.....life has been INSANE!
Bryan was gone Monday-Thursday every week in the month of August on business trips. He's gone now until Friday. I love him and love that he loves his job. He's been getting accolades left and right for his work and I think that's OUTSTANDING!
I've been working my 40 hour weeks, spending approximately 2 hours a day in commuting and being a "single mother". I now have a HUGE appreciation for single parents. I love my daughter, don't get me wrong, but my little mini-me is exactly that...a mini-me! 2 me's in one room, together, 4 nights a week...we do tend to get on each other's nerves. The need for adult conversation does creep in at times.
My ulcers have been acting up I think. On the plus side of that, I've lost 15 pounds. Watching my portions, calories and non-appetite ulcer attacks can all help in a good way.
I hope all of my friends and family had a good summer. You wouldn't know summer is over around here with temperatures still in the mid 90's, but I keep telling myself I'm gonna wish for those temperatures in December and January and to remember this time.
Love to all!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
When it Rains, it Pours
.....ok, I live in Texas. It's June 16. It was 100 outside today. Hold on, lemme start at the beginning....
Friday afternoon, I took the van to a local shop to get the switch for the A/C fixed. For the past 3 months or so, it either blew full blast on the highest setting, or wouldn't blow at all. We knew it was the reostat switch, so I took it in. Wednesday, the blower started making a 'whirring' noise. I told the "mechanis" this, hoping they would look at that also. They told me they would call me once they looked at it to tell me what was wrong and how much it would cost. Tuesday afternoon rolled around, no call, no word. We drove by there on the way home. My husband, who has a much, shall we say, calmer demeanor than I do, got out and asked about it. Not only did they NOT call, they FIXED IT - without notifying us. We told them this, and their response was, "Well, it's fixed and that will be $205. You have to pay it to get the van back." OK, we paid it. (That's another story too - so, if you live in the Crowley, TX area, call me so I can steer you away from these crooks) The switch did work, but the blower still made the sound.
When I left for work this morning at 5:45, it was 82 degrees. The blower and the switch worked. When I got in the car at 3:45 to go home from work, the blower didn't. Needless to say, I was angry. I had to pick up the kiddo and drive the hour home in 100 degree heat with no air.
I went to Autozone to see if it would be something I could fix on my own. They suggested, since the blower involves the electrical system, that I take it to a mechanic. They recommended one, a different one, and I took it there. Tom was SUPER NICE and I gave him the receipt from the other place and told him the part they replaced has a 1 year warranty. He's going to call around and see where they got it (thank God we live in a smaller town) and HE will honor the warranty! I should know tomorrow what's up - he guaranteed me he would call.
Please pray for warranty work and not too much more monetary damage.
Friday afternoon, I took the van to a local shop to get the switch for the A/C fixed. For the past 3 months or so, it either blew full blast on the highest setting, or wouldn't blow at all. We knew it was the reostat switch, so I took it in. Wednesday, the blower started making a 'whirring' noise. I told the "mechanis" this, hoping they would look at that also. They told me they would call me once they looked at it to tell me what was wrong and how much it would cost. Tuesday afternoon rolled around, no call, no word. We drove by there on the way home. My husband, who has a much, shall we say, calmer demeanor than I do, got out and asked about it. Not only did they NOT call, they FIXED IT - without notifying us. We told them this, and their response was, "Well, it's fixed and that will be $205. You have to pay it to get the van back." OK, we paid it. (That's another story too - so, if you live in the Crowley, TX area, call me so I can steer you away from these crooks) The switch did work, but the blower still made the sound.
When I left for work this morning at 5:45, it was 82 degrees. The blower and the switch worked. When I got in the car at 3:45 to go home from work, the blower didn't. Needless to say, I was angry. I had to pick up the kiddo and drive the hour home in 100 degree heat with no air.
I went to Autozone to see if it would be something I could fix on my own. They suggested, since the blower involves the electrical system, that I take it to a mechanic. They recommended one, a different one, and I took it there. Tom was SUPER NICE and I gave him the receipt from the other place and told him the part they replaced has a 1 year warranty. He's going to call around and see where they got it (thank God we live in a smaller town) and HE will honor the warranty! I should know tomorrow what's up - he guaranteed me he would call.
Please pray for warranty work and not too much more monetary damage.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
The Roller Coaster
......working all those years at Six Flags taught me one thing (besides how to meet my husband); life is like a roller coaster.
- First you slowly go up a hill. You slowly learn: how to walk, how to talk, how to do things independently. You slowly learn a "trade"...your job/profession.
- Then you get to the top of the lift. You can begin to see your future below you with all of its speed and twists and turns that lie before you.
- You go down the lift and the true adventure begins. You finish school, get married, find a job, raise a family and attempt to enjoy all of the loops, turns and "horseshoes" along the ride. Some of the movement may make you queesy and sick to your stomach sometimes. However, life, like a roller coaster, is not always easy. You just have to remember, you're locked in - all-be-it by faith - and He will not let you fall during the ride.
- Eventually you make it to the safety brake. A slow point in the ride to look back and enjoy what has happened so far. A time to catch your breath. Enjoy it, because another dip and more fun awaits.
- Finally you make it back to the station and the ride is over. You hope you have enjoyed everything the ride had to offer and have told enough people about your ride. A legacy left for others to enjoy on their ride.
I have been angry for the past couple of days. I think, however, that I have made it to the safety break and realize that the ride has not been as bad as I would like to think it has been. Everything is a challenge. From the time the ride operator hits the button and sends you on your way until you arrive safely back in the station - it's a challenge. I need to get over my anger so I can enjoy this ride. I think I'm over it. It may return, and I know it probably will, I just need to remember I'm locked in. He's my "lap bar" and it's been checked for the duration of my ride.
Now I just need to keep my arms and legs inside the car at all times :)
- First you slowly go up a hill. You slowly learn: how to walk, how to talk, how to do things independently. You slowly learn a "trade"...your job/profession.
- Then you get to the top of the lift. You can begin to see your future below you with all of its speed and twists and turns that lie before you.
- You go down the lift and the true adventure begins. You finish school, get married, find a job, raise a family and attempt to enjoy all of the loops, turns and "horseshoes" along the ride. Some of the movement may make you queesy and sick to your stomach sometimes. However, life, like a roller coaster, is not always easy. You just have to remember, you're locked in - all-be-it by faith - and He will not let you fall during the ride.
- Eventually you make it to the safety brake. A slow point in the ride to look back and enjoy what has happened so far. A time to catch your breath. Enjoy it, because another dip and more fun awaits.
- Finally you make it back to the station and the ride is over. You hope you have enjoyed everything the ride had to offer and have told enough people about your ride. A legacy left for others to enjoy on their ride.
I have been angry for the past couple of days. I think, however, that I have made it to the safety break and realize that the ride has not been as bad as I would like to think it has been. Everything is a challenge. From the time the ride operator hits the button and sends you on your way until you arrive safely back in the station - it's a challenge. I need to get over my anger so I can enjoy this ride. I think I'm over it. It may return, and I know it probably will, I just need to remember I'm locked in. He's my "lap bar" and it's been checked for the duration of my ride.
Now I just need to keep my arms and legs inside the car at all times :)
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Long Week for a Short Week
.....why is it that "short" work weeks are sometimes the longest?
It's been a little quiet around the house this week with Pam at Granny's. I could not take this week off of work and Pam got out of school last Friday, so we didn't have anybody to watch her. Judie graciously took Tuesday through Friday off to watch her. THANK YOU!
We had month-end accounting processing at work this week (hence, why I couldn't take off). That makes for a long week anytime. Plus playing catch-up from my vacation last week.....
I'm thankful that tomorrow is Friday. My family will be together again. Pam starts day camp on Monday. Dad got out of the hospital today (he's been in 4 weeks) and he's feeling great! Now, we're in the process of trying to plan a family vacation for August. Where to go, where to go...
Life is good!
It's been a little quiet around the house this week with Pam at Granny's. I could not take this week off of work and Pam got out of school last Friday, so we didn't have anybody to watch her. Judie graciously took Tuesday through Friday off to watch her. THANK YOU!
We had month-end accounting processing at work this week (hence, why I couldn't take off). That makes for a long week anytime. Plus playing catch-up from my vacation last week.....
I'm thankful that tomorrow is Friday. My family will be together again. Pam starts day camp on Monday. Dad got out of the hospital today (he's been in 4 weeks) and he's feeling great! Now, we're in the process of trying to plan a family vacation for August. Where to go, where to go...
Life is good!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Spring Vacation
.....it's almost over. That's right, my spring vacation. However, it really was a lot of fun.
- Monday: Got U-Verse installed in my house and got my new cell phone in the mail from the insurance claim. I spilled an entire cup of Chick-Fil-A sweet tea on it. Needless to say, touch screen phones and sweet tea don't mix.
- Tuesday: I flew to Reno to go to Carson City, NV to visit Chris and Miranda. She and I hung out most of the day (did my blog...and it looks FANTASTIC!) then did a little gambling that night.
- Wednesday: I hung out with Miranda some more and met one of her friends for dinner. We have since become Facebook friends and I have a feeling I will have to see Debbie when I visit Carson from now on also.
- Thursday: Flew back to DFW for a dose of hot and high-humidity reality. Went to bed early. Not very exciting, I know.
- Friday: Pam's last day of 2nd grade. My baby is officially a 3rd grader. 2020 and high school graduation is fast approaching. We took her to Dave and Buster's for lunch (her choice) then spent some time with Grampy in the hospital.
I don't know what the rest of the weekend has in store, but I am going to make the best of it spending time with my family. Tuesday morning will be here before I know it!
- Monday: Got U-Verse installed in my house and got my new cell phone in the mail from the insurance claim. I spilled an entire cup of Chick-Fil-A sweet tea on it. Needless to say, touch screen phones and sweet tea don't mix.
- Tuesday: I flew to Reno to go to Carson City, NV to visit Chris and Miranda. She and I hung out most of the day (did my blog...and it looks FANTASTIC!) then did a little gambling that night.
- Wednesday: I hung out with Miranda some more and met one of her friends for dinner. We have since become Facebook friends and I have a feeling I will have to see Debbie when I visit Carson from now on also.
- Thursday: Flew back to DFW for a dose of hot and high-humidity reality. Went to bed early. Not very exciting, I know.
- Friday: Pam's last day of 2nd grade. My baby is officially a 3rd grader. 2020 and high school graduation is fast approaching. We took her to Dave and Buster's for lunch (her choice) then spent some time with Grampy in the hospital.
I don't know what the rest of the weekend has in store, but I am going to make the best of it spending time with my family. Tuesday morning will be here before I know it!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Coincidence is Amazing
.....it's amazing the difference 6 years can make.
6 years ago Thursday, we thought our financial world had come to an end. Today, it was a beginning.
Bryan found out today that he got the promotion he had applied and interviewed for.
Looking back now, over the struggles and hardships that we have faced, I am pretty sure that it was God's way of training me. He said, learn how to make it this way and I may make it less stressful on you in the future. Hopefully the future is here. I have learned how to make it on less, and make it ok. I am EXTREMELY proficient in coupon shopping, I don't pay full price for anything and I can squeeze a penny until you see Lincoln's profile on the other side.
Hopefully, a majority of the financial struggles are behind us, but the memories are there to remind us.
God doesn't give you anything you can't handle and everything is His plan.
Congratulations, Bryan! I love you very much and am very proud of you!
6 years ago Thursday, we thought our financial world had come to an end. Today, it was a beginning.
Bryan found out today that he got the promotion he had applied and interviewed for.
Looking back now, over the struggles and hardships that we have faced, I am pretty sure that it was God's way of training me. He said, learn how to make it this way and I may make it less stressful on you in the future. Hopefully the future is here. I have learned how to make it on less, and make it ok. I am EXTREMELY proficient in coupon shopping, I don't pay full price for anything and I can squeeze a penny until you see Lincoln's profile on the other side.
Hopefully, a majority of the financial struggles are behind us, but the memories are there to remind us.
God doesn't give you anything you can't handle and everything is His plan.
Congratulations, Bryan! I love you very much and am very proud of you!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Pretty Good Last Day!
....it's the last day of my 34th year, and it was pretty good!
Got a good review at work and a good raise for the year.
Bryan's interview at work for his promotion went well.
I have the love and support of fantastic family and friends.
My family and my friends are all healthy and (mostly) happy. I am thankful for that!
The last year may not have been completely to my liking, however, as I always say, God doesn't give you anything you cannot handle and He's got a plan, we just have to stick to it!
As I begin the 6th anniversary of my 29th birthday I need to keep all of the above in mind.
To my family:
Bryan - I love you more every day. We've been together for over 14 years and have been through a lot. It was all a learning experience and I know we and our relationship are stornger for all of it.
Pam - You are the light of my life and the sunshine of my day. You tell me often that God gave you to the right mommy and daddy; and I tell you that He gave mommy and daddy the right baby. Keep growing and learning and we will keep helping and supporting. I love you more than life itself.
Mom and Dad - Thank you so much for all of your love and support (in more ways than one). I hope that I have grown into the woman that you wanted me to be and that you are proud. It takes good parents to make good kids, so I think you did a good job if I do say so myself :)
To my friends:
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! I don't know if I would have made it through all of the rough patches that have been and are yet to come without the shoulders to cry on, the arms to hug and the ears to listen. I love you all!
Got a good review at work and a good raise for the year.
Bryan's interview at work for his promotion went well.
I have the love and support of fantastic family and friends.
My family and my friends are all healthy and (mostly) happy. I am thankful for that!
The last year may not have been completely to my liking, however, as I always say, God doesn't give you anything you cannot handle and He's got a plan, we just have to stick to it!
As I begin the 6th anniversary of my 29th birthday I need to keep all of the above in mind.
To my family:
Bryan - I love you more every day. We've been together for over 14 years and have been through a lot. It was all a learning experience and I know we and our relationship are stornger for all of it.
Pam - You are the light of my life and the sunshine of my day. You tell me often that God gave you to the right mommy and daddy; and I tell you that He gave mommy and daddy the right baby. Keep growing and learning and we will keep helping and supporting. I love you more than life itself.
Mom and Dad - Thank you so much for all of your love and support (in more ways than one). I hope that I have grown into the woman that you wanted me to be and that you are proud. It takes good parents to make good kids, so I think you did a good job if I do say so myself :)
To my friends:
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! I don't know if I would have made it through all of the rough patches that have been and are yet to come without the shoulders to cry on, the arms to hug and the ears to listen. I love you all!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
This is your homework?!?! REALLY?!?!?!
....Pam's homework tonight made me feel totally stupid. I can't believe I had to Google "congruent shapes" and "line of symmetry". I'm ready now for Jeff Foxworthy to make me look in the camera and proclaim, "My name is Joanna, and I am not smarter than a second grader".
It really made me realize how much knowledge we adults do not retain from not just high school, but grade school. Then again, I never was really the best student when it came to math. I mean, seriously, it took me 3 times to pass college algebra. Seriously though, my daughter knew more about these semi-geometric terms than I did!
Does this mean I need to go back to school and be a kid again? I'm thinking so.....
It really made me realize how much knowledge we adults do not retain from not just high school, but grade school. Then again, I never was really the best student when it came to math. I mean, seriously, it took me 3 times to pass college algebra. Seriously though, my daughter knew more about these semi-geometric terms than I did!
Does this mean I need to go back to school and be a kid again? I'm thinking so.....
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Mommy/Daughter Day
.....today was a good day. I took the day off because Pam is on Spring Break this week and with dad having dialysis on Tuesday's and Thursday's, we didn't have anybody to watch her. So, Bryan took Tuesday off and I took today.
We both slept late today (if you consider 7:30 late). We ate breakfast and lounged around a little. In the early afternoon we went and had lunch together before my doctor's appointment. She was SO GOOD at the doctor's office that I told her we could go do anything she wanted to do. In true "Joanna" fashion, she chose to go to the mall. THAT'S MY BABY! We looked around for a while, bought a few things then came home.
It was great being able to spend some quality "girl time" with her. She really has turned into a cool little person - even though she's not that little anymore.
We both slept late today (if you consider 7:30 late). We ate breakfast and lounged around a little. In the early afternoon we went and had lunch together before my doctor's appointment. She was SO GOOD at the doctor's office that I told her we could go do anything she wanted to do. In true "Joanna" fashion, she chose to go to the mall. THAT'S MY BABY! We looked around for a while, bought a few things then came home.
It was great being able to spend some quality "girl time" with her. She really has turned into a cool little person - even though she's not that little anymore.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Could this be.....
therapy? Self indulgence? A cure for boredom? I'm not sure. I just figured that I like to write, I occasionally need to get things out of my system and I despirately need to upload pictures so I thought this could be a cure.
If you know me, I pretty much wear my heart on my sleeve. If you don't...."where to begin".....
I am going to be 35 years old in 15 days, 2 hours. I have a wonderful husband (Bryan) and a beautiful 7 year old daughter (Pamela). I was born in Fort Worth and have lived in Texas my whole life. I like to travel. I love Barry Manilow. I have a weakness for dark chocolate. I am allergic to "everything that's green and grows, except for a rose". I'm not just frugal, I'm cheap. Old friends are my dearest friends. I am still friends with the first boy I ever kissed. Pam goes to the same school that I did. I love practical presents and gift cards. Blackjack is a big stress reliever for me. My usual bedtime is 9 pm - why I am up at 10:15 is beyond me.
There, you know a little bit about me. I will attempt to post as often as I can and try not to write a book in the process.
Feel free to leave comments and suggestions.
Good night for now!
If you know me, I pretty much wear my heart on my sleeve. If you don't...."where to begin".....
I am going to be 35 years old in 15 days, 2 hours. I have a wonderful husband (Bryan) and a beautiful 7 year old daughter (Pamela). I was born in Fort Worth and have lived in Texas my whole life. I like to travel. I love Barry Manilow. I have a weakness for dark chocolate. I am allergic to "everything that's green and grows, except for a rose". I'm not just frugal, I'm cheap. Old friends are my dearest friends. I am still friends with the first boy I ever kissed. Pam goes to the same school that I did. I love practical presents and gift cards. Blackjack is a big stress reliever for me. My usual bedtime is 9 pm - why I am up at 10:15 is beyond me.
There, you know a little bit about me. I will attempt to post as often as I can and try not to write a book in the process.
Feel free to leave comments and suggestions.
Good night for now!
