Cafe at the End of the Universe

Heads or Tails #34 - Soft, An Addiction Revealed

2009-11-24T07:06:00.007-06:00

Like What You See? Then Join the Fun at:
Heads or Tails Central
This Week's Theme Is:
HEADS - "Soft"

It all started when I was little and I learned from a man named Charles M. Schulz that "Happiness was a warm puppy." Soon I surmised that if you made that a warm, SOFT blanket that your happiness level increased ten-fold. (I did have a perpetual fear of dogs at the time.) As a teenager I discovered the joy of purchasing and receiving SOFT pajamas and bathrobes and I must admit I cannot get enough of them, add a pair of super SOFT, comfy slipper socks and you've got me hooked. Yes, I am an addict. My name is Penelope and I am a pajamaholic. The SOFTER the better. Do you know about this darling fabric fleece? It is the SOFTEST thing ever and just makes blankets, robes and pajamas divine. Guess what tops my Christmas wish list!

Have a great day!

A Day With the Mother-In-Law

2009-11-23T15:26:00.004-06:00

Got an interesting wake-up call this morning...as soon as my children came to get me out of bed they told me that grandma had been by and that she would be back (shriek!)
Apparently she wanted us to come out to her place for a few hours and spend some quality time with her because we haven't been out there in a long time...long story as to why we have not been out there, and I do plan to share, just have not worked up the courage to spill those beans quite yet. So I broke down and said okay as long as I had the control to say when we would be coming home as I did have things to do. Mondays are Scout night and we always have paperwork to put together and putting together a decent meal that doesn't involve a drive-thru or dialing the food is a new goal of ours.
As usual though my dear mother-in-law had a little bit of an ulterior motive in mind I think as she had a house full of little ones, and my dear teenagers make marvelous babysitters. We did have a nice visit though and I did get home in time to make the potato salad for dinner and do the paperwork that my son wanted help with. So I survived, which is major considering the way my life has been as of late...will make much more sense when I tell that long, long story. I promise to tell it soon, hopefully this week.
So, how was your Monday?

Heads or Tails ~ Autumn Memories

2009-11-16T18:06:00.005-06:00

TAILS
Autumn Memory
Tell about a memory you have from any Autumn.
Join the fun, just stop by HoTties Central

One of my all time favorite autumn memories hearkens back to when boys were just three and two, which is hard to believe they were ever that small as they are now seventeen and sixteen. We were raking the yard at my in-laws which was very large and for the first time ever the boys seemed to find the fun and entertainment in jumping in a pile of leaves and they did that over and over again. I can almost here their laughter now and recall how sweet it was. Now if I would ask them to rake the yard ... never mind, let's keep this a happy memory.

After all the leaves were gone though the real fun began as the boys had their very first football game. I have no clue who won but I remember cheering each player on as hard as I could. I think I even had a serious sore throat the next day.

Not to leave my precious princess out, I found a autumn memory of her when I was hunting for the pictures above...

This is her, looking so beautiful as she was a flower girl in her aunt's wedding. The setting was a bible camp chapel. I just remember thinking to myself that day how beautiful a bride my daughter would be in the future, she's thirteen now...she seemed so young and innocent back then.

GLCJ Countdown Mode Has Taken Control

2009-09-21T16:16:00.002-05:00

The days are numbered before the Great Lakes Centennial Jamboree invades Oshkosh and our lives. Over 8000 scouts and scouters are expected. Being commissioners for the event Allen and I start our duties early Thursday morning so when I get off work on Wednesday night instead of coming home, I will be going out to the grounds and going to sleep in the tent. Today I spent sewing patches onto shirts, special ones for the 100th anniversary of Scouting which happens in 2010. I also did some finishing work on my walking stick that I decided to give a makeover after summer camp. Tommorow I need to hem my uniform pants, they do not make them for us short women, I will be cutting a couple of inches off before I make the hem. I even got new hiking shoes for the weekend that I tried to break in last night by walking to work, I hope they feel better walking on grass than they did on concrete.
Have to try to make some time to call a couple of my doctors tomorrow and schedule some appointments. Need to see the orthepedic doc for my shoulder and schedule another round of steroid shots in my back as the last round done in January seems to be wearing off.
Spent much of today discussing whether or not Nick was going to go for his Eagle Scout rank or not. He needs to get to work on a project asap if he is as he will be 18 come July. He has some ideas of groups he wants to approach but he hates to be pressured and starts to shut down when you pressure him. He also has to complete 3 more merit badges, but I can help him and Zak do that within a few months easily. Would be a part of our homeschooling lessons. We are also working with Nick to get him ready to graduate this year. Our only option here in Wisconsin because we follow our own curriculum is for him to take the GED test, so he can than apply to the Technical College like he wants to.
Well, I need to start getting things together for tonight's scout meeting. Have a good one.

Can You Possibly Handle This?

2009-09-19T21:04:00.002-05:00

She's back!!!!!Yes, I've come out of the woodwork and am returning to blogging. Do not expect the 365 thing but I do plan to be more consistent with my posts and around much more often. I need to see which of the memes I used to participate in are even still around...just going to look for the ones that I truly enjoyed though. so, care for an update?I am still working at Walmart. I am a Sales Associate now and am a month from my year anniversary, Nick just celebrated his year anniversary there. Nope, he still does not have his driver's license...his maturity is not there and he needs to work on his technique. Zak is now 16 and out pounding the pavement for his first job, he has to take the behind the wheel class yet before he can go for his license. Cheyla is an official teenager now, help us!Allen is still working, but his company is like most and we deal with a monthly plant shut down. His health is better, it was scary there earlier this year though. My health is still an issue, and I have reapplied for disability, we will see what happens with that. I would still be able to work part-time unless something happens with my back or arm. My diabetes is worse currently and I have developed neuropathy in my right leg. I am also looking at having to finally have the surgery on my right shoulder as the shot did not work this time around. I am going to try to plan it to happen towards the end of December if I can so I do not miss out on Christmas money and I can still get it covered under this years insurance. will keep you posted. Oh, make sure to watch the book review site as I will have new reviews coming as of this week. Big event coming next weekend for Boy Scouts here in Oshkosh, the Great Lakes Centennial Jamboree. We will all be attending, except Micheyla. Allen and I will be working as Commissioners. I have a full uniform now, can you believe that? Maybe I will let Allen get a picture of me in it, or maybe the boys can get a picture of Allen and I together. Can't think of anything else at the moment, so I will say adieu for tonight. Talk to you soon. Love ya, and I did miss ya!

Respect begets Respect

2009-07-06T15:02:00.003-05:00

Am I the only person left in this world who feels that to get respect you should treat people with respect? What ever happened to that little thing called "the golden rule"?
Our neighbor since the day we moved in has not treated us with respect, in fact she has gone out of her way to be disrespectful at every turn as has her family members.
Now, she has been diagnosed with cancer and it seems she is dying. I do feel for her, but I do not think that gives her family some blanket right to think the own the driveway at every minute of the day and night, which is something clearly written in our lease. We have tried to be patient and polite and that has not worked... So we as anyone would got irritated and now they have become downright dirty, rotten, stinking demon spawn from the depths of hell. They have brought the landlord into it who thinks it is becoming a petty feud and now has started to threaten that if we cannot work things out one of us is going to be evicted. Who do you think that will be?
Them who have rented here for 18 plus years or us who have rented for 14 months? I can take a guess and I have a feeling it will be us.
And it all goes back to...a little thing called respect. We never once did anything disrespectful to her or her family, we even tried to reach and be friendly. She wanted nothing to do with that.
I feel for her, sympathize with them. Yet, you would think they could find an inch to give too, right?
Or am I just a total bitch?

Things that slip through the cracks...

2009-05-27T15:12:00.003-05:00

...sort of like this blog I'd have to say. I've been living in a haze of my own making, and one of the things that wasn't part of the picture for this time has been the computer. I have not been signing online at all. My email has suffered, my blogs, everything....and you know something I really didn't care.
I needed time to detox, to try living for me and just me. Not sure it worked, not sure I even know how to do such a thing but I just need time away.
I think I am ready to step back into the online world but I'm going to do it at my pace and for me again. So it may not be a daily thing, it may not always be witty, not that I think I was ever the clever gal on the block. I hope some of you are still hanging in the fringe and see this and will give me another go at this whole thing though.

Life updates...
We are coping with all of the the changes the past months have brought for us health wise. Still some more tests ahead for Papa Bear, and more for me to contend with back wise. This is my last week as a cashier and then I am moving to the Fabrics and Crafts department. Kids are still growing. Nikolaus should be driving on his own by summer's end, needs a little more required practice time before he can take his test. Papa, Nikolaus and I still all have jobs, and Zak cannot wait until summer comes to and end and he can have one too. Look for changes on my book review blog coming soon, a return to the old reviews....just me, a book, and my opinion.

Stay happy, healthy, and you!

Wandering the abyss

2009-05-04T14:49:00.003-05:00

...of life and looking for a door to some sanity.
Papa Bear is back to work now, but not fully healthy, in fact he may never be fully healthy again as his pancreas may be permanently damaged from this dance with pancreatitis. It hit him really hard both physically and emotionally.
I am struggling to function still which has caused some major tension around the cave here. Hopefully within the next month when I am finally taken off a certain medication that they have been using for my back I will be able to become a functioning humanoid again.
Kids are growing like weeds still, got to love them.
Miss you all.

Where the Spouse Doth Go

2009-03-30T16:38:00.002-05:00

Life has a way of sending you on some wicked journeys when you are least prepared for them.
Last Wednesday night I headed off to work thinking all was well with my home and family, a mere half hour into my shift I received a frantic phone call from Zak saying that I needed to come home as there was something very wrong with daddy. I rushed home, and I do mean rushed and sure enough Papa Bear was in seriously bad shape. Off to the emergency room we rushed...
Papa Bear has been taken down once again by pancreatitis, something he had over 5 years ago but we thought was well under control. He remains hospitalized and in pain. Of course, he was asked how much alcohol he drinks because alcoholics most frequently present with this illness, but we do not drink. The culprit is the diabetes and cholesterol for Papa Bear, specifically the triglycerides. This time we found out that one of his medications, Byetta, may have also been the cause as while it can help diabetes it can also cause the pancreas to misfunction and so there is no definitive cause this time.
I have gone through the gamut of emotions as I spend my days and nights at the hospital and driving around to get the kids to places and check in with them frequently. I am exhausted physically and mentally right now.
We are not financially prepared enough for emergencies like this and in this economy it is not easy to make do on much less than we do already, but we will survive.

I can almost TWIST without a SHOUT

2009-03-20T17:30:00.002-05:00

Yes, ladies and gentleman, I have had those ever handy dandy shots put in my spine and I am feeling much better. I can almost twist without shouting in pain. I pray that they will last for awhile and I can get off the gabapentin which makes me so sleepy.

Feeling better and the warm weather has hung around the idea of spring cleaning is starting to dance around in my head...only dance though, I haven't started doing anything but soon.

Still working, but have experienced a sudden decrease in hours which my supervisor claims was not intentional so we shall see what happens. Went from working 4-6 days a week, to barely working 2 days a week.

Nick will finish Driver's Education next week so it will be up to us to finish with his required practice hours and then he can go take his test to get his license. Would be nice to have another driver around the house. Hopefully we can teach him to be gentler on the brakes.

Zak has been working super hard on his Citizenship in the Nation merit badge for Boy Scouts this week. Learning all about the government which has made for some interesting conversations. Nick advanced to Life Scout rank last week, and if all goes well Zak will advance next week when he has his Board of Review. Papa Bear accomplished and completed his Wood Badge projects and will be presented with his beads on 3/29 at a District dinner. My big scouting event, the need to find a swimsuit before summer camp in July. We went shopping around for a new tent and other camp gear last weekend and in April will be buying a new tent from Scheels and other gear. We are getting sturdier gear that will hold up to the amount of use Scouting gives us. A Walmart grade tent just does not cut it when you can be camping in all types of weather. Definitely will be laying out some money for these things but it is time to do so.

Slowly but surely I am starting to feel more like myself and am starting to want to do things like write letters and read books. I am hoping part of that is the antidepressant switch too. I am completely off the Effexor XR and solely on the Cymbalta and doing well.

Papa Bear is off for a special Scouting event tonight so once Nick gets home from work I promised to play a board game with the kids and we are ordering pizza. Maybe tomorrow night we will rent a movie as I have a day shift versus a night one for once.

Have a great weekend.

Music Monday ~ Heat Wave The Who

2009-03-16T07:14:00.002-05:00

For Wisconsin it is incredibly warm at this time of year so this song has been running through my head the past few days, what better way to share...

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

Things You Do Not Want to Hear...

2009-03-11T14:31:00.002-05:00

from your son after he returns home from "behind the wheel" for Driver's Education...
"Did you know the brakes on the passenger's side of the car can completely override the driver even if he is flooring it?"
or...
"There is no more class until they get the car fixed."

Yep, my smart ass son Nick thought these would be good comments to make about his first time driving with the instructor. Add a couple more grey hairs to my head.

Monday and the Madness Ensues...

2009-03-09T12:22:00.003-05:00

Winter came back with a slap in the face yesterday here in Wisconsin to remind us that snow belongs around here whenever Mother Nature decides. We are currently digging out from 7.1 inches of the heavy, wet, white stuff today before the rain arrives tomorrow. Nothing we like more than ice after the snow around here. Thankfully my usually not so helpful neighbor has someone here with a snow blower helping out with the driveway so the kids do not have to do all of the hard work. I hate that with my back I cannot be out there helping...I actually used to be the one who did the majority of the shoveling in this family.

Boys did have a good time at the YMCA lock-in, and yeah Zak earned his Swimming Merit Badge. So now both boys are very close to another rank advancement and then the only place for them to go is Eagle Scout. Whether they become Eagles is totally up to them though.

Health wise the boys are still coughing something fierce, so unless they are better by the end of the week we are off to visit the doctor. Micheyla seems to have kicked it fast and is better, and Papa Bear is the silent type until he is totally miserable so for now he must be doing well enough. Once he is sick, as much as I love him, he is the world's biggest baby. I seem to have missed the bug (knock on wood) and hope things stay that way. Back is still causing me grief, especially at work so I need to talk to the pain doctor next week and see if there is something that they can give me for when I have an acute attack of pain. The gabapentin is more a preventative and it is helping immensely, but nothing cuts the intense hurt when I am at work.

Did not do so well with the goals Friday and over the weekend. Seemed we were always running, though we did have a nice relaxing Saturday night. Rented 2 movies and watched them.
First was W and it was interesting, I must say that Josh Brolin did a brilliant job of portraying the character, the story was a little flat at times though.
Next we rented Max Payne, which was nothing like I expected but good nonetheless, nice amount of action and Mila Kunis from That 70s Show really surprised me with her role in the movie.

Surprising twist there last week on the wild card show of American Idol, now we have a top 13, not 12. Of course, I will be rooting for Danny G from WI, but I am sure as the season progresses I will find other favorites and the usual ones I cannot stand.

Today's goal:
Write 2 letters to pen pals, some cleaning in the living room, and start reading a book for a review. Also have some Scout stuff to do for tonight's meeting.

So, have yourselves a great Monday, or try your best.

Can You Count to 20?

2009-03-05T15:10:00.002-06:00

Okay, another major work pet peeve. I am often placed on what are called the "Speedy" registers at work, basically those designated for customers with 20 items or less. It never fails that certain people NEVER seem to understand that 20 means 20 not more. I don't want to sound racist but this is definitely a racial/ethnic trend too because most people recognize when they have more than 20 items and move along, but some INSIST upon checking out even when we as cashiers politely point out that we are an express lane...which fyi, we are allowed to do. My fav is when these persons arrive at my register 5 minutes prior to the end of my shift thus causing me to be late at getting off the register and done with my clean-up before my shift ends. So, next time you think of taking your heaping cart of groceries/items to the Speedy checkout at Walmart think of me, and don't do it...please, for your cashier's sake.

Whine complete, though I could go for some wine. Maybe this weekend for some relaxation time. Kids are still struggling to get better, this cold seems to hold on tight and not let go. So far Micheyla is the healthiest but she is just at the start of the nasty bug and Papa Bear is showing signs of being sick too. Not a good thing when the guys have a Boy Scout lock-in at the YMCA on Friday night. Zak is supposed to finally finish his swimming merit badge. As for me, other than my back and leg which is affected by the pinched nerves, I am feeling fine. Sleeping a tad less, so wonder if the Effexor XR was combining with the Gabapentin to make me so damn sleepy. I will be completely off the Effexor next week and just on the Cymbalta and clonazepam.

Did manage to start working on organizing the living room today, we really have to wait for Papa Bear to be home to do the furniture moving though, so probably will get that done this weekend...I hope. So, I am setting goals and keeping to them for the most part. Tomorrow I think I am going to get some sewing done and write some letters which I have fallen behind on also. One pen pal has begged for me to write, email, anything.

Not caught up with American Idol at the moment, do not know who got voted into the top 12 this week, and tonight is the wild card round. Next week it is time to start watching Dancing With the Stars and I hear that Jewel is having issues.

Well, that's all I got today, until next time...

I Must Admit, I am tired of Snow & Ice

2009-03-04T15:27:00.002-06:00

My positive outlook today was to get off my bottom and do some work. So I decided to tackle the ice and snow that has been on the sidewalk for a bit. I cannot tell a lie I am so very ready for spring to arrive minus any more surprise snow or ice storms.
I did enjoy getting outside and getting some fresh air much more than I thought I would so that is going to be a regular goal for me to get outside regularly.

Not been fun around the house as of late as the kids are taking turns being sick with a nasty cold that settles in their heads and chests. Nick had it first, now Zak is in the full swing of it, and Micheyla started complaining about a sore throat this afternoon so it is a matter of time before she is under the weather. Leaves the house a bit messy as they are allowed to slack on their chores. Hey, I am not a cruel mommy in the least bit.

Nick started "behind the wheel" today for driver's education. He was just observing, and will be doing the same again on Friday. We need to get him out practicing more this weekend so when he drives next week he does okay. He does tend to set your nerves on end when he stops, starts, turns, and goes in reverse.

Tomorrow my goal is to organize my living room if I do not have sick kids curled up on the couches, if they are...then I will work in the kitchen to set up a sewing station to do some sewing for the Scout troop. I also need to start planning a meal for an upcoming Court of Honor.

Well, I have to be at work shortly. Hope tonight is better than last night, which was not a joyous night with cranky customers and coworkers.

Need a New Outlook

2009-03-03T14:25:00.002-06:00

Thanks all for the kick in the pants that I need that I need to think positive and change my outlook on this and everything. Hey, I will not lie I am a notorious pessimist, have been since my childhood and it is a hard habit to break.
I need cheerleaders and positive thinking on my own part to get motivated to be healthier. I cannot wait for someone to give me a magic fix, I need to make things happen for myself.
One step ask if there are better medications than the Gabapentin that makes me groggy. Work will be something I need to contend with, but I have invested in better shoes and stretch when I can to help deal with the pain if it gets too bad during a shift. I will not give up.
I know I can do things when I have to, so I need to make this something I HAVE TO DO in my mind, that is the current hurdle. It is no joke to mess around with my health. I want to be around and healthy when my children have children, and I have to face it...that time may not be all that far away. Nick is 16, Zak 15, and Micheyla 12. Time flies by these days and they are not babies anymore.
No more whining, time to start winning the battle of the wills. I need to stop fighting with myself and give myself a chance to move ahead in life.

Today is the start of a new beginning.

Bulging discs, Bone Spurs, and Fused Joints...OH My!

2009-02-24T15:19:00.003-06:00

Well the verdict is in and my back is in pitiful shape. No wonder I have pinched nerves, I have not one issue but three to give me grief. I will be going in for cortisone shots in my spine, which should give me relief, and surgery is not in the picture, but it is something that I am going to have to learn to live with I guess.
Oh and I have to lose weight, which I have had so much luck with in the past...so what do you suggest complete starvation or rabbit food diet for me? I am also going to have to get more exercise in my days and nights. So wish me luck and learning to live an entirely new lifestyle. I know it can be done, but remember I am such a pessimist and have limited self esteem so I could certainly fail at all of this miserably.
Other fronts still working, still Boy Scout mama, need to get better with the homeschooling mom duties though.
Papa Bear is on lay-off this week so we're spring cleaning a little bit before spring actually arrives. Mainly reorganizing now, the scrubbing will come when we can open up the windows...I have been known to overdose on bleach in the past.

American Idol - Wisconsin Shines Proud

2009-02-19T14:08:00.003-06:00

I must admit that after being seriously upset when Jamar Rogers, also from Milwaukee, did not make the final 36, I was ecstatic to know Danny would be on the show to prove WI has talent, and is not just the butt of jokes. He sure rocked the show Tuesday night and I cannot be happier that he is in the top 12. I am also very happy to see that Michael Sarver earned a spot in the top 12 as well. Alexis Grace, to be honest, I could take her or leave her. None of the girls really blew me away with their singing, and I think it is going to be another year where the guys rule the show, but I am willing to be proven wrong. The wild card show is really when people are going to have to bring their A game.
Truth moment here, I would be happy to see Tatiana del Toro, Nathaniel Marshall, and Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle go right now. I admit Tatiana has a voice, she is just annoying. Same with Nick, or is it Norman. Nathaniel I just never felt he had talent, and thus it still depresses me that they sent Jamar packing to keep him.
So, what are your feelings on the first round?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-11T11:11:00.001-06:00

Join in @ Wordless Wednesdays

Picture Courtesy of My Father

To Wit To Woo

2009-02-04T13:33:00.002-06:00

Life is such a roller coaster of emotions at times.
Seems I do nothing in a small way, and I have not one, but two pinched nerves in my back. So on Friday I have a CT scan to see what is causing the pinching. Hopefully there is something that can be done. Alas I also have neuropathy, probably related with the diabetes...guess that I need to just cope with. I just had my 6 month diabetic blood tests and while my A1C went up a little the doctor didn't change my medication.
I've been watching American Idol again, so once we get past Hollywood week, I am sure I will have my weekly reviews for you. Also going to be watching Hell's Kitchen, may have some reviews for that. Anyone else watch Top Chef on Bravo? I love that show.
I am getting back into my reading more, and should be having more reviews on The Library at the End of the Universe, going to aim for at least one a week.
Papa Bear is working hard, but there have been lay-offs at the plant and we can only hope that he is not one that gets laid off. As everywhere a lot of companies are doing major house cleaning and thus there are more unemployed on a daily basis.
Walmart is doing well though and both Nick and I should be in jobs for as long as we want to be. At least Nick can now pay for some of his Scouting expenses. He is planning on going on a canoe trip this summer in addition to regular summer camp. I may even be attending summer camp with the troop this year...that should be an adventure. We did get 5 new Scouts in the troop from Webelo crossovers, which is great. Troop growth is very important as we lose so many when they get into high school. Zak wants to work at one of the summer camps this summer, which would be a perfect job for him. Then when he gets back he will be 16 and he can find a job here at home.
As I end this post I must say that I am ever so happy that I am not the mom on "Malcolm in the Middle" those kids are awful!

Superbowl Sunday Plans?

2009-01-31T19:15:00.002-06:00

So, are you hyped about the big game? Stocked up on alcoholic beverages, chips, and hot wings?
It has been an interesting past few days at work watching what people are buying for the big game's eating frenzies. The amount of money some people spend for a few hours worth of time simply amazes me.
We will be watching the game, even got our 3D glasses for the commercials that are supposed to air during the game. Our feast will build your own sub. Bought some deli sliced meat, cheeses, and buns and will let the kids make their own sub and for a fraction of the price of any sub shop in town too.
I get to start my day working though, so I am sure that I will get to see even more interesting shopping tomorrow as people do their last minute speed shopping.

Now, I am off to enjoy a stir-fry for supper that I whipped up with Zak's help, and relax with Papa Bear, maybe have a glass of wine even.

My pal has a GIVEAWAY

2009-01-30T15:30:00.002-06:00

A dear friend Native American Momma is doing a Valentine's giveaway, stop by to enter.

Miss me Yes? Miss Me No?

2009-01-30T14:42:00.002-06:00

I've been hiding again, and I know that makes me a bad girl...did I ever tell you I secretly wanted to be a bad girl growing up? Just wasn't in my character I guess.
Nothing too dramatic and exciting happening in my life.
I do have a pinched nerve in my back, and will find out more from the neurologist next Tuesday as to what the EMG test results are and where (if anywhere) we go from here. The gabapentin helps some but also does leave me sleepy so I don't know if I want to increase the dose on that or not. Depression seems to be calming down and the anxiety only flares when I think of being the one to take Nick for a driving lesson.
Work is work. You see some mighty strange things as a cashier at Walmart I have to say that, and you develop a huge list of pet peeves when it comes to customers and coworkers. I could whine for hours about them...but why should I bore you so?
A short bit of news, I am closing one of my blogs...The Author's Lounge is closing down at the end of next week, and I will be bringing any of my writing memes and news here to the Cafe. I figured I needed to trim the fat and focus on just the 2 blogs I really started with. I hope my writings won't bore you when I share them.
On the home front, I need to get the homeschooling on track fully again, so I adjusted my work schedule so that I am home all day and only work at night during the week. Going to get these kids of mine back into focus on the big picture of learning. Boys want to advance in rank for Boy Scouts and that is not going to happen if they do not get some badges completed, so we will be getting back into focus on American Government first and mixing in geography too. Good news Nick passed his trip to public school with Driver's Education with an A-, and Zak is scheduled for 4th quarter. Nick has to wait until March to take his "behind the wheel" portion of the class, but he has his learner's permit and can start practicing, did I mention that scares me?
Still in the grips of winter here in WI. Very cold temps the past few weeks and I am getting might fed up with that. Spring can come any time for me now. The landscape is pretty though and I wish I had time to go out and take some pictures, but I am working every weekend and I always seem to have day shifts come the weekends. The view of the high school across the street does get a bit dull for any Wordless Wednesday pictures.
I think I have seriously progressed into full babble mode now so I shall say adieu to you until my next post, may it be soon.

Banging My Head

2009-01-12T15:09:00.002-06:00

Nope not rocking out to music either (though I do hear this annoying buzz from 3 kids MP3 players behind me).
I just am not getting back into the swing of things as fast as I would like, I know, I know...blogging isn't the world's most important thing but it was something I once enjoyed immensely...now I find I can go days without even wanting to sign on to the computer. How flippin' odd is that, I was a certified internet junkie who needed a daily fix.
Anyway, I see the neurologist on Wednesday and hopefully will get some answers for the leg pain and something that works better than the gabapentin that they placed me on, though that has helped me be able to tolerate working without collapsing in agony. I grit my teeth through the pain when it hits at work now. Still have my job, bonus there. Put in a new availability form and they have not yet honored the request, which is a bit of a pain, but hopefully they will by the next schedule.
In the midst of an arctic blast of cold here in the northern parts of WI, so below zero and not friendly to man nor beast outside. Thankfully for now I need not be making any trips to the bus stop this week.

So new things that have been on my mind as of late:
1. Reusable shopping bags - These things are great! I was hesitant to switch but am very glad that I did, now I will not go back to using store bags unless it is for meat products (do not like leaking packages). They also hold a lot of stuff, are sturdy, and I just love them.
2. Where have all the ladies clothes gone? Is it just me or is Walmart not selling ladies sized clothing anymore that isn't uglier than all get out? Miss Micheyla is no longer able to fit in the Juniors sizes, does not need plus size, but we can't find anything that befits a 12 year old girl in the ladies area either. We also can't afford the fancier stores. I actually shopped in the men's department for her and bought her some t-shirts from there for Christmas. Very frustrating.

So, anyone else planning to watch American Idol? Starts tomorrow night, I will be recording it to watch. What can I say I am a reality TV addict when it comes to some shows. I am also watching Superstars of Dance, though I think that is rigged, judging wise. I bet the Irish will win, just thinking that.

Off to do some laundry now, and figure out what in the world we will be having for supper this evening. Playing the what's in the pantry guessing game tonight. Hopefully I will catch you again tomorrow. I will be releasing a new book review on The Library at the End of the Universe tomorrow though so stop in.

New Year, New Foibles

2009-01-07T11:17:00.002-06:00

Happy 2009 to all.
Bet you thought I fell off the face of the planet, trust me I contemplated the idea but Papa Bear wrapped his arms around me tight and refused to allow me to let go and wallow in self imposed woe.
Developed a new health problem, of course. Will know more after I see a neurologist on 1/14, but they say I have peripheral neuropathy in my right leg which hurts like something fierce. I was off work for a few weeks but started back last night, and am back to eight hour shifts tonight. Still not thrilled about working but hey you do what you must to survive.
We got buried in ice a few days ago, thanks to a thaw and rain, so it is a challenge to walk out your door and everywhere is selling out of snowmelt. I can say that winter is already starting to wear a little thin on me, but we still have a few more months of the cold and snow to come here in Wisconsin.
Nikolaus will soon be doing the behind the wheel portion of his driver's education class, where does the time go? Zachary will start his class in the final quarter of school. By the end of summer we should have 2 more drivers in the house.
We had a good holiday. The kids enjoyed all of the gifts that they got and I enjoyed the gifts that I got too. Best gift of all is seeing my children happy. New Year's was a nice night. I did not make any resolutions, I am just hoping that the new year brings new options and more happiness than woe. That requires me being more honest with my doctors and more active. Wish me luck I will need it.
Slowly but surely I hope to get back into the swing of blogging, that means a return to the weekly memes even.
Until then, remember I love you and thanks for being there.