Ok, Ok, I've been horrible. No posts since what, Halloween. Way to go, girl. Life has been strange, confusing and all together chaotic for the past few months. The most likely place to find me these days is on Facebook. Yes, Facebook. I love it. I have found so many old friends here. . . everyday is a reunion of sorts. So if you miss me here, check over there, and maybe I can add you.
In the meantime, I will try to be a better blogger.
As it is the Eve of Christmas Eve, I find myself pondering not only the season ahead, but of what to be thankful for. Of course I am oh so thankful for my boys, that goes without saying. I mean, seriously, have you seen those sweet faces?
But I want to share with all of you a selfless gift of love and friendship that was shared with me. One that some people may not even give a second thought about, but it has meant everything to me.
A few nights ago and I am on Facebook, a friend pops up and asks for my address. I'm thinking, huh, Christmas Cards? She tells me, no something else. I then see that she has sent me an e-mail, and within that e-mail details a gift she is sending to me and the boys for Christmas. As we will be home alone this Christmas, my friend did not want us to worry or fuss with a meal, so she's having delivered a very nice meal for the three of us. She simply thought it would be a nice thing to do, just one of those things. I don't know if words will ever do justice to the love and admiration I have for her in my heart, but I wanted the world to know that there are angels among us, and I have the great fortune of calling that angel my friend.
Debbie, (if you are reading this), I thank you for everything you have ever done for me, my boys and my family. As thankful as I am for the gift, the true gift is your friendship, for which I find there is no price I would not pay. If nothing else I wanted to post a little something here to let everyone know that there is truth and love and kindness left in this world and sometimes it only takes one friend to show you how real all those things are.
We love you, Deb.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Nighttime Trick or Treat
This was an article on Yahoo! today. Can't believe Oil City, PA made national news with this, but it is interesting. I'm so thrilled the towns in that area are going back to "night-time" trick or treat. Everything is so much more exciting in the dark. The kids can use flashlights and be spooked in the dark, and that's the thrilled of Halloween. So glad my boys will be able to know the joy of trick or treating in the Dark.
Real Halloween back for long traumatized Pa. town
Print By RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI, Associated Press Writer Ramit Plushnick-masti, Associated Press Writer – Wed Oct 29, 3:14 pm ET AP –
Buildings of downtown Oil City, Pa. are reflected in the windows of a 'Haunted House' with a Dracula … OIL CITY, Pa. – For 16 years, real horror overshadowed the make-believe terror of Halloween in this Pennsylvania town, where trick-or-treating after dark was banned after an 11-year-old girl was abducted off the street and murdered.
But on Friday, pint-sized witches, princesses and vampires will once again be shuffling from house to house at night, thanks to a petition drive by a fifth-grader.
Elizabeth Roess gathered signatures, wrote an essay outlining her argument, and persuaded City Council two months ago to bring back nighttime trick-or-treating.
"I was a little scared that happened," Elizabeth said of the 1992 slaying of Shauna Howe, who was kidnapped while walking home from a pre-Halloween party. But she added: "I did this and now I'm so happy."
For weeks now, children and their parents in this struggling, working-class town of 10,000 about 80 miles north of Pittsburgh have been eagerly anticipating Halloween's return, though not without some trepidation.
Shannon Goodman got a tether to make sure her 2-year-old daughter, who will dress as a witch, doesn't wander off while they go door to door. "It's going to be a lot of fun, but every parent who cares about their kid should have that fear," she said.
Fifteen-year-old Braden Craig said: "I have a gut-wrenching feeling something bad's going to happen."
The police department plans to have seven officers on duty Friday night, or about twice the usual number, in addition to four school security guards and all 10 of the town's crossing guards.
"If this all goes well, that's great, that's fantastic. I long for those days, too. But the world has changed," said Police Chief Robert Wenner, a father of five who was a patrolman when the murder occurred.
The local radio station has been running a public service announcement by Wenner urging parents to accompany their children, examine any candy before it is eaten and make sure kids wear reflective material.
The police chief said Shauna's murder shattered the "Mayberry attitude" many people in Oil City had toward their hometown.
Shauna, whose family no longer lives in the area, was abducted on Oct. 27. Three days later, her battered body was found under a railroad trestle eight miles away.
With the town gripped by fear that a child killer was on the loose, trick-or-treating the next day was held in daylight for the first time. Police watched from helicopters as parents led their children from house to house along quiet streets.
Residents also began locking their doors and driving their children to school. And every year afterward, the City Council voted to allow trick-or-treating in the afternoon only, a move duplicated around the same time by many other U.S. cities and towns worried about children's safety.
The Oil City murder remained unsolved until a witness came forward four years ago and police turned to DNA evidence. Two brothers were arrested and convicted of murder and sexual assault. A third man pleaded guilty to murder.
Hoping to move Halloween back to night hours, Elizabeth, her mother, grandmother and family friends gathered 175 signatures. The 10-year-old also wrote a paper in which she made her case. Among her reasons: Halloween decorations are best appreciated at night, and many people aren't home during the day to give out candy.
The council vote was unanimous. Elizabeth plans on dressing up as a Goth princess bride.
"Unfortunately, Shauna's tragedy seemed to define Oil City for many years," Oil City blogger John Noel Bartlett wrote on his Web site. "It's time to move on."
Real Halloween back for long traumatized Pa. town
Print By RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI, Associated Press Writer Ramit Plushnick-masti, Associated Press Writer – Wed Oct 29, 3:14 pm ET AP –
Buildings of downtown Oil City, Pa. are reflected in the windows of a 'Haunted House' with a Dracula … OIL CITY, Pa. – For 16 years, real horror overshadowed the make-believe terror of Halloween in this Pennsylvania town, where trick-or-treating after dark was banned after an 11-year-old girl was abducted off the street and murdered.
But on Friday, pint-sized witches, princesses and vampires will once again be shuffling from house to house at night, thanks to a petition drive by a fifth-grader.
Elizabeth Roess gathered signatures, wrote an essay outlining her argument, and persuaded City Council two months ago to bring back nighttime trick-or-treating.
"I was a little scared that happened," Elizabeth said of the 1992 slaying of Shauna Howe, who was kidnapped while walking home from a pre-Halloween party. But she added: "I did this and now I'm so happy."
For weeks now, children and their parents in this struggling, working-class town of 10,000 about 80 miles north of Pittsburgh have been eagerly anticipating Halloween's return, though not without some trepidation.
Shannon Goodman got a tether to make sure her 2-year-old daughter, who will dress as a witch, doesn't wander off while they go door to door. "It's going to be a lot of fun, but every parent who cares about their kid should have that fear," she said.
Fifteen-year-old Braden Craig said: "I have a gut-wrenching feeling something bad's going to happen."
The police department plans to have seven officers on duty Friday night, or about twice the usual number, in addition to four school security guards and all 10 of the town's crossing guards.
"If this all goes well, that's great, that's fantastic. I long for those days, too. But the world has changed," said Police Chief Robert Wenner, a father of five who was a patrolman when the murder occurred.
The local radio station has been running a public service announcement by Wenner urging parents to accompany their children, examine any candy before it is eaten and make sure kids wear reflective material.
The police chief said Shauna's murder shattered the "Mayberry attitude" many people in Oil City had toward their hometown.
Shauna, whose family no longer lives in the area, was abducted on Oct. 27. Three days later, her battered body was found under a railroad trestle eight miles away.
With the town gripped by fear that a child killer was on the loose, trick-or-treating the next day was held in daylight for the first time. Police watched from helicopters as parents led their children from house to house along quiet streets.
Residents also began locking their doors and driving their children to school. And every year afterward, the City Council voted to allow trick-or-treating in the afternoon only, a move duplicated around the same time by many other U.S. cities and towns worried about children's safety.
The Oil City murder remained unsolved until a witness came forward four years ago and police turned to DNA evidence. Two brothers were arrested and convicted of murder and sexual assault. A third man pleaded guilty to murder.
Hoping to move Halloween back to night hours, Elizabeth, her mother, grandmother and family friends gathered 175 signatures. The 10-year-old also wrote a paper in which she made her case. Among her reasons: Halloween decorations are best appreciated at night, and many people aren't home during the day to give out candy.
The council vote was unanimous. Elizabeth plans on dressing up as a Goth princess bride.
"Unfortunately, Shauna's tragedy seemed to define Oil City for many years," Oil City blogger John Noel Bartlett wrote on his Web site. "It's time to move on."
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
When did you get so big?
They grow up too fast. I'll post more later, but for now here are the pics. Notice Johnathan's look of contempt. Love that face. And Jacob. . . when did he get to be such a little man?
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Tricky Treats
Here is our model, Jacob, sporting both his and brother's costume. Jacob is going to be Batman, and Johnathan is going to be the red Power Rangers, of course. If you know Johnathan, he eats, sleeps and breathes Power Rangers. Although, Jacob wanting to be Batman was a total shock. I think the mask and the cape sealed the deal for him.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Wreck
Well, the good news is that Zachary and Michael are o.k., but the car is trashed.
Friday morning on their way to school Zach fell asleep at the wheel and rolled the car three times. Fortunately they walked away from the accident with cuts and bruises only. It could have been a lot worse.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Congratulations!
A friend of a friend who has been trying so hard for so long to have a baby has finally been blessed. Baby Owen Beale arrived today. He's just beautiful and I'm so very happy for this couple and their new little family.
Monday, October 06, 2008
My grandmother
Helen L. Sumosky
Helen L. Sumosky, 88, of 7 Vo-Tech Drive, Oil City, died at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, at UPMC Northwest, Seneca.
Born Jan. 8, 1920, in Oil City, she was a daughter of Leadum Denver and Anna Sherman Fox.
Mrs. Sumosky attended the Oil City schools.
She worked for many years in the cafeteria at Pinegrove School and retired from there.
She loved cooking and baking and was well known for always having something coming from the oven until her vision no longer allowed her that pleasure.
Helen’s biggest joy was her family and friends and nothing made her happier than a visit from her children and grandchildren. She loved music and playing cards with family and friends and especially enjoyed her Tuesday Card Club.
Mrs. Sumosky was a member of St. Venantius Church.
She was married April 18, 1937, to Edward A. Sumosky, who preceded her in death May 9, 1996.
Helen and Ed resided for most of their lives in the home they built at Kahle’s Corners, Fryburg Road, and loved the Perret’s Flats neighborhood.
Surviving are five children, Nancy Scierka and husband, Andy, of Rush City, Minn., Edward Sumosky and wife, Barbara, of Edinboro, Daniel Sumosky and wife, Sharon, of Franklin, Sally Albright and husband, Jeff, of Oil City, and Patty Huber and husband, Bill, of Rouseville.
Survivors also include 21 grandchildren, Kathy Hermansen, Barbara Scierka, Mary Jane Scierka, Michael Scierka, Andy Scierka, Elizabeth Wellman, Edward Sumosky, Steve Sumosky, Jenny Hull, Tina Zaczyk, Mathew Sumosky, Tracy Sheehan, Beth Campbell, Joel Balot, Jessica Balot, Anna Harry, Elizabeth Huber, Preston Huber, William Huber, Patrick Huber and Jonathon Huber.
Also surviving are 15 great-grandchildren and two on the way; two sisters-in-law, Ceil Jones of Whippany, N.J., and Betty Fox of Oil City; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Among the survivors are also special friends and neighbors, Jennifer Pardee, Kay Thompson, Phyllis Richardson, Shirley Dalton and Vi Shumaker.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by five brothers, Isaac Fox, Carl Fox, Fred Fox, Lloyd Fox and Paul Fox; and two sisters, Suzie Fox Fischer Martin and Marion Fox Porter.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Morrison Funeral Home, 110 Petroleum St., Oil City.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Venantius Church.
Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Venango VNA Foundation, 431 Allegheny Blvd, Franklin, 16323.
Helen L. Sumosky, 88, of 7 Vo-Tech Drive, Oil City, died at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, at UPMC Northwest, Seneca.
Born Jan. 8, 1920, in Oil City, she was a daughter of Leadum Denver and Anna Sherman Fox.
Mrs. Sumosky attended the Oil City schools.
She worked for many years in the cafeteria at Pinegrove School and retired from there.
She loved cooking and baking and was well known for always having something coming from the oven until her vision no longer allowed her that pleasure.
Helen’s biggest joy was her family and friends and nothing made her happier than a visit from her children and grandchildren. She loved music and playing cards with family and friends and especially enjoyed her Tuesday Card Club.
Mrs. Sumosky was a member of St. Venantius Church.
She was married April 18, 1937, to Edward A. Sumosky, who preceded her in death May 9, 1996.
Helen and Ed resided for most of their lives in the home they built at Kahle’s Corners, Fryburg Road, and loved the Perret’s Flats neighborhood.
Surviving are five children, Nancy Scierka and husband, Andy, of Rush City, Minn., Edward Sumosky and wife, Barbara, of Edinboro, Daniel Sumosky and wife, Sharon, of Franklin, Sally Albright and husband, Jeff, of Oil City, and Patty Huber and husband, Bill, of Rouseville.
Survivors also include 21 grandchildren, Kathy Hermansen, Barbara Scierka, Mary Jane Scierka, Michael Scierka, Andy Scierka, Elizabeth Wellman, Edward Sumosky, Steve Sumosky, Jenny Hull, Tina Zaczyk, Mathew Sumosky, Tracy Sheehan, Beth Campbell, Joel Balot, Jessica Balot, Anna Harry, Elizabeth Huber, Preston Huber, William Huber, Patrick Huber and Jonathon Huber.
Also surviving are 15 great-grandchildren and two on the way; two sisters-in-law, Ceil Jones of Whippany, N.J., and Betty Fox of Oil City; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Among the survivors are also special friends and neighbors, Jennifer Pardee, Kay Thompson, Phyllis Richardson, Shirley Dalton and Vi Shumaker.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by five brothers, Isaac Fox, Carl Fox, Fred Fox, Lloyd Fox and Paul Fox; and two sisters, Suzie Fox Fischer Martin and Marion Fox Porter.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Morrison Funeral Home, 110 Petroleum St., Oil City.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Venantius Church.
Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Venango VNA Foundation, 431 Allegheny Blvd, Franklin, 16323.
Friday, October 03, 2008
With all that has been going on
Just wanted to let you all know that there hasn't been any change with my grandmother. She's still resting comfortably, but it's really just a matter of time. She did not want any extraordinary measure taken to sustain her life, and at 89 years old I can completely understand that, in addition, she watch for seven years while my poor grandfather wasted away in a nursing home. I wouldn't want that for her, me or anyone I know. I'm hoping to get up to the hospital tonight or tomorrow to see her, but it's anyone's guess as to how fast or slow this may happen for her.
I'm just thankful that I had already planned this trip up home. I'm also very thankful, and greatful, that I have such a wonderful boss and work for such a compassionate company. I've only been here a little over a month and everyone has been so supportive and understanding. . . it's the little things, like genuine concern for my grandmother and my family that have been expressed by my co-workers that really make me appreciate this job. It's made a difficult time more bearable.
I'm just thankful that I had already planned this trip up home. I'm also very thankful, and greatful, that I have such a wonderful boss and work for such a compassionate company. I've only been here a little over a month and everyone has been so supportive and understanding. . . it's the little things, like genuine concern for my grandmother and my family that have been expressed by my co-workers that really make me appreciate this job. It's made a difficult time more bearable.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
update
Things aren't particularly good for my Grandmother. She had a massive stroke yesterday and along with that she is in congestive heart failure. Top that off with the fact that they can't give her a drug which would have helped reduce the effects of the stroke and they can't give her Cumadin because it could cause her to bleed out. Apparently the combination of the drug they could give her for the stroke and the Cumadin are a bad mix and she can't have either at this point. In addition they can't put her on a feeding tube, and I don't know that she is able to eat due to the injuries from the stroke. She is being kept comfortable and had a restful night with no changes, but time will tell.
Again, I just ask that you keep her in your thoughts and prayers. This has been a shock to my family, as she was supposed to be released from the hospital the other day for something completely unrelated and was actually doing really well.
Again, I just ask that you keep her in your thoughts and prayers. This has been a shock to my family, as she was supposed to be released from the hospital the other day for something completely unrelated and was actually doing really well.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
so
My mother just called to tell me that my grandmother is back in the hospital and they believe she may have had a stroke. I don't know how bad it is or what is happening yet, but if you read this, please pray for her.
Thanks,
Beth, John, Jacob and Johnathan
Thanks,
Beth, John, Jacob and Johnathan
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Who ya gonna call?
You don't see this very often and it struck me funny. Who do you call when your tow truck needs towing? Just thought I'd share this.
So what do we know?
I watched the President last night, because I was truly hoping he would spew some pearl of wisdom we could all grab onto. Fat Chance. What a fool. What he said, was what we all know. "The country is a mess" (yep), "Government must step in" (double check), "these are difficult and stressful times" (OK, GW, I'm with you so far), and then, nothing. That's it? Are you kidding me? He wasted 12 minutes of my life to tell me things I already knew and to tell me that my tax dollars are going to be used to bail out big business. Gee, George, thanks. Now I really can't sleep.
To top it off, I was awakened by Jacob at 4:30 a.m. with him telling me "I wet". Oh boy was he, and his bed, his sheets, his blankey. Geez! So I'm stripping him and the bed, get him dressed and have him sleep in my bed, then run down to the basement to do laundry, at 4:30 A.M. By then I'm WIDE awake, so I thought I'd read a book, but I heard this terrible ruckus outside, which freaked me out and I couldn't sleep at all after that. Wanna guess what the ruckus was? Raccoons (or some other crappy animal) tipped over my recycle bin and my garbage can and there is garbage EVERYWHERE. I just looked at it this morning and said "whatever", and went to work. It'll all be there tonight, and so will I, with a new, super, industrial, lock-tight garbage can. Little bastards!
To top it off, I was awakened by Jacob at 4:30 a.m. with him telling me "I wet". Oh boy was he, and his bed, his sheets, his blankey. Geez! So I'm stripping him and the bed, get him dressed and have him sleep in my bed, then run down to the basement to do laundry, at 4:30 A.M. By then I'm WIDE awake, so I thought I'd read a book, but I heard this terrible ruckus outside, which freaked me out and I couldn't sleep at all after that. Wanna guess what the ruckus was? Raccoons (or some other crappy animal) tipped over my recycle bin and my garbage can and there is garbage EVERYWHERE. I just looked at it this morning and said "whatever", and went to work. It'll all be there tonight, and so will I, with a new, super, industrial, lock-tight garbage can. Little bastards!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
For Debbie
O.K., I've apparently been lazy about the blog. My friend, Debbie, is getting on my case about it, so here's what's been going on.
Still love my job. Still want to wake up and get here in the morning. It's crazy here, but it's a good crazy, and I'm thrilled to walk in the door everyday.
Boys are loving their new daycare, and I can already see improvements with Jacob and Johnathan. Jacob is learning, I mean REALLY learning things. He knows some letters (by that I mean if he sees a letter "A" he says, look mommy an "A". . . he's getting better about his colors, he knows his shapes and not just "circle and square" but things like "octagon"). I'm blown away at how much better this daycare is for them. I come home at night with an armload of artwork and papers for them and from them. It's awesome. And their teachers are fantastic. So energetic, so happy to be there, and see our boys. It's a great feeling.
The house is still in disarray. I just can't seem to get to the last few boxes and it's making me nuts. But by the time I get home, feed the kids, bath them, put pj's on them, get dinner for myself and iron clothes for the next day it's 10:00 p.m. and I'm totally beat. On nights when we don't do baths I have laundry to wash, fold and sometimes even put it away. . . I'm so bad about that.
We celebrated John's nieces, Abby and Vicki's fifth birthday this past Saturday and on Sunday we celebrated John's sister Jenny's birthday. I will withhold her age LOL!
We also said Happy Birthday to John's oldest son, Zachary, who turned 17 this past Friday. That birthday just doesn't seem real. I met Zachary when he was 10 and now he's this grown up person. Some days that just doesn't seem possible.
This past weekend, in between all the birthday parties, we had a blackout. Sunday, while the remnants of Ike pushed through, we had winds up and above 30 miles an hour, which is apparently just enough wind to cause trouble. As we drove home Sunday night from Jenny's party, we no sooner got off the interstate then we saw a guy with a construction sign toppled on his car. Drove around toppled-guy's car and rolled up to the next major intersection and POOF! The lights went out. The CVS, the street lights, the traffic lights, EVERYTHING went pitch black. So we rolled on down the hill to find that our neighborhood still had power (Hooray!). I hurried up and gave the boys baths and got them in bed and about 15 minutes later the winds really picked up and as I wondered "could we lose power", every light in the neighborhood went out. John sat in his truck to hear the Steelers game and I found my way around the house with a booklight (note to self: buy more flashlights). Around 11:00 p.m. our power came back on, so then I had to get up and turn off lights, t.v.'s, fans, etc. What a night.
Still love my job. Still want to wake up and get here in the morning. It's crazy here, but it's a good crazy, and I'm thrilled to walk in the door everyday.
Boys are loving their new daycare, and I can already see improvements with Jacob and Johnathan. Jacob is learning, I mean REALLY learning things. He knows some letters (by that I mean if he sees a letter "A" he says, look mommy an "A". . . he's getting better about his colors, he knows his shapes and not just "circle and square" but things like "octagon"). I'm blown away at how much better this daycare is for them. I come home at night with an armload of artwork and papers for them and from them. It's awesome. And their teachers are fantastic. So energetic, so happy to be there, and see our boys. It's a great feeling.
The house is still in disarray. I just can't seem to get to the last few boxes and it's making me nuts. But by the time I get home, feed the kids, bath them, put pj's on them, get dinner for myself and iron clothes for the next day it's 10:00 p.m. and I'm totally beat. On nights when we don't do baths I have laundry to wash, fold and sometimes even put it away. . . I'm so bad about that.
We celebrated John's nieces, Abby and Vicki's fifth birthday this past Saturday and on Sunday we celebrated John's sister Jenny's birthday. I will withhold her age LOL!
We also said Happy Birthday to John's oldest son, Zachary, who turned 17 this past Friday. That birthday just doesn't seem real. I met Zachary when he was 10 and now he's this grown up person. Some days that just doesn't seem possible.
This past weekend, in between all the birthday parties, we had a blackout. Sunday, while the remnants of Ike pushed through, we had winds up and above 30 miles an hour, which is apparently just enough wind to cause trouble. As we drove home Sunday night from Jenny's party, we no sooner got off the interstate then we saw a guy with a construction sign toppled on his car. Drove around toppled-guy's car and rolled up to the next major intersection and POOF! The lights went out. The CVS, the street lights, the traffic lights, EVERYTHING went pitch black. So we rolled on down the hill to find that our neighborhood still had power (Hooray!). I hurried up and gave the boys baths and got them in bed and about 15 minutes later the winds really picked up and as I wondered "could we lose power", every light in the neighborhood went out. John sat in his truck to hear the Steelers game and I found my way around the house with a booklight (note to self: buy more flashlights). Around 11:00 p.m. our power came back on, so then I had to get up and turn off lights, t.v.'s, fans, etc. What a night.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
3 days
The last three days have been crazy, with me starting a new job, the kids starting a new day care, and re-adjusting to life in PA, which as simple as I hoped it would be, still presents a challenge.
However, I have noticed a MAJOR improvement in the boys in just three days. Oh, don't get me wrong. . . they are still as wild and crazy as ever, BUT they seem so much happier at this daycare center, and I'm much happier with this center too. I tolerated a lot of things at the last daycare, that looking back on it, I shouldn't have accepted. At least now I think they are getting exceptional care, instead of adequate care. It's a relief.
The job is fantastic. I'm thrilled with my new boss, the company in general, and the hopes and expectations everyone seems to have for me. I've been given a lot of freedom to redefine this position with the help of my boss, so it's all very positive and even after just a few days I feel like I'm doing something worthwhile and meaningful. I get up in the mornings and almost can't wait to get there to see what the day will bring, what new things I'll learn today, etc. etc. etc. I know, I sound like a dork, but it's been a long time since I could really say this, and mean it. . ."I really like my job".
However, I have noticed a MAJOR improvement in the boys in just three days. Oh, don't get me wrong. . . they are still as wild and crazy as ever, BUT they seem so much happier at this daycare center, and I'm much happier with this center too. I tolerated a lot of things at the last daycare, that looking back on it, I shouldn't have accepted. At least now I think they are getting exceptional care, instead of adequate care. It's a relief.
The job is fantastic. I'm thrilled with my new boss, the company in general, and the hopes and expectations everyone seems to have for me. I've been given a lot of freedom to redefine this position with the help of my boss, so it's all very positive and even after just a few days I feel like I'm doing something worthwhile and meaningful. I get up in the mornings and almost can't wait to get there to see what the day will bring, what new things I'll learn today, etc. etc. etc. I know, I sound like a dork, but it's been a long time since I could really say this, and mean it. . ."I really like my job".
Friday, August 29, 2008
What the ?
Apparently I hadn't had enough coffee this morning, because when I looked down just now this is what I saw. . .
Hopefully the day will improve from here.
We still aren't really moved in yet. I live in the land of cardboard boxes, as best I can tell, and the house has that weird cardboard box smell. . . the smell of the homeless.
Hopefully the day will improve from here.
We still aren't really moved in yet. I live in the land of cardboard boxes, as best I can tell, and the house has that weird cardboard box smell. . . the smell of the homeless.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
I love it here
Can I just tell you all how happy I am to be home?!
We moved into our new place this past weekend, and our neighborhood is great! I took the boys for a walk the other night and we have such nice people around. Lots of kids the same age as the boys, everyone says "hi" and is interested in meeting us and the boys. I'm loving it.
We also checked out our new daycare, which is awesome. Nicole, the director, is very energentic and enthusiastic about the children in the center. Another plus is that Jacob and Johnathan will have time together during recess, lunch and naptime, which should really help with the transition.
I also dropped by my new office the other day to introduce the kids to my new boss and the HR people. Fortunately the kids were on good behavior, and my boss has kids about the same age, so he's pretty understanding about not just their behavior, but everything that comes with having little ones. I'm really excited about this job. The company, the people, everything sounds fantastic, and I'm sooooo looking forward to a pleasant work environment. Not to mention, awesome benefits package, great 401K, and casual Fridays when you can wear, get this, JEANS!!!! Awesome!!! The best part is, as much as I'm excited about this job, they are excited about me and what I can bring to this position. I know this job is going to be a breath of fresh air in my life, and I can't explain what a joy and a relief this will be for me.
Well folks, more later. I'd like to get some pictures of the house, the neighborhood, etc. to post, but so far the house is still in "move-in" mode and not picture worthy. And we've had a ton of rain, so getting outside for pictures is about impossible too. Soon, I promise.
We moved into our new place this past weekend, and our neighborhood is great! I took the boys for a walk the other night and we have such nice people around. Lots of kids the same age as the boys, everyone says "hi" and is interested in meeting us and the boys. I'm loving it.
We also checked out our new daycare, which is awesome. Nicole, the director, is very energentic and enthusiastic about the children in the center. Another plus is that Jacob and Johnathan will have time together during recess, lunch and naptime, which should really help with the transition.
I also dropped by my new office the other day to introduce the kids to my new boss and the HR people. Fortunately the kids were on good behavior, and my boss has kids about the same age, so he's pretty understanding about not just their behavior, but everything that comes with having little ones. I'm really excited about this job. The company, the people, everything sounds fantastic, and I'm sooooo looking forward to a pleasant work environment. Not to mention, awesome benefits package, great 401K, and casual Fridays when you can wear, get this, JEANS!!!! Awesome!!! The best part is, as much as I'm excited about this job, they are excited about me and what I can bring to this position. I know this job is going to be a breath of fresh air in my life, and I can't explain what a joy and a relief this will be for me.
Well folks, more later. I'd like to get some pictures of the house, the neighborhood, etc. to post, but so far the house is still in "move-in" mode and not picture worthy. And we've had a ton of rain, so getting outside for pictures is about impossible too. Soon, I promise.
Monday, August 25, 2008
We're Here!
I'll post pictures in a few days, but just to let you all know we are "here" and we are all safe and sound.
For those of you who don't know, I got a fantastic new job with a big bump in my pay, plus some great perks! However, and not that this is a bad thing, we had to move back to Pittsburgh. We'd been talking about moving back for awhile, and when I was contacted by a headhunter in Pgh about a job it all just seemed to fall into place. I don't start work until next week, but that's fine because we've certainly got a lot to do around the house.
I'll update everyone on everything else later. There are boxes calling my name.
For those of you who don't know, I got a fantastic new job with a big bump in my pay, plus some great perks! However, and not that this is a bad thing, we had to move back to Pittsburgh. We'd been talking about moving back for awhile, and when I was contacted by a headhunter in Pgh about a job it all just seemed to fall into place. I don't start work until next week, but that's fine because we've certainly got a lot to do around the house.
I'll update everyone on everything else later. There are boxes calling my name.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Burn Notice - the great show you probably aren't watching but should
O.K., I've gone from book recommendations to t.v. I've been watching Burn Notice on USA (Thursday's at 10:00 p.m., which I am never awake for, but the DVR or VCR is a wonderful thing, so tape it). I have to admit a lot of what is appealing to me about this show is that it's written very much like the Robert B. Parker books I've enjoyed over the years, as well as Robert Crais, but it also has a Macgyver-ish feel to it as well.
If you like one or all of the above mentioned items, you will love Burn Notice. The lead character has dry wit (which I love) and his ex-girlfriend (friend, but I hope they get together again) is smart, and sexy and tough as nails. You can't help but like her. The only character that they could kill off, and I wouldn't give it a second thought is the main character's mother, played by Sharon Gless (you might remember her as the pretty one from "Cagney and Lacey", however, she is no longer pretty and completely annoying).
So there it is folks, take it or leave it. The good news is that you can pick this show up pretty quickly, so if you don't ever see season one, it doesn't really matter.
Happy Viewing!
If you like one or all of the above mentioned items, you will love Burn Notice. The lead character has dry wit (which I love) and his ex-girlfriend (friend, but I hope they get together again) is smart, and sexy and tough as nails. You can't help but like her. The only character that they could kill off, and I wouldn't give it a second thought is the main character's mother, played by Sharon Gless (you might remember her as the pretty one from "Cagney and Lacey", however, she is no longer pretty and completely annoying).
So there it is folks, take it or leave it. The good news is that you can pick this show up pretty quickly, so if you don't ever see season one, it doesn't really matter.
Happy Viewing!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Hold it
As ticked off as I am about this, I have had to put school on hold one semester. Wayyyyyy to much happening right now. I wouldn't be able to give school my full time and attention, so now I have to wait for spring. I'm disappointed to have to do this, but why try to do it half-ass, right?
I'll have lots to blog about next week. It's a secret, that probably isn't a secret to a lot of you, but you'll understand come next week.
Stay tuned, more updates next week.
I'll have lots to blog about next week. It's a secret, that probably isn't a secret to a lot of you, but you'll understand come next week.
Stay tuned, more updates next week.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Jenny and Dave
My sister-in-law Jenny got married this July and I am just getting around to adding some pictures. Bad, blogger, bad blogger. Well, hopefully you can all forgive me.
It was a really nice wedding, but more importantly, these are two people who love each other so completely, and have created such a lovely family by this marriage. I'm so happy they have found each other, as they both are people who deserve the best and seem to give each other the best.
We love you guys!
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