Wow...This is the first semester EVER that I have been ahead of my classes with a 4.0 to boot. It was always hard to get started, and constant interruptions made it nearly impossible to complete research and writing in a timely manner. I managed to do it, but - wow - was it a chore. It's amazing how much better I can focus and think about the task at hand when there's no baby noises or weird TV sounds.
The dogs are getting SOOOOO big. When Clark came to our home, he was smaller than Frodo. Now he and Eddie are twice Frodo's size. They both weigh 22 pounds (as of three days ago). They are a complete mess...mostly potty trained (they both still have peepee accidents when they're excited or it's really dark. They are able to make it through the night without a potty excursion at 3 in the morning and that makes me happy and well rested. They get along very nicely with Mr. Frodo and the cats. Java has even decided it's okay to sleep or lay near them without too much fuss. Rilke still keeps her distance, but for whatever reason, she has always been the target of other animal's affections. Poor baby...she hates to be social and they just force the issue.
Eve has a wonderful new opportunity at work. She is being trained for extreme safety so she can go out on rigs. Her first job, after training, will be a month in Brazil on the Leo Seqarious rig. I am excited for her! It's an awesome opportunity to get outside of her comfort zone, learn new things, and see some interesting places. It'll be hard at first because I have trouble with being alone in a house at night. I am scared of everything! Fortunately, three dogs should keep me feeling safe. I also have Chris and our friend, Rob to call if I get too scared.
Eve and I are looking at houses, now. It just makes sense for us to settle down for good. I am almost 50 and if I don't get on the stick...I will be retirement age with nothing of my own. We found a place that's 3127 sq feet on 2.5 acres for an awesome price. It's rural enough to meet our needs for space and close enough to the city to make life very easy. We're going to look at it this weekend and will keep you posted on the progress.
I have made a decision about my education that will most assuredly make my parents crazy - especially Dad. I have chosen not to go away to school. I am staying in Kingwood. I was accepted at Fielding University in Clinical Psychology with a focus on neuropsyc. It's a bold move. I have a 600 hour residency requirement, so twice a year I have to travel to Santa Barbara, CA for 2 weeks. I also have to go to Austin once a month, and a couple of other locations throughout the year. I chose this program because I get to work with various professors in multiple settings so I get the most of my degree. This is a four year program, but my practicum and internship will be here in Houston. At the end of the day...I still have a PH.D. in Clinical Psychology, just not from Rutgers...I think it's the right move to make, but dread...ABSOLUTELY DREAD...revealing my decision to Dad. Oh well, it is what it is and ultimately, I am the one who is getting this education.
Well, gonna go clean house...love to all
Friday, January 28, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Oh My Gosh!!!
Last night Eve and I went out to the ranch for a family dinner. First, we had cocktails at the "new 'old' house" (the 1892 farm house that Dad originally owned in the 80s and sold)and looked at all the new things being done. The fireplace is in and it's absolutely the most gorgeous thing I have ever seen. The wallpaper, tile, paint choices, and fixtures are all one of a kind pieces of art - all unto themselves. When Dad bought the old place back, I was disappointed. Now, it's just perfect.
After about half and hour looking at everything, we went back down to the "old 'new' house" (the beautiful home Dad built on the property he didn't sell from the original farm house)stood around the kitchen island smelling Dad's awesome burgers, sweet potato fries, and slow cooked beans. Dinner was just perfect. Great conversation, awesome food, and a nice little family gathering (that doesn't really happen that often).
When we got home, Eve and I decided to watch some of the programs we record during the week. We are avid watchers of Bones, Fringe, and Medium. We were happy to see our television friends in their season premiers. But, Oh My Gosh...Medium has been on two times prior in the season, so we were excited to see what this week's fodder would be. I saw the summary right before the show started..."In the series finale"...WHAT?? Eve rewound the segment because she thought I just read it wrong...NOPE.."In the series finale". I never heard one word or rumor about the show being canceled. I know it moved to a different station and different time slot, but never even considered it wouldn't be a part of my weekly recordings.
Eve and I were so affected by what was happening. We sat silently, with our stomachs in knots. The finale was tragic! Joe, our friend, Allison's husband, went down in a plane crash. The girls were all grown up. Allison was finally a lawyer...Seven years in the future. Oh...Joe wasn't gone, he was stranded somewhere - amnesia...No, that really wasn't happening either, he was killed in the plane crash and he sent Allison the message, but she infused her own feelings in the dream. Confused...you wouldn't be if you were us and you loved these people like we do. Finally, Fast forward 41 years and Allison finally passes away...she and Joe reunite for an eternal afterlife of married bliss. Eve and I cried, we were in shock. It was as though our dearest friends called, excited about their long trip, and then we answered the door to the police asking if they could come in and wouldn't we like to sit...All is can say is, Oh My Gosh!!!! We will miss this family that visited our home every Friday night for the last six years. Joe and Allison have shared their family with us. Their three daughters, Ariel, Bridgette, and Marie have grown up before our eyes...we watched Ariel go off to college for Pete's sake. It's a hard pill to swallow, and irrationally, feels so real.
After about half and hour looking at everything, we went back down to the "old 'new' house" (the beautiful home Dad built on the property he didn't sell from the original farm house)stood around the kitchen island smelling Dad's awesome burgers, sweet potato fries, and slow cooked beans. Dinner was just perfect. Great conversation, awesome food, and a nice little family gathering (that doesn't really happen that often).
When we got home, Eve and I decided to watch some of the programs we record during the week. We are avid watchers of Bones, Fringe, and Medium. We were happy to see our television friends in their season premiers. But, Oh My Gosh...Medium has been on two times prior in the season, so we were excited to see what this week's fodder would be. I saw the summary right before the show started..."In the series finale"...WHAT?? Eve rewound the segment because she thought I just read it wrong...NOPE.."In the series finale". I never heard one word or rumor about the show being canceled. I know it moved to a different station and different time slot, but never even considered it wouldn't be a part of my weekly recordings.
Eve and I were so affected by what was happening. We sat silently, with our stomachs in knots. The finale was tragic! Joe, our friend, Allison's husband, went down in a plane crash. The girls were all grown up. Allison was finally a lawyer...Seven years in the future. Oh...Joe wasn't gone, he was stranded somewhere - amnesia...No, that really wasn't happening either, he was killed in the plane crash and he sent Allison the message, but she infused her own feelings in the dream. Confused...you wouldn't be if you were us and you loved these people like we do. Finally, Fast forward 41 years and Allison finally passes away...she and Joe reunite for an eternal afterlife of married bliss. Eve and I cried, we were in shock. It was as though our dearest friends called, excited about their long trip, and then we answered the door to the police asking if they could come in and wouldn't we like to sit...All is can say is, Oh My Gosh!!!! We will miss this family that visited our home every Friday night for the last six years. Joe and Allison have shared their family with us. Their three daughters, Ariel, Bridgette, and Marie have grown up before our eyes...we watched Ariel go off to college for Pete's sake. It's a hard pill to swallow, and irrationally, feels so real.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
comfort food the Southerner
Hey there! Today, I am going to share a simple, easy, and quick recipe for all of those who like Tex Mex. I learned to make this dish while I was still pregnant with Chris (WOW, that's over 30 years ago).
1 pkg Lg. flour tortillas
1 can wolf brand chili w/o beans
8 oz shredded cheddar
8 oz shredded mozzarella
1 Lg onion
2 med fresh jalapenos (if you want some extra spiciness)
1 Lb lean ground beef
Brown the beef and onions in a skillet until onions are clear
Heat tortillas until nice and bendable
Spray 9X13 casserole dish - heat oven to 350
Roll an ample amount of beef and onion mixture, two cheeses, and jalapeno into one tortilla and place in dish. Continue this process until your dish is full.
Spoon uncooked chili over the top of the entire tortilla rolls, making sure to have chili covering the edges of the rolls. Sprinkle more cheese over the top of the prepared casserole.
Bake at 350 for 30-40 minute or until heated through.
NOTE: You can substitute any chili you prefer for the Wolf Brand - including homemade chili (I use this because the consistency is perfect, and the flavor is not overpowering). Any of the items can be exchanged according to preference; however, corn tortillas do not really work out, and chicken doesn't really blend with the chili very well. If you want to make these with chicken - there's an entirely different recipe to replace the chili.I have made the dish with Monterrey Jack and Fiesta Blend (it's okay).
This is an awesome dish for large groups. Most men can only eat one or one and a half of these enchiladas. People have always raved about it. I serve it with a fresh salad and chips and salsa.
Enjoy...let me know if you love it.
1 pkg Lg. flour tortillas
1 can wolf brand chili w/o beans
8 oz shredded cheddar
8 oz shredded mozzarella
1 Lg onion
2 med fresh jalapenos (if you want some extra spiciness)
1 Lb lean ground beef
Brown the beef and onions in a skillet until onions are clear
Heat tortillas until nice and bendable
Spray 9X13 casserole dish - heat oven to 350
Roll an ample amount of beef and onion mixture, two cheeses, and jalapeno into one tortilla and place in dish. Continue this process until your dish is full.
Spoon uncooked chili over the top of the entire tortilla rolls, making sure to have chili covering the edges of the rolls. Sprinkle more cheese over the top of the prepared casserole.
Bake at 350 for 30-40 minute or until heated through.
NOTE: You can substitute any chili you prefer for the Wolf Brand - including homemade chili (I use this because the consistency is perfect, and the flavor is not overpowering). Any of the items can be exchanged according to preference; however, corn tortillas do not really work out, and chicken doesn't really blend with the chili very well. If you want to make these with chicken - there's an entirely different recipe to replace the chili.I have made the dish with Monterrey Jack and Fiesta Blend (it's okay).
This is an awesome dish for large groups. Most men can only eat one or one and a half of these enchiladas. People have always raved about it. I serve it with a fresh salad and chips and salsa.
Enjoy...let me know if you love it.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Food..ummmm
Terry responded to one of my blogs and I realized that I am so self-indulgent on this forum. Not that she made any mention of that...no, she asked if I ever posted recipes. I thought about what I post and, nope...no recipes (unless you count the recipe for stress reduction a few months ago). So, today I want to share a couple of my MOST FAVORITE recipes.
Curried Chicken and broccoli:
4 chicken breasts (cook in a skillet with a small amount of olive oil, salt and pepper for approximately 30 minutes and set aside)
2 boxes frozen broccoli SPEARS steamed until tender (not limp) - set aside
Ingredients:
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp yellow curry
1/2 tsp lemon juice ( I like freshly squeezed, but the bottled kind is okay)
1 stick real butter - melted
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1 cup shredded American Cheese
In a small mixing bowl - combine first five on the list of ingredients. set aside.
Arrange broccoli in a 9X13 casserole dish (I usually spray the dish with Pam, first), then place the chicken breasts on top. Sprinkle the shredded Cheese over the chicken sections. Spoon the curried mixture over the top of each arrangement. Sprinkle the bread crumbs over entire dish. Drizzle the melted butter until you think there's enough to make the crumbs brown in the oven.
Bake the entire dish at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes until the bread crumbs are brown and the entire dish is bubbly.
This is an awesome "ladies" lunch! Serve each broccoli section of chicken breast on a small plate and add a beautiful fruity or simple salad. If you want to serve this as a family meal...we make some rice and serve it with that. ENJOY!!! Everyone will want your recipe.
If you make this...let me know what you think. Let me know if you tweaked or changed anything.
TATA
Curried Chicken and broccoli:
4 chicken breasts (cook in a skillet with a small amount of olive oil, salt and pepper for approximately 30 minutes and set aside)
2 boxes frozen broccoli SPEARS steamed until tender (not limp) - set aside
Ingredients:
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp yellow curry
1/2 tsp lemon juice ( I like freshly squeezed, but the bottled kind is okay)
1 stick real butter - melted
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1 cup shredded American Cheese
In a small mixing bowl - combine first five on the list of ingredients. set aside.
Arrange broccoli in a 9X13 casserole dish (I usually spray the dish with Pam, first), then place the chicken breasts on top. Sprinkle the shredded Cheese over the chicken sections. Spoon the curried mixture over the top of each arrangement. Sprinkle the bread crumbs over entire dish. Drizzle the melted butter until you think there's enough to make the crumbs brown in the oven.
Bake the entire dish at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes until the bread crumbs are brown and the entire dish is bubbly.
This is an awesome "ladies" lunch! Serve each broccoli section of chicken breast on a small plate and add a beautiful fruity or simple salad. If you want to serve this as a family meal...we make some rice and serve it with that. ENJOY!!! Everyone will want your recipe.
If you make this...let me know what you think. Let me know if you tweaked or changed anything.
TATA
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Gurus...
Ya know, I have read so many different books presented by Doctors and Gurus about how to get your life in balance, clear your mind of negativity, move your spirit into the realm of awareness...yadda yadda yadda...I like these books. They all say basically the same thing, though. Our souls are old, everything on the planet is connected, and every single thing emits energy.
Hmmm, I have always believed that. You can go somewhere and feel wonderful, you can be totally in love with the look and the smells, and the overall 'feeling' of the area, but after a while...you have used up all the energy and it no longer fits around your shoulders as the same fuzzy, warm stole of satisfaction. You can find a person who totally complements you - makes you feel whole. And then, the wild, erratic energy that danced around your heart in the beginning does one of two things...it settles in and makes your heart beat slow and steady, or it frizzles and frazzles making you just a little crazy. Fortunately, I have not used up the energy of my home, and I have the eternal engine rather than the lightening storm in my relationship.
Last night I really started thinking about all the things I learned from those books I have. Eve and I did our kitchen dance to get dinner accomplished. We love that time together chopping, buttering, stirring, loading the washer...all in a beautiful, synchronous ballet of knowing our partner's next move and next need. Afterward, we sat on the couch to watch television and the house was calm. All the animals were sleeping around us, whether on the floor or the back of the sofa, and there was peace...sweet, simple peace. Don't know why I was amazed by that. I know what I believe, and I have known for a long time that the energy in our home was disruptive, and often, quite negative. I guess what amazed me was that the animals - who for the last many months have been crabby and exhibiting hiding behaviors - were so restful.
Everything, every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. This experience is no different. I think Eve and I had forgotten what it FELT like to be alone. Oh, we had a picture in our mind, we had the memory of those brief times in the past, but until last night...we had forgotten who we were, together. We had lost sight of how our energy is light and soft. Our energy is loving and just enjoys the simplicity of spending time in the same place at the same time. Interestingly, our viewing of choice was Eat, Pray, Love...what a wonderful journey. I am glad we saw it - together. So...to the Gurus of print, of television, and of spoken word...I am eternally grateful for their guidance and their patience.
Hmmm, I have always believed that. You can go somewhere and feel wonderful, you can be totally in love with the look and the smells, and the overall 'feeling' of the area, but after a while...you have used up all the energy and it no longer fits around your shoulders as the same fuzzy, warm stole of satisfaction. You can find a person who totally complements you - makes you feel whole. And then, the wild, erratic energy that danced around your heart in the beginning does one of two things...it settles in and makes your heart beat slow and steady, or it frizzles and frazzles making you just a little crazy. Fortunately, I have not used up the energy of my home, and I have the eternal engine rather than the lightening storm in my relationship.
Last night I really started thinking about all the things I learned from those books I have. Eve and I did our kitchen dance to get dinner accomplished. We love that time together chopping, buttering, stirring, loading the washer...all in a beautiful, synchronous ballet of knowing our partner's next move and next need. Afterward, we sat on the couch to watch television and the house was calm. All the animals were sleeping around us, whether on the floor or the back of the sofa, and there was peace...sweet, simple peace. Don't know why I was amazed by that. I know what I believe, and I have known for a long time that the energy in our home was disruptive, and often, quite negative. I guess what amazed me was that the animals - who for the last many months have been crabby and exhibiting hiding behaviors - were so restful.
Everything, every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. This experience is no different. I think Eve and I had forgotten what it FELT like to be alone. Oh, we had a picture in our mind, we had the memory of those brief times in the past, but until last night...we had forgotten who we were, together. We had lost sight of how our energy is light and soft. Our energy is loving and just enjoys the simplicity of spending time in the same place at the same time. Interestingly, our viewing of choice was Eat, Pray, Love...what a wonderful journey. I am glad we saw it - together. So...to the Gurus of print, of television, and of spoken word...I am eternally grateful for their guidance and their patience.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Just Thinking
Ahhh...I was awakened at 5:45 am by two whining puppies who needed to potty so I thought to myself...I am up...may as well stay up. Put the puppies out, made a pot of coffee, disbursed the animal treats, filled the food bowls, took out the trash, put away some things left out (by you know who), and logged on to my laptop.
Saturday night the kids slept in their own apartment. I was useless the entire day, as I had a migraine to beat all migraines. It wasn't until after 5pm that I was able to move around at all. Even though I didn't want to, I went to the kids apartment for dinner. It's cute, a regular apartment, but with great space and nice closets.
As we were pulling into the driveway to spend time in our quiet, empty house...Melvin calls and needs a place to stay for the night. HMMMMMM...okay, it's not like I don't feel good or anything. I was too tired and too crabby to argue the point with Eve, so Melvin came and stayed until 6 pm on Sunday. WEEEEHOOOO
Sunday was productive, though. Even though my tongue was thick and my head was achy, I really wanted to get some things done to make my house feel like my own again. I moved the office back into the back room. Eve connected all the cabling and wiring necessary to operate the router, printer, three computers, television, and cable box. I cleaned out the small guest room (which is where I moved the office from) and re-hung pictures. Gathered all the things the kids still need to pick up and it fills half the room they were using. Thoroughly cleaned the guest bathroom, and now I feel like I need to call anyone who has ever used that bathroom while the kids lived here and apologize for its lack of cleanliness. Eve swept and mopped the dining room and assembled the table we had in the attic (since we gave the kids the large dining room table and chairs). Finally, I cleaned out both guest room closets. Wow, we have a lot of space in this house when it's just me, Eve, and the animals!!!
After all that, we drove Melvin home, went to Frannie and Rob's so Eve could get some measurements for a shelving system she is designing for Robert - got our belated Christmas presents from all. Melvin got us a beautiful picture frame and tea-light holder; the Rojas' gave Eve a Persian sword (it's HUGE) and me a 1974 Polaroid camera that still works (I LOVE it). We made dinner plans with Frannie and Rob for Wednesday night. Enchilasagna (Frannie's specialty - enchicladas made like lasagna). Then over to Chris' to loan them a fan. Place was clean, kids were already in bed and he seemed quite happy. Next, to the grocery store to pick up cat food and some groceries for a few days. Finally, to Speedy Stop for gas and then home...home sweet home...
So, for the first time in 15 months, 4 days, 8 hours, and 25 seconds (not really, but I do know it's 15 months)I awakened to a house with only me, Eve, Rilke, Java, Frodo, Clark, and Eddie (well, Azul - the kids Beta is still here) ready to start the day. It's an awesome feeling!!!
For now...I will shift my thinking to the necessary things I must do...papers due, annotated bibliography to complete, finish the last of the house keeping, and think about red beans and rice for dinner. Love to all!!!!
Saturday night the kids slept in their own apartment. I was useless the entire day, as I had a migraine to beat all migraines. It wasn't until after 5pm that I was able to move around at all. Even though I didn't want to, I went to the kids apartment for dinner. It's cute, a regular apartment, but with great space and nice closets.
As we were pulling into the driveway to spend time in our quiet, empty house...Melvin calls and needs a place to stay for the night. HMMMMMM...okay, it's not like I don't feel good or anything. I was too tired and too crabby to argue the point with Eve, so Melvin came and stayed until 6 pm on Sunday. WEEEEHOOOO
Sunday was productive, though. Even though my tongue was thick and my head was achy, I really wanted to get some things done to make my house feel like my own again. I moved the office back into the back room. Eve connected all the cabling and wiring necessary to operate the router, printer, three computers, television, and cable box. I cleaned out the small guest room (which is where I moved the office from) and re-hung pictures. Gathered all the things the kids still need to pick up and it fills half the room they were using. Thoroughly cleaned the guest bathroom, and now I feel like I need to call anyone who has ever used that bathroom while the kids lived here and apologize for its lack of cleanliness. Eve swept and mopped the dining room and assembled the table we had in the attic (since we gave the kids the large dining room table and chairs). Finally, I cleaned out both guest room closets. Wow, we have a lot of space in this house when it's just me, Eve, and the animals!!!
After all that, we drove Melvin home, went to Frannie and Rob's so Eve could get some measurements for a shelving system she is designing for Robert - got our belated Christmas presents from all. Melvin got us a beautiful picture frame and tea-light holder; the Rojas' gave Eve a Persian sword (it's HUGE) and me a 1974 Polaroid camera that still works (I LOVE it). We made dinner plans with Frannie and Rob for Wednesday night. Enchilasagna (Frannie's specialty - enchicladas made like lasagna). Then over to Chris' to loan them a fan. Place was clean, kids were already in bed and he seemed quite happy. Next, to the grocery store to pick up cat food and some groceries for a few days. Finally, to Speedy Stop for gas and then home...home sweet home...
So, for the first time in 15 months, 4 days, 8 hours, and 25 seconds (not really, but I do know it's 15 months)I awakened to a house with only me, Eve, Rilke, Java, Frodo, Clark, and Eddie (well, Azul - the kids Beta is still here) ready to start the day. It's an awesome feeling!!!
For now...I will shift my thinking to the necessary things I must do...papers due, annotated bibliography to complete, finish the last of the house keeping, and think about red beans and rice for dinner. Love to all!!!!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Ponderings
Just wondering how is it that an argument can ensue over a brand of Dog food, but I dare not mention belching, burping, noxious fumes, refusal to load the dishwasher or The Home Depot expenses. Just wondering. Everything is supposed to be a discussion and agreement..not a statement...I am actually asking! Our new puppies needed food and I did a little internet research, consulted the feed store staff and concluded that a particular brand, which is all natural and contains no whey, wheat, or soy was a really good choice for their development. They are only 8 weeks old and whatever is chosen to feed them is only a short time into their lives. I could understand if they had been eating the same food for years...but, come on...REALLY
Chris and Amy have gone to turn in their application, pay their deposit and choose their unit. I am excited for them. It's the fun part of moving. I am going to throw them a housewarming party and will post their wish list on Facebook. They don't have much...I know they need pots and pans, and living room furniture. They need bedding (because they only have the sheet sets that are on the beds now [which are mine])...
I am sitting here in my absolutely quiet home and thinking to myself that this is the way it will be from here on out. The dogs are napping, there are no televisions or noise makers running, the laundry is done and put away, the toys (dog and child alike) are put away, there are no dishes, and everything is in its place...the only sound is the motor of my computer, the tapping of the keys, and the occasional exterior noise muffled by the walls and glass that make my home. It's very peaceful. I like it!
Gonna go...I have a lot of writing to do and should attend to that rather than my rhetoric.
Chris and Amy have gone to turn in their application, pay their deposit and choose their unit. I am excited for them. It's the fun part of moving. I am going to throw them a housewarming party and will post their wish list on Facebook. They don't have much...I know they need pots and pans, and living room furniture. They need bedding (because they only have the sheet sets that are on the beds now [which are mine])...
I am sitting here in my absolutely quiet home and thinking to myself that this is the way it will be from here on out. The dogs are napping, there are no televisions or noise makers running, the laundry is done and put away, the toys (dog and child alike) are put away, there are no dishes, and everything is in its place...the only sound is the motor of my computer, the tapping of the keys, and the occasional exterior noise muffled by the walls and glass that make my home. It's very peaceful. I like it!
Gonna go...I have a lot of writing to do and should attend to that rather than my rhetoric.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
My - how things change
Well, the time has finally arrived. The kids are embarking on their life - on their own. Chris and Amy have finally decided that they have to make their own way in this world. They are both enrolled in college, now; they have made plans and budgets and decided that it's now or never. Eve and I are thrilled about that. Not because they're moving out of our house (although, that's something we've been hoping to see quickly), but moreover because it's time for them to build their own life together without the pressures of others rules and restrictions.
It's going to be quiet around here. I so enjoy the solitude and quiet of the mornings when no one but me and the animals are moving about, but I will miss the noises of people who mean so much to me. It's just change, and change is difficult. Now I will have two extra rooms in the house to use just as I wish. I think I will move my treadmill and other exercise stuff into one of the rooms, and use the other for a small guestroom (daybed, chair, small desk. It'll be nice to walk into ALL of my rooms and find them neat, orderly, and exactly the way I want them.
Finally, I am going back to work after a month off. I needed the time to catch up, breathe a little, and get myself ready for this last semester of classes. I will be grooming again. It's difficult, sometimes, to reconcile that I have two bachelor's degrees and am less than 6 months away from a Master's and am working in an industry completely removed from the industry I am passionate about. I try to convince myself that because the money is so good in the grooming industry that it's worth it, but then again...I think maybe I am just rationalizing. I will be working for PetsMmart...the corporate brouhaha that I hate, the long hours that I cannot control, the rules and regulations and sales expectations...ughhhhhh. Oh well, without my income, Eve and I cannot meet our financial obligations and I must do what I must do. At least I have a job!
So, enough banter and ranting...I must work on some papers and prepare my annotated bibliography, which is due on Tuesday.
It's going to be quiet around here. I so enjoy the solitude and quiet of the mornings when no one but me and the animals are moving about, but I will miss the noises of people who mean so much to me. It's just change, and change is difficult. Now I will have two extra rooms in the house to use just as I wish. I think I will move my treadmill and other exercise stuff into one of the rooms, and use the other for a small guestroom (daybed, chair, small desk. It'll be nice to walk into ALL of my rooms and find them neat, orderly, and exactly the way I want them.
Finally, I am going back to work after a month off. I needed the time to catch up, breathe a little, and get myself ready for this last semester of classes. I will be grooming again. It's difficult, sometimes, to reconcile that I have two bachelor's degrees and am less than 6 months away from a Master's and am working in an industry completely removed from the industry I am passionate about. I try to convince myself that because the money is so good in the grooming industry that it's worth it, but then again...I think maybe I am just rationalizing. I will be working for PetsMmart...the corporate brouhaha that I hate, the long hours that I cannot control, the rules and regulations and sales expectations...ughhhhhh. Oh well, without my income, Eve and I cannot meet our financial obligations and I must do what I must do. At least I have a job!
So, enough banter and ranting...I must work on some papers and prepare my annotated bibliography, which is due on Tuesday.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Blinging, Singing, and ringing in the New Year
This was a really nice, and festive New Year! We had a house of full of the people we consider close friends and all of us played Rock Band until 11:45pm, December 31st, 2010. With glasses of champagne in hand, we toasted the entrance of 2011 with singing, hugging, and kissing. It was a wonderful evening and, certainly,seems to set the mood for this New Year.
Things will be changing so quickly this year. There's only 5 months left of my master's program...weehoooo. There's a trip to Jersey in February to meet the professors, tour the campus, and check out the neighborhoods. There's the move to Jersey in August...wow...is it really only 8 months away? Seems like it was just a minute ago that we were talking about a year and a half not being so far. Chris will be working on an ambulance soon - so we won't be seeing very much of him. The boys are growing like weeds and all the baby stuff will soon turn into pre-school shenanigans. Ahhhh...if they could stay itty bitty forever. Clark will start growing and by the time we move to Jersey...he'll look like a full grown boy.
I have been thinking about how much has happened in the last seven years. Believe me, there's been a lot. I came home from an extended vacation on January 21, 2004. I started sharing my life and my home with the most wonderful person on April 7th, 2004. My cats will be 7 this year. Our family has grown and I have four grandchildren I get to see, one I never see, and one we don't believe belongs to us - still...I am blessed with the future of six families added to my Holiday celebrations (I might be one of those grandmas with six grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; 24 great great grandchildren...whoa...that's a lot of folks. It could happen - I might be 90 when it does, but still...it could happen.
This year is going to be awesome...I feel it in my bones! I wish for all those I love and cherish to have that same wonderful feeling and to pursue their heart's desires in 2011.
Things will be changing so quickly this year. There's only 5 months left of my master's program...weehoooo. There's a trip to Jersey in February to meet the professors, tour the campus, and check out the neighborhoods. There's the move to Jersey in August...wow...is it really only 8 months away? Seems like it was just a minute ago that we were talking about a year and a half not being so far. Chris will be working on an ambulance soon - so we won't be seeing very much of him. The boys are growing like weeds and all the baby stuff will soon turn into pre-school shenanigans. Ahhhh...if they could stay itty bitty forever. Clark will start growing and by the time we move to Jersey...he'll look like a full grown boy.
I have been thinking about how much has happened in the last seven years. Believe me, there's been a lot. I came home from an extended vacation on January 21, 2004. I started sharing my life and my home with the most wonderful person on April 7th, 2004. My cats will be 7 this year. Our family has grown and I have four grandchildren I get to see, one I never see, and one we don't believe belongs to us - still...I am blessed with the future of six families added to my Holiday celebrations (I might be one of those grandmas with six grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; 24 great great grandchildren...whoa...that's a lot of folks. It could happen - I might be 90 when it does, but still...it could happen.
This year is going to be awesome...I feel it in my bones! I wish for all those I love and cherish to have that same wonderful feeling and to pursue their heart's desires in 2011.
