New Year's Eve 2013

Hey, guys!  I just read that "tousled, imperfect" wavy hair is in. 

*Giggle*

I am so stylish and irresistible.  I love the part where they said it was the "new" look.  And, silly me, I've had it my whole life and never known that it was stylish OR new.  It's quite the best joke I've heard all day.

All the sumptuous decadence of holiday-ness is worrying.  I haven't had much in the way of exercise, and now there is no taiko again tonight, due to a performance that I am not involved in.  I am hoping that I can do some walking, etc. when the kids are in school and before I am back at work.

Sadly, this is the same time that I have allotted to pounding the hard pavement in search of a new and different and better job. 

I admit it.  I am the worst resume writer in the universe.  I have finally decided that what I probably need is a service.  Somewhere out there is someone who doesn't feel deep, burning, agonizing shame when saying that I am basically alright, and worth hiring.

The new year approacheth.  I haven't given much thought to resolutions.  I don't typically make them, at least not in earnest.  I have been accused in the past of giving up things like illegal drugs and extramarital affairs.  However, I will try not to be sulky or resentful and concentrate on this year's goals:

Okay, so they are the same ones.  Get a new job so I can afford a new house.  Escape the sub-par school district and try for a new start in a better one.  (SO nervous about that.)  There is lots of detail work that goes along with these lofty expectations, but you get the idea.

Abbie's birthday party is this Saturday.  We are going to a pizza parlor, and she has asked me to make her a Nutella gooey butter cake.  Should be great!

Also looking forward to the Celebrate The World in Maryland Heights at the end of February, and the dog show in Columbia, MO on March 8-9.  Already lots of fun planned for 2014.

We had planned to be with friends tonight, but unless I am mistaken that has changed to just our family, and some board games....and then it will be 2014.  I like the number 4.  It's my favorite.  My hopes are high.  Nervous, but hopeful.

Did I mention that my hair is new and stylish?

Not SICK! Gold Star?

Happy Boxing Day!

I love being healthy at Christmas!  It's the best!

I am not at taiko tonight, as it is a performance practice for a show that I shall not be in AND Andrew is out of town.  (For the uninitiated, that means there will very likely be no drills, etc.)  After all the over-eating I have been doing, this is rather disturbing.  I shall push heavily (Oink!) for taiko-robics on Sunday.

Yes, the festivities have been delicious!  I made punch with rainbow sherbet, sprite and pineapple juice.  Yum.  Yum, yum, yum.  And my favorite brisket.  And the kids picked a new carrot recipe and we had snow peas with butter and garlic.  And breads and snacks and pistachios and chocolate covered cherries....and muddy buddies. 

What?  I like muddy buddies.

Josh loves the laser chess game I bought him.  Yay!  He got me a bento box.  So excited.  Here.  Look at this:

http://www.annathered.com/2008/11/25/bento8-ohmu/

http://www.teen.com/2012/08/31/im-bored/bento-boxes-cartoon-movie-characters/

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002TZ04GO/ref=asc_df_B002TZ04GO2901065?tag=thefind0048493-20&creative=395261&creativeASIN=B002TZ04GO&linkCode=asn

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FO0OHAK/ref=asc_df_B00FO0OHAK2901065?tag=thefind0052768-20&creative=395261&creativeASIN=B00FO0OHAK&linkCode=asn

"We're on a bridge, Charlie!!"

 

So, finding recipes and such is going to be fun.  He also gave me two books, but a lot of the ingredients are things I can't get at our store.  Boo.

 

We took down the tree today, and what a relief!  We can walk in the living room again.  And did I tell you that we finished painting the kitchen?  We pretty much rock.  With luck, this house will be very seriously for sale in just over a week.  Wanna buy it?

 

I applied for that job.  Just so you know.

 

Brother, Josh and I have great and exciting plans to go and see the second Hobbit movie this Saturday.  So excited.

 

Did you have a nice Christmas?  We sure did.  Being un-sick makes all the difference.  This is the first Christmas in 13 years that I haven't been ill, if my count is correct.  And I love it.  I shall make it a new tradition.

 

Hugs to you all!







Night Before The Night Before

Brother arrived in safety, but not on the day we were expecting him.  He left a while ago to have dinner with friends in Columbia. 

For Christmas, I would like a winning lottery ticket.  Then, we could buy a new house and I could get a fancy back porch with a fancy grill for Josh.  And citing that, we would cook all our bacon outside.  Forever.  My inspiration?  Cleaning bacon grease coated dust off of the tops of the kitchen cabinets in preparation for painting.  Seriously - Ick.

We did get lots of painting done, and only have the hard wall left.  That would be the one with the stove and the refrigerator on it.

Watched Dr. Who with Brother last night, and after the kids were in bed, we watched Pulp Fiction with the trivia subtitles on.  Love that.  I don't like the commentary dubbed over.  Just give me the subtitled version and we are good.

Just paid lots of bills.  I'm actually supposed to be writing a cover letter for yet another job application right now.  I decided to procrastinate a little.

Well, my extra, super long healthy stretch is about to come to an end, I think.  This morning I ate after Abbie, just as we were all noticing that she was starting to sound congested.  Boo.  I have a headache already.  Maybe I can hold it off until after Christmas.  What do you think?

Tomorrow we go to Josh's mom's house.  That will be something.  On the way home, the kids are buying each other's presents.  We put it off a little this year, didn't we?  It's just that we've been booked.

Kids' make-up recital went well.  So did the chicken I made for dinner when Brother arrived.  Life is good, even if nothing is going according to schedule.

Wishing you health, happiness and safe roads!

Pa Rum Pum Pum Pummmm!

BAH HUMBUG party over.  Christmas may continue now.  ^_^

Both of Grant and Abbie's musical performances on Saturday were cancelled due to weather, but my parents stopped by on the way from getting their car (the one that died on the trip) from the Subaru service department and we had a mini-recital for them.  They were all dressed up and everything.

After my parents left, the kids went out and made snow aliens in the yard.  (Too much Dr. Who?)  I love my family.

Trying to decide what to cook while my brother is in town.  He arrives late Saturday. Pretty sure we will have him Sunday and Monday.  No idea about Tuesday.  I have left the decorations off of my tree, and intend to force him, kicking and screaming, to help decorate.  I think I will make my meat loaf at one point, and plan to have my favorite brisket on Christmas Day.  There will be cookies, most likely.  But that still leaves me with a lot of blank meals.

Got my hair cut today.  Don't you hate it when you tell the stylist before she begins what you don't want, and then can see her doing it?  It's really too late to say something after it is done.  What do you do?  I always just go with it, because there is no point in fussing at her.  It will only make her upset, and prone to accident.  And it's not like she's going to remember for next time, if she can't remember the 5 minutes since I asked for it not to be done.  So, my cut is not what I wanted, but I will just work with it.

I think I might be done with Christmas shopping. 

Taiko tonight.  Looking forward to a little drumming!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ_MGWio-vc

A Few Things, Before I Get On With My Day

1.  We are packing up the house to move.  We must do this packing in order to sell the house, and must sell the house in order to get a new place.  Therefore, I am packing, but have no new place.  The feeling of homelessness in my own home is much worse than I had expected, and probably the house will sell just as I am beginning to feel comfortable in it again.  Not to mention the fact that there is lots of pressure to get done fast.  I have to pack, and fast!

2.  I am trying to get a new job, while working on Saturdays.  These two things are not helping each other in the least.  I have not had time to do much applying lately, but I understand that I need to get back into it, or no work will be found.  Because of the alleged future move, more pressure than usual is associated with this job change.

3.  Children.  They need a better school, and they need me to be better, too.  No pressure.

4.  Christmas.  I thought because I work on Saturday, I would be excused from the party that always turns me into Ebeneezer Scrooge.  It's the one where they tell you to bring food and presents and money.  So unChristmaslike.  This year, I was told to bring White Elephant gifts for all members of the family, plus game money, plus...they even told me WHAT to cook.  But I work on Saturday, so that won't really affect me.  Oh.  Whoops.  It's on a Sunday this year.  A Sunday that I already RSPVed to another party, but Josh is making me cancel.  So, I definitely am in the wrong frame of mind for this party.  I'm angry at it already. 

Next year is the year, Friends.  I WILL have Christmas on my own terms.  And that works out well for you guys, because my terms include inviting guests without asking for a damned thing.  What do I want to see?  YOU.  I will do the rest.

Today, I need to buy Josh's Christmas presents and pay bills.  And do more packing, of course.

This week I have two pot lucks, and I work a half day Saturday so I can see the kids' first ever music performance on their instruments.  The school music program is the same morning, but I will have to miss it.  Then, Sunday is the...you know...other party.  (HUMBUG!)

Love you guys.  Keep healthy.  Keep Safe.

Stress Level Approaching Critical!

Came home from work and started packing up my beautiful dishes.  And I'm freaking out.

There is just so much going on right now.  For some reason, Taiko is having a stressful Christmas season.  Part of it is not our fault, but some of it is self-inflicted.  We are, in fact, having a pot luck on Thursday.  No idea what to bring.  Work is having a pot luck on Friday, and I've been encouraged to bring something.  Oh, and I'm supposed to bring enough for the drivers, if possible.  How many?  Oh, 70.

I so wish I were kidding.

Not even going into all the other "usual" Christmas stress.  And time is getting away from me in terms of shopping, as well.  It's that whole working on Saturdays thing.

Did I mention that I need a new job?

Well.  Trying hard to keep some Christmas Spirit.  Kids have letters to write to Santa, and with luck I will have the tree up soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ_MGWio-vc

Tomorrow Josh's work buddy, Santiago, is going to help him take a few things to the storage facility.  One of them is my antique Irish gate-leg table.  Lets all cross our fingers that it arrives in safety, not only to this, its temporary home, but also to the now unknown permanent home.

So, think of me tonight and tomorrow as I pack away the things that make this my home:  my dishes and my books.  *sniffle*

Anyone want to buy my house? 

Superlong Wednesday

Okay.  Everyone give me a few minutes so I can....talk...to......myself. 

On that note:

Dear Excretory System,
  You're right.  12 hours is a little much. Sorry about that.  Feel free to call me names.  Yes, like that.  I deserve it.  And that.  And...now, wait a minute - that was a little uncalled for.  It wasn't on purpose, you know.  I promise to drink lots of water.  Yeah, okay, enough with the name calling.  I'm leaving.
Me

Long day.

Got up, got ready for work, took the kids to school by 7.  Went to work until 2.  Picked up the kids.  Drove back over the same roads and took kids to music.  This is usually the part where I drive home. 

Not today.

Josh had borrowed his dad's truck with the intention of moving some of our furniture this Saturday, but because there is snow in the forecast he wanted the truck back.  Josh hadn't driven the truck to work, so he had to go home, get the truck, and go to his parents' house.  And I had to take the kids to dinner, and then drive over there to pick Josh up before I could go back home.

Last night I stayed late after taiko practice to help wrap up the oodaiko.  It will be shipped to California for re-heading.  I am the liaison between our group and the man who does the re-heading.  Somehow that became "person who has volunteered to deliver the oodaiko in its giant case to the freight location".  Sadly, I couldn't do that until Monday, so we are making other arrangements.  I did help package the drums, though, and came home super late.  Why is it always the night before an early day?

I started today tired.  I am most certainly tired right now.

The kids have their clothes on inside out and backwards.  They have just put spoons under their pillows.  Why, you ask?  Because they are going to do a snow dance to encourage school being snowed out.

Hee!


Are you singing Christmas carols?  You know....I've heard a lot about this approaching weather.  Maybe I should look that up....

Rush, Rush, Rush

I just read my last entry, thinking I would giggle at how ridiculous I sounded.  As disappointing as it is, though, that is a pretty accurate depiction of my emotional truth, lately.  I was going to say emotional reality, but I just liked truth better.  Which do you prefer? 

My state of mind right now it good, though.  I have not made progress in most of the things I was obsessing about last time, but I have been accomplishing a lot.  Here.  Let me tell you about my week/weekend:

A week ago today was Monday - my day off.  In the morning, Josh had made an appointment for a realtor to come and talk to me and see the house (See Nov. 25th post).  Just as she was walking in, the phone rang.  More on that later.  It was an awkward beginning to an awkward visit.  She looked around and said that she could probably sell the house for what we owe on it.  If. 

Her recommendation was that we re-paint the interior walls, pack away most of our things and "stage" the house, and that we keep the house immaculately clean, especially the base boards.  This would be reasonably easy if I lived in the house alone.  But I live with Josh, two kids and two dogs.  Our other homework was to get pre-approval for a loan, to show our seriousness and ability to move.

So, back to that phone call.

It was my mother.  She and my father had been in Mississippi watching the Ole Miss vs. Mizzou game, but their car broke down in Arkansas.  At the time of the phone call, they were on their way back to Missouri, but were going straight to the car dealership in St. Peters.  They asked if I could pick them up and drive them back home to their other cars.  Luckily for them, it was my first of two days off, and no trouble at all.  Josh met me and the kids at the dealership and we all had dinner.  Then, Josh took the kids home, and I drove my parents to Rolla.  I wanted to come back home, but between Josh's texts and my mother's *ahem* recommendations, I ended up staying the night, and driving home after she left for work in the morning.

The whole drive to Rolla, Dad kept going on about how my CRV is such a good car.  He still hasn't forgiven the Subaru for breaking down.

Got home Tuesday around 11, and continued with the million little things I was in the middle of.  I priced the oodaiko's shipment with UPS, called my grandmother about the Thanksgiving menu, applied for a job, wrote that frantic post....

Taiko was not what I was anticipating.  We did some PR envelope stuffing, but then did NOT have a practice.  I ran off to Mongolian barbecue with Julie, Kelsey and Kiyomi.  I feel so decadent.

Wednesday, the kids were home from school, so I didn't work.  I don't know why I was so thrown off by that.  My brain just thought I had one day of work before Thanksgiving, and one after.  I spent the day doing laundry and packing for myself and the kids.  I cooked, too.  What did I make?  Oh, yeah!  I made spaghetti with cream cheese in the sauce.  I'd never tried it before.  A huge success.

Thursday, of course, we all got ready early and left as soon as we could to get to Versailles.  I had spoken to Gran the day before and knew that she was going to have a lot of food, so I decided to bring A) grape tomatoes, and B) my yellow cake with cinnamon apples that Josh loves.  I made it in the cathedral bundt cake pan to make it extra fancy.  We got to Gran's, and I helped a little, but really I wasn't needed much.

As usual, it was a crowded, happy, slightly chaotic day.  Hannah did not bring her new(ish) boyfriend, because he was moving that day, and Fawn did bring hers.  So glad he was so comfortable around so many new people.  Personally, I don't think we're particularly scary, but I'm not sure all agree..  ;)  It was really sad not to have Sky and Kelsey, since they are always there, and I had been hoping for some Walters kids, but at least they were mostly together...just elsewhere.  Mom's cousing Ricky brought his daughter, Erin, who I am quite fond of, and her husband, Eric, who we always enjoy.  Mackenzie was driving up that morning, so she was the last to arrive - around 3:30.  Luckily, we were staying at Josh's family's condo at the lake, and didn't have far to drive, so we were still about.  Had a great time seeing all the aunts and uncles.  I think it was after 6 when we left for the condo.

The condo was very, very cold.  We don't appreciate the fact that central heating pre-heats our houses in cold weather.  Imagine back in the day when you walked into freezing cold buildings and then had to build a fire.  Can't imagine.  In the morning, we had leftover apple cake for breakfast, then went to the Outlet Mall. 

I am not the Black Friday type.  First of all, I'm not much of a shopper.  Well, not for pleasure, anyway.  Usually, I have a list.  I try to see if I can get stuff on the list for extra cheap.  Sometimes, something is on the list and I find it and won't buy it because I don't find it worth the price.  And I'm not into new technology that no one else has yet, so the thrill of Black Friday isn't really something that I can share.  Josh, however...

Anyway, we waited until the civilized hour of 9ish before heading over, and even then I had a clear idea of shopping only for Christmas clothes for the kids.  We did, in fact, find some.  Also, Josh replaced my shoes that I was moaning about in the earlier post.  It was quite extravagant.  I have been told to consider it a Christmas present.  *sigh*  How un-Christmas-like.  Josh also got a few works shirts.  Abbie found a bathing suit for 2 dollars.  Grant got a funny t-shirt.  I was not permitted to get cookies from Harry and David's, but it was otherwise a very indulgent day.  We had lunch at the condo with Josh's mom and dad and Mariah, but it was....awkward.  Mariah kept pretending that she didn't hear people.  Then we drove home.

Naturally, after a busy two days away from home, we got up Saturday morning and drove to Wentzville. 

I just wanted to say that.  What really happened was this:  I came home to a phone message saying that I did NOT have to work on Saturday, so I immediately made plans with a dear friend who was only in town from Chicago for the day.  We had breakfast.  We were going to meet at Denny's in Lake St. Louis (Trivia!  Josh and I first met there in 1999.), but it was closed for remodeling.  We went to St. Louis Bread Co. instead.  After a long and lovely time, we parted ways.  Josh and the kids had dropped me off, and after fetching me, we all stopped in Wentzville to run errands.  The kids and Josh got haircuts, and then we bought paint and supplies.

Then we came home and prepped the living room and hallway.  Dinner was Breakfast For Dinner, including crepes in the pan my Grandmother gave me for my birthday.  Yesterday - we painted, and then I made another new recipe - apple and cheese soup.  Today, while I am getting a lot of little things done, I will also be replacing the outlet and light switch covers.

So, I have accomplished much, and feel reasonably good.  Three new recipes tried, a room and hallway painted, Christmas clothes for kids bought. 

Today is my day of rest.  I do not plan to leave the home.  However, the busy season has started.  This Friday is Josh's work party.  So, I plan to enjoy the break while I have it.

Hope you are well!


   

Pardon my outburst...

HOW?  How do they all do it???  How do my friends and neighbors afford their lives?  Private schools!  Clothes for their kids!  Clothes for themselves!!  Child care!  Vacations!

Why is it that I have to get a better job just so we can move out of this school district!?  And why is that so impossible to do?! 

My kids wear hand me downs.  They don't have video games or phones or ipads or expensive toys.  We are guests on almost all of our vacations.  I haven't replaced my old, nearly dead shoes.  We haven't bought a stick of furniture!  Even our TV was a gift.  How is it possible that we have so much NOTHING?!

PLEASE someone hire me. 

All I want for Christmas is to be able to afford to move away from this school district.

No.  All I want for Christmas is for my children to be happy at school.

No.  All I want for Christmas is a school that will actually help them be the best they can be.

No.  All I want for Christmas is to have a real job, where people appreciate me and I feel like I've done something helpful.

No.  All I want for Christmas is to be with my kids more.

No.  All I want for Christmas is to never have to work weekends again.

No.  All I want for Christmas is to make enough money to fix all our financial worries.

No.  All I want is an impressive, flattering, yet not misleading resume.

You know what?  On second thought.  I just want to skip Christmas.  It is designed to be disappointing.


I'm not stressing out.  I'm not stressing out.  I'm not stressing out.

And Thanksgiving is TWO DAYS AWAY, and I don't even know what I'm going to bring.  Mom says the fruit salad.....maybe that is what I'll do.....

Ok.  And now to apply for another job. 

*SOB*

Cleaning on My Day Off

Hi.  It's my day off, and I've been cleaning.  Josh made an appointment for a realty person to come over this morning.  I really don't know the details, but I'm hoping that this will turn out to have been a good idea.

The house, by the way, is still not fit to be seen, but is less dusty and has pretty smelling candles lit.

So!  Have you heard of Quinn Sullivan?  No?  That's crazy!  He is a blues guitar prodigy, and plays frequently (at the age of 14) with Buddy Guy.  He can also sing, himself.  this is one of my favorites of his for the playing, singing, and cute message in song choice:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEsSU7I0Zps

Grant and Abbie are really enjoying their new music lessons.  Great stuff!  Plus, I asked at work, and will be able to be present for their first ever recital on December 14.  They don't have performance clothes yet.  I was at the mall yesterday, but we spent the time playing with new friends and off-loading some of Mommy's ridiculous stress.

I also had a very, VERY disappointing bubble tea.  My own fault.  I should have ordered milk tea instead of slushy.  I keep wanting to get what I could have at Miss Kat's shop.  No one else does it that way.

I'm reading Death Comes to Pemberley.  My grandmother was interested, and I recently found a used copy for sale.  I don't think I'll get done before Thursday, which is the next time I see her, but I will at least be able to give her a little idea of what it is like.

Had stress nightmares last night.  Meh.  The upside is that I'm kinda glad to be awake!

We are out of so any grocery items, but shopped at Sam's Club on Saturday evening, so we forgot.  Must go to the regular grocery store this afternoon, if possible.  Very sad to find out that you have enough Kleenex to last months, but no bread.  Two giant bottles of Olive Garden salad dressing...and no lettuce to put it on. 

Off to research shipping again.  No progress there, sadly.

Happy Monday.

Progress!

That's right, folks.  We totally watched that bluray.

I also had to swallow my pride and ask someone else to write the taiko newsletter this month.  I feel TERRIBLE about it.  I NEVER say I'm going to do something and then not get it done.

With those two things out of the way, life looks....Hmm....well, the same, actually.  Still lots to get done, and I'm still working on all of it.

It's no secret that I'm stressed out this month.  I've progressed from slathering my bagel with Nutella to getting a spoon.  But!  Things are about to get better, I think.  I'm getting comfortable with the present, and focusing on the future.

The Holidays.

Great.

*weep!*

Crazy windy weather out there!!  I saw an exit sign down on 70 today, and all sorts of my neighbors' belongings are going past my house right now!

11-12-13

Taking a break, because I have to.  Just not making any sort of progress. 

I have so many important things to work on today.  I am writing the taiko newsletter for November, doing research on how to ship the Oodaiko to Kato Taiko for re-heading, continuing some personal research that I spent all day yesterday on, and somehow updating and perfecting my abysmal resume.

I can't sell myself.  I need to borrow a BS artist.  I just plain can't do it.  Which is terrible, because it's a document that is supposed to be dripping with Can-Do confidence.  So frustrating!  Want to cry.

And I am alone.  I don't feel comfortable telling anyone what is going on.  Not even my mom.  Tried to talk to Josh, and halfway through my pouring my wounded heart out at him, he straightened the blanket on the bed and left the room.  Apparently he translated my stunned silence as the end of the conversation.

The kids were so excited about snow, but all I ever saw was thick frost.  It is cold today.  Maybe I should give up and go back to bed under my electric blanket.  It is my day off, after all.

*Moan*  I have to work in the morning.

BUT!  Today has a funny date, and that helps.

Took the dogs to the vet yesterday.  They are both in excellent health.  They both had weight problems last year, but were both complimented on excellent weight this year.  At least there is something I can do right.  Jake really is getting old, though.  I know he is in great health, but I think 5 years might be an ambitious expectation of life.  Not sure that Callie will be okay with being an "only dog".  Guess we still have several years before we have to worry about it.

Josh was trying to explain that we would need to do some complicated kid switching this evening, but I'm not sure if I need to go to taiko that badly.  If he has to work late, I'll just stay home.

We still have a Netflix Bluray that we haven't watched.  Hmm.  I wonder if my day wouldn't be better spent doing that? 

Oh, okay.  Back to work.



Okay, we've all seen this, but I didn't want to lose it.  ^_^  Go, BAND!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxhWyaD_SUQ

On my way out the door...

So, who wants to get this for me for Christmas?
http://en.bentoandco.com/collections/traditional-design-boxes/products/owan-sakura

I would fill it with this:  http://justbento.com/handbook/recipe-collection-mains/chicken-nanban-2-ways

http://justbento.com/handbook/recipe-collection-sides/cucumber-and-nashi-asian-pear-marinated-salad

I have my windows open today.

In a few minutes, Josh and the kids are running off to a birthday party, and I am going to get ready for my performance in Camdenton, MO.  I'm extra excited - some of my family might be in the audience.

Been working.  Thursday wasn't great.  Every report I printed didn't check, so I had to make corrections and print again....except the last one at the end of the day, which was a relief.  I fixed everything before I filed it, but it was just a long day, and not encouraging.  It doesn't help that the other person who does my job is in high school.  Not exactly an ego boost.  However, on Friday everything I reported was perfect, as far as I was concerned.  I mean, there were errors, but they all ended up being someone else's math errors.  Next to everything being perfect, I like other people's errors best. 

I'm not going to go into it, but I have been talking to the school about Grant a lot.  I went through a period of near hysteria this morning, but decided that I am going to just do some research, and get through this.  He is still young, and we can work on this.

Sorry if that was cryptic, but I'm not comfortable with the subject yet.

Although the kids technically started their new music lessons, Grant's teacher was sick, so he didn't have a lesson yet.  Abbie's teacher is very clean and refined and so far has touched on stuff we'd never known were basic things, so I'm already pleased for the change.

ONWARD.

And if anyone can find a way to get us into a new house in O'Fallon, MO and/or a private school, let me know.  Not that I'm worrying about it.  (HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP!)

SQUEE!

Hi!  I'm so excited! 

First of all, it's my day off.  WOOOO!!!!

Second of all, my friend Danny ran 100 miles.  Yep.  I totally know him.  He's my friend.  Danny is so full of awesome.  He's the best.

And speaking of BEST and AWESOME, Darci is looking beautiful, even without hair.  I need to win the lottery and sneak off to have lunch with her.  Wouldn't that be fun?  I started re-reading The Big Over-Easy and thought of her.  I think she would like Jasper Fforde, so I recommended it to her, but I'm nervous that maybe I did that once before already...?

Jasper Fforde is one of a very short list of my favorite living authors.

Another reason for being excited that involves awesome:  I am going to this show!  YAY!  It's all but settled.  I shall have my tickets before the weekend, with luck. 

And!  My dear friend Miss Jenn texted me this morning to say that her company wants my resume!!!  I'm nervous.  It's in the city.  The hours are unlikely to be what I want.  I'm going to try for it anyway, though.  Time to work up a brilliant cover letter.  She's going to bring me a copy of the position description tonight.

Taiko meeting postponed - tonight is practice!  RAWR!

I ate a bagel in bed with the electric blanket and a movie on, while it rained outside.  Perfect Day Off-ness.

I wrote daily goals and put them in the kids' folders.  Lets see if reminders do any good.

Our neighbor brought over a book about bento lunches the other day and let me browse.  I think it's worth a shot, but Josh didn't seem too interested.  The kids both love white rice, though.  What's wrong with that and some faux crab instead of peanut butter and jelly, I ask you?


Off to do more Day Off stuff.....like laundry.

Hugs to you!
 

November 1st

It is All Saints' Day!  All Hallows Day!  It is now November!

How is yours so far?  Mine isn't too great.  In fact, if today is any indication of how November is going to go, I think I need to stock up on Angry Orchard and Nutella.

Just kidding.  I'm not the escaping type.

But I'm not kidding about today.  I've already had a call from the Principal's Office because my children were fighting.  I call it a symptom of Halloween Candy Hangover, but it doesn't change anything just because I gave it a name. 

Also, the button broke off my khaki pants last night, so they are out of commission until the right thread can be located. 

But November has great cooking possibilities, so I look forward to that.

Yesterday was brutal at work.  I did lots of learning the hard way.  I was learning to enter employee time, print reports, and double check the total hours.  What did I do wrong the most often?  Write the date wrong.  Fail!  Once I wrote that it was December.  Once I wrote that it was 2012.  You get the idea.  Humiliating.

By the way, I asked for today off when they hired me, and got it, thinking that there was no school.  Whoops!  Random day off!!  I don't feel guilty (much) since it was part of my hire agreement.

No one in my office brought candy.  No one wore costumes or sweatshirts with bats or witches.  It was just a normal day.  I wore fancy socks, but didn't tell anyone.

Tomorrow will be my first Saturday at work.  Sunday is a performance practice.  My real day off is Monday.

Did I tell you?  I woke up yesterday and the world was orange!  Overnight the local trees changed to such an appropriately Halloween-y color.  I was very pleased, even though the day was a rainy one.  The colors might not be brilliant this year, but they are everywhere, and nearly all of the leaves haven't fallen.  The effect is lovely.

Tonight is leftover night.

Wishing you a pleasant All Saints' Day, and a happy Friday!

Temporary

Hi!  Did I tell you that I have a job?  It's temporary, but my schedule is thus:

Wednesdays:  8am - 2pm :)
Thursdays:  9am - 3pm
Fridays:  9am - 3pm
Saturdays:  9am - 3pm  :(

Except for the Saturday part, it is great.  It is just data entry and filing.  Not much room to grow and blossom, professionally.  It's temporary, though.  Probably from now until sometime in January.

Today I came from work to pick up the kids at the Middle School, where they are on Wednesday afternoons.  It worked.  Starting next week, I will be grabbing them and driving to the new music lessons.  Very exciting stuff!

I really want to be snuggled under my electric blanket reading a book right now, but I am not reading anything currently.  I finished the entire Harry Potter series again, and also two books from the Flavia de Luce series, and a little book of Irish short stories.  They're more like sketches, really.  Most of them are a single conversation, or a single day without traditional story rising action, climax, and denouement.  I don't think any of them ended happily.

Yesterday was killer.  Josh was on his business trip, so I had to get the kids and myself ready in the morning at the same time.  Even though I don't actually work on Tuesdays, I went in from 8 to noon, then drove immediately to the school to check the kids out and drive to Troy, which is where the orthodontist is.  After the appointment, we passed our house and went straight to the grocery store, where I did an amazing job, considering that I hadn't eaten anything all day.  I did end up with a random bag of Muddy Buddies, but passed up the baked goods section, and lots of appealing comfort food.  Then - home at last.  For a minute.  I unpacked groceries, made an early dinner, and got everyone ready to leave for taiko!  Picked up Michelle, and (with the kids in tow) went to practice.  Did my best to practice hard, because I had to leave early.  Josh's plane came in at 8.  I think it was 9:30 when we were all finally home. 

Therefore - today I refuse to make dinner.  So there!  That's the most protesting I can do, because everything else was mandatory.  I wanted to refuse to do everything, but the kids still needed to be taken to school, I still had to work, still had to pick  up said children, still had to check homework and pay bills.  Was supposed to do laundry, but pbpbpbbpbpbpbpbpbpth!

Wanna hear about our next taiko performance?  http://stltaiko.com/performancedetails.php?ID=1607

I am going to be playing slappy bachi for Kagura, and I'm going to play the left-handed part for Ashura.  I get to play my favorite part (solo 1) on my favorite song (Drive), and then I get a break for the next two songs.  Then, I'm playing the shime on Run To You, and also on Matsuri Taiko.  I'm Chuu 3 for Tenchi, our signature piece and closer.  Ta-da!  I'm excited.  My grandmother might come to the show.

My friend Darci is looking cute in her pixie hair cut.  A shame it's temporary, but I'm glad she had the chance to experience it!  That's one thing about a serious health treatment - you have no choice but to make daring hair choices that you never would have thought of before.  Yay for accidental success.  (And darn those people who are cute no matter what.)

Speaking of hair, I need a trim.  Monday?

The theme on the Internet this week is BABY!  Saw photos of my favorite roomie's twins, a dear friend from high school (trivia: he also has a birthday the day before mine) 's twins, Miss Misty's extra, super CUTE new arrival, and Miss Teresa's niece and nephew.

So much cute.

My fingers are getting chilly.  Who says you have to be reading to snuggle under an electric blanket? 

Ah....Romance!

I am working this week!  8am - 3pm.  (Yay, Adecco.)

This morning, as I was driving to work, I saw on the front step of a house four pumpkins carved with the words, "Will You Marry Me?"  A day cannot go wrong that starts off like that!

This is the song of the day:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb_sDX1NZGQ

It is uncomfortably cold in my house.

So, I don't exactly remember how the conversation about dating came up with the kids.  Abbie was asking what High School was like, and I said that she would have her coat and books in her locker, and that she would take her things to each class, and then there was something about how even though it seems like everyone has a boyfriend, it's really less than half of them...and that was the beginning of the end. 

Grant:  Abbie, if some boy asked you out, what would you say?
Abbie:  Yes.  Of course!
Mommy:  Wouldn't it depend on which boy asked?
Abbie:  Yeah.  If it was someone nice.
Grant:  Mom, what's a good thing to do for a date?
Mommy:  Well, you could get ice cream together or play board games, or..
Grant:  Abbie, where would you go on a date?
Abbie:  Olive Garden.  That's my favorite restaurant. 
Mommy:  What if he can't afford that?!  You should save that for a special occasion date!  Maybe you guys could cook some food together....

This morphed into Abbie's perfect date, which she kindly has invited Grant and his girlfriend to:

Step 1:  Make cookies or brownies together.
Step 2:  Play music and "dance around".
Step 3:  Make crafts together.  Abbie would make the craft for her date, and he would make one for her.  Details TBA.
Step 4:  Eat the dessert.

Sometimes she says this will occur when she and Grant are both in college, and sometimes when they are in High School.  (I'm rooting for college!!)  I also recommended for young dates:  roller skating (If you grew up in Rolla, you are probably giggling right now.), bowling, and mini golf.

Josh and I are going to romantically fry some shrimp for dinner the way my Aunt Joyce makes them.  Of course, my Aunt Joyce gets her shrimp fresh from the gulf.  Well, it should be a close second!!

My hands are so cold!

Cause

http://educatoraspatient.com/post/64473291273/day-65  Feel something.  Learn something.  Do something.

Hello!  How are you!  It's fall out there!  We stood in 37 degree weather for Grant's 5k this morning.  He enjoyed it.  We all did.  But, it was cold.

Feeling the comfort food?  This made me feel the need for some comfy soups:  http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2013/10/happy-soup-season/

Also, I might have another reason for looking longing for soup.  I've got a sinus infection again.  Being out in the cold this morning was especially brutal. 

Grant's 5k was for an organization called Mercy's Hope.  They support an orphanage in Kenya.  Nice, nice, people.  I feel happy knowing that we have contributed to the goodness in the world. 

Right now, I have a cookie dough crust cooling for my first autumn version of a fruit pizza.  We are off to the Frankes for a Halloween party this afternoon.

Grant is going to be a zombie for Halloween, not Groucho Marx.  Abbie has settled on being a voodoo doll.  I made her a wig out of blue yarn. I think they are both going to look great.

Well, the cooking won't wait.  Wishing you all great weekend remainders!

Tuesday. So there!

A little sleepy, but very awesome!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNgaPELvSxw

Not sleepy, to make up for it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1dfyVdr5HQ

Applied for more jobs, of course.  I still have that interview for Adecco tomorrow at 10:30.  Got one of my promised letters of reference, too.  Decided not to wait for the other one....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OglS3Q0Zxik

I am trying to make up for whatever I didn't do right in terms of the kids.  Such a hard subject.  Hardly any right answers.  So hard to stick to your principles in the face of your children's peers.  And then, to think you have taught this great and important lesson, only to discover that it has been warped in the minds of your offspring, and totally misunderstood.  *sadflop*

Had some rain today.  It was nice.  The temperatures now are very uncertain.  Too warm to be cool, and too cool to be pleasant.  And the sunlight is so late, and it gets dark so early...  I wish the time change were in October instead of November.  If they ever ask me, I shall have my answer ready!

Car needs gas.

Off to taiko in a minute.  I wrote the set for this weekend.  It was difficult, and has been re-written twice.  And today Jaci announced that she is injured and has to back out of the performance.  Wow.  I'll have to think about that later...it's making my brain hurt.

No idea what to make for Thanksgiving this year....

Subliminal hugs to my dear friends.  Wishing you a good evening!

Halloween appropriate!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxY9qkfZMI8

Ineffectual

How are you?  No, really!  How are you today?  Having a good week?  The weather is incredible, don't you think?  Do you have your windows open?  You know, I hear that some people got Columbus Day off.  Did you?  Today would be a great day to have lunch at a park or something.

...

...Okay, fine.

I might be a little stressed out.

Today, I re-took all the tests for Adecco.  I passed them all, and have an interview with Adecco on Wednesday.  All this so I can have the same Citi job that doesn't pay much.  At the same time, I was told that there is an opening in O'Fallon doing the same paraprofessional work I did the last two months of last year and the first two months of this one, only it's full time, and instead of making 10 dollars an hour, I'd be making 12.50.  So I am applying for that as well.  I have two friends writing me letters of reference, too.

Nervous.

I have two dear friends who need a little extra in the way of good vibes right now.  One is ill, and the other is desperately afraid of her ex-husband.  She was informed that he has been following her children.  Both of these ladies are in need.  I would like to help them, but I cannot.  It makes me so upset!  And I don't mean prayers, etc.  I mean actual, real-time, make it better help.

Upset.

The kids did pretty good for a 4 1/2 day weekend.  Still, after last week, I am kind of staring at the phone a lot, asking it to please not ring and be the school wanting to talk about my kids.  And I'm not sure how they are going to do at their music lessons tonight, either.  I'm a little gunshy about them at present.

Nervous.

My mom isn't going to be at Thanksgiving.  Was not prepared for how much this bothered me when I got the email.  It's not that it is unusual for her to go to my dad's family for this holiday.  It's not that she never changes plans suddenly like this..  I don't know.  I guess I just wanted her to be here.

Upset.

It just recently hit me how bad I want to move.  Want to move!!!  But I won't go until it's right.  Not until the right house is there at the same time that it is right for our finances.  Anyway, I need to hurry up and get employed.

Nervous.

Josh cut down the only thriving tree in my yard.  I didn't plant it, it was a volunteer.  It was way too close to the house, and as soon as I saw it, I chopped it.  It kept coming back up, and then one time when I failed to cut it (I was away or sick or something), it really flourished.  So, I left it.  It was actually as tall as the house when Josh cut it yesterday.  But then, he left it in the driveway.  Then, the kids played with it and the whole neighborhood has little leaves all over that came from it.  I'm not so sure the neighbors dig this.  I asked them to pick up the leaves, but according to my front window, this did not get done.

Upset.

But on to other topics of conversation!

Week Three of Government Shutdown.  What a crappy thing to do to people who work for the government!  I wish legislators had to swear an "I will do no harm" oath like doctors do.  Or do they already do that?  If that is the case, that oath has been broken in a big way.  And I can't be the only person who has noticed that not paying EVERYONE for 3 weeks certainly does lower a budget.  Well, it's not like I'm not going to vote them all out even if it turns out that they weren't completely soul-less and self serving.  They are GONE!  If a single congressman or representative in Washington thinks that he or she has another term coming, that person is delusional.

After taiko practice on Sunday (woo-ho!  30 minute drill!!!) the Dashi committee got the Dashi out, and all the junk that was put in the trailer with it.  We got rid of a lot of trash, and are a step closer to doing a total rehab, complete with reupholstering and cleaning.  I have emailed the original builders to ask for tips for cleaning the Japanese wood.  We couldn't tell if it had been treated in any way.

Josh is going on a business trip to Boston.  Grant still wants to be Groucho Marx for Halloween.  Abbie has said she wants to be a kitty, a tightrope walker, or a voodoo doll.  We should also get our pumpkins soon.

Seen any good movies lately?  Read any good books?  Hear any funny jokes?

?

Apple Festival, Good Food, BAD Food, Family

This is one of my favorite sounds:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cf-dS78MeBk

I wasn't feeling well last night, but I'm a lot better now.

Yesterday I came home from Rolla.  Yep.  Been traveling again. Again.  Wednesday was a half day at school, and then parent-teacher conferences.  I don't really want to talk about that right now.  Let's just say that both of my children are doing wonderfully, academically.  They also each have their areas that need improvement. When the principal asked me to come in for a conference, I was hoping it was about a job, but instead it was about one of those areas needing improvement...

Boo.

Then, off to Rolla to spend the night with my parents, since there was no school yesterday and today.  It was fun, and Dad took us to lunch before we left.  About that....I do NOT recommend the restaurant by the interstate called Koi.  The waitress was sweet and pretty.  Didn't know a thing about waitressing.  Forgot to bring us things, never took a single plate away, etc.  And the food was advertised like Japanese food (bento boxes, etc.) but the seasoning was more like Korean food.  Altogether very odd, and not too pleasant.  Especially disappointing was my hard "tempura" with no sauce. 

Last weekend, of course, was the Apple Festival.  We left on Friday, the festival was Saturday, and we came home Sunday.  We hung out with Gran Friday night, and Abbie slept in her bedroom.  Grant and I didn't really sleep at all in the guest bedroom.  Then on Sunday we were met by Aunt Laurel and Nanny and Ashley and we all went to the festival together.  It was miserable!  The temperatures were in the 40's, and it was rainy.  Gran and I were still determined to have a great time, though!  We did all the usual stuff:  We watched the parade (so cold and wet!), drank apple cider (yum!), ate fair food, and took the kids to ride on the ponies.  None of us were super sorry to leave, but we did feel a pang for the poor vendors. Not very much business, due to inclement weather.

Next year, I hope they have the taffy booth again.  And the honey.  I wanted to look there, but it wasn't worth it.

In the afternoon we decorated cupcakes and had spectacular dinner of pot roast, veggies and Nanny's pasta salad.  Then we watched Beau Geste - the family "favorite movie".  Grant slept in Gran's room this time.

Breakfast on my birthday was crepes!!!  So yummy.

 

We had such a nice time, and Uncle Pete and his wife, and Ashley joined us.  I didn't ever want to leave, but I had to because I was meeting my mom in Jefferson City.  We met at Central Dairy for an ice cream lunch.

Birthdays are delicious.

After a long drive home, I had pizza with my family and went to bed.

The first half of the week I spent job hunting.  I have decided to apply at Adecco, for help.  The girl who I talked to grew up across the street from Josh's biological father, the late Ken Mroczkowski.  I really did not know what to say, as he spent the majority of my married life in jail.  He died when the kids were little, and I had never met him.  It was awkward, and then I started taking aptitude tests.

We are back, story-wise, to the parent-teacher conferences.  *sigh*

Today the weather is beautiful.  I have all the windows open.  I am even going to clean the house in a minute.  It needs it, and the weather is encouraging. 

By the way, this is no longer a secret.  Here is what I have been worrying about my dear friend for:  http://educatoraspatient.com/  Sending extra, extra, extra love to my dear Darci!  <3 p="">
Oh!  One more thing!  Dad fixed the dent in my car.  What a guy!

Wanted to send someone a present today and can't find my address book anywhere.  Christmas card season is not that far away.  Eeep!  Well, maybe if I get up and get this cleaning started, it will turn up.

Wishing you good health, and a pleasant Friday afternoon! 

 

Another Day

Well, it is a new day full of new cares and new circumstances!

Sort of.

I am still expected by all, including myself, to secure a fantastic job, super hero style, and make all our troubles go away.  Josh has sold stock to start paying off his student loans and recently acquired credit card debt..  For those of you who have not been following along....that would be the down payment for our next home.  Looks like I'd better get used to this school district.  But I'll think about that tomorrow at Tara.

In the meantime, I have been applying at temp agencies again.  Even though my last temp company was only a partial success.  Not much choice, really.  The latest job I've been all excited about is a library assistant job.  I called when the position closed to ask when I should hear something, and was told that only internal applicants would be considered, unless they were unable to fill the position.  Then and only then were external applicants to be considered. 

How does one get to be an internal applicant, then, if not by applying for jobs posted????

There is so much housework to do, it's kind of frightening.  I've done the floors, but they need to be done again.  That's the way housework is, though.  A woman's work is never done.

I've been doing lots with photos lately.  There is, of course, the JFest and Springfield photos to archive, as well as photos from Saturday's workshops.  There are photo galleries to make on the web site, and on Facebook.  There are PR photos to be separated out and labeled with photographer names.  And then Dad was asking why I hadn't sent out vacation photos yet, so I did that, too.

And I've been voted the official meeting minutes secretary of the Dashi Committee.

I don't know what to start with, chore-wise.

Two songs.  Same name.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2Sk85vQlZA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZjh66KPDwk


Did you know the new Pink Martini album is out?  Well, what are you waiting for?

This weekend is the Versailles Apple Festival.  Gotta charge up my camera batteries!

Aaand procrastination over.  Time to clean this house.

First Day Back Home

I could use a friend right now.

Our trip to Washington D.C, while not particularly restful, was nice, fun and free of any significant unpleasantness. I will upload pictures and tell the story at a later date. 

Yesterday, we got our wake up call at 3:30 a.m. eastern time.  I was the first driver.  I think Frostburg, Virginia might be the name of the mountain town where we had breakfast.  The gas stations, etc, were a little far from the exit.  At the time it was inconvenient, but the sun began to rise as we got back on the highway, and the scenery was very pretty.  We drove all day, obviously.  I was driving again when the interstate was closed, and I had to re-route through downtown Indianapolis.  Lunch was a Steak N Shake on the Ohio border, and was the best one I've been in for years.  We made St. Louis by around dinner time, but got on 44 and went all the way to Rolla to drop off Dad and collect our dogs.  Since we hadn't stopped, we also had grilled cheese for dinner.  I drove from Rolla back to our house.  We got home at 10:30, unloaded, made sure all the school things were ready, and went to bed - exact time unknown.

This morning, I got up, somewhat unwillingly, and made sure the kids ate and were dressed, the dogs fed and teeth brushed.  I had to send money for lunch, since there was no time for grocery buying last night.  We piled into the car and made to depart amidst some rain and drizzle.

Then, I backed into my neighbor's car.  Well, it was a truck.  And that makes it sound like I just put the thing into reverse and left the rest up to God.  No.  I did, in fact, turn the car.  I didn't make it, though.  My car rubbed the red truck, doing damage to my car, but not to his.  Despite the lack of damage, I left him a note with my phone number.  (He didn't answer the door.)  I took the kids to school, came home, cried for being such a bad neighbor, and went to sleep.  The phone woke me.  Neighbor wants his car fixed by my insurance company, and wants police called.  I really don't know that there is anything to fix, but he insists. 

So that's how I've spent my morning.  Telling my insurance company and the police.  I have a report number and a claim number, and a car in much worse shape than his.  I know it is my fault, but I am feeling a little sorry for myself.  I'm just so tired.  And I had to have a police officer in my house when it hasn't been cleaned, and I haven't showered after a day in the car.  And I have to tell people all my mistakes and pretend that it's just business and doesn't matter particularly to me.  I was quite helpful.  I had all my things together.  I smiled and said, "Thank you."

It's shame, you know.

And I'm suddenly not feeling very neighborly.  I can't believe that mere minutes before this happened, I was feeling guilty that the dog was barking.

And I also just found out that one of the companies that I've been getting job notifications from is only for Veterans, which I am not.  How is it that my email is being confused for my father's AND my husband's?  It is all just too much.  No regular work, Josh's school loans to pay off, no sleep for days, but too much food, a filthy house that needs attention, empty cupboards, mosquito bites, deadlines but no money...and now a car accident in which I am the bad guy.

Too much for right now.  I am going to lie down.

Tires

Hi.  Going to get new tires for the car in a minute.  Always bring a book.  Hope I don't forget mine.

What do you think of these songs?  Pretty great?  Well, I like them...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKuMKVmGkNM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3aWlt81EwU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24FsoxcPHTw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaOpL72FOhc



And then there is this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pMHQRbjb6w


Oh, and this will make you hungry!!!
http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2013/01/nutella-banana-pull-apart-bread.html


Now, how about those tires...

Occupied? Yes. Employed? No.

Hello!

And how are you?

I am unemployed!  Well, not really.  I am still and on-call substitute.  I even was asked if I can sub on the 19th, but I can't.  I shall be out of town.

I have been packing for my trip!  For some people "packing" includes making MP3 CDs.  I have also completed and submitted the taiko newsletter for September.

So, you see, I am not so much un-occupied as wage-less.

And now for the exciting news!  Ready?

My wedding ring is back!

I found it.  I was never really without it at all!  It was right exactly where I put it.  See?  I'm not as careless and disorganized as we previously suspected. 

It was in my taiko bag, just no where one could access it.

The weather is cooling off, and I am enjoying that.  It's even good to see some rain!  Although, I have to admit that it is not super exciting rain. 

Did you hear that Colorado, mere weeks after the wildfires were finally controlled, is FLOODING?  I talked to Brother several times.  He is not only fine, but secretly giggling that his roomates' things are all getting flooded and he, who only brought one box worth of belongings, doesn't seem to be getting much water.  I keep checking on him, but he seems to be safe and sound.

Doing taiko laundry, and will have my happi in the new bag, soon.  It is the new bag ( a re-gift from Josh's mom) that prompted me to search the old one, and is therefore partially and indirectly responsible for my finding my wedding ring.

Not reading anything fun.  Suggestions?

Happy day to you!!!

Self Pity

How's this for a pity party for one?  I'm having toast slathered in Nutella for lunch.

Yes, M'am.

First of all, my job ends Friday.  This is not cause for sadness at all, because I took it as a long term temporary position, and I knew all along that as soon as the alternative school had room for one of the boys in the resource room, all the paras would go back to their regular schedules, and I would be done.  Here's what bugs me, and it might surprise you:  Everyone loves me.

No, you didn't mis-hear.

"You are SO good with him!"  "You'd make a great teacher."  "He is so much better with you.  Are you sure you can't stay?"  Not to mention countless "we really appreciate you, Rosie"s.  Yes, these words make me feel like I've done a good job.  But if I've done a good job, why is no one offering me permanent work?

Remember my long term assignment last year?  That girl's case worker retired.  When she visited the school this month, she was genuinely surprised to find that I wasn't with the same girl full time.

Why wasn't I?  What is the big red flag?  I don't know what to fix.

All these things are worrying me, without anyone's help.  Plus, I'm exhausted from weeks of taiko craziness, and should already be packing for yet another trip, only this time I have kids to get ready, too.  So you can imagine my horror when Josh chose yesterday to tell me that he's tired of having to give up his weekends for taiko, and that I need to quit and get a job.

Really.

Let's analyze.  When I'm home with the kids all summer, I'm wasting time and doing nothing.  When he's with the kids all weekend, he's making a horrible and painful sacrifice.  Hmm.  And now that his student loans are due, I - who have no debts but the house and car which are joint with him - have to rush out and get a job.  LIKE I'M NOT ALREADY TRYING TO DO THAT!  He who accrued the debt, however, is to be pitied and supported and given a gold star, without changing a thing.  And taiko - which I am actually DOING, is taking up HIS weekend, because he is forced, obviously against his will, to stay home with his children.  I've got news for all of you.  BOTH weekends, he took the kids and went to play at his friend's house.  He did NOT even stay home with them, as scheduled.

Anyway, this fight happened because now that performance season has ended, all the groups are having meetings, and I seem to be in most of them.  I was not at practice last night because I needed rest (and ended up doing photo archiving instead, anyway), and then Josh has claimed Sunday.  Any hint that I might have to go to practice or stay there has him breathing fire at me as if I chose the date myself.  He has not claimed Sunday the 29th, but when I tried to for a Dashi Committee meeting, he exploded, and that is where the charming quote about my getting a job came in.


This post is not supposed to be about Josh's outrageous selfishness, however.  It is my turn to be selfish.  I am feeling sorry for myself only today, and I have 40 more minutes in which to do it, too.  Then, of course, I have to get Grant from the middle school and Abbie from her school and stop at the grocery store and go through the kids' Take Home folders and check their homework and send them to practice music and get them started on those box tops to take to school and cook dinner.  You know, all that Nothing that I reportedly do all day.

I think I ate too much Nutella.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKbMRVFyjW8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXMtClc844s

Tired.

I look tired.
I sound tired.
I feel tired.

I'm tired.

The last two weeks feel like an entire season.  So many things have happened.  And I made it home safely from all of them!

Thank you, thank you...

First!  Anja and Markus!  They are so great.  Love them. 

Second!  Osuwa Daiko and Hakuho Daiko:  They arrived, and we picked them up from the airport.  Actually, I was only involved with picking up Osuwa Daiko, come to find out.  Picking people up from the airport is not as easy or nice as it used to be.  I didn't care for it.  But Makoto-san said, "Sugoi Power!" when I lifted his luggage.  That made me giggle.  We drove them to the Garden Apartments.  I didn't know it, but those apartments are normally used for botanists who are doing research at the garden.  Cool, huh?  And they are within walking distance of the garden (Missouri Botanical Garden).

Dinner and rehearsal were rushed and crazy.  There were guests at the studio.  I felt weird and never actually met them, but there were so many more than I had been told about!  Quite a crowd!  We played a few things for Osuwa Daiko, and they commented.

The next day, I stayed home with the kids in the morning, and then left for St. Louis in the afternoon.  We met Hakuho Daiko, and they were very likable.  It was fun, but we didn't end up playing, just watching and helping when we could...which was not much.  That night was my welcome party.  Sadly, one of the Hakuho Daiko girls fell ill and was not able to make it.  The party was epic.  I had it at Belas Artes, which was a perfect location.  We had beer and pizza and snacks and conversation.  It was great.

J-Fest was hot.  It was not comfortable at all, but we still had fun.  Plus, you'll never guess the surprise we had - cookies.  Even though he was not here to bring his wife's cookies, Eddie arranged for us to have cookies at the festival.  We were so touched!  The Sumo wrestlers were glad, too.  We give them cookies sometimes.

The first day I played in the Dashi for 3.5 hours, and performed with my own group, and watched Osuwa Daiko with some friends.  What I didn't do was eat.  I just forgot.  Well, I didn't have time.  Lots of dizziness.  It seemed like forever to get home.  Also, as Michelle and I were walking to the cars, they sky opened up and a month's worth of rain instantly dropped onto us.  I giggled.  It was fun.  I like weather.  However, the shuttle driver very  rudely would not take us to our parking lot.  We had to walk a long way from where he dropped  us off, and because of that, many of my things got wet.  As tired as I was when I finally reached home, I had to take every single thing out of my bag (my next shall be water proof) and lay them out to dry.

The second day, I only spent 2 hours in the Dashi.  I had the salmon onigiri for lunch, and bubble tea.  I was so excited.  I also realized that I was in need of new tabi socks, as the majority of mine are knee length, which wouldn't do in such heat.  Sadly, no one was selling any, except the kimono store - notoriously overpriced.

Needs must.

My new elaborately beautiful ankle length tabi socks are black with a pink and gold hydrangea pattern.  Have I ever mentioned that hydrangeas were in season when I was in Tokyo?  The socks cost twelve dollars.  Maybe you didn't hear that.  I'll say it again.  TWELVE DOLLARS for ONE PAIR of ANKLE LENGTH SOCKS!!!!!

Osuwa Daiko performed at 2 and 7, and we performed at 4:30, I think.  I performed with Osuwa Daiko during the 2:00 show for their song Hiryuu Sandan Gaeshi.  It was a long but fun day, and ended with us all having Italian food on The Hill for dinner.  However, the restaurant wasn't ready for us.  We had to stand for 15 minutes.  Then, there were some inaccuracies with the bill.  Some people were not satisfied with their food, for the price.  We were determined to have fun, so fun was had (Laura even whipped out her violin for some fiddle and tango songs, complete with unscripted dancing) but, on the whole, my parties were both infinitely superior.

Last day of J-Fest was hard to get into at first, because it began with a meeting.  It wasn't a scheduled meeting, so I was nearly heartbroken.  My only free time of the day, which I had promised to my children, was taken up by the meeting.  I couldn't properly appreciate being asked to perform with Osuwa Daiko, after their friends Hakuho Daiko had departed, because I was so sad to have the time taken from my family.  Now I wouldn't even get to sit by them as they watched the show.  However, it is hard not to feel cool when you are on stage with such amazing players.  My show was at noon, and theirs was at 2.  Then, Jaci and I loaded up and rushed back to the studio to prepare for the farewell party.  The set up was not as smooth as the first party.  Jaci was in a hurricane sort of mood.  Nothing I did was right.  I was pretty wound up when people started to arrive.  Then, after the food was delivered, I dropped my plate.  That was it.  I lost it.  I cleaned up my mess, snuck away to a back room, and burst into tears.  But!  No time for that when you are a hostess.  Back into the fray I went, and things were fine.  In fact, the party was another huge success!  The sushi was from Sushi Sen, and it was so good that the Japanese guests were going back for second and third helpings.  The cupcakes were by a friend of Andrew's who has a blog spot called Cupcake Project.  They were amazing.  I am suffering withdrawal.  And I wish I could take credit for it, but we also had a lion dance performance by Nine Dragon Academy!  Then there was a taiko jam session.  Basically, it was a great party.

I bought the kids little hand crocheted Cthuhlus. 

Tuesday morning, I was in a rush to get ready.  I was so tired, but I had to meet everyone at the brewery for a scheduled tour.  I was so worried that the traffic would make me late.  I was in panic mode the whole way.  Then, my directions proved impossible (don't you hate it when that happens?) and I had to call someone and ask how to get there from what ended up being around the corner.  I arrived on time with about 2 minutes to spare - only to discover that I was wearing the wrong shoes.  Closed toed shoes only.  I couldn't go on the tour, after all.  Andrew gave his closed toed shoes to one of the guests, so he and I went on the free tour together.  Not all bad.  I discovered that they do sell a cider...I've just never run across it for sale.  Then, they chose a lunch place, but they took a long time deciding, so I had to rush home and get the kids from school.

To recap:  I went all the way to St. Louis to not go on the tour and not have lunch. 

Fast forward to this weekend:  Springfield festival seemed small after our huge one, but everyone was so sweet and friendly.  They always are.  It's truly a joy to play for them.  My mommy came and saw my show on Saturday, and my neighbor growing up saw it on Sunday.  I think I autographed about 7 or so CDs.  The other news about Springfield included a fantastic but huge dinner at Haruno, ONI socks for Laura, tequila, too much sunshine and heat, Calpico (Yum!!), and an awesome samurai/ninja show.

And the hotel.

The hotel was the same Howard Johnson that we stayed in last year.  I also am inclined to think that Tylar had his wedding reception there.  VERY familiar vibes near the ballroom.  Theresa and I were rooming together.  The room smelled overwhelmingly of mildew, but we decided not to say anything.  So minor, right?  The first morning, though, we discovered the cause.  There was a HOLE in the shower.  It leaked all the way to the carpeted area!  That was too much.  We had to switch rooms.  Funnily, Jaci came with us, so she could complain about her air conditioning not working.  Also, Michelle said her refrigerator was supposed to be there....but wasn't.  Huh???  Then, later, we discovered something.  The hotel was closing.  THAT DAY.  We were the last guests.  Ever.  I guess that explains why they hadn't fished the telephone receiver out of the swimming pool......

Anyway, It seems like August was so long ago!

This is my last confirmed week at work.  I was told to stop by the desk when I get in tomorrow, but I don't think it's about extending anything.  They just want me to stay all day tomorrow.  I've been applying for jobs, but no luck at all.

This weekend, we need to get the oil changed in my car, and also get new tires for it.  Maybe we can have Fox pizza while we wait.  Mmmmm!  Then, we leave for vacation on Wednesday.  WHEW!

And how are you?

4 days and counting!

It is the week of Japanese Festival.  I am not short on things to do.

Tomorrow Anja and Markus will be here for the afternoon, evening and night.  They leave as we go to work in the morning. That will be Thursday morning, in which I will work, and then leave for the airport to help pick up the Osuwa Daiko and Hakuho Daiko members as they arrive.  After that is a rehearsal.

Friday, there is a rehearsal at 3pm, and a spiking rehearsal at 6.  Jaci and I will leave early from that and go set up for the welcome party, which starts around 9.  Jaci and I will clean up at midnight.  Then I will drive for an hour to get home. 

I leave around 8:30 in the morning to get to the festival on time.  We load at 10, and it just goes on from there.  I have responsibilities at the Dashi and at the merchandise table as a PR rep.  I also do lots of loading and unloading all day long.  Saturday night is the only night I get to go straight home.  After all the shows Sunday we are having a dinner, and after all the shows Monday is the farewell party.  Then I get up on Tuesday and meet them in the city again for some hostess duty stuff, such as assisted souvenir buying and sight seeing.

Wednesday, I work.

Thursday is the performance practice for Springfield. 

Friday, I leave for Springfield.

And it just goes on.

Still planning to go to DC with my dad and see some of his family.  We were always very close to his cousin's family. I had a dream about them last night.  It was kind of like Wise Children (which I am reading again right now) in the way that periodically in that book there is a moment where everyone from one's past shows up at the same time in full happy carnival mode.  My mom's brother was there, too.  That makes sense, he really does know my dad's cousin.  Then, my grandfather walked in, and my brain knew it was only a dream.  In the dream I burst into tears because it wasn't real.

Not the greatest way to wake up.

And today was CRAZY!

Mrs. McC had her baby, and the sub was doing pretty well, but there was something that hadn't happened before the baby, so neither of us were pros at it:  Doing the rest of the homework the next day.  Someone accidentally took hers home, so I was sent to the office to make a copy.  When I got back, three others needed a copy.  Back to the office.  This time I made a few spares.  Next, we had an emergency drill - bus emergency.  I kept my class pretty quiet, but we were so slow getting off the bus, we probably would have burned up if it had really been on fire.  Instead of my usual evaluations, I also had to teach 3 kids the directions to last night's homework, which they apparently didn't get.  Then, on to my usual.  When it was time for P.E, the class we were supposed to go with wasn't there.  They had a substitute, so I was sent to fetch them.  My student was supposed to go to OT and forgot, so they came looking for him.  Then, in music, one of the boys went to the bathroom and was gone a really long time.  I went to check on him and lo and behold - several boys were trying to convince a GIRL to leave so they could use the bathroom.  Luckily for all, I knew her name, and got her out. Then, the other class was late for lunch, and I had to go and fetch them again.  Yeesh.  Crazy day.

But!

I have to keep my eye on the next thing and not get ahead of myself.  So - off to performance rehearsal I go! 

Hope you are all having a great weekend! 

Here, watch this:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbbTmdX_aNU

Today's Little Surprises

Hello. 

The weather is still clear and nice, but a bit on the hot side for me.  I feel covered in sweat most of the day, even if it isn't strictly the truth.

Mrs. McC. keeps me very busy.  I'm less like a paraprofessional and more like a student teacher.  I grade papers, run errands, make copies and test kids on sight words and math facts.  I hear in the teacher's lounge that this is not really permitted, but I keep busy and don't mind.  I like being helpful.  Besides the poor woman is so VERY pregnant.  I'd feel awful sending her down to the office herself when I am more than able to do it.

J-fest approaches.  The party planning progresses.  Life in general is going rather well, really.  I rarely have a second to read, but I am re-reading Wise Children by Angela Carter.  Have you read it?  It's hilarious.  And quite lewd.

Also, I watched True Lies last night.  So funny.

Today did not go remotely as planned.

I was only with my student for an hour when I was approached by the Vice-Principal.  Another para had gone home, and she wanted me to be with another student instead.  I said sure.  Off I went to be with a kindergarten boy who I actually already knew, having substituted for his para once or twice when he was in the preschool.  My only problem was that I hadn't brought any sort of lunch.

It was a long day, and though we had several fits from the boy in question, we really did alright, and managed to get some work done.  I got to go to P.E. twice.

The first thing that happened when I got home at the end of the day with Grant and Abbie was that the dog vomited on the carpet.

Between that and vague news about an unwanted person and threats to disrupt J-Fest, I' just wishing it were time for bed.  Instead, I'm packing my tabi for the first J-Fest run through practice tonight. 

Wish me luck.

By the way, the gym teacher found out about my being a taiko performer, and wants me to ask about a drumming youtube type thing for his students to exercise to.  I think it's a cute idea.  I will ask.

Now what?

Two days ago, I was thinking, "Why just SAY I'm writing a book?  Maybe I should really write something!  It's not like I'll have a lot else to do, after September...."

Today, I went to work.

Yes.  Work.  Substitute paraprofessional work.  I took another mornings only, long term assignment at the kids' school.  I really do love commuting with them.

Seriously, though, WHAT WAS I THINKING?!  This is the busiest month of my life so far, and I decided to add work every morning.

Kind of feeling tired right now.

I want to make a new CD to revitalize myself, but I can't even scratch up enough energy for that.  I've been doing little business tasks since I got back, like checking the date of the kids' dentist appointment and setting out clothes for work tomorrow.

Well, I've been staring at this screen a long time. Perhaps it is time for a rest.  Tonight is practice, and I have a feeling the road construction on the hwy is going to bring me home very, very late.

It would seem...

It would seem that August is half over already.

ACK!

Tomorrow is the last day of summer vacation for the kids.  Also, it is the last day of summer vacation for me, as I am technically employed by the school district.  However, I have another training video to watch before I am re-activated.  I have decided to do that Wednesday while the kids are having their first day of school.

Tomorrow, though, we shall stay home and do NOTHING.  Well, excepting that I have taiko practice in the evening.

I watched Sliding Doors for the first time in years last night.  It would seem that if you are a "writer" you can be unemployed and people still think you are useful in some way.  I have decided to start telling people I'm writing a book.  Although I am not, as the character in Sliding Doors does, going to use that vast judgment-free time to have an affair.

And speaking of movies that Gwyneth Paltrow is in, it would seem that I have been watching Emma for about a decade, never knowing that the actresses who play Mrs. and Miss Bates are the mother and sister of Emma Thompson!  How can I have overlooked that bit of trivia?

The kids went to Pizza Pro for the first time today.  It was very fun.  We were stuffed.  It would seem that none of us are particularly good at resisting temptation when faced with a waiter holding fancy pizza under our noses.

I have written the newsletter, and I will re-write it with the corrections, etc. tomorrow.  Invitations must also be written...

It would seem that I am both making progress, and am behind schedule. 

Le sigh.

So sleepy.  It would seem that it is past my bedtime.

Running in Front of the Avalanche

So far, so good, stress-wise.

This week, I am planning two large parties, finding new music teachers for the kids, organizing the Dashi sign ups for Japanese Festival, arranging a Last Monday Before School dinner at Culvers, somehow fitting everything into my schedule, doing laundry, figuring out who is coming to Grant's belated birthday dinner at IHOP, getting ready for Josh's company picnic Saturday, writing the August newsletter, paying bills, figuring out what exactly is up with the strange training videos I'm required to watch....including one that I watched last week, getting to practice and making excellent progress (I hope)...can't forget to get gas.  Car won't make it out of town if I forget.

Some things that were stress causing have calmed, though.  For one thing, both kids had their last games yesterday.  Sports season is over!  Also, we have probably found a venue for the welcome party, and I can get on with invitations and planning the second party.  Plus, I'm pretty sure I have new teachers for the kids' music.  With all that is about to happen, I am feeling very serene today.

By the way, this is funny:
http://www.oiselle.com/shop/rundies

Grant thinks that underwear of any kind is intrinsically hilarious.  The other day, he and Abbie were playing "password".  He would stand in the hallway or in front of a door or doorway and tell her to guess the password of the day.  It was usually "underwear".

For the August birthdays, we met my parents at the Lake of the Ozarks and stayed in cabins.  It was great!  It rained furiously the first night, but we had a screened in porch.  Saturday was cool, but rain-less.  We had Gran, Uncle Pete and Nanny over for lunch of bratwurst, corn salad and my fruit salad that everyone loved at the 4th of July. Then, there was chocolate birthday cake and presents.  And lots, lots, and LOTS of snacks.  We took tons of walks (thank goodness for that - some of those snacks were my favorites), swam in the lake, played cards and games, and sang songs.  In the evening we tried like crazy to get a good fire going for roasting marshmallows, but the wood we'd bought was terrible!  It was much too late for the kids by the time the fire was right.  They did, however, get at least one s'more each - made from their own toasted marshmallows.  We had fun, even if we came home with insect bites.  I have one that is bothering me especially..  Well, several, actually.  But fun!  Very fun.

My new favorite Italian singer:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEgwLD5OYAw  Her eyes are ginormous.

Still reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, again.  Should I go on to the 5th book next?  I really didn't care for it, much.  Maybe I will take a quick Wise Children break.  One of my favorites, you know.

Oh.  I also need to schedule a hair appointment.

Finally replaced my Omiyage bachi.  So excited.  It feels different when you use ones that are weighted differently, and I just like mine best.  Going to taiko like crazy tonight!  Grr!  Of course....we aren't playing Omiyage tonight. 

I hope you are all planning to go to the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden this Labor Day weekend? 

I am craving vegetables.  Hmm.  Probably I am suffering from mal-nutrition.  Too many powdered donuts this weekend.  But Tastycake makes some darned good ones!!!

Wishing you a pleasant afternoon!