Excelent! (ha ha)

The "C" word has entered my life again... Change. I am not a fan, but maybe this time around I will be pleasantly surprised. I have been invited to fill a temporary position for the job I applied for within my company. I start tomorrow. From what I can gather, it looks like management is going to give some of the applicants a trial run and if they like what they see, we will be offered a permanent position. I think I like this- before committing, I can try it out and decide if it's a good fit for me too, and if not, I still have my old position to go back to.

This has been a good and productive week so far. I have accomplished most of what I planned for and have also found time to take Caitlin to InstaCare and get Caleb fully outfitted in Scout garb (including alterations) for the 100th Anniversary Scouting Gala. I hope to write more about that later, it is quite an honor to have been invited to attend.

The Agenda

I can't believe it's Monday again... the weeks just seem to be flying by, but at least at this rate, the warmer weather will come again soon.

This is what I plan to do this week:

• Working the last week of mandatory overtime at work (unless I get a dreaded email telling me differently- I talked to another crew member who has been working 60 + hours of OT a week (on top of her full-time schedule) for the past three weeks, I feel like a slacker, but don't think I could have worked more than I have and still have some semblance of a life)
• Having a "Survival Lunch" with my favorite work friends (we're even ordering dessert, because we deserve it!)
• Interviews for Temple recommends
• Financial Peace class
• Date with Clint
• Legacy Marriage Class (we're taking this class with a bunch of friends taught by Caitlin's therapist- we're loving it)
• Nag Caleb about Eagle Scout Project
• Go back to WW (haven't been all month)
• Take Caitlin's books back to the library
• Fish out the things behind the dryer
• Clean my car (or hope for more rain/snow)

I'm sure there will be plenty of unexpected things that pop up between now and Sunday, but these are the things I'm committed to doing (or I'll at least be working on a good excuse for why I didn't do them).

To Daisy, with Love

We picked up Caitlin’s Color Me Mine project today, along with some doggie treats for Daisy.  Spoiled little doggie!

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Shortcomings

A while back, I applied for a different position within the company I currently work for. I have been interested in this position for quite some time and was excited by the chance for a change. I have since learned to even be considered for the job, I would need a "technical writing" background. So... I googled "technical writing" to see if I had any qualifications and then planned to update my resume. I personally hate resumes, I hate the whole- look how wonderful I am, part of trying to get a job. Imagine my humiliation as I looked over the resume I had submitted and realized I had misspelled a word! The whole job in centered around writing and not only do I NOT have technical writing skills, I didn't even correctly spell "excellent"- yep, only used one L. Oh, and to make matters worse- my resume is locked and is "under consideration," so no changes can be made. Ugh, I hope they have a sense of humor. My suggestion is this- if asked to apply and submit resumes online, spellcheck should be an option.

Today, Caitlin went back to school after being off track for three weeks. This morning she did her whole anxiety/sick routine and I have been worried about her all day. I got off work and made chocolate chip cookies to welcome her home. When she got home, she ran in, dropped her backpack, asked if she could go play, and was out the door before I could even offer her a cookie. So... she's fine and I have eaten 5 cookies.

Clint and I are going back for another session of Financial Peace University. We attended all the classes last year and graduated, but decided to go back to support friends who will be going through the program this year. Plus, the accountability and support is so helpful as we work to become debt-free. Problem? Can't find our book. Going to class unprepared tonight.

Shortcoming- the quality or state of being flawed or lacking

Feeling the Love

Happy Valentine’s Day!

It’s been a day full of surprises for the kids and they’ve loved it.  Yesterday, a delivery came from Cookies by Design- Grandma and Jerrie sent us a yummy bouquet, even Daisy got a cookie (Caleb’s already claimed it).

 

Grandpa and Grandma sent treats too.  Caleb was especially excited about his pink duct tape.  Ever since he was a little boy, Caleb would make craft projects and use every last bit of G and G’s tape.  While Caitlin was in the hospital, and Caleb was staying with my parents, my mom let him make a maze constructed of paper towel and toilet paper rolls that ran all the way down her stairs.  Now that he’s older, he’s moved on to bigger, stronger tape.  I’m sure he’ll come up with something to use it on.

 

 

 

 

 

Clint and I gave the kids little gifts too.  Caleb was given some new shirts and his pink tie.  Caitlin was given some new Little Missmatched pj’s and a game for her DS. 

We had a yummy curry dinner and time for a nap… nice day.

Our Week

• Sunday- We knew it was coming, but that didn't make it any easier... ward split. Living in our growing community, this is a common occurrence- we've been through more wards than we can count, each time starting over completely with new faces, leadership, sometimes buildings, etc... This one was particularly difficult, but we'll roll with it. We are so grateful to have had the chance to get to know some of our former ward members and feel our Bishop truly loved and cared for our family.
• Monday- Long work day and the boys got haircuts.
• Tuesday- I hosted a Friendship Dinner for my cancer mom friends at the Blue Lemon- yummy food, good atmosphere, fun time. We all needed this time together and I'm so grateful for these women in my life.

• Wednesday- Another long work day- mandatory overtime, worked 40 hours this week.
• Thursday- Caitlin and I had a play day. We had lunch at In 'n Out and then spent the afternoon at Color Me Mine. If given a choice of art project, Caitlin will always choose painting. After looking at all the options, she chose a dog bowl for Daisy. We can't wait to see how it turns out after coming out of the kiln. That night, we went to Caleb's school play, Suessical the Musical. It was fun to see so many of Caleb's friends participate and I hope it will encourage him to get more involved in theater in the future.

• Friday- Clint traveled to his hometown to go to the funeral of his friends father. We both really like Mr. Turner and are so sad about his passing. Clint enjoyed visiting with some old friends, neighbors, and my family.

• Saturday- Today we delivered the water we've been collecting for Haiti (service project through Feed the Poor). With the help of our friends, neighbors, and Clint's company, we collected 800 bottles of water. Amazingly, Clint fit them all in our car. The water is being moved by truck to California and then shipped on cargo ships to Haiti. We took the kids to lunch and the Lightening Thief this afternoon. Caleb went to the youth stake dance tonight, wearing his new, pink Valentine's tie.

Buck Up, Cupcake!

This has been one of the most difficult weeks I have ever had in my working career. But... I have been surrounded by supportive people and I'm going to stick it out. I have to stick it out!

I appreciate all the words of encouragement I have been given, the extra prayers said on my behalf, and the treats delivered to my door (thanks, Judy and Vicky).

There are so many things in this life that are hard. Some seem so trivial and some are downright impossible. I know that many who are reading my blog would trade me trials in a heartbeat, and yet, you have been concerned about me. Thank you.

(Title- my friend, Shari told me that her elderly neighbor once said these words to his wife when she was in labor with their first child. It totally makes me laugh.)