I like) and a few essentials. My driver (Glee) brought me home and I lugged my stuff up the stairs, put away what had to be and took a nap! Why am I so tired all the time??
I live a pretty boring life. That's probably why I don't go anywhere!! Well, the next two weekends are busy. Charlotte's party is this next weekend and the following weekend is Tristan's baptism. I'm looking forward to going to both. My camera will be busy, especially at Charlotte's party. She's such a lively little thing and I love her to death. Can't wait to see her again!!
I just finished watching last week's episode of Survivor. How can those people not want to get rid of Russell? What a villain! He's the best. I even liked Boston Rob this time around. I feel sorry for Coach and never liked him either. I can remember the first couple of years, there were alliances and some scheming, but nothing like they do today!! I suppose that's why it's such a popular show. I had a Board of Director's meeting on Thursday night so missed it and only thought of it this afternoon. I'm also a big fan of "Shark" which was on CBS years ago. James Wood was the main character. It's now on our ION channel on Sunday nights. Two episode's a night. I enjoy watching them again, some I remember, other's I probably didn't even see. Gives a person something to do!!!
I've put away the majority of my winter clothes. Some days I don't think that was a very good idea, but I did keep out a couple of long-sleeved shirts I can still wear. I have some mending to do. Last time Barb and I went shopping I got a pair of brown dress pants and have wore then twice, the last time they were washed I noticed the hem on the one leg was completely gone. Hung them up but now will definitely have to fix them as I have a number of tops that look great with them. I hate mending!! I remember when I sewed a lot of clothes for Barb. She had some really cute dresses when she was about 2-3. That was fun, and now I hardly look at patterns or do anything with my sewing machine. My sister makes quilts and I keep telling her I'll take one with blues and lavenders in it. Hint, Hint!!!
I have state meetings coming up in Des Moines too. But before I go down there for that I have a couple of state reports that have to be done. They're on the top of my list for this next week's work. My receptionist has been out of the office for a few days and I'm expecting more days off to come. Her husband, John, is very sick. He was in the hospital last week for a few days. I think he was able to come home over the weekend. Guess I'll find that out tomorrow. He has cancer and the outlook is not very good. Say a pray for John and Donna. It's been a rough year for both of them. They've been together since they were 14 and married over 40 years. They have a wonderful relationship, with two great sons and grandchildren. Keep them in your prayers. When Donna is out of the office, I usually take the reception desk in the afternoons. Thank goodness we're not real busy right now. We're not booked with 4 or 5 clients per half hour like we are during fuel season. The only problem with me being downstairs is I don't get my work done upstairs. But at the present time it's more important for Donna to be with John than me complaining about my work. I can get a lot done in the mornings, and if I could get my butt out of bed in the mornings, could go in early and get a lot done! I can be such a sleepy head!!!
I think I've rambled on enough. Hope this finds all well. To those of you that read it, leave a comment once in a while (that way I'll know someone is reading it). I'm sure next week I'll have scads of pictures of my precious granddaughter. Birthdays are fun, even when you get old!
God Bless All!
I'm anxiously waiting for Friday. I'm finally getting my hair cut and permed. It's really looked bad the last few weeks. I can get in Friday, so Sarah here I come!! It'll be nice to be able to do something with it again.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Early Easter
Grandma & Jackson headed for the deck and blowing bubbles!
Jackson chasing bubbles!
Jackson trying to blow his own bubbles!
Grandma reading Jackson's new book.
Betsy, Jackson and new baby Tristan!
This video is of Jackson getting ready to go home. After it was decided it was time to go he picked up his toys, put them in his backpack and told everyone he was going home with Mike! He's 2 1/2 and at such a cute age. He was our entertainment for the day.
We celebrated Easter early this year. We were hoping that Jim, Mandy and Charlotte could join us but when I planned the date I didn't know they had already obligated themselves to Jayke's 5th birthday party. Check out their blog. Looks like they had a great time. We missed them.
Dinner was scheduled for around noon. Everyone got there a little earlier than I anticipated so we had some deviled eggs (a special Easter plate just for the eggs) and some cheese and crackers. Jackson was a big help. He drug bottles and cans into the kitchen when everyone was finished. He even dragged his Papa in once. I just didn't understand what he was saying so he went and got Ron. Ron had told him that he came to eat a lot of ham. Jackson told him "I get it!" and of course, I didn't understand what he was trying to tell me. Sorry about that Jackson. He makes a great waiter!
Dinner was good. Baby Tristan decided that was the time to fuss otherwise he slept through the whole day. I didn't even get my picture taken with him. We were going to take family pictures too, but since he was such a little sleepy head we've decided to do them at Tristan's baptism. I haven't got a new family picture of the Foels' yet this year.
I had an Easter basket for Jackson and gifts for the new mommy and baby. Jackson had a great time opening everyone's goodies. One of his gifts was bubbles and he enjoyed them immensely. I imagine Karsten and Beth have too since they got home. It was fun watching him run around. He's such a talker! Like I said, he was our entertainment for the day.
We watched ISU play UConn in the NCAA tournament. It was a bad game, but we watched it almost to the end. Everyone got hungry so we ate before it was over. Maybe in another year ISU can not run into a team like the UConn Huskies! They are awesome!
We spent the afternoon visiting. Jackson and Karsten watched a couple of cartoons. Lady and the Tramp was a favorite. Actually I think Karsten watched the movie after Jackson got bored!
It was great getting back together again. Sent home baskets with Barb for Jim, Mandy and Charlotte. Hope we can all do this again some time soon.
Barb came on Friday evening already. She let me sleep-in on Saturday morning. I'm still recovering from my episode with the flu. She got me up around 10 and had already taken all the boxes downstairs, cleaned up some cans and was ready to go to the redemption center with pop and beer cans. We got that done. Picked up our ham, ate lunch, went shopping for Charlotte and got some groceries. By then I was ready for a nap! Barb spent Saturday evening with her Dad and Linda. I got eggs ready, put all my stuff in my new billfold and played with my new phone.
Barb bought me a billfold for Mother's Day and after seeing what my old one looked like, gave it to me early. It's great Barb. She also got me a new cell phone. It's very much different than what I'm used to, but I'm getting the hang of it. I actually texted her while she was out and it worked! Imagine that!!
Hey Barb, putting the 100 watt bulb above the sink didn't work. Guess I better go out and buy some smaller watted ones! Another job for the 'to do' list. Barb did so many things for me this weekend. I was so behind in a lot of things. The last month has been a rough one, but I'm feeling much better. Went to the doctor last Tuesday and all my numbers are good. Some could be better, but he didn't yell at me!! And I actually lost 4 lbs. Wow!!
Happy Easter to everyone! The weather has been great! Except for this afternoon. I had the patio doors wide-open and it started to pour! I had water all over the floor! But it sure smelled good.
Take care all!
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