Sophomore Year 2014-2015

Last year at this time I was in panic mode as my daughter started her first year of high school. A freshman...how could that even be possible.  Well now, a year later, it's time to start another year of school.

As the tradition continues, pictures by the lamp post were a requirement. I've gotten rolled eyes and "come on, mom" before; however, I think she's realized nothing is going to change. Well, at least for the next couple years anyway.

Here are a few pictures from this morning:

 

 

For comparison, here is last year:

 

 

I can't believe how much she has changed, grown up and matured since this time a year ago. It truly makes my heart smile when I think about her.

 

I'm looking forward to hearing all about the first day of her sophomore year. 

Six on Saturday

As usual, it's been forever since I've blogged. It's just a rut that I can't get out of. However, I figured I would try to come up with six random mentions to create a Six on Saturday. Here we go.....

1) We've had sunshine here in Northern Indiana for the past couple of days. It's crazy what the big bright ball in the sky can do for one's spirit. Next week the weather people are calling for highs in the mid 40's to 50.  They are also calling for rain, but the warmer temps will be welcoming. Flooding is going to be a big concern, but right now I'm just thinking about the warmer weather!

 

 

2) My mom's birthday was earlier this week. We are getting together as a family to celebrate tomorrow. I always love it when our family gets together.

 

 

3) Olivia's birthday is next month. She's given my husband and I some ideas, but honestly, I'm not sure we'll get her what she wants. That sounds kind of mean, and I don't want it to come across that way. Most of what she wants costs more money then I can/will spend. I am reminded that since she will be turning 15, that means she will be able to get her driving permit. That is scary to think about and even scarier to type it out. Ahhh!!

 

 

4) I am so excited to be starting my business traveling this year. In March I will be heading to Charleston, SC for 3-1/2 days. I'm looking forward to it. I've been there only once and that was a couple years ago. Then, I only had the chance to spend about 1-1/2 days and was begging for more time. After that, my travel looks like this:

May=St. Augustine, FL

July = Indianapolis, IN

September = Jekyll Island, GA

November = Atlanta, GA

 

5) Last weekend our Clothes Mentor had their 3-2-1 sale. That means on Friday, their clearance items were $3, Saturday they were $2 and Sunday they were $1. Because of other things going on, I didn't get there til Sunday. I was pleased spending only $5 and walking away with 4 shirts and a pair of shoes. Happy Shopping to Me!

 

6) I have a guilty conscience for not watching more of the Olympics. Not sure why, but they aren't that interesting to me. I think I like the summer games better. As a proud American, I wish I could get more into them. Boo me!

 

Well, there you have it. Six random things today. Enjoy your weekend. 

Bored out of my mind

Listen here, I am bored out of my mind. We have had such a bad, cold, nasty winter that it feels like forever since I've left the house. Granted, this time around, I'm only on day 3 of being stuck inside but it feels like 3 years!

You would think by being stuck inside that my house would be clean, the laundry would be done (which it is), all the clutter would be in it's proper place and my house would be spotless. Well, that's not the case. Not at all. There is so much I could be doing, but am lacking the motivation to get it done.

I think my problem is this: there is SO much to do that I've overwhelmed and don't know where to start. Therefore, I don't start at all.

I can remember thinking "man, if I only had a few days with nothing planned and then I could get that certain project done". Well, I've had plenty of time to do things and just don't do them. Ugh.

I'm in a winter rut and I hate it. How about you? Have you had the winter blues? If so, what are you doing to get out of it?

I need some inspiration. Would you please help a girl out?

Catching Up

Hey there all of you in blogland. It's been forever since I posted, but that's really not that unusual.

I have read so many blogs over the past few weeks with people listing to-do lists, resolutions, etc and I just can't get myself to do that. It's too much of a commitment for me. Ick.

We had a great Christmas and so far a Happy New Year. Yes, I know it's only mid January. But, so far; so good.

Soon after Christmas we left for vacation to visit family in South Carolina. It was nice to get away from the freezing (and below) freezing temps and snow for a week. In SC we really didn't do much which was nice. As a matter of fact, my husband only left the house once. Go figure, it was so we could go to Cracker Barrel for our annual New Years Day tradition. We made sure the tradition continued even though we weren't home in northern Indiana.

Although it was great to get away from the winter here for a week, we got back the night before Blizzard '14 hit our area. Yep, we had about 18" of snow, blowing and drifting snow, record break temps (our high one day was like -13 or something similar). The weather put a dead stop to everything. Roads were closed, schools were closed, stores were closed and businesses were closed. Everything basically shut down. The kids were thrilled to get an extra 3 days of Christmas break though, that's for sure. And, if I'm being honest, it was nice to have a couple extra days off work for me too. It was; however, very hard to get back in the swing of things.

As I type this, I'm seeing snowflakes outside the window just flying around waiting to land. We're supposed to get more snow today, but not too much. I think maybe 1"-3". That's do-able compared to 18" from last week.

I hope 2014 is being good to you and yours.
Until next time.....

End of the Year

Well, if I had been a little more organized for blogging, I would have had a really cool post set up for the end of the year. But, unfortunately, I don't. With such little time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, there was barely time to breathe. And now with the week in between Christmas and the New Year, I don't have time either. Bummer.

I want to wish all of you a happy and healthy 2014.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Cards 2013

Ok, so it's that time of year when I try to figure out what my family is going to do for Christmas cards. I LOVE sending out cards with our picture (s) on it. Actually, I LOVE receiving cards with pictures and I hope my friends and family feel the same way. I mean, really, what's more awesome than a picture of my family (just kidding).

Over the weekend I wanted us to get pictures taken. You know, just in our living room with the camera on the tripod. Well all the weekend days came and went and it just didn't happen. Time goes so fast and I figured that if we didn't get this little project done, my cards may not go out til 2014. Last night was the night. Finally. Thank goodness.

I have narrowed my decision down to one or two of the pictures that I plan to use. As always, not all the pictures turned out great. Most of them are just because my daughter decided to act silly as soon as the timer on the camera went off. In some of the pictures, we all got goofy. Want to see a few that I won't be using for our Christmas 2013 cards?
Here they are:

 

However, just taking the picture is half the battle. Deciding on what card to order is hard as heck. I've looked at multiple websites, created a few "fake" cards and still can't decide. Soon, tho, soon.....like as in today or tomorrow at the latest.

How about you? Do you have your cards all ready to send out or is that checked off your list of things to do? The countdown is on; only 22 more days til Christmas.

T-H-A-N-K-S

Giving thanks for:

T  

I'm thankful for Tom, my husband. I'm also thankful for time (even though it flies too fast)

H

I'm thankful for  my house and all the things in it. I feel warm and cozy when I'm home and sometimes there is no place I'd rather be.

A

I'm thankful for animals. I love my cat, Bear. I miss deeply my cat, Squeaky who passed away in August. I think about him a lot.

N

I'm thankful for nature and everything about it.

K

I'm thankful for my kids....all of them - biological and step. Without the kids I think I would be sad, boring and lonely.

S

I'm thankful for the sunrise and sunset that I get to see most days. I'm also thankful for my siblings and their spouses.

 

 

 

There is certainly more I'm thankful for, but there just weren't enough letters to play the game (haha). I'm thankful for my parents, friends, family, my job, my car, shopping centers, the ocean, beaches, etc. The list could truly go on and on and on but you get the picture.

 

What are you thankful for?

 

Blessings to you and yours this Thanksgiving.

Shopping anyone?

This weekend is my annual shopping trip to Gurnee Mills and IKEA. Last year I wrote about my upcoming trip in this post. I'm leaving on Friday and will be gone overnight, coming back on Saturday evening. Of course, I'm looking forward to it.

A few things are different this year. One of my sister-in-laws won't be going on Friday because she is a new mom and doesn't want to leave the baby for so long. I totally get it. However, she is going to meet us at IKEA on Saturday morning for a fun day there. Also different is the fact I have no list made to shop from. Even though I had a list last year, I don't think I actually bought anything from it. That's the way it works, huh? And finally, this year is different because I don't have any extra money to take and spend. Yep, I'm basically going shopping with no money. I think there's going to be a whole lot of window shopping for me. It's depressing, but I know I'll have a good time anyway.

The tradition continues and I'm super
excited about it.

Day 31 of 31 - Done

Topic is: Done


31 days of blogging

I did it. I'm done. I did it. I'm done.

I set a goal for myself and I accomplished it. This was a huge commitment for me and even a bigger challenge. I got thru it - all 31 days.

Man, this patting myself on the back is giving me an arm cramp.

Here's to a Happy Halloween and a much needed blogging break.

I did it. I'm done. I did it. I'm done.

Day 30 of 31 - World Series

Topic is: World Series

So, have you been watching the World Series? I like baseball but I haven't been watching all the games from start to finish. Honestly, when I do watch, it's to see if I have won. Yes, me.

I contributed $5.00 to be in a pool and possibly win some money. I've played football pools before, but never baseball. It's kind of weird. My numbers are 8 for St Louis and 4 for the Red Sox. With these numbers, the chances of me winning are very slim. As a matter of fact, probably not at all. These have been some low scoring games people.

Here's how this pool is set up: the first three games paid out $100 to each of those winners. The final game (which could be tonight) pays out $200.00. Oh gosh how I could use that money.

So this is what needs to happen. The Cardinals need to win tonight so it forces game 7. Then, the Cardinals need to win tomorrow 8-4. There we go, done deal.

I'm really hoping St Louis can pull this off!
Go Cardinals!

Day 29 of 31 - Cartwheels

Topic is: Cartwheels

If I didn't think I would break my neck, or for sure pull a muscle, I would do a cartwheel on Thursday. Know why? Because it's the last day of the month and my "blog a day" challenge will be over. Yep, O-V-E-R! Got that? In all caps, O-V-E-R.

To say I can't wait is an understatement. This has seemed like the longest month ever.

However;, with that being said, I've realized just how boring my life is. I must get more active and find more hobbies. Period.

There you have it. Yet another post. Short and sweet; but true. I can't wait til Thursday.

Day 28 of 31 - November

Topic is: November

I know, I know, I know....October isn't even finished so why am I thinking about November. Well, the first half of the month is going to be crazy busy and I'm overwhelmed just thinking about it.

Want to know what I have planned? Here's my schedule as of today. I'm sure it will get busier, but this is what I've got going on so far:

November 1st - Maybe breakfast with my friend, Susan
November 4th - Annual doctor appointment - the OB kind
November 8th and 9th - Annual shopping trip to Gurnee Mills and IKEA
November 12th (morning) - Neurology appointment
November 12th (evening) - Leave for business trip
November 13th and 14th - Business trip
November 15th - Return from trip
November 16th (evening) - Get together with my husband's band members

Of course, my regular work and family schedules are mixed in with all this too.

The first 5 months of the year were crazy since we were planning my step-daughter's wedding. The summer slowed down (thank goodness). And now, the fall is seeming to be just as busy as the first part of the year. With Thanksgiving approaching and then Christmas, this year will be over before I know it.

I'm asking for time to slow down even if just for a little bit. Please?

Day 27 of 31 - Sunday Mornings

Topic is: Sunday Mornings

My favorite morning of the week is Sunday. I love waking up to a quiet house. I love being the only one awake for hours. I love sipping my coffee and gawking through the sale ads.

While it's so peaceful, I enjoy doing a little pick-up of things that got left out after I went to bed the night before. I enjoy doing a load of laundry if needed. I love, love, love my Sunday mornings.

I have a routine of waking up, feeding the cat, starting the coffee, getting my newspaper, sorting my newspaper of sale ads and sections I don't need, opening blinds for natural light and a few other misc things as needed. Once these few things are done, I doctor up my coffee and sit. Sit and listen to TV while I browse the sale ads wondering what I need since it's on sale. I make a list of the stores I'd like to go to and what I'd like to buy from that store. Whether or not I get the stuff on the list is another thing. Oh well, it's just part of a routine.

Sweet Sunday you are here once again!

Day 26 of 31 - Atlanta

Topic is: Atlanta

I'm going to Atlanta. It's a business trip, but I'm going to Atlanta. I love to fly and I love to travel. I don't even mind traveling for work. I leave in a few weeks and will be gone for 3 nights. I'm really looking forward to it.

Although this is a business trip, I'm going to mix business with pleasure. I can't wait! You see, one of my sister-in-laws lives about 3 hours from Atlanta is going to come visit me while I semi close to her. I'm actually going early to Atlanta just so we can hang out. How fun does that sound?

I won't have a car since I'm flying, but she will so we won't be stuck at the hotel doing a bunch of nothing. We plan to do some shopping, talking, eating, talking, shopping, talking, eating, etc. You get the picture! Together we will have from Tuesday evening until she leaves on Thursday morning to enjoy each others company.

Oh, I just can't wait!

Day 25 of 31 - An Evening Out

Topic is: An Evening Out

Tonight I'm going out on the town. Well, not exactly, but close. My oldest step-son's band is playing a gig tonight and we're going to listen/watch. The cool thing is that it's an all age venue so we can take our daughter who happens to L-O-V-E music. Our daughter is taking a friend, because, you know, it's not cool to hang out with your parents on a Friday night.

The event starts at 7 and goes til 11. I'm not quite sure how long we'll stay, but I'm sure we'll have a good time. It's not very often we get to do something like this as a family. I'm looking forward to it.

I figured I better get this post done before we left, cause I know I'll be ready for bed the second we walk in the door tonight.

Cheers to a night out!
Bottoms up; well, with diet coke that is!

Day 24 of 31 - Friendship

Topic is: Friendship

Tonight a couple of my friends met at the funeral home for our classmate that passed away. When we were finished there, we went and grabbed a bite to eat at a local restaurant.

The girlfriends I was with tonight have been my friends for many, many years. One of them since grade school, the other since high school. Another of our "group" wasn't able to make it, but I've known her since grade school as well. True friendship.

Together we have helped each other with boyfriends, school, kids, marriage, work, illness, etc. Each of our lives is so different, yet we have so much in common. For example, each of the other 3 friends is either divorced or going thru a divorce. One is re-married. We all have kids ranging in age from 27 down to 12. Oh and 2 of us have grandkids. We all still live in the general area about 20 minutes one way or another from each other.

Getting together with the girls is like a breath of fresh air. No matter what trials or tribulations one or more of us is going through, there's nothing like a fun time of reminiscing and laughter. Oh and is there ever laughter. Deep.down.loud.laughter.

There are big ships and small ships. But the best ship of all is friendship-Author Unknown

Day 23 of 31 - Too soon

Topic is: Too soon

A classmate of mine passed away on Monday.
Too soon; way too soon. She was sick. She had cancer.

Tomorrow night some fellow classmates and I will be attending the viewing and paying our respects. Unfortunately, just 2 years ago we did the same for another classmate. This means another candle will be burning at our next class reunion. Way too many candles for those that have passed away way too soon. 

Deb's obituary was very nicely written and well thought out. She was quite active and involved in many organizations. Here's a portion of her obituary:

Debra was employed by the University of Notre Dame as an Administrative Assistant and was a volunteer for the Southwest Central Fire Territory. She was a volunteer and coach at Southeast Little League, Troop leader of Girl Scouts #393, member of Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association, 4H Club of Greene Township, former president of Kennedy Primary Academy PTO, active with American Red Cross and South Bend Parks and Recreation Department, former member of Indiana River Rescue School, former Vice President of Young Democrats of St. Joseph County, and a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr. Debra was involved with the educational outreach for the Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics (JINA), Founder of the Art 2 Science Camp at Notre Dame and the organizer of the JINA art gallery at the South Bend Regional Airport.

RIP Deb: July 11, 1967- October 21, 2013
Ever Onward!

Day 22 of 31 - Haircut

Topic is: Haircut

See, told you I come back today with a post about my daughter's haircut! Boom!

Olivia has beautiful hair, but when it's not properly trimmed and is flat ironed every day, it gets looking kind of straggly and burned out. It was definitely time for more than a trim. She needed a haircut. If I had to guess, I would think that at least 4, if not 5, inches of dead hair was chopped.

Thanks to the internet and social media, she found a style that she thought she would like to have. With her cell phone in hand, she showed Kim what she wanted. Kim did just what she wanted.

It's super cute and Olivia loves it. So do I.
Want to see a picture? Here you go.......

Love, love, love!

Day 21 of 31 - 10 Days

Topic is: 10 Days

Oh my gosh, I'm super excited. We're down to the last 10 days of October. No, that's not why I'm excited. Trust me, I am not quite ready for the upcoming cold temps. What I am excited about is the fact that 10 more days of the month means I'm so close to my 31 day blog challenge.

I was getting ready to sign off my computer and head up to bed for the night when I remembered I hadn't posted anything today. Shucks.

So, just to keep up with my commitment, I figured I would just get on and type a little something before hitting the hay.

I knew going into this that it would be a tough assignment. As a matter of fact, some of the blogs I read on a daily basis were supposed to participate but haven't done nearly as good as me. Yes, I'm patting myself on the back!!

By this time tomorrow we'll be in single digits of finishing the month and my excitement, I'm sure, will be even more than it is now. I just hope I remember to post something before I think I'm done for the night. My daughter gets her haircut tomorrow, so maybe I'll post on that. Yeah, I think I've got a plan.

Did you hear that? I've got a plan.