To rise at 5:30, to bed at 11:00 because someone has to do everything.
While my kids are already pro's, it's the first full week of school for me {my days of custody are Sunday - Wednesday} and it's been an exhausting one. My alarm goes off at 5:22a and I don't even see my bedroom again until 10: 47p
I have to drop my kids off at the before school program by 6:30a, so I can open up shop by 6:32. I feel absolutely horrible waking them up at 5:45a, dressing them half asleep, and feeding them breakfast before they're ready to eat. They're awake just before it's time to brush teeth, put on backpacks and leave. It wouldn't be so bad if I knew I could pick them up at the release bell, but I can't. The majority of the week, I work until 6:45p. Which leaves pick up duties to friends and family and leaves the four of us just enough time to eat a family dinner, take baths, and hop in bed.
Of course, my day doesn't end at bedtime kisses. No, it ends about three hours later after I've cleaned the house, washed the dishes, sorted the laundry, and disinfected the toys after a long day of good play.
Working from home has it's advantages; I love my job {to an extent, but doesn't everyone?}. I get to stay home and witness amazing little beings grow and learn. We use our imaginations, bake cookies, color outside the lines, build Lego towers, have tea parties, dance like no one is watching, and I never worry about make-up before noon.
On the flip side, working from home has it's disadvantages too and they're not minor ones. I can't ever be late, I can't ever play 'hooky', there is no "lunch break" to run necessary errands {in fact, there is no break at all, I'm always 'on'}, and taking a day off is almost unspeakable. With the exception of two surgeries this year, I haven't taken holiday since May 2008.
While I may never be able to explain exactly what my days are like; the amount of strength, patience, and endurance it takes, I do know that I've always preferred the hard road and dammit, I earn my good night's sleep - all six hours of it. Because someone has to do everything.
8.19.2009
8.17.2009
Case of the Mondays
It's just another manic Monday, I wish it were Sunday cause that's my Funday...
There are less than 20 weekends left of 2009. Soon we'll be topping our heads with paper party hats sprinkled with glitter and tinsel that read 'Happy New Year!' Seriously, it's time to petition to slow things down!
Another weekend flew by, here are a few photos to tell the tale...
Our D'Backs defeated the Dodgers in an extra inning Saturday night, J and I together defeated 88oz of Stella from our very awesome seats, and Dodger's pitcher Hiroki Kuroda defeated a line drive off his head - ouch! He's one lucky guy being able to tell the tale without serious injury.
On Sunday, I finally defeated my self proposed challenge, Re-Create: Pirate Cove! What was once a work in progress has now been declared complete...
Add a happy lil' Captain and you get the warm and fuzzies all over...
Cheers to a week full of complete satisfaction!
There are less than 20 weekends left of 2009. Soon we'll be topping our heads with paper party hats sprinkled with glitter and tinsel that read 'Happy New Year!' Seriously, it's time to petition to slow things down!
Another weekend flew by, here are a few photos to tell the tale...
Our D'Backs defeated the Dodgers in an extra inning Saturday night, J and I together defeated 88oz of Stella from our very awesome seats, and Dodger's pitcher Hiroki Kuroda defeated a line drive off his head - ouch! He's one lucky guy being able to tell the tale without serious injury.On Sunday, I finally defeated my self proposed challenge, Re-Create: Pirate Cove! What was once a work in progress has now been declared complete...
Add a happy lil' Captain and you get the warm and fuzzies all over...
Cheers to a week full of complete satisfaction!
xxoo, M
8.14.2009
TGIF
Photo: Yuriya.comSome much needed chatting and catching up was had last night at Blue Wasabi. I think the last time Josie and I spent time together, sans children, was Black Friday '08 and it definitely needs to happen more often. If you haven't eaten at Blue Wasabi yet, I highly recommend that you get there code red. It's tasty, fresh, great atmosphere, sports games will be on, the drink list is extensive, and best of all, it's inexpensive {compared to most}. I have yet to be disappointed.
It's Friday! The long awaited weekend is here! After a week of poop, sinusitis, lunchboxes, and early starts, I'm ready. Although sleeping in means up at seven o'clock these days, I'll take it.
Tomorrow I have planned to do nothing. The day is mine for the taking. Maybe I'll browse Merchant Square or get a manicure or check things off my never ending "To Do" List or clean up the front yard or finish R's room or maybe, just maybe, I'll just sit on my toosh, drink coffee, stare at the ceiling fan, and make a decision about what to do with the rest of my re-creating projects.
I'm having a hard time deciding what to do with my bedroom. I'm thinking about keeping both my oak bed and my new white antique wrought iron canopy bed just for the sake of having options for the rest of my life. I was constantly requesting new beds while growing up, so it's only fitting that I have one on deck as an adult. It seems that some things just never change...
All I know is I have nothing to do, no one to see, no where to be until 5:10p when the first pitch is thrown at Chase Stadium. Go D'Backs! {I managed to score MPV tickets for tomorrow's game against the Dodgers}. I'm finding that the more I learn about baseball, the more interesting it gets. I'm still not a huge fan, but because the stadium is fun and the beer is overpriced, I'm giving it a shot. In any regard, I hope my dress arrives in the mail today - perfect for a day at the ballpark. More importantly, I hope it fits without needing alterations, a rare, but always exciting feat.
Sunday is another do nothing day, although I foresee a trip to Home Depot and Target in my very near future, as always.
Cheers to a fabulous, relaxing, do nothing weekend!
It's Friday! The long awaited weekend is here! After a week of poop, sinusitis, lunchboxes, and early starts, I'm ready. Although sleeping in means up at seven o'clock these days, I'll take it.
Tomorrow I have planned to do nothing. The day is mine for the taking. Maybe I'll browse Merchant Square or get a manicure or check things off my never ending "To Do" List or clean up the front yard or finish R's room or maybe, just maybe, I'll just sit on my toosh, drink coffee, stare at the ceiling fan, and make a decision about what to do with the rest of my re-creating projects.
I'm having a hard time deciding what to do with my bedroom. I'm thinking about keeping both my oak bed and my new white antique wrought iron canopy bed just for the sake of having options for the rest of my life. I was constantly requesting new beds while growing up, so it's only fitting that I have one on deck as an adult. It seems that some things just never change...
All I know is I have nothing to do, no one to see, no where to be until 5:10p when the first pitch is thrown at Chase Stadium. Go D'Backs! {I managed to score MPV tickets for tomorrow's game against the Dodgers}. I'm finding that the more I learn about baseball, the more interesting it gets. I'm still not a huge fan, but because the stadium is fun and the beer is overpriced, I'm giving it a shot. In any regard, I hope my dress arrives in the mail today - perfect for a day at the ballpark. More importantly, I hope it fits without needing alterations, a rare, but always exciting feat.
Sunday is another do nothing day, although I foresee a trip to Home Depot and Target in my very near future, as always.Cheers to a fabulous, relaxing, do nothing weekend!
xxoo, M
8.12.2009
Whatta Wednesday
Over the weekend, I had a migraine the size of Texas and spent two hours in urgent care only to be diagnosed with sinusitis and was put on antibiotics and an expectorant. There were no posts regarding the weekend plans because my only plan after Saturday was to not move.
While I felt better by Monday morning, I had to send one kid home sick from daycare. By ten o'clock Tuesday, I had notifications that sick kid had not only been diagnosed with RSV, but also won herself an extended stay Banner Desert Hospital. So, now not only am I the bearer of bad news to the healthy families, but I'm also on high alert for signs of illness and am spending most of my waking hours disinfecting things. I was very excited to discover that rubber gloves now come in an array of wonderful colors and patterns.
Today, was the first day of school.
Look how happy they are walking to school with their backpacks, lunchboxes, and bags full of classroom goodies. Even Stinky Bear was lookin' especially excited this morning.
20 minutes later...
I left a sobbing R with his kindergarten teacher and E was trying to get rid of the paparazzi.
Yeah, I love you too, Mom. See ya!
Obviously, I'm with R.
By the time I opened up shop at 8:15, I had recovered all the mascara from my cheeks and was ready to roll through the afternoon.
While I felt better by Monday morning, I had to send one kid home sick from daycare. By ten o'clock Tuesday, I had notifications that sick kid had not only been diagnosed with RSV, but also won herself an extended stay Banner Desert Hospital. So, now not only am I the bearer of bad news to the healthy families, but I'm also on high alert for signs of illness and am spending most of my waking hours disinfecting things. I was very excited to discover that rubber gloves now come in an array of wonderful colors and patterns.
Today, was the first day of school.
Look how happy they are walking to school with their backpacks, lunchboxes, and bags full of classroom goodies. Even Stinky Bear was lookin' especially excited this morning.
20 minutes later...
I left a sobbing R with his kindergarten teacher and E was trying to get rid of the paparazzi.
Yeah, I love you too, Mom. See ya!
Obviously, I'm with R.By the time I opened up shop at 8:15, I had recovered all the mascara from my cheeks and was ready to roll through the afternoon.
xxoo, M
8.06.2009
Passive-Aggressive Note I
Dear Mr. Mail Carrier,
Let me thank you for your services, timely deliveries, and for personally dropping off large packages on my doorstep occasionally, despite your fear of chihuahuas. I really, really appreciate that all of my mail is in perfect, orderly condition when I retrieve it from my box, #5, on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings.
I'd like to apologize for any superfluous barking my chihuahuas may do at the sight of your uniform and knee high socks, but I'd like to compliment you on how well you wear the whole USPS get-up; always looking sharp, Mr. Mail Carrier.
Let me ask, what was the reason behind changing the lock on my box,#5, without notice or receipt of new key? I know I haven't been as prompt as usual with the retrieval of my mail for the past two weeks, but is this really just cause for locking me out? Giving me the axe? 86'ing me from my bills and neighborhood advertisements?
After discovering that my key wasn't fit for the lock I was trying, I got back in my car and drove around, completely convinced that I had the wrong set of collective mailboxes. Fifteen minutes later, to my complete and utter surprise, I realized I was in the right place! So, I tried my key again and again and again and it still didn't work. I turned my key so hard it almost broke off - right there in the lock!
I understand that you're a very busy man and have no time for petty requests, but nothing would make me happier, Mr. Mail Carrier, after walking an entire block to my mailbox, than to be able to collect my Val-U-Pak, my neon yellow Big Brothers and Sisters postcard, and my cable television billing statement. I'm sure you understand how passionate I am about collecting my mail as I'm sure you're just as passionate about delivering it.
I am requesting that a copy of the new mailbox key be delivered immediately - you know where I live. Let's work together to resolve this.
Keep Cool!
xxoo, M
8.04.2009
Single Mom Complaint #329
Tuesday. Tuesday, Tuesday, Tuesday. Oh Tuesday.
Mondays are great. I'm off work early, I'm hanging out with my kids, and Monday Movie Night is always a good time, starting with a picnic in the living room. Wednesdays are great too. I have a lighter load at work, my kids sleep in a wee bit, and at 5 o'clock they go to their dad's house for the remainder of the week. It's that day in between the two that does a fabulous wear 'n tear job on my sanity.
Tuesdays are, by far, my busiest day during waking hours and it starts at sun-up. My house is quickly turned upside down by the curious and busy bodies of toddlers and clean up always seems to fall into the hands of mom {unless E is feeling particularly light in the wallet}. By 6:30pm, I've already wondered several times if I've sat down yet, used the restroom, or eaten anything.
Tuesday has also been deemed as "Baby Maintenance Day"; as in cabooses, hair, nails, and ears are all bathed, trimmed, washed, and inspected by Inspector Number 0417 {moi}. After a long day, this is not exactly what you want to do. Especially when there is a dinner table to clean off, dishes to tend to, laundry to sort, and a floor that desperately needs mopping. No, you want to sit down, relax, sip a cool beverage, check your social network, and flip the channels.
No ma'am, there is nothing spectacular about Tuesday, except exhaustion.
Mondays are great. I'm off work early, I'm hanging out with my kids, and Monday Movie Night is always a good time, starting with a picnic in the living room. Wednesdays are great too. I have a lighter load at work, my kids sleep in a wee bit, and at 5 o'clock they go to their dad's house for the remainder of the week. It's that day in between the two that does a fabulous wear 'n tear job on my sanity.
Tuesdays are, by far, my busiest day during waking hours and it starts at sun-up. My house is quickly turned upside down by the curious and busy bodies of toddlers and clean up always seems to fall into the hands of mom {unless E is feeling particularly light in the wallet}. By 6:30pm, I've already wondered several times if I've sat down yet, used the restroom, or eaten anything.
Tuesday has also been deemed as "Baby Maintenance Day"; as in cabooses, hair, nails, and ears are all bathed, trimmed, washed, and inspected by Inspector Number 0417 {moi}. After a long day, this is not exactly what you want to do. Especially when there is a dinner table to clean off, dishes to tend to, laundry to sort, and a floor that desperately needs mopping. No, you want to sit down, relax, sip a cool beverage, check your social network, and flip the channels.
No ma'am, there is nothing spectacular about Tuesday, except exhaustion.
xxoo, M
8.03.2009
Case of the Mondays
Last week was so busy, I just now realized I didn't blog my weekly TGIF post and with another rapid weekend behind us, it's suddenly August. Where does the time go?!
The weekend was filled with moving boxes {not my own, thankfully}, cupcakes, car dealerships, parties, and a pirate cove.
J put the captain's bed together with minimal help from yours truly, while I stained the mast and crow's nest black to match.
Here's a break down of the dent this re-creation has put in my pocketbook...
Captain's bed: $140
Rope ladder: $30
Mast: $7
Crow's nest: $10
Sail: $25.50
Paint/Stain: $55
Parrot: $3.50
Flag: $3.50
Map: $8
Treasure chest: $50
Bedding: $45
I'm pretty impressed with, not only how this is turning out, but how little it's actually costing. I could totally be a DIY show with a $500/room budget - people would eat it up, especially since I'm coming in under budget.
The closet doors will be red before I sleep tonight {that's the goal anyway} and hopefully, the few remaining items that are in transit will arrive this week. I'm also hoping to find a twin mattress on Craig's List that doesn't break the bank, but unfortunately, so far, it's been nothing but frustrating. I believe Sleep Savvy will be getting some business this evening.
Cheers to a speedy, stress free week!
The weekend was filled with moving boxes {not my own, thankfully}, cupcakes, car dealerships, parties, and a pirate cove.
J put the captain's bed together with minimal help from yours truly, while I stained the mast and crow's nest black to match.Here's a break down of the dent this re-creation has put in my pocketbook...
Captain's bed: $140
Rope ladder: $30
Mast: $7
Crow's nest: $10
Sail: $25.50
Paint/Stain: $55
Parrot: $3.50
Flag: $3.50
Map: $8
Treasure chest: $50
Bedding: $45
I'm pretty impressed with, not only how this is turning out, but how little it's actually costing. I could totally be a DIY show with a $500/room budget - people would eat it up, especially since I'm coming in under budget.
The closet doors will be red before I sleep tonight {that's the goal anyway} and hopefully, the few remaining items that are in transit will arrive this week. I'm also hoping to find a twin mattress on Craig's List that doesn't break the bank, but unfortunately, so far, it's been nothing but frustrating. I believe Sleep Savvy will be getting some business this evening.
Cheers to a speedy, stress free week!
xxoo, M
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