I'm starting to avoid watching the news. It's just too depressing. We all know how messed up everything is out there. Job losses, home losses, folks with no health care and no place to live...people willing to work but there are no jobs.
My family and I are doing okay for now but it's hard to relax and it's hard not to worry when you see what's happening to other folks. At least once a week I hear of a murder/suicide where money troubles is mentioned as a possible motive. To lose your life or take another is senseless yet I understand the immense pressure one can feel when you are about to lose everything. The worry, the fear, the sleepless nights and the desperation. And what happens when you have done everything right and you still can't find your way out of the situation?
I reached a point one time. My husband had been unemployed for over 10 months and we were almost through our savings. I was working but my client had not paid me and her company shut down owing me over $20,000. I was wrecked with worry and trying to find other work and find a way to keep what we had. After a while I was just too exhausted to fight. I came to a point where I was okay if we had to sell our home and move to an apartment and completely downsize our life. At least I had that option.
What if you don't have that option? You can't sell your home in this market and if you do it will sit on the market for a long time and you might even get less than you owe. I was watching on TV on how many Americans are becoming homeless. Big families with no home, no savings, no jobs and no place to go. Some are on the streets and sleeping in shelters. Others have set up tent cities. It's so scary and it's going to get worse before it gets better.
It's a big mess that our new president inherited. I wish there was some way for those in charge who got us here to pay for their mistakes. The corrupt are to blame...the big banks, the politicians...the greedy. And a big serving of karma is coming. I'm not saying that we Americans have done the best job with saving and living within our means but many people got rich on the now suffering of others.
I do have faith and I do believe that our country can recover. So many things must change but in the mean time we have to do better for those who need it the most. They need a bailout not some rich corporate thug.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Vacation is all I ever wanted....
I'm getting ready to book a vacation! Both of my sons have spring break together at the end of March and I thought it would be a good time to take a vacation. We wanted to go to Puerto Rico to visit my father-in-law but the airfare is so expensive and even with the cheaper fares (under $400), it's about a 8 - 10 hour trip with at least one stop and layover. With two young boys, I don't think so.
We got a super deal from a friend in the travel industry for Mexico...one-week, air, hotel and all-inclusive...all meals and drinks for a super price. I was trying to avoid places where we would be subjected to college spring-breakers. No offense...I hope they all have a wonderful time but I have also witnessed less than decent behavior that I do not wish to subject my family to. So we are going to Huatulco...a quiet, eco-friendly beach resort town south of Acapulco. I've always wanted to go there! We leave in less than four weeks!
Of course, the next four weeks is saturated with work obligations. I just met with a new client this morning and I have a HUGE grant due in two weeks! It's a government grant which are beasts to prepare. The writing is the easy part....it's all of the the budgets, addendums and certifications you have to attach with it. It can make you crazy. I have a love-dread affection for my work in this arena. While I love the challenge of tackling a detailed proposal..some of the content can cause pure anxiety. BUT this is the nature of this field and I am good at what I do. The best part is that after two weeks, it's done, I get paid and I get a break.....this time a vacation!
Right now I am going to sit down and write a work plan for the project. I do much better with a plan. Included in the plan is also my family and personal stuff that will also demand my attention and last but not least, getting in those workouts and my nutrition.
Not only will I need that for my health, sanity and well being...I have to look hot for vacation! LOL!
We got a super deal from a friend in the travel industry for Mexico...one-week, air, hotel and all-inclusive...all meals and drinks for a super price. I was trying to avoid places where we would be subjected to college spring-breakers. No offense...I hope they all have a wonderful time but I have also witnessed less than decent behavior that I do not wish to subject my family to. So we are going to Huatulco...a quiet, eco-friendly beach resort town south of Acapulco. I've always wanted to go there! We leave in less than four weeks!
Of course, the next four weeks is saturated with work obligations. I just met with a new client this morning and I have a HUGE grant due in two weeks! It's a government grant which are beasts to prepare. The writing is the easy part....it's all of the the budgets, addendums and certifications you have to attach with it. It can make you crazy. I have a love-dread affection for my work in this arena. While I love the challenge of tackling a detailed proposal..some of the content can cause pure anxiety. BUT this is the nature of this field and I am good at what I do. The best part is that after two weeks, it's done, I get paid and I get a break.....this time a vacation!
Right now I am going to sit down and write a work plan for the project. I do much better with a plan. Included in the plan is also my family and personal stuff that will also demand my attention and last but not least, getting in those workouts and my nutrition.
Not only will I need that for my health, sanity and well being...I have to look hot for vacation! LOL!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
My Birthday Party
What can I say? I had such a good time. I'm glad I threw myself a birthday party and I highly recommend doing so for yourself...hell, throw yourself a party for any reason! Just for fun.
I was pretty stressed out last week with looming report deadlines for my client. I was up to at least 1:00 am every night working on this stuff. I worked on everything up until Thursday and then cooked and cleaned on Friday and Saturday afternoon.
I love mardi gras so it was a treat to combine my birthday with a theme! I decorated the house and strung beads from just about everywhere. I made 5 gallons of gumbo and my hubby made his famous mufulleta sandwich and of course there was plenty to drink!
Everyone loved the food. I gave out beads to everyone and after cake we did karaoke. So much fun! Of course on Sunday, I was couchatose. Not even from drinking, I was just plain tired.
A few pics....I tried to load more but I'm still trying to figure it out.
I was pretty stressed out last week with looming report deadlines for my client. I was up to at least 1:00 am every night working on this stuff. I worked on everything up until Thursday and then cooked and cleaned on Friday and Saturday afternoon.
I love mardi gras so it was a treat to combine my birthday with a theme! I decorated the house and strung beads from just about everywhere. I made 5 gallons of gumbo and my hubby made his famous mufulleta sandwich and of course there was plenty to drink!
Everyone loved the food. I gave out beads to everyone and after cake we did karaoke. So much fun! Of course on Sunday, I was couchatose. Not even from drinking, I was just plain tired.
A few pics....I tried to load more but I'm still trying to figure it out.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
It happens everytime
I'm throwing myself a little birthday party this Saturday with a Mardi Gras theme. Of course, I also have a big client report due by next week.
I was up to 1:00 am working last night and here I sit trying to do some data entry and I can hardly keep awake.
I HAVE to do a little bit more!
I was up to 1:00 am working last night and here I sit trying to do some data entry and I can hardly keep awake.
I HAVE to do a little bit more!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
I should be sleeping
I am sitting here trying to catch up on reading my friends and fav's and my eyes are sleepy. it seems by Thursday night, I am wiped out from the week's activities.
I went to the doctor's a few weeks back fro my annual physical. I am happy to report that my weight continues to go down...slowly...and my cholesterol was a happy 165!
My left knee has been bugging me so my doc scheduled a separate appointment so she could thoroughly examine my knee. Yes, my doctor is thorough and I love her for that. My left knee started acting up last year and it wasn't even painful. It just felt weak and it would give out on me once in awhile and more so when I exercised. I did some strengthening exercised on my legs muscles to support my knees and it seemed to be getting better. But about six months ago, that same knee started to hurt just a bit when I worked out or climbed stairs. I go do yoga fine, and squats and cardio without any pain but if I did lunges, it would hurt. So the obvious thing would be to avoid lunges BUT I love them and I really do not want to have limitations to my leg workouts.
The doc didn't notice anything really bad during the exam but there was a clunking noise going on when she's bend my left leg. She's glad that I'm treating it early before it gets worse. She wants me to get an x-ray and to wear a band when I work out and avoid lunges or anything that hurts for now. She may also send me to physical therapy to see if I can strengthen the knee more. Of course, I know that losing 20 more lbs would do me some good as well and I am working on that.
I am tired and obviously getting old.
I went to the doctor's a few weeks back fro my annual physical. I am happy to report that my weight continues to go down...slowly...and my cholesterol was a happy 165!
My left knee has been bugging me so my doc scheduled a separate appointment so she could thoroughly examine my knee. Yes, my doctor is thorough and I love her for that. My left knee started acting up last year and it wasn't even painful. It just felt weak and it would give out on me once in awhile and more so when I exercised. I did some strengthening exercised on my legs muscles to support my knees and it seemed to be getting better. But about six months ago, that same knee started to hurt just a bit when I worked out or climbed stairs. I go do yoga fine, and squats and cardio without any pain but if I did lunges, it would hurt. So the obvious thing would be to avoid lunges BUT I love them and I really do not want to have limitations to my leg workouts.
The doc didn't notice anything really bad during the exam but there was a clunking noise going on when she's bend my left leg. She's glad that I'm treating it early before it gets worse. She wants me to get an x-ray and to wear a band when I work out and avoid lunges or anything that hurts for now. She may also send me to physical therapy to see if I can strengthen the knee more. Of course, I know that losing 20 more lbs would do me some good as well and I am working on that.
I am tired and obviously getting old.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Finding my Friday
The is the end of a week that seemed to kick my ass. I was pretty lucky this winter in that both my kids were not sick like they were last year. Marco had one cold a few months back and Diego remained healthy and had not missed a day of school. It's not to say that Diego has not had his share of health woes...most of which he exaggerates. He tend to get dramatic over a simple scratch. While I give my share of motherly sympathy of his aches and pains, I sometimes have to downplay every other complaint or he tends to keep going.
Last week he kept complaining of a mosquito bite to which I kept reminding him that it was the middle of winter and that there are no mosquito at this time of year. He did show me what look like a few little bites. There were maybe 3 of them on his chest so I applied some herbal salve on it and let it heal. I also washed all of his bedding and vacuumed his bed to ensure that there were no creatures sharing his bed. Ew!
Last Friday, there was a message on my phone from the school nurse. It seems Diego had been seeing the nurse almost daily for his rash/bites. Because of his consistent complaints, the school wanted to me to get the rash/bites checked out and to get a note from the doctor clearing him of any "cooties". Great. Previously, I had a note from his teacher letting me know how much he visits the school nurse in general. Again, for every scratch, ache, etc. We had a long talk about this and he agreed to keep his nurse visits to a minimum. Or at least to let me know so I know what's ailing him.
Since it was the weekend, I ended up going to one of those clinics at Walgreen's that have nurse practitioners. I utilized this service on more than one occasion especially when it's the weekend or after hours. The service is great, it's quick (usually), my insurance covers it and my child does not have to suffer or go to the ER. So on Sunday we went to the clinic around noon. Well it was one of those days where everyone was sick so there was a three hour wait BUT the receptionist was kind enough to check us in, tell us to go home and come back at a designated time.
It turns out that they didn't even know what the rash/bite was but it was indeed healing. I already knew this but I still needed a note so he could go to school on Monday. Once we got home he started complaining that he did not feel good. Again, I try to make sure he is okay..no fever... without letting him too dramatic over it. It's hard call because, of course, I want to take care of my baby and I do not want my child to be ill but I also know how he can get. Argh!
On Monday morning I could see in eyes that he was not well and he had a scratchy throat, fever, etc. That was the same morning that the painters we hired were coming over to paint all of the trim, windows and doors plus the family room and second bath over the best two days. It is amazing what I juggle when I have to.
Diego stayed home from school on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. On Wednesday, he was feeling better and running all over the place so I sent him to school on Thursday. He said he was feeling much better and that if he starting feeling bad he would go to the school nurse...ugh! He came home from school and seemed to be feeling better. He did his home work, ate dinner, took a bath and he seemed fine.
UNTIL 4:oo am this morning where he came to me and let me know that his ear was hurting. I got up, gave him some ibuprofen and sent him back to bed. When we got up for school, it was apparent that he still was not feeling well so I called his doctor. Turns out that they did not have open appointments in the morning so I would either have to travel 50 miles to their other office or wait until Monday SO back to the clinic I went. There was no wait but I still have my other son, Marco, with me who is very busy and has a hard time sitting still.
The nurse checked his ears and he has a double ear infection. Sigh! The good part is that the pharmacy is right there...how convenient and what a brilliant business idea. We got some antibiotics and the nurse told him to drink lots of water and to get some rest.
It's hard to get a 5-year old to rest. He get bored, he get whiny and I am totally wiped out. I rented some movies so that seemed to help a bit. He is laying on the couch next to me wrapped in his blanket and looking tired. I keep checking on him.
Now my other son is starting to cough. Here we go again.
Happy Friday!
Last week he kept complaining of a mosquito bite to which I kept reminding him that it was the middle of winter and that there are no mosquito at this time of year. He did show me what look like a few little bites. There were maybe 3 of them on his chest so I applied some herbal salve on it and let it heal. I also washed all of his bedding and vacuumed his bed to ensure that there were no creatures sharing his bed. Ew!
Last Friday, there was a message on my phone from the school nurse. It seems Diego had been seeing the nurse almost daily for his rash/bites. Because of his consistent complaints, the school wanted to me to get the rash/bites checked out and to get a note from the doctor clearing him of any "cooties". Great. Previously, I had a note from his teacher letting me know how much he visits the school nurse in general. Again, for every scratch, ache, etc. We had a long talk about this and he agreed to keep his nurse visits to a minimum. Or at least to let me know so I know what's ailing him.
Since it was the weekend, I ended up going to one of those clinics at Walgreen's that have nurse practitioners. I utilized this service on more than one occasion especially when it's the weekend or after hours. The service is great, it's quick (usually), my insurance covers it and my child does not have to suffer or go to the ER. So on Sunday we went to the clinic around noon. Well it was one of those days where everyone was sick so there was a three hour wait BUT the receptionist was kind enough to check us in, tell us to go home and come back at a designated time.
It turns out that they didn't even know what the rash/bite was but it was indeed healing. I already knew this but I still needed a note so he could go to school on Monday. Once we got home he started complaining that he did not feel good. Again, I try to make sure he is okay..no fever... without letting him too dramatic over it. It's hard call because, of course, I want to take care of my baby and I do not want my child to be ill but I also know how he can get. Argh!
On Monday morning I could see in eyes that he was not well and he had a scratchy throat, fever, etc. That was the same morning that the painters we hired were coming over to paint all of the trim, windows and doors plus the family room and second bath over the best two days. It is amazing what I juggle when I have to.
Diego stayed home from school on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. On Wednesday, he was feeling better and running all over the place so I sent him to school on Thursday. He said he was feeling much better and that if he starting feeling bad he would go to the school nurse...ugh! He came home from school and seemed to be feeling better. He did his home work, ate dinner, took a bath and he seemed fine.
UNTIL 4:oo am this morning where he came to me and let me know that his ear was hurting. I got up, gave him some ibuprofen and sent him back to bed. When we got up for school, it was apparent that he still was not feeling well so I called his doctor. Turns out that they did not have open appointments in the morning so I would either have to travel 50 miles to their other office or wait until Monday SO back to the clinic I went. There was no wait but I still have my other son, Marco, with me who is very busy and has a hard time sitting still.
The nurse checked his ears and he has a double ear infection. Sigh! The good part is that the pharmacy is right there...how convenient and what a brilliant business idea. We got some antibiotics and the nurse told him to drink lots of water and to get some rest.
It's hard to get a 5-year old to rest. He get bored, he get whiny and I am totally wiped out. I rented some movies so that seemed to help a bit. He is laying on the couch next to me wrapped in his blanket and looking tired. I keep checking on him.
Now my other son is starting to cough. Here we go again.
Happy Friday!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
it's hard to blog when...
...you have painters in your house painting and furniture it piled in rooms where it does not belong. I'm smiling on the inside and looking forward to freshly painted walls, doors and trim to go with the new flooring.
Other projects for February:
Continue to declutter kitchen and living room: 70% complete.
Sort/Purge 2 boxes of personal papers: 30% complete.
Sort/Purge one drawer of client files: begin this week
Sort/Purge one box of kiddie toys: begin this week.
That's this month.
My son is sick with a slight cold and had his first absence from school. He was not feeling well over the weekend. He stayed home from school yesterday and today. My younger son has a field trip this morning. He was so excited. I was supposed to go with him and chaperon but I had to cancel so I could be home with D.
Yesterday they were both home with me. I spent most of the day trying to keep them out of the painter's way and making sure they didn't touch the parts of the house that had wet paint. Which was most of the house as they had tackled most of the trim, doors and window sills...ugh! I was so tired yesterday.
Yesterday was Groundhog Day/Candlemas Day. It's s day to "clean" your home and welcome the sun. I usually light candles in every room in the house and burn sage but with the paint fumes...I figured I'd better wait.
It was also me and the Dish's 11-year anniversary of being together. We will be married 10 years this June! Time flies....
Other projects for February:
Continue to declutter kitchen and living room: 70% complete.
Sort/Purge 2 boxes of personal papers: 30% complete.
Sort/Purge one drawer of client files: begin this week
Sort/Purge one box of kiddie toys: begin this week.
That's this month.
My son is sick with a slight cold and had his first absence from school. He was not feeling well over the weekend. He stayed home from school yesterday and today. My younger son has a field trip this morning. He was so excited. I was supposed to go with him and chaperon but I had to cancel so I could be home with D.
Yesterday they were both home with me. I spent most of the day trying to keep them out of the painter's way and making sure they didn't touch the parts of the house that had wet paint. Which was most of the house as they had tackled most of the trim, doors and window sills...ugh! I was so tired yesterday.
Yesterday was Groundhog Day/Candlemas Day. It's s day to "clean" your home and welcome the sun. I usually light candles in every room in the house and burn sage but with the paint fumes...I figured I'd better wait.
It was also me and the Dish's 11-year anniversary of being together. We will be married 10 years this June! Time flies....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
