So here it is Monday again. Not that anyone is ever ready for Monday anyway, but what happened to Saturday and Sunday? Oh, I know - I worked them, thus why I don't feel rested and refreshed.
I gave up five hours Saturday to give Mrs. IOH's daughter the afternoon off. I didn't want to do that when she asked me the day before. She knows that we're in the middle of packing and moving. The weekends are my only time to do that. So I met her half way and worked five hours instead.
Brown-nosing. Yup, brown-nosing. Later this week I'm going to request a $1 raise to help go into my gas tank since we're moving one gallon of gas away. Making it two gallons per day to get to work and back. As long as the price of gas remains under $4.50 per gallon - I should break even.
Speaking of gas, I noticed a little sticker above the nozzle at the tank last week that read, "Contains 10% Ethanol." E10, they call it and it's some sort of congressional push to help ease our contribution to the environment. Even though it costs about the same amount of greenhouse gases to produce ethanol. My beef? Well, ethanol burns hotter thus causing less miles per gallon. Shucks. You'd figure at $3.70/gallon - we'd like to get the most miles out of our money spent.
Aw shucks. Anyhoo - not all is bad here on the home front. We're one week away from the final move. Despite working this past weekend I did manage to get a whole lot of packing done. My kitchen, which I saved for last was the most complicated part. Today, besides a few spare odd cups and plates plus the food in the fridge and pantry - it is finished.
All that remains are our computers, tv and other components. The washer/dryer and bed. Last but not least ourselves and our pets. The guinea pig "Piggy" is already in her new home and we'll be following very shortly.
Well, it's been over a week since I've blogged and things are all sorts of tangled, twisted and out of shape. First off, I've realized that I've been neglecting far more than this blog in the last few months. It really hit when we told our daughter about her adopted PopPop passing away. (Mr. IOH)
Squirt took it very well and understands much more than a five year old should. We've been preparing her for this time over the last few weeks. PopPop had skin cancer and many bandages on his face and shoulder. She knew these Boo-Boos hurt him and weren't going to get better. She stated she was sad and was going to miss him, but that she was also happy that PopPop was in Heaven with Jesus. He also has a brand new body and face. She also tossed in the notion that he has "WINGS" now and can fly with the Angels.
But then a few days later, she asked, "Can we make Grandmom go to heaven now too?"
It's no wonder. For the past few months I've been working all day and half the night. Granted, she does come over after school and stay awhile with me at the IOH's - but she has to be quiet and let's face it, this week Grandmom has been needing so much attention and thus far, inconsolable after loosing her husband of 62 years.
As things would have it, I have to step away this week for a few days. My own Grandfather in NJ passed away yesterday afternoon and the funeral is this Wednesday. It's so strange for him and Mr. IOH had so much in common and now they both die within a week of one another. My Grandmother is still living and they've been married for over 64 years.
So we're heading up the Old I-95 tomorrow evening to be with family. To be with each other. And most of all, I'm going to try and relax. Stop the stressin'. Go ahead and have some fun. Sing along with the radio for the long 12 hour drive and hug everyone just a little bit harder.
Daylight savings time feels so wrong and messes with all of my senses. Alarm clocks are ineffective for me and I no longer use one. I can only be awakened by a large variety of stimulants. From the sunlight shining through my bedroom window and the sounds of birds singing and the doggy door flapping.
The rumble of my neighbor's diesel truck tells me that I have yet another hour to snuggle under the covers. Yet the sound of his one legged rooster cock-a-doodle-doing - doesn't mean shit. Nope, I swear sometimes that SOB howls at the moon all night and sleeps during day.
Nevertheless, my clock now reads 3:30pm and I'm still in bed with my pajamas on. Something in my inner nature knows that a whole entire hour was snagged from me overnight. I despise the frustration and pressure that is now placed upon me to be on time this coming week.
I'm now going to be late for everything, I just know it.
Here it is February 10th and our Christmas tree is still up and twinkling!!
Yes folks, I have been so busy lately not only my blog is lacking but so are so many other matters. Working 60 hours a week leaves me exhausted mentally as well as physically. Hope is not lost however, as I have managed to at least take down our outdoor Christmas Decor.
Okay, okay - I forgot all about the wreath hanging on the front door - but I'll get to it.
Thus the need for this post entitled; Juggling Plates. (In no particular order.)
Plate #1: Blogging. I'm sorry but with the exception of a spark of thought during mid week, I am going to have to cut down. I can promise one post a week over the weekends. Maybe more but surely not less.
Plate #2:The Job. The job that leaves me completely drained. I can't remember the last time that my brain was so empty. Never, could I just sit awake without thinking or having a thought going on between my two ears. Until I started caring for two elderly persons with Alzheimer's.
My think tank has sunk. I can't even blog about what fills my mind 60 hours a week. Not yet anyway, but I sure wish that I could.
I can say that these two elderly people are dear friends of ours. I love them and they me. I'm not a nurse nor a certified home health caretaker. I don't know what I'm doing. What I'm doing is merely loving and caring for them both. That I can do well and with much patience.
Plate #3: Mom. The prettiest plate of all and with many awards. Taking Squirt to Pre-K, scheduling time with her, upcoming T-ball league, baths and fixing the forest of thick blond curls that fall down from her head. Then of course are the givens such as meals, getting dressed and a few moments of quiet cuddle times.
Plate #4:Wife. Supporting my husband who will graduate in just a few short months. Cheering him on for interviews for potential upcoming positions. Trying to line up a Graduation Party, Hotel rooms and golden tickets to all the friends and family who will be coming down for Graduation night.
Plate #5: Domestic Engineer. Sorry, I'm not a housewife but I do need to engineer home tasks and need a little help in delegating them. Taking down Christmas decorations is a starter. The normal things, laundry, beds, bathrooms, dishes, grocery shopping, paying bills, mowing lawns and feeding/caring/bathing pets. It's a never ending list and yes, it's true... nothing ever gets done all by itself. Nothing.
Plate #6: Housecleaning. Yes, I still clean two other homes during the week. They are the remnants of my old cleaning company and they are also friends. However, somethings have to go and I do have a girl to train this week and if all goes well - she can take over these positions. That will give me a few hours extra of home time.
Plate #7: Friend. I so need to get out with friends, I miss them. Luckily Tina is watching Katie on Tuesdays after school and I get to spend a little time with her on Tuesday evenings. We are all going to a wedding next weekend of two friends. Visiting Bloggy Buddies is also another thing missed and needing done.
Overall there are a few more minor plates to juggle around, but it's been really tricky lately and I've dropped a few. Blogging was one of them. However, this won't go on forever. Many things are changing on the horizon and I can see the sun sneaking up to a new kind of day.
Squirt will be in Kindergarten, Gon will be working at a fabulous job and I may return to teaching. We have three new prospective homes that we are considering moving into in the next few months. We want another baby this year if possible. Lots of good things.
The last five years of hard work, determination and steadfastness is finally coming to an end. It was well worth it!!
Oh my, I was having so much fun that time must have slipped on by. I can't believe that I haven't blogged for over an entire week. Missing a day, or two here and there is normal, but an entire week? Oh my!
Who am I kidding? Folks, the truth is my Christmas tree is still up!! Our yard is still decorated and a big plastic Santa Claus from Wally World is still standing at the front of the trailer. Stockings are up and there is a Christmas Wreath still hanging on my front door. Yes folks, this is very, very disturbing.
Even Eeyore is still decorated for New Years and has yet to return to his normal state. However, since another commemorative holiday is upon us, Eeyore must get a little festive for the occasion. See, Eeyore my man isn't black nor is he white. He is gray and content with his character. In the end - that's all that really matters isn't it?
Anyhoo, back to the heart of the disappearing act I had just pulled. Seems I'm a bit on the burned out side. My brain is fried crispy and after coming home from long days at work, I can't seem to think. The old noodle is empty on most days. Emotionally drained for the most part.
I've tried writing at work. Bought a laptop and had internet service put in just for a little something to do. However, I can't get but five or ten minutes at a time before I need to get up and tend to a matter. Caring for the elderly is much more than just cooking, cleaning and keeping them comfortable. Unlike a nursing home, it's not like I can slap 'em in a wheelchair, roll 'em out on the front porch so they can watch the cars ride by.
I can get myself dressed, teeth brushed, makeup on and hair done in 2.3 minutes. Old peeps need a lot more time and assistance with simple matters like this. As well as to be reminded what they are doing. Yup, in the middle of a tooth brushing session we often stop and I'm asked, "So what is it that we are doing now?"
Happens often, even in the middle of eating, going to the bathroom or even taking a nap. Alzheimer's is a cruel disease. However, there are many times when the clouds whisk away - even for only a minute or two. The real person, the real content of their character shines through and well... you really want to be there to see and hear that when it happens.
Over all it's been a rough week or more. Mrs. IOH passed out and had seizures on me and that was rough. I never thought I would be faced with the decision of hugging her on the kitchen floor safe vs. getting up and grabbing the phone to call 911 while she could wildly thrash and hurt herself. I opted to hold her safe until the seizures stopped. Meanwhile Mr. IOH was at the kitchen table scared and concerned. So he had to be comforted and kept sound while the EMT's came and took Mrs. IOH away to the hospital for a few days.
I need two of me. Is that even possible?
Mr. IOH has skin cancer and it has returned for the fourth time. He has to go to radiation treatments twice a day. Thankfully my dear, sweet and wonderful husband has offered to help take him there and that is a big relief. Unfortunately, Mr. IOH has three more cancer spots that have appeared in different places that they are not treating yet.
My heart is breaking every day. No wonder.
But let's see ... I have a three day weekend. And in one hour we're off to St. Augustine, FL for this nice little three day weekend of R&R. Bringing the camera. Bringing Mr. Lappy. Get ready for some fun posts and a great time. Turns out it's gonna rain ... but that's okay - it should make things very interesting.
Obvious by my lack of posts for the week, 2008 started off with a bang. Our electric slammed off earlier in the week when we were having some wild, crazy and freezing cold weather. At first we thought is was the wind or a local transformer but soon found out it was us.
Yes, our breaker box had fried and some wires melted. I didn't gripe at all for the realization is too great - we could have burned in our sleep that night as many have done due to similar situations. The electric company came out and turned off the meter and our neighbors ran over an extension cord and a portable heater to get us through the cold night.
Work was a little crazy but not as bad as the week before. Mrs. IOH has been a charm and so has the Mr. but his skin cancer has returned again and he has to have radiation treatments twice a day. That was a shock for we thought it was going to be just once a day for five weeks.
Purchasing a laptop and getting internet service at the IOH home isn't working out as I suspected. I barely have a few minutes of sit down time at all. At least for the next few weeks.
Overall it's raining down crazy and I'm just remaining cool as a cucumber trying not to let the pressure bother me. We may be moving sooner than we thought but not to New England just yet. You may remember when we went out to look at a house a few weeks ago. We made an offer but it was turned down however, yesterday the owner called and wants to reconsider. I'm not packing just yet for it's all in the air and if it comes to be the house is furnished. I can take my time packing and bringing "stuff" over little by little.
It's all in God's hands as He knows my prayers and often, what is best for me even if I don't know it yet.
This Christmas I decided to do something a little different....
..buy myself some electronics! Mr. Lappy the laptop arrived yesterday and my husband is still busy playing with it. Granted he's loading programs, drivers and other bells and whistles but I'm starting to think that maybe I should have bought him one too.
Of course, he can share it with me but I mainly bought it for something to do while at work caring for the IOH's. I'm even thinking about talking Mrs. IOH into blogging her own autobiography and I hope she goes for it. I've been trying to think of something to do that will occupy her mind and focus onto something tolerable for everyone. Remembering the past and what to have me write about - sounds like the plan so far. Plus - I really believe that someone born in 1917 has a lot of value in what they can share.
Then, of course my job won't last forever and I know that. Gon graduates college this May and I'm thinking of returning to college myself. I'll need Mr. Lappy then and may need it if I return to work doing the 9-5 someday.
I also snagged myself a new flat screen monitor for my desktop, a new keyboard, mouse and stereo system. What I really need is some new fashionable clothes, a haircut and some socks but no - it's high time I be landing some toys while I can. Although I did splurge on a spiffy ladies laptop bag, A nice purse if I say so myself even if it doesn't have a laptop in it but the kitchen sink instead.
All in all, I'm done. Done baking, knocked off the Southern Comfort Fruit cakes this afternoon. Done shopping for gifts, groceries and all in between. I'm off of work until Thursday morning and I'm staying in Pajama's and slippers only to shower and change into a fresh pair of Pajama's and slippers upon waking each morning.
I'm ready to start enjoying my new toys. Now if only I can kick my husband off of Mr. Lappy.
Oh crap, where does the time go? Thanksgiving is a day away and I haven't even landed my bird yet other than a cheap Jenni-O Turkey in a frozen aluminum box. Leaving these little Turks below quite safe, but I can't say the same for my next door neighbor's pet rooster.
He's a retarded rooster if there ever was one. Cock-a-doodle-doing for no reason other than he must want someone to rotisserie him at 3am in the morning. I cannot complain, for my Basset Hounds have woke up the whole trailer park numerous times in the middle of the night. Then again, they're only concerned over my punk kid neighbor and his gang of thuggie friends who hang out over there.
Speaking of whom, yesterday was his preliminary hearing for him burglarizing my house. Not much of a hearing at all considering I had to sit through a couple full cases before his turn came up. Only to hear that "Jay's" case was being forwarded to State Court and the judge finally allowed him to post bail for $5,000.
From what I understand his Grandpa posted bond and whisked him away to Rehab. Good. The kid looked really ragged and scared as he stood there in the court room with cuffs and shackles. No wonder, from the look of the other inmates that came rolling in for trial before him. They were a scary bunch and not the kind you would want to be in jail with.
Well, except one. He was caught soliciting for sex downtown one evening dressed like a woman. The cop who arrested him found a crack rock in his make-up bag inside of his purse. The courtroom and trials were boring until this one came up. Little did I know the prisoner had an entire fan club seated behind me.
Now granted, the funny and entertaining part in all of this was not because the man was a tranny. It was because of all the expressive faces of the old town and down home southern baptist types sitting in the room. The gasps and shocking whispers of awe.
Other than that, I've been busy. My old peeps that I care for aren't doing well this week. The Mrs. is really out of sorts, I almost want to say she had a stroke but nobody will say or do anything about it. Even her Doctor. Guess they think she's over 90 and there isn't anything they can really do. It's still hard.
Then I've been working on a little something special for a super fantastic Bloggy Bud of mine. I'll share it here on Thursday.
Otherwise.... it's all been good. Until tomorrow.............
Phew! I'm glad this week is over - I couldn't stand it anymore. Monday, was just your typical Monday sucking only because it was back to work and the grind time. Tuesday afternoon our home was burglarized and I can reveal a little bit more about it.
I went shopping after picking up Squirt from school and came home, unlocked my door and found my entire house ransacked. Cabinets and drawers pulled out and emptied, bookshelves knocked over, broken glass, closets raided and stuff missing. The house was such a big mess it was two days for me to take note on all that was taken. No lie, can you believe the little shits ate the rest of Squirts birthday cake?
Anyhoo, the police came out and did a fabulous job taking notes, the report and questioning the neighbors. Gon and I had to wait a few hours until the investigator arrived to scope out the place for fingerprints. While sitting out on our front deck waiting, the little boy next door snuck up and said, "So what did my brother do?"
He then gave me on of Squirt's birthday presents, the charging base for the Walkie Talkies wrapped up in one of my pajama tops. We called the police back out again and they were able to gather enough evidence to issue a warrant for his brother's arrest. So now it's one down and three or more to go.
Thus why I can't really say much more until things unfold a little more. What I do know is very impressive and I am very pleased with our police department. They rock and are serious about this. In fact today, an officer came by to visit the neighborhood with flyers and things about burglary, gang activity, etc. Talking to peeps and promising to come around more often. Damn almost feels like Mayberry here now.
One of the items taken, I didn't realize until later that evening. My Olympus camera. Loaded with great pictures and videos that I didn't download to my computer yet. What sucks is even if they do find it, it will be held up in the evidence locker until trial. So of course, the first thing on my agenda was to get some sort of camera.
That was the tough part, how can a person go from an $800 camera to something worth $150? You can't. You just can't. I annoyed the salesperson at the camera shop for an entire hour yesterday trying to find something that will do. They had cheaper Olympus brands but honestly, they were worse than the other comparable priced cameras. In lots of ways from zoom, shutter speed, video, mega pixels - it was crazy. So I drove the sales guy up the wall.
I narrowed things down to two cameras - a Nikon and oddly enough this Polaroid that I eventually purchased. I'm going to take this weekend to play around with it a bit to see if it's tolerable. So bear with me if I share some photos and videos. And please tell me your thoughts, suggestions and stuff. So I'll know by Tuesday whether to take it back and get the Nikon instead.
They were about the same with details, user friendly, menu and little quirks. No, of course they weren't like my old Olympus and I did find a new Olympus I would like to snag someday. But I'll save up for it between now and then.
If anyone has a Polaroid a520, please give me your thoughts, hints and tips. Thanks.
Oh my heavens! It's quiet and peaceful, so much so that I don't know what to do with myself. We dropped Squirt off for her first day of school this morning and I feel lost.
Alright, actually I'm basking here in the peace and quiet, sipping coffee and sucking up every minute of it. I haven't had this type of morning in almost five years.
Now I wasn't going to ever hand Squirt over to the public school system. Nope, she was going to go to a private school or be home-schooled. No way, was anyone going to be trusted with the best interests of my kid. Well, I changed my cotton picking mind.
Just like that LUVS diaper commercial when the Mommy speaks of only the best, expensive diapers for her baby. She got over it and so did I. Squirt's a tough cookie and I can trust she'll overcome anything that comes her way. My fear now, is for her teachers. I'm half expecting a phone call to say that my child has been suspended and to come pick her up.
This is one of the main reasons why we decided to send her to school. She IS a discipline problem and walks all over the both of us. She's in desperate need for some Golden Rule Days. Yet, at the same time I know for certain that she is going to win over her teachers. We're going to hear incredible stories such as, "She's so sweet. She's so helpful. She's so good." by the time teacher/parent conferences roll around.
Everybody thinks our child is well behaved BUT us.
So off to school she goes. It wasn't easy, I've been running into brick walls all over for the past few weeks. Her insurance was canceled due to not being used of all reasons and she had a few immunizations, eyes, ears and dentist to go to. School began yesterday but yesterday was when we finally had all the forms together. When I dropped the forms at the school yesterday afternoon at 4:45pm - they told me that Squirt could not attend. The classes were filled and she would have to be put on a waiting list.
At that point, I just sighed and said, "Okay, put her on the waiting list." I wasn't home 10 minutes when at 5:15pm my phone rang . It was the school administrator saying there had been a drop out and that Squirt can start TODAY.
She is so there right now and I'm so loving every second of it. I'm going to take a few days to bask in the glory of quiet then get on the ball and start catching up on things that I haven't been able to do in five years. Although I still work and have other responsibilities, this is going to be a welcomed change and crossroads in Motherhood.
Strangely, 10 years ago today in fact I made the decision to move here to Savannah. Princess Di had just traumatically died and I remember thinking how sad that was.
I also married young back in the '80's around the same time she hooked up with Prince "Big Ears" Charles. My husband had smaller ears and wasn't bad in the sense of being an abuser or anything, but he was controlling and a cheater to boot.
Through the years with Princess Di in the limelight, and I in the shadows we suffered depression for years. The only difference was that I never stood up for myself to do anything about it. I felt so stuck and very unhappy. At the time of her death, I was about to turn 30 and decided right then and there - I was going to get out of my situation and get happy.
Why Savannah? Well, moving a few towns over in New Jersey wasn't going to work. I tried that before and was hunted down and sniffed out by my husband. My family? Well I love them but as far as support goes - there wasn't any. I recalled coming to Savannah when on a college field trip to study Flannery O'Connor and how much I loved it here.
I left on my 30th Birthday. Packed my car, tore off the rear view mirror and made the drive down I-95. My Mom was worried sick the entire time. I only had $60 and left my husband everything just wanting a clean break. I arrived at the Mission in Downtown Savannah and landed jobs fast with Wal-mart and also with HomeMaid. In two weeks I had my apartment. Unfurnished, but I didn't care. Finally, for once, I was happy and free with my whole life ahead of me.
Working with HomeMaid was only supposed to be temporary. I wanted to get back into teaching but it didn't work out that way. In a few weeks the owner called me aside and told me that she was leaving Georgia for New Orleans and asked if I wanted the business. Yuk. But then I looked at the income figures and compared that to a teachers salary here - and it was much better. The "bankers hours" also have been very nice. Plus, gosh... how often does someone just hand over a thriving business to a person they've just met? Not often can someone find such an opportunity just waiting for the taking. So I took it. Literally. (Apologies to Mark for my selfish snagging of said opportunity.)
That's when I met Mr. and Mrs. "Isles of Hope". Mrs. IOH was a trip. She was concerned over the business switching hands and was adamant about lots of things. No cleanser in the tubs, no new people in and out of her house every week, the kitchen floors and the whole "check for dust with white glove routine.". I promised her that either Linda (an employee at that time) or myself personally, would clean her house and nobody else.
In this business of housecleaning it is very difficult NOT to get to know your customers on a personal level. Believe me, I tried many times not to, but when you're in peep's homes all kinds of things pop out at you. Scary things like sex toys jumping out from the sheets to marijuana growing in the broom closet. Things so weird that they encouraged me to start firing quite a few customers. Except Mr. & Mrs. IOH. They only had the coolest, classic books of literature on their shelves jumping out at me.
As Mr. & Mrs. IOH became comfortable with me, they would tell me stories of their past 75 years. From the great Long Island Hurricane (that I've heard a dozen times over by now) to growing up on a farm in Ohio and going to a one room schoolhouse with only one teacher.
One of my very favorite stories was before Halloween when I mentioned what is known, at least in New Jersey, as "Mischief Night". Mrs. IOH never heard of such a thing. She was dreadfully appalled by the concept of toilet papering and soaping neighbors houses in the dark of night. Mr. IOH, however - chuckled and told us about how he and his friends used to tip over outhouses while people were still sitting in them - on mischief night in Ohio.
The gasp that came from Mrs. IOH after hearing of this, brought us both to tears of laughter. Thus began a different kind of relationship, where I no longer considered that I was only supposed to be there for 1 1/2 hours to clean their home. To charge them $35 and be on my way. Eventually the 1 1/2 hours turned to 2, then 3 and sometimes four. It didn't matter, for they gave to me more than I could ever give to them by the precious time they spent with me...
I'm not depressed. I'm not sick in any way that I'm aware of. Just plumb tired.
I've been waking up every morning with nothing to look forward to but servitude.
No surprises. No change of plans. Unless, of course; my car battery goes dead or my microwave stops working. Never any offers to go out to dinner. Never a movie. Never a flower.
Always a need. A need not mine. A want. A want not mine.
Is this dog under my seat and cat in my lap there out of adoration? Or perhaps they know that kibbles fall from my ass?
"Can I have some Chocolate Milk?"
"Can you pass me a cigarette?"
"Get me coffee."
"I need a ride here and while you're at it, there."
Knock-knock. "Can I use your phone?" "Do you have a beer?" "Can I borrow a dollar and could you ride me up to the store for a 40oz too?"
For once, I want to be selfish. I want to allow myself to be selfish without feeling guilty.
I want to say no. Sometimes, I want to shout "F*ck off and leave me alone."
My efforts to quit smoking are doing fairly well. I may had mentioned last week that Cold Turkey wasn't working out. See, my husband was supposed to quit smoking with me but with college finals and a very important business trip ahead - he found some excuses not to quit smoking just yet. Him puffing away near me is just terrible tempting. I want to kick him for it.
I'm still doing fantastic, considering I was a 2 pack a day smoker. I limit and set aside only 5 smokes per day. There were some days when I smoked all five and other days when I only smoked three. Next week I'm going to limit myself to four. After that, it will get a bit harder.
See there are certain times in the day that seem to require a smoke. After eating and after work are the most tempting. The hardest is that first morning smoke with coffee. To help out, I have been waiting until I have ate breakfast and poured a 2nd cup before I allow myself a smoke.
But they seem to come up with everything imaginable these days:
If coffee and smoke go hand in hand, this should be the perfect cure to kick my morning cravings. Of course the Cigarettea is not made out of tobacco but tea. 20 little teabags shaped like cigarettes. You just pull one out of a pack and drop it in a mug of hot water.
Hallalujah, this could work! Now I'm not saying I won't accidentally smoke the teabag considering how disoriented I usually am when waking in the morning. However a floating cigarette butt in my morning mug may just gross me out enough to stave off the morning cravings.
You have eight things to put behind your name such as: “needs”, “is”, and "wants" - then you Google it. Write down the first five results and wallah - you have a recipe for a Meme.
1. Margie has… ...11 Months!! (Until what? I wonder.) ...appeared on the concert stage with big bands and jazz ensembles. ...been an inspiration for us all. (Geez, thanks - I guess) ...specialized in oncology for more than a decade. ...sent you a card. (Happy Cinco De Mayo)
2. Margie is… ...Inspired. (tired is more like it.) ...Fabulous! (Oh well, what can I say?) ...an excellent healer and facilitator! (Be'est thou Healed) ...a giving soul!!!!! ...the Minute of Arc Resolution Gamma ray Experiment. (Oh my heavens)
3. Margie loves… ...The Ocean . (Sand in me shoes, baby!) ...her Mom. ...t-shirts, stickers and hoodies. (I do?) ...the cheese.(The big stinky cheese at that.) ...to tell Maggie's stories. (Who is Maggie?)
4. Margie rolls… ...over towards ANNE and stretches. ...some duct tape in the janitor’s closet to wrap up the mops the vampire is trying to hold. ...her eyes .(Always) ...Nice and Easy Dinner Rolls. (Yum) ...down the window and says, “I hope you enjoyed the ride!”
5. Margie picks… ...up the second chorus. ...up the phone and starts dialing. (One ring-a-dingy, two..) ...up her handbag from the bar. ...up on Wesley's gambit but handles it more sweetly. (What's a Gambit?) ...up the kids and heads home.
6. Margie says… ...“For me, it was a sign that this was all meant to be.” ...“We were actually thinking of going with foam-insulated concrete forms." (???) ...“He had friends; he knows what that means now." ...she's already made an appointment. (Time for that Mammogram again.) ...""I'm going to find a walking stick"
7. Margie does… ...all the rest. (Sure seems like it sometimes) ...not envy. ...her job! ...not have any Contacts at this time. ...counseling and healing prayer at the church. (You be'est not healed yet?)
8. Margie writes… ...a regular column in Child Care Information Exchange ...a newsletter affectionately titled Notes from Toad Hall. (Ribbit) ...about her intercountry adoption experiences. (Oh no, I'm an Angelina Jolie) ...poetry. ..."From the age of 11 to age 53 I avoided holding hands." (Whoa Nelly, I'm not 53 yet.)
For shits and giggles I Googled for the first image of "Margie" and up popped that hot kitty cat above.
There's no need to worry, everything is alright and blooming in Margieland. If I were to have any complaints, it would be that I'm so exhausted by the day's end. Sometimes, I even wake up exhausted. If it wasn't for the percolating coffee pot awakening my senses, I'd never wake up in time.
I may have mentioned here before that I have an adopted family here in Savannah. An elderly couple that I used to clean house for until they gave me a promotion of sorts. I drive them to appointments, run errands, pick up laundry, prescriptions and other odds and ends.
Well, they recently offered me another grand promotion.
After having a Home Health Organizer come by to discuss options, such as services offered to seniors who wish to live independently in their own home - they found there was so much more left to be desired. They have the option of hiring an expensive at home caretaker service, but would rather employ me to do these things full time. For they know me well, trust me and can depend on me.
Plus I believe, they love my cooking.
However, this presents a few problems. The first of which, these are things that I would love to do for free. I feel kind of guilty being paid for them. After all, who wouldn't take care of a beloved family member or friend at this time in their lives?
Second problem, I am a full time Mom first or at least have planned to be. I have issues with daycare facilities and a huge distrust of strangers watching over and teaching my daughter. We had planned on homeschooling for a few years until we could afford a decent private education. Squirt does have a wonderful part-time Nanny three days a week for 4 hours a day - but she isn't available full time.
I have taken Squirt with me on a few occasions, but if you know or remember the behaviors of a four year old - for long periods of time she'd climb the walls with boredom. Heck, I even get bored there. No computer, no cable TV and no sunshine.
Third problem, I have done this before. The ultimate result in the end is beautiful. There is nothing more comforting to anyone than to feel secure, loved and cared for in those last years, months, days, hours and very last minute of your life.
However, this ultimate end is very, very difficult for the caretaker. That is probably why home health services are always turning over employee's and never letting any employee watch over a client for any long period of time. To avoid any emotional attachment.
Five years ago we had a neighbor just as nutty. Instead of throwing acid, ours had to be dropping it! Unfortunately we were in a downstairs apartment with her upstairs and there was no respite or escape - other than moving to the other side of town.
Both situations are very sad for they aren't well and need to be under a Doctor's care. With Gateway and other mental health facilities - either closed or underfunded in Savannah - there are many who need this preventive attention or they will all be going through the criminal and court systems.
I'll have to point some notes of interest. The Boric Acid seemed to be spilled on her driveway and on her lawn beside it. She called the police first. We have to believe her in as much as her neighbors were on her property or at her front door confronting her and possibly egging her on.
Of course she should had just remained inside until the police arrived instead of grabbing a box of cockroach powder and throwing it all over her neighbors to chase them off her property. However I can't help but to think that some charges should also be brought upon her neighbors as well.
If you know your neighbor hates you and displayed mentally disturbed behavior towards you in the past - it isn't wise to trespass upon their property to confront them. Call the police or your attorney to mediate and help bring peace to the situation. A restraining order even.
I know from experience how frustrating it is to have a nutty neighbor. They do and say things that can make a person so angry that you want to march over to them to slap some sense into their crazy heads. They can drive you crazy too!
Hippy Chick, despite tenant rules not to put up a swimming pool - set up a Wet 'n Set 3 foot cheap job right in our parking spaces while we were at work one afternoon. Gotta tell y'all, there is nothing as crazy and exhilarating for your downtrodden soul than to drive a Chevy Van right through the middle of a filled Wal-Mart 3' Wet 'n Set Swimming Pool.
I know, I know... and I thought of the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) before I reacted. I concluded that Jesus would had cast the demons out of the woman from the get go and all would be well. Since I didn't have "Demon Casting Out" talents - my gut response and feelings were the next best thing.
There are many things that I could use three of this morning: Three of me, three arms, three extra hours in a day, three more hours of sleep, three more days of pay in a week and three more cups of coffee.
I'll stop complaining for there are many things that I wish I didn't have three of this morning: Three more loads of laundry, three more meals to cook, three more errands to run, three more pets to feed or three more trips to the bathroom.
What can I say except, that I have it all! (Including three kittens under our porch.)
Many people have asked why do I clean houses and take care of elderly people at home when I have a college education. Why take on extra loads of laundry, extra meals to cook and extra errands to run?
Well for starters the sole proprietor pay is good and it enables me to have extra time for my own family and home. It is kinda cool to be appreciated as the extra person, extra arm and the one that allows those who work nine to five to come home and relax with their families. I love shocking my families and getting those phone calls that say "Thank you!" after I go the extra mile and see something needs doing and do it.
Then there are the appreciation gifts that make me feel a little guilty. My elderly customers gave me an extra $400 check this past week with a note on the memo reading, "Appreciation." I didn't want to accept it but they made me. I talked to my husband about it afterward and he says that I shouldn't feel guilty about it. But I can't help it - for some reason it feels so wrong accepting payment for something that I love to do so much that I'd do it for free.
You know, I think I found the answer to the age old question that has been eating at me for the last 39 1/2 years.
"What do you wanna be when you grow up?"
My answer, "Appreciated for doing something that I love so much that I'd do it three times a day for FREE."
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A delightful easy meme borrowed from Melli, the Queen of finding all of the good memes!
The rules are simple. Answer each question in... can you guess? Three words! No more, no less.
01. Where is your cell phone? In my car. 02. Boyfriend/girlfriend? What about them? 03. Hair? On my chin. 04. Your mother? Is very sweet. 05. Your father? Archie Bunker's twin. 06. Your favorite item(s)? Sniffs good stuffs. 07. Your dream last night? Having FIVE children! 08. Your favorite drink? Frangelico in Lemonade. 09. Your dream guy/girl? Is right here. 10. The room you are in? The dining room. 11. Your fear? Rush hour traffic. 12. What do you want to be in 10 years? A mad scientist. 13. Who did you hang out with last night? Husband and daughter. 14. What are you not? Diaper wearing astronaut. 15. Are you in love? I oooze love. 16. One of your wish list items? Two Bedroom Cottage. 17. What time is it? Eight fifty-six 18. The last thing you did? Pour my coffee. 19. What are you wearing? Nightgown, wedding ring. 20. Your favorite book? The Good Earth. 21. The last thing you ate? A powdered doughnut. 22. Your life? Busy yet enjoyable. 23. Your mood? Jolly and mellow. 24. Your friends? Are very rare. 25. What are you thinking about right now? Thankful it's Friday. 26. Your car? Hyundai Santa Fe. 27. What are you doing at this moment? Admiring nude husband. 28. Your summer? Hot and humid. 29. Your relationship status? Married with child. 30. What is on your TV screen? Sesame Street, Elmo. 31. When is the last time you laughed? Few moments ago. 32. Last time you cried? Happy tears, Monday. 33. School? I loved it.
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Today is "Do You Have Issues" one year anniversary!
Not much sleep last night. As I was about to click off the TV - the National Weather Service bumped over Stephen Colbert - to report they were extending the Tornado Watch from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. Tornadoes are terrible things as evident in our front pages this morning. At least with Hurricanes you know plenty ahead of time that one is coming and you can be very certain that it will effect you as they span a few hundred miles across.
Tornadoes stink because there is no certainty. All you can bank on with a Tornado Watch is that the conditions are favorable for one to form and to keep your eyes and ears open. So NOT cool at 11.55 p.m. when you're about to close your eyes and go to sleep for the night. When the siren goes off and there is an actual Tornado Warning - meaning one has been seen and confirmed and coming to your neighborhood - that's not cool either.
Much of this past week has been just like this. Last weekend I woke up with that feeling that I was coming down with something. Sore throat, sniffles and a fever ache that just turned me into a Zombie. So I decided to do nothing. No washing dishes, no laundry, no picking up toys, no taking out the trash or sweeping the floor. Just me in my Pajamas sipping OJ, tea and soup for the entire day. I awoke Sunday morning to a disaster that left me wondering, "What in the world blew through my house overnight?"
Then Monday rolled in. For those of you who aren't aware my husband has been having a bit of driver's license issues that he is trying to clear up. Totally his fault as he was a very bad boy and hid his traffic ticket under the seat of his car - soon forgetting about it and not paying it. He deserves to be punished but guess who is driving Mr. Daisy around day and night?
I hate driving in Savannah. Especially in moments like yesterday, when some fool ass of a teenager driving a stolen vehicle makes a run for it from the police. I was coming up to a red light when I heard the siren and saw the flashing lights coming towards me. When all of the sudden trucks started spinning around and crashing into one another.
Who is to know why I had stopped before the red light or why I was running late. Those few seconds that separate you from an accident can be quite bewildering to reflect upon. It puts an entire new spin to saying, "This just hasn't been my week." Neither was it my day, or my time or my 15 minutes of fame. My number wasn't called and neither were my numbers for the Georgia Mega Million Lottery Wednesday night.
I suppose I should have slept soundly knowing that this hasn't been my week. Knowing that the chance of waking up in Oz was very slim. Nevertheless it is the uncertainties in life that give me hope all at the same time. Georgia's Mega Million Lotto is now up to $275 Million and I'm off to buy five tickets.
Behind the scenes here it has been one heck of a busy week! I'm in the mood for a little moshing, head-banging and heavy metal this evening. If you are too, then play away. (Dr. John; you may want to pass on this one, Sir.)
I'll do 'ya all a favor and totally leave out my hectic events this week. I had a very nice Valentine's Day and evening. Gon didn't buy me flowers but instead hooked Squirt up with a half a dozen. Instead of chocolate he brought us a bottle of Champagne. A bottle that we are sipping on right now at this very moment. So if I sound a little out of sorts and tipsy - I most likely am.
My favorite gift of all was a hand held Solitaire Game. See, I have this sick ritual whenever I go to the bathroom. I've graduated from reading material to playing hand held games such as Yahtzee and Poker. Both games have taken quite a beating from their everyday use and now I have a new one to raise a stink over.
Today was uneventful, really. For those who don't know I take care of an elderly couple here in Savannah. The Mister had to go away for two days for surgery. He's home now with a big boo-boo on his forehead and a big boo-boo on his shoulder. Doing well and feeling quite chipper despite all he has been through.
I was able to call it a day early and came home to relax for a few. That was until Squirt decided we needed to go to the store to buy a "Spongebob's House." A few weeks ago I explained to her that we can buy pineapples at the store and I think she was expecting some giant hollow house of a thing she could climb into and play in. The only pineapple she has had were those right out of the can. Tonight, she's tickled pink and quite intrigued with this prickly fruit. I haven't the nerve to chop it up just yet.
Well, I'm just going to quit posting and get down and around visiting blogs this evening. Quitting now before the champagne gets me to sounding a little too silly and giddy. For now, lifting my glass in honor of "St. Practice Day".
I've been trying to simplify my blog by narrowing down to daily topics verses a hodge-podge of brain farts. Nothing is set in stone just yet as I'm trying to find out what works and what doesn't.
Fridays are going to be casual. Just me, free-writing and hanging out - journaling a "Margie Unplugged." Just another day to open up and share who I am, where I'm at and where I wanna be.
For starters, I'm going to play tag! Lavender stopped by yesterday and tapped me on the comment shoulder with "Things you may not have known about me."
1.Four jobs I have had in my life: Having had more than four jobs, I'll sneak in those in between gigs that I had to get by on: Telemarketer for Replacement Windows - one of the worst jobs ever because almost everyone that you call hangs up on you. Certainteed Fiberglass Factory - rolling around and stacking the most itchiest product known to mankind. Waitressing overnight at Denny's and a Clerk at an Auction House.
2. Four Movies I have watched over and over: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Forrest Gump, Titanic and Saving Private Ryan.
3. Four places I have lived: Collings Lakes, NJ, Chester, PA, Newtonville, NJ and Savannah, GA.
4. Four TV shows I love to watch: Jon Stewart's Daily Show, The Colbert Report, LOST and The Mythbusters.
5. Four places I have been on vacation: Boston, MA, Orlando, FL, Lancaster County, PA and Savannah, GA. (Funny that I ended up moving here! I still feel like I'm on vacation.)
6. Four of my favorite foods: Coconut, Flan, pizza and fried bologna sammiches.
7. Four places I would rather be right now: In bed sleeping, Snowmobiling up North, on a trip through time 20 years in our future or at the Georgia Lottery Office picking up a four foot check.
I'm supposed to list four people that will respond - or tag four people, I'm not sure. Since I'm a really, shy and timid person outside of the Blogosphere - I'll leave this last one up to fate.
Back to simplifying things and organizing my time, this was in part a New Year's Resolution. Wearing so many hats can be overwhelming and I soon found myself forgetting important things or not setting aside time for others.
I'm now a month in and starting to see the results of having a bit more order in things. Keeping a private diary and calendar to schedule tasks, appointments and bubble baths has really helped. It may sound strange, but I've found that often it isn't enough just to say you'll do something - I have to write it down.
Overall, I'm thrilled that it is Friday and that I can hang up a few of my responsibility hats by the time the sun goes down this evening. First thing on my agenda is to order Pizza and break out the paper plates!
