Goodbye November Hello December

I haven't been posting often since I have been working a lot lately.  I come home and "veg" in front of the TV as soon as I can.  Sue (my co-worker) and I go home tired.  We have come up with ways at home not to have to cook each night.  We crock pot a lot or we get something from Costco.  I keep the kitchen clean and laundry going during these times but I will be glad when the students slow down the constant stream through the door with questions.

It is December and I can hardly believe it!  I had a hard time believing we were in November and that Halloween was over.  We did however manage to put up the tree, lights and decorations last weekend.  I felt we were ahead of the game except for shopping.  Kari has her shopping almost done but I didn't at that point.  I had barely began.

Today I went to get my hair trimmed and then I went shopping.  I have more done now and have lots to wrap.  I still have more to go.  Later in the afternoon we went to the Sumner Santa Parade.  We chose Sumner because I love Sumner... they also have the parade earlier and it wasn't raining.  I put pictures of it up on Facebook.

This photo is of two of my co-workers "hugging" the heater.  It gets really cold in the office and we gather around our heaters and/ or wear our jackets.  Happy December!

Catch Up

It has been a while since I have posted.  Since Kari’s 2 year recovery celebration, we have had Halloween and Kari has had her 32^nd birthday (November 18^th).  I will attempt to catch up.

The boys were Ninjas, both of them.  They looked different.  Riley was in red and black.  Brady was in blue with muscles.  I have to say that seeing little Brady with muscles is quiet funny.  Kari went with them out trick or treating and they came home with all kinds of candy.  However, most kids love eating the candy… these too don’t eat that much.  They are picky.  The fun for them is to “get” the candy.  So, what does a family do with so much candy that won’t be eaten?  Well, I pay the boys for the candy and then take it to work and give it out to the students.

Kari’s birthday had been long awaited by the boys since they had bought her presents with their winnings from the Sumner Autumn Days drawings.  They both won $25 gift certificates from two different downtown stores. 

Brady’s was from a store called “Simple Tidings”.  There are all kinds of things in the store from cooking to decorating to bath things.  Brady had no problem at all picking out the word “JOY” for his mom’s wall, a special soap, and nail clippers.  He was kind enough to let his mom know that it all came to over $25 and that grandma (me) helped out with the money.  He can be very sweet.

Riley’s was from a store called “Picket Fences”.  There were lots of expensive things in that store and it was hard for Riley to pick out what he wanted.  He is puts a lot of thought into his gifts and he kept changing his mind.  Finally I had to tell him, “I am growing old in here, you will have to make a decision.”  Brady also knocked over a glass ball that rolled off the table and on to the floor.  Fortunately, it didn’t break.  If it had broken into pieces, it would have been $50.  It was obvious that he had enough of that store too.  Riley chose a lanyard that changes looks when you change the magnet (he got 4 of those) in the middle.  He is really practical.  He also bought a notebook with a “K” and rhinestones for her purse.

We took her out to dinner last Saturday night to the Black Angus in South Hill, Puyallup (pu-all-up).  We choose that restaurant because the cupcake store is down the street that we went to on Riley and my birthday.  The Black Angus served her also a big cookie for her birthday with ice cream… so we had to bring the cupcakes home for her actual birthday.   South Hill is also a big mall area.  It reminds me of So California… everything is there in one place.  I can’t think of one store that is missing there… even Costco is there and counted for too.

I have only three working days this week.  I am hoping that those days fly by and that the 4 day weekend goes slow.  We are going back to South Hill to my friend’s house (Barb) for Thanksgiving.  More on that story later.  Have a great day!

2 Years and Counting!

Last Friday we celebrated Kari, my daughter, being off of meth for two years!!!  We have been walking on clouds all weekend.  Friday morning the boys and I presented her with a necklace with a star.  I told her she was a Super Star!

Later that evening we went to New Heart Ministries were we decorated the room and celebrated Kari.  It is really great for her friends to celebrate her victory of two years, and also good for others to see that it can be done.  Above is Kari's cake they got her.  We also have a pot luck every Friday night together and Kari got to pick the meal in her honor.

I personally have a story to tell in regards to walking this journey with her.  When she told me she was getting "off" meth, I had just been seperated from my husband.  She was sick, there was pain, and she had nightmares.  I be abandoned my your husband in a time like this was very hard but I was also numb.  I was able to somehow do it with God's help and He never left us.  That is why I contribute this song to what we have gone through.  It is called "Never Once"

Riley's Dad Visits

We didn't know that Chris was coming until Friday evening.  When he got here, we all went to the pumpkin field to choose pumpkins and carve them.  This was the second time Riley has met his father because of the past.  He met his brother and sister, Darian and Elaina, a couple of years ago.  He met his little sister, Bella, last year.  Then he met his dad last February.

He helped Riley carve the pumpkin and also came over Sunday and played basketball with him.  They don't know each other but I am sure that Chris likes having a wonder son like Riley.

Grief for a Friend

This week I didn't post because something happened that made me not feel like writing.  On Monday morning I was taken aside by my director and was told that my ex-coworker and friend had lost her 37 year old daughter.  I was just saddened by the news all week.  She still works for the college and the stories of how and when she was told came out as well.

Yes she was a the college.  Security had be told and was on their way to her but she had been told on a phone call just before they got to her.  All of these images just went around in my mind.  I felt for her.

I didn't call her because I know she has all her family around her.this week.  Another call from another person to talk about the death, I thought, wasn't going to help.  I think I will wait until everything has passed and she has come to terms with the knowledge.

When I lost my sister, there wasn't anything anyone could say.  The words were said and I knew they were sincere but I realized they were just words.  Only time and God's comfort can change things.  I can only pray for my friend and maybe offer support in the future.

Have a good weekend!

Winners!

You will not believe it, but Riley AND Brady both were drawn in the Sumner scavenger hunt drawings.  Riley won a $25 gift certificate from a novelity store called "A Picket Fence".  Brady won a gift certificate from another store named "Simple Tidings"  I got two voice mails from on Wednesday about their winnings. 

I told them both on Thursday night when I knew I would have time to take them to Sumner to get the certificates on Friday.  I didn't know if I would have enough time to do the shopping on Friday though.  I had so many things scheduled for Friday... looking at my brakes (which is another post), the dentist for Riley, the doctor for both of them, getting a flu shot for me too (if there was time), and now going to Sumner to get the certificates.  Plus, we have recovery group on Friday nights.  Whew...

Luckily those things didn't take as long as I thought and I was able to go to Sumner and we were able to shop.  The boys decided to buy birthday presents for their mom since her birthday is in November with their certificates.  Brady had the store with many kitchen items, but there were also some other personal type items too.  He managed well and was done in a half hour.

Riley's store was more difficult.  Everything was expensive and he had a hard time finding just the right thing to buy.  I, however, was able to find a fantastic gift for her 2 year birthday off of meth for October 26th in that shop. I will share with you later what the gifts are.

Have a wonderful weekend!

October is Here!

October is here.  It is always hard to see summer leave us here in the Pacific Northwest because it is long coming.  Some summer are a disappointment too because they are way too short.  However, this year we have had a long summer that has reached even into October.  I know!  I can’t believe it either.

The last time I saw rain fall was in July.  We had a few days after the 4^th of July that made us all think that we were going to have a wet summer.  About the time we left for Spokane was the last time we saw rain… I remember we were glad to be going on the “east side” of the mountains where there is less rain.  That is where one goes when we can’t take the rain any more… the east side.  If you’re interested, here is an article from the Seattle Times regarding our dry spell record we have now set; http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2019350572_apwadryseattle.html

Last Saturday was a gift from God.  It was warm, blue skies, and autumn was in the air.  It was a day to certainly be out doing something rather in the house.  There will be plenty of time for that when it begins raining again.  Here, you certain choose your times of being out and about… you might not get the chance for a while.  They say that our rain may come back this Friday.

I took the boys to Sumner on Saturday.  Sumner is a city that is about 10 minutes south from the city I live in.  It has a little downtown area with shops (like most of the little cities around).  Here is the event website to Sumner.  The boys did a scavenger hunt in Sumner.  They had a list of shops participating and each of those shops had a pumpkin somewhere in the shop with a letter on it.  When we found the letter, we would put it on our list.  In the end after getting all the letters, we had to unscramble them and find the “message” (which was You’re Smashing).  The boys fill in the entry for a drawing with the message.  Riley is positive his name is going to be drawn.

Is It a Full Moon?! Or What???

Wednesday afternoon, just before 4 pm, all of a sudden we found ourselves sitting in the dark at GRCC.  The lights flickered once, then twice, but the third time they went out.  The computers went out too, of course.

The directors had no idea why or how the whole campus lost electricity.  Some of us got on the phone to our family to search their on their phones or the internet, or on TV to find out any information.  After about a half hour, there was an announcement that they would soon be back with more information.

What surprised me was that students would actually come into the office (in the dark) and ask to be put into their class.  When we explained that because the electricity is out; the computers won’t work, the next question was, “When will the lights go back on?”  I so wanted to answer with sarcasm but I didn’t.  My answers still sort of sounded like I was speaking to a 5 year old though, I thought.  I was amazed at how many younger students were so “inconvenienced” however I would like to think that if they knew the reason for the black out they might have been more understanding.

The reason was because of the picture below.  A bus from the elementary school my grandsons attend, hit a pole and the live wires fell on it.  The kids were fine and were on the bus for about an hour before they could be removed and sent home on a second bus.

Wednesday was a strange day all around.  It felt like a “full moon” type of day.  You know what I mean? 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

 

Welcome First Week of Fall

Around here, Fall has been slowly showing itself.  It is still dry but the leaves are falling, the mornings are cooler and sometimes there is a touch of fog around the trees, the daylight is coming later and leaving us earlier. 

Another thing about Fall is that the quarter at the college begins.  Kari is back to school now too.  We certainly have to be up on our game... getting up on time, doing homework at night, and getting to bed early.  The lazy days of summer have gone and whether or not we like it, the discipline of the regular school year schedule is in full swing now.

Just like at the end of every month, I am surprised again that we are about to say "Hello" to October!  Can you believe it?!  I know!  Right?!  October means even less light and cooler nights.  I have planned out a few events and activities for October.  One being a trip to a pumpkin patch and corn maze.  I will have take my camera along with me for that adventure and share it.

I have one change coming for us to report... my pastor has told us that he will be leaving us this next year.  He is stepping down from his position.  He feels that it is God's will and they really don't have anything planned yet.  I am praying for him and their family that they will discover what changes are suppose to take place.  Some people were very sad to hear this news.  Some were actually angry (although I haven't seen anyone), but most were supportive of his decision and welcoming the changes coming.  I have noticed that changes like these don't affect me like they might have in the past.  I know everything is going to be alright.

Have a great week!  Next time!

So Long Summer

Today is the last day of summer which is really sad to me.  I really look forward every year to warmer weather, less rain, sunshine, and getting more outdoors.  Often we don’t get our “dry” spell until after July 4^th.  Sometimes we don’t really get a summer because the clouds stay… but this year, I must say, we have really felt like we had a summer.  Our dry spell has last for at least 60 days now.  And people are beginning to secretly wish for rain again.

Funny thing about being in an area with rain… we don’t have to water the lawns or wash our cars.  Everywhere it is green rather than gold and dry.  However, we will not really complain about the dry spell because it is so wanted the rest of the year.  Only the brave and outspoken say they hope soon for rain.  It is “OK” to say you would like to see rain for the sake of the fires that we are having on the eastern side of the state.  So, it is allowed to wish for rain in that case.

The weather people say we will not possibly get rain here until next week.  The chances are 10% or 20%, which doesn’t seem like a good possibility.  We may possibly have to go another week or two without rain.  However, I know it is coming.  There isn’t any doubt about that.  It will come just like Christmas will come.  And we must enjoy the few moments of our dry spell as long as we can.

So long Summer of 2012!  It was a good summer and we are looking forward to next year already.  Hello Autumn… we are looking forward to all that you bring now that we have felt we got our summer.  We are ready for you when you decide to arrive (not just on the calendar).

Have a great weekend everyone!

Trina's Wedding

My friend Trina this last Saturday evening got married in Kirkland (everyone knows Kirkland because of Costco) WA.  I was able to visit with two friends that I hardly ever see; Ruthie and Gina (Gina is the girl in my long standing Facebook profile picture).  I also spent the evening with Renee, my friend, who use to work with me at the college… but I knew her too when I was a career specialist at one of the local high schools.  She works for Central Washington University by recruiting students on the west side of the state.  We became friends long ago.

You might also remember her by her being with me when I moved out of Dave’s house.  She packed up the U Haul and basically was non nonsense with him.  She didn’t say anything like she would have liked to but when he put on a show by acting like he was sad about my leaving (remember he was the one who wanted the divorce), she said that he was just putting on an act.  She was right because less than one month later I was served papers after he said he wanted to “work” on our marriage. 

Anyway, that is a real friend; someone who goes into the “dirty” places with you and helps you out.  I have two friends like that; Renee and Susie.  Susie would have been there too if she still lived here, I know it.  She has been there for me many times in so many ways.  They are as close to me as sisters.

So you can imagine how fun it was to spend some fun times with Renee and see my other friends too.  Above is Trina’s picture of her and her daughters walking down the aisle.  Beautiful, right?

Have a fantastic week!

Bugs Are Bugging Us

Not much has taken place since my last post.  There isn’t much to report.  I did catch some sort of bug… which I think is due maybe from working at the fair or the change in the weather going from cold to hot.  I don’t know.  Anyway, besides sleeping and assisting with homework, I haven’t done much.  My boss at work said in regards to “bugs” such as flus and colds, “well, here we go”.  She has a grand daughter home too with a bug.

Time to start taking vitamins and getting enough sleep… Here comes Fall!

Homework

My hours changed again on Monday from 10 am to 7 pm after Labor Day.  Luckily I don’t have to work those hours two days in a row like I did in the Spring.  However, when I got home I got something to eat and now I am assisting Riley with his homework.  Last night would have been his first day of homework so I had to find his book bag and find his papers.  At the time he was watching TV… still in the summer vacation “mode” of doing things.  Kari wasn’t feeling very good because of her allergies… so she wasn’t thinking about homework sheets.

What happens is the boys get their homework assignment sheets on Mondays and they return them on Fridays.  In the packet is their Math assignment (which in now online), their spelling words, their vocabulary words, reading log for the week, and any other assignments.  I got Riley in the kitchen and we were able to do some of the spelling, math, and we did 25 minutes of reading.  Not too bad for the first night.

The homework they give is “no joke” and I can tell that there is already more expected in 4^th grade than when he was in 3^rd.  I told Kari she will have to handle Brady’s (simple) homework because Riley is going to take more time.  I am trying to figure out now what is the best way for him to complete it and get the assignments done when there are short nights such as when I go to bible study nights.  But this year, there might not be too many short homework nights… I may have to cut out any other things I am use to doing.  I don’t know yet… but it may be a necessary.

I am going to change my blogging days to Tuesday and Thursdays… and add a weekend day.  As you can see, blogging is something that I will have to arrange too around his homework.

Today also marks the 11th anniversary of 9-11.  I hung out the flag this morning and said prayers for those involved.  We will always remember...

Have a good week!

First Day of School

The first day of school of the 2012-2013 new school year is now in the history books.  Our little guys were so excited to go back to school.  I thought Brady was going to crawl out of his skin he was so excited.  One nice thing that this school did was have an Open House the night before school began.  Seeing the teachers, the classroom, delivering supplies, and just being back in the building helped them a lot with the transition of returning back to school.

Riley had some homework assigned which is due Friday, and he had it done by the time I was home from work.  I also have “homework”…  all his lovely papers that they send home for you to sign.  To make things easy, I take charge of Riley and Kari takes charge of Brady.  She makes sure they have their meds though and gets them on the bus and off.  Paperwork is more my thing.  I took Riley’s to work with me today (I will have to check Brady’s bag to see if there is anything there to return still… thinking that Kari checked, but she might not have).  It isn’t fun dealing with ADHD but we work together as a team using our strengths and knowing our weaknesses.

Today is day #2.  So far so good. J

Have a good day!

Just a Day To Go

Hello Everyone!  Do you feel the start of school breathing down your neck?  It is mine.  Even though Kari and I have the boys ready to start, there is "change" in the air.  Maybe you have already had the "start gun" go off where you live.  But we are on the edge of it now.

We got back from camping at Mossyrock Park at Mossyrock yesterday. We left Saturday morning and it takes about two hours to drive down to the lake.  We got all set up... tent, sleeping bags etc, and then the kids began playing with all the lawn games we had brought.

Let me explain... the kids are our boys and then Riley's twin brother, Darin, and sister, Elaina.  They are twelve growing on thirteen.  It is nice for them to get together and get to know one another. Their mom, Magenta, and grandmother, Colleen, goes too. 

Magenta brings the jet skis (2) and Kari finally got to learn how to drivc one.  When we went camping on Memorial Day weekend it was too cold to do anything.  They didn't take the jet skis out in the water once.  All we could do is wrap up in a blanket.  We won't to that again... go camping on Memorial Day weekend.  However, Labor Day is warm and the water has had all summer to get warm... so it was a lot better.  The only time it got cold was in the middle of the night but we were soon layering our clothes to keep warm (a lesson one learns to use in WA).

Today I have been cleaning up from the camping trip and getting ready for school as I said.  I have Brady yet to put in the tub... We will be going to their school this evening to an Open House to see their rooms and meet their teachers.  That way we can take all the school supplies and the boys will know what to do in the morning when they get off the bus.

I better get to it.  So happy start of school and September.  Here we go....

Have a great week!

Our Birthday Day

Weeks ago I figured out what I was going to do for "our" birthday.  For those of you who don't know, my grandson Riley and I share the same birthday.  What is also interesting is that I shared my birthday with my grandmother Nellie.  As the grandmother, Nellie would take us out on our birthday traditionally for lunch and shopping (for a gift and for school clothes).  I am trying to do the same thing for my grandson's too but since shopping isn't a little boy's dream we go to the movies (their choice).

For lunch I decided to take Riley to the Olive Garden where he could have two of his favorite foods; spaghetti and chicken fingers.  Plus they had bread sticks... an other favorite of his.  So my lunch choice seemed to be a hit.

 

 

We went to the movies and saw The Odd Life of Timothy Green (his choice).  He was concerned that I would be bothered that Timothy dies.  But after seeing the movie I explained that Timothy didn't die.  Actually Timothy isn't born so he doesn't die.  Timothy appears and then disappears.  (Sorry if you haven't seen it but that isn't the important part of the story).  He exists for a "season" to teach a lesson to the couple who are wanting a child.  Personally, I would wait for the DVD to come out.  However, Riley enjoyed it and that was what is important.

Later after we got home, we went to have a cupcake instead of having a birthday cake that we wouldn't eat all of it.  Each one of us pick our favorite too so that is special too about going out for a cupcake.  Kari likes the Cupcake Wars on TV and so she tried one called "Elvis".  It was banana, chocolate, and peanut butter.  She liked it the best for those she sampled.

Riley turned 9 years old and now is heading for 4th grade... Can you believe it?

Have a good day!

Where Did That Weekend Go???

OK, that weekend went by way too fast!!!  I barely can remember it all it is such a blur, but I will try.  Friday I had off from work (as I have done this summer on most Fridays).  I decided that this Friday I my big mission would be to go into Walmart and get the boys school supplies without them being with me.  After all, Friday is a weekday and without their wanting this… it should be easier. 

I think that it was easier going into Walmart on a Friday… there were only about ten moms.  However it isn’t fun having two lists and going around in circles with a cart getting each item.  I would have to decide what to do with some things such as one list calls for 1 of an item and the other list might call for two of the same item… but the item might be packaged with 4.  So I have an extra items… so what I think I will do with the extra items is give them either to the school for extras or give them to the church who is collecting school supplies for low income families.

I also got a text message from Costco that my glasses were ready to be picked up.  I am so pleased that I had my exam and was able to follow through getting them this summer.  Going through a divorce really puts a person in a place where you get derailed from what you usually would be doing if you weren’t dealing with all those emotions etc.  I am really trying to get back on track again now that I am feeling better.  I am so excited to have new glasses!  I will see if I can take a picture with my phone/ camera (that doesn’t do well when taking self-portrait shots). 

On Saturday we went to take the boys to get their haircuts.  We take them to this place over in Kent where the Vietnam ladies are so kind to them.  Their haircuts are only $9 each too.  We were able to go to IKEA too to check out the price on a new dress for the boys (we need more space).  We will have to wait until my next paycheck for that item but now we know what to buy.

Sunday we attended church and went to lunch at Wendy’s.  Once home we worked on the yard since the yard waste will be picked up on Tuesday.  Kari bought me an edger and she got out there and edged the side yard for me and also mowed the grass (although without rain there is little to mow).  They say we will be getting rain this week which will be good for the grass and plants.  It has been about 6 weeks since we last saw rain and we have had warm weather (for here) so everything looks really dry.

This week I only work two days and then I will be off from work through September 4^th.  Both the boys and I will return to “school” on the 5^th.  Wednesday is Riley and my birthday and I have something planned for us to do so I will write about that next.

Have a great week!

Dog Days

Last week it was in the 90s, and this week it is in the 60s.  Suddenly there is a thirty degree drop in the temperature outside!  And more inside our office!  We have been freezing… wearing sweaters, jackets, and turning on our space heaters under our desks.  I guess they can’t fix it until next week sometime.

I have looked ahead online and by the weekend we will be back in the 70s again.  I am making plans as to how we might spend our weekend since it will be the last one before the boys go back to school.  Labor Day weekend we will be going camping and we will not be at home. 

I have officially begun my “birthday week” which sometimes lasts longer than a week.  Yesterday the girls in my office gave me a luncheon.  And this morning my friend Renee came in with a donut from our special bakery (unfortunately I ate only half of it because I am cutting back… which is hard thing to do at your birthday).  Come to think of it, the donut may not be because of my birthday… Renee just does nice things like that.  That last time she came by she brought me a latte from Starbucks.

Riley will be having his 9^th birthday on the same day.  I am making plans for us to celebrate which includes taking him to the Olive Garden for lunch and then to the movies.  I think we might see Thunderstruck which comes out on the 24^th.

That is all I have for now…. Have a good rest of the week!

The Twilight Zone

This weekend we focused on the boys... getting them ready for school and doing some last days of summer fun things together.  We also bought something so the house since we are still decorating it and making things work.

We made another trip to Costco and I bought a harvest wreath for the living room.  The large wall is beginning to get some things on it and they are making the room a little warmer in the decorations.  Most of the rooms are decorated.  The boys room needs a little more and the living room. 

I am alway afraid I am going to run into Dave (my ex husband of a year and a half) at Costco.  We went there a lot together.  And once we saw a guy that looked a lot like Dave at Lowe's.  Kari went into the store and discovered that the guy wasn't Dave at all.  So I have been trying to relax and not fear running into him in places we had gone in our life together.

Well, today I decided that we would go to one of the beaches we like to sea glass hunt at and eat at the restaurant that is next to the beach named Salty's.  During the summer Salty's has an open outside window where one can buy fish and chips, chowder, etc.  It is one of those things on my famous summer checkoff list.

We got there, parked, got out and ordered the food at the window.  Suddenly Kari whispers to me, "Dave is here."  I didn't look around to see if Dave was really there... I just got the boys and walked to the side of the building and we looked out to the water.  I kept my back to where they would be walking.  I had no curiosity to see Dave with his new wife. 

Kari stayed behind were the food was going to be delivered.  Dave, Aaron (Dave's son), his aunt, and his new wife.  They walked on to their cars even though they knew Kari was there.  Of course, knowing Kari her look on her face wasn't exactly friendly.  She is very protective of me and the boys... and she doesn't like what he did to me, but she also doesn't like how he treated the boys.

Aaron, once in his car, waved to Kari.  She went over to his car and they talked briefly.  He told her he missed her.  The spoke briefly but they said that they would text. I am surprised that Aaron talked to Kari at the expense of being seen by his dad.  But he must feel odd that his dad divorced one stepmom and married another within a year.

What to hear something weird?  How about creepy?  Right out the Twilight Zone... he married a woman who could be my sister according to those who have seen her including now Kari.  She is the same age, has dark hair, and is the same size etc.  I was thinking she might be the typical younger... or different in looks but to be "replaced" is just weird!  And she has shorter hair... which he never liked!  Go figure.

Anyway, it is odd to deal with all of this... but in the end, I am getting to the point that I am glad to be where I am.  I don't know if you could imagine what I have been through and it has been a roller coaster ride sometimes.  However, the ride is slowing down and I am ready to get off.  Especially when I learn more about what has gone on with him.  He is the one that got the divorce... and now remarried.  And now I discover the new wife looks like me.  I am so glad I never told him where I live.

What do you think? 

Have a good week!  HUGS

Awake at 4 am?

It is Saturday morning... early.  I woke up earlier and watched a movie.  Why am I awake?  I don't know.  It just happens every now and again.  I am thankful it isn't a week day... I can handle it better when it happens on the weekend.

One thing to blame for my being awake is that it has been warm this week and sleep doesn't come easy.  Most of us here don't bother with getting AC because it is only a few days in the summer we might need it.  Instead we have fans and ceiling fans going all the time.  It helps but it isn't AC.  I might have to look into getting a small AC for next year.

This year my "funds" are going towards other things.  I have already mentioned the boys getting ready for school "checklist" and Riley's birthday.  But I also just bought my next pair of glasses.  Yesterday, I went to Costco and picked out a pair... I haven't bought a pair since 2008.  The doctor said that coming in to have an eye exam should happen every three years.  So, I am off a year but because of what I have been through in the past couple of years, it was the last thing on my mind.  I am just now trying to catch up with getting things done that I need to stay on top of such as physicals and the dentist etc.

We also yesterday went to the Supermall and bought the boys their shoes, some clothes, and a backpack for Brady.  I also found a nice wall decoration for the big wall in the living room.  And I also found a head set for Riley for his birthday.  So it was an expensive day but it was all for a good reason.  Saturday is going to be spent at home doing chores and relaxing.  I might even get a nap in.

Have a great weekend!

Warm Week Here in the PNW

This week has been a warm one.  However, you would never it know it working in our offices at the college.  Someone turned the AC up.  We have been wearing our jackets (not coats though) and turning on our space heaters next to our chairs to stay warm.  Coming from So CA, coffee didn’t have the appeal there as it does here.  Just the warmth of just holding the coffee cup is enough to switch over.  Eventually, I have become a one cup a day drinker after 19 years of living here.  However, during the summer months I am not as interested in drinking coffee as I am the rest of the cooler parts of the year.  We’ve been drinking coffee every morning including me.  It seems we can’t win.  We either have cool weather or the office is freezing.

The end of the summer quarter is tomorrow.  Fall quarter doesn’t start until September 24^th.  We will have all the parking etc. we want for over a month.  We won’t have traffic coming into or going out of the college.  It is the quiet time of the year. 

The boys go back to school on September 5^th.  I have been keeping my eye on the date and buying a little at a time towards their school supplies, clothes and shoes, and they will need a haircut too.  It is rather expensive to get kids ready for school… so I pace myself.  This coming weekend we will work towards this goal.

Riley also has a birthday on August 29^th (my birthday).  I have given his mom some money also towards his “big gift” he wants for his birthday… a DS 3D.  So we have lots of things we are doing in the next couple of weeks to get ready.

Have a good rest of the week!  See you this Friday!

Summer Checklist

Last week wasn’t all that exciting.  I went back to work after a week vacation.  Friday night at New Heart (a recovery group) I was to teach both the whole group and the family group.  However, the small membership of the family group didn’t show.  It was a nice warm evening (which doesn’t happen that often in Seattle), so I don’t blame them at all.  I don’t think I would have shown if I wasn’t in charge. 

I have a checklist for summer of those things that I would like to do.  I was able to do a few of those things on Saturday.  Saturday we went down the hill from where we live to the downtown area to a festival called Auburn Good Old Days.  Each city has one of these festivals and each one is a little different from the others.  At these festivals they have the booths of various vendors and their products but this one has a lot more music and performances.  It is smaller than the one I went to in Kent last month.  But it is still nice to go to visit.

As time is getting closer to school beginning, on my checklist is to get ready for school... hair cuts, clothes, backpacks and supplies, and shoes are a part of the list.  You might have the same list.  I was able to beginning this checklist on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday evening we took the boys to the drive in theater (yes, we still have one here) to see Wimpy Kid, Dog Days and the new Ice Age movies.  It is like going back into the 60s.  Even the snack bar is decorated in the yellow and orange you would have seen back then.  After two movies, it was just after midnight… yet the boys hung in there and was awake through it all.  They went to sleep right away when we got home but they stayed up the whole time, which surprised me.

Sunday was church and after church Kari went to meet up with friends to go swimming in one of the near by lakes.  Now, usually you would think this wouldn’t make anyone nervous.  However, one of our students drowned in one of the lakes a week ago Sunday and there is always all these drowning of people who you would think wouldn’t drown.  What I mean by that is… this student was 19 years old, strong, and an athlete.   He knew how to swim.  So what happened?

I have discovered since then that one of the ways that people drown here is from cold incapacitation.  A pocket of cold water from the mountains here causes a swimmer to not be able to move… and therefore they can drown.  You can read about it more at this website http://mariovittone.com/2010/10/the-truth-about-cold-water/  .  I would think it would be in very cold places however it isn’t so.  My co-worker’s son in law experienced this and fortunately he survived… but it scared him.  Now she and I are letting everyone know about this cause for drowning.  I am convinced that this may have been the reason our student drowned last week.  (By the way, he was the forth in a year’s time… the last one was a 17 year old on June 23^rd at the same lake)

Well, on that cheerful note I think I will leave you with something to think about.  I had never heard of these reasons in California, however very few people know about their environment here and things happen.

Have a good week!

Vacation continued...

Hi Everyone… Thought I would get back here sooner but I didn’t.  Now almost a whole week has passed so bear with me as I try to catch up.  I wanted to continue on the next post about our visit to Spokane… so here it is:

After coming back from Idaho and our big day at Silverwood we slept really well that nigh.  The train that was only a few yards from us didn’t seem to bother me at all.  We decided to have the pancakes that most KOA places offer for breakfast and then went into the pool to cool off.  After swimming we got in the car to tour Spokane. 

Spokane Falls

Downtown Spokane is full of old brick buildings.  The Spokane River runs next to it… as well as the famed River Front Park.  The park is full of things to do… a sky ride in a gondola over the Spokane Falls, a carrousel from the early 1900s, places to buy snack and souvenirs,  a large fountain for the kids to get wet in, an amusement park, floating stages for various concerts and fireworks, and a train.  Oh, and a very big Red Flyer Wagon for the kids (and adults who like to act like kids) to play on. 

We went on the Sky rider over the falls which was a fun thing to do.  I don’t know if Brady would agree with me because he seemed a little unsure about it the whole time.  I understand there are more and more of these rides around.  We also just got a big Ferris wheel in Seattle with gondolas which are supposed to be warm in the winter and have AC in the summer.

We went to a few stores at the mall, one being a bookstore.  I was able to buy the bigger book of “Boundaries” which we will be using at New Heart on Friday nights.  I will be leading a group this Friday so I wanted to be ready if anyone shows up (summer and warmer weather doesn’t bring them in).

Wednesday was our drive back to the West side (as they say in this state).  It took me about 5 hours to drive back.  The cat was sure glad to see us after being gone for a few days.  He was doing well with his big dish of food and water… but he loves us.

I decided that on Thursday and Friday I would do some things to officially remove “Wix” from my Social Security number and my driver’s license.  I have a CDL (Commercial Driver License) and so I had to go to the Social Security Administration office first.   Last time I did it in reverse and I couldn’t get done want I needed to get done… so now a little more informed, I was ready.

I can’t believe how the SSA office is now days.  I was first met by an officer at the door (with gun) that asked me if I had a gun, knife, Taser, pepper stray etc…  I was a little bit caught off guard and must have given him a face because I shook my head “no” and was asked again.  Another lady asked me if I had any questions and I told her that I wasn’t asked that question every day.  She commented it was necessary these days.

I didn’t have to wait too long before I was called to a window where a very “no nonsense” African American woman in her 50s was sitting.  I sat down and gave her all my information and documentation.  I told her that I had my birth certificate too.  Her response was “Did I ask you for your birth certificate?”  “Well, no.”  I just was offering it if it was needed but I felt like a five year old for even saying anything, so I decided to just sit there and endure the rest of it until I was excused.

The Department of Licensing (DMV to others) was a lot kinder to me.  Not only did I get my name changed, I was able to get an Enhanced license which would allow me to go into Canada and Mexico without a passport.  It only was $15 do get that all done.

The weekend was hot for these parts… it got into the 90s.  Although Spokane was in the 90s, it was a desert heat.  Here there is more humidity so it is a sweaty 90 degrees rather than dry.  We stayed inside with fans blowing at us from all directions.  We don’t have AC here because we only need it for about 2 days out of the year.  Sunday didn’t seem as bad as Saturday because there was a breeze coming from the Sound. 

Monday was back to work for me and I have been trying to get back into the swing of it since.  Lol

I will post this week again so that my posts aren’t so long.  Have a good day!

Spokane WA and Silverwood (Idaho)

Yesterday we returned from our trip across our fair state of Washington to Spokane.  Not to mention our trek into Idaho to an amusement park there called Silverwood.  We left Sunday morning and we took our time going across on I-90.  We arrived at the KOA camp in Spokane Valley around 3:30 pm.  It is about a 4 hour to 5 hour drive from where we live to there.

We did stop here and there just to look around.  One stop was in Mose Lake and one was in Ritzville.  We thought that Ritzville was very entertaining... it is a very old town with many old structures.  However, one building is the grocery store called "Pretty Good Grocery Store".  We thought that was funny since it wasn't called the "Best Grocery Store" etc.  It seems as though they lack something... especially marketing skills.  However, in a small town like Ritzville... who needs marketing skills?

After we got up our new tent (3 rooms) from Costco, we went to a restaurant that is sister to one in Auburn (where we live).  The restaurant is the Longhorn restaurant... it is BBQ.  The boys love it.  And then we drove around to see what was around us.

That night we had to deal with various new noises... the bikers next to us, the machines from this water tank looking thing behind us, and of course, trains.  One train track had many trains coming through in it.  It was about 1/2 mile away.  However, one train would come through on a closer track... about a quarter of a football field away.  We would think it was coming through the tent sometimes. So, the first night we hardly got any sleep.... go figure.  That was too bad because we were heading to Silverwood on Monday and it would have been good to have lots of rest.

The weather on the other side of the Cascade Mts is different than on the west side where we live.  The clouds get hung up on this side and so it is cooler and as you know, it rains more here.  On the other side, there is more sun.  It does snow in the winter.  It is mostly flat without any trees.  They are opposites.

Spokane, was about 85 to 90 degrees most of the time we were there.  We are use to the climate there because of coming from So CA.  Actually we loved sitting in the sun and feeling the rays.  Many people here do not like feeling the warmth of the sun and complain.  Anyway, it was really nice.

On Monday we went a few miles to Idaho and went to Cour ed Lane and then went north about a half hour to Silverwood.  It reminded me of an early Knott's Berry Farm... or even a Magic Mountain (because Magic Mountain use to be out in the hills away from everything too).  Riley went with Kari on is first roller coaster ride... and I am thinking he didn't really care for it.  It scared him a little.  He may like them later in life.  He just doesn't want to completely say he didn't like it because Kari loves them.  He doesn't want to disappoint her.  Of course, they went on the monster ride... and didn't start slow.  So she may have to pay for that decision in Riley not being so sure about roller coaster rides at this time.  But all in all, we had a really great time.

Silverwood also has Boulder Bay, a water park.  It has wonderful things for everyone... even a lazy river. 

I will write more later about our trip so that I am not boring you in one post.  Have a wonderful day!

Pit Bull... or Possessed???

Our weather here in the PNW (Pacific Northwest) has returned to summer.  It has begun to reach the 80’s again.  We here say “Hooray!”  We had summer come on the 4^th of July for about a week and then it turned against us with rain and thunderstorms.  Although it might have been warmer than usual, we all have been waiting for sunny days to return.

One thing about rain is that it doesn’t make it fun to do yard work or gardening.  But now with the rain behind us, and the dryer weeks of the year ahead of us, my thoughts are on the yard.  Kari says I am a possessed woman… that all I think about is what next to do in the yard. 

Last week my friends came and took out the trees and got tree limbs.  Things began to look better but now what was left needed a little lift.  Well, that lead me to cleaning up the yard in a big way… so I hired some people to come in and trim back the bushes and trim the lawn etc.  The yard is even looking better now than ever!  So, I went to Lowes and bought a “spreader” so that I could apply Weed and Feed to the grass this weekend.

Now that I have a lot of the things cut back, taken out etc… I should be able to easily keep it up.  For my birthday next month I am going to get an edger (to myself).  My eyes are still looking at plants that are off center (planted long ago by the last owners) or are looking old and dry.  Now comes the creative part where I make something my own… with a spot to add seasonal flowers under the tree, for example. 

Guess Kari is right… I am a little possessed.  I like to think of my hyper focus as a pit bull approach to dealing with something head on.  So I am a little possessed?  It will be my hobby for a while… until I can’t get outside and work in the yard when the weather changes.

I will next write about our plans for a mini vacation that is coming up.  Have a good day!

My Aching Body

It is about 4 am in the morning.  Yes, that is nuts, I agree.  However, I can't seem to get back to sleep.  I have got sleep though.  I came home yesterday tired and probably went to bed before 9 pm, so I am just "off".

My body has been aching because I did a lot of yard work this past weekend, with a lot of help from my friends.  We removed three trees.  We also removed a lot of limbs and broken limbs from a tree that was damaged in the storm last January.  For a little lot, you would think I lived on a farm with the three truck loads of "stuff" the guys took out of here.  Without the dying trees there, it has really opened up the view of the yard.  It doesn't seem so packed with overgrown plants and trees.

One of the things I need to do is buy a edger for the lawn.  So I have been looking at them trying to figure out what kind I would be able best to use.  There is the string version (which I have never used) and there is the push version.  To me it seems the push version may be best for me.

I have waited all year to be able to go work outside.  I have been dedicating about a half hour to pulling weeds or doing something out there in the yard each day.  It is good for a person too... all the natural sun and exercise.  Who needs a gym?

Anyway, that is what my mind and body has been working on for the past few days.  I am hyper focused on what to do next in the yard because now it is looking better... which is a good thing to be.  It's just that I can't go back to sleep now... but I will try.

Have a great day!

Over My Shoulder Glance at the Week that Zoomed By

When I last left you, the boys were going to visit their grandfather and his wife at their hotel.  For three days they were visiting them and had a good time.  So many things to do and see when there is someone from California visiting.  They were very tired when they arrived back here on Wednesday night.

So what did I do while they were gone?  I visited Susie... she was visiting here from North Carolina.  I went to her son and daughter in law's church on Wednesday night and enjoyed the worship service.  Besides work, I played with creating and designing some bead work.  Right now I am trying to work on my design for bookmarkers.

Kari has also been busy and hasn't been home too much.  I realize at times like this how much I really enjoy them and being a family together now.  At first, it was all about "recovery"... from divorce and addiction.  We had so much to work through.  But now things are more settled.  And I am finding myself so thankful.

Friday, I had the day off and went to the movies with Susie, Bev (her daughter) and Amanda (her daughter in law).  We saw the newest Tyler Perry Madea movie.  I thought it was really great to sit and just laugh at a comedy.

The Colorado shooting had just taken place earlier in the day and I couldn't help but think of the victims as I sat in the movie theater.  I wasn't concerned for my safety.  I just reflected on those who had died or was injured.  My prayers go out to all of them and their friends and family.

Today I worked around the house.  So much to always do.  Until Monday....

For a Monday...

Friday was my day off.  It seemed like I had a slow start to what I wanted to get done at home and getting errands out of the way, but I ended up finishing just OK.  I also spent a lot of money (darn Walmart) too. 

My girlfriend Susie landed Friday afternoon.  She is coming in from North Carolina to visit her family and friends.  She is an answer to prayer really.  This will also be when the boy’s grandfather (Kari’s dad) comes to town to visit them.  They will be busy with visiting with him and I can be busy doing my thing and visiting with Susie too.

Saturday we (the boys and I) met up with Susie in downtown Kent where the Kent Cornucopia Days festival was going on.  No sooner are we there and the boys want an Elephant Ear.  Taking those two little “shoppers” anywhere can be a series of saying “no”.  I did however buy the Elephant Ear, a drink, and two necklaces for each of them.  After a couple of hours, we decided to go to Mom’s… a restaurant that Susie and I would go to when we were career specialists for two of the local high schools.  In 2000, we both left our positions to work for the local community college (where I still am).

Sunday I we went to church and then Kari and the boys met up with her dad.  I went shopping for a few art supplies and then to where Susie is staying to have dinner with her and her family. 

Kari and boys have been off doing things with her dad today In Seattle.  The weather turned out to be perfect.  I am back to work and it is one of my late nights, so when I get off I am going home to do a few chores, eat dinner, and work on my project with the TV on.  I probably will go to bed earlier than I did last night (not wanting to give up the weekend).  It hasn’t been too bad for a Monday… you know what I mean?

Half a Week Already Gone By

I have been mostly working the past two days.  The weather has been, shall we say "different".  Sunday night as I laid in bed I heard a big boom... and it wasn't fireworks.  It was thunder.  It wasn't expected either.  Oregon had sent them up.

What we had been expecting what warm weather all week long but it has taken the warm weather a while to get up and at it.  Say like 2 pm or so.  It is nice to have this weather when one is working because I am not missing anything. 

The boys went to a soccer outreach to the Kent community tonight.  Our church puts it on every year and they do it for two nights in a row.  Tonight I couldn't go but tomorrow I will be there to see them to their thing.

Friday I have off again, so I will post before then.  Susie, one of my very best friends from North Carolina, is flying in on Friday afternoon. 

All Good Things

I have had the last 5 days off.  It is amazing how time goes even faster when you have time off than when you are working.  I never considered that working slowed time up... which is one thing I have been hoping to find the secret too.  I have not been wanting to hurry through summer this year.

Thursday, Kari went to work and the boys went to daycare, I couldn't decide what to do since it was sunny outside.  I had planned a movie.  But who wants to go to the movies when it is beautiful outside?

There is a saying around here, "Summer truly doesn't begin until the 4th of July".  From what I have seen in the 19 years I have lived here, that is a pretty true statement.  The rest of the country can be complaining about the heat while we are still wondering where the sun is, and then suddenly we have the sun.  The forcast is for 85 degrees here today.

I ended up going to a Christian bookstore I heard about in the Supermall but the rest of the time I have stayed home doing things or enjoying staying home.  We have BBQ'd, pulled out the little pool for the boys to play in, did some yard work and house work... or just hung out.  I would say I feel more rested that I did before.

I wish I had more time to stay off work but I will have next Friday off.  And then in a few weeks, I will have a whole week off when we go to Montana.

Happy July!

Last week was the start of summer quarter.  During the first week of the quarter, we are really busy and I find myself coming home and just doing much of nothing,  So that is why you didn't find a post here from me.  However, this is a new week... and the start of a new month.

We are now starting summer hours at work.  Mondays and Tuesdays I will work from 8 am to 6 pm.  Wednesdays and Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm.  And Fridays, I will have off! (well, most Fridays)  This week I have from the 4th to the 9th off.  Five glorious days of doing what I need and want to do.  I will have something to blog about!

See you back here the next few days...

Gereration Gap? Or not?

Years ago when I was in my teens we often heard the term “Generation Gap”.  Because my generation was dealing with the Viet Nam war, Civil Rights, the murder of two Kennedys… President Kennedy and Robert Kennedy, and the murder of Martin Luther King (just to name a few).  America was changing and we were a part of those changes and the way we thought of ourselves.  At the time, the older generation didn’t like the changes we were bringing on.  They especially didn’t like that we expressed ourselves which was different (I guess) than the generations before us when children were seen but not heard.  We were heard!  No doubt that seemed rude to the generations before us.

Now I am of the baby boomer generation… now it is one of the older generations (it wasn’t before)  I have been in workshops lately regarding how to work with other generations and how they are different. 

My generation tends to feel that we should be respected for what we have learned and can teach.  We have the communication style of a storyteller.  We liked to communicate and will take time to make sure that the message is received and understood.  My generation wants acknowledgement for what we lived, learned, and know.  My mother’s generation wants respect and the best way to get their attention or get on their good side is to refer to them in a formal manner by using Mr. or Mrs. 

My daughter’s generation seems to not like to talk very much.  “Just the facts” would be their motto.  They grew up when technology came into our lives.  They are more willing to text than to talk which can be a little irritating to my generation who wants details.  Of course, we are irritating to them because they would like us to get to the point of the story quicker.

The 20s-30s is a little kinder to us (me).  They will be a bit more patient with the story telling but when with each other they seem to work in bullet mark thoughts.  They like having information to bullet mark… so the more info the better. 

The teens seem to want everything NOW!  You can understand why actually.  They have grown up with so much at their fingertips… the internet, fast food, etc.  They have choices usually in everything and can’t understand when there is a situation which allows them no choice.  They also tend to not take responsibility but will react with “blame”.  Kari will respond with a “Really?” or a “Wowwww….” .  I have seen her with the kids she works with.  Her one word seems to do more than the hundred words I come up with on the spot about their lack of respect.

I had a teen today on the phone who made a mistake of not dropping a class.  The waitlist put him into the class right before the quarter began… he never went, yet he never dropped it.  So, he received a 0.0 grade.  He blamed me for the grade, the college website not having the information, and when I couldn’t fix right away based on his word (which would be tampering with records) he told me he would like to talk to someone else who knew something because obviously I don’t.  I decided to use Kari’s response rather than my own baby boomer response… “Wow”.  I thought that would be better than what I wanted to say.  However after I got over my want to launch into how rude he was… I explained to him that if he had been responsible he would have known what was on is schedule and would have taken care of anything that shouldn’t have been there a lot earlier than trying to get something off his record after the quarter has already been completed.  (OK, that was more baby boomer style)  Can you believe the nerve?  He was 5 when I began working at the college. 

What makes a person think that blaming or arguing is going to ever be the best way to persuade another person?  I don’t know about you but that just causes me to not want to help them.  I understand that he wasn’t happy and immature but not being happy doesn’t mean one has to take it all to a level where there is rudeness to someone they don’t even know!  Unacceptable!

OK, so what do you think?  What do you think of what I said about the generation differences?  Do you notice anything yourself between the age groups? 

Have a good day!