Just a little catching up

So...two weeks ago I started this post. It has been totally revamped twice now. I started with something - I don't even remember what now - and after only getting two sentences I left it for days and days. When I came back to it, I couldn't remember the point of it or what I was going to say. So, I erased it and started a new one. This one was entitled "Never Say Never". It had one sentence about sounding just like my parents. My, how the roles cycle. But after one sentence and a week later, I have revamped once more. I am committed to finishing this blog before I get up from this desk.

Wait, I will be right back - HA!

I decided that if I was going to in fact finish this that I needed something to drink. My how I wish there was just one beer in my refrigerator. So, since there isn't then I will settle for tea. Sweet tea to be exact - but not BUSCH's. It is from Church's. Do you think that is a coincidence that they are both chicken places. I think if we were down south and a little more to the east we would be getting the BEST SWEET TEA. I just have this feeling.

I am still working a lot but not like crazy (like last month). At least now I am on a day schedule (for the most part) and come home to sleep every night. I like that. I had missed it. I am sad to say, but I think I have to work like 3 graveyards next week - YIKES!!!! I finally got the papers. The stinkin' salary papers. So, I am really trying to keep it under 50 hours. That is my goal for now. Hopefully I will get it down to right at 40 but this will take practice - so I am setting my goals realistically now.

Ok, maybe the tea wasn't a good idea. Be right back.......


My stomach has been really upset since last night. I tried to cook some squash for Labor Day but it was no good. Turns out we don't know where the squash came from. It was left on Dorian's doorstep. We all thought Georgia grew it and left it for him. Turns out she didn't. So, I don't know what the heck was up with it - But I only took 2 bites and I was sick, sick all last night and a lot of today. Hopefully I will be fully recovered by tomorrow. I don't think I can handle another day of this.

Other than working a lot - My two favorite things to watch are back on. 1.) DALLAS COWBOYS FOOTBALL!!!!! and 2.)Face-Off. I love this show - I am sad to report that I have not even seen one full episode since it came on 3 or 4 weeks ago. I am never home in time no matter how hard I try and then I get here for the end of it but sometimes I just fall asleep. I am trying harder to watch it - because I sincerely enjoy it. It is the same with Pre-Season for the Cowboys. I did catch MOST of the game against the Bengals - hey they won that one - is that a hint. Maybe if I watch more they will win more! *Note to self; and the calendar/planner I carry; and the calendar on my phone; and to the numerous notes I leave myself*

Speaking of notes - You know things are bad when you write yourself a note to put something on the to do list. I don't know how I managed that; but yes! I did!

Ok. I believe I have rambled enough and these contacts that are the totally wrong prescription are driving me crazy! (that is another blog). Maybe it won't take two weeks to write!

Good night.

Excersizing it up -

I guess the water background to this blog is very appropriate for my new adventure. As many of you know, my mom has been having a lot of back problems over this past year. Well, I am glad to report that she is getting some relief from the pain. She has been taking a series of shots in her sciatic nerve and them combined with aquatic therapy (didn't that sound so genius!?) has really been helping her. But of course, all good things come to an end and her therapy has. So, she and I have joined the Roswell Racquet Club and Spa.

We have committed to taking a "water workout" class two nights a week and then going during the weekend to work on the actual exercises her therapist gave her to do. The first week went well. We met some really nice people. The class is a lot of "as hard as you make it". Of course after the first one we were both sore - we were moving muscles I don't think either one of us have moved in a while. But as we go through them we are figuring out the best way to do each "move" and how it suits us. We use these things called resisters. They are just the swimming "noodles" cut up and put on pvc pipes to look like dumbbells. They really do work as weights. They started me on the baby weights (about 2 1/2 lbs each) last week but then decided I needed to move up to the middle weights (which are about 5 lbs each). I guess I shouldn't call them baby weights - cause that's what a lot of the people in the class use - sorry mom! Anyway, I used the middle weights tonight and MAN I COULD REALLY FEEL THE DIFFERENCE.

Tonight my mom had other obligations so she did not attend class but I did. And then I went to another class afterward. This one is called "Deep Water Dynamics". It is done in Deep Water (duh) and with a flotation device. It is funner than the first class but a more intense workout. I really enjoyed it and am planning to continue to go to it after our other class - well let me see how I feel in the morning before I commit!!! Just kidding.

But I am looking forward to the tanning bed. I am very sad that you have to pay extra to do it. I think that it should be included in the membership. I have always heard that tanning is very good for psoriasis. I want to give it a try. Especially in the winter time when it is at it's worst.

So, when you come to see us - BRING YOUR SWIMSUITS!!!! Even if you aren't into the exercise part of it, there is a hot tub.

So, yeah - don't know whether this will help with me loosing weight but it will definitely not hurt me. I do feel better just getting in some exercise. I am really looking forward to seeing where I am in a month from now as far as stamina, flexibility, and of course body tone - Scotty may be saying good bye to my BINGO WING. It really got a workout tonight with those heavier weights.

Ok. I am going to call it a night. I am really tired!!!!! So, sweet dreams to all!

Just for the Record....

I just want to say real quick - I LOVE that you read my BLOG! That makes me so HAPPY! It makes me want to blog more - not that it will happen - but yes, I WANT to. Thank you - I love you

IN the Radar

It has been WAY TOO LONG since my last post. I find myself at work most of the time now. And when I am not at work, I am passed out on by bed surrounded by a mountain of paperwork, or in the front seat of my (parked and turned off) vehicle. Just Kidding! Ok, not really - it did happen twice. Keys were in my hand and I just needed a small cat nap to make it into my house with the pile of stuff I MUST carry around everywhere!

I have many responsibilities and no where to really be. (Hence the carrying around a pile of stuff). When I work graveyards at the house I need this stuff so that I can check on and document everything - it is this time that I can get so much accomplished. But then everything I have documented and reported on must then be filed somewhere. I do not have an office at the office so I have found a drawer in the house where I have managed to "file in no particular order" everything. But then guess what - I am on call and just so happens that at 10pm at night I need stuff accessible when I get that panic call from staff. Or I need the stuff when the Vice President of the company is calling just as I have dozed off from my graveyard about 11:30 in the morning. I can't successfully and fully answer the questions without the reports, or documentation. This is frustrating. I can answer with "I think" or "I am pretty sure" or let me get up, get dressed, drive to the house to get the paperwork, and then call you back - YEAH RIGHT!!!!! So guess what - I carry everything. Dr. Dalton (chiropractor) at least benefits from this situation.

So, so much for flying under the radar. When I took this job at Tobosa, I said that I didn't want to be known or have any extra responsibilities. I just wanted to do my 40 hours and go home. That lasted a year. If you remember back, in June I was given a promotion. Well, I guess I have done a good enough job to be recognized. They want me to manage 2 houses now. This more than doubles my client load and just about doubles my staff load. It is a compliment that they feel I can handle this - BUT.....

I have to pace myself. I tend to let the perfectionist and the overachiever in myself take over. I really having to talk to myself daily about remembering the small things. I think when I get over the initial things of switching everything around it will really benefit me. It is just the initial getting everything set phase I am in now.

I have said for years that I want out of direct care and into more of the administration side of it. Well, be careful....cause that is where I am transitioning into. Once everything is set, I will no longer be doing direct care except every once in a while. I will be responsible for making sure that the staff under me do the direct care the way that it is supposed to be done.

So, by taking time out and time for myself, I shall be rejuvenated. Thanks Mom! I really enjoyed spending this last weekend with you. I got to spend time with my Mom and Mimi both on Saturday and Sunday. Only worked about 6 hours this weekend thanks to some amazing staff I have working under me. They saw my need for rest and pulled together to cover my shift on Saturday without me even asking! That is why I am successful - because I have help. Please don't ever let me forget that.

My weekend ended with Mom and Me getting our BUTTS handed to us by Mimi and Scotty. (I know he will rag on me if I don't at least mention that!

So, today was busy - tomorrow will be crazy - and Wednesday...well, we shall see. Hope you all have an incredible week.

Exhausted

I am super greatful for my job and for the position I am in but, I must say, "Wow!!!!". I have put in an incredible amount of work lately. I have one girl sick, one girl on vacation, and one out on training. Not to mention a client who has become physically aggressive this week. I have been out on crisis calls and then also filling in for missing staff.

Everyday I say that I am going to make at least just a short blog but - well, you see that's as far as I ever get.

We did celebrate Amber's birthday last Friday, after I worked the Summer Bash event in the park all day. Unfortuneatly, while William, Brennen, and I worked at the park, Amber and Gladys came home to find water everywhere (again). The hot water heater in the kitchen's pipes burst. But luckily, that evening we all got together and got to celebrate Amber. I have a ton of pictures of us and the kids from that evening I will try to post later this week.

Brennen has started tennis lessons and really likes playing. He is in a beginners class at Cahoon Park. He gets to play 3 days a week.

I had a root canal post put in yesterday. My tooth is sore but ok. Good news is that the dentist is going to try to finish my teeth before he moves in September. We still have some to pull, a few to build up, and one more root canal. Then bridges will be made. I saw a picture of me the other day from 2003 where I had all of my teeth. They looked great! I can't wait to get them all again.

Anyway, back to work I go. Have a great relaxing evening.

Busy, Busy

I ended up in the chiropractor's office on Friday morning. I had some vertebrae roll out of my neck. One was in my shoulder and the other was...well, I dont' know where - I think about 3 or 4 came out. But anyway the pain was making me sick to my stomach. I started getting these pains from the base of my head down my shoulder on the right side. They were searing and unbearable. I had them since Thursday. So, long story short - went to the chiropractor. He couldn't believe I could move my arm still. He really does think that I am amazing. (Can you believe that). Anyway, he gave me like 4 or 5 shots of an anti-inflammatory. And then put back what he could. I will be back in there on Monday morning at 8:30am. I am still in some pain but it is bearable now.

Wow! We have been super busy around here! But we did get a day off yesterday. We spent it cleaning out the back room (laundry room minus the washer and dryer). We took a car load of stuff to the Salvation Army and about a bunch of stuff out to the shed. Somehow, the stuff ended up in the house over the last 8 months. I should probably take credit for all of the junk that compiled itself around my house but I WILL NOT!!!! Amber, Brennen and I got it all back where it belongs.

Also, yesterday Brennen fixed our toilet. That thingy broke. The one that has the chain that lifts up the plug when you push the handle. Anyway, I supervised and Brenn fixed it. He did a pretty good job.

Brennen and I spent the day at Bottomless Lakes today. He wanted to attend a party with some of the people he goes the "the Meetings" with. So, he did that and I swam and read my book. (Mom, Carla, don't faint!) Yes, I am reading a book I started last year about this time. It is a book of short stories. I finished one. I started the second and didn't read it for so long that I had to start it again. Well, now after starting it for the second time and still having been absent from it for about 5 months or so.....I started where I left off (on page 3 of the second story). After spending 4 hours at the lake and only one hour in the water guess what page I am on.....3. Ha Ha. I told you not to faint - This only counts as reading for ME!!!!!

So, that is what we have been up to. I have some big events coming up at work and Amber's birthday is in 9 days. We will be celebrating it in 6 or 7. So, this week will consist of some pretty heavy duty planning!

COOKING

So, a really long time ago, it seems.....I wrote my last post. At the end I promised another one. Well, sorry it has taken all this time. I have honestly been super busy. The end of the month is the busiest for me. I am still adjusting to all of my new deadlines and timelines. Which all seem to be on the same 3 days.

I have also been super busy at home (the 6 hours a day that I am there...and 3-4 of those are spent sleeping). Anyway, Amber started a program at one of the gym's in town. It combines a diet, exercise regiment, and personal trainer assistance. She has been doing it I think for 3 weeks and has proudly has announced loosing an initial 40 something pounds. Crazy! She has done super well...this ties into my busyness because I have been cooking! And cooking according to her diet. I even cooked turnip greens! Don't get too excited. I didn't EAT them. I took one taste...not really my forte'.

We have been eating lunch at 11am everyday and there for about 2 weeks we ate it at the table as a family. We have done really bad at accomplishing that this week due to a crazy schedule. But, I LOVE doing this! I LOVE cooking! I LOVE family time!

I got a great recipe from my sister that was called Italian chicken. I made it one night at work and then took it home for us to eat at lunch. Let me just say, "VERY GOOD". It was so good that Kyli (age 6) said "Auntie, I like this chicken" about 15 times during lunch.

Another thing I cooked that was a favorite was yellow squash sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. After eating two pieces Zeta (age 8) declared, "Auntie, there a PARTY IN MY TUMMY!" After compliments like this - who wouldn't like to cook.

I got two recipes off of Pinterest.....well actually that's where the squash idea came from too. (So, 3). One was just a simple smoked sausage, bell pepper, onion, mixture cut up wrapped in foil and cooked on the grill. The other was beef and broccoli made in the crock pot. Because the broccoli is added at the end, I took some of the meat out for Gladys (who doesn't eat broccoli). This was a favorite. I cooked it too long though so the meat kinda shredded when we stirred it but it was still good. Next time I will know not to cook it as long. So, it had a different texture but was still GREAT.

I was going to post pictures but for some reason my camera has gotten out of my pocket. I will have to locate it. That is one reason this post is so late in coming to you. It was done about 4 days ago but I was waiting to put the pictures. As soon as I close this I am going to look for a recipe for cabbage rolls to make for tomorrow or Monday.

So, happy eating to you all!