My Views Through Stain Glass

Getting Back Into The Swing Of Things!!!

2011-04-27T10:15:00.002-04:00

I am looking forward to getting back into this blog. Some changes will be happening soon, and updates as well. Have a great day and a better tomorrow!!

A busy Summer....

2008-07-11T09:13:00.002-04:00

I could not wait until school was out, then came summer ball. I could not wait until summer ball was over. It has been a lot of running around with the oldest sprout on two different ball teams. Both sprouts were on the same team, and the oldest sprout got to play with the next league up from her age group this year as well. It was a great experience. The older team took second in the league tournament so they got trophies. The lower league team won the league tournament. They beat the team that had not lost a game all season. Our team played their best game of all that night. They truly earned that game.

Life after ball practices and games has consisted of camp, holiday celebrations and birthday celebrations with the family, and lots of swimming when ever possible.

I have not been able to spend a lot of time with the sprouts because of the summer visitation schedule with their dad, so I have been keeping busy with golf and an occasional bowling tournament.

My twin sister and I have a milestone birthday coming up in August, so we have been trying to plan something for that. I have been doing some thing around the hose as well. My furnace barely made it through the winter, and my air conditioner did not make it through last summer, so I have finally gotten those replaced, along with my leaking water heater, so hopefully I am done with major home repairs for awhile.

If you think about it, and would like to say a prayer for my former spouse, he and his wife just lost on of there business to a fire a couple of day ago. They did not own the building according to the paper. There has been a lot of controversy with the business, because of the previous owners and their relationship with the builders owners. A lot of people saw a lot of red flags go up when they found out this building went up in smoke. So if you could keep them in your thoughts as they have to work on cleaning up and everything, that would be appreciated.

Have a great day and a better tomorrow!!!

Wow It has been awhile.....Where have I been....

2008-04-30T09:55:00.002-04:00

Where have I been? January and February rolled through with me getting through the various snow falls this year. I am so thankful for the snow blower my dad got me this year. I would have been snowed in for days if I had to shovel it all.

March was a great month this year. This year for spring break I took the sprouts to see the big mouse in Florida with my parents and my twin sister and her family. Everyone had a great time. The sprouts had no idea where they were going until we were in the car on our way south. We have all been planning this trip for over a year and managed to keep it a secret the whole time. I will have to admit it was hard towards the end because I was ready for the vacation. A week in the sun, no rain, no snow. Everyone had a great time.

April has brought an end to the swim lessons this year to make room for softball. Should be an interesting year for the sprouts in softball. My oldest realizes that she gets to run the bases if she gets hit by the ball. I will have to admit that is not my theory on the game, and I would bet that she will change her mind after a few times.

I am waiting for the washer to arrive. There is nothing like having to figure out when to get your laundry done when your washer is beyond repair. I cannot wait to have a working one back in the house. I still have to replace my furnace and air conditioner, and water heater yet. The furnace will not make it through next winter, it barely made it through this year. The air went out last summer, and I am hoping not to have to do that again this year as well. As for the water heater, I am hoping the small leak stays that way until I can get a new one.

Bowling has been going well this year. My team won our league. We did well in the city tournament. I did well in the state tournament so far, I have one more week before I will know the final results of the state tournament. The national tournament is coming up in May. I am hoping to do well there, but just to have fun will be great as well. I think my sister and I are going to bowl in a new tournament together also. We have wanted to get in this one for the last few years, but just could not manage to schedule it in.

I have been helping a friend with some stainglass coasters that she wanted to make. Making stainglass suncatchers is not the easiest thing to do in stainglass. This has been a challenge, teaching her how to work with the glass and having it be such small pieces. I design one of the patterns for her. Hopefully I will get pictures of them when they are complete for all to see.

I hope everyone is having a great year so far.

Is that to much?......

2008-01-28T12:27:00.000-05:00

My youngest sprout received a gift card to the land of Many Toys. We finally were heading to a town that had the store to spend our money. Was inside we walked around a little bit and found somethings. I said that is fine lets look around some more to see what all is available.

We finally spotted the exact gift we wanted, but still looked around. Is that to much? Is that to much? Is that one to much? All through out the store, my response was either yes or no. If you want that one you have to put this back. No I will keep that one. After about a half hour we were checking out, carrying our barbie gift all the way to the car.

There is nothing like a gift card to burn a whole in a 6yrs pocket. When we got home the sprouts had a good time playing with the new addition to their big collection of toys.

The little things.....

2008-01-25T15:03:00.000-05:00

Now that the sprouts and I have been through the flu like crud that has been going around I thought I would do a post.

Things have not slowed down that much lately. My youngest sprout is a year older now. So a big celebration was had at my sisters. Of course all the snow melted before the party again this year so plan B was in place. Roller skating and a movie. All the kids loved it. I was under the weather but made it through the weekend. Nothing like taking your own box of tissues to the movie theatre for a kids movie.

Communication between the former spouse and myself has been a lot better. Kind of scary sometimes but very nice. He had been very good at keeping track of additional stuff now. That is an extreme plus. I do not have to remind him anymore. Not sure if it is a coincidence or not, but this new communication all started when I told him that I thought my so called online friend was his wife. After the online friend and I had it out for about an hour, I have not heard from her since, and he has been great at doing his fatherly duties.

He even took the sprouts to the doctor to get checked out. Before he would just tell me that he thought they were under the weather and probably should go see the doctor. I thought he was going to do that to me one day, but he ended up doing it all by himself. He made the appointment and everything. I was impressed.

I hope everyone is keeping warm so far this winter. A minus 2 to start the day today, but it is a balmy 12 degrees now.

Hey I am still Here......

2008-01-07T21:34:00.000-05:00

What a busy Holiday season it has been. I have attended three family Christmas gatherings, been through Two snow storms of over 9+ inches of snow, and one New Years Eve gathering. Not to bad, now I just have to get back to normal live. I have managed to get the tree down, now I need to get it put away. I traded trees with my sister after the holiday season.

Biggest surprise I got for Christmas was from my ex. He is giving me a load of wood to burn for the winter, as soon as I run out of the load I just got in November. It is a nice offering from him I will have to admit. They own a firewood place of business. He owns his own heating and air conditioning business as well and charges me for that when he works on my furnace and air conditioner. Go figure that one out!

I hope everyone is having a great new year!

Brrrr it was cold!!!

2007-12-12T08:10:00.000-05:00

Saturday night it started with the freezing rain and continued on and off for a few days. Also late saturday night early sunday morning my furnace decided to stop working correctly so I had to shut it off. Luckily I have a fireplace and have been running it as well so I put some more wood on the fire and it maintain the temperature for awhile. Sunday morning the sprouts dad dropped them off and we got ready and headed to church. There was a little bit of ice on the roads but they were not bad. However the further north I got the worse it got, but we made it safe and sound. I had to hang around my parents house for the day because the sprouts had the childrens christmas program that night at church. While waiting it was freezing rain most of the afternoon. We headed to church and saw a wonderful program with about 30 children participating. The sprouts and I headed for home. Since the fire ran out because we were not there the house was a chilly 61. I started a fire and it got up to around 66. We all slept on the couch in front of the fireplace. Monday morning the furnace was diagnosed and parts were summons. The schools were cancelled because of the ice. I went bowling that night with the furnace not fixed yet. Upon fixing the one part it was discovered that another part was going to be needed. SO, another night without no heat so to speak. I had no idea how cold it was in the house when I got home because the thermostat was shut down as well during the repair. I do know that it was 59 when I left for bowling. I started a fire again and slept on the couch. Luckily I did not have the sprouts with me, they were with their dad for a scheduled visitation. Tuesday I slowly got ready for work. My heated office looked better than hanging out at home today. Schools were closd again because of ice issues possibily. They could have gone today but decided otherwise. It really did not matter to me today because I did not have the sprouts this morning. ALthough it did cause the music program to be cancelled again. Finally in the afternoon I had heat. The last part was gotten from the supplier and all is warm now. I just have to get back into the swing of things and get stuff done. I have my family christmas this weekend and then the extened family christmas the following weekend and I still have to finish buying for the sprouts. They wish to have everything they see on TV. :)

FINALLY!!!!!

2007-12-07T14:36:00.000-05:00

I have finally got all the papers in my office filed. There were some dated back three years. That was when my divorce was final. I had one stack of papers that was probably 18" high if not higher. As of this afternoon, there is not one paper to be filed in my office. I have a lot of room in my office now. A little poetic justice you might say. I have been given the responsibility to supervise the people that I did not like working with at work. They are actually all for the supervision. I thought that was kind of odd but what ever. So far things have been going smoothly at work now. Not much new happening on my end. The snow has finally made an appearance. Normally I would be head over heals over that, but I have injured my foot some how. I have inflamed one end of the arch in my foot where it attaches itself. There are two points it attaches itself, one is in the heal and the other end is just below your toes near the ball of your foot. People most inflame their heal, not me I have to inflame the other end. So anytime I walk on an uneven surface that makes contact with my arch it is like stepping on a Lego block in the dark. So snow covered sidewalks and such are not that great for me right now. Hopefully this will heal quickly, I am getting tire of it. I finally have a few days this weekend to my self. The sprouts will be at there dads. Because of the holidays I have had them the last three weekends in a row. So hopefully the weather will be nice so that I can get some things done. This is the last weekend I am going to have to go shopping without the sprouts. Hope You Are Having A Great Day!

Update on spooky story Part 2

2007-11-26T12:58:00.000-05:00

Well, I never got the information on where to meet this person, so we never met. Of course later she says she sent me that information, but never sent a hey where were you message since I never showed up. Of course that could be because she never went there either. On November 9th I decided to end the so called friendship. I was not the one that initiated it in the first place. I actually refused the online invitation and she kept sending me an invite until I did accept it.

I sent a quick message that asked how her vacation was. She did not get the drift of that message because she played the I am not the person you think I am roll. I stopped and talked to my ex on my lunch hour that day, and we discussed a lot of different things. The up coming holiday schedules for everyone, the sprouts events they have coming up. It was a very pleasant conversation. Then I told him what I think his wife is up to or has been up to. I got the deer in the headlights look of course. I told him that this person had contacted my sister as well and that I have never given out her ID to anyone and the only way this person would have gotten it was from his list. He claimed that he has not been chatting online for a very long time. That I believe. I told him that she has been logged into his account though because he has come up available on my list and I know it was not him because he was at work where he cannot chat online. And there is no way to get around that at his work that I do know as well. He said he will ask his wife. I told him that doesn't really matter that I do not believe a word that either one says for the most part. It was a very peaceful conversation, I did not loose my temper I laid out everything I knew and headed back to work which is all of a two mile drive.

After I got to work about 20 minutes after I had finished the conversation with the ex guess who pops online to chat. Yep, my so called friend. I knew that would happen. That is when she wanted to know what my message about the vacation met. I did not explain it. She started right in on me, saying that I have not moved on in my life and that I am jealous of the ex's wife and that I am like one of those crazy people that go around shooting people. I need to see a counsellor because I am crazy. I seem to be so much living in the past and don't move forward in my life. Blah Blah Blah.....

After bantering back an forth for a bit, I finally asked her about knowing who my sister is, without giving away that it was my sister. Here came the lie. She said that she had no idea who that person was never her of that person. I told her that was funny because that person was on her friends list. She said yes that she was, but that she just clicked ok to accept her so that she could get on with her job. This person continued to ask my sister to be friends online even after she kept declining her.

So we banter back and forth for about an hour which was about 59 minutes to long for me. Funny thing is that my "friend" gave up on the conversation she finally ended that conversation abruptly after I had said something. And she has NEVER done that. I was always the one to end the conversation, mostly because she kept pissing me off. After going back and looking at some of the archives between us. The person, never gave up on anything she kept needling and needling and needling at things, and would never give it up, until this last conversation. Interesting I think.

Anyways I have not lost any sleep over this. I am glad I decided to file for the divorce. I have so moved on in my life, and being Jealous of the ex's wife has never entered the picture at all. She has nothing to be jealous of.

I have seen the ex's wife once since this all happened. The ex and I have talked several times and all since this has happened. He has actually gone out of the way to make conversation and actually be on top of things since all of this started. Kind of strange but nice now. I had to drop the sprouts off at his house yesterday and she was there, she made an big effort to stay out of eye contact with me which I though strange, because it was her house. I stood just inside the doorway. I hate even going in and I wouldn't have except I had to sign one of the sprouts planner for school which he kept at his house for the weekend, so I had to go in to sign it. Her brother was just inside of the doorway as well, and yet she stayed out of eye sight for me, not that I was trying to see her either. She carried on a conversation with one of the sprouts. The sprout said that I was signing her planner for school and the wife said what your dad cannot do it. I wanted to say apparently not because he did not sign it last week when he had them. But I just went about my own business. The sprout said that I was signing to show that the sprout read over the holidays. The kids in class get a party if they read for so many days in a month. The wife said that was nice that I remembered to do that. It is not a memory issue. It is a parenting issue.

So there you have it. I am glad it is over. My sister and I were going to set her up but I did not want to play the game. I have played their games for to many years. That is one reason I end one of the games when I filed for a divorce. Now I ended another and hopefully the last one.

E Y E check ups....

2007-10-29T08:44:00.000-04:00

I thought it would be a good idea to finally get my eye check, since I had not that for several years. I also decided to get the sprouts checked as well, since their dad kept telling me he was going to do so, and never made the appointment. I got us in last Friday, the sprouts had the day off from school for fall break so that worked out well.

Word of advise. Never take your sprouts with you at the same time to get your eye checked. The assistant took all at the same to the the room and she started in with the oldest sprout, while I finished up some paper work. The assistant went through the read this line on the screen on the wall, and went through some other tests. Then it was the youngest sprouts turn. It was a first time visit for the youngest sprout. Then it was my turn. So as I was reading the letters that I could make out on the screen in front of me, I hear from the chair in the corner. My youngest sprout say, "Mom, you missed a letter."

That would probably be one reason that I have a new prescription for lenses.

Pumpkins and Spooky stories....

2007-10-27T19:31:00.000-04:00

Well here are some pumpkins for this year.

The University of Michigan Pumpkin

The University of Texas Pumpkin

The Oklahoma State University Pumpkin

The Happy one was done by my 8yr sprout, the other is my 5yr sprouts. The white dots are clear pegs that let light shine through for a added effect.

This is my pumpkin for this year.

I still have two more university logos to do. All the university logo pumpkins have been given away as gifts. Hopefully I will get a picture of one of my stainglass pumpkins as well soon.

A spooky story sort of. I had a online friend that I talked to long before my marriage went south. I have not talked to this person for some time most of the summer and on and off before then. She just kept making me mad a lot, and I did not want to put up with it anymore. I did some digging and some thinking and I think that this person is my ex's now wife, former other woman before the divorce. I could always count on this person trying to chat with me a day or two after something controversial may have happen between my ex and myself. Sure enough something might have depending on how you look at things.

This past Tuesday there was a major fire in my city, and the former spouse is a firefighter. Although he was not on duty the day of the big fire, it was an all call for pretty much every firefighter in the county. I could see the column of smoke billowing from my office window. Turns out I was less that a mile from the fire. The fire started around 10am, and it was not suppose to be my night to have the sprouts. I did start to wonder if he was at the fire and if they would be done in time for him to pick them up for their swim lessons later that evening. I did not call him to find out. I just waited to see what he would do.

He did call me at work around 3pm to let me know that there was a big fire today and that he probably would not be able to get the sprouts in time for their lessons and could I possibly do it. I wondered where his wife was because she usually takes care of the sprouts for him most of the time anyways, but was glad he asked me. I returned his call and told him that I would take the sprouts to their lessons but that I would have to leave at 6:30 because I had a meeting at 7.

He thought that would be doable. SO I began to figure out how I was going to get all their swim stuff around in time and go pick them up and head to swimming in the half hour I have from the time I leave work to the time swimming starts. I knew where on suit was at home I had no idea where the other one had a suit at. I figure the suit would not have a matching top and bottom, but I found a one piece that fit and grabbed two towels and out the door I went. When I stopped by the house to pick up the stuff the fire alarm went off again for a potentially large fire again at a different location. I was thinking now there is no way I am going to make my meeting.

He left a message on my phone when I was picking up the swim stuff to make sure that the oldest got to her lesson and put the youngest in the child care. They have different lesson times. I got the impression that I could leave after I did that and that he would be there to pick them up. I called him back and left a message on his phone telling him that I was not leaving the sprouts until either he or his wife showed up. He called me back and told me that he would be there before 7 but probably would be after 6:30.

He did show up just before 7, I got their stuff out of my car, and gave it to him. He got the youngest out of child care, and I helped the oldest get dressed since her clothes were in the ladies locker room anyways. He and I chatted a few minutes about the next two weeks schedule and we went on our separate ways.

Yes, I was late to my meeting, but I was not mad about it. Anyways my friend contacts me on Wed which I expected because she always did that. I finally told her who I thought she really was. The only way to clear this up was to meet face to face. I have offered that before and she has backed out of it. So I let her pick the date and time, and I agreed to both, especially since it was going to be on a weekend that they were going to be on vacation. She played the did I get booted routine when it came to the location. SO the location has still yet to be determined. She says she sent me offline messages on the location, but the only offline messages I have gotten from her was the one where she tells me she sent me offline messages. So will see what happens in the next few days.

What a tangled web you weave when you try to deceive.

The next few days should be interesting.

Woo Hoo an Anniversary.....

2007-10-12T08:45:00.000-04:00

NOT!!!...

Today would have been my wedding anniversary, today it is just another day. At the end of the month will be the anniversary of my divorce...I so love October.. NOT!

Halloween is approaching soon. Costumes have to be got yet, since their dad has plans on being out of town this year, I get to help the spouts with their costumes. This would not be such a hard task, if they would just decide what they want to be. LOL. I have plans on carving about 8 pumpkins this year, hopefully I will get to start them this weekend. I have been working on mass production of some stainglass Halloween pieces. Everything has been slow going because I just have not been in to mood to do anything.

I have been looking forward to this weekend. I am hoping to get a lot done, since the sprouts are spending the weekend at his parents house. A complete weekend for me, sprout free. Most people would enjoy a weekend to themselves. I am not even that excited about it anymore. Before he asked me if the sprouts could spend the weekend at his parents, I was going to tell him that I was not going to be able to have the sprouts for him this weekend anyways. Only because I am going out with a friend on Saturday night, and I did not want to have to find someone to watch the sprouts for me then. And, I hardly ever get a complete weekend to myself, so I was going to pick this weekend. But, I am in such a mood that it really doesn't matter if I have the free weekend or not. I am looking for to Saturday night though. My friend and I are going to listen to a lady speak at a local church. I have heard her before, she is a speaker in the divorce class I took a few years ago. This "seminar" that she is speaking at is for everyone, married, single, divorced, widowed...so it should be a fun evening. We both are looking forward to it. She and I have decided to make an evening of it. We haven't seen each other in awhile, so it will be fun. Hopefully!

I mentioned earlier that I was going to carve about 8 pumpkins. Most of them I plan on giving away, that should be fun. Same with the stainglass pieces, I am hoping to get about 20 little stainglass pieces done. Yes, I could sell them. God knows I could use the money. But, it is just more fun an exciting to give them away. I just have to get them done. The sprouts have some arts and crafts stuff they want to do, so I have to make some space for that at the house. That should be interesting, since my house looks like a tornado went through it. Since my grandma passed away about three weeks ago I have not landed at home long enough to do anything with the house. I have had to do laundry early in the morning, just to try to keep up with that. I have been helping my mom with some of the stuff she has had to do finalizing issues from the estate. My younger sister could have helped her out more easily than me, but she has her own agenda to be on, but is always at mom and dads asking for money for some stupid thing. That is another story.

Well, I hope everyone gets a chance to catch the fall colors. Until next time, HAVE A GREAT DAY, AND A BETTER TOMORROW!

Forgot to tell you....

2007-10-03T14:34:00.000-04:00

I really hate my job. The only reason I hate my job is because of the people I have to work with, or the two people that I have to work with in the office of 25 people.

I am the only engineer at this company and my main responsibility is to generate prints for the six plants that we have and to make sure that the sample parts that we manufacture are correct before I send them off to the customer. I have other duties as well, these are the main two that take up most of my time. I do not have another person that helps me out. I use to have a college student but then they graduated and of course it is cheaper not to hire another one.

I do have the flexibility to leave and pick up sprouts from preschool, now kindergarten and return back to work. It is not that far for me to do that and that was usually my lunch hour. My boss knew that I was doing that as did his boss the Vice-President of the company. Well there are two women that work up stairs for my boss who apparently think it is their job to keep track of me as well. (Side note: my boss cannot stand working with them either)

They are always commenting on my coming and going even when I came in after hours when we had a second shift. I came in to get some work done on a new project we were trying to get the business for and had some 50 prints to generate for it. I finally had it when I went on a long weekend with my sister and mom and came back to a message on my answering machine from my boss saying that they were at it again.

I finally decided to hide my time card, except on Wednesday my time card had been moved and it was not even near the location I had put it, not to mention that I hide it behind the salesman's card who was on the road that week, so I know he did not touch it. I keep it in my office now. My boss know this. Before taking 2 of my allotted 3 days for my grandmas visitation and memorial service, I sent an email around to certain people most I just added to the list to make it look good, explaining why I was going to be gone. Not that I normally do that but apparently some people feel the need that have to know where I am at all times.

I only got a funny response from one of the plant managers. The next day one of the girls downstairs came up and asked the girls if they wanted a complaint free world bracelet to wear. Of course the girls up here took offense to that as well. One of the girls thought she was being harassed. Of course no else thought that way, but again they were not the reason for the email in the first place though.

When I came back to work after my grandmas memorial there was a hand written note in my mailbox from the owner of the company, and stapled to it was a copy of my email, except the to and from parts had been removed from the version he had. He wanted to know who I addressed the letter to, and what was going on. I only needed to let the HR person know, which she did and I sent the email to her as well.

I have not responded back to him, and probably won't unless he brings it up.

I am still here....LOL

2007-10-03T14:13:00.000-04:00

After a very long two weeks things are back to normal I think. My oldest is now 8years old. A strawberry shortcake was the requested theme. A good time was had by all.

The family began bickering about stuff. Nothing like a death in the family to bring out every ones ugliness. The memorial service was very nice. I think grandma enjoyed it. I did get up and say a few words. No one that spoke could get through their part. Grandma had such an impact on a lot of peoples lives.

I have had a couple of nice conversations with the former spouse. That was nice, f course the wife was not around either, so that made it even nicer. He even called me today to let me know about the oldest homework, that got done last night. He never calls for stuff like that. I am still up in the air on whether to call and let him know stuff since his wife check his email now, or send an email still. I am not thrilled that she can preview it and prepare him on what to do first. I will still think about this one. I did mention to him that I was not that thrilled about not being able to talk to just him about the kids.

I finally get a weekend to myself, what will I do?

I am sure I will find something.

To My Grandmother.....

2007-09-19T08:11:00.000-04:00

A little tribute to my grandmother who gave up her life here on earth to be at a better place this morning. What a life she lived.

When she was born her mother carried her around on a pillow because she had a heart condition and wasn't suppose to live long at all. Always out to prove everyone they were wrong about her. At 94 she has seen ALOT in her life. From going to school in a horse and wagon to seeing people travel by plane.

She was an identical twin, just like I am. In this case it was everyother generation. I always enjoyed listening to her stories of her life. Living through the depression and having nothing to baking 17 pies in one week before Thanksgiving at the age of 92 and her family not seeing one of those pies. They were all given away. She would turn around and bake 7 more for the family dinner.

Everyone has some regrets in their lives that they wish they could have another chance at. I have no idea if my grandmother had any. She always talked about the things she did to help others, and still get things she wanted to do done.

My only regret is that I did not get to see my grandmother lately, within the past month or so. I saw her at the family reunion July 29th and what a time she had then. She could hardly walk but was as sharp as a tac that day. I wanted to take the sprouts to see her this past weekend, but did not because my cousin was in town and went to see her. She got really tired if lots of people came to visit her in a day. So I gave the day up and now I am glad for that but sad still the same. Life will go one in our family and we will all be better people when looking at back and remembering the good times we had when grandma was around.

Back to the working world...

2007-09-04T16:03:00.000-04:00

A great labor day weekend for all. At least it was for me and I hope it was for you as well. The only work I had to do was drive and walk all day yesterday. Saturday I took the sprouts to one of their appointments then we went to mom and dads to celebrate to only grandson of the families first birthday. He was not all that excited about getting his hands dirty with frosting, but eventually he caught on for a brief moment. Then the presents were opened and he was having a great time. He is such a character.

Sunday I took the sprouts to church, and they had to behave in order to go to a fair on Monday. That may be taken as a threat by some but if knew these two sprouts you would under stand. I occasionally run the computer at church, the one that puts the words up on the screen an such. Well Sunday was my day in the rotation, the two sprouts have joined me before up front when I have be manning the computer, and they were not angels then. The pastors wife took them back downstairs for me. That was awhile ago, but that telling them they have to be good works for now. After church they went to mom and dads and I ran home to get the annual school fundraiser information so that my family can take part in the fun since they were all down for the weekend. We all headed to a relatives for a family gathering on my dads side. This is always interesting of a time because we hardly get together on that side. He has two sisters and we went to one of his sisters house because the other sister was in town from her house in the west. We had a good time. The kids had fun playing outside all day. There could have been a few less mosquitoes, but all in all it was a nice time.

Monday was fair day. The sprouts were good so my family went to the fair. This fair was an hour away. It is the fair that my mom went to when she was growing up. It is a really nice fair. The sprouts rode rides all day. Mu dad took my niece and oldest around and I took my youngest around. They never quit. My youngest didn't even fall asleep in the car on the way home. The other did. I even tried to but the youngest kept waking me up.

So today brings me back to the great office of a loving kind....NOT. To start the day off I had the sprouts with me this morning because the school had its first fog delay of the year. Hopefully that will not happen often.

Bowling has started again. So live is not all that boring anymore. Kind of challenging since I threw a 192 in my first game, which is not really good to establish an average on, but I am sure I will get that down to a manageable number.

That time of year....

2007-08-23T14:01:00.000-04:00

School has begun finally. I now have two sprouts in school. This makes my morning a little more easier. Would be much more easier if the schools traffic flow was fixed to something that worked more efficient.

The youngest sprout and I met the teacher yesterday morning per the teachers request, instead of at the open house. This was much nicer because then I did not have take her to the evening open house to hang in her sisters class room. She would have been bored to death and would have pushed all of my buttons before we were done. She was excited to meet the teacher and got to play in the room and get familiar with it while the parents went through the rules for the year.

Thanks to the most upstanding people in the area, parents are no longer allowed to walk the child to the classroom or even enter the building unless it is official business. If child forgets gym shoes, parents drop them off at the security office and that is as far as you get. That will be interesting when the science fair comes up and the kids have big displays to bring in. Oh well will cross that path later.

The oldest sprout and I met with her teacher at the open house last night. Should be an interesting year for her. Hopefully getting all the information that comes home from school will happen this year. The teacher has a totally different way of doing that so I really have to keep on top of sprouts stuff. She is a second grader and will have a planner and all info will be in the planner. If I need to send a note to the teacher I have to put it in the planner. Not sure how that is going to go over with the ex.

Today all went well. I dropped them off and they headed into school. The oldest was going to walk the youngest to her room for the first few days then she will not need to do so. I picked up the youngest at lunch time and asked how her day was. I got "Not Good" usually that means we hit someone for something stupid like looking at us....lol. She was just mad because they did not get a snack or get to go out for recess, rain came rolling through this morning. Hopefully a nap a daycare will change her mood and make for a nice evening for me.

With the high heat index these last couple of days and no central air working in my house, the ceiling fans and a window unit have almost made it bearable to stand for the evening. I am not a very warm weather person. I prefer snow be on the ground. Hopefully this weather will be moving on soon. I will be escaping it this weekend and heading back up north for the weekend.

A girls weekend is going to be on the agenda. My mom, my twin sister and I are heading to the upper peninsula of Michigan for the weekend. We did invite my younger sister and she opted out. No tears here for her not going. We are going to partake in the local seafood fest. That is the only reason we are going. Driving nine hours for seafood. or nine hours to get away for a brief time. Either way we are all looking forward to it. The weather is suppose to be sunny and high 70's perfect for me.

Reality has set in again......

2007-08-13T11:29:00.000-04:00

The party (vacation) is over, back to reality (work). The sprouts and I were on vacation last week. We traveled to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for a relaxing week at the family cabin. My twin sister and her family, along with my mom and niece were there as well. My dad and younger sister had to work. They are working on rebuilding a large orchard that burnt down on July 3rd, and it is apple picking time. The cold storage unit for the apples is not finished yet. My dad is only responsible for the electrical part of the rebuilding of three new buildings.

We arrived at the cabin Saturday night, mom and my niece came in Sunday. We had no big plans of leaving the cabin much at all for the week. My aunt called and said that there would be a power outage on Tuesday and Thursday for an hour in the afternoon. With only one TV station available to us on the TV this was not a big issue.

The weather was perfect for the week, mid 80's or less, sunny blue skies. No rain at all. Lots of fishing, mostly for me. My sister would help the two 5yrs and 7yr catch fish, but I had to do all the baiting of the hooks and releasing the fish off the hook and back to the water. She drew a line when it came to that. Eventually towards the end of the week, I could actually get some fishing in myself. It was fun watching the kids catching the "big one" some where so small I could not get my thumb in their mouth to get the hook out. I did get the hook out though.

There was little "Chip" and "Dale" chipmunk hanging around the cabin all week. There are weeks when no one is at the cabin so it is not like they are use to people being around. We have an A frame cabin on a full walkout basement. I was outside the basement door on Friday taking care of the kids water shoes, when "Chip" came running down the sidewalk and right between my legs from behind me. That startled me just a bit. I turned around to see "Dale" heading back up the hill and "Chip" was just sitting at the end of the sidewalk looking at me. That was about the extent of the wild life, for the week. No bears, or spotting of a moose, there were two deer spotting's but I see them here at home.

The sprouts had a great time. They got to go for a canoe ride, compliments of me or me and my sister. That was a challenge to get the two 5yrs and a 7yr to not lean over in the canoe. Of course we then had to deal with the I have to go potty out in the middle of the lake, or the I want to go back now and we have not even been in the canoe for 5 minutes.

Everyone had a great time, the kids got to enjoy a big playground, and see a great lakes freighter up close getting loaded. They evening got to walk to the beaches of Lake Michigan on the way up.

I woke up this morning, with the dreaded task of getting ready for work. Tonight I have to mow my yard and call the tech support guys to get my Internet working again. I came home and have no Internet upon starting up my computer. That would not bother me as much if I had air conditioning in my house working but I no longer have that either. So now I have a warm house and no Internet. That equals a cranky person with an addiction to the computer and no fix in sight. Hopefully that will change tonight.

A good time was had by all.....

2007-07-31T09:45:00.000-04:00

I have finally recovered from a long two weeks worth of helping my mom get ready for a family reunion. This would be a reunion from my grandmothers generation on down. We use to have this every year, for as long as I could remember as a kid. One of my favorite events to look forward to during the summer...NOT! Now I helped put one on, NEVER THOUGHT THAT WOULD EVER HAPPEN.

This all started about two weeks ago, when some of the relatives in Seattle, WA called and said they are coming our way and would like to see my grandma and her twin sister and some others. Hence the reunion begins. The Seattle people are going to be staying at my parents house for the weekend. It is just one of the families coming from WA. We stayed at his moms house when we were in Seattle a year ago. So Mom starts making the phone calls to let people know this is going to take place and when. I get the job of getting the house ready. My dad has had shoulder surgery so he is a wing down for 5 weeks and mom has a bad leg so she can not do alot of the work either. My twin sister is two hours away with a 10 month old and a 5yr so that was out as well. My younger sister lives closest to mom and dad and is practically at their house everyday, except these past two weeks. When she know there is work to do she will not be there. That left me. The sprouts and I went up the weekend before and we cleaned the garage on Saturday. They loved pushing the brooms around the garage floor. I cleaned all the walls and ceiling of the garage and all the windows and doors as well. I also got the front porch and back porch cleaned as well before I called it a day Saturday night. I had to take the sprouts back home Saturday night because their day was going to pick them up Sunday morning after he got off work.

Sunday morning, I head to church early to get the computer ready for the service then we attended the church wide picnic for lunch then back to mom and dads. Mom had to leave with my younger sister for the rest of the day and evening to catch a show that my sister got tickets for. That left me with a list of things to get done. Clean the three bathrooms, move all the furniture out of the grand living room and vacuum the floors because the carpet was getting cleaned the next morning. Wipe down some chairs, clean some tile floors, dust,...blah, blah, blah.... Got it done on Sunday. Left mom and dads at 11pm.

Was back and forth to mom and dads all week. My younger sister helped on Tuesday night to restring the lights on the flag pole. It is a two person job and dad is a wing short and I was busy doing other stuff. Her daughter was moving the yard because the mower that dad has take two hands he has only one available. She was covered in dirt when she got the yard done. We had not had any rain for months here but that does not seem to bother the weeds in the yard. On Wed. night my younger sister was commenting on how she help put up the lights on the flag pole, like what more do you want. I told her if she was looking to compare check lists of things done bring it on. My dad about died laughing at that one.

Thursday night, I went up and got all the final touches done. Ready for people to arrive for the weekend.

Friday night, the sprouts and I head up to mom and dads. We finished up a few more items that mom wanted done again. The guests arrive from Seattle, and the pizza party for the evening begins.

Saturday we head back to mom and dads, for just a small family gathering for lunch. We brought my grandmother out to the house. She is on hospice care and in an adult foster care house, now. We just cannot take care of her. My aunt who is a nurse and her husband brought grandma to the house. Grandma about sat on the ground when they tried to get her in the car. She just has no strength anymore. But she was glad to see the people from Seattle. She was asleep by 3pm though. They had a hard time getting her back in the car. Her twin sister came as well.

After they all left we relaxed for the rest of the afternoon, kind of. We changed the sitting arrangements for the reunion tomorrow, so that my grandma and her twin sister could have comfortable chairs to sit in for the day instead of my grandma being in her wheelchair all afternoon. So, back to moving furniture again. They got the two reclining rocking chairs for the day.

Saturday night, my twin sister and her family and the sprouts and I head to my house for the evening. I stopped by the store to pick up some stuff for cinnamon rolls and dip for the veggies that I had to cut up this afternoon. I also had to cut up all the fruit as well. Yes I know I can buy it all done, except the store let me down on that, so I had to do it the old fashion way. I got all the stuff, we got all the kids asleep finally. I called it a night as well.

Sunday we all got ready and headed up to the festivities. I realize that I have forgotten to make the cinnamon rolls when I am about a mile from mom and dads. Then my mom asked if I brought the veggie dip. Forgot that. My twin and I offer to go back and get it. We got shot down. We have a tendency not to be right back. LOL. So we improvise. People start to arrive. I was apparently left in charge of getting all the food that we had out on the table. The reunion was a potluck. I felt like I was on one of the food reality show challenges. I got it all out there.

Grandma and her sister were there in their height of glory. Two 94yr olds dressed to kill for the day. They knew everyone. It was a perfect set up that we had for them as well. People could just pull up a chair and sit and chat with both of them or just one of them as well. My grandma who was asleep by 3pm yesterday afternoon, was awake the whole time today. People did not start to leave until about 5pm.

We all realized that was probably the last time grandma would be able to get out. She realized that as well. She has come to terms with how much work it takes to get her out and about now. It is not because we do not want to, she just cannot stand anymore and it gets hard to move her. We were all glad to have her here for the reunion. That was the first time any of us has seen her so awake for such a long time, and alert as well. There were three people there from her generation and she called them by name as well. We all had a hard time sending her back to the home on Sunday night. Her twin sister was there saying good bye to her as well. My grandma has congestive heart failure and it is finally winning. We have finally reach a point where changing meds might help in one area but will hurt a different area. Yes, it is a matter of time. But again, A good time was had by all, and it is those times that we will all remember.

Why is it.......

2007-07-17T07:54:00.000-04:00

Last week flew by for me. I had the sprouts all week. They went to vacation bible school at church so we spent the night at my parents all week. That way I could drive back and forth to work and mom could take the sprouts to church. Why is it, that is was easier for me to be to work on time when I had to drive 25 miles through the country then when I had to drive 2 miles in the city? A good time was had by all last week.

We celebrated my nieces birthday this past weekend as well. It was a little early but she doesn't care. A pinata was the main entertainment for two 5yrs and a 7yr old. That pinata did not give up easily either.

It is know wonder that I do not like speaking to my younger sister. She has done nothing but complain all weekend. Of course she has complained to my mom about my twin sister and I but she will not say anything to us thought. She complained about my sister not getting our niece anything for her birthday last month. She has the gift and just forgot it when she came down. Niece was not around for her birthday, and they usually have a dinner for birthday but that never happened either. Then she complained about my sister and I planning a vacation together. My twin sister and I have kids the same age. Mine are 7 and 5, hers are 5 and almost 1. The two 5yr olds are 6 months apart. We try to get them together at least once a month if possible. My younger sister as a 13yr old, who babysits for me this summer. My twin and I are planning a spring break vacation for this up coming school year. It will probably be the last vacation together for spring break because her daughter will be in school next fall and will have different spring breaks. We live in different states. We invited my younger sister to go if she would like. She is mad because we plan everything and she either takes it or leaves it. I prefer the leave it, but I do not get so lucky all the time. She was mad because last year she went to Seattle with us and it was like this time or not at all. We had a scheduled bowling time and fit the Seattle trip in around our bowling. The rest of the family was going and she was the only one who had not been out there yet. She will never go anywhere unless there is a First National Bank of Mom and Dad near by. She and I are in the same boat except in many ways. We are both divorced, we both have children, we both have a house and car. Well I have my own car, she gets alot of her cars from dad mostly. The difference is I do not depend on my parents as much as she does. Granted my parents have helped me out, but I do not factor them in if at all possible. My sister factors them in all the time. My twin sister and I know this, my mom knows it, and she knows that it has not gone unnoticed between my twin and I as well. That is the way my younger sister will always be. Guess what we told her that we were going to beat our family cabin up in Michigan and that she is welcome to join us that week also. I am hoping Margarittaville will be set up for the week. :)

I have the day off today, which is nice again. The sprouts and I are going to tour a candy factory and hopefully catch the Fort Wayne Wizards baseball game tonight. Weather permitting. It is raining right now.

A Terrible Weekend......

2007-07-09T13:37:00.000-04:00

My not so lovely weekend started on Friday night. I drove a couple of hours away to meet a friend, we talked for a long time that night/morning. We met for breakfast had a great time. We went to a water park, found a nice spot to park our stuff, friend went to use restroom and never returned. Car was gone from parking lot as well. So home I went but not making a phone call to said friend and expressing my displeasure with choices that were made. Especially since friend just got out of hospital a week ago from having a stint put in artery of heart. I later found out friend was OK, but friend did not tell me that personally though. Don't have to worry about that person when Christmas comes around. On my way back home I called and chatted with the sprouts. I have not seen them all week because they have been camping with their dad at a local campground. I have talked to them about every other day. They both informed me that my dog passed away. He must have passed away Thursday night, Friday, or Saturday morning. That was really hard to take at the time. He was actually my ex's dog, but ex never took him after I asked him to leave the house. We each had a dog, beagles. I got mine on my birthday and a few months later we picked up his at the pound. Both dogs were about the same age. They loved each other, and were fun to be around. They both loved to go for walks and play outside. We had to put mine down shortly after I found out what ex had been doing most of our marriage. That was very hard at that time. I took care of the other dog for awhile, but he got to demanding after awhile. I live in town and have a fenced in back yard with lots of shade, but if I was not home before dark he just barked, and that pissed off the neighbors. I finally asked my ex's mom if she would like to take care of him. She loved him and had lost one of her dogs, so off to grandmas he went. At least the sprouts got to see him. I missed him. He really loved the walks more than my dog did. It was hard to hear the sprouts tell me that he died. It was not a big thing to them, they are only 7 and 5 and did not know him very well, like I did. So my Saturday really sucked! Sunday was not much better. I went to church early to get the computer set up for the first service in a record amount of time. Then I went and picked up my grandmother with my mom and we brought her out to the house for a few hours. She has been in an adult care home for a couple of weeks now. My aunt that is a nurse and can take care of her has been gone, and no one else in the family is really capable of taking care of her. I am about the only one able to lift her. My dad is having surgery on his shoulder this week, so he is not able to lift her now. She enjoyed the day at the house. She was glad to get out. But then she started in on how she hates it there, and that they yell at her, so now the family has lots of decisions to make and will be making them ASAP. I absolutely hate being caught in those decisions.

Family Matters.....

2007-07-03T15:56:00.000-04:00

My parents were suppose to go on vacation together to the great family cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They were going to meet my Aunt and Uncle there. The plans changed a bit while I was bowling in NC. My dad has to have surgery on his rotator cuff next week, so he has pre-op things to be done this week. Mom was not happy after all he has been dragging going to the doctor for a few months now, and now he decides he has to get it done. My mom left for the cabin on Sunday, so I spent the day with dad after church. In some ways we are close in other ways we are not close. We both are pretty up to date on current events and have a little bit of knowledge of each other professions. He is a master Electrician, he can wire a house. I am an Electrical Engineer, I have no idea how to wire a house. I can make a plug for you that plugs into the outlets of your house though. We have never been real close, he has no idea of all the stuff that went on before my divorce, he does know the reasons behind the divorce and that is all. That is all he really needs to know. Some of the stuff would probably cause a family feud.

Of course he had to work for a little bit in the afternoon, so I cleaned up the house a bit and washed the dishes so that he would have enough forks for the week since mom was going to be gone. He eats frozen dinners when she is gone. When he got back, he and I went out to dinner and then grocery shopping. I think dinner was just a bonus for me to go shopping with him. I pushed the cart while he stocked up for the week. It was nice to hang around with him for the day. I have not done that in years. He was joking that some people might think that he fired my sister and hired a new girl to work for him. My younger sister is his only employee, and has red hair. I do not have red hair. We were traveling around in his work van as well. I play along at times. Gives me something exciting to do.

Tonight I am golfing with my Uncle. This should be interesting, since he and I have never golfed together at the same time, we have been in the same golf outings but not on the same team. After words we are having dinner at his cottage on the lake and my dad is coming over for dinner as well. I just hope I do not hit a house tonight like I did a few weeks ago.

I hope my air conditioning is fixed today. It died on me again last Friday. At least it has not been to terribly hot. I finally got screens in my front and back doors to at least let some air flow through. The windows are painted shut. My air condition repair man was my ex, however he was not that interested in fixing it this time, considering he worked on it a month ago. SO, I have found a new guy. My ex referred my to something that might come out on Saturday. I am not interested in paying premium time for a weekend. Then my ex called me today to let me know he is having a guy stop buy to look at it today, he probably has the part I need according to my ex. I told him, I already have a guy lined up to look at it. I am not sure if my ex just did not want to do it, or did not want to do it because he was on vacation. Yet, he was making service calls while he was on "vacation" because he told me that he might be dropping the sprouts off at daycare to make some service calls. They are suppose to be camping with the sprouts this week in the county.

Everyone have a safe Independence Day!

Back home in Indiana......

2007-06-29T15:48:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had that feeling of wondering if you are ever going to get home? I had that feeling yesterday.

On Tuesday I flew to NC to bowl in the women's national bowling tournament. All went well getting there. A side note though, I have never seen so many lazy people working at the airport. I want their job. I got into NC in the afternoon, my twin sister and her family picked me up we did some sightseeing then headed back to my cousins house for the rest of the day.

Before we got ready to bowl we took the her sprouts to the pool for a little cooling off in the 90+ degree weather. Off to the bowling center she and I went. It was the team event which started at 7pm for our squad. There were people at the bowling center that had serious issues with the dress code rules. People that should have got written up didn't and those that should not have gotten written up did. I have never seen that before. Then there were the rookie attendees that were mad because you could not drink beer or liquor while bowling in the tournament, so I had to listen to that the whole time, because the team we were bowling against did not like that rule.

The team did OK, my sister and I did well, all three of my games were over my 146 average that I had for this tournament so that was a good thing. I was happy with my scores for the team event.

Wed. we hung around my cousins place for the day, then got ready to bowl again for the doubles and singles portion of the tournament again at 7pm. In order for us to make the bowling center on time we had to leave at 4pm. Mind you this center was at the other end of town just off of the bypass that went around the town. Traffic in Charlotte, NC can come to a stand still for no apparent reason and does so, everyday. Had to factor that in.

So we endured the doubles and singles event. When the sixth game came along I was ready for the agony to be over with. I was actually to OK, not great but OK. The last game however, was my worse at a 112. I was not happy but you will have that from time to time. We had to hang around after it was over with to see if we won any money in the side events that we entered in. We won some the night before, but did not think we would be that lucky tonight, but you never know, everyone else might have had a bad night as well. Turns out we did win some. That was the only highlight of the evening. We got back to my cousins house at 1am Thursday morning and I have to be on a 7:55am flight for home. I got a lot of sleep...NOT.

I got up and ready to go, and woke up my brother-in-law and we headed to the airport. We got to the airport just after 6am, and was waiting in traffic to get to the departure area, I finally got out of the car and walked up to the doors, and we were not even up to the sidewalk at the start of the departure area. All I had to do was go up to the kiosk type in my info and get my boarding pass. I got into the airport around 6:30am and finally got my boarding pass just before 7am. The place was packed for of happy travelers that were stuck there over night because of the storms that went through over night. Now I have to find the end of one of the 4 security lines, as opposed to the lines of people for check in. I start to realize that making my 7:55am flight is going to take a miracle. The security line I was in went past two front doors of the airport before evening turning into the maze for happy travelers before getting to the security people. I made it through security at 7:33am and was not even near my gate yet. I finally made it on to the plane with about 7 minutes to spare. Otherwise I was going to have to call my sister to come and pick me up and I was going to have to ride home with her.

I land in Cleveland to discover that my flight to Chicago is delayed, and later discover that it has a maintenance issue, and by the time it makes it to Cleveland and ready to depart for Chicago my flight out of Chicago will have already left. I am screwed. There are people in Cleveland left over from the night before for Chicago so all flight to Chicago are booked on all airlines. They are correct if your flight is delayed or cancelled you are screwed for days or it is going to cost you lots of money for a new flight. Since my parents dropped me off at the airport on Tuesday I had no car to pick up. I called them and updated them on my status and they headed for Cleveland and picked me up. I was at my house by 6:30pm originally arriving around 3:30pm with golf at 4:30pm. I missed the golf but at least I made it home the same day. There are still people stuck at the airports.

The airlines have no plans to deal with mechanical issues, and they do not care either about that. The people that worked the ticket area in Charlotte, need a few customer service lessons as well. That was just by observing them.

I am glad to be back in Indiana today.

Weekend Ramblings......

2007-06-25T08:25:00.000-04:00

For the first time this summer, I had the sprouts for the entire weekend. It has been a long summer so far, because I have only had them for a few different days. I decided to take them to the zoo. We had a great time. It was not very hot, or crowded. My went with us, but she just sat a read a book while we toured the zoo. The sprouts had a great time, so did I. It was nice just the three of us hanging out for the day.

On Sunday, after church, we went to my parents for lunch. The sprouts got to play with my niece's dog/puppy. It is the size of a puppy but full grown. I have no idea what kind of dog it is. They enjoyed throwing toys at it. He drags everything he can get his mouth on. Size is no problem for him.

Tomorrow is the start of the big tournament for me. I head to North Carolina to bowl in the big tournament with my sister. Now I can only hope that my ball will not get an attitude... LOL. It will be nice to get away for a few days at least.

A couple of tributes, and misc ramblings......

2007-06-19T00:15:00.000-04:00

A little tribute to Dominoe. Dominoe was a cat of a friend of mine. This weekend Dominoe became sick, and had to visit the vet. Dominoe was very ill and finally had to be put to sleep. A final resting place under a tree and their new home is the resting place now. I was never a big fan of cats and still am not a big fan of them either. Dominoe was Ok though. When I visited, he made sure to make his presence known to me, and seemed to know when to cross the line and when not to. Eventually, he just move on to another room and call it an evening for awhile. I loved his name. I thought it was perfect for a black and white cat. I had never her of that name before for any animal as well. I know he will be truly missed.

Another tribute to my oldest sprouts softball team. They were runners up in the league tournament that ended tonight. We were the home team and the game was back and forth every inning. We just could not pull it off in the last inning. Tied going into the last inning, the other team scored two runs and we could not put any across the plate. But the real accomplishment of this team was the mear fact that they were in the championship game at all. Their first game they last 21-1. It was not until the forth game that they finally won a game, and putting runs on the board was hard then. They worked hard at hitting and that finally started coming around, but the fielding started to fade away. But, when it came to the tournament everything fell in place. We got an awesome draw for the tournament, and the girls played their hearts out. We lost tonight 14-12. But everyone was a winner. Four out of the five teams in the league received hardware this year. The league winners and runner-up received trophies, and the two teams in the championship game received trophies as well. Yes, the league winner and runner-up were eliminated earlier in the tournament. That in itself made this game great tonight.

Now ball season is officially over for the sprouts, this year. My youngest finished her season on Saturday. She just has a team party this weekend. I am hoping that her dad will take her to the party since he is one of the coaches, and the oldest and I will go do something for a few hours. I am not thrilled with him right now so I have not decided on that yet. The tournament game was switched from a Saturday night game to a Saturday morning game to a Friday night game. When it got switched to the Friday night game, I found out about it from the coach, only because when they called the ex to let him know his wife was apparently giving the assistant coach a hard time because he had to work Friday night. The assistant coach called the coach who then called me, because she wanted to make sure that the sprout was going to be able to be there Friday night. The league games were on Friday nights, and the ex only came to two of her game all season. He was either on vacation, or unable to get off work. Either way with his job there is not much I can do about that, nor can anyone else for that matter. I called the coach to see if the second game was going to be changed as well, because I had plans for that day that I could change if the sprout had a game, that is when she told me the game was going to be on Friday and the story about the conversation with the assistant coach. I told her yes because I had the sprouts that night anyways for my summer time visitation. I call the ex later on that evening, and asked him to drop off the sprouts softball gear on Friday when he drops them off at daycare, because her game has been changed to Friday night. Then he proceeds to tell me that his wife wondered if I got that message. I got that message because I talked to the coach who was going to call me later, but I beat her to the punch. I called her in the morning and she was going to wait until she thought I was on my lunch hour, because she knew I was at work and did not have that number.

My Twin sister and I have been practicing our bowling these last few weeks, as we head to the National Tournament next week. All I have to say is that I hope my ball performs better than it has lately. She kicked my a$$ this weekend.

My golf game on the other hand is getting pretty good. I am shooting better than I have in a long time and I have only been out twice. My friend and I have found this nice little course that has ladies day on the days that we can make it so we get to golf for ten dollars and that includes a cart. Perfect for us. Not a lot of people of the course and just the right price. Of course we hit the Ball so much in a round that we definitely get our moneys worth.

What a week! or two.....

2007-06-12T00:03:00.000-04:00

Since my last post, I have been kind of busy. The sprouts had ball games on Friday night and Saturday morning. I missed the Friday night game with the oldest, that was the first game I had missed. The youngest had an appointment so I took her and the oldest went to the game with her dad. I met them at the game and got to see the last few innings. I did not get to see her bat though. Saturday morning I went to the away game with lots of hesitation again this year. The game was being played in the ex relatives back yard practically. I went with and open heart though. I did not run into anyone last year, but figured this year might be different and it was. I did chat with one of my ex's cousins and he and I had a nice chat. I gave him a pic of the sprouts to give to his grandma. She always did like to see pics of the girls. He was glad to do that.

I have fought with engine issues on my car, and finally got those taken care of. Two items I got replaced for free. Not bad considering the car has over 150K miles on it. I don't think the dealership was expecting to say that they put the parts in less than two years ago. He did some checking and I got a new part for free. So, my car is running great now.

I have been trying to get back into the swing a bowling since I am in a tournament in a couple of weeks. Thought it would be a good idea to throw a few games since I have not touched my ball in about a month. That showed. I am still trying to figure out my new ball. My sister beat me in four games twice this weekend. I have got some work to do yet on my game if I am going to keep up with her at the tournament.

The sprouts have been on vacation with their dad all last week. I finally got to see them this afternoon when I stopped by daycare to say HI! to them. I will not get to see them until my night Tuesday night. My youngest is not very happy with that either, but is dealing with it.

I chased a golf ball around for a little bit on Thursday for the first time this year. My friend talked me into going and we decided that we should do that every week. Hopefully the winnd will not be so strong and the temperatures not that high either. All in all we had a good time, considering the one club I was using. I had just taken the plastic off of it that morning. The margaritas afterwards were not bad either. :)

I had to go sit with my nephew and niece this weekend. He is just starting to be mobile. My sisters life is over with as she knows it. LOL. This kid is going to give her more grey hairs....LOL. He and I had a good time though. It was funny when I first arrived at my sisters. She and I were standing side by side and his eyes were just going back and forth between us. He knew one of us was his mommy, but was starting to doubt which one it was.

I have been Tagged.....

2007-05-31T14:33:00.000-04:00

.....so here it goes.

I am suppose to list 8 uniques things about myself. One of my favorite things to do NOT:)!

1. I really do admire the work that fire and policemen do. Having been trained to do part of the job that the fire/rescue personel do, it is not an easy task. I just to do admire one particular person in that field anymore :). This from having to sit in traffic in my downtown area for about 10 minutes at lunch today because of stupid drivers.

2. I have an uncanny ability to remember where I put things, and were things were when I left. In college my twin sister would come into my room and I would know instantly that she was there. The keyboard to the computer would not be exactly where I put it. My friend and sister would make a game of it, for when I came home from class to see if I would figure out what was out of place. They lost a lot. :)

3. I love fresh peaches and fresh strawberries. Can peaches are NOT peaches, not sure what they are but they are not peaches. I do not like peach/strawberry candies or drinks. Just not the same.

4. I cannot stand the smell of coffee. Sorry that might offend some of you. I can not stand the smell of beer or wine either.

5. Being a twin I have the uncanny ability to wear almost the same thing as my twin sister. She hates that!

6. I really do not like cats. The only cat I like is Garfield, the cartoon cat. That might offend some as well. Sorry Dominoe, you were ok.

7. I hate shopping! I only go shopping when I know I need something. I hardly go any other time. I say hardly because my sister drags me out when I visit her.

8. I am a borderline computer geek/hacker. I only use that knowledge when absolutely necessary.

I do not have anyone to tag, so please feel free to list a few unique things about herself if you would like.

Another School Program Over.....

2007-05-24T11:20:00.001-04:00

The school year and activities are finally winding down. Last night my oldest had her school program. In preparation for it, I got her hair braided for her part in the play that they put on. She had one of the leading parts in it. I also got 4 dozen cookies for the little reception afterwards. Thanks to a local cookie company that job was easy. The program was great, all the kids did a great job. They all received three awards afterwards, and gave a decorated poem to their parents.

My former spouses parents attending the program last night. They did not make the pre-school program a few weeks ago. I thought that they were just unable to attend. I knew my former spouse knew about the pre-school program and I figured that he told his parents about it as well. I was wrong. He did not tell them until after it was all over with. He then called his mom to let her know about it. I did not know she did not know about it until after I emailed some pictures of the graduate at the program. I figured I could at least do that since she was unable to attend. She responded back to me and thanked me for the pictures and asked me if I could let them know of any special events that the sprouts are in. She would have gladly attended the pre-school one if she had known about it. I told her I could do that if she would like, although I let her son know a long time ago that that was going to be his responsibility to do not mine. Being that these are her only grandchildren, I felt kind of sorry that she had to miss the program.

She made it last night to the program and I have also given her the information to the gymnastics recital that is coming up as well. This woman amazes me most of the time. He husband is handicapped due to a stroke and has been for many years. Her son was a teenager when his dad had the stroke. He rides a motorized scooter when out and about. The program was in the gym and there were alot of wires taped to the floor, so instead of running over them she point him to go around them, and then she came and sat down. Well he did not do or understand what she said, so I had to help him out, because she was to busy with her own stuff going on. She did thank me afterwards and said that she was not paying attention to what he was doing. Par for the course, she was like that when I was married to her son. Everyone would file into the resturant and leave him by himselve to eventually get to wherever they were.

Another interesting happening at the program last night was an encounter with one of the "other women" that was involved in my former spouses life, was at the program as well. I have seen her around town in passing a few times, but never a face to face encounter. This was a person that I knew more than a name to a face. On Friday night, my parents, niece, the sprouts and I met up at a local eatery for dinner after one of the sprouts ball game. My parents had to take the other sprout to her appointment that was in a town 40 miles away from me, at the same time the oldest sprout had a ball game. Their dad has been out of town the last two weeks on vacation, that is why my parents had to help me be at two places at one time. Anyways, when we were being seated the "OW" was a few table from us with what looked like her family. I did not say anything to her and she did not say anything to me. That was fine by me as well. Last night I saw her enter the gym just before the play started, that gave me a warm a fuzzy feeling for the evening.....NOT. Afterwards, I start to take all the stuff outto the car while the sprouts enjoy a cookie or two. On the way back in the building, she was leaving the building and for that moment it was just the two of us, and quick eye glance at each other and that was it. Neither of us spoke, but it was that moment that I could tell she knew I knew about her. There was really this calm that came over me. I knew there would be a possibility of running into her some day and I truly had never prepared for that day. Who knows maybe the next time I will extend a simple greeting and move on. Would have been interesting if the ex was there I think, but at least I did not have to deal with that either. Well off for the next sprout adventure, I have two left this week before the long weekend.

I have been tagged.......

2007-05-15T16:00:00.000-04:00

I have been tagged. Here are the rules:

1. Go to Wikipedia and put in your birthday, without the year, in the search bar. 2. List on your blog 3 events, 2 births, 1 death and 1 holiday that happens(ed) on your birthday. 3. Then tag 5 more friends to do it!

August 5

3 Events

Henry I was crowned King of England in Westminster Abbey

The Mayflower departs Southhampton England

Ronald Reagan fires 11,359 striking air traffic controllers.

2 Births

Neil Armstrong

Patrick Ewing

1 death

Marilyn Monroe

1 Holiday

There were only 2 so I will listed them both.

Burkina Fasco - Independence Day

Croatia - Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day

No Friends to tag, they already have been tagged. Please feel free to participate if you so desire.

Stainglass Piece and Graduation

2007-05-11T10:54:00.000-04:00

What Graduation? My youngest graduated from pre-school last night. They had a little program first which was a dinosaur theme. 15 "dinosaurs" WOW! They all did very well. Then out they came in their cap and gowns.

I had to take most of the day off from work, because my daycare person had her baby that morning. So, I had to scramble my day around in a hurry. It did not help that the school had a two hour fog delay which turned to a three hour delay, which really messed up my day. I dropped the oldest off at school finally, zipped a few blocks away to pick the youngest up from preschool and get her to her hair appointment. She got her hair braided for the festivities later on that night. She and I spent the rest of the day together. She had no nap, and I really should have worked on the stain glass piece that I wanted to get done. I was up in the air about getting it done for the preschool teacher to have at the program or to deliver it this morning for the last day of class. I decided today would be better. So here is a picture of the piece I did the last two all nighters. It is a duplicate of one I did a year ago, but this one has a couple of different colors in it. The sprout in the pic is my youngest and the other is her teacher who was the recipient of the piece. The piece is 12" x 13".

A great effort......

2007-05-07T08:49:00.000-04:00

Summer ball has arrived for the sprouts this past weekend. On Friday night the oldest had the first game of the season against a team coached by Mr. "Not Here For Fun, Here To WIN". We finally scored a run in our last at bats, but the other team ended with 21 runs. My sprout did not get on base, but had some nice foul balls. Will have to work on that a bit more. Our team has a lot of kids that are in their first year at this level, mine included in that category. They played well for their first time out this year.

On Saturday morning, it was the youngest sprouts turn to play. In this league, everyone hits and gets to runs the bases. They hit off a tee most of the time. It is fun watching the ball roll past kids who are pre-occupied with other things going on. They all have fun and that is the important thing.

On a different note, I actually got to enjoy a nice weekend by myself. It has been a long time since I have gotten to do that. Once in awhile is kind of nice. The sprouts dad picked them up at 7am Saturday morning, and I confirmed that they were going to be at the ballgame later that morning, because I know they are going to Indianapolis sometime on Saturday as well. He told me that earlier in the week. He asked for directions to a party that the sprouts were invited to later that evening, and I gave him the information knowing full well they will not be attending. He called me later to have me bring ball pants to the game because the ones they have are to small for the sprout to wear, and he asked a few more questions about the sprouts invitation later that evening again.

After the game, I tended to my car. Finally got the tires rotated, and the oil changed. It was nice just waiting for those to be done without having the sprouts wonder when they can go because they are tired of waiting. After the car issues were taken care of, I went and got a new cell phone. I was tired of the one I had had for 5 years, and was tired of some issues with it. After about 15 minutes at the phone place I left with new phone in hand and it was not even noon yet. I had no idea what to do for the rest of the day. Actually I wanted to finish up my spring yard work. I had lunch and was putting off the yard work because it was overcast out and I did not feel like getting wet today, but eventually I headed out to conquer to tasks. The ex called late in the afternoon to let me know that he was not going to make the girls party tonight, that they were still in INDY. This was not a shock to me. Not sure why he even called to tell me. They were in Indy to spend time with her son and his wife. I finally finished up my yard work around 9pm or so, and glad that is done.

On Sunday, my mom and I went shopping after church. I had some gift cards I wanted to use up. We had a nice time. I found an outfit I liked, which made the day even better. I hate shopping, and am very picking on the clothes I wear as well. But, all in all, it was a good day.

The rest of this week is filled with, work ball practices, appointments for the sprouts, gymnastics, preschool graduation, about 4 programs to write to finish up an online class that I am taking and a stainglass piece that needs to be done by Thursday night and I have not cut the glass yet. Yes, that will probably be a couple of all nighters to get that one done. So, I am off to tackle some of my list of things to get done this week.

I love being a twin.....

2007-04-30T14:08:00.000-04:00

Sunday I went to my twin sisiters church for my nephews dedication. All of our family on my side were there except for my sprouts, and some of my brother-in-laws family were there as well. I think there were 15 of us total. We arrived a bit early for the second service which is when the dedication was going to be. So I headed down the one hallway and this lady smiles at me and I knew then she thinks I am my twin sister. She says Good Morning and I play along, because that is the fun part of being a twin for me. :) I come back and my mom steps up to me and tell me that the lady did indeed think I was my sister. My sister was in the first service with her daughter. The first service is a childrens service.

Late on while we are waiting for the first service to exit the sanctuary another lady steps up to me and asks me to confirm that my nephews name is spelled correctly on this paper that she put in front of me. Of course I confirm it and then say that I am not his mother however, but I will play along for fun.

We finally take our seats in the sanctuary and another lady steps up to me smiling, but has a confussed look on her face. I finally answer her unasked question, and say I am the twin sister. She finally laughs and wondered because she thought my sister had darker hair. She does, we have the before and after pictures from hair coloring. I have the before look and my sister has the after look. I keep telling her that when she finds a color I like, then I will color my hair. Truth be told I have colored it a couple of times, but honestly have better places to use the money it take to color my hair.

Needless to say I enjoyed my Sunday Morning.

Benefit WHO?......

2007-04-30T13:40:00.000-04:00

I wish I knew the exact rules of my ex's game..... I called him Wednesday afternoon to see if the youngest sprout has practice. I do not have the number of the coach, and ex is an assistant coach for that team. No practice due to the rainy weather, I figured as much, but it has been know to rain in my town and not the town where practice was to be taking place. I am in a good mood now because we can be to church on time tonight, another one of those in two places at the same time nights. Before I end the conversation with him, he asks me if it will be ok for him to drop off the sprouts an hour earlier on Saturday morning, because his wife is having surgery and has to be an hour away at the time he normally drops them off to me. The only reason I was having the sprouts on Saturday was because he was to be working that day, so I get them when he is working, but now he is not working because of the surgery on Saturday. Not sure about you, but I have never really heard of scheduled surgeries on a Saturday, but that is not my problem. He asked me, if I wanted him to ask his mom instead to watch the sprouts or not, but I should have already had plans for them. I told him that was his call. If he wanted to ask his mom fine, if he wanted to drop them off early fine. He knows that I would have picked them up the night before because we just got done arguing over that with the lawyers a month or so ago. He decides to drive 13 miles out of his way to drop them off by 6am which means they get up around 5 - 5:30am.

I am ready for the day when the sprouts arrive at the house. I finish up a few things, and take them out for breakfast. We do not go out for breakfast very often. They had a great time. I went into work for a few hours, and they had a nice time watching a movie in my office as well. They enjoy hanging out in my office. We head home and since it is a nice day out. We spent the entire day outside. I worked in the yard and they played with everything possible that we had to play with. I tried to get them to take a nap, but was not successful.

The ex called me around 4pm and wanted to know if it would be easier for me if he picked up the sprouts tonight instead of in the morning. That way they could get to sleep in. I told him no that would not be easier, and they could have slept in this morning if he would have let me pick them up the night before. I had to break the silence on his end by asking him yes or no. He just said that he was planning on having them sleep in. He just wanted to sleep in and not have to get up to pick them up at their normal time at 7am. That is when he picks them up the next day when he gets off work. I had to be ready early anyways to head up to my sisters for my nephews dedication at church, and I did not have the laundry done to have the sprouts clothes packed for the next few days at the dads anyways. So, they spend the night with me.

I finished the yard work and we got everything put away. We cleaned up for dinner, and headed out for a bit to eat. After dinner we layed on the couch and watched a movie for all of about 15 minutes, they were passed out then. Which I knew they would crash early as well.

I got up early in the morning Sunday morning and did a few loads of laundry and got the sprouts clothes packed and ready for when their dad arrived. They were already to go when he pulled up to the house. The wife was with him as well, that was a surprise to me, since she just had surgery the day before. They were off and I was on my way as well to my sisters.

Freeing up the schedule....

2007-04-25T09:25:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the rain which should be sticking around all day, I should not have to worry about trying to be at two places at one time tonight. The sprouts Wednesday night activities are ending tonight for the remainder of the school year. So we should be able to make the awards night on time, since I am sure ball practice for the youngest sprout will be cancelled. I will be the last one to find that out today. I always look forward to having my spring and summer evenings free with the sprouts. They love being outside. Next week I am kind of hoping it rains on Tuesday night, so that I do not have to worry about being at two places at once. I am ending my one and only night activities to myself until fall.

New Treasures and Memories.....

2007-04-23T11:12:00.000-04:00

I was cleaning out some boxes that I moved out of the sprouts rooms almost a year ago to paint. I finally got tired of them sitting around the house. They contained some of my "treasures" from many moons ago, and some items that were obtained through out my marriage way back when as well. Some of the things I decided to keep, most though will go out with the trash later on this week. What perfect timing, it happens to be city wide clean up this week, so everyone had their junk out for others to seek out their treasures. Some of the stuff that I pitched could have probably been placed on the curb for others to discover their treasures, but I just decided to pitch them. There was only one item, that I waivered on briefly, but only until I reached the garbage bag.

Some may be asking why I did not ask him if he would like the stuff. My theory is this. He has been gone for over two years. If he really wanted it, he would have asked by now. I have delivered some things to him within the past year, because I really was not comfortable with tossing them. I was comfortable with tossing these items.

I do not toss pictures, and I came across a few of them this weekend as well. Some of the pictures were of the two of us before we were married. After thumbing through them for a bit, I boxed them back up and they will head to storage with the rest of my stuff. Some day I will weed that stuff out.

Speaking of weeds, I finally hacked down the jungle, commonly know as my front yard this weekend as well. After two passes with the lawn mower, the sprouts could finally play in the front yard without me having to go find them. :) That also made it easier for me to puts a few items out to the curb for city clean up days as well. My items were gone this morning when I woke up, I did hear a few of the items go around 1am when everyone else were out doing their "shopping" and had no consideration for the time of night that they were out and about. At least this time, they left most everyone else's stuff on the curb if they did not want it. Usually they sort through the piles of stuff and leave half of it in the street. That makes for interesting travels to work in the morning. My neighbor, mowed his yard as well, except it was just enough area to put his treasures out. Apparently appearance of your yard is important, when placing your trash to the curb. I only mowed to keep the sprouts visible.

My great morning part 2......

2007-04-18T15:18:00.000-04:00

Well after arriving late to work, I get and online chat message for the ex's wife. Amazingly enough that did not surprise me. I knew she would try to contact me after everything that went on this morning. This time I just chose not to respond back AT ALL. That did not stop her from sending lengthy messages though. My favorite one was this one, I edited out the names... "I am really working on getting (ex spouse) to just talk with you but as you can see not much success on my part. I am sorry for that. I will keep working on him. He is a great guy, just short on talking with you, but I think he has always been short on talking with you."

Yep, he has always been short on talking period and now she has that figured out. Of course she wrote this... "I would really like some good communication between everyone." before she sent the previous message. All I can say is that we do not always get what we want out of life now do we. I am not going to be the great communicator with her...yes, my life may have a few less bumps in the road if I go through her since he does not communicate well with me, but I am not going down that path. When she tells me what I have to do for the sprout for a school field trip that they signed everything for sprout to attend, I draw the line. They did everything without notifing me of it, but now I have to provide everything for it. Now there is great communication between everyone.

I still talk to him about the sprouts schedules and I get with him on whether he is going to be taking them to the ball practices that they signed them up for or am I going to have to do it because he is to busy on his day off to do so. Some of those questions I have answers to some he still has to get back with me, after he checks the calendar. Which usually means, when I get back to my full time job in two days to get on that computer to check that calendar because I only have dial up here at the house and do not want to wait that long to check the calendar here. If I am lucky I will not have to remind him of it. I never have been that lucky of a person. But I am just so blessed to have communication from the wife and not the ex spouse.

I was even more thrilled when my youngest sprout informed me that her sister told the wife that I do not buy anything for them, I always just spend my money on me. Not sure where that came from, but that one really hurt. Considering that I just bought them summer clothes, and roller skates, and ball equipment for the summer as well. I did by myself a new bowling ball a month ago, as for clothes I have not bought a new outfit in probably 3 years. At least not with any of my money. My family usually gives me gift cards at Christmas for me to buy some clothes with. I still have some yet to spend. I have not decided how to approch that issue yet either. I probably will just let it be between the youngest and myself right now.

I Can not do it!!!!

2007-04-18T08:24:00.000-04:00

I can not deal with a 40yr guy that has no control of his life! I am at a complete lost on how to deal with the sprouts dad. He asked me to switch weekends a few weeks ago. The weekends he wanted to switch are coming up in May. Him thinking that far ahead if a major feat in itself, because I can never get him to tell me whether he can watch the sprouts in a couple of days without having him get back with me because he has to look at the calendar first. Anyways, I orginally I told him No on the weekend switch because the girls had a year end church picnic that weekend, and they have been looking forward to going to it for a long time. They have missed the last two because they were with their dad and he would not take them. He said that he would put it on the calendar and take them. Yeah, right! He is taking the sprouts to INDY that day and I know they will not be back in time for the picnic. They are going to be taking his wifes daughter, husband and two kids to the airport because their furlough is over and they are heading back into the mission field. Of course he says he is preparing the sprouts in that they may not get back until late, which the oldest says that it will be ok to go to the picnic late. She does not realize that late means not going. I confronted him with that this morning when he called me to tell me that the oldest was not going to school this morning. Another issue I am not going to get into. Apparently she was not feeling well. I am not there I can not make that decision. I did talk to her for a bit. She brought up that she wants to go to florida over next spring break with her dad instead of spending spring break with me. GREAT!!! NOT!

You see back in March, he and I sat down to discuss the sprouts and he asked me then if he could take the sprouts to florida next spring break. I told him NO that was my year to have them for spring break and I already have plans for them. I would have changed my plans to this year, but this was his year to have them for spring break, and I was not going to interfere with his time. Which he did not take them for the week, this year. He asked me what I had planned for them, and I told him. Well the next day the sprouts got mad at me, and wanted to know why they had to go to Pennsylvania, which is where I was going to take them. I was mad because I knew he told them, because he was the only person that knew the spring break plans. When I called him up he said that his wife must of said something and that he was sorry because he did not think she would say anything to the sprouts. Well this morning when I was talking to the oldest, I was informed that they want to go to Florida for spring break next year. Wonder who put that in her head again. Of course when I asked him about it he said that the sprouts brought it up. NOT without some coaching I am sure of that. I love being made to be the bad parent by his wife.

My youngest who is 5, is now complaining because I get her hair cut all the time, and that she wants it to grow out long. One of the reason is because his wife is growing her hair long, and she use to have long hair before, treatment of cancer. I have told my youngest, that when she can take care of her hair and brush it herself then she can have her hair long, until then if I have to do it, it will be short, because it does not tangle as bad then.

My life just seems to be a game of not knowing the rules that he keeps changing on me.

I so miss.......

2007-04-17T08:48:00.000-04:00

.....people with common sense. :) The school systems these days are so not right. Mind you that yes I did attend a public school and there are many educators in my family and in the ex's family as well. I grew up and went to school in a different state. There were no book rental fees when I went to school. The schools had to go to the tax payers for more money. Which was interesting at times. I have a first grader and have to pay around $380 for lunch and book rentals this year for just one child. As a single parent of two children that is a big stretch for me right now. Yes, I finally have gotten some of that money from the ex, after I had to drag him to court for it, so needless to say it cost me a lot more to get a few bucks from him. I supposedly make to much to get assistance from the school as well. Funny thing about that is, a friend of mine went to sign up a child for school and since she was in between address because they were building a home. The school listed them as homeless, and since they were "homeless" then they could get assistance with the school fees, just like that. I thank god for the roof he has put over my head, and the struggles he has chosen me to endure.

I so miss my venting specialist. Only because it was nice just to chat about the fun and games that I have to play with ex, and he has the rules and I get to figure them out before he changes them on me. Of course the vent specialist would be right about things and then I would have to admit that she was right. I really hate when that happened. :) The ex and I have been in a stalemate for a bit on a field trip for school, for the oldest sprout. They turned in all the paperwork and everything long before they even notified me that there was even a field trip happening. Of course I am to pay for said field trip of sprout, and still have yet to receive any information on it. SO, I will have to go have a chat with the teacher soon, and change some ways that the school information is set home. Normally I get the papers and he gets a set mailed to him from the school per his request to the teacher. He use to give me all the papers if he had the sprouts that evening. Except I never saw that paper, and since he apparently is going to pick and choose what papers I get, guess I will have to make sure they do not go home with the sprouts on his evenings. I have not figured out a better way yet. He did admit that they got the information, and that was it. I love this game of life.

Two places at the same time.....

2007-04-11T09:45:00.000-04:00

I never did figure out how to be at two places at one time last night, so I improvised. I took my oldest to her ball practice which got over a half hour later than the start of my bowling league. I figured if I drive fast enough I could make the last two bowling games of the night. I was 45 minutes past the league start time and they were already into the second game. I did make it by the third frame and the other team did allow me to bowl the last two games. We lost both games, of which I threw over my average, and they won the first game which I was not there for and had a score of ten below my average. Just does not add up. Oh well. I managed to get both in and didn't even get my blood pressure up that much in doing so. I did have to take the sprouts with me to bowling which usually ups my stress level, as they like to push all my buttons and forget all of the rules we discussed in the car on the way there, but over all it turned out to be a good evening. I only have to do that one more time. Hopefully my mom will be available to help me out then.

Spring is a scheduling nightmare.....

2007-04-04T12:47:00.000-04:00

With the summer ball season coming up for the kids, comes practices now. So now I have to work around gymnastics, church activities, end of school activities, various medical appointments and ball practices, which is actually three different days because they are on different teams this year, and the oldest get to practice twice a week. Along with my last month of bowling and 6 more weeks of teaching/facilitating a class, there is not much time between any event right now.

Luckily, the sprouts dad is willing this year to help out with getting them to their ball practices, something that has not happened the last two years, unless it fell on his night to have them during the week, so that is a little relief. I only have to figure out how to be at two places at once on a couple of days that he is at work, and unable to leave.

I will leave you with a little phrase I use at work: "The difficult we do immediately the impossible just takes a little longer"

What A Weekend.......

2007-04-03T12:52:00.000-04:00

At the beginning of last week, I had nothing big planned for the weekend. A conversation with the former spouse changed all of that though. Yes, we communicate a little more now. Last weekend was his weekend to have the sprouts. I was going to have them on Sunday because he had to work, and when he has to work I get the sprouts for the day. He wanted to know if it would be ok for the sprouts to spend Saturday night at his parents house. His mom has been wanting to have them for quite some time, but apparently they could not get there schedules worked out to make that happen, or someone (adult not sprout) has been sick. So, I was more than happy to let them spend the night and most of the day Sunday with the grandparents. It was the first full weekend to myself this year.

Now the dilema came as to what to do for the weekend. On Tuesday, I thought it would be fun to redecorate one of my bathrooms. No sprouts, No problem. I told my mom what I was going to do, and she got on my dad to come down and fixed the toilet. It had a tipping issue, which it has had long before I was divorced. Now was the perfect time to pull it and figured out what it needed. Turns out it needed a complete base for the bolts to function properly. So he pulled that on Saturday and put it back on Monday. The plumbing supply place was closed, until Monday, for the parts that we needed. I already had the room cleared out and all the stuff off the walls, when my dad says "Would you like a switch to turn these 2 lights on and off at once?" He is an Electrican so that was a piece of cake for him. The problem lied in the fact that what I want does not always happen in the time frame that I need it to. I said sure are you going to do it before I paint. Yep, he got it done and changed most of the wiring there as well, he was not happy with who ever did it, some 20+ years ago, before I even moved in. He hooked up a little light for me to see better since most of the light fixtures had to come done to be able to paint. I was all set.

Saturday morning, I started taking off the very old wallpaper and border that was on some of the walls. Got the walls ready for primer and paint. I quit at about 3:00am Saturday night/Sunday morning with not all the walls primed yet. I have a deep closet in this bathroom that took most of my time and the ceiling as well. I know some of you may not even have bothered with the closet, who is going to see it anyways. Well the last people that had the house had that attitude and it was really bad. I am a some what perfectionist when it comes to that stuff. Yes, that is an annoyance to me at times.

Sunday morning came quickly as I had only about three hours of sleep and off to my parents for a shower and to get ready for church. I was painting the only bathroom with a shower in it, and did not want the moisture in the room until I was done. I made it through church and even stayed awake as well, which was a good thing because I was running the computer that puts the worship words and verses up on the screen for all to see.

After church I stopped at the store again and picked up some more supplies for the day. I got right back into finishing the room. My parents came down after church as well. I finally found the colors I wanted to use on Sunday. My mom and I picked some out on Friday night, but did not find any matching rugs and towels that we liked. Apparently that is an issue with some people, not really with me, but I rolled with it for awhile. Saturday I primed with no color picked out yet. I went to a different store and found what I was looking for. I grabbed two different wash cloths to show my mom when she got there. The one color was what we picked out on Friday and she liked the contrasting color as well. Cool! They went and got the color paint that I needed while I finished up priming, and painting the ceiling.

With only a few hours left, before the sprouts where to be back, I started in putting the color on the walls, actually the closet first. What a pain that was. I had to take a little break when the sprouts arrived, but got right back to work, and they were content with just sitting on the couch and watching a movie. They did discover some arts a crafts stuff, so while watching the movie, they created their own master pieces. Only once did the oldest ask if she could help me paint the bathroom. She was ok with, I don't think so today.

At 1am I was done, and had everything picked up and cleaned up, ready for re-assembly Monday. My dad came down while I was at work on Monday with my younger sister that works with him as well, and they put my bathroom back together. With the exception of a few things, because I might change the look of those as well.

I am changing the closet doors for one thing. My dad is going to make them for me, and I am going to put a stainglass panel in the top part of the door. I am pretty excited about that. I think I am going to paint the trim in the room as well, just to change it up a bit. That will not be as big of a project as the whole room was. The only reason I am thinking of that is because the people before me did not care if they got paint on the wood work or not.

A funny note though, I patched up a couple of spots on the walls, one was from the people before me who had decorations on the wall with tape and pulled some of the wall out when they packed up. The other was when my youngest tip something over and it put a whole in the wall. My dad while working on the toilet, saw one of the spots and put his finger through it, because he wondered what it was. He said "Did you put something on the wall?" My response was "Why did you just put your finger through it?" So, needless to say I had to patch that up again.

The Simple Pleasures.....

2007-03-27T05:57:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful night last night. Who would have thought that it would be in the 70's in March. The sprouts had gymnastics last night so they were unable to enjoy the evening that much, but they are on spring break this week. They have been playing outside all day. What a great time for this weather for them.

Since they are not in the same tumbling class, I dropped the oldest one off and the youngest and I went shopping for a bit. We decided to park the car at home after shopping and walk to the gymnastics center to pick up the other sprout. With water bottles in hand we were off.

It is really about three blocks in one direction and three blocks in another direction, not that far. Of course the youngest get just across the street from our house and announces that her feet hurt. I quickly get her going down a different path of thinking. We made it to the gymnastics center and had a few minutes wait. Which I was glad for. The sprout on the other hand was still wound up for some reason. We gathered our stuff and made the trek back home.

The sprouts and I have been walking together even when they were babies. I took them for walks almost every chance I got. I even took them to see their dad when he was at work. Not sure if he enjoyed that or not, but he always came out to see us.

Last night we were a block away from his work, and he was on duty last night. We did not stop by. The sprouts didn't even say anything about stopping either. I would have if they said anything, even though it was getting late. They did not have school in the morning so I would have been fine with it. I enjoyed just sitting at his work watching the traffic go by and the sprouts ran around asking their dad all kinds of questions, that they knew the answers to already because they had asked them before. They didn't care they just ran around with smiles on their faces. This summer they may want to stop and that will be fine. He will enjoy seeing them.

That was one of my simple pleasures, taking the sprouts to see their dad at work on a nice warm evening.

The Bowling Weekend......

2007-03-19T21:41:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was the big state bowling tournament weekend for my team. This tournament started this weekend and ends in May sometime. In preparation for the big weekend, I went and bought a new bowling ball and had it drilled on Friday, so that I could take it to the tournament on Saturday. For most people that is a big NO NO, that is like buying a new stove the night before you are in a cooking contest. You have no idea if it burns hotter than the settings or not. Same with bowling, you have no idea how the ball is going to react or how to adjust. With the way my other 2 balls were working I did not care. It could not be any worse than what I have been bowling in league.

After about three hours at the bowling alley on Friday night and throwing the ball for awhile after it was all tweaked in to my liking. I headed for home. As I was getting things around for the weekend, I ripped the nail on my finger. Yes, it was on my bowling hand to top it off. Instead of clipping it off I just ripped it the rest of the way off, not thinking of course that might affect my bowling. Saturday arrived and I was up early, because the girls were being dropped off by their dad around 6:30am so he could go to work. We had breakfast, got their hair cut and off with grandma to swim lessons and on to her house for the day. I met my team and we headed to South Bend for the tournament. Upon arrival, the lanes were the older style wooden ones. This will be a challenge with a newer style ball, and six games to throw today. My finger did well, no problems at all. I did not get my average at all, but was happy with the new ball. I will admit I did throw an 85. THAT IS NOT A GOOD SCORE FOR ME. It was my fourth game and I just stopped concentrating. The team went out for dinner afterwards and I headed back to pick up the girls.

My finger started throbbing on the trip home, and I knew then that this was not good. I picked up the girls and headed to our house. Their dad picked them up at 7am on Sunday morning and I made my way back to South Bend for the team event. Saturday was the Double and Singles event. While trying to get ready in the morning my finger tip is about twice the size it should be and very sore, red and warm. All of which are not a good thing. I met my team and we headed to a different bowling alley for the team event. This alley has the newer style lanes, I am kind of excited. My hesitation in excitement had something to do with the fact that I had three bowling balls and not one of them could I get my finger in. All of which are drilled for a finger tip grip. Yes, I only use the tips of my two middle fingers and my thumb to hold the ball. This made for an interesting day.

During the 6 minute warm ups I threw as many warm up balls I could just to get use to the pain of my finger. Pushing the finger into the ball was not as bad as bending my hand down, full span to get my thumb in the hole, that smarted a bit. The first time I threw in warm up I literally dropped my ball in the gutter, and thought there is no way I can do this. But after a few more throws and being use to the pain I was able to throw the three games for the team event. I also had purchased a numbing spray and hand a glass of ice to soak my finger in between my turns that helped a lot as well.

Unfortunately I did not get a lot of strikes, which met throwing the ball more. I did get some decent scores, despite the "injury". One of the other girls on our team got a case of kidney stones on Thursday night, so she was bowling on Darvoset on Saturday. She was better on Sunday. No, I could not bowl on the pain meds. They make me sick to my stomach. Part of our team name is Warriors, we should have changed it to the Wounded for this weekend.

My finger is better today, as I think I got most of the pressure in it relieved last night. It is still sore, and hopefully will not be as painful tomorrow night for bowling.

The Great Communicator........

2007-03-13T05:21:00.000-04:00

I am starting an interesting day today.....

The youngest gets her school shots today, of which she does not know yet. Then I have a meeting with my Ex later on this morning. That should make the day interesting enough. I emailed him last Monday and requested the meeting. I was even very nice about it. We really have not spoken for about a year, unless it was absolutely necessary. I finally, made the move to request that we talk about the kids. They have a lot going on in their lives and their heads.

On Wed. morning I get an instant message from his wife, wanted to know if I have a minute to talk. Of which I had just a very few minutes to talk, I had to go pick up from preschool shortly, which she should have known that. She said that my ex showed her the email that I sent him requesting the meeting (I knew he would do that). She just wanted to let me know that she was not going to be there. (I requested that she not be at the meeting as well in the email) She said that she has been encouraging my ex to communicate more with me (Of which I have noticed that at times) She also wanted to know if I knew when I wanted this meeting and where so that she could make sure he had that time available. (Nope, was still waiting to hear from him to see if he was going to attend or not).

That afternoon he called me to tell me he put some papers in the sprouts suitcase from the night before and that he would meet with me, but did not know when yet, he would have to look at a calendar first, and left it at that. (We had talked on the phone at least two times that morning because the school called me, and he said nothing then about the meeting) On Thursday, I email him with a day that will work well for me so that I will not be rushed to have to get back to my work. He works every third day, so I sent the email on his working day because that is the best chance I have of getting a response from him, even though he can check his email at home as well. On Friday I still have no response from him as to the time and place of the meeting. So I sent his wife an offline message to let her know that today would work out best for me. Finally, Sunday night I got an email from him that the day I picked would be fine, and he picked the time and place, I am sure she picked the place. But it is acceptable for me.

So, I have know idea how he is going to make any decisions without her there. She even told me that he says things to make people happy with him. He does not like to disappoint anyone. (I already knew that, lived with him for 13 years) Most of the stuff we will be discussing is about the girls in general. I think we are going to go over their summer schedule, which I am positive that will not get finalized today.

The Big Race.....

2007-03-13T05:13:00.000-04:00

The sprouts had their annual pine wood car race Sunday afternoon at the church. This was for the kids church group they are in on Wednesday nights. My dad and I got the cars ready to go for them and they painted their car exactly like they wanted them to, and I put the finishing touches on them.

On the way to the race, we had the "Just having fun" speech AGAIN! That always ends with the oldest saying, but I want to win. They did have fun. The cars did not do as well as in past years. We have usually placed in the top three in past years, but everyone gets a participating trophy. My oldest won a bigger trophy for best design(most pennies in a penny vote). So that did not please the youngest, who brought home a bigger trophy than her sister last year. All in all they did have fun.

Barnyard LIVE!!

2007-02-28T14:21:00.000-05:00

I experienced the live version of the movie Barnyard the other day. For those that have not seen the movie, it is about all the different farm animals and what they "really" do when then farmer is not around. In the movie the cows take a car and go "boy" tipping.

So, on my way home the other night on a well traveled country road. There was a car coming at me and I caught a quick glance of shadows going in front of the cars headlights. I start to slow down because the deer are pretty thick in that area anyways, and I cannot afford to hit one right now. The other car flashes it lights at me, and I flash mine back to acknowledge that I saw the shadows. I eventually come to a stop because I see more shadows in front of the other car. With about 20 yards between us I realize that the shadows are not deer. At this point, there is 2 draft horses, be boppin down the road at me in my lane, followed by two cows fighting for position in the ditch on my left and bringing up the rear is another horse. This is a small horse that pulls the amish buggies, and this one acted like the class clown of the group. Granted they probably were a bit frighten by the two cars. They just kept going on down the road, with out a care in the world to them.

That story ranks right up with me practically drag racing with 3 draft horses that came out of the field at a full gallup right next to me as I was doing about 55 down a different road. I managed to get my car stopped with out scaring them and before they ran into my path. I am sure hitting a deer would have been much better than hitting 3 draft horses.

Progress....

2007-02-16T08:26:00.000-05:00

As I was trying to figure out why things were the way they were in my life a couple of years ago when I was just going through my divorce, it was hard for me to get stuff done. Laundry would be piled up either to be done, or to be folded. The mail would be piled up on the table with just the bills pulled out of it, I couldn't even take care of the junk mail at that time. I was also confused when my venting specialist would say that I was making progress when I only did one load of laundry and had not folded it yet. It would just be piled on my bed and I would just sleep on the couch. Then she would say again that I made progress when I only had folded a few of the clothes and put them away. Being an engineer, that little bit did not seem like progress to me. I am use to progress being the actual visualization of something moving forward. From raw material to an actual part was progress for me. Having a large pile of clothes to start with, and only just a little bit taken from it, was not progress. It was procrastination in my eyes.

I bring this up because I started facilitating a divorce support group last night. It is a video series. Having seen the videos before, it was not until watching them again last night that progress is a slow process, little steps at a time. Example if you are a marathon runner and have open heart surgery, you have to walk, then jog, then run a mile, then slowly work your way back up to the 26 miles. Yes, I think the engineer in me has gotten in the way at times. Now, I realize the difference there and look forward to this new journey of differentiating between engineer and non-engineer.

....98, 99, 100.....98, 99, 100.....

2007-02-14T20:32:00.000-05:00

I am sure I am going to dream about number tonight. Since we got the weather that was forcasted for us, 9.5" of snow later, I knew some people would not show up for work today. Being the bored engineer that I am, I offered to work out on the plant floor today. It was either that or continue to do data entry and filing which I am trying to get caught up for about 2 yeas now. Coincidence that was about the time I filed for a divorce? So, I have been counting to 100 over and over today. And having been up since 3:30 am to get bundled up to clear out my driveway and sidewalks. I was never glad to see 5:00pm roll around. Would have been better if the ex would have brought the sprouts back into town, but I was to tired to argue with him, and when I picked them up I realized why he did not want to leave his house. He only had a path cleared out in his driveway and it was not for any of his vehicles. At least the roads were pretty decent. Well, I am off to prepare for my class tomorrow that I am leading, weather permitting of course. Hopefully I will be able to stay awake long enough as well. I hope everyone had a Happy Valentines Day!

A Good Weekend....

2007-02-12T05:10:00.000-05:00

Saturday went well. The sprouts and I started off with swim lessons and relaxing time for me in the therapy pool. Well, kind of relaxing, there usually ends up to be about 8 kids in there after there lessons are over with. Then it was off to the big city bowling tournament. This was the team event. As a team we covered the total number of pins we needed to possibly get in to placing for the event which is always a good thing. I personally threw my best score so far this year. I finally got my five hundred series at the tournament with games of 189, 153, 180. I was pretty happy with that.

My sisters birthday was yesterday, the sister I do not speak to that much. I am not sure I even wished her a happy birthday. Mom and dad took her out to dinner, and they asked the sprouts and I to go along so we did. My sister asked if she could ride with me, and I said sure. Guess that was her birthday present from me :) Dinner could have been better. The food was fine the service sucked though. It was just the waitress that we ended up having that sucked. The sprouts wanted them to sing to my sister and this waitress did nothing about it. The sprouts heard them sing to someone else and that really made them mad that they were not going to sing to our table. My sister really didn't mind it though.

Well, off to fight a headache and get the sprouts going this morning. I will also be holding my breath on an answer from the ex in regards to picking up a sprout on Wed. for me, that I asked him about last week. Wait, I will not be holding my breath. I will pass out if I did that. I already have a back up plan in place.

Communication issues.....

2007-02-09T15:35:00.000-05:00

I am totally at a lost in reguards to communicating with my ex. If I am lucky he will answer any emails I send him with in a week of being sent. I try not to call him, unless it is a very time critical issue. He can never give me an answer right then, and if he does agree to something, he forgets about it when the actual time does come up. If I put something in the suitcase for him I tell him it is there before he even picks up the sprouts for that night from daycare. He will stick items in the suitcase for me, and I will never know they are there unless I go thru it. I came upon the new insurance card that way. I am not sure how long it had been in the suitcase. I have asked him to let me know when he does put stuff in the suitcase so I am aware of it.

I am at a point where I just rather not talk to him at all. Which is not good because of the sprouts. When he sends me emails I just read them and do not acknowledge that I got them anymore. Seems like lately he just sends me emails to let me know what I am not doing with the sprouts. This from a person that does not have much room to talk, but I do not fire back at him anymore. Waste of my time, and very pointless as well. Someday I may figure it all out. Until then I guess I will just have to take it one day at a time.

An Interesting Weekend Ahead.....

2007-02-09T15:22:00.000-05:00

Last night I had another load of wood delivered to the house, since mother nature feels that it should still be cold for awhile and my supply was running very low. I did not have the sprouts last night, so I spent the first two hours after work stacking the wood up in my garage. Usually stacking wood is not an problem with me, except for now it is like a jig saw puzzle. Not only do I have to stack it, I have to stack it so that I can get in and out of my car as well when I am done. Not a very big garage, but big enough for what I need it for. Anyways, in the process of stacking the wood I tweaked the middle knuckle on my ring finger somehow. Normally this would not be a big deal except I am bowling in the city tournament tomorrow and yes it is my bowling hand. I do not think it is broke because it is not swollen or different colors, but it is very sore when I bend it. Typing on the computer is a problem at times. Luckily I only bowl with my finger tips and it is my middle knuckle that is sore. Nothing like a challenge to get an average that I have been failing to get the last few weeks during league play.

I have to swim with the sprouts first before bowling so I will be tired as well, or well relaxed because I will sit in it therapy pool for a bit before the sprouts are done with their swim lessons. After bowling it will be off shopping with my mom and the sprouts for a business type outfit, just to make thing interesting here at work. Then on to mom and dads for the evening. They have one of those message chairs, so a few rounds it that should put me out for the evening.

It has a crack....

2007-02-02T03:24:00.000-05:00

I was headed to church with the sprouts Wednesday night and on our way the oldest says to me "Did you know that the Nobell has a crack in it?" Puzzled for a moment I said "The Liberty Bell has a crack in it." She said "but there is a Nobell" "Yes, but it is an award handed out to people."

Now, on to Thursday. I took the oldest to work with me because they had a delay in the start of the school, scheduled in for the teachers to do stuff. Since I have such a great standing at work lately, I did not care. At least I was at work in the morning and not two hours late. I ran downstairs at work to get some stuff and when I came back up the sprout asked "what does disqualify mean?" I explained that to her and she was good to go. She heard it on the radio when I went down stairs. Funny thing is the she heard the a person had "just qualified" to be in a contest that they are running right now. I got a kick out of it. There is never a dull moment with the two sprouts around and there minds going all the time.

Hey! Were are the sprouts?!!?

2007-02-02T03:07:00.000-05:00

Last night I picked up the sprouts from daycare, as I normally do after work on my nights to have them, which is practically everynight. The ex had them on his normal week night, Tuesday night. We had made plans for pizza tonight. I ordered it on my way to daycare and we stopped and picked it up, before heading home. Apparently I got a call on my cell when I was in grabbing the pizzas. I didn't realize it right it away, I don't always check my phone right away when I decide not to take it with me at the time. After getting back in the car and on our way, the phone rings again and it is the ex. He is telling me to disregard the message he just left on my phone. He looked at the calendar wrong!?! I listened to the message which was about 25 minutes past the hour of picking up the sprouts from daycare. He wanted to know where they were because it was his night to have them. This explains why Wed. night the sprouts were questioning getting their hair cut on Thursday night because of their dad. I was confused by it because he had them Tues. night, and just left it be. He did show up at daycare, and she was surprised, that he did not call to let her know he was running late, she said he usually calls her for that, but was more surprised he was there.

I know what nights I have them. The calendar we use in an online calendar, and it highlights today for you so you know exactly what is going on today. I am always checking the calendar, because he has a habit of putting stuff in for the girls on my time and not telling me about it. I try my best to ask him first if something for the girls comes up on his time.

After he checked the calendar, he was ok with me having them for the night and we had a great time watching a movie and eating pizza, in front of the fire place keeping warm.

SNOW!!!!

2007-01-30T14:37:00.000-05:00

Yeah!!! There is finally snow on the ground! I know a lot of you are not happy about that, but in my world the little things go along way.

My sister called me last week to see if the sprouts and I wanted to go up to her house because she had snow and the sprouts could go sledding together. So we made the arrangements. I picked up my mom, cannot go see the 5 month old without taking grandma along, and since my grandma was home alone, and doing nothing. We took her along as well. So my 5 mo old nephew got a lot of Grandma loving, but only on his time. He was in a mood of his own. Fortunately, he and his aunt got along just fine.

After the sledding and playing of I think every single toy in the house, we headed back home for the two hour drive, because it was beginning to snow. Anytime you take your mom somewhere and it begins to snow, life pretty much revolves around her getting home safely. At least in my world it does. So needless to say I got the three kids in the car, my niece went as well. My grandma and my mom loaded as well. We grabbed dinner for the kids mostly and we were off. The roads were a bit slick at times and visibility was hampered as well, but not were I could not see the car in front of me. I had to put up with "don't push them" and "I wish you would just slow down" for two hours. Mind you there were at least a car length or two between me and the car in front of me and the slow down came when I was doing maybe 25 in traffic that had slowed for a slide off anyways. Yes, I finally blew up at my navigator then (my mom).

We did make it home safely and I got everyone else delivered to their respective places as well for the evening. What little was left of the evening I could have use drinking to calm my nerves from dealing with my mom, but I didn't. My oldest sprout and I watched the food network and got educated on how they make pretzels and chips. I think she got more from the show than I did, of course it probably would have helped me a lot more if my eyes were open.

Sunday brought more snow and of course I was still a half hour yet from my house, so I was "encouraged" to leave soon. I got home in the afternoon and the sprouts and I had a good time outside together. They helped me clear off the sidewalks and they finally got to make snow angles. Snow was not that great to make angels yesterday.

Now a little vent on men in my world lately. For the record my world would be much better without men in my life, I think. The ex. made an attempt to let me know his summer plans for the sprouts by email. I was impressed that it was so early, usually I barely get a weeks notice let alone months. I did not respond back to him one way or the other on it. There is a new guy in my life, but I am not sure where he stands in the world with his life, so I just play that one a day at a time. With my busy schedule that works well for me right now. The men at work, well they haven't exactly made my Christmas list of people to shop for. I have rescheduled the race, so hopefully something new will come along.

I have not been all that excited about my dad lately. My mom wanted to get groceries on Sunday because it was snowing and for one the pop(soda) was getting low. Not good for that house hold. During the blizzard of '78 I remember my dad bringing home about 8 cases of pop and a loaf of bread. Anyways, mom wanted to go along and he said no he could get them. They are a car short due to a deer encounter, so all vehicles are my dads work trucks, only seats in the front of them. My mom got a phone call it was my sister (the one that I do not get along well with) she was asking questions about the list my mom sent with my dad. She was mad when she hung up, he can't take me, but he can take her along. I spouted back, "That is so he can buy her groceries as well." Now you know one of the reasons I do not speak to her that much, she lives off my parents in her own house. My parents do help me when I ask, but I do not ask for everything little thing from them.

Stainglass, Work, and The Ex.....

2007-01-19T13:52:00.000-05:00

Stainglass.....

This was a last minute request from a lady at church. So naturally what is a night or two with no sleep...lol. The only request was for the rose to be yellow. I came up with the other colors, which was not easy for me. I am pretty particular about the way my pieces look and turn out. I truly liked the way this one turned out. Usually it makes a difference which side of the glass you use, but this piece turned out that both sides looked well together.

Another last minute piece was for my mom to give as a gift as well. Both the rose and cross were given at the same function at church. I have shown this pattern before I think. It is a beveled cross in the center with a clear glass that has a rainbow tint to it for the border. I designed the border for this piece.

This last piece is my favorite. I completely designed this piece as a surprise gift. The glass is 11" x 17". I was able to hold the background glass so that is looks like the letters are pasted on to it. Not an easy thing to accomplish, but something that I am pretty particular in doing. This turned out better than I thought it would when I started it. I thought the script lettering was not going to turn out as well as it did. I am really happy with it, and I think it was a hit as well. This piece took a lot of hours to make, which included a couple late nights (ok all nighters) and I even stayed home from work one day to work on it as well. That is before the other stuff happened at work. My dad made the frame for me. We put a crack in the glass when we were framing it. Well, my dad did it. He missed fired the first time and about stuck a small nail thru his thumb, then the second shot was not that much better, and it cracked the piece of wood we were putting on. Then he says "Did I just crack that?" With my teeth slightly grinding I said "Yes" but it did not look bad, and I doubt you will be able to see it. I did point it out when I delivered it. Anyways here it is...

Work....

Well, the race has been postponed. The owner also took issue with my boss and he took it personally, which he can afford to do more than the rest of us because the owner is his father-in-law. They exchanged a few emails. On Monday of this week, I got an apology from the owner via email, for the letter that he sent me last week. For that I have put off my search. My boss was here on Monday and more emails went back and forth and by the end of the day he has his mind made up that he was done here. He has not been in the rest of the week. They have kissed and made up I guess and my boss will be in on Monday. Never a dull moment around here.

The Ex....

The legal battle is finally over I believe for now. I have been trying since July to get medical expenses due me from him. He lawyered up after the judge served him papers at work, since he did not show up for the court date, because he did not pick up his certified mail. So, I had to get my lawyer involved. We all had a meet a greet in November and I finally signed the new agreement today. I have spent about five times the amount do me to get that money. He owed me alot more when I started the whole process and paid some of it along the way. So that is finally over. Hopefully!!! I just get the pleasure now of seeing him more often and at my house. Doubt that it will be a pleasure, especially since it will be around 7am everytime on the weekends.

The Race Is On.....

2007-01-12T08:39:00.000-05:00

The race is on to see if I can find a new job quicker than I lose the one I have. I am intending on winning this race. Apparently the owner of this company has an issue with me of which he stated in a letter to me that contained mostly lies. I have talked to my boss who is the son-in-law to the owner and we went to college together, and I also have spoke to the vice-president as well. The VP will go to bat for me in a heart beat. You see I am the engineering department I have no one else working for me here. When I go on vacation ALL the work is still waiting for me when I get back, there is no back up for me. The VP even stated in our meeting that if something happened to me GOD forbid this company would be in a world of hurt. I agree with that. I have even set up my home computer to be able to work from home when the sprouts are sick and I have to be home with them. I have even work at home on some 50 prints over a weekend, so that they would be done on time to get a big account that we were bidding for. I take my job very seriously, and I also take my family very seriously as well. I always put in my 40 hours or more, and am still able to meet my sprouts needs and appointments as well. I loved it when we had a second shift working here, because I could come in at night a work for a bit as well. I usually did that once a week, but the work I could get done in a few hours was a lot. I was not interrupted by the other 5 plants wanting something, or customer service needing a print. I could just concentrate on the task at hand. No I did not have to do it, but I did because I wanted to. Most of that time I was designing a 3D catalog of the more than 400+ molds that we use on our parts for all the plants to have. Since we move molds around periodically, I thought the plants should know what the part is going to look like because they do not normally work with it. The catalog when complete is two 3" binders packed. Why did I do that? Because it needed to be done to help out our plants. We take pride in our quality here, and that was just another way to insure our quality. In the infamous letter he is reorganizing the quality department, and I am going to have to be training someone to do the prints that I do. Which is fine with me, I am not against the reorganization or the training. He has said that for about 2 years now. I am not holding my breath on the training. I do not care if I have another job and no one is trained for my job. When you state in a letter that I am unmotivated, and slow, and do not care, when you are never around or know exactly what I do do for your company. The gloves are off. You crossed a line that cannot be erased. My office is upstairs and he has set foot in my office maybe twice in a year, once a year to hand me somekind of christmas gift. He hardly ever comes upstairs to anyones office. I left once before for a year, and this company asked me if I would come back. I did and I got the terms that I wanted and they got the terms that they wanted, life was good. I have no problems leaving again. I just have a problem with busting my butt to get everything done in a day, and being treated badly at the same time. No one deserves that.

Identical Twins!

2007-01-09T09:19:00.000-05:00

I am an identical twin. Mirror image twins as well. I am right handed and my twin is left handed. We both were glasses, because my right eye is slightly weaker than the left and her left is weaker than the right.

She lives two hours from me and we do talk daily, mostly through the computer. We have shown up at family gatherings wearing almost the same outfits. Neither of us knew what the other was wearing. This really annoys her more than me for some reason. If I knew what she was wearing anyways, I would probably wear the same thing just to annoy her, because I could. :) Depends on my mood. In high school, we both played basketball, and that was fun. One game the opposing teams coach called a time out on his home court, and walked to the middle of the floor and asked his team who had number 45, which was me, because I had just hit to jumpers with no one guarding me. Of course none of their players raised their hands. They did correct that situation. She has taken fouls for me during the game because the refs would look at the faces of the person that committed the foul (which usually was me) and then when they got to the scores table they would turn to get the number, but by then we would be standing side by side so they had to guess. Sometimes that came in handy. We always knew were each other was on the court, I could pass the ball off with out looking and knew she would be there to catch it. That was awesome.

Anyways, the reason for this post, I have often been asked, "Do you feel each others pain?" No, not really. We have gone through some of the same pains in life. But never have really felt each others pain. Yesterday and today, I have been fighting and headache/migraine. Ever since I have been on the high blood pressure meds, my migraines are very mild now. I am very glad for that now. I was taking about 4 excerine migraines at one time for them before. I know that is not good for you, but taking Vicodin is not a pleasant thing for me either, which I have had to do before as well. Anyways, I was chatting with my brother-in-law this morning online asking him if he needed a box of tissues, because he is an Ohio State fan. He said that my twin was home with a headache/migraine that was making her sick. I know how she feels, I have been there as well. Both of us having a headache on the same day, coincidence or not. That is as close as it gets for us having the same pain as the other.

A little tribute and a Big Thank You!

2007-01-04T09:24:00.000-05:00

Today is my last meeting with my venting specialists. This person helped me immensely, in moving on after my divorce. Granted I was venting 9 months before I even filed for the divorce. I am sure she thought I was crazy not to file sooner, but that never came into play with her. She never suggested that once. She knew that was not an option for me at that time. Finally after asking all the right questions, and having seen all the signs that I need to see, I filed for the divorce. I remember the look on her face when I told her what I did. I don't think she ever expected me to do that, and that is OK. We worked out a lot of issues in the three years that I have had to vent. For that I am grateful and ready to move on now.

After doing some final cleaning out of things still left to go through from when I was married, I know it was not my fault and I did everything I possibly could. He actually left the marriage long before I knew there was a problem between us. But we just cannot know then what we know now. So we move on. My venting specialist is moving on as well. I have been fortunate enough to be able to go where she has moved to, but this time the distance is to great. I wish her all the best in her new pursuit of happiness. I think it is perfect timing for me right now. Things are going well for me, besides the legal issues I still have with the former spouse and hopefully those with come to a close by the end of the month for sure. I will be facilitating and divorce group at church starting this month or next for sure. I have more people in my life now, and that is not something that I cared about. I perfectly fine just being with the sprouts, but it is very nice to add more adults to my life. As much as I hate to have it all end, it is at a good time.

Thank you for all that you have done. I wish you all the best in your new adventures. I will always remember that "Yes, you are always right" no matter how annoying that was for me, it was the best for me.

THANKS!!!

'Tis the Season.....

2006-12-22T15:14:00.000-05:00

First of all, I just want to say that this weather sucks. It is very hard for me to get into the Christmas Spirit when the temperature is in the 50's and it is pouring rain out.

Now where was I......

'Tis the season for giving. This week has been filled with long nights for me. I gave these pieces to the people at work. I also gave one to each of the sprouts teachers and the daycare provider and her sister who picks up my sprout from school everyday.

I made these 20 pieces last night. I made 4 of the same things on Wed. night. Both nights were all nighters for me. I even started this project on Tuesday night. I am glad I did get them done though. They turned out great. To give you an idea of the size of each of those, that bench is only 23 inches in depth and those fit nicely into a half fold greeting card envelope. Which is how I delivered them today with the card that I designed as well.

Everyone loved them. I even gave one to the two ladies that seem to think that they are my boss as well. They, however, will not get to see them until the first of the year because they are on vacation now. It is the thought that counts. An olive branch? I doubt it.

Speaking of the thought that counts. I dropped off the sprout at preschool on Wed. and they were going to have a little concert when we picked them up so the parents might want to come early to hear the 3-4 songs that they have been singing this month. Since the sprouts dad NEVER picks her up from school but was on duty right across the street that day, I decided to call him and let him know just in case he might be able to walk across. He was walking out as I was walking in, apparently he had to go because of his job. I tried.

The sprouts and I finished up some Christmas shopping this week and they got to pick out something for their dad as well. As much as I cannot stand him right now, it is still my job as their mom to make sure that they have a gift for their dad.

He sent me an email sometime Wed night and wanted to know if he could have the sprouts the next night for a birthday party that they were invited to. Mind you the party was for his wife's grandson, so I am pretty sure that this was not a last minute planned party because they had to travel 40 miles to get to the place for the party and the kids. After emailing and text messaging back and forth to get the details...when do you need them, when are they going to be home, etc. I finally decided to let them go. I did have plans but I put them off for a bit. The sprouts had a good time and we finished the stuff I had planned when they got back.

His wife sent me a message on the computer this morning thanking me for letting the sprouts go last night. I figured she was going to complain to me for not letting the sprouts spend the night with them. That is usually the way that conversation goes, but 'tis the season.

I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas Holiday, and a Happy New Year!

The Christmas Program

2006-12-11T09:31:00.000-05:00

The childrens Christmas program at our church was yesterday afternoon. The kids have been working on this program since before Thanksgiving. I had to ask the sprouts dad if they can be in the program because it was going to fall on his weekend. He did not have a problem with them being in the program. I had recently asked him if I could have them all day yesterday so that they could attend church in the morning which would be their final practice as well before the program in the afternoon, since they would not be able to attend the dress rehearsal the day before because he had things planned for the sprouts. He agreed to let me have them and I offered to trade a day with him as well for that time, and he took me up on that. This whole time I was assuming that he was not going to attend because he made no effort to take the sprouts to the program and he traded the day for me. He also had never attended a church program the sprouts have been in either. I did ask him in email to reconsider he attendance to the program this year. The oldest is excited about her part in the program as she had three speaking parts this year. I got no response and left it at that.

I picked up the sprouts from his house yesterday morning and he had no mention of showing up. The sprouts had their hair all done up and ready to go. I asked them if they knew if their dad was going to come to the program and they said that they wanted to but didn't think so because they thought I would get made at them coming to the program. I told the sprouts that I would not get mad, that I kind of have been trying to get them to come as well. The oldest wanted to call them to ask them to come. We tried three different phone numbers and left messages on all three numbers. He called me a short time later as we are getting ready to head to the church. He wanted to know what time it started, because he was at the church already. I was surprised at that, but glad he was there. I guess putting the time on the calendar that we use together for the sprouts events was worth putting it in a half hour early.

So, all went well. He even brought his parents to the program as well, which really surprised me. I could tell when the sprouts spotted their dad in the crowd because they got a big smile on their face, and even did the sneaky wave to him as well.

He and had chatted briefly and it was a pleasant conversation at that. There was a few awkward moments with his wife and I passing at times, but everything went well. I am just really glad that he decided to come to the program.

The busy season....

2006-12-08T14:45:00.000-05:00

...well only if you procrastinate a bit. Once again I stayed up to complete a stainglass piece last night, because I have to deliver it tonight. I have known about this piece since about Spring time. Why rush into things. I did get it done, and even got a nap in as well. Here are some pictures of it. Yes, it is similar to one I have done before.

I took the sprouts to visit santa last weekend. The youngest wants talking furniture type stuff. Not sure where that is going to go. I asked why, they already have a kitchen to play with. The answer I got was "But, it does not talk to me" Great I talk to them and they do not it when I do talk to them.

A quick note on my legal issues with the ex. I finally received a copy of the proposal from him, and he has switched everything around for the visitation schedule, and has not addressed any of the issues I had, which are the reason for the legal battle in the first place. Him changing the visitation schedule is only done because I filed court papers on him. All I want is the money I suppose to have according to our divorce decree. My lawyer modified the proposal again for me, and I am in a holding pattern again. Been holding since July when I filed the papers. I am not in a hurry now to sign anything until the main issues are resolved.

Another busy weekend is ahead for me. I have about 5 more stainglass pieces to do, hopefully I can get some of them done this weekend. The tree still has not had a home found for it yet, so that is at the top of the list. Hopefully sleep is in there as well. The sprouts have their church Christmas program on Sunday. That should be interesting. The oldest has speaking parts, and during rehearsal said them as fast as she could and as quiet as she could as well. The youngest gets to sing three songs, of which will probably only do the motions to the songs and not sing along.

A busy Holiday Weekend!

2006-11-27T16:41:00.000-05:00

I started on Wednesday night heading to the big city, an hour away, with my mom for company. I needed to pick up some glass for a project to be completed by Saturday Morning. Last minute thing. We got the glass, then did some other shopping as well had dinner and home we went.

On Thursday, I spent the entire day cleaning my house. I even worked through the night, I was on a roll and really did not want to stop. On Friday, I helped my grandmother bake 6 pies. I made the pies actually she just supervised and got the crust ready. I got up there early in the morning so I could head out and get ready for other plans for the evening. My sister showed up at grandmas anyways so she could take the last two pies out of the oven for me.

My other plans, got cancelled. Which turned out to be a good thing because I was up the entire night created two stainglass pieces for our family Christmas on Saturday.

Here are some pictures of the two pieces that I created. They were for my cousin and her friend that she invited to our Christmas this year. She was not able to make it home for Thanksgiving this year, so my cousin took her in for the holiday. The pieces are lamps in their college colors. They loved them.

I finished the two pieces around 6:30am in the morning and was able to get about an hour and a half of sleep before having to go pick up the sprouts and take them to their swim lessons. Of which I swam with one while the other was taking their lesson. On hour and a half in the pool. We headed up to the family gathering and had a great time this year. Everyone was in a good mood, and talkative to everyone else. It was a nice change of pace for once.

We spent the evening at my parents house, which is an adventure in itself trying to get 2 four year olds to go to bed at the same time. Eventually they settled down, and it did not take me long to pass out for the evening as well.

Now I just have to get ready for Christmas.

It was and accident.....

2006-11-22T16:07:00.000-05:00

This weekend, the entire family was around at my parents because we had family pictures taken on Saturday. With a new addition to the family this year, it was a must for new pictures. My niece is just 6 months younger than my youngest sprout. So they are best buds when they get together. On Friday, I was suppose to accompany them both on the pre-school field trip, but that got cancelled due to weather. They both attended class for a few hours together then lunch and off the grandmas to play for the day.

On Saturday we all had things to do in the morning before heading off to get the pictures taken. So, we ended up with three cars at the place for pictures. After the hour and a half session of which we did not get what we were promised because someone took their management position for granted, (of which has been corrected since) I really hate being lied to, that is all I am going to say on that. We went shopping for a bit, because a bribe was in place if you stand and smile and behave for pictures. They found the treasure that they wanted and then took in a treat and drink and off for grandmas so the adults could watch the big football game. My dad and younger sister and her daughter took off in one car. I volunteered to take my other niece with my two sprouts and my mom, after all they wanted to ride together and my car was big enough for that. My twin sister went back with her spouse and 3 month old. I am pretty sure I was on the wrong end of this deal for the next hour. All three kids talked the whole way home, there was a movie going but I am sure they were not watching it. We arrived at grandmas house and they played with their new toys all evening long.

On Sunday, I met my twin sister and family at the golden arches after church, then her spouse and I took the three kids to the movies, while she went back to grandmas with the baby. Again I am not sure that was a good idea, but they all had fun. On the way home, the two four year olds were exchanging time out stories from their respective daycares. The things that go through their minds. After my niece was done telling her story mine turns to her and says "Did you tell them that it was an accident!" Like that is how she gets out of time out. Yeah it was an accident that she walked across the room and slugged another kid for picking on one of her friends. My brother in law and I had all we could do not to laugh at their conversation. They do not miss much.

Way to busy!!

2006-11-18T06:51:00.000-05:00

There is nothing like the holiday season to keep a person busy. Maybe it is the flu season that is keeping me busy? Over the weekend last weekend, I put up the outside Christmas lights for my grandmother. She never lights them before Thanksgiving, but I get them up for her before then. Of course it was raining and snowing. It never is nice weather when I do my part in that tradition.

I created a stainglass piece last weekend as well. Pictures will be later as it was one of three pieces to complete the project. I have several to get done now. Hopefully I can find the time to do those.

My youngest got a small bout of the stomach crud that was going around here this week, so I was home from work for half a day. Luckily I am set up to do work at home so I was not to far behind. The only problem with that was, I was taking a vacation day yesterday from work so that put a little kink in getting everything caught back up.

After running the kids around to all of their appointments this week, I was looking forward to all of my scheduled events on Thursday. Of which my Thursday was packed in time wise. I dressed up in a "pants suit" outfit. That makes work wonder if I am looking for a new job, and frankly I like to let them wonder that. After work I had to take the sprouts to get their hair cut, then drop them off at their dads. He did not want to take them to get their hair cut, even though I already told the hair dresser what I wanted "the usual". He calls me when they are about done with their hair cuts and wanted to know if we were still in town. He said he was in town and would swing by to pick them up at the hair place. He forgot, and had gone to daycare to pick up the sprouts, but I already had gotten them for their appointment. I was glad he did pick them up because I needed to leave to make it on time for my dinner date. Yep, I had a date this week and it was awesome. We had about an hour together before I had to go to another appointment, which I had scheduled along time ago and the main reason I was 40 miles from home that night. I also scheduled it that way, just in case things were not going well on the date. First time either of us had seen each other. Yep, it was an online thing. After my other appointment I went back into work to finish catching up on everything and finally called it a night.

Friday, for my vacation day I was suppose to go with 14 preschools to a buffalo farm. But, some of the parents dropped their kids off not dressed for the weather, which was not rainy, but a little cold not to bad though. And they asked the teacher, you aren't still planning on going are you. So, she was kind of stuck, so the kids did not go. But, I got to spend the day with my twin sister and my almost three month old nephew and his sister. My niece and my youngest are only 6 months apart with mine being the oldest. These two can't live with each other and cannot live with out each other. We all had a great day. It was grandparents day at school so my oldest got grandma and grandpas attention this afternoon. And got to leave school early with grandma after it was over.

My former in-laws came to grandparents day as well. The teacher did not know they were coming, because my former mother-in-law did not want my sprout to be disappointed if they did not show up. To me that equals I cannot commit my self to coming until the day arrives. That is just has she is and has been her whole life. The other problem was that the kids had art projects to do with the grandparents except mine only had one to do because I sent in the reservation for my parents. My mom let his mom take the art work home and the teacher gave my sprout the stuff to do another one for my mom at a later time. Which my sprout completed it at grandmas house later that evening. There was another issue with her not telling them they were coming in that he is in a wheel chair. Luckily I had given the teacher a heads up on him being in a wheel chair, early in the week. I wanted to let the teacher know that my mom has a physical disability, and would be able to sit in the little kids chairs. She cannot bend her knee on one leg because most of her knee cap is gone.

Well, I am off for swim lessons with the sprouts today, and family pictures as well. I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving. I have to help my grandmother on Friday back about 8 pies for our family gathering on Saturday.

As far as the proposal with my ex. I am still in a holding pattern it has been 17 days since we had a meet and greet with our lawyers, and no word on if he is going to accept my deal or not. Which is fine with me right now, because I get more support from him until he agrees on it. It will definitely be over with on 12/5 because that is the court date.

Finally back online!!!!

2006-11-08T16:17:00.000-05:00

These are some more pumpkins I carved on the weekend before Halloween. I tried to post them last week, but there was a serious meltdown with the internet in my area. My home line was down, my work line was down as well. I was almost starting to have withdrawals.

This was the first year I tried my hand at carving a pumpkin. Let me tell you that is a lot of work put they truly are very cool when you light them up. The university of Texas one took me about 6 hours to do. I did the Ohio State Buckeye first, that is why he does not look that good. I am not an OSU fan, but some in my family are, by marriage I might add. The Notre Dame one is my favorite. I gave the Texas one to my pastor at church. He is an alum and now works in Michigan, so I thought that would be fun to give him that. I actually carved 7 pumpkins that weekend on top of the three I carved the weekend before with my sprouts. We put a float in the Halloween parade in town so the pumpkins were actually for the float. My hand was so sore and I had a blister on the side of one of my fingers. It was a good thing I did not have to bowl on Halloween. I would have never gotten my finger into the bowl let alone pull it out to release the ball. I could not even write correctly the rest of the week. That was entertaining enough

On Wednesday afternoon, I had a meet and greet with my lawyer and my former spouse and his lawyer to hash out some things that I have been trying to get hashed out since August. Let's just say a root canal would have more exciting. I finally made a proposal and am waiting to hear if he accepts it.

I finally got to my leaves that were in my yard this weekend. I started on them Friday night. The sprouts helped me with them on Saturday. Actually they played in them on Saturday. The pile was taller than they were. There was a Grand Am parked on the street next to the pile of leaves and you could not see the car at one point.

Ready for Halloween

2006-10-24T13:02:00.000-04:00

Well the great pumpkin carving took place this past weekend. On Saturday the sprouts picked out their perfect pumpkin and mom got one as well. Here is a view of all three of them. This one is my oldest's who will be a princess kind of person with wings. A crown and wand were necissary to complete the outfit, and an added touch of lights have been placed around the wings. This one is mine, It says "Trick or Treat" on it. Maybe hard to read for some. (The green in the center is the battery operated light that changes colors.) I will not be wearing a costume, however I have been drafted to ride on the float to watch the sprouts so that they do not fall off. This will be the one time that I will not like snow in the forcast. This one belongs to the youngest, that announced a witch costume will work for this year. Bonus, we had one in storage that is home made and fits. An added touch of lights will be added to the hat this year. The sprouts enjoyed cleaning out the pumpkins and they picked out their design as well. Mom helped carve them for them. A good time was had by all. They really like them when the lights are on inside.

Co-Workers who want to be bosses!!!

2006-10-16T09:57:00.000-04:00

I need to vent here for a moment. My boss, who happens to be married to the owners step-daughter, and he and I graduated from college together, also supervises two other women in his department. I am in my own department. I am the only one that works in my department. We all work upstairs in the office of a manufacturing facility.

I was gone all day last Monday on a vacation day. I left early on Thursday because I did not feel well. I am on some new meds that my system is not liking very much. Now, I am not the type of person to leave work every time I do not feel well. I work through headaches, colds, whatever. I am not one to just not come in to work because I do not feel like it. I had all my work done that I had to do before I left and I notified the Vice President of the company I was leaving because my boss was not going to be in until the afternoon, because he daughter who is in fifth grade had mono so his wife who works here at well were taking turns coming in. She came in the mornings because of the stuff she does and he comes in after lunch. He did a lot of work from his home because he could get his work email at home. I had emailed him as well to let him know of the situation, and I left about an hour before he was coming in anyways.

Now, I normally come back into work on the evenings that the sprouts are at their dads. This is usually right after I get done bowling, but not always. I usually am here for two to three hours, sometimes more. I get a lot of little stuff done that I normally cannot get done during the day, because the phone is ringing or one of the 5 other plants needs something or just everyday stuff that is a priority to me gets done first. It is nice to just be able to get a solid couple of hours to concentrate on things. I am salary so it really does not matter to some if they work their necessary hours or not or go an extra mile or not for a company. I does matter to me.

So, on Friday I came into work and got caught up from being gone the day before. Which only took me about an hour to do, there was not much work that needed to be done. I went and put some prints on my bosses desk for him to go over when he comes in later. While I was doing that the lady that works for him and is right next to his office was just ranted up a storm to the lab tech who will get out of any work possible if he can, and has every excuse as to why things are not done yet. This guy never tips a waitress because he has every excuse as to why they do not deserve one. Anyways, they are talking about me being gone and who supervises me when I am here at night and how can I be gone when I do not feel well and on and on and on. I could sit in my office and hear everything she was talking that loud. She has a high regard for her boss as well, because according to her his spine and other parts are missing from his body as well, and she has to do all this other stuff because he won't do it.

I just love these people that have to know exactly what the whole office is doing and that they are following all the rules. I was not aware this office had a rules enforcing police, but apparently she got that position when I was out sick for the half a day. Tomorrow should be fun, I am not going to be in the office at all in the morning because I have to go to another plant to give a training session to them. This is at the request of the Vice President, and my boss does know. Wonder if I should clear it with her to make sure that it is ok that I be gone in the morning? Naaaa, that would take the fun out of what could be an interesting week around here.

Hope You Enjoy The Color!

2006-10-11T13:09:00.000-04:00

Here are a few pictures of the fall color from northern Michigan this past weekend.

This is the view I had everyday from the deck of our cabin.

Here is some of the color we saw near Houghton, Michigan and around Keewanaw bay on Lake Superior Saturday afternoon.

This was taken from Presque Isle in Marquette on Sunday.

And these are a few pictures on our way home on Monday. They are all taken south of the Bridge. Yes I was multi-tasking at the time, driving and picture taking.

A great time was had by all. I took my mom and grandmother up with me for the weekend. Grandma had a wonderful time, and she enjoyed the drives we took each day. It was great, we got to eat at all our favorite restuarants on both days and never cooked a meal at home. The weather was in the mid 70's both days. The color peaked probably around Wednesday or Thurdsay up there. We saw some good color but a lot of it was gone. At our cabin most of the leaves had fallen already. The northern lower pennisula of Michigan had better color than the upper and better on Friday than on Monday when we were coming home.

No big wild life around. :( We did see some deer, but I was hoping for a bear or a Moose. There will always be next time.

We were getting things around on Sunday night and mom and I had to go back into town to get a few things and the lady working in the store was going to be heading down state this Thursday. She was heading toward I-96 and US 23 which is in the general area between Lansing and Detroit. I was laughing to myself about her carrying on about her trip. I know where she is going because that is right near my sister, and she said that you would have thought that she was heading to Europe for this trip. I think if the "UPers" cross the bridge it is like entering a foreign country to them and they really have not even left the state they live in.

I was kind of bummed that they were going to be getting snow this week and I was leaving and going to miss it. Only to discover that we have snow in our forcast as well, bonus. I know a lot of you are not that excited about it, sorry.

All 3's

2006-10-03T21:27:00.000-04:00

Ok I have been Tagged so here it goes:

All the 3s... Here are some things about me

3 smells I love:
Hot Apple Pie
Cinnamon
Orange

3 smells I hate:
Coffee (Sorry)
Body odor
Beer

3 jobs that I have had in my life:
Engineering Manager
Quality Manager
Video Store Manager

3 movies that I could watch over and over:
Good Morning Vietnam
The Shawshank Redemption
Sister Act 1 & 2

3 fond memories:
Going out Friday nights with my Grandparents
The birth of my two sprouts
Christmas at my other Grandparents

3 jobs I would love to have:
Making stainglass pieces full time
Web page designer
Continuing Education Teacher (Adults not kids)

3 places that I have lived:
Reading, Michigan
On Campus Tri-State University
Angola, Indiana

3 things I like to do:
Do Stuff with the kids
Create stainglass pieces
Work on the computer

3 of my favorite foods:
Seafood
Gingerbread cake w/lemon sauce
Grandmas fresh cherry dumplins

3 places I would like to be right now:
Around a campfire by the lake watching the sunset
Outside hanging out with the kids
With my twin sister rocking my nephew

3 websites that I visit daily:
www.yahoo.com
www.boatnerd.com
www.ebay.com

3 things that make me cry:
Onions
Disappointing my children at times
A Broken heart

3 friends that I am tagging:
All my friends in the tagging world have been tagged

...and it just Freaked me out!!

2006-10-03T14:50:00.000-04:00

To add to my busy schedule, the sprouts are taking gymnastics once a week. They have been begging me to take them, so I finally found ones that fit everyone's schedule. The youngest has her 40 minute lesson, then we have dinner before the oldest has her lesson. I was putting the finishing touches on dinner last night and chatting with the 4 1/2 year old about her lesson. I do not stay for it, the oldest and I zip to the library a few blocks away and I do the same with the youngest later in the evening as well. Anyways, I was asking what all did they do today, did you get to do the bar, the trampoline,etc. I asked did you do the balance beam, which is a mat like beam that sits on the floor and is about 6 inches tall and maybe 8 - 10" wide. I saw them do that last week. She says "We had to go sideways, forwards, and backwards on it" excitingly telling me this. Then she says that "It just freaked her out" and on she went about her business. The mind of a child. :) They enjoy it, and they love going to the library as well, so life is good on Mondays.

2 more days before my mini vacation to the upper pennisula of Michigan. It is suppose to rain up there this weekend but I do not care, life is always good when ever I can get up there. I missed the seafood festival earlier this year, so I am glad I can get up there at all this year. I have had to do some last minute arrangements to get the sprouts to all of there stuff this weekend, but I have finally accomplished that as well. Now, all that is left is laundry and packing a few clothes for the trip.

My twin sister was trying to find away to go up as well for that weekend, which would of been really cool because I would have gotten to rock my nephew all weekend. He loves me! Well, he loves to spit up on me. :) I do not mind though, he is such a cutie. But, she is not going, and to be honest none of her SUV vehicles are big enough to pack everything that SHE would want to bring for both kids. Mind you there are lots of toys up there already and the little sprout does not require food yet, and there is a washer and dryer there as well. But, she still cannot make it.

A week in review....

2006-09-27T16:32:00.000-04:00

I now have a 7yr. She had a great birthday! She got to take treats to school, had a small birthday cake on Friday, and a bigger cake on Saturday with the rest of the family. We went up to my sisters to have the party, so my grandma could see the baby. Everyone had a great time. The 7yr received her new bike for her birthday and she loves it. Rides it when ever possible. She is so tall that a new bike is in order almost every year, but I think I have found one that will last for quite sometime, it has a lot of adjustments on it. Now I have to take the old bike and make it usable for the 4yr because she is also very tall for her age and needs a new bike as well. It all works out in the end.

I help out with the computer at church and put the music in so that it is ready to go for the Sunday services. Well they have upgraded the program that is used, so Sunday the people running it were pretty much doing it blindly. But it was not to bad. I could not figure out everything I needed to figure out on it, in the 2 hours that I had to work with it. I have since figured out more stuff, so hopefully tonight will be a piece of cake getting the music in.

Besides the birthday this weekend was great. The girls and got to swim together. They have swim lessons on Saturdays so while one is having a lesson I swim with the other one and visa versa. They enjoy it. They have been swimming since before they were 3yrs old. We also stopped by my grandma's house after church on Sunday so she could see the girls clothes the she got them for the birthday party. She was so excited to see us again. I grew up seeing my grandma everyday, she lived only 5 miles from us and in town so we had to go to her house after school, while my mom and to finish up stuff at school as a teacher. Out of the 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandkids, my sisters and I are the only ones she gets to see often. We try to see her as often as we can just because she enjoys it.

I have decide to take a little mini vacation next weekend, and my mom and grandma are going with me. I am just going to spend the weekend at the family cabin and grandma has not been up there that much this year, and mom won't let me go by myself, so they are both going. I usually ask grandma anyways, being 94 and the original owner of the place it is only fair to take her along. She already has the meals planned out for the 2 days we are going to be there. That will probably change some, but you can tell she is excited to be going.

I usually plan a lot of stuff to do, but not this time. I only have a small road trip planned and that will be no different than going to town anyways for a few groceries, so life will be good. Just sit down by the lake and watch time pass me by for two days. Weather permitting, and a few house winterizing projects to do first, nothing to big though.

Annoying/Applause

2006-09-19T16:20:00.000-04:00

What really annoys me are people that always see the negative in everything. When someone just wants a friend to listen, the friend seems to have to take the other side and criticize what you are saying all the time. Luckily I do not have friends that do that anymore, I erased them from my Christmas list. But there are still people out there that no matter what you do or say it is never right in their book and they may not even know the entire situation, which doesn't matter to them you still are in the wrong in their eyes. I personally think those people do it to escape their issues what ever they maybe.

I do not even watch the news anymore, one I do not get any local TV stations and I do not watch the national news either. Someone told me that one "Cable" news stations letters stand for Continuous Negative News after listen to it for awhile I had to agree. I am still up and the news locally, regionally, and world wide. I take what I want and leave the rest.

I am glad that my "venting specialist" is the way that she is. Listens, doesn't really criticize me or tell me that I should have done it one way or the other. She makes suggestions and I take them or leave them, usually when I leave them, turns out I should have taken them. But some "venting specialist" tell people what they should be doing and turns out that made it worse, but that is the way they are. Not saying it is good or bad, and that is what makes this country the way it is. Everyone gets to have an opinion.

So I applaud those people that just listen, but sometimes that is all a person wants is a pair of ears for awhile. To those that do not know when to just listen, eventually you will know when you should have just listened.

Mountain out of a mole hill.....

2006-09-15T17:32:00.000-04:00

Well my life the past month or so has been stuck in a legal battle with my former spouse. According to the final papers he has to pay me half of the medical bills after I pay so much first. I used up my allotment back in April. I gave him the spread sheet of everything he asked a few questions said he was going to have to talk to the insurance people...blah blah blah. A month later I sent a certified letter stating what was 30 days past due, he signed for it...fine. Later I sent another certified letter and he never picked it up nor did her picked up the other 3 that I sent over the course of the summer. I asked him in person when I picked up the sprouts if he was going to reimburse me his share of the medical bills and he said yes that he was waiting to hear back from the insurance company. Which now is 2 months later. When I got back from vacation I filed a contempt of court at the court house and got a court date in August. I received an email from him a few days after I filed that said that he had heard from the insurance company. Great now I might get to see some money which is almost half way to 4 digits now. Court arrives almost 30 days after he has heard from the insurance company, no money yet, and he is a no show because he did not sign for the certified letter. Judge sets a new date, and has his papers served by sheriff. A week later I get an email saying that I am going to be getting a check for so much and that the rest he will figure up and get to me at the end of the year. I sent back the spread sheet he attached and filled in the stuff he was missing, and never mentioned anything like "that will be fine to get the rest at the end of the year." I just let the time frame go, no point in beating on it. I figured that he got his papers. A few days later I pick up my certified letter from him, actually his wife did everything, wrote the check addressed the envelope wrong. It was part of the money, and I received a little more the next week.

During this whole time he has changed the visitation schedule to his liking without discussing it with me, of which I told him I did not like that schedule but would be glad to sit down with him to work one out, and he wants other things changed, because he would have to pay for part of it now. Then another email comes wanting to know why he got served papers. Because I did not have any money from you at that time, was my response. He came back with I told you I will get you the money when I get the insurance papers back. I did not respond back, I hate getting into an email "fight" with him, he just sends it to his wife to respond, not worth my time to go there.

So, now the court date has been changed twice by his lawyer and the court because he has filed a motion to have the visitation changed and the child support lowered. Now I really have no money, and grow deeper in debt to my parents for the lawyer fees, and I am not all that confident that the child support isn't going to be lowered. At least my lawyer thinks it won't so that is a good thing I guess.

I have everything in order, have had for almost 2 months now. The new court date is on what use to be my wedding anniversary, hope that isn't a bad thing again. I will be glad when it is all over with, then maybe I can get some sleep and back to my normal life.

The sad part about this, is that most of this could be solved by just simple communication of which will never happen as long as he is married to her. I have sat down with the two of them before and tried to work some stuff out, but that just turned into her telling me how everything was my fault. Not doing that again.

The Verdict part 2

2006-09-06T15:52:00.000-04:00

Once again it has been changed. My ex called my yesterday morning to tell me that he was having the oldest ride the bus from daycare to school because of the three hour fog delay, he could not take her to school because he had to be somewhere else. I was not happy because she has to transfer buses to get to her school which he was not aware of. She made it, but the story she told me this morning about it did not have any enthusiasm with it for getting to ride the bus to school for the first time. Anyways, when he is all done with that information, he then says that the court date tomorrow (meaning today) has been change and he gave me the time and day of the new date. Not pleased about this I call the court, which had no knowledge of the change but the person was out and I had to call back this morning to confirm. So, I did and yep he changed it, because he has retained counsel and he of course was on duty today and probably did not want to ask for the time off as well, which pisses me off because I have to get the time off no matter what. SO, I have an appointment with my lawyer soon as well. I am sure he is going to make a mountain out of a mole hill, and I might even try to get the lawyers to work it out now, which would be in the best interest of my ex since the judge is not all that thrilled that he did not show up the last time. Time will tell I guess. What is another couple of sleepless weeks, it is only time anyways, except now it is money.

Hodge Podge of stuff!!!!

2006-09-05T11:01:00.000-04:00

The last couple of weeks have been a whirl wind of stuff going on...

1. My nephew has arrived finally, last Sunday 8/27 in the afternoon sometime. He arrived by c-section because he was 11 pounds and 6oz. That is 3oz less than what my twin sister and I weighed together. Mom and baby are doing just fine. His big sister loves him, despite him being a little sister for along time. She is over that now. :) He is a cutie with chubby cheeks and a head full of dark hair.

2. I finally have received some money from my former spouse. I thought it was because he got served his papers for court, but these came before he got the papers. He has brought up a few new issues that I am not happy with so we will just let the court decide on them. I am tired of negotiating with him so that he gets what he wants all the time, to change later because they do not work to his benefit later on. What he tells me in one email changes the next week in another email, so the man in the black robe can make the decision for him as far as I am concerned right now.

3. My oldest has been in school all day now, first grade and loves it.

4. I am going to vent here about my younger sister "red". We do not get along very well, and I will be cordial for the most part. I do not call her up to see how her day is going or anything like that. We have never really seen eye to eye on things for a very long time. She is divorced x2 and has a daughter, the oldest of the grandkids. She pretty much lives off my parents, even though she has her own place in an adjacent town. She works for my dad which is fine, but she seeks handouts for everything. Granted my parents have helped me out during my divorce and continue to do so if I need them to. I paid for my divorce, my parents paid for her 2 divorces. Anyways, my parents took out a lone for me to pay off my spouse from the divorce settlement. I would not be able to refinance my house and car if I had that loan in my name. I make the monthly payments on that loan so all is well. I clean my parents house most everyweekend for mom. She only has one third of a knee cap on one leg and cannot bend it hardly at all, and has been like that most of my life, so she cannot get on her hands and knees to clean stuff. She shattered her elbow a few years ago, rods and screws were required to put the splinter like pieces of bone back together with the hope that she would have at least a 10% movement in it. She lacks about 10% of full movement from it, but is still limited in doing stuff. So, instead of paying someone to come in to do her cleaning, I get paid to do it. Which usually is taken off of my loan payment for the month. I do not mind cleaning the house, I mind cleaning after "red" when she has spent the night at mom and dads. Mind you she only lives 20 minutes at most away. I have to always put away the blankets and pillows that she drags out of the closet in the room she sleeps in. I have to take care of all the stuff she gets out of the bathroom drawers and just leaves them on the counter when she is done instead of putting them back. It is just annoying. She was offered to clean the house for extra money but never did it. Go figure.

5. An exciting moment happened this weekend. 8 of us went to a county fair in an adjoining state on Sunday. This fair was my moms and grandmas fair many years ago. Most of us usually go every year, but this year we piled into an RV and took grandma along. She has not been there for many many years. She was dressed in her Sunday best for a 93yr. We pushed her around in a wheel chair, she only has 50% of her heart working from a heart attack a few years ago so the walking is out. We took her through a long cabin that her brother help build and had some items in it from her grandfather. She was in seventh heaven there. I glanced at a large quilt in the corner than had twelve or sixteen squares on it. Each square had a circle with a name on it and a wagon wheel of names embroidered around it. I asked my mom who a couple of names were and she said they were her grandma and grandfather, then I spotted my grandmas name on it. This quilt was made back in 1927 and the names on it were from the members of a small community back then. The people were so excited that my grandmas name was on it and that she was still living. Someone came through a couple of hours ahead of us and said that no one was still living. They took a picture of my grandma in front of the quilt and she was in her glory.

The Verdict is....

2006-08-20T22:52:00.000-04:00

Postponed until both parties appear at the same time. I had a court appearance this week to try to get some money from my former spouse that he owes me for medical expenses for the sprouts, all of which is stated in the divorce decree. He did not show because he did not pick up the certified letter that the court set him stating the date and time of court. I know this because one the court did not have a record of it, and two he has not picked up any of my certified letters to him since he signed for the first one back in May. I still have one at the post office which I will probably get back this week.

I showed up at court and apparently was the only case for the day. The clerk came in and asked me if I knew if he knew he was to be there today. I did not know but told her that I doubt he knows because of the mail situation. She said she was going to have to talk to the judge. She came back and told me to have a seat, that the judge wanted to put in on record that he was not there. It was a quick proceeding, and I have a new court date. So, I get to wait almost 3 weeks, and after the sheriff visits his employer I am sure I will get a phone call after that. Why is it that when the consequences of your actions are not to your liking, you blame other people for them? The judge did not seem very happy that my ex did not pick up his mail. He did not seem happy with the snail mail system either. :)

What can brown do for you......

2006-08-14T16:42:00.000-04:00

Take care of a package that is not mine that is what they can do for me. A week ago, there was a package on my front steps when I got home from work. I was thinking to myself, I have not ordered anything to have a package delivered, but my birthday was the next day so maybe it was a gift from someone. NOPE, it was a package for my former spouses business, from the same people that tried to pick up something from my garage about a year ago, luckily I was home when that happened.

I put the package in the car and was headed out for my birthday plans with the sprouts, and find a guy in brown still working so, I turn around and make my way back to see if he can help me. I give him the package and explain that it was delivered to my house today and that it is not mine, it is my address but that person is my ex and has not been there for over two years now. He says not a problem I will mark it moved away, and off we go on our merry ways.

A few days later I get a postcard in the mail, for the same address as the package saying that they have a moved notice and where the package can be picked up at. I write on it not here anymore like the rest of the mail I get that is not mine and send it back thru the system.

This morning I get a phone call from my ex, "Did you have a package delivered to the house recently?", "Yep", "Did you send it back?", "Yep", "I told them the address had changed and gave them the new address a long time ago they just never changed it!" "I do not know what to tell you, you might contact the hub, they might be holding it there." Off he goes on his adventure to find his long lost package.

I have no idea if he got it or not. It was coming from the same town that his parents live in and is only 40 miles away from either of us, so I am not that concerned about it. He could have picked one up himself at some point and time, I have been there to do just that for him before the end of our marriage.

I did not feel that it was my responsibility to deliver it to him either. Either one of us apparently is not that thrilled with having contact with the other person, why I have no idea. I still inform him how doctors appointments go, dentists appointments and such, if I take them. If he takes them, I have to call him and find out how things went. If it was someone else's package that was not my neighbor I would have done the same thing, sent it back.

Awesome Weekend!

2006-08-14T16:03:00.000-04:00

I had to fill in for my twin sister in her spouses company golf outing this weekend. She is expecting and due anytime, doctor says she is at 2cm today. A good time was had by all, at least for the 4 of us that made up our team. We took first place! Mind you my brother-in-law and I, and sister have golfed in tournaments before mostly just for fun. Anytime we can get out on the course is a good thing for us, so we really do not care how we do. He came in last place last year, and maybe the year before that, so first place is awesome for us. We were hooked up with his plant manager, and a sales rep. for one of the vendors. The sales rep is a competitive guy, but that did not bother either of us since we had only been able to make it out once so far this year. We rolled right along all day and it truly was a team effort. Everyone contributed off the tee at different times, and we all made putts and some point as well. When all was done we shot a 12 under, and that was good enough for first place by 3 shots I believe. We received 2 rounds of golf at a nice course near Detroit some where. Another road trip for me, but always a good road trip if golf is involved.

I won free gas for getting closest to the pin on one of the holes for the women. That was cool since I was the first name on the list. It was pretty close and we were shooting over a huge pond which was the courses signature hole. That paid for my gas up there.

I even got a door prize, everyone received a door prize.

The down side to the weekend, was that it took me 3 hours to get to my sisters when it normally takes 2hours or less. I got onto 96 and came to a crawl so I got off, I knew there was construction coming up and I knew there was another major road that ran parallel to 96 not far away, so I headed for that road. Thanks, to cell phones my mom helped me find the road I needed, with no problems. After a bit I got back on 96 to go about 1/2 mile and be at a crawl again, for what reason I have no idea but after about 4 miles of it, I got off and went back to the other road for the rest of my trip which took me to where I would have gotten off 96 anyways. That was a fun and exciting time.....NOT! I left work early to arrive at the same time I would have if I didn't leave early. And there is nothing like a 4yr back seat driver telling me where I can get off the highway to go faster and take a "shortcut" to make your evening.

We did arrive safely, and you cannot ask for more than that.

Woo Hoo!!!

2006-08-14T15:59:00.000-04:00

I finally got the results from the bowling tournament I was in earlier this summer. That was part of my vacation out west. I did well enough to get some money back, WOO HOO! Not enough to cover the travel expenses and all, but it is better than nothing.

It is about time to start getting back into the practice mode for next years nationals in North Carolina.

Lord's Army....

2006-08-08T13:14:00.000-04:00

On the way to dinner Friday night with my mom and the sprouts, the kids were chatting back and forth and then they were singing songs having a great time. The youngest started singing the Lord Army song...I may never ride in the infantry....shout the artillery.....etc...Then this verse comes blaring out....I may never FART in god's army.... I think is how it went I don't remember much after FART I was laughing so hard and trying not to laugh at it as well my mom was trying not to laugh. The tears just rolled down our faces.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

2006-08-08T12:43:00.000-04:00

Actually, I am celebrating the fact that I survived another birthday on Saturday. This one seemed a little hard to get through, but I had lots of stuff that occupied my time, so it went pretty well.

On Friday, the sprouts and I had appointments at the dentist for all that routine stuff. Not my favorite place to go. Then after work we headed to my parents house. Dad was on his way up to my sisters to work on getting the basement done so they can get the nursery set up before the baby arrives sometime this month. Nothing like trying to beat a deadline and you have no idea what day that is....LOL. Mom and I took the sprouts out for dinner for my birthday a day early. It was their dads weekend to have them, but he was on duty at the fire station and I had things going on for Saturday that I really did not want to have the sprouts at, so I chose Friday to have them for my birthday time. Everyone had a great time, my oldest was disappointed that I did not get sung to. I was not disappointed!

Saturday morning, I got the sprouts up and ready to go with their dad when he got off duty. The youngest ran out and informed him that it was my birthday, not that he did not know that already because we had discussed the change of schedule and why. Of course he looks at his watch to check the date and says "Happy Birthday" "I am sorry" for not remembering it is what he was sorry for. I just smiled and said "thanks". I headed up to my grandma's house because we were having a garage sale during the towns festival days, and it was my day to kind of work it. I hate garage sales, but most of the stuff was baby clothes and toys, of which the new addition will not be able to use. Except I really took on the roll of "go getter" which was fine with me. I went and got the BBQ chicken dinners for lunch, I went a got my niece and we walked uptown and took in the parade, then we went and grabbed ice cream on the nice sunny day. At lunch time when I was picking up the chicken dinners, I came back to have flowers waiting there for me. My mom handed them to me. The card was a happy birthday card, but the name on the card was my moms name that was it. I asked who were they from and she said "who do you think", so I just assumed they were from her, feeling sorry for me not getting anything for my birthday. I found out yesterday that my twin sister ordered them and they were suppose to be from my sprouts. After I help putting everything from the sale away for the day, mom and I went out to dinner and had a nice time. She did invite my younger sister who declined, which I was glad for that because she had been in a mood all day and we just do not get along and I had about had it with her as well.

I was going to go golfing on Sunday but by the time I got everything done that I wanted to get done first, it started sprinkling and I did not feel like golfing in rain so I head home and called it a day. Pretty exciting weekend.

I did manage to get out golfing last night with a friend. We got our moneys worth let me tell you....LOL. We made sure not to short ourselves any strokes or putts...LOL. We had a good time and grabbed dinner afterwards, we have not had anytime to hang out together all summer, so it was nice catching up with one another.

Egg Soap!!!

2006-08-02T16:51:00.000-04:00

While entertaining "K" for the morning, I found some bath stuff for kids. There was some soap type thing shaped like an egg and had a surprise in it when it dissolved in the water. It was cheap so "K" picked out a color and off we went. Now being only 4 "K" loved telling "M" who is 6 about what happened during the day and the "treasures" acquired as well. It was like pouring salt in the wound to a 4yr. So after picking them up from camp I was making my way through town, not really paying attention to the conversation but catching bits and pieces of it because they are starting to argue about stuff. I hear .." it is egg soap..." from K and "guess what it smells like" Now I am thinking to myself how does egg soap get into the head of a 4yr and who would use soap made out of eggs. Then I hear " ..it smells like watermelon".. now by this time tears are rolling down my face from this conversation, and M says mom is that true did you buy egg soap.

All of the sudden I realize I did buy egg soap and it was melon scented. Now I have to explain the whole thing to the 6yr.

What a conversation kids can have with each other.

WOW - I finally have landed....

2006-08-02T16:41:00.000-04:00

....for the rest of the summer. Last week I spent the entire week in a hotel with the sprouts and my mom. The sprouts had day camp at the zoo all week and I did not want to drive back and forth everyday so we camped at a hotel with a pool for the week.

The kids loved the camp and the hotel as well. We had to time the pool though, there was a youth basketball tournament in town as well and kids from Texas, Kansas, and around the nation where there. Some of the kids had no consideration for others, but we managed to get our swimming in with out incidents.

My "vacation" was from noon until 3 when I picked both sprouts up from camp. Mom and I had to entertain the youngest "K" in the morning until drop off at noon. You can only do so much shopping before a 4yr wants to run and play, so off to McD's for lunch with a playland most of the time. We made a stop at the mall for lunch and a request for roast beef place as well was granted.

Now, I just have to survive the heat and get ready for school to start.

Another story...

2006-07-14T16:13:00.000-04:00

Here is another luggage story. When my "twin" sister landed in Seattle a couple hours after me, not all of her luggage made it. Luckily their sprouts "L" luggage made it, but the piece that had her and her husbands clothes in it did not make it. Keep in mind she is 7 months pregnant. VERY Pregnant. So they fill out the paperwork and were told someone would be calling them with the status of the luggage. This was Wed. afternoon/early evening local time.

Thursday morning she calls the number given to her and of course they have not located it yet. We do some sightseeing and stuff for the day. My sister "Red" apparently has some class work to do, so she needs to find a library for on online connection, we all agree to go. I check out my work email and pass the buck on a few things and my twin checks her work email and then we wait for "red" to finish up then head back for dinner. On the way back my twin calls the number again and gets no where, and her hormones are starting to kick in. Apparently the lady on the other end told her that she could get $25 for clothes, that went over well....NOT. The lady said that someone would be calling her in reference to the status of the lost clothes and she said when, because she is the only one that has been doing the calling. Finally, my sister asked the lady where she was located, and she said Dallas. My sister says then how do you know that my luggage is not sitting in Seattle somewhere, and hangs up. Side note: my sister did fly through Dallas on the way to Seattle. Now as we are grabbing some groceries on our way back to the house for dinner, my mom is reading the papers that they gave my sister and she can get up to $2800 per ticket passenger, that is nice to hear since $25 would not cover a maternity outfit for her.

So, after dinner she decides to head to the airport to ruffle some feathers, talk to this nice guy there. It was about 9:30pm when she was at the airport talking to this guy about her luggage. After seeing her being very pregnant he made it his mission to find that luggage and said he would call he later. Yeah right was what she was thinking. Well, around midnight or so they did get a call and he found it, and it would be delivered in the morning. Someone called around 8am to either get directions or confirm something anyways they said it would be here between 0 and 4hrs. Luckily we were just going to go downtown and shop for the day, so we waited for our host to get back from a dr. apt. and we took off. Someone had to be there to sign for it. It arrived around 2pm. Apparently the regional airport they started out at used those tags with the elastic bands on them. Well I think the tag came off during the "careful" handing of the luggage in Chicago. So the piece did not make it past Chicago. Luckily Alaska air flies from Chicago so it got a direct flight to Seattle after being discovered somehow. We all speculate that route because the guy told them that Alaska air had it, but they apparently do not share that info with anyone else you have to march down to there little corner of the airport and ask them. And the reason they think it was stuck in Chicago was because their clothes were damp and it was down pouring in Chicago when they got there. SO after a couple of days things were back to being stress free for the rest of the week. They did pack a couple of outfits in their carry on just in case that would happen.

Funny Story from Vacation!!

2006-07-14T15:56:00.000-04:00

Now that I am finally caught up at work, and have a few minutes before ending the work week I thought I would share a story or two from vacation.

Five of us were flying together to Seattle with one short lay over on the way there. My younger sister, "Red" who I do not get along with very well, and her daughter "E", me and my two sprouts "M" and "K". We were all checking in one piece of luggage each and carrying on one piece each. With a 12yr and my 6yr and 4yr I was not in the mood to take care of luggage as well. So, We get to the airport early and check in at the counter, she takes our luggage one piece at a time, according to the "3 foot sticker" label that comes dispensing out of the computer. "K" my youngest at 4yr watches as the lady puts the label on each piece of luggage and places on the conveyor behind her, then it is "K" turn, I put the luggage on the counter and the lady puts the label on it, an places it on the conveyor as she did with the rest of our luggage. We gather up our carry ons and head for the gate. Now the tears start flowing because "K" is sure the luggage is not going to Seattle with us, and wants it back. We finally convince her that it will be in Seattle when we get there. So we are off and headed for an hour layover in Cincinnati. When we land "K" is upset again because the luggage is not with us again. We convince her one more time that all is ok, and head to Seattle. Now, all I can think of is I hope that at least her piece of luggage makes it other wise life as we know it is going to be over.

Well, we finally landed after about a 4hour flight, of which the sprouts did great on. My niece is looking out the window and says there is my luggage. That was almost a comfort. We make our way to baggage claim where my parents are waiting for us, because they have one of the cars for the week, and know how to get were we are going since they arrived a day earlier. Yes, ALL of our luggage made it and "K" was very happy now.

On a side note, "K" was not that worried about it going home. LOL.

Here's an Idea....

2006-07-10T16:26:00.000-04:00

Let me recap for you all....Starting on June 18th I head to Mississippi to do some training at the two plants our company has there, then I head to Kentucky on Tuesday afternoon that we to do the same training there. After two days in Kentucky I head home on Friday. I have the weekend to get things ready for my vacation with the sprouts and the rest of my family. I have to be at work on Monday and Tuesday to catch up on the stuff that came in while I was in the south, since I do not have a back up person at work for my job. I am up most of the night Tuesday night finishing packing for vacation because we have to leave the house at 4am to catch at 6:30am flight to Seattle. I am on vacation until the following Wed. July 5th of which I am up most of the night PST because we have to leave at 4am to catch a 6:30am flight again out of Seattle. I have to be to work on Thursday. My mom calls me Thursday morning and says that she is coming down to start getting one of the sprouts rooms ready to paint this weekend. Because everyone has a great idea that this would be the perfect weekend to do the painting. GREAT!!! All I have to do is get wallpaper off the bottom half of one wall and get the rest of my crap out of the other room, and move everything to the center of the room so it can be painted.

I get home from work on Thursday and she has a small portion of the paper off the walls, I help her for a bit then we grab a bit to eat and I took the sprouts swimming, because I promised them I would and I was not breaking that promise. Afterwards we finish moving the furniture to the center of the room and get the rest of the paper off the walls. Now it is 1am and I get to finally call it a day, because I have to be back to work in the morning.

Friday, I drag myself to work of which by now I do not want to be at because I have so much stuff to catch up on from vacation and my house is now a disaster as well. My sister and her husband were coming down to do the painting and were going to be there early afternoon. My mom was going to be there in the morning to wash the walls and get the paint that I had picked out and marked which room each color was for. I get home from work and he has not started to even prime the walls yet. THIS IS A GREAT IDEA!! I am thinking that this is never going to get done, I could have had it done by now I think. We ordered dinner and he finally started to paint something. My mom and sister took her sprout back to moms house and he finally finished painting just shy of 2am. I worked on preparing the other room to be painted on Saturday. It did not need primed, it just needed to have my "stuff" out of there and the furniture moved to the middle of the room.

After a couple hours of sleep I get up around 8am and gander up stairs to peek at the room. Now, I am thinking that the wrong color was applied. I could not find the paint chips I picked out, and assumed that my mom took up the correct color of paint since that was the only room ready to paint at that time. Yep, guess were assuming got me. I called mom to see when they were coming over and confirmed that the wrong color was used. Luckily we did not have to re-prime it because the colors were very close together. One is a light pink and the other is a light purple, same base, one just has a touch of red added and the other a touch of blue added to it. SO, he repaints the room with the correct color, and I finish prepping the other room while another gallon of paint is needed because there is not enough left to do the room. We start tapping the room off and I help him paint the second room. At 10pm Saturday night both rooms are painted, and my house has two pathways through it, to get around on. I was so tired that I called it an evening then as well.

I did make a stop at the fire station, Saturday morning, to drop off some "stuff" to the former spouse that I found in the house and really did not want it, and did not feel comfortable throwing it out. I handed him the box of stuff that I had and got back in my car. He acted kind of surprised that I was not going to stay and chat for a bit. I have nothing to chat about. I ended up making another trip later that evening to give more "stuff" that I came across as well. Again I just gave him the stuff and got back in the car. No chit chat. I am glad because now I know there is nothing else in the house that belongs to him, and it was a pleasant exchange.

I managed to get up in time to make it to church, and made it through the service. I went to mom and dads afterwards to do some stuff at their house, but they did not have all the stuff I needed so mom and I grabbed lunch then headed back to my house to put the two rooms back together. Dad came down later to help out as well. We grabbed dinner and finished up a couple of things left to do and the upstairs was complete and it was 9pm and I called it an evening.

I am ready for another vacation now which I have one planned in a couple of weeks but that is not soon enough....LOL. I did managed to fight my way through work today and get caught up finally.

Hopefully, this week I can relax a bit now.

Another Reason I Need A Vacation Again.....

2006-07-07T09:57:00.000-04:00

I got home just after 5pm on Wed. dead tired, and the kids ready to play. Finally I get them to sleep around midnight, I fall asleep around then as well. I am around 6:30am because I have to be to work on Thursday. I get the sprouts off to daycare and go to work. My mom calls me and says she is coming down to get the sprouts rooms ready to be painted. Mind up one of them has wallpaper on it covering the bottom four feet or so all the way around the room. I was not in a hurry to tackle this project but my brother in law is going to paint it and since they have the rest of the week off they thought that would be a good time to paint. So she has part of the room down when I get off work at 5pm. I pick up the sprouts and we head for home and work in the room some more, than go grab a bite to eat and head to the Y to go swimming because I had promised them I would go swimming before my mom had this brain storm. Mom dropped us off to go swimming and she went and picked up some more supplies and we head back to finish the wallpaper removal. At 1am the paper was all off and the stuff moved to the center of the room.

I again have to be up for work this morning and have to take the sprouts to daycare, along with getting their stuff packed to spend the weekend at their dads as well. I finally get up and get ready and get them up and out the door. Needless to say I got up a bit late but finally did make it to work. One room should be done today, and tonight after work we will finish getting the other room ready to paint tomorrow. At least the other room has no wallpaper on it, just have to move stuff away from the walls, and set up a scaffolding for the stairway part of the room. The rooms should not take very long to paint.

The kids are excited about it, and they helped out as well last night. I am kind of looking forward to it as well, but the timing sucks. It is now or wait awhile, this is the last trip my sister can make down to here because she is nearing the end of her pregnancy.

I am back...

2006-07-07T01:29:00.000-04:00

....And ready for another vacation! Three weeks ago I was on a business trip to Mississippi. Nothing like Mississippi in the middle of June to keep your blood boiling. :) Mid 90's everyday. Luckily I was only there Sunday night thru Tuesday afternoon. The company I work for had manufacturing plants in Mississippi and I had to conduct training classes for about 10 people. Anyways the training went well, and I even got hooked up with a laptop to do my office work as well since I do not have a backup person to help me out. That was nice not having to go back to a weeks worth of work waiting for me.

My mom rode with me, which was nice. It took 13 hours of driving on Sunday to get to Mississippi, so that I could be at the plant first thing Monday Morning. This trip seem like an adventure for a working "potty". Apparently the one in our hotel did not work well, at least for my mom, I had to use a different one because the one was not working. Let me tell you it was a long 40 miles to the plant one morning, I was not to keen on a gas station when it was dark out in the morning still, and I was by myself at that time. We managed though, then Tuesday afternoon we were off for out Kentucky plant, which was an 8 hour drive, and I have never been there before. Nothing like trying to find a place in the dark with no directions on paper, just find a pizza place in the shape of a "hut" then I will find the hotel. Half hour later the red "hut" illuminated sign is spotted and all is well. We end up on the second floor, but can get a first floor room in the morning. Fine that will work. Except now this toilet doesn't flush at all. The chain came off of the handle, so I fix it and all is fine. After the morning training session, I went back to the hotel to switch to the downstairs room, this bathroom actually worked the entire two days we were there. It was a nice week, hot but nice. Nothing like getting to experience the hottest day of the summer so far in Kentucky were I was at. I SO miss winter... :)

After 2 days at work to catch up on everything else, the sprouts and I and the rest of my family headed to Seattle for a family vacation for a week. We stayed with some relatives there. I absolutely hate traveling, my vacation starts when I get to my destination and with my luggage if I am flying, considering I was flying with my sister whom I do not get along with very well, and her daughter. We were civil to each other and all went well. I had been up all night finishing packing and stuff. We had to leave the house by 4am to catch a 6:30am flight, that was fun with a 4 and 6yr as well, but that went better than expected.

The 4yr watch us all check in our luggage, we all had one piece we were checking and one carry on. Then it was the 4yrs turn to put the piece of luggage up to be tagged, the tears started flowing when it was not returned back to carry onto the plane. We had to change planes and the tears started flowing again because we did not have our luggage with us again. When we arrived in Seattle all I could think of was that piece better be here or I will never hear the end of it for awhile. All pieces arrived and we were officially on vacation at 10:30 PST by now I am dragging, and can really use a nap. Luckily nothing was planned for the day, since my other sister was coming in later in the afternoon, so I napped and the kids played. My sister finally arrived, minus the piece of luggage that her and her spouses clothes in it. She did pack a couple of outfits for them in the carry on, but she is 7 months pregnant not like she wants to go out and buy clothes for a week. The luggage finally arrived two days later, after she went back to the airport the next night and chatted with a guy who I think did not want to see the hormones come out in full force. He made it his mission to find it and did so in about two hours after she had been on the phone all day with people that were not even in Seattle telling her they still have not located it. All worked out finally.

We had a great time, we toured Boeing, and spent one day on one of the islands in the sound, watched the tide while we were there and the kids search for sea shells and had a blast. Went down town and shopped at Pike Place Market, watched them throw fish. My Twin sister and her husband and I took our kids and went to the aquarium for the rest of the day and they had a blast. The kids loved the touching pond, they got to touch different star fish and coral and lots of other stuff as well.

My twin sister and I bored a plane to head to Reno to bowl. That was a hard goodbye for everyone but we would be back late the next day. My mom was giving me instructions on how I should not be separated from my pregnant sister while in Reno. I told her that there may be a chance that she could be at one end of the bowling alley and me at the other end to bowl and there would not be anything I could do about it. I thought that was funny but she did not think it was. We both had a nice two days in Reno, but could not wait to get back to Seattle. We both bowled well in the team event, and I did well in the doubles and singles event, she struggled through doubles and singles, but we had fun. The flight back I could have done with out, but finally it landed and life was good again. :)

Grandma and Granpa took the kids to the zoo and the childrens museum while we were gone. They did not get that much time at the zoo, because my other sister, the one I do not get along with, HAD to send some stuff off by email that was not going to take her long, after about 3 hours she was done, and she wanted to go to the zoo so they had to wait for her so the kids only got about an hour and a half there before it closed. My twin sister and I along with her husband took the kids back to the zoo after we got back from Reno and saw all the stuff they missed, they had a great time, and it was a very nice day, not hot at all.

The kids watched the fireworks, and we left early that morning again for the airport. All traveled well going home. I thought it was going to be an interesting trip because my sister was in a mood and since I usually am in a mood traveling, I thought for sure we would be having words before we made it home, but we didn't.

Unbelievable......

2006-06-17T10:36:00.000-04:00

Well the last few days have been interesting. The sprouts had their Vacation Bible School(VBS) program last night. I did not think they were going to be able to go because they were suppose to be with their dad this weekend and all next week camping for their vacation here locally, and he is not that big on having to change his plans. I called him Wed. to let him know that the program was going to be Friday night, he was not thrilled, he said he would talk to the sprouts about it. All I did was ask the sprouts if they wanted to go to the program and they said yes, because if you go you get a prize. I then said well if your dad cannot take you I can get you there. So, I get a call on Thursday night and the first thing he says is, so you can take them tomorrow night, I said "Yes". Then he said are you going to bring them to the campground when you are done. I said "No" I did not want to drive all that way out there to drop them off, we can meet somewhere. He finally agreed to meet, was not thrilled on it though.

I pick the sprouts up from daycare and we head to my parents for a quick bite before the program then off to VBS we go. The sprouts fell asleep in the car on the way to my parents so now the 6 and 4yr are in a great mood, NOT. The 4yr is a little clingy to mom, so mom gets to parade in with the 3 and 4yrs and sit up front with them. They all get up on stage and say their verse and sing their song, of which by now I did not have to go up with them. Then they get their own little prize that is different from the rest of the kids, because the 3 and 4yrs did not earn points for the week like the rest of the kids. Out comes this basket full of stuff Teddy Bears in all different colors, the shaggy kind that are real soft. My lovely sprout who is the tallest of all the kids up there stands and says "I do not want a Bear" HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM. The sprout wanting to go "shopping" wanted to pick from the other prizes that were laying around up front for the rest of the kids. We managed our way back to sit with grandma and grandpa, the whole time rejecting this bear and saying I do not want a bear. Well, by the time it was almost over we did not want anyone touching out bear, and we were loving it. Then the angel left for some reason and we though it would be fun to walk on the pews and sit on the back of them out of moms reach and make annoying sounds out loud. HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM. We finally went out and had a discussion and decided that the cookies and punch that were being prepared and setup were going to be worth being good.

They got their cookies and punch, and then got to pour water on the VBS leader and the pastor, and off we went to meet their dad.

This morning they had their last ballgame of the summer, and good thing is was a tad bit warm this morning. The 4yr was in a mood, but did pretty well. The 6yr did great also. They got trophies, and a medal afterwards for participating. They were so excited. The concession stand was not open for a team pop afterwards so someone went and got water for the team before the game started so the kids would have something to drink afterwards. Well, the sprouts had water with them before the game started and did not want a new water, their dad was getting mad that they did not take water because he chipped in money for it. Then after words, they(she/wife) was telling him that they needed to sort out everything because the ball stuff they bought and the stuff I bought were mixed up. They bought the 4yr a bat and helmet and bag and glove this year, I bought the 6yr her stuff last year. The bat they bought the 4yr was to heavy, but just right for the 6yr, and the 4yr could swing the lighter bat that the 6yr had last year. Life is good, but apparently possession is 9 tenths of the law. He brought "my stuff" over to the car and said that he is keeping on of the mitts because they might want to play catch, I asked if I could have it later this summer when I them and he got into this I bought you bought thing, and really did not want me to have it. Then he said it doesn't matter it is the girls stuff, and I pointed out that he is the one that started splitting up the stuff right after the game, it was not my idea. He just put his hands up and said wait a minute, I was done, I had nothing to say anyways. When only one person hears blah blah blah what is the point. When we get ready to play ball this summer and the girls need stuff to so that at my house I will just go get them more stuff and keep it here. It is just another expense.

It just made me mad about the whole thing. The sprouts each have their own stuff one at one place and one at the other place, what is the problem? I don't even make a fuss about the trophies or medals, he paid for them to play ball, and he keeps the trophies and medals at his place, and I have never said a word about it. The sprouts some times wish they could have them in their room here, but I just tell them that they have to ask their dad for that.

Well, this is long enough and I need to get ready to head out in the morning for my business trip. Hope the weather is cooler in Mississippi. Good Luck with that.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL THE DAD'S!

On Hiatus.....Or Work....

2006-06-15T16:44:00.000-04:00

I am almost ready for my Mississippi trip next week. A business trip of which I will be doing some training for my company plants there. Then after a couple of days in Mississippi I will be off to Kentucky to train the plant there as well. I cannot think of a more exciting trip to be on. Wait, I think I can. That would be my vacation the following week to the West.....I CANNOT WAIT FOR THAT. Not looking forward to flying with the sprouts who are 4 and 6, mostly because I am not that great of a traveler. Dramamine is my friend, except I need to be alert because of the sprouts. Luckily, my sister and her 12yr is traveling with me. It will be a family vacation once we all finally arrive at the destination. That will entail 3 different planes for us to all get there. So, I may not be posting for awhile.

I have been working a lot of overtime lately trying to get ready for the training class, and finishing up some data entry that hadn't been done for about 2 years as well. I am finally at a point now where I actually care about work and stuff in my life. For two years I barely got what I needed to get done at work, and that is all they got out of me. I use to have it done right after they handed it me. For awhile I got it done right after they called me looking for it. I had about 7 piles of papers on two desks about 10" - 12" high to be entered into a database or two and filed. I now can say that I have 2 piles left maybe 1" high. All in a months time.

The sprouts have been great lately, which is a major accomplishment for them lately. We finally got to see "Over the Hedge" this weekend, cute movie. We have been playing basketball lately and the youngest loves to blow bubbles and put puzzles together, so that has been fun as well. Their final ball game is this Saturday, and I am not looking forward to seeing it. Only because it is in a small town home of most of the relatives of the "out-laws" (his relatives). The town is known for his last name pretty much. I will still be there, with my smiling face, and hope for the best.

My twin sister has sent me onto an excursion to find a left hand mitt for her almost 4yr sprout, not an easy thing to locate. She lives in a bigger town than me, and made about 20 calls with no luck. I stopped at 2 places and the second place had three of them. Go Figure.

Well it is time to run a few errands before heading back to work to wrap things up for the exciting trip next week.

Have a great 4th of July, if I do not talk to you before then.

An Evening with Dad

2006-06-06T16:43:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I asked my dad to come down and help me out with some yard work. I really just needed him to bring down his truck so I could get a pallet of top soil again. Since mom left in the morning to head to the family place with her mom and others, I knew dad would be down. I got the yard mowed and my car washed just before he arrived at my house. I was finishing up some stuff and he starts in on trying to take off an old cell phone antenna from my car window. He got it off, he was not about to quit until he did get it. We headed out in the truck, actually a full size work van that is currently empty except for the two front seats. He is working on turning it into his work van. I am taking advantage of the cargo area while I can. We finally get the pallet loaded from the local store. Had to wait for a fork truck driver who was actually working to help us out. We then proceeded back to the house to unload the 60 40 pound bags. I told him half way through that unloading these bags reminded me of loading up the trucks with fertilizer and seed bags to plant the fields every year when I was younger. He said you remember that. How can I forget, I practically cut off the end of my finger opening the bags up one year. He mad his rounds with the planter and I was not on the truck when he got back. All he had to do was follow the trail I had left from the truck to the house. Anyways, after finally getting them stacked and staying upright, we headed out to dinner. I don't think ha and I have ever had dinner out together, usually I have the sprouts with me when he comes to help me out with something or mom is with him. We had a nice time. Split some appetizers and chatted about what was on the tv and other current events going on.

Can I have fries with that?

2006-06-05T08:21:00.000-04:00

Tis the season for new employees, since school is out. Some of them are pretty cool about it all and usually I am ok with it as well. Except this weekend my mom and I took the sprouts out for lunch after their tough game of ragball (little kids baseball with a soft cover ball, and no score kept, everyone gets to bat and run all the bases). We all order the newbie read back the order to me life is good. mom and the kids fine a table and I wait for the food. I have to tell them exactly what was ordered again because for some reason, it only prints our like the first half of everyone's order. Everyone being in my party, that is. There must be a magic button on the computer to get that to happen. Having worked in retail before, training is the key. It just seems now days, that know one has the time to train them properly, they just need a body to fill that position and sooner or later they will get them the training they really need, except the summer is usually over by then.

An Interesting Meeting!

2006-05-31T16:31:00.000-04:00

The former spouse and myself had an apt. With the sprouts venting specialist, at her request. I told her to set up the time when he could be there. I was not going to set it up, that never works anymore. We discussed some of the issues the sprouts are having, he blamed the fowl language from the 4yr on me and daycare. Daycare maybe, but it is used in practically every sentenced that comes from him, but I just let it go. Was nice to have a third party run the show that had no ties to us. She just wanted to make sure that both households pretty much use the same discipline techniques as stuff like that. I was really and very nice meeting. I was not all that thrilled with having to have the time changed at the last minute to an hour later, but he did call me and ask if that would be ok. I told him I was not making that call he had to, if they could accommodate the new time, then I will be there.

After the meeting, I just had all this anger built up inside of me. I realized I was mad at him for not trying to make the marriage work. He never did anything that the counselors asked of him, etc. I realized that it was not about what he was going to loose in ending the marriage, it was what he was going to be gaining when the marriage was over. The list of gains is much greater than the loses, if the loses were really considered. You see he has gotten everything he has ever wanted in a year and a half after the divorce was final. So, it wasn't about me, it was about getting to be a farmer finally, and having the truck you always wanted, and the list goes on. This all clear to me when he called me to switch the appointment at the last minute. The excuse had to do with being a farmer, which his is third job, not his main job. I am not knocking farmers by the way, I grew up driving a tractor every summer, but it is different when you never set foot on a farm until 2 years ago. Anyways, finally realizing that it is truly not about you but other things is a big accomplishment I think.

Homework Complete?

2006-05-25T11:46:00.000-04:00

I have been working on the forgiveness part of my life lately. Apparently I was suppose to be working on it as well, because everything I came across the last few days was about forgiveness in some way or another. My horoscope even had it in it one day. So, I tackled it, kind of. I wrote a letter to my younger sister for all the hurt she has caused me over the years. I tried to talk to her about all of it a few years ago and she ignored me, like I was not even in the room, so I really have not spoken that much to her since. Writing the letter was hard to do, I am an engineer for one not an English major....lol, and I really did not know what I wanted to say to her, but I started it and a page and a half later and a few more tears I completed it. I will probably mail it to her later this week, I meet with the vent specialist tonight and we will probably discuss it.

I know that discussing things face to face is better than putting it in writing and giving it to the other person, but if the other person is not willing to talk to you face to face they normally will read what you have to say in a letter form. Nobody really wins either way, but I glad I did write the letter, I felt a load lifted off of me when I was done with it. As much as it hurt to write about some stuff, I really did not have the anger in me when I was writing it, so I think that is a step towards progress.

As far as forgiveness for my former spouse, I think I have reached that point. I am not going to write a letter to him, that never works period. I just pray about it, and give him over to god to deal with him. I have seen him a couple of times recently at the sprouts functions for school and ballgames, and I really do not care what he does there, or who he is with. I just do my thing and be done with it. If they (wife and ex) have something they want to discuss with me and it is about the kids, I listen and give input were needed and move on my way.

Stainglass "Story Time"

2006-05-25T10:28:00.000-04:00

This was done from a pattern I found online called "Story Time" from Creative Designs by Stephanie and Spectrum Glass. I changed some of the colors that were called out in the pattern, mostly because I could not get them in time to get the piece done on time. I added the clear glass around the girls to make it easier to hang as a panel. It is a 12" x 13" piece. The clear glass has a textured ripple in it. She is wearing a dark purple dress, and has tan colored hair. It was a challenging piece to do, I re-cut a couple of pieces because I was not happy with they way it was turning out. So needless to say I did not get it done when I wanted to get it done, but I did finish it this morning in time to give it to my daughters teacher.

Do you have something you want to tell me?

2006-05-22T18:28:00.000-04:00

This weekend the sprouts and I along with my mom set out to do the new season change out of clothes for them. My favorite time, NOT! As I was getting the clothes for them to try on, I hear a wack and then tears started to flow from the youngest. I ask the oldest if she had hit her sister and she proceeds to tell me the whole story of which was not matching my moms who sat there and saw the whole thing, so she storms up to her room for a bit. We proceed with the trying on of clothes and sorting out the short shorts and mid drift shirts, and decide what gets handed down to the youngest for this summer. I hear the oldest "sneaking" downstairs, so I ask her if she has anything that she wants to say she says "No" she does not have anything to say, so I show her the red mark on the youngest back that she made and told her that she needs to go think about it some more. I then go and have a chat with her, and she just does not want to apologize to her younger sister. A great night is mounting I can tell. Finally, she comes down and stands in the middle of things and the youngest turns and with arms folded, looks and her and says, "Do you have something you want to tell me?" Now I am having a hard time keeping a straight face on that one, and her sister didn't really like that comment, but eventually they made up and were friends by the evenings end. Yeah! That was Saturday.

On Sunday, we all got up and ready for church. Usually my mom goes to church with us, but she was headed to my sisters to help out again this weekend on the basement as sprout #2 will be arriving there this summer. I was not to worried about not having her at church because the sprouts go to the gym for the childrens portion of church for the entire first service, and I had to run the computer for the first service, you know put the words to the songs up on the screen at the right time and the versus for the sermon and all of that. I have done that for a while now. During about the second song of the worship service, my youngest appear. Mind you the computer is in the front of the first pew, and the church can seat probably 500 people. So I tell her to go around and sit in the pew, then the second sprout appears, now my bloodpressure is rising because I know I am going to have to referee soon and keep up with the words to the next 4 songs. With the pastor and his wife behind me by the wall and I am near the center aisle, the youngest wants to lay down, fine, except NO she wants to lay on her sister. HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM! They slowly made in thru the offering song, and now the sermon comes and all they hear from me is, blah, blah, blah. Finally, I told the oldest to go back down to the gym, she gets up and walks towards the wall and back down that aisle, I glance up to see the youngest heading down center aisle, only to stop half way down. Now, the two are mirroring each other. I am really not happy now. The youngest cam back and I glanced back to see if the oldest came back as well and caught the eye of the pastors wife, she got up and walked the youngest downstairs where they stayed. I thanks the pastors wife, and she said no problem, she has two the same age as well, except boys. After the sermon, I went to copy sermons onto my thumb drive so that I can burn the CD's for that service later, and while I was doing that the sprouts made their way back upstairs and were impatient with me waiting, so they were walking back and forth on the pews. Why is it that kids always know where the big red button is and exactly what precise time to push on it....lol. When we got to the car they wanted to know if we were still going to the movies, "OH NO, We are going back to grandmas for a bit then home." And they were only disappointed for a moment no tears or anything. Lucky me!

What a weekend!

Where has the time gone?

2006-05-19T09:33:00.000-04:00

WOW, May is half over with, how did that happen? School is almost over with for the year, and frankly I think I am more excited about that than the kids. I have done some much running around in dropping them off and picking them up that I need a break for a bit. Last night my kindergarteners school program to place. I would say maybe eighty students at most to part. They sang about 10 interactive songs for all you gathered to watch. It was fun to watch them all, some got into it and some didn't. One little girl in the front row was all decked out in her finest attire and just watch for some songs and participated in others, it was cute. One song was audience participation based, each student had to pick someone from their family to dance with them and then freeze every now and then when the music stopped. Luckily mine chose her dad who was there with all is Fire Crew Buddies. Yep, they were taking photos for incriminating circumstances later I am sure. I did get it all on video as well as I could.

Afterwards, the spouts and my parents and I went and got some ice cream then called it an evening. A fun evening at that.

Stay tune for a new stainglass pic to be posted hopefully by Monday.

What A Great Weekend!!

2006-05-08T10:20:00.000-04:00

It was a big bowling weekend for me this weekend. On Saturday I went to the sprouts first ball game of the year. They did great and had a good time. It is fun watching the little ones play ball. After the ball game, I packed up the car and headed to Michigan City for the Indiana Womens State Bowling Tournament. When I got to the hotel, my team was next door grabbing a bite to eat and a few drinks, so I joined them to par take as well. We relaxed for a bit before heading to the bowling alley to bowl the doubles and singles event. I threw very well in both doubles and singles. I even won $50 on top of that. Made my day. There was no cell reception in the alley, which made some people mad. I always turn my ringer off on my phone anyways. I missed my oldest calling me, and it was to late for me to call back. After we were done we made our way back to the hotel which was 20 miles away for that alley, then off to the casino it was for some of us. At 1am we were in the car heading back to the hotel which was only 3 miles away, looking for food along the way. At Rally's crossed our path so there was dinner.

6AM come up quickly for some of us, as we had to be at the other bowling alley by 8am to bowl the team event. Thank god that alley was only a few miles away. We got our team picture taken and the national anthem done and ready to warm up for the team event. After throwing 6 games a few hours ago, I knew I did not want to stick my fingers in the ball, let alone lift it up. Sure enough my ring finger was protesting a bit, and I did not know I was throwing a fifty pound ball as well....lol.....at least that is what it felt like.....lol. After struggling a bit the first game, I managed to throw very good games for me at least. I went in with a 142 average and I threw a 158 average for the 9 games I threw this weekend. So, I am very pleased with that. I think I placed really well in singles and should get some money back. That will be nice. I have to wait until next weekend when the tournament ends. It has been going on for a few months now.

I was whipped when I got home Sunday afternoon. I tried to call the sprouts when I got done bowling. They were eating lunch and he would have them call me back when they were done. I was ok with that, I just wanted to let the oldest know I got her message, but it was late when I was able to call her Saturday night. I dropped a couple of girls off on my way home because their ride was going to the casino afterwards and they did not want to go, so they hitched a ride with me. After grabbing a bite to eat and filling the car back up with gas, I called it an evening. Around 7:30pm I called the sprouts again, because they had not called me back. Their dad said that he would have them call me right back on the house phone, because I called his cell phone and he does not always get great reception on his cell phone at his house. The sprouts did finally call me and we chatted for a bit. They wanted to know if I was coming to get them tonight and I told them no they were staying with their dads tonight I will get them tomorrow. They always stay at his house on Sunday night of his weekend unless he is working on Sundays, then I will get them. I found out the real reason that he had them call me on the house phone was because he was not there he was out hunting. He had to call home to have them call me. Anyways the kids and I had a nice chat. I finally called it an evening, around 8pm.

I was glad I just had to get myself around this morning for work, I did not even want to get up I was still whipped from the weekend, but off I went so I could post this entry....lol.

I get to be the "mean" parent!!

2006-05-02T13:34:00.000-04:00

Upon picking up the sprouts from their dads on Sunday, making my way through the information that I needed to give him but had to give to his wife because he was at work, she finally goes through her list of things to tell me. One, the oldest fell and cut the palm of her hand and she went on to explain how they treated the "injury", like that was a concern for me, their dad works in the medical field sometimes. Two, they were not sure if the youngest really had a headache on Saturday or was just playing them. THEY GOT PLAYED AGAINST. Sprout 1 Dad 0. Three, apparently there was some aggressive behavior and attitude at daycare on Friday from the youngest sprout, which this is the first time I am hearing of it. They have tried to deal with it this weekend and curb it some. They make sprout go to room for the evening, which means nothing to sprout. Anyways, some of the attitude involves language, which she tried to tell me that she has told their dad that he needs to watch what he says or he is going to end up in the principles office someday. I just told her "Good Luck with that". Four, as she is putting two chocolate bars in the pocket of the suitcase, she is explaining where they came from. Apparently the sprouts helped their dad on Saturday deliver some stuff. The guy is was delivering to bought the sprouts the candy bars, but for some reason they could not eat them, ALL WEEKEND. Now, I get to be the mean parent and tell them NO they can not have them right now either because it is almost bedtime, they can have them tomorrow. I could not tell if she told me that they do not or do allow the kids to have candy there. If you are not going to let them eat the candy soon do not buy it for them, or let some one else buy it for them. Granted, the sprouts are not big candy eaters, they do get candy now and then, but they do not live on it. The youngest was not very pleased when I said NO you have to wait until tomorrow. Got it on Saturday, could not have it all day Sunday, now has to wait another day. Does not go ever well with them. My shoulders are big enough for that. They are use to me telling them NO now. Now I know why I get all the candy sent home with them, which usually ends up getting tossed anyways.

Homework Assignment!?!

2006-05-01T16:05:00.000-04:00

Friday night I had an appointment with my Venting Specialist (Counselor). She gave me homework to do, which I am not that keen on this assignment. She knows I will most likely do the assignment, which sucks from my end. :) She is usually right all the time, which I hate as well. She gets a kick out of it though. :)

The homework I have to do is on Forgiveness. You see I still have not really forgiven my former spouse for all of the infidelity, lies, and pain he has done to me over the 13yrs of marriage. It has been 2yrs since I filed for a divorce and 1 1/2yrs since it has been final, and I rather just remain angry about things, than to let them go and move on. WHY? (I hate that as a follow up question!!!! :) ) I have no idea why I keep the anger. Is it because I think he will get his way again like he always did? Is it because I am still holding out for an apology for all the hurt that I never did get? And if I did get one now, I would not believe that it has sincerity with it anyways.

Why is forgiving so hard to do? I think it is kind of like giving in, either way I lose. I know that is not what it is meant for. I have to be ok with forgiving him, and convincing myself that what he did was not ok, but it is ok for me to release to him from all the stuff that he did to me, i.e. the lies, hurt, and the adultery. Yeah right, I am going to get right on that.

In all reality, I will be working on it. It is about time to move a step up on the recovery ladder. To bad I have a slight fear of heights.....lol.