Saturday, January 31, 2009

Green Collar

Ok.  I don't normally post many particulars about my job or about world events.
This whole post stems from an email I got from my brother today (follow the link):

"A green job is just like a regular job only the result of what you are making or doing is good for the environment."
 
Way to be ahead of the curve!  I assume the administration change can only mean good things for your industry as they'll try to roll back Bush's relaxing of environmental codes.  But I guess that could also be annoying as your rules and guidelines change dramatically (again)."


As I was typing up my response, I figured it was worth repeating to the masses.  Sorry you get to read this twice Jon.  (There's more to my email to Jon, but it was family stuff that doesn't need to be put here yet....)

"Well, we both know that "green" has been important to me for quite some time.  Or at least attempting to be.  I've always said since I got this job that as long as there's the EPA then I'll have a job.  That's really a bit of a stretch.  It should be, as long as there's the EPA and people trying to use software, I'll have a job.  Most of the things that were loosened up under Bush, don't really affect me.  The only thing that was really up in the air while he was in office was this whole mercury thing.  We're still not sure exactly what's up with it, but we're game.  (The technology isn't there yet, the rules are hazy and environmentalists are complaining that the rules were enacted under the wrong part of the Clean Air Act.  How stupid is that??)  What would affect us in the future is if/when they start ratcheting down on refineries.
What has affected me was some reporting format changes.  It's almost like the IRS getting rid of the good, old, reliable 10-40 and making everyone, and I mean every person in the country, or at least head of household, get a brand new computer with a specific database system and import their tax information from the last 10 years from the national database and change some of the fields and required data, submit it all electronically through a checking software that's just now being written and has almost as many bugs as things right.  So, yes, that's my pain.  There are about 3,000 power plants and other affected by this.  We have well over 300 of these (and we're the second biggest player).  And just because there's 300 plants we're responsible for helping report, that doesn't mean there are only 300 reports.  Some plants have as many as 10 or 12 units at one site.  So, needless to say, that's why I've been stressed as anything this month.  The official cut-over is for 1st quarter 2009 reporting which is April.  So, I'll be even more cranky then.  The plants have had about 4 years notice on this change and this whole year to switch early if they wanted to and their software vendors were ready.  (We are... or at least as ready as we can be with the EPA making all kinds of last minute changes to what is being checked, how and how tightly the rounding is being applied."

Anyway, I managed to survive yesterday, barely.  The project that I was just going to whip through first thing in the morning in about an hour, took almost 6.  The other project that will take about 8 or more hours, I spent about 2 hours on.  And I spent an hour or so on my training duties.  While fighting off this horrible cough on little sleep.  (Yes, if I'm still feeling like I've been run over by a bus on Monday, I'll call the doctor, I promise.)

So, today I attempted to have a lazy day.  Except that Boo's feeding and nap schedule seemed to go to hell in a hand basket today.  He didn't want to nap, or only napped for a few minutes.  He did enjoy playing for a bit, but most of the time he just wanted held, but that wasn't always right either.  So, it's been a long day.  And to top it off, Gak had a dead day at work until about 2:30 and then everyone and their brother came in and he didn't get home until almost 4.  I wasn't able to get much of a nap even though I lay down for over an hour because our neighbors decided to play their stereo for me.  Ugh.

Anyway, tomorrow is the Super Bowl.  Since the Eagles got beat 2 weeks ago, I really am not sure I care who wins.  I could root for the Cardinals because Abi lives there now and I was a little bit of a fan way back when they were in St. Louis.  I could root for Pittsburgh (maybe) because they are from PA... but all the way on the other side of the state and there's a pretty big rivalry between the two halves of the state.  So, if there's anything going on over at Kat's, we may just go and enjoy the game and the company.  If not, I'll probably stay home and be a lump on the computer or in front of the TV.
Either way... it'll be good.
Well, I'm sure Gak's beginning to gnaw his arm off, I'm not sure what or if he's eaten today.  Off to try and make something half decent.  Look for 8-month dragon pictures in the next few days!  (Eek!  It can't be!)

Peace to all and may your team win and your job be green.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Almost There

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the planet again.  Today is the last day of the reporting month.  I could have easily spent another 4 or 5 hours at work yesterday when I left at 5.  I'm going to try like crazy to actually get out the door on time today.  (I've worked from home the last 2 mornings because of snow and then the truck doors were frozen shut yesterday...)
I'm also ignoring this cough that snuck up on my yesterday with achy shoulders/back and a possible fever last night... I don't have time for this.  Tomorrow, tomorrow I can be miserable... after 3.  Today, I have to work my butt off to get at least these last two projects done which are probably needing a total of another 10 hours.... Although, I thought the one was almost done, but then found out they didn't have the right software patch, even though they said they did.  (That's what I get for not checking....)  Hopefully, they'll just need a quick check of the new files and will be out the door.  The other, well, it looks like it's going to take a good bit more work.  I've got to get data from previous quarters into the checking system (that should have been there in the first place...) and hopefully that'll clear up at least some of the errors.  Others worry me a bit more, and I'm not sure where at all to start.
Ok.  I'm stressing myself out just typing this.  I'm going to shut up now.  I'm off to find some breakfast and get dressed before Boo wakes up.
Oh, speaking of Boo, he seems to have had a language and mobility explosion over the last few days.  He's been babbling for quite a while, but I'm beginning to hear more consonants.  He's also been trying to reach for things, but now will actually lunge for them and end up on his belly, wiggling.  This doesn't seem to surprise him to tears quite so much any more.  He's growing fast!
Well, I'm off!
Peace to all and may your days not be so stressful.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Stray Thoughts and Randomness

How come I come up with the best blog posts in the shower or while pumping or at some other inconvenient time?
And how come I can't remember them later?
I have lots to say from the past few days, but I don't know what it all is or how I want to say it.  There's been a lot bouncing around in my head that I want to get out, but it won't sit still long enough to get there.
I'll give it a shot.  Please forgive me if this is even more random than usual.
Yesterday was Monday.  It feels like Monday was actually a week ago, but no, it was only yesterday.  We're getting to the end of the line for this reporting month and I'm still not sure the light at the end of the tunnel is the end of the tunnel or an oncoming train.  I guess I'll find out Friday.  To say this one has been challenging would be an understatement.  I'm still arguing with a couple of sites and their conversion to the new format and connection issues.  That and next Thursday is that training session in Phoenix that I've got to get JD ready for.  Oh, and there's about 30 other things on my plate, but I really have no idea what they are.  I think there were about 10 phone calls I was supposed to make today that I didn't.  Oh well.  That's life.
Yesterday, I was talking about yesterday.
Gak calls me yesterday around noon.  We got a letter from the Marshes, who were friends with my Gram for many years and lived in the same community in Maryland.  (They used to go to the same church ages and ages ago is how they met.)  Jackie was thanking me for the letter and pictures I'd sent her.  She also sent me a copy of a poem that Gram wrote ages ago and read for a talent show or something they'd had a few years ago and thought Mom and I would enjoy.  She also included a copy of what she wrote for Gram's memorial service.
I didn't know how to respond.  I just stopped for a heartbeat and couldn't say anything.  Gram's been on my mind a lot recently.  I'm not sure why.  Maybe it's because her 86th birthday would be Monday.  Maybe it's because Gak and I were talking about going down to Delaware for a long weekend sometime this summer.  Whatever the reason, she's been on my mind.
It was really nice to get a piece of her writing.  She wrote a lot.  Some of it was funny, some of it serious, some good, some not-so-good.  I think that I get my urge to keep this blog from her.  She always talked about writing a memoir.  She was always encouraging me to keep a journal and write things.
Of course, this reminds me of a really good book I read years ago called These is My Words.  It was a Western and a memoir and a bit of a romance (ick) all rolled into one... or something.  It was very earthy and "real" and written like a journal.
Anyhow, I get side tracked again.  Anyway, Gram's been on my mind a lot and it was great to get some of her writing.  I really need to write Jackie and Dave back and thank them.  They were great friends with my Gram and are wonderful people.

I know I had more to say, but it's almost 8:45 now and I'm getting tired and I know I'm not making much sense.  Like I said, there's a lot bouncing around in my head, but I just can't seem to get it to settle enough to come out in any kind of way that makes sense.
I'm off to go get a glass of milk and go to bed.  Maybe I'll sleep tonight.
Peace to all and may your thoughts actually settle long enough to be thought.

P.S. I did update the Flickr... go... look...

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Visiting Family

This has been a busy weekend.  It all started on Saturday morning when Gak calls me from work.  "Guess who just called me?"
"I don't know..."
His mom had just called him to let him know that his uncle Raymond was about 100 miles or so away for the weekend.  You see, Raymond drives truck and he was stuck in Carlisle waiting for a load that wasn't ready yet.  He'd dropped his load in Redding Friday and was sent to Carlisle to pick up the next one, only it wasn't ready.  This means he was stuck there for the weekend.
Well, after a few brief phone calls, we manage to set it up that we'd head out there today and meet him for lunch.
Of course, this means that Saturday we ended up doing everything we were going to do today.  This included a trip up to BJ's to get diapers and other "needed" things.  Actually, I only picked up a few things that we don't normally buy, but it was all things that we will actually eat.
We had picked up a new car seat for Boo last weekend.  He's almost too big for the carrier seat, so we decided we should just get a new one.  It's a fairly nice one, except I'm not sure if we're going to keep it or not.  We'll give it a few more days.  I think Boo's big issue with it is that he's not used to it as opposed to his carrier.  My big issue is the chest clip can be very difficult to undo.  This isn't a problem if he's being calm and happy boy, but when he's being cranky because he wants out NOW, it's problematic.  I think I spent about 3 minutes arguing with it last night.  Oh well.  Like I said, we'll give it a few more days to see if I can deal with the clip or if we need to look for a different one.
So, back to meeting up with Raymond.  We left here at about 9:30 or so.  After stopping for gas before heading out, we end up in Carlisle by about noon.  (Yes, I went to the wrong truck stop first, but Gak didn't tell me, or I didn't remember, which one.)
Anyhow, we talked for a few minutes and then all piled into the Durrango to grab some lunch.  We ended up going to a Red Robin I'd seen a sign for a couple of miles back up 81.  Raymond had never been to one.  He enjoyed it and understands why we decided to go there.  He was also nice enough to pay for lunch.  (THANK YOU!!)  Boo took a little bit of time to warm up to him, but I think part of it was his general confusion with the new seat and the fact that he was hungry.
After Boo got fed, he was a much happier baby.  He was very good and actually let us all eat our lunches before deciding he'd been in the highchair too long.  That's one downside of not having the carrier, he's got to sit in the highchair.
Anyhow, we had a wonderful visit and he promises to call us the next time he gets stuck out this way for any time.  Even if we only have time to have dinner together, that would be great.  You make time for family, especially family who lives several states away.
Boo did very well on the ride home for the most part.  We stopped at Cabella's on the way home, as Mom had given Gak a gift card for there for Christmas.  We ended up getting him a pair of pants (that needs hemming) and a new shirt.  I ended up getting a new lightweight jacket that was on sale for $14, and Boo a monster fleece hat that was on clearance for $7.  (It was way too cute to pass up.)  Unfortunately, I couldn't find a pair of jeans for myself, but that's OK.  (I really could use another pair...)  The one pair I tried on had the classic problem of "it has stretch, we can cut it a size smaller!".  Uh... no, no you can't.  I can't begin to describe how embarrassing they were....
Anyhow, I've actually got to go to work tomorrow (boo-hiss).  Gramma Sue will be up, and that'll be nice.  So, I guess I should call it a night and get some sleep.
Peace to all and may you have good family reunions whenever and wherever you can.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Long Week

It's been one of those weeks.  One where you think it'll never end.
Even though it was a short one and I had off on Monday.
We're winding down in reporting month and I don't feel like I've gotten ahead any.  I've got reports that need finishing, more work orders than any one person knows what to do with and a big training session to coordinate in Phoenix at the beginning of the month.
Oh, and I'll probably have to cancel the sessions we're holding that week in my office because I have one person signed up.  And that's with marketing.
That's just the work end of things.  Although, I must admit, my boss has almost spoiled me.  Since we only have one vehicle and it's been so bitter cold or icy several days the last few weeks, he's let me work from home in the morning and come in when I drop Boo and Gak off ad daycare and work.
Can I tell you how much I'm enjoying that?  Even though I spend all morning (usually) being way more productive at home than at the office and not playing with Boo.  I can enjoy listening to the boys play.  I can take a few minute break around 9 and get his breakfast ready.  I can get some random hugs and talk to both my guys if I want.  It's been wonderful, I just have to try hard not to abuse the privilege he's let me take and only use it when the weather really does warrant it.  I'll miss that excuse come spring.  (Although, I've been toying with the idea of getting him to let me make it official one or two days a week, like Tuesday and Thursday...)
Other than that, we haven't been doing a whole lot around here.  I have spent a bit of time flittering around in EQII.  On that front, good news from my perspective.  Gak has decided to come back to EQII instead of Warhammer.  Mostly because everyone he was playing with has left.  I guess he just hasn't made any other friends on there that he didn't already know.  He still enjoys the game and it's well done, but since I have no real interest in playing there and the others have left, he's put it on hold.  He probably will go back at some point when he gets bored with EQII again.  That's fine, I have no issues with that.  I've always said he can play what he wants.

Boo is doing well.  He's eating up a storm and growing like a weed.  Just like he's supposed to.  He's really enjoying his time playing on the floor, or in the playpen, with or without others, at daycare.  I do worry he's not getting enough milk though.  He's really decreased the amount he drinks in a day.  I still nurse him first thing in the morning and right before bed.  Instead of four 4 oz. bottles a day, he may get a total of 3.  Of course, 4 to 6 oz or so is used to mix up his cereal.  Like I said, he's growing well and is as long and lean as ever.  There really isn't much baby fat on this boy.  So, at least I know I'm not over feeding him.  We shall see.  The last two afternoons at daycare he hasn't taken his 4:30 bottle at all.  Therefore, even though I wouldn't always be giving him cereal at dinner, I mix some up with about half that bottle and then he gets a bit more with his bedtime nurse.  (Although, I'm sure that's mostly just comfort nursing at this point...)

I do have things to say about the inauguration, but they just don't seem to fit in this post.  I was able to watch most of it from home, as I worked from home that morning.  (Actually, that was one of my few non-productive mornings at home...)  I was impressed.  I was impressed by the number of people, the speakers the speeches and the ceremony.  As always, it was amazing to watch the peaceful transfer of power we take for granted every four (or 8) years that so many people literally would and do die to have in their own countries.  I think we're off to a good start but everyone of us has a long, hard road ahead to get back out of this mess.  Some of it's been a long time coming, some of it has been mistakes made in more recent history.  A good part of it has been laziness on all of our parts.  Hey, I admit, if I don't have to do it, why should I?

I'm just rambling now and not even attempting to connect my thoughts.  I'm off to shower so I can get to work and get this week done.  I'll try and be more interesting next week.  There are new pictures up at any rate, and more on the camera too.
Peace to all and may your thoughts be coherent and there be a bit of hope in your life.

Monday, January 19, 2009

The Eve of History

I admit, I haven't felt like writing much over the last few days.
Of course, part of it could have something to do with the minor food poisoning I delt with Friday night into Saturday.  (I figure it had to be that as Gak felt ill at almost exactly the same time with almost the same symptoms and I was all but fine by Saturday evening.)
Saturday, despite the ickies, was a good day.  We had Alana's 4th birthday party at the bowling alley and Kat had Barb do a Tastefully Simple party later that evening.  Yummy, even if I wasn't feeling too hot.
Yesterday was a low key day.  The most exciting thing was the fact that I went to the grocery store.
Today, I have off, thanks to Martin Luther King day.  It's a good thing I did.  I don't think Mom would have wanted to drive up here today.  We weren't supposed to get snow, but we are.
Anyhow, before I have to go get Boo, who's singing to himself in his crib, I should get to the meat of this post.
Is it just me, or does tomorrow seem almost sureal?  We're always talking about "making history" or "groundbreaking events" or the like.  Well, tomorrow really is.  I must admit, I'm actually pretty excited about this.  And I'm not just saying this because I'm not a big fan of the guy leaving office.  This is an impressive event no matter what your stance is.  It's just amazing that power can be handed over so seamlessly.
I'm really excited about his address.  I can't wait to hear what Obama says.  I say a replay of an event that was held at the Lincoln Memorial the other day.  It was very refreshing to hear a politician say that we've got our work cut out for us, it won't be easy and we probably won't get it right on the first try.  Wow.  Impressive.
Well, Boo is sounding less than happy about singing to himself and would probably like some company.  No time for spell check.
Peace to all and may history be exciting.
Peace to all and may 

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Update

First off, I think Boo's appointment was the easiest part of the morning.
I forgot, it wasn't an actual checkup, but 2 shots.  I forget the one, but the other was the second half of his flu shot.  Yes, at this age they get two flu shots a month apart.  So, no, I don't know exactly how big my boy is now, except that he's probably around 28" and over 18 lb.  (I haven't stripped him down and put him on the scale at Gak's work... I'm not sure how Mike would like that... or Boo for that matter, the scale is metal and cold!)  He doesn't have another appointment until his 9-month (*gasp!*) appointment March 2nd.
Anyhow, it turns out that Boo's pediatrician was never listed as his primary care provider.  The doctor's office let me call and try and figure this out, but after going through the voice system, I got to "I can't help you *click*".  Great.  Anyhow, about 4 or 5 phone calls later and one failed attempt at doing it online (technical error, please call 800-xxx-yyyy, which was tech support, not account support...) I finally was able to add his provider and should actually see a card for him in the mail in the next few weeks.
Then I had to swing by the bank and deposit a check and some cash.  That went well, once I remembered to stop.
Then I had to stop by CVS and pick up my prescription.  Mind you, I'm not going to go into the whole battle about the new plan and cards that I went through yesterday.  Suffice to say, it took me forever to actually get my prescription and I think they over charged me to boot.  And I'm not even sure how much this silly thing will help me anyhow.  (Oh, and it will now be at least $90 every 3 months to refil my prescriptions.  Our cost wasn't supposed to go up, or at least that's what was implied, but that's at least $20 more than before...)
Stopping to pick up lunch was a bit of a fiasco, but not too bad.
Of course, I get in here to a "find B.E. about XYZ as soon as you can."  This has to do with a new site and a clueless person I've been trying to work with the last few days and all kinds of errors she's getting on her reports.  It looks like she was a bull in a china shop and tore out all kinds of things that shouldn't have been touched.  So, it's a mess.
I know this is petty, but I'm also kinda cranky at Gak.  For the 3rd day in a row he's forgotten to take the New Year's letters with him to work to mail.  I was hoping they'd have been in peoples' hands by today.  I mean, it's the 15th already!  Yes, it's something small.  And yes, he takes care of other things quite well.  I just wish that if he didn't want to take them in, he'd just tell me.  Unfortunately, he'll probably read this before I get a chance to tell him that face to face.  It sucks but some days it seems I'm better at hurting people than loving people.  I'm trying not to be self-centered about this, but it's hard.  I just want to do something, for once, that was on time and looks good and doesn't look like it was thrown together at the last minute (which it probably was...).  Why can't I ever do anything nice?
Anyhow, I'm just whining now, and that drives me insane to begin with.  Therefore, it is time for me to stop and wrap this up before I make anyone else mad at me or hurt anyone else's feelings.   (Somehow I think saying "thank you" for this morning to Gak won't fix this one...)

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Aaargh!

Can I tell you how not happy I am with work these days?  It truly does seem like I'm being set up to fail.  I can't keep everyone even slightly happy and wow a few people.  I spent all day yesterday chasing my tail trying to make calls to people who may or may not be attending this conference because our business admin "couldn't" and also, some of these people I have worked with for so long, I thought it might go over better if I called.  Then I realize I've got 1 report in the new format that has hourly issues I've got to investigate, 2 reports in the new format that aren't working right and had to be sent up to software and 2 reports that haven't been even started because I can't get a hold of anyone who speaks English well enough to plug a stupid modem in or reboot a computer.
Oh, and they're all due on the 15th.
And Boo has his doctor's appointment the morning of the 15th.
And I have to call either my insurance company or his doctor to see why we got a $100+ bill the other day.
And I've got to totally revamp a training session that will be done in March, finish getting information together for this conference in February, including a bleeding agenda in the first place and not to mention all the slides.
Oh, and did I mention the 25-30 other work orders sitting in my bin, getting no love because I've been chasing my tail on training?  And answering stupid questions from people who have been doing this job for over 3 years?
Yeah, it was one of those Mondays.  It was so frustrating and overwhelming that it was hard to keep going at any of it, let alone be productive.  It was so tempting to just shut down and make it all go away for a while.  Only the realization that it won't go away and will only get worse kept me working at untangling any of the knots.
Of course, Boo had a very good day with GrammaSue.  We also had a good evening together.  Boo crashed really early again though.  I'm pretty sure he's going through a major growth spurt.  I'm sure we'll find out on Thursday.  I know he's around 18 lb, or maybe a little more now.  GrammaSue also says she thinks he suddenly got a lot taller.  He may have.  I noticed the other night that I might have to raise his bouncer again already.  He's not quite flat-footing it, but very close.
Well, I just wanted to whine a minute before heading off to the shower this morning.  I truly hope today will be more productive.  (Of course, half my problem is being torn between the guilt of not taking the laptop home to get some PowerPoint work done after Boo goes to bed and the guilt of even thinking of taking away time from my boys by working at home... Why are we so good at guilt?)
And no, no new pictures, they're still on the camera.  I had other chores to get done last night...
Here's hoping today goes more smoothly.
Peace to all and may you not feel like being in a no-win situation.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Crankies

Where did the week go?  I have no idea really.  It was a lot of the same as the beginning part of the week.
I did get a chance to play EQII a bit more this week.  I even got to spend some time questing on Thursday evening with my friends.  Of course, Charitee asked me how Boo has been sleeping, so of course I tell her great.  Well, that night he woke about 4 times between midnight and 2am.  Can we say ugh?  And how about sleep deprived Momma?  I have no idea what kept waking him up.  I don't see or feel teeth, but that doesn't mean a thing.  He doesn't appear to be sick or have an ear ache or anything else.  It could have been bad dreams.  Who knows?  Anyhow, I finally resorted to a dose of Tylenol and a midnight snack.  I have no idea which one or if it was the combination that worked.  
Friday he was a clingy boy all morning until he fell asleep again at 10.  Gak actually had to wake him to take him to day care!  He crashed very early Friday evening and slept through.  Yesterday was hit or miss, with one melt down in the middle of the day.  He did nap a good bit more than usual.  Of course, he also decided to wake up screaming at midnight again.  This time I wasn't playing any games.  Yes, I went for the Tylenol right away.  No, it's not what I would have done for myself, but I can actually tell people why I woke up screaming.  And no, I can't quite tell the "I'm in pain!" scream from the "I had a bad dream/I'm scared" panicked screech.  Especially at midnight when woken from a dead sleep.
Today wasn't such a good day.  He was very cranky and had a tendency to melt down at the slightest thing.  This included when I took an envelope away because it still had a bill inside.  (I made the mistake of leaving it within grabbing distance of his Bumbo at the kitchen table.)  Other times, he was perfectly happy to sit on the floor and play or bounce in the bouncer.  He crashed again early.  Here's hoping he stays down.  He did wake up once when I went to look in on him and snag something from my room.
Most days Boo is such a mellow little guy.  He's so happy to just sit on the floor and play, or play in the bouncer.  He's enjoying his toys so much these days.  Of course, he mostly enjoys dumping them on the floor, banging them together or on anything he can and most especially eating them.  But that's what he's supposed to be doing.  Building the leaning tower of Pizza will come later... after he's mastered knocking down Momma or Daddy's towers.  Can I tell you how much I love his laughs and giggles?  Especially when we're playing together.  Those giggles make everything else I have to deal with at work and elsewhere so worth it.
Anyhow, I'm tired and rambling.  Just though I'd better let you know that no, I didn't fall off the face of the planet.  We may be beginning the teething journey, but I've thought that a handful of times and always been proven wrong.  I won't claim it is teeth until I can actually see them poking through.  Until then, it's a possibility, but not the cause of the crankies.
I'm off to bed.
Yes, I do have some pictures from this week.  Yes, they're still on the camera.  Sorry.
Peace to all and may you not have the crankies.

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Ugh

Ugh is the word of the week so far.  Monday, well, that was a Monday.  Work went about as well as can be expected for a reporting month.  Yesterday went reasonably well too.  Our service meeting went a little long, but wasn't too bogged down.
Today, the weather was ugh, work was ugh and dinner was ugh as well.  Since it rained/iced last night, I ended up working from home this morning and driving Boo and Gak to daycare and work at noon.  I'd told my boss that was my plan if it was bad this morning and he was fine with that.  The roads weren't bad, but the sidewalks were, so there was no way I was going to make my boys walk in that mess!
Work was ugh for many reasons.  The first was the fact that I've spent about 12 hours of the last 3 workd days getting a site ready for reporting in the new format this month.  It's hard not to go cross-eyed doing that.  You've got to fix the errors in two different places and hope that you did it right so that when you run the report again, no new errors show up.  So, yes, that was an ugh.  The other ugh was spending the entire afternoon trying like crazy to get somewhere with this training session and conference that's the first week in February.  No, I'm not going, although I'm sure it would be nice if I could.  I'd actually like to go, since it's in Phoenix and that might mean I'd get a chance to see Abi again!  But, no, someone else will be doing the training and I've been working with him on getting that together.  I was then politely told that "reports are secondary for you, training is primary" again by the business leader.  I know they are.  But, in all honesty, at this stage of the game I'm enjoying them more.  I really am a bit burned out and turned off with the whole training thing.  Actually, I think it's more that I'm feeling overwhelmed and in some ways under supported by the people who are supposed to be helping me.  I mean, I've got the backing of the business manager to do what needs doing, but the people who are supposed to be helping me, or who aren't supposed to be giving me as many service requests as I've got, aren't.  They're fighting this tooth and nail.  It really makes me just want to walk away some days.  So, yes, this afternoon was an ugh.
Dinner being an ugh, well, it wasn't all my fault.  I guess it was partially my fault, but not much.  You see, I'd bought this thing from Perdue,  it's a two part thing that's got frozen chicken nuggets you bake and a sauce you toss them with.  Well, I'd had one before and it wasn't too bad.  Well, this one was an "Asian" one.  So, I figured we'd have the chicken and I'd make some rice.  Well, I had plenty of brown rice, but it takes at least 45 minutes to cook and I just didn't want to wait for it.  I had about a half cup of regular white rice.  I figured I'd microwave it.  Mind you, I'd done a full cup in the microwave before, just like the directions said and it worked just fine.  Well, tonight it didn't.  I had rubber in the bottom of the dish.  Oops.  And then came the chicken.  Or should I say the salt.  All I could taste was salt.  So, yes, dinner was ugh too.  I didn't eat all of my serving.  I would go have a peanut butter sandwich, but we ate the last of the bread last night for dinner and I didn't stop and get more today.  We're out of big person cereal (unless I want oatmeal, which I really don't like....).  We're out of just about anything.  Wait, I just re-remembered that we still have some gram crackers.  Those are yummy with PB.  I think I'll go have some of those and some milk.
Even though it's my bed time.
Ugh.
See what I mean....
Well, I'm off to have a little snack and hit the sack.
Peace to all and may your days not be ugh.

Monday, January 05, 2009

Confusing

The last day has had a couple of odd realizations.  And I don't think they're connected really, other than the fact that I made them and all within about 24 hours.  I'm now not even sure which one happened first, so the order will be by random number generator (i.e. however my brain spits the words out through my fingers...).

Realization A:  I have no idea how my parents slept when I was little.  Or even when I was not so little and would come down with one of those horrible hacking, wheezing nasty coughs that made me afraid to go to sleep.  (Honestly, there were a couple of colds I remember having where I couldn't breathe much at all and was afraid to go to sleep because I might not wake up and drown in my own goo... not a pleasant thought at all...)
I came to this realization last night while listening to Boo hack and cough and sputter off and on throughout the night.  I kept fighting between getting up and checking on him after every bad cough and trying to get back to sleep because "he's fine...."  This, of course, is coming from the girl who's parents knew exactly when she woke up because there would be a bout of loud, hacking, barking coughing followed by a loud, obnoxious nose blowing.  How mom managed not to run to my bedside every time I coughed funny in my sleep, I'll never know.  Or maybe I'll figure it out in a few years time when this whole being a momma thing isn't quite so new.  (Boo is sleeping much more quietly so far this evening.  We'll see what 2am brings though...)

Realization B: I do have the energy to continue to play EQII and my friends there actually do miss me.  This really came in two phases.  The first was yesterday noon-time when Gak had logged in using my account to see if anyone we knew was around to say hi.  (He let his account go dormant back when Warhammer came out...)  Well, our three closest friends were indeed on.  I got to catch up with them for a few and realized how much I really did miss playing around in that world and talking to these people.  I most especially miss talking with Syn.  He may be a dirty old man at times, but he's harmless and very nice and a good friend.  I miss Charitee and Chris as well, but differently.  
The realization that I will actually continue to play came tonight.  Boo went to bed, or at least wanted to lay in his dark room in his crib, fairly early.  This means I was able to keep my promise to myself to log back in today or tomorrow.  Sure enough, Syn was on.  Actually, he was the only one of my friends who was on.  I took out my little level 46 monk and he brought out his 47 fury, and we kicked minotaur butt for a while.  It was good.  It was nice to just hang out.  I needed it.
I'd been avoiding logging in for a couple of months now.  It seemed like a chore.  I think that's because I just don't want to face Despair with Addey.  I really don't have anything for her to do by herself.  I don't really know anyone in that guild any more.  Syn doesn't usually play his "big kids" much these days, so she doesn't have anyone to hang out with.  That and I was sure that no one would really want to talk to me, that they'd all moved on.  Well, that's not true.  Syn, Charitee and Chris all miss having me around.  I think I'm going to make it a point to be around more.  Probably not every night.  Maybe only 2 or 3 a week, but still... a couple of hours a week hanging out with people will do me a world of good.  My world had shrunk to work, boy, sleep repeat.  As much as I love my boy and as much as I need sleep and have to go to work, I need to be social a bit too.

Anyhow, I think I've rambled on a bit on that for now.  I'm getting tired (it's now past my bed time) and should really be asleep now.  Oh, the picture at the top of the post is from last night.  Boo was having a good, calm, time in his bath and I just couldn't help but get some pictures.  (For more, check out the Flickr as always!)

Peace to all and may your brain not confuse you too much.

Sunday, January 04, 2009

Low Key New Year

I wish I had all kinds of interesting things to report as having happened this year so far.
Well, it's been blessedly boring almost.  Gak worked on Friday, I had off.  Yesterday we went down to the mall to return a couple of shirts and use a gift card to Outback Steakhouse.  Mmmm.... Steak....  Of course, this was the one time we went out that Boo wasn't happy to sit and play while we ate.  And no, we didn't go too late (4pm) and yes, I did feed him while waiting for our food.  It was just a bit of a cranky afternoon.
Today we're going over to Kat's again.  This time we're remembering Dino Puppy.  I'm not sure what will happen if we ever loose that guy.  Of course, I remember a certain Grover that my brother drug around forever.  I don't know what ever happened to him.  I do know that at one point when we were little I decided that Grover should go in the tub with my brother.... Hey, Grover went everywhere and he was just sitting there on the counter.... (I may have been 4 or 5 at the oldest.)
Sorry Jon, I wasn't planning on sharing embarrassing family stories.
It's quiet in the house at the moment.  Both of the boys are asleep.  I haven't been sleeping well the last few nights, but I think it's because I actually have a cold.  Either that or I'm stuffy and drippy for no reason.  (I feel fine, my sinuses are just blocked to no end...)  I think Boo may have a bit of the sniffles as well.  He's been sneezing a good bit the last day or two and a good bit snottier than usual.  Joy.
Well, I think I'm going to wrap this up.
Oh, before I forget... Boo actually "stood" the other day.  Gak had put him into his crib so he could do something.  I should say, Gak stood Boo in his crib and Boo grabbed onto the railing.  He "stood" there for a good couple of minutes.  Yes, I have pictures, but they're on the camera still.  He didn't pull himself up.  Heck, he still hasn't pulled himself to a sitting position or expressed much interest in actually figuring out how to crawl.  He just wants to go.  The boy just confuses me.  He'll do something one or two times and then never again.  Silly boy.
Well, I'm off.
Peace to you all and may your days be good.

Thursday, January 01, 2009

Happy New Year!

Well, we've survived another year.  And it's been a good one.  There were so many exciting things that happened this year.  The election that seemed like it would never end, finally did, and with an historic vote at that.  The Summer Olympics were held in Beijing without much of an obvious hitch (although, we'll never know the whole truth...).  The economy did all kinds of crazy and bad things.  (Hey, I said exciting, I didn't mean they were all good!)
But, the most exciting part of the year was the arrival of Boo.  Since June our lives have been turned upside down, inside out and spun all about.  And, while I can't say I've loved every single moment of it, it's been a wonderful ride and I'm so glad we're on it.
So, yes, despite the economy being in the toilet and money issues keeping me awake in the small hours of the night, 2008 was a very, very good year.
I am so thankful for all the good.  I'm thankful that I still have a job, even if leaving my boy every morning still hurts.  I'm thankful for my wonderful husband Gak, who's an even better than the excellent Daddy I knew he was going to be.  I'm thankful for all my friends and family who have been here for us through it all, and who I hope I've been there for as well.  There was so much good this year, so unlike 2007.  I really don't want to repeat that year any time soon.....
Last night was a nice, low-key night.  The three of us went over to Kat's house after dinner.  Scott was there as well.  Zoe was celebrating with her daddy.  Kat got Zoe (and the whole family really...) a Wii for Christmas.  Scott got Zoe (himself) Guitar Hero World Tour.  We fiddled around with that for a while and then decided to give it up and see what was on TV.  We ended up watching several episodes of "True Blood" on HBO.  We almost didn't because, well, the scene we tuned in on was very, ummm how to put this, disturbing?  But, once past that scene it turned out to be quite interesting.  It's about some Southern Vampires and community.  There were several moments where Gak and I were laughing very hard because the people reminded us so much of people from his home town in OK.  Kat and Scott didn't believe us, but that's OK.
We did manage to tune into the ball dropping.  I honestly wasn't planning on staying over there until midnight.  I thought we'd go home around 10 or 11.  But, watching TV sucked us in and it was nice to just relax on the couch with friends.  Boo fell asleep around 8:30 and slept until we were ready to leave on Grammy's bed.  Of course, this meant Grammy couldn't go to bed when she got home, but she was content to watch TV with us for a while.
So, even though it was weird not having Michelle with us, it was a good evening.
Today, we celebrated the new year by taking 7-month-old pictures of Boo with his dragon.  The cutest of the batch is at the top of the post.  Isn't he getting so big??  I can't believe how big he is.  I can't believe it's been 7 months already.  I think I love him more with every heart beat, if that's possible.
We also ran a couple of errands and then swung by Kat's again.  I'd left my glasses over there last night.  (I wasn't sure if I'd worn them over there, so I didn't bother to look for them before we left.)  We ended up staying all afternoon and having dinner there.  Boo wasn't too keen on taking a nap because we didn't have Dino Puppy with us, but once I gave him one of Zoe's kitties who was a similar size, he was OK.  He had a very good day, and Zoe even played nicely with him on the floor for a little while.  And as always, he brought big smiles to Aunt Kat's face.  (She's needed that lately, she's got some medical issues she's been dealing with since Thanksgiving... everything is OK for now, but there have been lots of tests and waiting on answers and new medications and the like, so it's been a little stressful.)
So, 2008 was a good year and so far 2009 has started out on a good note.  I'm really looking forward to seeing all the exciting things that will happen this year.
Peace to all and may your year be filled with good health, good friends and good times.