Busy bee

I'm such a busy, busy girl. I've spent countless hours raking the leaves in my backyard that fell from my neighbors trees! And today, while using my muscles and sweating away, my neighbor cranked up his lovely leaf blower, for the first time this season and probably chuckled through the fence that I was raking up HIS leaves with a rake. He damn well better not blow them into my yard. I briefly thought about asking him to come do his ...either that or buying my own darn leafblower and blowing them back into his yard!

I spent last night repainting my kitchen. A boring white. But I'll be painting the section above my cabinets a leafy green and then doing a free-hand border around the plain white stuff. I hate white. Too apartment-ish.

And for the grand finale....weigh-in this morning sucked. 3.4 POUNDS. GAINED. Of course, since I haven't been drinking my water, I know most is from water retention. Because to gain one pound a person has to eat over 3,000 calories! This week I'll do good though ,and hopefully drop a good amount next week.

Thats all for now! Hope everyone's weekend is a good one!

Turkey Day

Its so easy in the day to day living to worry about whats not going right, instead of focusing on the positive. There are so many things in my life I'm thankful for. For my children....for even though they're major brats most of the time, they truly are great kids. For having family close by....I hate being alone. For everyone being healthy.....sometimes its just taken for granted. For being loved....gives a person a gooey feeling inside. And for loving others.....because some people have a hard time loving.

So on this Thanksgiving I'm focusing on enjoying this time with my family. I will be remembering my loved ones that are gone, thankful I had them in my life. And thankful for what I DO have in my life, and not for what I'm missing.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

VACATION!!!!

Yay! I'm on vacation! 5 solid days of sleeping in, of cleaning my house, and catching up on all the stuff I normally don't have time to do!

Lost .6 at weigh-in this past weekend. Another not so great loss, but I'm okay with it. I'm trying my best to be "good" this week because of Thanksgiving, but I don't think its going to happen. I was doing good until today, and I'm just feeling down. I must be pms'ing, cause I just want to eat! I'm bummed out about several things that I won't go into right now, but I can't use it as an excuse to eat. I just can't. Right now I just wanna say "screw it" to this week and start again next week, but I know if I do that I'll gain a few pounds, and won't be any closer to my goal. Damn weight watchers.

I have to say though, I do have a funny story to tell. You know how the lovely telemarketers LOVE to call during dinner time or even worse, during the kids' bedtime? Well, our phone is in my Mom's name, so whenever someone calls they ask for her or her husband. Yesterday the phone rang, and as usual, the kids all raced to answer it, and Molly got to it first. I was right next to her, so I heard the whole conversation, but it went a little something like this:

TM- Can I speak to so and so (my mom)
Molly- No, she doesn't live here. Who is this?!?!
TM- Can I ask when she'll be available?
Molly- What????
TM- Could I speak to one of your parents?
Molly- Well, My dad's at work, but you can talk to my mom

So, she handed me the phone, and I tapped her on her shoulder, and pointed to the off button, and she pressed it. Her and I had a huge giggle-fest, it was too funny!

I feel bad because obviously telemarketers are only doing their job. But dammit, how many times do they have to call to realize that my mom will NEVER be available? Duh, she doesn't live here!

TGIF!

Thank goodness its Friday! I know I say it every week, but its true every week! These last 5 days have been a whirlwind of activities. Its gotten to the point that I end up folding laundry while eating my lunch and watching my soap. Talented, eh?

So whether its been because I've been running myself down or its just going around, I think I'm yet again getting sick. Lovely sore throat along with a nice post nasal drip that keeps me awake at night coughing when I should be getting my beauty sleep.

Today I invited one my mom acquaintances out to coffee, and while she didn't want to go out, she invited me over. She has the most adorable 19 month old baby girl, and we have so much in common! We ended up chatting for almost 2 hours! It was just really great to actually talk with another adult. We have tentative plans to get together on Wednesday since there's no school, and while the kids play with can drink our DD coffee and chat some more. I'm looking forward to it! A couple of weeks ago I was having a rough day with the kids on the bus, and since we'd been chatting while I picked up and dropped off her son, I asked her if she likes to dance, and she actually asked me if I was old enough to drink! LOL To make a long story short, she thought I was only 20 or 21 years old, and I thought she was around 26-27...and she's 36! While thats definitely not old, I was totally thrown off...she looks so much younger, but then again, I guess I do too!

Anyway, tonight I was feeling ambitious and took all the kids to walmart with me. I needed to pick up some odds and ends, along with a b-day present for a b-day party Ryan has tomorrow. I also wanted to pick up the newly released movie, Elf. I never saw it in the theater and knew the kids would probably like it. But can I tell you how BIG of a mistake it was to take the kids? The whining for candy, the moaning for food, I couldn't take it! By the time we headed out to the car, I was telling the kids in a stern voice how they were going home straight to bed, without dinner, and I really sounded nasty. The kids were fighting their way into the car, and so I yelled for them all to get in their seats, and I turned around, and stood face to face with another mom (I drive her kids on my bus) I was completely mortified! First of all, I of course want to make a good impression to other parents (who doesn't?) and second of all, I drive her kids! Who knows what this mother was thinking! Probably that I yell like that on the bus...who knows. Add to it, she also has 4 kids, so while she's being all calm and collected with her kids, I'm acting the part of a lunatic! I just tried to play it off, and crossed my fingers that she didn't hear my whole rant. Anyway, I know I shouldn't care what she thinks, but I at least like to make others think I'm a good parent. I know I am a good mom, just not perfect.

Okay, another long post..... always seems to happen! Weigh-in is tomorrow morning, and I think I'm down at least a pound. Just going to have to wait and see.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Update on my life

Yet again, its been quite awhile without a post from me. The computer had been acting funny, and not sure, but we think it was a virus. Now we have a new, or almost new tower, along with a newly installed 9.0 optimized disk. Works for me!

I'm just going to give a quick (or not-so-long update) on my week.

Woke up Saturday morning to snow. It wasn't supposed to snow, so needless to say, it was quite a surprise. Not much, only about 2 inches, but enough for them to cancel the soccer tournament. Ryan was pretty bummed out. His coach was telling me how 110 teams were supposed to play, and because of the early snow, it was deemed unsafe. Can't say I wasn't relieved though.

I went to weigh-in on Saturday morning and lost 3 pounds even! Very strange though.... I think because of the snow, the leader and people who work the meeting, chose not to show up! No cancellation notice on the news or radio either. When I got there, there were probably 7-8 people standing around, and for some odd reason, there was a WW scale! So, one of the other members decided to weigh everyone in. They just better not try to charge us next week though!

I've spent over 4 hours at the gym already this week. I took my measurements tonight, just to check them out, and I've lost 2 inches off my hips in the last 3 weeks!

This week, the schools have 3 full days and 2 half days for conferences. Makes it a little strange for my schedule. I've been spending alot of time outdoors cleaning up the yard, since all week its been in the 50's. Combine that with going to work 2 hours early for two days, and working out at the gym, and that doesn't leave much free time. Only 2 school days next week though, and then we're off for Thanksgiving. Then I'll have time to actually clean the house a little! lol

Is it just me, or has November been flying by? Next week its Thanksgiving, and then its the mad dash till Christmas. Before we know it, it'll be 2005! Way too fast for me!

Anyway, I'm sure anyone reading this can tell my week has been ultra-exciting. Just run of the mill Mommy/Wife/busdriver/taxi/maid/and servant kinda stuff. Hope everyone's having a great week!

So much to write about

Thats what happens when I post only twice a week! LOL

Since Jen has moved closer, we've been working out together. Its been great to have someone to talk to while on the elliptical! The gym has magazines, but its pretty hard to read while moving that fast, and the t.v. they have stays on CNN all the time! That gets boring fast. Because of Jen's work schedule she's not always able to go the same days I go, so I sometimes go more than 3 times a week...that should get the weight off! So yesterday, we were at the gym for 2 HOURS!! We both did 2 sets on the weight machines, along with 30 minutes on the elliptical, and my body is killing me! My arms hurt, my legs hurt, and I'm hoping they feel better by tomorrow, since I'll be there yet again.

I had a trip today for work, and was gone from 6:45 this morning, till 4:30 this afternoon. Talk about a long day! Chris only worked half a day, and had started dinner which was really nice. He folded the laundry. He WASHED the dishes! He came in here while I've been online and gave me a foot rub! And now he's helping the kids pick up their rooms?!?!? Who is this man and where is my husband? Although I'm betting that he's looking to get laid tonight!! LOL

Back to the gym tomorrow while Molly's in school, then out shopping for more winter clothes for the kids. Work in the afternoon, then over to my brothers house for pizza. I have to remember to make a salad so that I'll only have one piece. With weigh-in on Saturday morning, the sodium in the pizza would make me retain water, so its a necessity to have only one piece!

Ryan has a soccer tournament ( last soccer games of the year!) In Rhode Island this weekend. Both days. We can't afford to stay overnight and pay for eating out so we'll be driving back and forth both days. I feel so bad for Ryan though... its going to be freezing! I think high in the 40's, plus tomorrow night, we have a chance for a little snow. My poor kiddo! I'm going to do my best to bundle him up the best I can. So, the week is packed, the weekend is packed, and then back to work on Monday. I'm sooo looking forward to all this. lol

Hope everyone has a great Friday!

Typical Monday

Just the regular old Monday around here. I'm looking forward to Christmas vacation!

Gained 1.8 this past week. Thank you snickers, but I guess I do have to take the blame! Once again, back on track.

So, back to my Monday. Emilie woke up feeling warm this morning, but since I was already late to work, and Chris was also headed out the door, I told her to get up and move around a little, and take her temp before going to the bus. IF it was 98.6 or higher, she could stay home. I found out she stayed home! (and didn't really have a temp) I kept Matt out of school, because he had another dentist appointment, so after bringing Molly to school, I didn't have the time to bring Emi to school. So I let her stay home. But...she needs to know this isn't going to fly ever again! Suggestions on punishments, please?

Because I went to a bridal fair yesterday I wasn't able to get my grocery shopping done, so I had that to do too! So, preschool drop-off, dentist appt that of course ran late, grocery shopping, pick up Molly, back home for lunch, out the door to work, and now I'm home. Still need to do dishes, dinner, homework, and baths. But....good news is, the day is almost over! LOL

Its been a doozy as usual, but obviously I wouldn't be given more than I can handle. (Hey, I'm being optimistic here)

Thats about as much excitement as there is around here! I'm trying not to vent as much, and be a bit more positive on here. Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Sometimes family sucks

I'm so glad I have family nearby, but sometimes they really piss me off!

Bad mood today. I didn't sleep well last night...had a few funky dreams, plus dreamed about the election. Had cramps all day, and this afternoon I swore I was coming down with the stomach bug. Had the chills, and stomach cramps, and really thought I would have to pull my bus over and puke. It totally stinks when I feel shitty yet still have to be "patient" with 30 kids all under the age of 9.

So then I got home and my youngest brother was here. He started in about Christmas. Last year my SIL decided she was staying home and ruined everything. Normally all my siblings and I get together with our significant others on Christmas night. We just chill out and relax. Last year we didn't because of my SIL, and really, I could care less right now what happens this year.

My big thing is family. I purposely have stayed in Ct so that my kids and myself can have the benefit of a close family. But right now, it seems as if I'm the only one that wants that. My 2 younger brothers could care less, and while I don't necessarily want to see them several times a week, I told my brother that I thought we could all get together every other month for dinner or something. Just to see each other and stay in touch since everyone's life is so busy. And he told me I was expecting too much! WTF?

And okay, if anyone is short of money, Christmas isn't about gifts, but I guess because its something I would do, and HAVE done, I make a gift. Less expensive, and more meaningful. Again, from what I'm told, I'm expecting too much!

I just don't like feeling that I'm the only one that cares enough to spend time with my family. I want my children to have more. My sister and I along with my brothers were all born within 5 years, so its not like there's a big age difference. And while only 2 of us have kids, even if I didn't have kids, I would still want to see everyone. I know I can't expect everyone to want what I want, but why do only I think that family's important?

Maybe I need to just fuckin' move. At the very least, by choice, I want to spend Christmas alone this year.

Guilty Daughter Syndrome

I'm feeling guilt. Extremely guilty. My Dad's birthday was on Saturday, and I didn't call him. I intended to call him, totally meant to call him, but I figured he'd be out and about, or one of my brothers had been up to see him. I was wrong.

See, my sister and I are closer to my Mom, and my two younger brothers are closer to my Dad. I'm bad about getting up to his house to stop in and say hi, but my brothers see him pretty frequently. It was my intention to call him up, even if I was late, and he stopped by this morning. The damned guilt is eating me alive! He has this way of making me feel guilty, I guess like most parents do.

But it turns out my Dad sat home by HIMSELF all Saturday long! On his birthday! And thats just wrong. How was I to know that my brothers weren't taking him out to lunch or something? Most times I think of calling him up for certain occassions he ends up being busy with them.

Now I wished I had at least called him. I need to find a way to make it up to him.

Just because I should

If I didn't write a post today, I know that I'd probably make it to Wednesday or Thursday before having the time, so here we go!

We had a blast treat-or-treating yesterday...well, the kids did. Higher than normal temps made the walking more comfy than if we were bundled in our winter coats. It was a good excuse for me to get in some exercise, although this week the temptations are going to kill me. I've had my fair share of the chocolatey goodness that fell nicely into my weekly flexpoints, but I gotta slow it down. Which of course, means have the kids eat it as fast as they can! lol

As we walked the neighborhood I thought alot about last Halloween when Liz and her family joined us before their unexpected move to Iowa. The kids had so much fun! Its now been almost a year, and that was one of the last times we saw each other, and last halloween will always remain a memorable one for us.

Because halloween was on Sunday Chris was able to be home, and had my sister and I laughing at his interesting get-up. Just a curly-girly wig and lots of blood oozing from his eyes, his nose, his mouth. Truly a sight to see! And one of these days I'll post the pic. Unfortunately, its still in my sister's digital camera, and until she unpacks the wires she can't send it to me. But... maybe within the next week or two I'll post a family one. I'm crossing my fingers that I get the digital camera thats on my christmas list, and then I won't have to worry about getting it from Jen.

Thats about all for now. I burned 380 calories on the eliptical this morning and I'm looking forward to hitting the gym twice more this week. Maybe that'll make up for the candy? ;)