Yesterday was a beautiful day for a Sunday walk. The weather was perfect, we had the time, and a lovely neighborhood to walk in. While walking through a neighborhood with fairly new homes, my husband and I were discussing what makes an attractive entrance to a house. I love an attractive wreath, and maybe a pot of flowers on the porch. We love simple but elegant things, not much clutter on a porch. You may remember that one of my New Year's resolutions is to have a cute porch. So I like to study other porches to see what works and what doesn't.
What works: A Plant or two
What doesn't: A fake, faded plant
What works: A chair or some furniture on the porch
What doesn't: Plastic chairs or benches
What works: A nice door hanging
What doesn't: An oversized door hanging that hits you in the head when you enter, or anthing made with plastic Christmas ribbon
I think you understand what I'm talking about. As we were walking back home, we discussed our entrance (yes, we like to talk about deep things sometimes). As we approached our home, I noticed the semi-swept dirt on our walkway (our kids had to unload the dirt in our flowerbed to bury their bones from dinner - we had ribs. This was not a parent-approved activity, btw. But they had "cleaned" up their mess. The dirt clods were indeed gone, but the walkway was still dirty). I noticed our cute chair and pillow, our flowers on the door, and the mismatched pair of shoes. Oh, and the dirty socks.
It's not quite the elegant entrance I planned, but it definately said "Welcome Home" to me. Without my kids it wouldn't be a home. I'm glad for them.
What works: classy wreath on door that insinuates peace and order in the home
What works even better: kids who feel welcome in their own home.
My five for the day:
1. I think I finally found a good book. Since Twilight nothing is worth reading. But I found a cute book called The Redheaded Princess. I'll let you know how it goes.
2. Chocolate eclairs. We *gasp* didn't make brownies last night. We made eclairs. They were delicious. As good as they were, however, we'll still probably have brownies for FHE tonight.
3. The weather is beautiful outside! I loved my morning walk.
4. E.L.F. cosmetics. It's about time to reorder makeup. ELF is the best! Good quality makeup delivered to my door. The best part is their makeup is usually $1 each. I love their tinted moisturizer, fingernail polish, eyeshadow and eyeliners. Plus they have a great eyelash curler for ONLY A DOLLAR!
5. Pasta salad. We rarely have it because I'm the only person in the family that likes it, plus it's fattening. But I made it for dinner last night, along with our ribs. I enjoyed it. And I get to enjoy it all week because nobody else did.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Over the River and Through the Woods to Grandmother's House We Go...
Last night I had the opportunity to hang out at my grandma's house. It has been years and years and years since I've been to her house. Now, I've always known my grandma was an amazing woman: she has faced many challenges and always is strong and has a great attitude. Last night she threw a party with some of her kids and grandkids. Many people came, but she spent most of night talking to my sisters and I about her life, her memories, her goals. She showed us what was in her hope chest, what she has sewn and collected. It was so fun! I am not a trinket person, but her house was decorated so cute! Her trinkets are so old that they are in style again, and I LOVED IT! And with every trinket came a memory and story.
I love my grandma. I love how she took the time to be with us and talk to us, how she shared her house (we went through every room), her goals, her love. She raised 10 kids, but still found time to sew, cook, take classes, learn to paint.
My new goal: make my house meaningful. Don't decorate just for the sake of having it look good, but try to include things that have meaning. For example, my grandpa (who passed away a few years ago) carried a huge silver lunchbox to work everyday for years. It's now decorating a shelf in one of her bedrooms. She has books with meaning, pictures, vases that were given to her, pieces of embroidery that her mom made or she made, even a beautiful desk made by my grandpa.
What impressed me the most was that she's still learning and doing and progressing. She's collecting stories of her ancestors and putting them in albums. She crochets blankets for all the new babies. And she throws a great party.
Thanks grandma for a very meaningful and fun night!
My Five for Today:
1. My grandma and last night's visit
2. I'm glad I wore a coat this morning.
3. I'm glad that I didn't sleep in this morning.
4. I brought my quote-book to work so I can update my quote of the day now.
5. It's Friday!
I love my grandma. I love how she took the time to be with us and talk to us, how she shared her house (we went through every room), her goals, her love. She raised 10 kids, but still found time to sew, cook, take classes, learn to paint.
My new goal: make my house meaningful. Don't decorate just for the sake of having it look good, but try to include things that have meaning. For example, my grandpa (who passed away a few years ago) carried a huge silver lunchbox to work everyday for years. It's now decorating a shelf in one of her bedrooms. She has books with meaning, pictures, vases that were given to her, pieces of embroidery that her mom made or she made, even a beautiful desk made by my grandpa.
What impressed me the most was that she's still learning and doing and progressing. She's collecting stories of her ancestors and putting them in albums. She crochets blankets for all the new babies. And she throws a great party.
Thanks grandma for a very meaningful and fun night!
My Five for Today:
1. My grandma and last night's visit
2. I'm glad I wore a coat this morning.
3. I'm glad that I didn't sleep in this morning.
4. I brought my quote-book to work so I can update my quote of the day now.
5. It's Friday!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The Truth
So my daughter heard from a "friend" that there is no such thing as the tooth fairy. She went directly to my husband to find out the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. After indirectly answering the question ("What do you think?"), my husband finally had to admit the truth. My daughter was sworn to secrecy and will not reveal the Great Secret to her brothers.
Her reaction? "I wish you hadn't told me."
Growing up sucks.
My five for today:
1. As least Santa Clause is still real...
2. The smell of rain in the air.
3. The smell of Pie Pizza and Macadamia-nut cookies in the office.
4. My bus route goes through the Avenues. I don't think I'll ever get sick of looking at the houses.
5. Comments in my comments section (hint hint)
Her reaction? "I wish you hadn't told me."
Growing up sucks.
My five for today:
1. As least Santa Clause is still real...
2. The smell of rain in the air.
3. The smell of Pie Pizza and Macadamia-nut cookies in the office.
4. My bus route goes through the Avenues. I don't think I'll ever get sick of looking at the houses.
5. Comments in my comments section (hint hint)
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It's Off to Work I Go
Some people (hi Nancy!) wonder if I actually do any work at work. Why, I make work sound so fun, with movie viewing, music listening, fun food and good times. But let me just ask you stay at home moms out there: when was the last time you had an entire HOUR for lunch all by yourself? An hour when you couldn't work on your regular tasks? I KNOW! NEVER!!! So, although I would not choose to work full-time if I got to choose, and don't care for the commute, and miss my kids terribly, I will take advantage of one free hour to bake cookies, watch The Office, go for a walk, or blog. I'm going to make the most of this hour lunch break.
What do you guys like to do in your free time?
My Five for The Last Half of Yesterday and The First Half of Today:
1. FHE. I tell ya...I love Monday nights. Last night we had mint chocolate chip ice cream and helped our old neighbors move into their beautiful new home. I was jealous beyond belief. But very happy for them.
2. Eight uninterrupted hours of sleep last night! Bed at 9:00, woke up at 5:00. Bliss.
3. My daughter lost another tooth. Toothless kids are the cutest. Ethpecially when they lithp.
4. TV free week at home. My kids have made a goal (with the school's help) to not watch TV or play video or computer games for a week. I'm SO glad I can watch The Office at my office. I wouldn't want to be a bad influence at home watching TV in front of them.
5. The newspaper. Some people wake up with caffeine, I just need the paper. It's my morning ritual to read and eat breakfast. I feel lost without knowing the latest on the FLDS situation. (Kidding...)
What do you guys like to do in your free time?
My Five for The Last Half of Yesterday and The First Half of Today:
1. FHE. I tell ya...I love Monday nights. Last night we had mint chocolate chip ice cream and helped our old neighbors move into their beautiful new home. I was jealous beyond belief. But very happy for them.
2. Eight uninterrupted hours of sleep last night! Bed at 9:00, woke up at 5:00. Bliss.
3. My daughter lost another tooth. Toothless kids are the cutest. Ethpecially when they lithp.
4. TV free week at home. My kids have made a goal (with the school's help) to not watch TV or play video or computer games for a week. I'm SO glad I can watch The Office at my office. I wouldn't want to be a bad influence at home watching TV in front of them.
5. The newspaper. Some people wake up with caffeine, I just need the paper. It's my morning ritual to read and eat breakfast. I feel lost without knowing the latest on the FLDS situation. (Kidding...)
Monday, April 21, 2008
Monday Five
I have nothing cool to say today. But I did dream about killing spiders as my current career and I remember thinking (in my dream) "wow, what a great blog this would make..."
Anyway, here's my five for today:
1. My friend at work figured that our toaster oven can make cookies. AND she had cookie dough. Fresh and hot chocolate chip oatmeal cookies for lunch!
2. Being able to watch The Office at work on the internet (on my lunch, of course). Last week's episode was quite funny!
3. Going for a walk on my morning break. The U campus really is pretty (if you bypass all of the construction).
4. Going for a Sunday walk. I love those!
5. Phantom of the Opera music. My boss has been playing it (and letting me play it, too) and I LOVE IT!
Anyway, here's my five for today:
1. My friend at work figured that our toaster oven can make cookies. AND she had cookie dough. Fresh and hot chocolate chip oatmeal cookies for lunch!
2. Being able to watch The Office at work on the internet (on my lunch, of course). Last week's episode was quite funny!
3. Going for a walk on my morning break. The U campus really is pretty (if you bypass all of the construction).
4. Going for a Sunday walk. I love those!
5. Phantom of the Opera music. My boss has been playing it (and letting me play it, too) and I LOVE IT!
Friday, April 18, 2008
It's Five o' Clock Somewhere...
Here's my five for today:
1. The Symphony bar I got for my birthday. I've finished the last half of it just in this lunchbreak alone and I've thoroughly enjoyed every single delectable bite!
2. The pizza I just got from one of my co-workers. Little Caesar's. Yum Yum! Pizza and a Symphony bar for lunch. Delish! Now all I need is a Diet Coke...
3. Seeing niece and nephew today on my "bathroom" break. Except poor Zekey-boy ran down a hill, tripped over the curb and did a face plant on the asphalt. That part was not fun. But I sure love those kids!
4. Speaking of kids, I love mine! Last night they were so good to get their homework done, clean up their dinner, pick up the house. I need to remember sometimes that they rock! Sometimes I just remember the whining and what not. I need to remember the awesomeness, too. I love seeing my daughter twirling around on the bar, and my son's excitement over a Poptropica game, and my other son's desire to have projects and make stuff. These are good times!
5. And, of course, I need to thank Darin. I think I include him everyday in my 5 a Day, but boy I appreciate him! He woke up in the middle of night (more than once) to help a child with bad dreams or hunger pangs. Thanks for letting me sleep!
1. The Symphony bar I got for my birthday. I've finished the last half of it just in this lunchbreak alone and I've thoroughly enjoyed every single delectable bite!
2. The pizza I just got from one of my co-workers. Little Caesar's. Yum Yum! Pizza and a Symphony bar for lunch. Delish! Now all I need is a Diet Coke...
3. Seeing niece and nephew today on my "bathroom" break. Except poor Zekey-boy ran down a hill, tripped over the curb and did a face plant on the asphalt. That part was not fun. But I sure love those kids!
4. Speaking of kids, I love mine! Last night they were so good to get their homework done, clean up their dinner, pick up the house. I need to remember sometimes that they rock! Sometimes I just remember the whining and what not. I need to remember the awesomeness, too. I love seeing my daughter twirling around on the bar, and my son's excitement over a Poptropica game, and my other son's desire to have projects and make stuff. These are good times!
5. And, of course, I need to thank Darin. I think I include him everyday in my 5 a Day, but boy I appreciate him! He woke up in the middle of night (more than once) to help a child with bad dreams or hunger pangs. Thanks for letting me sleep!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Tagged
Ten Years Ago:
Spring 1998: I did then what I pretty much do now minus the kids: Wake up early, work at the Admissions Office, come home late, eat dinner, go to bed.
Except I think we were living with my in-laws at the time because our house was being built. So my life probably went like this: Wake up early, eat a delicious breakfast that my mother-in-law woke up early to make me, work at the Admissions Office, eat a delicious lunch that my mother-in-law made me, come home late, eat a delicious dinner that my mother-in-law made me, read the paper, hang out with the in-laws, go to bed. My in-laws spoiled me. They still do!
5 Things on my To Do List:
1. Help my son do some homework
2. Train a co-worker on freshman evaluations
3. Get through my stack of "miscellaneous" files
4. Not miss the bus
5. Check the weather report (I thought the day before yesterday would be nice and sunny, so I wore a knee-lenth skirt, sandals, and a short sleeved shirt. And a denim jacket. Yeah - I had to go to the Bookstore on my lunch and buy an umbrella. And then I prayed as I was waiting for the late bus that I wouldn't get frostbite on my toes. My prayer was answered, btw.)
5 Snacks I Love:
1. String cheese and V-8
2. Diet coke and crackers (that was yesterday's lunch, actually)
3. Apples(sliced)
4. Raw almonds
5. Anything chocolate
And, who am I kidding: chips, pop, doughnuts, cookies, muffins, carbs in all shapes and sizes.
5 Foods I Love:
1. Pizza with my husband's homemade pizza crust
2. Homemade 1 hour rolls (Jeanette's recipe)
3. Pork Salad from Cafe Rio
4. Mimi's Cafe's ginger sweet and sour salmon over rice
5. Anything with cream cheese
What would I do if I were suddenly a billionaire?
1-Pay tithing
2.Pay back all the people who have helped us through the years, with interest
3.Buy a designer handbag, just because I could
4.Get new carpet and flooring
5.Still shop at the DI
5 Places I have lived:
Sorry, I've only lived four places:
1. West side
2. U of U
3. In-laws
4. My current place
Favorite Quote:
It changes depending on my mood. Plus I'm at work so I can't actually quote any quotes. But I really like the scripture in 1 Peter that says the trial of your faith is more precious than gold. And I like one by Martha Beck that says something like to the worm it's the end of the world, but to the Master it's a butterfly (that's the jist of it).
Who to tag, who to tag....
Liz, Jess, Darin, and anyone who wants to!
And my five for today:
1. It's not freezing outside!
2. My husband made his yummy pizza last night for dinner
3. I can sleep on the bus
4. We have a water cooler at work: I can glug all I want!
5. My laundry is seriously still caught up. This just doesn't happen when I'm the one in charge of it. I saw a sign at a boutique the other day that said, "When I said I DO I didn't mean the laundry." So sad, but so true. (Thanks Darin!)
Spring 1998: I did then what I pretty much do now minus the kids: Wake up early, work at the Admissions Office, come home late, eat dinner, go to bed.
Except I think we were living with my in-laws at the time because our house was being built. So my life probably went like this: Wake up early, eat a delicious breakfast that my mother-in-law woke up early to make me, work at the Admissions Office, eat a delicious lunch that my mother-in-law made me, come home late, eat a delicious dinner that my mother-in-law made me, read the paper, hang out with the in-laws, go to bed. My in-laws spoiled me. They still do!
5 Things on my To Do List:
1. Help my son do some homework
2. Train a co-worker on freshman evaluations
3. Get through my stack of "miscellaneous" files
4. Not miss the bus
5. Check the weather report (I thought the day before yesterday would be nice and sunny, so I wore a knee-lenth skirt, sandals, and a short sleeved shirt. And a denim jacket. Yeah - I had to go to the Bookstore on my lunch and buy an umbrella. And then I prayed as I was waiting for the late bus that I wouldn't get frostbite on my toes. My prayer was answered, btw.)
5 Snacks I Love:
1. String cheese and V-8
2. Diet coke and crackers (that was yesterday's lunch, actually)
3. Apples(sliced)
4. Raw almonds
5. Anything chocolate
And, who am I kidding: chips, pop, doughnuts, cookies, muffins, carbs in all shapes and sizes.
5 Foods I Love:
1. Pizza with my husband's homemade pizza crust
2. Homemade 1 hour rolls (Jeanette's recipe)
3. Pork Salad from Cafe Rio
4. Mimi's Cafe's ginger sweet and sour salmon over rice
5. Anything with cream cheese
What would I do if I were suddenly a billionaire?
1-Pay tithing
2.Pay back all the people who have helped us through the years, with interest
3.Buy a designer handbag, just because I could
4.Get new carpet and flooring
5.Still shop at the DI
5 Places I have lived:
Sorry, I've only lived four places:
1. West side
2. U of U
3. In-laws
4. My current place
Favorite Quote:
It changes depending on my mood. Plus I'm at work so I can't actually quote any quotes. But I really like the scripture in 1 Peter that says the trial of your faith is more precious than gold. And I like one by Martha Beck that says something like to the worm it's the end of the world, but to the Master it's a butterfly (that's the jist of it).
Who to tag, who to tag....
Liz, Jess, Darin, and anyone who wants to!
And my five for today:
1. It's not freezing outside!
2. My husband made his yummy pizza last night for dinner
3. I can sleep on the bus
4. We have a water cooler at work: I can glug all I want!
5. My laundry is seriously still caught up. This just doesn't happen when I'm the one in charge of it. I saw a sign at a boutique the other day that said, "When I said I DO I didn't mean the laundry." So sad, but so true. (Thanks Darin!)
Friday, April 11, 2008
Have Brownies, Make Friends
So our office is having a party today and I brought brownies for it. I didn't think about the fact that I'm a bus rider now, which means that I got to carry my tupperware full of baked goods on the bus and downtown. I've never had so many strangers talk to me today. I guess a woman with chocolate can't be too harmful, right?
And I tried the "don't look them in the eye" approach, but what do you do when the person has a glass eye? Of course you look. You can't help it. And then they think you're their friend, too, especially if you are carrying brownies. So I have made friends today.
One friend had two normal eyes but was grumpy as can be that the bus was 3 minutes late. Do you think she was hinting that chocolate would help? I didn't offer her any.
The second lady had a glass eye, lived in Montana, had six kids, no husband, 18 year old twin boys who treated her like dirt, was travelling by bus to the VA Hospital for an appointment to have surgery on her eye (and will need to come back another time for the actual surgery - another bus ride from Montana), had already walked 10 blocks this morning to catch the right buses and was totally positive and happy. Talkative, but happy. She didn't even hint that she would need brownies.
I hope I take the second lady's approach to life. I'll bypass the tragic car accident, glass eye, kids who treat me like dirt, no husband problems, but I hope I can adopt the happy, positive attitude.
Make it a happy day, folks!
Friday Five:
1. Flowers my co-workers gave me for my birthday. How nice is that?
2. Pizza on the office because our interim director is leaving. Flower AND free lunch in one day!
3. Plus it's FRIDAY!
4. Plus I got brownies!
5. Plus Darin gave me Enchantment for my birthday! Flowers, free lunch, brownies, and Friday Night Movie Night. Does it get any better?
Yes...the bus could come three minutes earlier (kidding...).
And I tried the "don't look them in the eye" approach, but what do you do when the person has a glass eye? Of course you look. You can't help it. And then they think you're their friend, too, especially if you are carrying brownies. So I have made friends today.
One friend had two normal eyes but was grumpy as can be that the bus was 3 minutes late. Do you think she was hinting that chocolate would help? I didn't offer her any.
The second lady had a glass eye, lived in Montana, had six kids, no husband, 18 year old twin boys who treated her like dirt, was travelling by bus to the VA Hospital for an appointment to have surgery on her eye (and will need to come back another time for the actual surgery - another bus ride from Montana), had already walked 10 blocks this morning to catch the right buses and was totally positive and happy. Talkative, but happy. She didn't even hint that she would need brownies.
I hope I take the second lady's approach to life. I'll bypass the tragic car accident, glass eye, kids who treat me like dirt, no husband problems, but I hope I can adopt the happy, positive attitude.
Make it a happy day, folks!
Friday Five:
1. Flowers my co-workers gave me for my birthday. How nice is that?
2. Pizza on the office because our interim director is leaving. Flower AND free lunch in one day!
3. Plus it's FRIDAY!
4. Plus I got brownies!
5. Plus Darin gave me Enchantment for my birthday! Flowers, free lunch, brownies, and Friday Night Movie Night. Does it get any better?
Yes...the bus could come three minutes earlier (kidding...).
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
The Bus
$200 a month. That's how much moola I can save by riding the bus. So yesterday I began my trek home by riding the good ole Utah Transit Authority. Unfortunately, this isn't my first experience being a bus rider. Many, many hours were spent on the bus during my first two years of college. I just called it the "Whole Poor Student Approach to College."
Being the bus expert that I am, I have compiled a list of rules to abide by when taking advantage of public transportation.
1. Dress appropriately. And I'm not just talking about being warm enough, though that's important. Years ago I decided to make myself a skirt without a pattern. So did my friend Elizabeth (whom you all know by now - she's in all my awesome stories). Her skirt turned out fantastic and she looked great in it. Mine was far too small. But I HATE sewing and refused to fix it. And, since I spent so much time on it, I WAS going to wear it. Period. So I shimmied into that darn skirt, pulling and sucking in and all that good stuff to get it on. Then I went to school, boarding the bus. Big problem. I couldn't walk up the steps of the bus because the skirt wasn't allowing much room for leg movement. I also couldn't walk down the steps once I finally made it on. I was terrified that the skirt would rip at the seams. Rule #1, dress appropriately.
2. Don't get attatched to stray kittys, even if dead. Now, I hate pets, and don't care for cats or anything, but that doesn't mean I want to watch them die. And die it will if it runs in front of a bus. Cats seem to believe that they are in charge of the world, but I've learned that, if in an accident, the bus will always win. Yesterday of my way home, I watched a kitty run in front of the bus. The bus didn't even slow down. Thankfully, the kitty was fast and no harm done, but I've witnessed not so fortunate cats get run over by the bus. The one I saw happened to be a dead bloated cat, but the sound emitted from the bus running it over will forever be etched in my brain. I was not on the bus when it happened, just waiting at the bus stop. It was a sad day. So don't get emotionally attached to any living animal (especially cats) that may inadvertantly come into a bus's path.
3. Never make eye contact. This is by far the most important rule of all. I was slightly offended yesterday when I boarded the bus and saw one of my neighbors. Now, I don't know him very well, but as soon as he saw me, he fake sleeped. So I picked another seat to sit in, and, a few bus stops later, another neighbor that I didn't know well spotted me. I made eye contact. This lets the person know that it's okay for them to sit by you and become your best friend. You know, telling intimate secrets, or, worse, small talk. I spent 2 hours yesterday talking about the weather and the traffic and muskrats with my seat-mate. And he was tame, compared to others I've met on the bus. In college, I was followed, flirted with (by homeless drunks), had to talk endlessly with people that had bad breath, and scared out of my wits by the stories people told me about themselves. I've tried reading, writing, pretending I only spoke French, and a host of other things, but the best way to deter wierdo's is by not making eye contact. Although I haven't tried fake sleeping. Usually I do that for reals.
Those are the main three. You can add any other ideas in the comment section. I could use all the tips I can get!
Being the bus expert that I am, I have compiled a list of rules to abide by when taking advantage of public transportation.
1. Dress appropriately. And I'm not just talking about being warm enough, though that's important. Years ago I decided to make myself a skirt without a pattern. So did my friend Elizabeth (whom you all know by now - she's in all my awesome stories). Her skirt turned out fantastic and she looked great in it. Mine was far too small. But I HATE sewing and refused to fix it. And, since I spent so much time on it, I WAS going to wear it. Period. So I shimmied into that darn skirt, pulling and sucking in and all that good stuff to get it on. Then I went to school, boarding the bus. Big problem. I couldn't walk up the steps of the bus because the skirt wasn't allowing much room for leg movement. I also couldn't walk down the steps once I finally made it on. I was terrified that the skirt would rip at the seams. Rule #1, dress appropriately.
2. Don't get attatched to stray kittys, even if dead. Now, I hate pets, and don't care for cats or anything, but that doesn't mean I want to watch them die. And die it will if it runs in front of a bus. Cats seem to believe that they are in charge of the world, but I've learned that, if in an accident, the bus will always win. Yesterday of my way home, I watched a kitty run in front of the bus. The bus didn't even slow down. Thankfully, the kitty was fast and no harm done, but I've witnessed not so fortunate cats get run over by the bus. The one I saw happened to be a dead bloated cat, but the sound emitted from the bus running it over will forever be etched in my brain. I was not on the bus when it happened, just waiting at the bus stop. It was a sad day. So don't get emotionally attached to any living animal (especially cats) that may inadvertantly come into a bus's path.
3. Never make eye contact. This is by far the most important rule of all. I was slightly offended yesterday when I boarded the bus and saw one of my neighbors. Now, I don't know him very well, but as soon as he saw me, he fake sleeped. So I picked another seat to sit in, and, a few bus stops later, another neighbor that I didn't know well spotted me. I made eye contact. This lets the person know that it's okay for them to sit by you and become your best friend. You know, telling intimate secrets, or, worse, small talk. I spent 2 hours yesterday talking about the weather and the traffic and muskrats with my seat-mate. And he was tame, compared to others I've met on the bus. In college, I was followed, flirted with (by homeless drunks), had to talk endlessly with people that had bad breath, and scared out of my wits by the stories people told me about themselves. I've tried reading, writing, pretending I only spoke French, and a host of other things, but the best way to deter wierdo's is by not making eye contact. Although I haven't tried fake sleeping. Usually I do that for reals.
Those are the main three. You can add any other ideas in the comment section. I could use all the tips I can get!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
GOTCHA!
You all know I'm kidding...I'm not really pregnant. Just a little April Fooling around.
But about my new job:
(I have to be careful what I say, because I'm updating this at work, on my lunch break, of course.)
Day 1: I was shown my desk, told I didn't have access to the computer system yet, just look around and "I'm sure it'll all come back to you."
My job is Freshman Supervisor, which means I'm over 5 people and must keep track of (1) every single person who applies to the U and is a Freshman. We evaluate each person's records and determine if they are admissable or not; (2) All of their transcripts and test scores; (2) an exchange program that involves all of the western states; (3) a Boarder Waiver program I know nothing about; (4) computing all of the statistics for the Admissions Office; (5) lots of other various duties (i.e. non-matriculated students, the help desk, the phone lines, renewal students, High School University Program, athlete files, etc, etc, etc. If you don't know what it means, I probably don't, either.)
Day 2: I attempted to answer the phone.
Day 3 (today): I attempted a staff meeting and helped students at the "window" (the help desk).
So far, so good. I've realized that not only are they not officially training me, but most of my employees were given the same extent of training that I'm getting.
I hate to admit this, but so far it's been kind of fun. I feel like I'm a detective and have to teach myself stuff. Without a training manual. Thankgoodness a lot of stuff has come back to me.
And how's the home front? Darin has been keeping house and I come home to dinner every night (hot dogs, frozen burritos...), get a hot breakfast every morning (waffles, egg sandwich, french toast...), and THE DRAWERS ARE ORGANIZED!!! I can find my socks now, my deoderant, the towels vs. the washcloths. I tell ya, he's a whole lot more ambitious that I was at housework. And get this: THE LAUNDRY IS CAUGHT UP!!! Ironing and everything! Seriously: no April Fooling this time.
And my oldest son is okay, too. He's still very sleepy and has headaches, but he's doing great. He's been going to school for half days the last few days, so he's not too behind at school, either.
Boy am I not funny at work. This is a very boring blog. I guess I'm just acting professional (and it is all an act). I'll try to blog more at home when my brain isn't on work duty.
Thurday Five:
1. Two hours of The Office tonight! This show really applies to my current job. I'm going to learn how to be a better manager by watching Michael (kidding). Does anybody know if it's just reruns? I really hope not.
2. I get to read now. I get one whole hour at work for lunch. Moms usually don't get an hour lunch break. So with all my "free" time I'm reading. My current book: Daddy-Long-Legs. It's an excellent book so far!
3. A picture of my kids at my desk. It reminds me of why I'm doing this whole job thing.
4. April Fools jokes.
5. Caught up laundry (thanks Darin!)
But about my new job:
(I have to be careful what I say, because I'm updating this at work, on my lunch break, of course.)
Day 1: I was shown my desk, told I didn't have access to the computer system yet, just look around and "I'm sure it'll all come back to you."
My job is Freshman Supervisor, which means I'm over 5 people and must keep track of (1) every single person who applies to the U and is a Freshman. We evaluate each person's records and determine if they are admissable or not; (2) All of their transcripts and test scores; (2) an exchange program that involves all of the western states; (3) a Boarder Waiver program I know nothing about; (4) computing all of the statistics for the Admissions Office; (5) lots of other various duties (i.e. non-matriculated students, the help desk, the phone lines, renewal students, High School University Program, athlete files, etc, etc, etc. If you don't know what it means, I probably don't, either.)
Day 2: I attempted to answer the phone.
Day 3 (today): I attempted a staff meeting and helped students at the "window" (the help desk).
So far, so good. I've realized that not only are they not officially training me, but most of my employees were given the same extent of training that I'm getting.
I hate to admit this, but so far it's been kind of fun. I feel like I'm a detective and have to teach myself stuff. Without a training manual. Thankgoodness a lot of stuff has come back to me.
And how's the home front? Darin has been keeping house and I come home to dinner every night (hot dogs, frozen burritos...), get a hot breakfast every morning (waffles, egg sandwich, french toast...), and THE DRAWERS ARE ORGANIZED!!! I can find my socks now, my deoderant, the towels vs. the washcloths. I tell ya, he's a whole lot more ambitious that I was at housework. And get this: THE LAUNDRY IS CAUGHT UP!!! Ironing and everything! Seriously: no April Fooling this time.
And my oldest son is okay, too. He's still very sleepy and has headaches, but he's doing great. He's been going to school for half days the last few days, so he's not too behind at school, either.
Boy am I not funny at work. This is a very boring blog. I guess I'm just acting professional (and it is all an act). I'll try to blog more at home when my brain isn't on work duty.
Thurday Five:
1. Two hours of The Office tonight! This show really applies to my current job. I'm going to learn how to be a better manager by watching Michael (kidding). Does anybody know if it's just reruns? I really hope not.
2. I get to read now. I get one whole hour at work for lunch. Moms usually don't get an hour lunch break. So with all my "free" time I'm reading. My current book: Daddy-Long-Legs. It's an excellent book so far!
3. A picture of my kids at my desk. It reminds me of why I'm doing this whole job thing.
4. April Fools jokes.
5. Caught up laundry (thanks Darin!)
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Oops!
I have to be real quick because my lunch break is up in 3 minutes.
As you all know, I've been feeling very tired and overwhelmed lately, and I should let you know why: I'm pregnant. Yup! Not the best timing, but we're happy nonetheless. My daughter is ecstatic! She's been wanting a sister for a long time!
We're hoping for two or less children this time around...
As you all know, I've been feeling very tired and overwhelmed lately, and I should let you know why: I'm pregnant. Yup! Not the best timing, but we're happy nonetheless. My daughter is ecstatic! She's been wanting a sister for a long time!
We're hoping for two or less children this time around...