Oh what a week! My head is absolutely spinning and I'm just sure that it is going to pop off at any second and shoot off into space.
First of all, I'm back to teaching semi full time. I worked on Monday with the teacher going out on maternity leave and was supposed to do the same on Tuesday. However, when I arrived at school on Tuesday morning I found out that I was alone. She has been put on strict bedrest for the remainder of her pregnancy. I'm really lucky in that the rest of the 3rd grade team is really great and will help me and hold my hand through the rest of the year. I'm also lucky that it's a really good class. Initially I was a little freaked (read: stressed) but I have since realized that it's unwarranted. It appears my expectations for my own performance is significantly higher than anyone else's expectations for me. And it's totally OK that I don't have a handle on everything.
And now for the really big news. See, I've been holding out on you for this entire post. While at school today I got a call from our social worker at the agency. Even though our homestudy hasn't been signed off yet by a judge she is confident that it will happen shortly. But that isn't why she called. She had a birthmom that she desperately wanted to present us to. First she got permission from the agency owner to even talk to us since our homestudy isn't approved. Apparently they absolutely love us. Her word, not mine. The kicker was that she needed to present tonight, and could she possibly get our profile book from us. Uhhhhh, I've been working on this for weeks but am painfully slow and it was only halfway finished. This situation involved a birthmom pregnant with twin girls, due in July, but scheduled for a c-section in June. As soon as school let out I raced home and madly began taping pictures and pieces of our narrative to paper. By 5:00 I had everything all put together and left to deliver it to the social worker. She told me that she was showing 6 profiles to the birthmom and dad this evening. A few minutes ago she called us back. We weren't picked, but we made it into the top 2. She said that our profile showed really well and they liked lots of things about us, but for whatever reason went with the other couple. She will get the book back to me in the next day or so and then I can finish it up properly.
Don't be bummed that we weren't picked. We certainly aren't. Even if we had been picked I'm not certain we would have proceeded. There were many other issues that Brian and I would have needed to discuss. We are actually thrilled to just be in the running. I guess the ride is just beginning. Sure, it's fun now, but we understand that we are bound to tire of it sometime.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Time Flies When Times are Good
Has it really been more than a week? Say it isn't so!
Things have been quite busy here at Case de Molly. First of all, she is fine. None the worse after the whole chicken bone drama. And our Valentine's Day was fun too. I spent the first part of the day helping out at my parent's house. Later, we had a great time at the hockey game that evening and it was wonderful to sleep in on Friday. Well, for me it was. Brian had to get up and go to work. I again helped out at my parent's house. Friday night some of our good friends from California arrived.
Saturday was a busy day for all. Brian and Jim went golfing and Melanie and I went on a shopping expedition to Phoenix. It was an absolutely beautiful day which made traipsing around an outdoor mall (the Biltmore) a complete joy. That evening the hubbies went to a hockey game and Melanie and I saw "Definitely, Maybe". Afterwards, since we were at the same entertainment complex, we met up for a late dinner together. On Sunday we had a relaxing day and Melanie and Jim left in the early afternoon. It was wonderful to spend time with our friends! I really do miss them so much.
I also subbed three days this week, and did three afternoons of tutoring, so it's been hectic. I'm not working today, even though I got a call, because I'm waiting for the Sears service guys to come for the annual maintenance on all of our appliances. I will be working next Monday and Tuesday. It looks like the long term sub job I agreed to take on will be starting much sooner than the anticipated mid-April start date. Like as soon as next week. This will be quite an adjustment for me, and not one that I really wanted to make this soon. I was still warming up to the mid-April date. It complicates things because we have lots of stuff planned for March and April and now I may have to miss some of it. For example, Spring Training starts up here in the Valley of the Sun next week. This is Brian's favorite time of year and we really like to hit up the mid week day games. Also, Eric and Kari and the kids are coming out the week after next. I always like to be available when they are here. And finally, we have a trip to California planned the first weekend in April so that we can go the the Angels season opener. Plus, I will have to cut back on my tutoring kids if I'm going to work full time every day. And that will disappoint some parents and kids. Oy.
Some of you know that I spent 3 years swimming competitively while in high school. When I quit swimming I packed on the pounds. As a result my pool time has basically been limited to just splashing around home pools since I really don't like to frighten or disgust people. Anyhow, our gym, or "sports club" as some call it, has several really nice pools. We have been members for almost a year and I have never stepped near the pool. Lately I've had the desire to swim again, but I've been way to self conscious to do anything about it. Well, on Sunday evening I took a huge, ginormous step out of my comfort zone. I dragged Brian along to the gym for the sole purpose of going swimming. And swim I did. Not a ton, since I didn't want to over do it and get sore and then never do it again. But I swam 10 lengths of the pool. Then spent a few minutes in the spa. Then came home and showered. While watching TV I was in such a relaxed state and I felt absolutely wonderful. That night I slept better than I had since I don't know when. The feeling carried over to the next day.
Monday evening rolled around and I wanted the same feeling back from the night before. So, I ventured to the gym to swim BY MYSELF. And swim I did. This time for 25 lengths of the pool. And I got the feeling back. And I slept wonderfully. Tuesday and Wednesday I just had regular gym workouts because I was a little sore from all of the swimming. But last night I was back to swimming, and I did 35 lengths of the pool. And I slept great, and I feel great even now. Hmmm, I might be onto something.
Things have been quite busy here at Case de Molly. First of all, she is fine. None the worse after the whole chicken bone drama. And our Valentine's Day was fun too. I spent the first part of the day helping out at my parent's house. Later, we had a great time at the hockey game that evening and it was wonderful to sleep in on Friday. Well, for me it was. Brian had to get up and go to work. I again helped out at my parent's house. Friday night some of our good friends from California arrived.
Saturday was a busy day for all. Brian and Jim went golfing and Melanie and I went on a shopping expedition to Phoenix. It was an absolutely beautiful day which made traipsing around an outdoor mall (the Biltmore) a complete joy. That evening the hubbies went to a hockey game and Melanie and I saw "Definitely, Maybe". Afterwards, since we were at the same entertainment complex, we met up for a late dinner together. On Sunday we had a relaxing day and Melanie and Jim left in the early afternoon. It was wonderful to spend time with our friends! I really do miss them so much.
I also subbed three days this week, and did three afternoons of tutoring, so it's been hectic. I'm not working today, even though I got a call, because I'm waiting for the Sears service guys to come for the annual maintenance on all of our appliances. I will be working next Monday and Tuesday. It looks like the long term sub job I agreed to take on will be starting much sooner than the anticipated mid-April start date. Like as soon as next week. This will be quite an adjustment for me, and not one that I really wanted to make this soon. I was still warming up to the mid-April date. It complicates things because we have lots of stuff planned for March and April and now I may have to miss some of it. For example, Spring Training starts up here in the Valley of the Sun next week. This is Brian's favorite time of year and we really like to hit up the mid week day games. Also, Eric and Kari and the kids are coming out the week after next. I always like to be available when they are here. And finally, we have a trip to California planned the first weekend in April so that we can go the the Angels season opener. Plus, I will have to cut back on my tutoring kids if I'm going to work full time every day. And that will disappoint some parents and kids. Oy.
Some of you know that I spent 3 years swimming competitively while in high school. When I quit swimming I packed on the pounds. As a result my pool time has basically been limited to just splashing around home pools since I really don't like to frighten or disgust people. Anyhow, our gym, or "sports club" as some call it, has several really nice pools. We have been members for almost a year and I have never stepped near the pool. Lately I've had the desire to swim again, but I've been way to self conscious to do anything about it. Well, on Sunday evening I took a huge, ginormous step out of my comfort zone. I dragged Brian along to the gym for the sole purpose of going swimming. And swim I did. Not a ton, since I didn't want to over do it and get sore and then never do it again. But I swam 10 lengths of the pool. Then spent a few minutes in the spa. Then came home and showered. While watching TV I was in such a relaxed state and I felt absolutely wonderful. That night I slept better than I had since I don't know when. The feeling carried over to the next day.
Monday evening rolled around and I wanted the same feeling back from the night before. So, I ventured to the gym to swim BY MYSELF. And swim I did. This time for 25 lengths of the pool. And I got the feeling back. And I slept wonderfully. Tuesday and Wednesday I just had regular gym workouts because I was a little sore from all of the swimming. But last night I was back to swimming, and I did 35 lengths of the pool. And I slept great, and I feel great even now. Hmmm, I might be onto something.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day!
I just wanted to wish everyone a very happy and love filled Valentine's Day. It's my favorite holiday! Know why? Because it's a day to let people know you care about them. And everything is pink and red and covered in hearts, some of my favorite things. Also, Valentine's Day only lasts for a day, it's not an entire 6 week season so it isn't too exhausting.
We are going to celebrate tonight at the hockey game. Go Coyotes! I hope you all have some fun and love planned for today.
Love to all!
Oh, and don't forget to vote in my poll! I'm trying to get Brian on board as a guest blogger, and he needs to be pursuaded.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
The Most Expensive Chicken EVER!!!
I admit it . . . I'm basically pretty lazy. I will only buy boneless, skinless chicken. And I never buy a whole chicken unless it is already cooked. However, on Sunday at the grocery store I came across a deal too good to pass up. It was a 3 pound package of chicken thighs for just $1.05. For that I figured we could make do with the bones. Once I got home Brian set about removing the bones and skin and that should have been the end of the story. Except that a bone and some fleshy bits wound up on the floor and Molly ate inhaled it.
Here we are a couple of days later and she still hasn't passed anything remotely the size of a chicken thigh bone. Our vet told us yesterday that we would need to bring her in today if she still hadn't passed it by this morning. Imagine, if you will, how silly Brian must have looked this morning at the crack of dawn examining Molly's output in the back yard. Even I have to imagine because I was still tucked cozily in bed. Once I did get up it was time to call the vet to arrange an appointment.
So Molly and I showed up at the vet's office, with her in all of her excited beagle glory. She was so bouncy and happy and freely giving kisses that the vet had a hard time believing that there was anything wrong with her. The vet couldn't feel anything in her gut so she was brought back for a couple of x-rays. The x-rays showed something quite unbelievable. There is no trace of any kind of bone in her belly! Apparently she has broken it down so much there isn't much left or she already passed it in such small pieces that we didn't recognize it. 'Cuz you know, we are only doing visual inspections here!
The vet even warned me about what is to come, based upon her x-rays. So, instead of calling her Molly Pie it will be more appropriate to call her Poopy Pie. We still need to watch her for a few days for any signs of distress, but she should be just fine.
And cha-ching . . . that was a $200 vet bill.
So the bargain chicken has cost me $201.05.
I think I'm back to buying boneless, skinless chicken. Though I may follow in the footsteps of my cousin Christy and give up meat altogether, based upon what I saw on TV last night. But that's another story.
Here we are a couple of days later and she still hasn't passed anything remotely the size of a chicken thigh bone. Our vet told us yesterday that we would need to bring her in today if she still hadn't passed it by this morning. Imagine, if you will, how silly Brian must have looked this morning at the crack of dawn examining Molly's output in the back yard. Even I have to imagine because I was still tucked cozily in bed. Once I did get up it was time to call the vet to arrange an appointment.
So Molly and I showed up at the vet's office, with her in all of her excited beagle glory. She was so bouncy and happy and freely giving kisses that the vet had a hard time believing that there was anything wrong with her. The vet couldn't feel anything in her gut so she was brought back for a couple of x-rays. The x-rays showed something quite unbelievable. There is no trace of any kind of bone in her belly! Apparently she has broken it down so much there isn't much left or she already passed it in such small pieces that we didn't recognize it. 'Cuz you know, we are only doing visual inspections here!
The vet even warned me about what is to come, based upon her x-rays. So, instead of calling her Molly Pie it will be more appropriate to call her Poopy Pie. We still need to watch her for a few days for any signs of distress, but she should be just fine.
And cha-ching . . . that was a $200 vet bill.
So the bargain chicken has cost me $201.05.
I think I'm back to buying boneless, skinless chicken. Though I may follow in the footsteps of my cousin Christy and give up meat altogether, based upon what I saw on TV last night. But that's another story.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Never a Dull Moment
Actually, we have lots of dull moments around here, but I sure don't write about all of them. Just some of them. Hopefully some of this won't be too dull.
Saturday was actually really fun. Brian was on call and had to be at the hospital all day. I had a couple of friends come over for scrapbooking. I really needed an excuse to sit down with my stuff for our adoption profile. Unfortunately, I didn't accomplish nearly as much as my friends did. I only finished the very first page! Yes, it took me about 3 hours to type up a paragraph for the first page. I thought that only kids could write that slow! However, yesterday I did finish typing up the entire rest of the narrative for our profile. I'll just cut it all up and put different parts on different pages mixed in with our pictures. Now it doesn't seem nearly as overwhelming because I have the most difficult part done.
On other news our belovedly bad beagle basically behaved badly. Last night a raw chicken thigh bone (with bits of flesh attached) fell onto the floor. Before we could blink Molly has snatched it up and sucked it down her gullet. There was no getting it back. I tried. We tried. And since we don't know how to do the Heimlich maneuver on a beagle there it remains. I called the emergency vet and they said that a raw chicken bone is pliable enough that it may pass. However, until it does we need to watch closely for signs of a bowel obstruction. So that is how I've spent my day. Watching the dog poop and then examining her handiwork. And there's no sign of a chicken bone yet.
Fortunately I'm feeling much better. Unfortunately my sniffer is working much better. And that is not such a good thing considering how I have spent my day. And how I will be spending my time until a raw chicken bone is discovered in the backyard.
So what inappropriate things have your dogs eaten?
Saturday was actually really fun. Brian was on call and had to be at the hospital all day. I had a couple of friends come over for scrapbooking. I really needed an excuse to sit down with my stuff for our adoption profile. Unfortunately, I didn't accomplish nearly as much as my friends did. I only finished the very first page! Yes, it took me about 3 hours to type up a paragraph for the first page. I thought that only kids could write that slow! However, yesterday I did finish typing up the entire rest of the narrative for our profile. I'll just cut it all up and put different parts on different pages mixed in with our pictures. Now it doesn't seem nearly as overwhelming because I have the most difficult part done.
On other news our belovedly bad beagle basically behaved badly. Last night a raw chicken thigh bone (with bits of flesh attached) fell onto the floor. Before we could blink Molly has snatched it up and sucked it down her gullet. There was no getting it back. I tried. We tried. And since we don't know how to do the Heimlich maneuver on a beagle there it remains. I called the emergency vet and they said that a raw chicken bone is pliable enough that it may pass. However, until it does we need to watch closely for signs of a bowel obstruction. So that is how I've spent my day. Watching the dog poop and then examining her handiwork. And there's no sign of a chicken bone yet.
Fortunately I'm feeling much better. Unfortunately my sniffer is working much better. And that is not such a good thing considering how I have spent my day. And how I will be spending my time until a raw chicken bone is discovered in the backyard.
So what inappropriate things have your dogs eaten?
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
In Awe
First of all, let me say that I am simply in awe of both my real life buddies and bloggy buddies who have so kindly offered to send my grandma birthday wishes. It warms my heart, and I'm sure it will warm hers as well. I just know she is going to be completely tickled. So thank you, thank you, thank you for taking time from your busy lives to do that for us. I truly appreciate it.
In other news, I'm still sick. Still. And it stinks. I felt better on Monday so I took a subbing job, on a rainy day, for first graders. By the time I got home my throat was hoarse. When I woke up Tuesday morning I had a horrid sore throat and intensified stuffiness. Ick.
So that is how I started our anniversary morning. And the day went downhill from there. I did not have my finest moments yesterday. In short, I'm an ass. Brian was worried that I wouldn't like the gift he got me. I assured him I would because I knew he had put a lot of thought into it. However, after I saw what it was I couldn't even fake it. And he knew. I tried to explain. It isn't that it wasn't nice, it really was. It's just that I don't have the lifestyle to support the gift and use it appropriately. And I'm not comfortable to just let it sit around and mock me. So it is going to be sent back. And I feel/felt like an ass. Right after that we left the house to get our massages. I was so upset about upsetting Brian that I couldn't even relax and enjoy it. I just couldn't wait for it to be over. Afterwards we ran a couple of errands and by the time we got home I was ready for a nap. And I napped right on through until it was too late for us to make our dinner reservations. Brian cancelled and we will celebrate our anniversary another night. And in spite of everything, he still loves me like crazy and I love him like crazy too. We get a do-over. And next time it will be better. I'm sure everyone has had a dud of an anniversary, right?!?!?!? Please share your anniversary duds with me.
In other news, I'm still sick. Still. And it stinks. I felt better on Monday so I took a subbing job, on a rainy day, for first graders. By the time I got home my throat was hoarse. When I woke up Tuesday morning I had a horrid sore throat and intensified stuffiness. Ick.
So that is how I started our anniversary morning. And the day went downhill from there. I did not have my finest moments yesterday. In short, I'm an ass. Brian was worried that I wouldn't like the gift he got me. I assured him I would because I knew he had put a lot of thought into it. However, after I saw what it was I couldn't even fake it. And he knew. I tried to explain. It isn't that it wasn't nice, it really was. It's just that I don't have the lifestyle to support the gift and use it appropriately. And I'm not comfortable to just let it sit around and mock me. So it is going to be sent back. And I feel/felt like an ass. Right after that we left the house to get our massages. I was so upset about upsetting Brian that I couldn't even relax and enjoy it. I just couldn't wait for it to be over. Afterwards we ran a couple of errands and by the time we got home I was ready for a nap. And I napped right on through until it was too late for us to make our dinner reservations. Brian cancelled and we will celebrate our anniversary another night. And in spite of everything, he still loves me like crazy and I love him like crazy too. We get a do-over. And next time it will be better. I'm sure everyone has had a dud of an anniversary, right?!?!?!? Please share your anniversary duds with me.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
My Grandma
Three years ago, on February 5th, Brian and I got married (more on that, and our upcoming anniversary, later) in California. We were especially thrilled that my grandma was able to fly out from Nebraska to attend. She also brought along her mother's wedding ring, which I wore on my wedding day. This ring is so special because my grandma's mother died when she was just 6 years old and it is the only thing she has ever had that belonged to her mother. While at the reception the DJ announced, and we celebrated, her 95th birthday. Can you believe that?!?!? At 95 she flew to California by herself and then danced like crazy at my wedding! It is truly one of our special memories from that day.Fast forward to now. On February 8th she will be celebrating her 98th birthday but she won't be able to be here, and we won't be able to be there. In the not too distant past she had to move out of her home and into an assisted living facility. It is a very nice place (we've been there!), but it is far away from all of her remaining friends and relatives. This winter has been long for her and she doesn't get out much and she has been lonely and quite bored, and I think a little depressed because she is beginning to lose her eyesight.
She is a feisty little Norwegian woman, sharp as a tack and a fabulous cook and baker, even running a donut shop with my grandpa for 10 years. Only once did she ever make anything that I didn't like and I don't think that any of you would have liked it either. She served me what I thought was lime jello with fruit cocktail, something I ordinarily like. However, I became suspicious when I noticed a green bean in it. Yes, seriously, I said a green bean! When I asked her about it she told me all about her new recipe which was designed to get more veggies into her diet. She made this concoction with sugar free lime jello, vinegar, and a can of veg-all. By then I had a horrified look on my face, and an even worse taste in my mouth. And then came the icing on the cake, or I should say, the ranch dressing on my jello. That's right boys and girls, she seriously dumped ranch salad dressing on top of this horrid dish, and then expected me not only to eat it, but to like it. It's amazing, but somehow I managed to be "full" by the time I got to that part of my meal. Just so you know, I never held it against her because, after all, it did take her 35 years to make something that I didn't like. However, we do get a big chuckle out of it every now and again.
Now that I've rambled and babbled myself away from my point, let me get back to it. I would love to be able to persuade some of you, any of you, to send my grandma a birthday card. If it wouldn't be too much trouble. I think it would really cheer her up on what could very well be a very lonely day for her. And if you don't know her, please include a little note that you know me, because I would really hate for her to spend her birthday thinking she has lost her mind because she can't remember people who are sending her cards.
Cards can be sent to:
Inga Laird
522 W. Lincoln St. #106
Papillion, NE 68046
I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for considering this request.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Same Story, Different Blog Layout
So here it is, Friday, and I'm in much the same spot since my last post on Monday. In fact, now I'm (hopefully) on the downward side of my cold. I haven't worked all week, well, except for tutoring and that's easy because I don't have to go further than my kitchen table. The sub coordinator called on Tuesday morning and I sounded so horrid that she never even offered a job. She called again Wednesday night and Brian told her I was out of the running for Thursday because I still had a fever going. She called again yesterday to chat about the long term assignment I will be taking in April, and I think, also, to check out my sicky status. Needless to say, she didn't call today. And actually, for that, I'm pretty glad. This has been a pretty backwards cold as all week long I have had every symptom (fever, aches, cough, and vomiting) except for nasal congestion. That part started last night and today I have the pleasure of nasty slobbery sneezes. (Gee, after all that I bet you wish I'd go back to rambling about Aunt Flo, ultrasounds, injections, peeing on sticks and progesterone symptoms). And really, what sense does it make to call in a sub who is sicker than the teacher she is replacing?
I've made no actual physical progress with our adoption profile either. I say "physical" progress because I haven't done anything to get any pictures printed, haven't started our "Dear Birthmom" letter, and haven't picked up any scrapbooking supplies. (As if I don't have enough stashed away right now.) However, I have been making some "mental" progress. I've been thinking about things that I want to include and I've been obsessing over what type of scrapbooking format I want to use. And that's where I get stuck. My typical scrapbooking style is to have each 2 page layout as it's own entity, designed around what my pictures are showing. So, my scrapbooks tend to be sort of eclectic in that each 2 page layout doesn't necessarily match the ones before or after it. Anyway, I can't decide if I want to do this profile in the same manner, or in a much more streamlined manner where all of the pages coordinate with each other. I guess I'm leaning towards streamlining . . .
And now I would like to introduce you to Brian's sister, Stephanie, and her hubby and boys. Check out Steph's new blog Getting by in Alaska. They just moved from southern California to Anchorage on New Year's Eve. There are lots of funny stories to go along with the culture shock. So stop by, visit, and give her a warm welcome to the bloggy world.
I've made no actual physical progress with our adoption profile either. I say "physical" progress because I haven't done anything to get any pictures printed, haven't started our "Dear Birthmom" letter, and haven't picked up any scrapbooking supplies. (As if I don't have enough stashed away right now.) However, I have been making some "mental" progress. I've been thinking about things that I want to include and I've been obsessing over what type of scrapbooking format I want to use. And that's where I get stuck. My typical scrapbooking style is to have each 2 page layout as it's own entity, designed around what my pictures are showing. So, my scrapbooks tend to be sort of eclectic in that each 2 page layout doesn't necessarily match the ones before or after it. Anyway, I can't decide if I want to do this profile in the same manner, or in a much more streamlined manner where all of the pages coordinate with each other. I guess I'm leaning towards streamlining . . .
And now I would like to introduce you to Brian's sister, Stephanie, and her hubby and boys. Check out Steph's new blog Getting by in Alaska. They just moved from southern California to Anchorage on New Year's Eve. There are lots of funny stories to go along with the culture shock. So stop by, visit, and give her a warm welcome to the bloggy world.
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