Timing is Everything

The day before leaving for our Las Vegas vacation, my hubby was laid off from his job. This is the same job I spoke of earlier that wanted to change his status to part time... the same people who told him after that, if they had to downsize, he would be one of the last to go.

He has expressed his being bored with this job anyway... he set up so many automated processes and works towards lean processes, employment, manufacturing, he kind of worked himself out of a job.

This isn't necessarily bad timing... I think because we're on vacation while looking for a job for him, we aren't as stressed about it. And he is so marketable, I think he'll find something... hopefully, sooner rather than later.

So, if you're reading this and you hear of a CFO/Controller type position, please email me. We are currently in the Seattle area, but are willing to relocate for the right job.

Meanwhile, we're drinking plenty! <- Maybe this is why we're not so stressed! Maddi is loving the lazy river... more to come on that!

Wordless Wednesday

During times like these, we need to remember the simple things that make us happy!

The Secret

I am a huge fan of "The Secret"... I have read it 7 times, and will read it again and again. It's a "how to" live your life in harmony with natural laws of the Universe. I tend to read it again when I realize that I've strayed from the Secret. While I was shopping at my favorite bookstore, Barnes & Noble, I found "The Secret Daily Teachings" and thought I'd give it a try. It's an entire year of teachings! The first one, Monday, is basically a quick introduction to the Secret.

Tuesday's Teaching is to use gratitude to shift your energy. It asks you to write 100 things your are grateful for each day. 100 things? Each day? I'm going to have quite a time coming up with 100 things... not that I'm not a grateful person, I am... but each day? Could you write 100 things your grateful for each day? I will write a list of 100 things I'm grateful for, and post it soon!

The most important part is that you need to FEEL the gratitude.

www.thesecret.tv

Memorial Day

"...gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime....let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan." --General John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 May 1868

Memorial Day originated in 1868, when Union General John A. Logan designated a day in which the graves of Civil War soldiers would be decorated. Known as Decoration Day, the holiday was changed to Memorial Day within twenty years, becoming a holiday dedicated to the memory of all war dead. It became a federal holiday in 1971, and is now observed on the last Monday in May.

To all our Service-members past, present and future... you are in my thoughts and prayers.

The Best Invention EVER!

Last weekend while perusing the Sunday ads, I spotted the Schick Quattro Trim Style for women! This is a razor with 4 blades AND a waterproof bikini trimmer on the other end! I loved the idea of trimming in the shower, so I decided to give it a shot. I have been using a razor with 3 blades for years... I cannot believe how close of a shave this thing can get! Not to mention, trimming that bikini area is a breeze now!

Look Out for Mama Bear!

I know that life isn't fair... hell, I know that more than most! My daughter (17-yr old step-daughter) has gotten the short end of the stick! Her "mother" has emotionally abused her for years, physically abused her on occasion, manipulated her, moved her thousands of miles away from her close-knit family, treated her as her own personal slave, and told her to move out several times. This is all VERY heart-breaking to me!

Yesterday, we finally got her "mother" to agree on the flight arrangements for both the kids to fly home. She had one final demand that we will not agree to... unfortunately, this set off a domino effect. Her and her sister started a full on psychological warfare with my daughter. Long story, short... Hannah will NOW be returning home, for good, on June 9th! The living situation she has been forced to endure for the last 7 months is absolutely unacceptable.

During all of the "discussions", I was practically hyperventilating and having panic attacks. Mama Bear made an appearance last night... when she comes out, I only see red. I want to protect my kids from anything and anyone... I don't care who you THINK you are! It's probably a good thing she is so many miles away, or I may be in a jail cell this morning. (No worries... Nothing murderous!)

In the end, I'm realizing that no matter how hard this is on me... God put me in these kids lives for a reason... and I'm beginning to understand that more and more!

Imagine all of that combined with being dizzy and nauseated! Yeah, it gets more fun! I have some liquid in my inner ears, causing my balance to be completely off. The meds make me SO tired! So, no driving for me for 2 - 3 weeks... good thing we'll be in Vegas for a good part of that time!

Makes you wonder how none of us are in the Nut House!

You're Fired!

Back in January, I was fired from a job for the very first time in my life. The funny part is, I quit 2 times prior to that! It was a mutual departure, none-the-less. At the time, I was struggling with depression and anxiety, not to mention the fight to keep my family intact was a losing battle. So, working wasn't quite in my cards! Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I was fired... it was an honest, stupid mistake that could have happened to anyone in the same situation! So, I was fired with a rehirable status... YAY!

I received a phone call from my old boss... yes, the same one who fired me... to see if I wanted to come back in a different position. I've been so excited about this, because I'm studying to get my AS in Early Childhood Education... and this particular job is PERFECT! The timing is better, and so-on-and-so-forth.

Last night, I got a call from the same old boss to let me know there has been a mistake and I'm not "rehirable" after all. I am very bummed about this... I miss the kids, my co-workers, and a purpose each day. She is very angry by this realization and is trying to work around it. Meanwhile, I've basically been fired again... before I even started!

While dealing with this, I'm also frustrated with the process of flying my stepchildren home from living with their "mother" in the Cayman Islands. She is making every step of these arrangements as difficult as possible... ranging from requiring so much time between layovers, to unaccompanied minor issues (these issues are in her own head), all the way to completely refusing to pay any portion of the children's airfare. My husband has certain rights under WA state law that prohibits her from keeping his children from him... maybe, she needs to read up on family law a little more. Over the past couple of years, I've researched this so much, I should be studying to be a paralegal!

At this time, I think we're buying one-way tickets for both kids just to get them home. We'll have to figure out the return flight for Josh later. I know she's doing this because she doesn't want Josh to see his father at all... apparently, she can be mom and dad? Who needs their father, right? WRONGO BUCKO!

Good times! Thank God, we leave for vacation next Wednesday!

Wordless Wednesday

Maddi experiencing one of her first ferry rides outside... she loved the wind!

Velkommen til Poulsbo


I spent a good portion of my childhood in Poulsbo... I rarely go back for visits. Not that I'm THAT far... just a ferry ride or so away. When I was a teenager, I remember wondering why anyone in their right mind would VISIT Poulsbo... you could always tell which people were the tourists: you know the folks taking pictures of EVERYTHING! Well, I am now that person! LOL

This weekend was Viking Fest weekend in Poulsbo... crazy, madness! Now, when I was much younger... heavy on the much... I LOVED it! We used to "cruise" in our cars through downtown Poulsbo... like we were cool! And, in my early 20's, we used to show up at the Viking House some time in the afternoon and drink Mary's (the bartender) yummy Long Island Iced Teas until, um, 2am ish! The Viking House isn't even there anymore!

It is quite a different experience with the hubs, a toddler and a chihuahua! Not so much fun! So, we pretty much bailed on the Viking Fest experience!

We spent most of our weekend hanging out with my good friend, Karla and her family. I remember when we were BFF's <- Before that was even a term! She is now married and has 2 amazing kids... the really cool part is that they're living in the house Joel grew up in! I always thought that it would be the greatest thing to have roots like that... although, maybe not have the family SO close <- I'm sure Karla would agree with that! I considered showing up with a bunch of daisies and a bottle of Strawberry Hill Boonesfarm for old times sake (Our favorites back in the day), but I wasn't sure how that would be interpreted... LOL!

Anyway, it got me to thinking about how much I missed that friendship. Over the years, you lose touch with people, but there are always a few you often think and wonder about. Why don't I just pick up the phone and call? I don't know that answer! But I'm very glad that I spent so much time with the "Rogers"!

Our ferry rides over the weekend were Maddi's first!



Maddi loved the ferry rides!

Girlfriendology

I found this "girlfriend" book today:


"There’s a new book on a group of girlfriends whose friendships have endured for forty years - and about the strong bond, wonderful benefits and amazing relationships of a group of eleven girls who grew in to ten women. The book, The Girls from Ames, shares the story of how friendship has endured moves, life changes, sickness, aging parents and even the loss of one of their girlfriends. It’s a touching reminder of why we NEED girlfriends."Girlfriendology, May 2009


You should read the whole article.

What a Week!

This is one of those weeks that I wish I had just planned to do absolutely nothing. I have had to cancel just about everything scheduled...

Maddi is teething, and I mean TEETHING! She is 20 months and has 6 teeth... the dentist says this is a good thing. She is getting several right now <- Why do they need to come all at once? To top it off, she also has what appears to be a cold... I know low grade fevers and runny noses are part of teething... accept her boogers are greenish this morning.

If you have never had a migraine, I envy you! I get them on a monthly basis, if you know what I mean. Stress is also a trigger, and I get plenty of that! So, this week, I've had 2... and crossing my fingers that my headache this morning is just that, a headache, NOT another migraine. I've been on medications to help prevent them, but they really don't work. I'm left with taking Maxalt when I do get a migraine, which usually works. I'm thinking, um, I dunno, learning that my hubby's job is in jeopardy, didn't help! I have considered trying acupuncture... you get to a point when you'll just try anything! Drinking does not help... LOL, I've tried it!

We both just need to feel better by the end of the day... no, ifs, ands or buts! We have plans this weekend that I am just not willing to cancel! So there!

Meanwhile, I want to just curl up like a cat and sleep... for now.

A Blessing in Disguise?

Economy strikes... tough days ahead... my hubby just found out today that his employer can only afford to employ him part time. I'm trying very hard to see the silver lining. Especially with our never-ending attorney's fees (thanks to my hubby's lovely ex).

Dale is bored with his job anyway and would really like to start his own consulting business. It's not something we would have chosen to do right now... and really, it's never a good time to take that kind of risk. Maybe it's time, whether we like it or not?

Positive thoughts, positive thoughts, positive thoughts...

We have always made it through in the past, so I know we'll be okay. I just worry so much about how we'll do it. Dale is so marketable as a Controller/CFO, he'll find something. He'd like to do consulting work along those lines... I think there are a lot of companies that can't afford to have one on staff, so this could work... right?

Send more positive thoughts my way... PLEASE!

I'm ready for Vegas!

The countdown is beginning for our Vegas trip... only 2 weeks to go! I just want to sit by the pool or in the lazy river all day long (with sunblock on, of course), with beverage in hand. My hubby and I don't really gamble, which is fine, because our resort doesn't have a casino on site. It's really meant for family vacationing, more than the "woot, woot, party types" <- Not that there is anything wrong with that! Ah, a full week of just chillin'... just imagining it makes me smile!

Upon our return, I'm going back to work 3 days a week... short days. I will be doing the enrichment program for a preschool, working with preschool kids, one-on-one... phonics, math, reading, and spanish. This is perfect, because I am currently studying to get my AS degree in Early Childhood Education... although, it's going to take me longer than your typical 2 years, but that's okay! Thank goodness for online programs!

Post Mother's Day Blues

Okay, so before I start, I want to preface, by saying that by hubby is a VERY hard worker, great husband, and terrific dad. I know he does a lot for us and I appreciate and love him every day!

So, for Mother's Day, I got "a day off"... Dale took care of Maddi, made meals, and he got a lot done. Sounds great, right? Accept, today I'm left with a disaster for a kitchen, a living room that is disheveled, and laundry that needs to be done. So, I ask, what is the point of taking a day off if I have to do it all the next day anyway? This issue isn't that my hubby doesn't do anything, it's that his priorities are different from mine... AND he doesn't notice the same things I do either. For instance, the animals water dish is bone dry, both the garbage and recycle containers are full <- Dude, if your beer bottle doesn't fit into the container (it was left on the counter), the recycle is full!

This morning, instead of taking Maddi to gymnastics, I'm at home trying to get caught up on what I didn't do yesterday. I have to have it done because my In-Laws (I love them dearly) will be over tomorrow afternoon.

Yes, I would like some cheese with my whine!

Happy Mother's Day to Me!

I truly have the very best husband in the world! I haven't done a thing today, except eat & drink what ever my hubs has made. First thing this morning, Maddi brought me my Mother's Day gift... a very sweet mother's ring! It needs to be sized still... it only fits my pinky!

Dale made me the fluffiest pancakes ever for breakfast. I took a nap and woke up to the smell of brownies... mmm, mmm, good! Then he took Maddi with him to Lowes <- their favorite store, and brought me back a Starbucks... I'm in heaven.

We're going to do a little Mother's Day thing for Grandma Gjerness, while she's here on Tuesday. And we'll see Grandma Rush over the weekend. I bought Mother's Day cards for Mom's, Grandma's, Oma's, Great-Grandma's, and God-Mother's... and promptly forgot to mail them all! I will send them out tomorrow, however, so that no one thinks I forgot them... maybe?

Mourn the Spider

Maddi had me laughing out loud this morning (AGAIN)... I found a spider in the bathroom and showed it to her. She thought it was pretty cool and wanted to touch it... she did... and turned around with a poor, little spider stuck to her finger tip, and said "uh-oh". LOL

I think it's almost time to move Maddi to a big girl bed... when I've gotten her out of her crib this week, she's been trying to get out. So far, it's been unsuccessful. I'm worried that I'm going to hear a thud and it's going to be her falling. Everyone says to keep her in the crib as long as possible... ugh!

I finally got the DVD player installed in my car... I've been talking about doing this for about a year! Yeah, I know, procrastinate much? While I was at it, I found 2 sippy cups with a little bit of milk in them... straight to the garbage <- I'm not even going to try to clean that up! Gross! I think I threw out about 5 empty Starbucks cups, several used baby wipes (not for poopy or anything like that), and a bunch of goldfish crackers.

GO AWAY!

Not getting much sleep last night, really made for a crummy day. I don't even want my usual Captain-n-Diet Coke, cuz I'm sure I will fall right to sleep. <- That sounded way worse than I meant... I swear, I don't have a problem (well, that problem, anyway).

Of course, Maddi is teething... she's little Miss. Grumpy-Pants! And this does not make my mood any better. To top it all off, it's THAT time too! It really sucks to be a woman! Grrr... I wanna bite every body's head off... GO AWAY AND LEAVE ME ALONE!

I had to return to Walmart today to make some exchanges... while I was there, I got quite a chuckle. While I was looking at hair products, I noticed 2 very bald men looking at Rogaine. I actually laughed out loud... when they looked my directions, I pretended to be laughing at Maddi. Do they really think it's going to help at this point? Seriously?

My hubby and I got a call tonight from Andrew, our oldest son, who is in AIT training for the Army. He is very happy in Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX. He was bored in basic training, but he's much more challenged here. So far, it looks like he will still be able to come home for 4th of July weekend... as long as he stays at the top of his class! He will!

Kuddos to Gentle Naturals

Maddi has had issues with eczema since she was only a few weeks old. I have tried everything under the sun to help... I'm not going to name any of them because this is about how wonderful Gentle Naturals Baby Eczema Cream is!

Her eczema was so inflamed, red, and raw looking, I had to figure something out. After trying everything (at least I thought so), I decided to look at my local drug store again. I found Gentle Naturals Baby Eczema Cream and thought, what the heck, I'll give it a shot. It has been only a week and it is barely noticeable! I am so thrilled with this product, I wanted to share with the world!

http://www.gentlenaturals.com/products/eczema_cream.cfm

No Baby Maker Here

My Mother-In-Law brought our niece, Korryn and her daughter, Melodie to see visit today. They flew in on Friday from Colorado for two weeks. This is the first time we've met Melodie, who was born on February 19. She is so VERY adorable... those Gjerness cheeks make me laugh. <- Maddi had/has them too!

Now, while I think she is just a doll, it firms up my decision to not have any more kids myself. One is enough... well, kind of five, but that's not the point. I absolutely do not, I repeat, DO NOT want to have any more babies. And yes, that is written in stone. Korryn, if you ever read this, it has nothing to do with Melodie directly, so no offense intended! I am grateful that Dale is on the same page as me!

It's funny, cuz I can't even remember Maddi being that small! When I look at pictures, she just looks so different. What's even more funny is that I used to think she was the cutest baby when she was younger too... she must be getting cuter as she gets older! I'm not biased or anything.

Before I was a Mom

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn’t worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about
immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried..
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn’t want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn’t stop the hurt….
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much…
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn’t know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn’t know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn’t know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn’t know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn’t know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom.


Share this with someone who you think is an awesome Mom.
Leslie J. Allen
DSMS English Department Chair
Site Technology Rep (STR)
ConnectMe Power User (CPU)
http://cmweb.pvschools.net/~leallen

”It takes a village to raise a child.” African Proverb

Shopping with Toddlers = Obnoxious!

Early this morning, I read another mom's blog... I can't remember who it was... today is the day before her baby's 1 year anniversary of his passing. I cried while reading it, then hugged Maddi very tight. To that mommy, you're in my prayers right now!

My good friend Teddy flew home to Indiana today. I will miss you so much... next time, you must bring the girls! Hugs & kisses!

Maddi and I went to Walmart this morning... I finally got some blackout curtains for her room to help her sleep in a little more (past 6:30am), hopefully. She loves to look at the fishies, so we got her 2 female beta fish and a cool kids aquarium... but the aquarium was missing pieces, so I have to return it! Grrr! We also got our Mother's Day cards for both grandmas and Maddi's godmother. While we were there, we played with a bouncy ball in the isles... so cute... she was giggling and screaming, and probably annoying everyone else! Shopping with a toddler is one of the most difficult things to do ever.

Everyone is on my last nerve... I swear, I am attracting all the rude and ignorant people! My biggest pet peeve are the impatient people waiting for a parking space while I'm loading or unloading my daughter in her car seat! Seriously, what would they like me to do? Then, when you're shopping and someone is coming toward you, shouldn't you move your cart over to make room, or is that just me? Really? I want to just walk around and flick everyone else on the forehead today!

Yesterday, Maddi wore my red, patent leather shoes around the house. I'll post pictures soon... she is so adorable. I've created a shoe fetish, monster!

Have you seen my underwear?


You know you've had too much fun, when you ask someone if you've seen their underwear! The first phone call I received this morning was from one of my crazy girlfriends asking just that. Last night, four of us went to Olympus Spa in Lynnwood... otherwise known as "The Naked Lady Spa". We chose to not partake in the pool experience, therefore, no nakedness for us! But they do have several "hot" rooms to sit and sweat in. Long story, short... she got so sweaty, she chose to not wear her underwear home and put them in her pocket. Now, she's not sure where they are! LOL





Needless to say, we had a fun and crazy weekend with Teddy here... starting with Thursday night, which was the family friendly party. That was very nice... a good number of our neighbors came and visited with Teddy. Friday night, on the other hand, included our poor paper towel dispenser and other phallic looking objects. Five VERY drunk women sitting around laughing about everything under the sun! Saturday night (last night) six of us had dinner together, then visited the "Naked Lady Spa". My retinas are still burning from naked bodies I saw there... and don't care to see again.

It has been wonderful to have everyone together again... Teddy has a way of bringing everyone together that way. I can't believe she has to go home to Indiana tomorrow.