Besides purty van adventure... this past week was quite full. Well, maybe it was just the weekend- it went way too fast.
3 Bob birthdays, my nephew (1/13)- my brother (1/19) and my dad. (1/21) I know we have a bunch in July too- but ours are spread through out the month... thats still a lot of cake though!!
I had a MicroBiology test... and true to form, planned to do all my major studying the weekend before the test. First tests of the quarter are always a little anxious, especially with a new instructor. Not sure how he tests, how much BS you can actually get away with...and what the heck you are supposed to be studying anyway.
Saturday I picked up the van, got hit with a monster migrain, fell on the icy steps and slept until about mid day Sunday. Takes a chunk out of your weekend, if you are sleeping through it. Not restful sleep either- dang it... sleep is nice!!
But the weekend study time was non existent...and I fell into my usual up all night the day before the test. Quiet time is hard to find around here!! I think the test went ok- but I find out tonight. Cross your fingers for me.
Lots to do... but it is very cold and slow moving this morning. More tests, more dishes, more laundry... not what I am looking forward to. More coffee- now I could get motivated for that!!
Oh man... I just lapsed into chemistry brain. "how many calories of energy will it take to raise the temperature enough for my fingers to regain feeling?!" And all I wanted was a latte!!!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The number you have dialed....
Beep- Beep- BEEEEP.
We're sorry. The life you have selected is not compatible with "The real world" as the rest of us know it. We have things set up for families of 2 parents and 2-3 children. Motels accept 3 children, per room- with an adult present. There are limits on the amount of children companies think 1 adult can supervise. THESE DON'T INCLUDE YOU. Neener neener. Please feel free to continue to beat your head against wall, and thanks for calling. Have a nice day!!
BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP
Do people "out there" think it's easy to have a herd of monkees? Do they think that we have so many other opportunities that we should be pointed at, discussed, and pretty much hosed over at every available turn?
Take for instance, my yesterday.
We went and bought a 15 passenger people moving van. BIG VAN. Nobody does this for the usual reasons one would go buy a new car. It's not fancy, not fast, sexy, exciting...it MOVES huge amounts of people from one place to another. I have 7 kids...and 2 (more) grown up type people to shuttle around. Daily. Sometimes we actually like to go to the same places, AT THE SAME TIME. In the same car would be a nice idea, don't cha think? Well, I did. Silly me.
So my dad helped me find one- Thanks Dad!! And it was local, not tore up, somewhat newer than the Beast, and would fit all the monkees and groceries too. Wow- Happy lady. For a minute- I forgot my place in the universe where I am supposed to be humble and unobtrusive while I raise my children in peace and relative weird-ness that comes from having a Herd rather than just a brother. Or just a sister.
So I got my Purdy van on Saturday. The insurance guy was closed on the weekend, but I had no worries. He is the same guy that saved my hiney from a pre-dawn deer incident on the New Mexico border- but that is another story. Grab a coffee- I'll tell you about that one later.
Any who- Monday, they were closed for the holiday (Betcha didn't know my dad had such an important birthday, did you???) Tuesday was my crazy school day, so Wednesday morning I drove over, all smug in my people moving prowess... kids strapped in, van still shiny and with the new car smell...
And was told it was un-insurable. "Maybe you could tell the dealer you can't insure it, and see if he'll take it back for ...ummm... well, something smaller doesn't work- does it?! Maybe you could get commercial coverage, or just carpool."
UUUUGHGHGHGHGHGGHHHHHHH!!
So not only am I pressed into the finger pointing lime light AGAIN.... "Hey ma did ya see the size of that thar van!!" now, I CAN'T have said van...because its too big. I wondered, briefly, if I should have just bought a short bus instead.
Deep breath. Crap.
Finally got some coverage, the agent happened to be the wife of an old friend. Small town life strikes again... but she was uber helpful, and we're all set. I never thought about the kids being a commercial venture, but hey- what ever gets your vehicle covered.
So watch out. It's big. It's red. You can see us coming...Yes. Big Van, lots of kids. And they are mine. All of 'em. I have had 14 years of diapers people... You know I am on the edge. Don't make things MORE difficult for me!!
Do people "out there" think it's easy to have a herd of monkees? Do they think that we have so many other opportunities that we should be pointed at, discussed, and pretty much hosed over at every available turn?
Take for instance, my yesterday.
We went and bought a 15 passenger people moving van. BIG VAN. Nobody does this for the usual reasons one would go buy a new car. It's not fancy, not fast, sexy, exciting...it MOVES huge amounts of people from one place to another. I have 7 kids...and 2 (more) grown up type people to shuttle around. Daily. Sometimes we actually like to go to the same places, AT THE SAME TIME. In the same car would be a nice idea, don't cha think? Well, I did. Silly me.
So my dad helped me find one- Thanks Dad!! And it was local, not tore up, somewhat newer than the Beast, and would fit all the monkees and groceries too. Wow- Happy lady. For a minute- I forgot my place in the universe where I am supposed to be humble and unobtrusive while I raise my children in peace and relative weird-ness that comes from having a Herd rather than just a brother. Or just a sister.
So I got my Purdy van on Saturday. The insurance guy was closed on the weekend, but I had no worries. He is the same guy that saved my hiney from a pre-dawn deer incident on the New Mexico border- but that is another story. Grab a coffee- I'll tell you about that one later.
Any who- Monday, they were closed for the holiday (Betcha didn't know my dad had such an important birthday, did you???) Tuesday was my crazy school day, so Wednesday morning I drove over, all smug in my people moving prowess... kids strapped in, van still shiny and with the new car smell...
And was told it was un-insurable. "Maybe you could tell the dealer you can't insure it, and see if he'll take it back for ...ummm... well, something smaller doesn't work- does it?! Maybe you could get commercial coverage, or just carpool."
UUUUGHGHGHGHGHGGHHHHHHH!!
So not only am I pressed into the finger pointing lime light AGAIN.... "Hey ma did ya see the size of that thar van!!" now, I CAN'T have said van...because its too big. I wondered, briefly, if I should have just bought a short bus instead.
Deep breath. Crap.
Finally got some coverage, the agent happened to be the wife of an old friend. Small town life strikes again... but she was uber helpful, and we're all set. I never thought about the kids being a commercial venture, but hey- what ever gets your vehicle covered.
So watch out. It's big. It's red. You can see us coming...Yes. Big Van, lots of kids. And they are mine. All of 'em. I have had 14 years of diapers people... You know I am on the edge. Don't make things MORE difficult for me!!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Back into the grind
Mondays are horrible. I'm sure I am the first to bring this to your attention.
It takes the 2 weekend days to start to wind down enough to actually start thinking about rest and recuperation... so when you are ready for it (Usually late Sunday) the cruel joke is that you have to get up on Monday.
I think the kids are in on the joke- you can't get them out of bed for anything on a weekday. Well anything reasonable... threats and promises eventually stop working. But come the weekend- they are up before the sun.
How wrong and twisted is THAT? Just another thing they leave out of the "So you are a parent now...(snicker snicker!)" book. Really someone should write about how parenthood REALLY is. Global population issues would cease to be a problem.
Well, that and personal experience with the smelly end of an 18 month old is also a pretty powerful deterrent.
So anyway. Monday is here. Not as ready for it as I'd like to be... but it's here none the less. Better pull on the boots and start wading...
It takes the 2 weekend days to start to wind down enough to actually start thinking about rest and recuperation... so when you are ready for it (Usually late Sunday) the cruel joke is that you have to get up on Monday.
I think the kids are in on the joke- you can't get them out of bed for anything on a weekday. Well anything reasonable... threats and promises eventually stop working. But come the weekend- they are up before the sun.
How wrong and twisted is THAT? Just another thing they leave out of the "So you are a parent now...(snicker snicker!)" book. Really someone should write about how parenthood REALLY is. Global population issues would cease to be a problem.
Well, that and personal experience with the smelly end of an 18 month old is also a pretty powerful deterrent.
So anyway. Monday is here. Not as ready for it as I'd like to be... but it's here none the less. Better pull on the boots and start wading...
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Survivor... College Sciences
Finished up my first week back at school- Fried some bacteria, turned in my Nursing school application- anxiety laden week... and now we're making our way through a teenage over nighter.
Billy has his buddy spending the night... Pizza, Mt Dew, PlayStation3... and giggly little sisters. Clara spent the first 20 minutes standing in front of the friend- just STARING. Poor fella was sitting on the couch, the 3 blondies were hovering... and there was Clara, 3 inches away from his knee- looking at him like he was green with 3 heads.
Welcome to our home... these will be your stalkers.
Made the Saturday morning run to Wally's this morning... broke my "go before 10am!!!" rule... and remembered exactly why I made the rule in the first place. But I had to get the pizza... Billy informed me that Bud (name changed because I am sure something embarrassing will happen- to someone...and without posting his name, I can write ALL ABOUT IT and not feel too guilty about it) was coming at noon, and he liked Hawaiian pizza. Why do I care what Pizza he likes? MOM... anytime we have people over you ALWAYS get pizza. Except grandma... then you just ask her if she wants water or something.
Predictability in my old age? Works for me... at least people know what to expect.
Do you want pepperoni with that?
I have enough kids now that one can become a Dr, one a Lawyer, an Accountant, and still have a few left over to work in the pizza place... and bring me some! Steven thinks they should all work at different places, so we have a menu selection...Some days that sounds like a really really good idea :)
Billy has his buddy spending the night... Pizza, Mt Dew, PlayStation3... and giggly little sisters. Clara spent the first 20 minutes standing in front of the friend- just STARING. Poor fella was sitting on the couch, the 3 blondies were hovering... and there was Clara, 3 inches away from his knee- looking at him like he was green with 3 heads.
Welcome to our home... these will be your stalkers.
Made the Saturday morning run to Wally's this morning... broke my "go before 10am!!!" rule... and remembered exactly why I made the rule in the first place. But I had to get the pizza... Billy informed me that Bud (name changed because I am sure something embarrassing will happen- to someone...and without posting his name, I can write ALL ABOUT IT and not feel too guilty about it) was coming at noon, and he liked Hawaiian pizza. Why do I care what Pizza he likes? MOM... anytime we have people over you ALWAYS get pizza. Except grandma... then you just ask her if she wants water or something.
Predictability in my old age? Works for me... at least people know what to expect.
Do you want pepperoni with that?
I have enough kids now that one can become a Dr, one a Lawyer, an Accountant, and still have a few left over to work in the pizza place... and bring me some! Steven thinks they should all work at different places, so we have a menu selection...Some days that sounds like a really really good idea :)
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Trudging forward
I think I have the Januaries. Maye. At least I can call it something!
Went to the first class of my night Microbiology class. 6:35-9:35pm. Tuckered by 8, revived by 9... then couldn't get a good nights rest. Again.
Destined to be exhausted, and grumpy :)
Well, I finished up my application packet for Nursing school- turning it in today!! Meet the lady who will be my fill in kid sitter- she seems great. Josh has her boys in line, following him in to trouble- and Clara has a baby crush on the youngest boy. Oh man. She lives up a steep, and yesterday snowy, street... we made it about 3/4 the way up it... and then slid back about half the distance. Parked at the neighbors and hiked the rest of the way.
Made just enough dinner for the kids to eat, Hub to have seconds... and for Clara to drop hers. That never happens (making the right amount, not Clara pitching hers!!)- Its always too much or not quite enough + left overs.
Josh tried to figure out how many of Clara blocks would fit into the toilet, flooding the bathroom....before he was caught and sent to bed. I think the record is 3... maybe 3 and a half.
Well I should be doing my home work- or cleaning the house- or getting out of the PJ's. But the kids had late start at school, and my groove is severely shifted. Viable reasoning?!!? I think so~
Went to the first class of my night Microbiology class. 6:35-9:35pm. Tuckered by 8, revived by 9... then couldn't get a good nights rest. Again.
Destined to be exhausted, and grumpy :)
Well, I finished up my application packet for Nursing school- turning it in today!! Meet the lady who will be my fill in kid sitter- she seems great. Josh has her boys in line, following him in to trouble- and Clara has a baby crush on the youngest boy. Oh man. She lives up a steep, and yesterday snowy, street... we made it about 3/4 the way up it... and then slid back about half the distance. Parked at the neighbors and hiked the rest of the way.
Made just enough dinner for the kids to eat, Hub to have seconds... and for Clara to drop hers. That never happens (making the right amount, not Clara pitching hers!!)- Its always too much or not quite enough + left overs.
Josh tried to figure out how many of Clara blocks would fit into the toilet, flooding the bathroom....before he was caught and sent to bed. I think the record is 3... maybe 3 and a half.
Well I should be doing my home work- or cleaning the house- or getting out of the PJ's. But the kids had late start at school, and my groove is severely shifted. Viable reasoning?!!? I think so~
Monday, January 7, 2008
Writings of an angry white woman~
I don't know why I am so mad- But I am. I know I shouldn't be- which make s it all worse. I am mad about everything, and nothing. Big things and small things too. Things I have no control over, and things I have led myself into.
Classes start again today. I am sort of looking forward to it- but I miss having the kids home schooled. At least when they swarmed- I knew what was going on with them... but then I spend the weekend with everyone and am glad, sort of, that they all head out in the morning. I always hated the thought of using public schools as a daycare- but thats just what it feels like I have done.
I am just so damned mad about everything, and I don't understand why. Why now? Nothing has really changed lately. Same crap to deal with- shouldn't be a big deal, but it's crushing. Most of my latest gripes (whines) could probably fall under the "pity party" heading- but like I mentioned. Things are the way they always are- because that is how I let them go. Not really a change here- so why be upset now?
Can you be completely overwhelmed, and underwhelmed: at the same time? Feel unnoticed, then the Hub of "Why don't I have any clean socks... whats for dinner... what ELSE is there?" ... "Well, I WOULD have done (whatever) if the house wasn't a mess...the kids were quiet..." "I didn't KNOW I was supposed to wash with soap, Start the dishwasher, throw away the pile of garbage after I (sorta) swept the floor."
So which is worse... just doing it myself (and being pissed about it all) or hollering and standing over the short ones while they wiggle and squirm and still don't do it? I think I waste more time, energy, and wind power doing the hover and holler...and then have to do it all anyway. Maybe the pissed is a valid reaction.
SO what the hell do I do now?! My life is a complete contradiction. I do, but I don't. I should, but then...don't. I'm exhausted, but can't sleep.
How do you scream out for relief, when you can't figure out what you need relief from? How do you figure out what will make things easier, better, less defeating- instead of making things harder? worse? more complicated?
I want to hide out from the world, but at the same time already feel too isolated, and alone. Strange to hear from someone with a large family- see what a conundrum I face? Seem locked in this circle of "you can't get there from here, " and "but first..." But when haven't I been?
It would be nice to take a break- but then I couldn't enjoy it- I'd be worrying about all the other things I should be doing instead. Like spending money on my school books- GUILT. Yes, its for a good reason, no- it's not like I am out buying designer text books. Yes, I need them for (more school, more school, more school) before I have a chance to start bringing in some cash rather than just spending it all. I feel like I am taking away from my family- no matter how much I try and convince myself "its for the best... IN THE LONG RUN."
Inpatients. Guilt. Uncertainty. Maybe those are my biggest reasons for my anger- but how in the world to you get over that?
Or if you are me- how do you keep trudging through it- until you can figure out what to do about it all? Sit and smolder...
Classes start again today. I am sort of looking forward to it- but I miss having the kids home schooled. At least when they swarmed- I knew what was going on with them... but then I spend the weekend with everyone and am glad, sort of, that they all head out in the morning. I always hated the thought of using public schools as a daycare- but thats just what it feels like I have done.
I am just so damned mad about everything, and I don't understand why. Why now? Nothing has really changed lately. Same crap to deal with- shouldn't be a big deal, but it's crushing. Most of my latest gripes (whines) could probably fall under the "pity party" heading- but like I mentioned. Things are the way they always are- because that is how I let them go. Not really a change here- so why be upset now?
Can you be completely overwhelmed, and underwhelmed: at the same time? Feel unnoticed, then the Hub of "Why don't I have any clean socks... whats for dinner... what ELSE is there?" ... "Well, I WOULD have done (whatever) if the house wasn't a mess...the kids were quiet..." "I didn't KNOW I was supposed to wash with soap, Start the dishwasher, throw away the pile of garbage after I (sorta) swept the floor."
So which is worse... just doing it myself (and being pissed about it all) or hollering and standing over the short ones while they wiggle and squirm and still don't do it? I think I waste more time, energy, and wind power doing the hover and holler...and then have to do it all anyway. Maybe the pissed is a valid reaction.
SO what the hell do I do now?! My life is a complete contradiction. I do, but I don't. I should, but then...don't. I'm exhausted, but can't sleep.
How do you scream out for relief, when you can't figure out what you need relief from? How do you figure out what will make things easier, better, less defeating- instead of making things harder? worse? more complicated?
I want to hide out from the world, but at the same time already feel too isolated, and alone. Strange to hear from someone with a large family- see what a conundrum I face? Seem locked in this circle of "you can't get there from here, " and "but first..." But when haven't I been?
It would be nice to take a break- but then I couldn't enjoy it- I'd be worrying about all the other things I should be doing instead. Like spending money on my school books- GUILT. Yes, its for a good reason, no- it's not like I am out buying designer text books. Yes, I need them for (more school, more school, more school) before I have a chance to start bringing in some cash rather than just spending it all. I feel like I am taking away from my family- no matter how much I try and convince myself "its for the best... IN THE LONG RUN."
Inpatients. Guilt. Uncertainty. Maybe those are my biggest reasons for my anger- but how in the world to you get over that?
Or if you are me- how do you keep trudging through it- until you can figure out what to do about it all? Sit and smolder...
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
New Year~
It is the official 2008 inaugural blog. About time, huh!!
Seriously, 2008? Already? You have to be kidding!
I don't go in for the resolutions so much- I think you should really try to do the best you can, AS you can... rather than making the big "Im going to..." announcement... and then crash and burn and feel bad when the unrealistic goals are not met. Who needs the extra guilt? I'm a mom - I have plenty of guilt already!
Today, things are starting to get back to the "quasi-normalicy" that is as close to our normal as we ever hope to get to. Steven is back at work- the kids are off at school, the 2 teenies are keeping each other entertained... and I have the coffee pot a workin'. I even have a few days "open" like this before I head back to classes. It would be all peaches IF I was ready for it all, but not quite there yet. At least I have a few days to try and get situated! Ahhh- a little hope out in the universe!~
I spent the better part of the vacation trying to maintain my sanity, and balance... between the kids, the hub, the coffee, and all the holiday STUFF... my mojo was way out of wack. Surviving the vacation... I think I did that. It also happens to be the way I am looking at this new year.
Survival!!
I also was able to help my friend work on her essays for Pharmacy school- very cool. Lots of work, and better her than me... but I was glad I could be somewhat helpful. Now I just have to finish my Nursing Programs paperwork... Financial aid papers, taxes... and finish up (PASS) my 3 remaining pre-reqs... and that portion of my life might be under control.
Well, not a complete cause of stress. At the moment :)
One less worry is always a good thing.
Happy new year- and survival and less stress for us all!
Seriously, 2008? Already? You have to be kidding!
I don't go in for the resolutions so much- I think you should really try to do the best you can, AS you can... rather than making the big "Im going to..." announcement... and then crash and burn and feel bad when the unrealistic goals are not met. Who needs the extra guilt? I'm a mom - I have plenty of guilt already!
Today, things are starting to get back to the "quasi-normalicy" that is as close to our normal as we ever hope to get to. Steven is back at work- the kids are off at school, the 2 teenies are keeping each other entertained... and I have the coffee pot a workin'. I even have a few days "open" like this before I head back to classes. It would be all peaches IF I was ready for it all, but not quite there yet. At least I have a few days to try and get situated! Ahhh- a little hope out in the universe!~
I spent the better part of the vacation trying to maintain my sanity, and balance... between the kids, the hub, the coffee, and all the holiday STUFF... my mojo was way out of wack. Surviving the vacation... I think I did that. It also happens to be the way I am looking at this new year.
Survival!!
I also was able to help my friend work on her essays for Pharmacy school- very cool. Lots of work, and better her than me... but I was glad I could be somewhat helpful. Now I just have to finish my Nursing Programs paperwork... Financial aid papers, taxes... and finish up (PASS) my 3 remaining pre-reqs... and that portion of my life might be under control.
Well, not a complete cause of stress. At the moment :)
One less worry is always a good thing.
Happy new year- and survival and less stress for us all!
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