Hey, A.
I am exhausted tonight and while I'd love to write more, I really am falling asleep at the keyboard. I promise to write more tomorrow and would love to catch up in person, but couldn't go to bed without saying:
Whoa! Wow. That's huge. All of it. I'd love to talk with you about it. Maybe this weekend?...
Thanks for asking about D, who is doing okay, although not well enough to be a part of our family get together last night. She is still wiped out from her most recent hospital stay and recovering from the gamma radiation she had on her brain tumor Tuesday.
Sweet dreams.
Love you,
B
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Winding Down the Week
Hey, B.
I have a few minutes here before picking up JJ for a haircut; I haven't written lately. I haven't been feeling great so I've been going to bed early (earlier than last week, when I was obsessed with the Olympics). I cleared my schedule so I could sub this week, and thankfully I didn't get called yesterday. I ended up having a severe allergy attack first thing in the morning that progressed into being completely debilitated by the afternoon. I have no idea what triggered it (I hadn't even left my house), but I was a mess. Today, I'm feeling better. Since I didn't get anything done yesterday, I ran a bunch of errands this morning, got my nails done, paid some bills, etc. I thought I'd do the haircut with JJ early in the afternoon so we can all be home for dinner together tonight with no plans.
There's my play-by-play. I expect I'll get a sub call tomorrow; I usually do on Fridays. I put the word out at JJ's school that I'm subbing full time and some of the teachers I know there have already put me in their Favorites List. So, hopefully....
How is D doing? And how are you coping? Any snow days this week?
So, I saw M the other day. Kind of a strange experience. I saw him walking on the street by the highschool, as I was killing an hour between JJ's basketball and baseball practices. I was suddenly very sad, and pulled over in a parking lot to cry for a minute. (I'm working on allowing myself to feel, something I'm not very good at.) When I pulled myself together, I drove back the way I had come, to see if I could see him again. He was sitting at a table outside Starbucks; impulsively, I parked the car and walked up to him.
He wasn't mean or hateful, as usual. He wasn't all super-glad-to-see-you nice or anything, but he took his earbuds out and actually talked to me. I invited him to come watch the end of JJ's practice, and he agreed. We rode over to the school in awkward silence, except for a couple of questions any stranger might ask a teenage boy she had just picked up on the street. He stayed for the practice, then the boys and I dropped him off at the train station to head home.
It was all very weird. Mostly, just awkward; I was nervous and anxious, but I'm glad I stopped. It was kind of nice. Not normal, not better, not fixed, but nice.
The next day, I emailed him JJ's b-ball game schedule, as I had promised to do. He emailed me right back with "It was really good to see you too :) I'll come to the first two games and probably the last one too. Love you too. " That was way more than I had expected.
I told MC that I didn't really know how I felt about the whole thing, except that I didn't want to just jump back in like nothing ever happened. There needs to be much conversation before we start hanging out on a regular basis. She laughed at me and said that might be a bit down the line. I agreed; the fact that he took his earbuds out was big. HUGE. I should relax and take this for what it is, one tiny, baby step at a time.
Nothing else going on here. We might have a good-weather weekend, which would be nice, since gardening is free therapy. No plans at all for the evenings, for which I am grateful. A quiet weekend at home is much welcomed.
Hope things are well with you. Let me know how D is doing. I will be around tomorrow if I don't get work, so maybe we can catch up by phone.
Gotta run,
Love you,
A
I have a few minutes here before picking up JJ for a haircut; I haven't written lately. I haven't been feeling great so I've been going to bed early (earlier than last week, when I was obsessed with the Olympics). I cleared my schedule so I could sub this week, and thankfully I didn't get called yesterday. I ended up having a severe allergy attack first thing in the morning that progressed into being completely debilitated by the afternoon. I have no idea what triggered it (I hadn't even left my house), but I was a mess. Today, I'm feeling better. Since I didn't get anything done yesterday, I ran a bunch of errands this morning, got my nails done, paid some bills, etc. I thought I'd do the haircut with JJ early in the afternoon so we can all be home for dinner together tonight with no plans.
There's my play-by-play. I expect I'll get a sub call tomorrow; I usually do on Fridays. I put the word out at JJ's school that I'm subbing full time and some of the teachers I know there have already put me in their Favorites List. So, hopefully....
How is D doing? And how are you coping? Any snow days this week?
So, I saw M the other day. Kind of a strange experience. I saw him walking on the street by the highschool, as I was killing an hour between JJ's basketball and baseball practices. I was suddenly very sad, and pulled over in a parking lot to cry for a minute. (I'm working on allowing myself to feel, something I'm not very good at.) When I pulled myself together, I drove back the way I had come, to see if I could see him again. He was sitting at a table outside Starbucks; impulsively, I parked the car and walked up to him.
He wasn't mean or hateful, as usual. He wasn't all super-glad-to-see-you nice or anything, but he took his earbuds out and actually talked to me. I invited him to come watch the end of JJ's practice, and he agreed. We rode over to the school in awkward silence, except for a couple of questions any stranger might ask a teenage boy she had just picked up on the street. He stayed for the practice, then the boys and I dropped him off at the train station to head home.
It was all very weird. Mostly, just awkward; I was nervous and anxious, but I'm glad I stopped. It was kind of nice. Not normal, not better, not fixed, but nice.
The next day, I emailed him JJ's b-ball game schedule, as I had promised to do. He emailed me right back with "It was really good to see you too :) I'll come to the first two games and probably the last one too. Love you too. " That was way more than I had expected.
I told MC that I didn't really know how I felt about the whole thing, except that I didn't want to just jump back in like nothing ever happened. There needs to be much conversation before we start hanging out on a regular basis. She laughed at me and said that might be a bit down the line. I agreed; the fact that he took his earbuds out was big. HUGE. I should relax and take this for what it is, one tiny, baby step at a time.
Nothing else going on here. We might have a good-weather weekend, which would be nice, since gardening is free therapy. No plans at all for the evenings, for which I am grateful. A quiet weekend at home is much welcomed.
Hope things are well with you. Let me know how D is doing. I will be around tomorrow if I don't get work, so maybe we can catch up by phone.
Gotta run,
Love you,
A
Monday, February 22, 2010
Reentry
Hey, A.
Sounds like JJ had an awesome birthday! I imagine the only way to come down from that kind of high is to crash and burn, even if it's in the bath tub. Ha! Oh, to be 12 again...
Today was an okay day. I was actually able to sleep well last night, and had on Saturday as well (unlike Friday with the Snoring Wonder next to me; Thursday night I passed out so I didn't hear a thing...) so I was generally well rested, and I am much better able to handle stress when I'm rested. Therefore, when I had an NHS issue to deal with first thing in the morning, which then got tabled until 2, I didn't lose my sh*t--as I did on Friday before vacation when I got word about D--and it didn't ruin my day. I handled myself well, convinced my principal that I did the right thing and it would be the right thing for him to support the decision. I was poised and controlled and professional. All because I was rested. I suppose things are all in proper perspective lately too.
I know I don’t need to tell you how scared I was on Friday to get the news that D had been rushed to the hospital, but that all seems to be in order. She came home from the hospital this evening; tomorrow she goes back to her cancer hospital to have the radiation done. From there they will schedule her chemotherapy. How much can one person endure?
I already mentioned last night that I had a great time in Boston…and W and I are currently in the high-on-memories-of-the-previous-weekend phase of things (read: not frustrated with the distance and snapping at each other) so that helped today, too.
And so I am going to bed without complaints, with thanks for your thoughts and prayers, and with a healthy dose of my own going out to the universe for D, and for you, that opportunities for you to sub and make some money present themselves.
Love,
Barb
Sounds like JJ had an awesome birthday! I imagine the only way to come down from that kind of high is to crash and burn, even if it's in the bath tub. Ha! Oh, to be 12 again...
Today was an okay day. I was actually able to sleep well last night, and had on Saturday as well (unlike Friday with the Snoring Wonder next to me; Thursday night I passed out so I didn't hear a thing...) so I was generally well rested, and I am much better able to handle stress when I'm rested. Therefore, when I had an NHS issue to deal with first thing in the morning, which then got tabled until 2, I didn't lose my sh*t--as I did on Friday before vacation when I got word about D--and it didn't ruin my day. I handled myself well, convinced my principal that I did the right thing and it would be the right thing for him to support the decision. I was poised and controlled and professional. All because I was rested. I suppose things are all in proper perspective lately too.
I know I don’t need to tell you how scared I was on Friday to get the news that D had been rushed to the hospital, but that all seems to be in order. She came home from the hospital this evening; tomorrow she goes back to her cancer hospital to have the radiation done. From there they will schedule her chemotherapy. How much can one person endure?
I already mentioned last night that I had a great time in Boston…and W and I are currently in the high-on-memories-of-the-previous-weekend phase of things (read: not frustrated with the distance and snapping at each other) so that helped today, too.
And so I am going to bed without complaints, with thanks for your thoughts and prayers, and with a healthy dose of my own going out to the universe for D, and for you, that opportunities for you to sub and make some money present themselves.
Love,
Barb
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Welcome Back
Hey you.
Sorry I never responded to your text yesterday. Jack had my phone all day and I didn't even think to check for messages until tonight when I went to make a call. Awful news about D. How is she today? Did you go down to the hospital?
Did you originally plan to come home on Saturday? I guess I thought you were going to stay in Btown until today. I hope you and W had a good visit (long time no see, huh?) Tomorrow back to the grind....yuk for you. I think we're on the downhill slide, though, aren't we?
All's well here - I've been fighting a minor cold the past few days and today was the first day I felt normal. Friday night, C came up for JJ's birthday and the BLU gang came over for cake and ice cream. I stayed up way too late and one glass of wine completely did me in. Saturday, I slept most of the day. JJ had two friends over and they all hung out for the afternoon, then Saturday night we took them to a hockey game. After that, the boys spent the night, so today everyone was moving pretty slowly.
J and I worked in the yard all day - our weather has been gorgeous this past week - and made a dent in the weeds. Now we're winding down, aiming for an early night to bed for everyone. I'll be surprised if JJ doesn't fall asleep in the bathtub.
This week, Monday is busy, but then I'm pretty open. Soooo...I'm hoping to get some sub calls and make some $$$. I don't really want to sub, but nothing else is coming through for me, and things are getting tight. JJ has sports every day after school so my schedule is wide open for working, this week at least. We could seriously use the cash...
That's all the news around here. Again, sorry to hear about D. I know how hard this must be on your entire family. I'm sending white light and keeping you all in my prayers...
Love,
A
Sorry I never responded to your text yesterday. Jack had my phone all day and I didn't even think to check for messages until tonight when I went to make a call. Awful news about D. How is she today? Did you go down to the hospital?
Did you originally plan to come home on Saturday? I guess I thought you were going to stay in Btown until today. I hope you and W had a good visit (long time no see, huh?) Tomorrow back to the grind....yuk for you. I think we're on the downhill slide, though, aren't we?
All's well here - I've been fighting a minor cold the past few days and today was the first day I felt normal. Friday night, C came up for JJ's birthday and the BLU gang came over for cake and ice cream. I stayed up way too late and one glass of wine completely did me in. Saturday, I slept most of the day. JJ had two friends over and they all hung out for the afternoon, then Saturday night we took them to a hockey game. After that, the boys spent the night, so today everyone was moving pretty slowly.
J and I worked in the yard all day - our weather has been gorgeous this past week - and made a dent in the weeds. Now we're winding down, aiming for an early night to bed for everyone. I'll be surprised if JJ doesn't fall asleep in the bathtub.
This week, Monday is busy, but then I'm pretty open. Soooo...I'm hoping to get some sub calls and make some $$$. I don't really want to sub, but nothing else is coming through for me, and things are getting tight. JJ has sports every day after school so my schedule is wide open for working, this week at least. We could seriously use the cash...
That's all the news around here. Again, sorry to hear about D. I know how hard this must be on your entire family. I'm sending white light and keeping you all in my prayers...
Love,
A
Alas, it's over?...
Hey, Amanda.
It's me. Thought I'd check in before I head off to bed with a promise to write more tomorrow...about my less than stellar vacation overall, but my great time in Boston, and with an update on D as well.
Hope all is well with you and that not hearing from you is more about being busy than being in a funk, about having fun and not having a chance to sit and write about it.
Miss you! xo
Barb
It's me. Thought I'd check in before I head off to bed with a promise to write more tomorrow...about my less than stellar vacation overall, but my great time in Boston, and with an update on D as well.
Hope all is well with you and that not hearing from you is more about being busy than being in a funk, about having fun and not having a chance to sit and write about it.
Miss you! xo
Barb
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Twisted
Hey, Amanda.
I know the feeling...that was me on Sunday, not wanting to do anything really, not wanting to go out, feeling like I should go out, not wanting to go out....It's what I call not being able to get out of my own way. Blah. Exactly that.
Vacation is half over for me and I don't feel relaxed. Monday I rushed around so that I could take my mother shopping, and after the four hour excursion took myself out for happy hour, only to have M&V show up...then yesterday I expected to stay in and wait for a package, only the package isn't due until today so despite the snow I ran around and did all my errands so that I could sit and wait today. I made it out to the gym and then for a pedicure, but even that wasn't relaxing as I wondered the entire time if my package would arrive while I wasn't home. It wouldn't be a big deal if I weren't going to Boston tomorrow for the rest of the week, but I am.
So here it is 3 pm and I'm still waiting for the package and C is being patient enough to wait for me for our late lunch date, which at this point will be early dinner. And tomorrow I won't be able to just get up and go since I'll have to charge the phone tonight (that's the package) and stop by Verizon tomorrow to have them move my data from one phone to the next. ARG!!!
I just want to be there. Relaxed. Away from sickness and worry (D) and family commitments and worries (M, and J) and in the Back Bay...
Hope today's a little better than yesterday. Glad you had a good weekend!
xo,
Barb
I know the feeling...that was me on Sunday, not wanting to do anything really, not wanting to go out, feeling like I should go out, not wanting to go out....It's what I call not being able to get out of my own way. Blah. Exactly that.
Vacation is half over for me and I don't feel relaxed. Monday I rushed around so that I could take my mother shopping, and after the four hour excursion took myself out for happy hour, only to have M&V show up...then yesterday I expected to stay in and wait for a package, only the package isn't due until today so despite the snow I ran around and did all my errands so that I could sit and wait today. I made it out to the gym and then for a pedicure, but even that wasn't relaxing as I wondered the entire time if my package would arrive while I wasn't home. It wouldn't be a big deal if I weren't going to Boston tomorrow for the rest of the week, but I am.
So here it is 3 pm and I'm still waiting for the package and C is being patient enough to wait for me for our late lunch date, which at this point will be early dinner. And tomorrow I won't be able to just get up and go since I'll have to charge the phone tonight (that's the package) and stop by Verizon tomorrow to have them move my data from one phone to the next. ARG!!!
I just want to be there. Relaxed. Away from sickness and worry (D) and family commitments and worries (M, and J) and in the Back Bay...
Hope today's a little better than yesterday. Glad you had a good weekend!
xo,
Barb
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Blaaaah.....
Hey, you.
Thanks for the update on D. Good news, I guess? Better than expected anyway. What's new today? Glad to hear you're enjoying your time...lucky you with the whole week off. I can't complain, though. We had a fabulous weekend up north and even arrived home yesterday with plenty of time to regroup before starting up again this morning.
I'm having a weirdly unmotivated day. I need to finish my book for book club, but I really don't like it, so I'm not doing that. I also needed to finish a job app that was due today, but it required a hundred hours of searching through files for dates and phone numbers and it was too hard, so I'm not doing that either. I got the grocery shopping and the laundry done, and now I'm just sitting here, dinking around on Facebook (??? I'm not even on it) and the internet, completely purposeless. I'm mostly tired, from drinking way too much while away, not sleeping well and feeling super bloated and fat today. Argh! Not in a bad mood, really, just BLAH. Can't even think of anything to write elsewhere, and it's been over a week. Hmmmm.....
Anyway, just wanted to check in. Obviously, not much to say except that I hope the news with D continues to improve.
Love,
A
Thanks for the update on D. Good news, I guess? Better than expected anyway. What's new today? Glad to hear you're enjoying your time...lucky you with the whole week off. I can't complain, though. We had a fabulous weekend up north and even arrived home yesterday with plenty of time to regroup before starting up again this morning.
I'm having a weirdly unmotivated day. I need to finish my book for book club, but I really don't like it, so I'm not doing that. I also needed to finish a job app that was due today, but it required a hundred hours of searching through files for dates and phone numbers and it was too hard, so I'm not doing that either. I got the grocery shopping and the laundry done, and now I'm just sitting here, dinking around on Facebook (??? I'm not even on it) and the internet, completely purposeless. I'm mostly tired, from drinking way too much while away, not sleeping well and feeling super bloated and fat today. Argh! Not in a bad mood, really, just BLAH. Can't even think of anything to write elsewhere, and it's been over a week. Hmmmm.....
Anyway, just wanted to check in. Obviously, not much to say except that I hope the news with D continues to improve.
Love,
A
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy ValentiMes Day!
hahaha...although I do hope you are enjoying your day, and your weekend. I am happy to be on vacation, and to be over the initial panic and emotional overdrive of the other day....
D's situation looks better than it did the other day. They decided NOT to do surgery, but instead will be doing some "gamma knife" radiation tomorrow or the next day. A week or so after that they will begin her on the chemo clinical trial. Today she is home resting. They released her late yesterday after they made the determination to opt for radiation instead of surgery; she goes back in tomorrow.
I guess that's been taking up most of my brain space these days. I feel like I've been on pins and needles and attached to the phone. I even took the phone in to the gym with me today. I always leave it in the car figuring there's really nothing that can't wait 45 minutes or so, but today I felt I should have it with me. I'm sure I will for a while.
as far as vacation goes, for the next few days I have nothing pressing. Other than staying on top of the situation with D, I have an appointment for a mani/pedi, some shopping plans with my mom tomorrow, and dinner plans with M that I may reschedule in order to have Fat Tuesday dinner with my family. Thursday morning I go to Boston for the second half of my vacation and to spend some long overdue time with W.
And that's my story. Looking forward to hearing yours.
xo,
Barb
D's situation looks better than it did the other day. They decided NOT to do surgery, but instead will be doing some "gamma knife" radiation tomorrow or the next day. A week or so after that they will begin her on the chemo clinical trial. Today she is home resting. They released her late yesterday after they made the determination to opt for radiation instead of surgery; she goes back in tomorrow.
I guess that's been taking up most of my brain space these days. I feel like I've been on pins and needles and attached to the phone. I even took the phone in to the gym with me today. I always leave it in the car figuring there's really nothing that can't wait 45 minutes or so, but today I felt I should have it with me. I'm sure I will for a while.
as far as vacation goes, for the next few days I have nothing pressing. Other than staying on top of the situation with D, I have an appointment for a mani/pedi, some shopping plans with my mom tomorrow, and dinner plans with M that I may reschedule in order to have Fat Tuesday dinner with my family. Thursday morning I go to Boston for the second half of my vacation and to spend some long overdue time with W.
And that's my story. Looking forward to hearing yours.
xo,
Barb
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Storm Track
Quick Snow Day Update: It's almost 4:30 and we barely have an inch in my town...looks like this one won't bring as much snow as they predicted--at least to my part of the state. Oh well!
Finally!!
Hey, A.You're on the right track, but I wasn't feeling a spicy Bloody Mary--yet...I made a great pot of coffee this morning when I got up at 7:40 and I had some left over after two cups. I didn't want any more hot coffee and I didn't want it to go to waste, so I decided on an iced coffee cocktail (coffee, vodka, Kahlua, Baileys, milk). Thanks for your part in my perfect, frothy, snow day concoction. Cheers!
Snow isn't here in my backyard yet but "is on the way." Other parts of the state are already getting snow, but I'm thinking since it hasn't gotten here yet (it's 11) they probably could have gotten away with bringing us in and calling an early release. Oh well. If the walloping is a sure thing and doesn't end until late (even later now, it looks) I imagine we'll have a delay tomorrow as well. Hey, I'll take it. A short day Thursday, a full day Friday and then a whole week of vacation!!! Yay, me!
Enough of the happy stuff...
I spoke with D this morning to check in about getting together. We had decided we might get together for sushi this week (my new thing) before she starts chemo, and then I thought (I know she is strapped, especially now that she is on disability) maybe I'll have her and her daughter over for fish tacos (we all love them; it was our pool date dinner when they came over this summer) instead. Unfortunately, she can't make it tomorrow, friends of hers who are supposed to come over tonight are coming over tomorrow instead--after her MRI. Yuck. I guess she's been having intense headaches and her doctor wants to take a look at her brain. [Deep breath] Amanda, if it's in her brain it will get soooo ugly. How truly tragic. I don't want to be a Negator, but...
And now enough of the tough stuff...
I hope to make the most of my day off and hope you enjoy a day of reading today, with or without bad weather.
Love you,
Barb
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Woo Hoo! Pass the Bugles!
Hey there, Miss I Don't Have to Go to Work Today: (I wish I knew how to make musical notes there),
Just checking in to see if you got my note on strikethroughs. Quiet night around here...watched the Biggest Loser with the family and read new blogs. I should be reading my book club book, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, but I couldn't get there tonight. Mayb tomorrow, since I have absolutely NO PLANS WHATSOEVER. Even the ironing is done. Is it weird to pray for crappy weather? At least that would make me feel like I should be reading all day.
Enjoy that Bloody Mary I know you're drinking at this very moment.
Love you!
A
Just checking in to see if you got my note on strikethroughs. Quiet night around here...watched the Biggest Loser with the family and read new blogs. I should be reading my book club book, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, but I couldn't get there tonight. Mayb tomorrow, since I have absolutely NO PLANS WHATSOEVER. Even the ironing is done. Is it weird to pray for crappy weather? At least that would make me feel like I should be reading all day.
Enjoy that Bloody Mary I know you're drinking at this very moment.
Love you!
A
Monday, February 8, 2010
Welcome Back
Hey, you.
Glad you're back. I did get your text about not being able to log on - like Friday night or something? I responded to you at the time, but last night, cleaning up my texts, I found that response in my "drafts" section. Still grappling with technology, as you can see.
I had a quiet weekend too. Friday night, the gang got together at S&T's on a whim - well, sort of - T had it all planned but none of the rest of us knew about it until late that afternoon. It was actually really fun and relaxing, and I didn't mind the part where not only did I not have to do anything, I didn't have to bring anything either.
Saturday J had to work part of the day, so I mostly had the place to myself. It was gorgeous out, so I spent several hours washing and detailing my car. With an 11 year old kid and the weather here, I don't know why I bothered. But it was kind of fun anyway, bopping around my driveway with my music blaring and the sun shining. Later that day, JJ invited his buddy, NK - inseparable BFE - to spend the night. The four of us had a really quiet dinner and J and I were in bed by ten. So nice not to have plans or have to be anywhere.
Sunday the boys played golf in the morning; I dinked around working on KD's release party evite and a promo poster, then at 3 we went over to their (KD's)house for the SuperBowl. There were only 8 of us there - not S&T, even, so it was very quiet. K&R, KD & JD, us, CK & JK - that was it. JJ had gone to another party with NK, so it was nice. We were rooting for the Saints, so everyone was happy in the end. We were home and asleep by 9:00, I think. That whole bottle of wine in the middle of the day knocks me right out. It was a lot of fun, though - not the rowdy screaming-at-the-tv we usually do.
This week I've got a couple of little things but nothing much. K and I are thinking of going to see a movie one day (free tickets!) but other than that, I might actually be able to tackle the photo gallery, or the filing, or....not. Mostly, I'm looking forward to the long weekend (we get Friday and Monday off). We were invited up to D&M's house (Identify: Watson & Crick) to join other friends from Pullman for a big weekend sleepover. Completely coincidentally, JJ was invited to go to a three-night church camp with E, so it's all working out perfectly. We'll go up Saturday morning and hang out til Monday sometime, then head home. Should be a great time, and maybe I'm a little excited to hang out with "new" people. :-)
Glad to hear you made it down to see S play basketball Friday. I love C's "pway bwocks" ! You are so good to spend as much time as you do with them. I haven't seen G or AJ in I can't remember how long - nor have I spoken to BroJ since Christmas. I just can't seem to muster up the energy to fake it. Is that terrible?
Anyway...I'm off to write my 100th post. Of course there will be a thank you in there - did you think I wouldn't give you credit? Silly!
Do you have a short week too? Hope so! Also saw on the news that you might be getting the noreaster you've been praying for....? I'll put in a good word if I can.
Love,
A
Glad you're back. I did get your text about not being able to log on - like Friday night or something? I responded to you at the time, but last night, cleaning up my texts, I found that response in my "drafts" section. Still grappling with technology, as you can see.
I had a quiet weekend too. Friday night, the gang got together at S&T's on a whim - well, sort of - T had it all planned but none of the rest of us knew about it until late that afternoon. It was actually really fun and relaxing, and I didn't mind the part where not only did I not have to do anything, I didn't have to bring anything either.
Saturday J had to work part of the day, so I mostly had the place to myself. It was gorgeous out, so I spent several hours washing and detailing my car. With an 11 year old kid and the weather here, I don't know why I bothered. But it was kind of fun anyway, bopping around my driveway with my music blaring and the sun shining. Later that day, JJ invited his buddy, NK - inseparable BFE - to spend the night. The four of us had a really quiet dinner and J and I were in bed by ten. So nice not to have plans or have to be anywhere.
Sunday the boys played golf in the morning; I dinked around working on KD's release party evite and a promo poster, then at 3 we went over to their (KD's)house for the SuperBowl. There were only 8 of us there - not S&T, even, so it was very quiet. K&R, KD & JD, us, CK & JK - that was it. JJ had gone to another party with NK, so it was nice. We were rooting for the Saints, so everyone was happy in the end. We were home and asleep by 9:00, I think. That whole bottle of wine in the middle of the day knocks me right out. It was a lot of fun, though - not the rowdy screaming-at-the-tv we usually do.
This week I've got a couple of little things but nothing much. K and I are thinking of going to see a movie one day (free tickets!) but other than that, I might actually be able to tackle the photo gallery, or the filing, or....not. Mostly, I'm looking forward to the long weekend (we get Friday and Monday off). We were invited up to D&M's house (Identify: Watson & Crick) to join other friends from Pullman for a big weekend sleepover. Completely coincidentally, JJ was invited to go to a three-night church camp with E, so it's all working out perfectly. We'll go up Saturday morning and hang out til Monday sometime, then head home. Should be a great time, and maybe I'm a little excited to hang out with "new" people. :-)
Glad to hear you made it down to see S play basketball Friday. I love C's "pway bwocks" ! You are so good to spend as much time as you do with them. I haven't seen G or AJ in I can't remember how long - nor have I spoken to BroJ since Christmas. I just can't seem to muster up the energy to fake it. Is that terrible?
Anyway...I'm off to write my 100th post. Of course there will be a thank you in there - did you think I wouldn't give you credit? Silly!
Do you have a short week too? Hope so! Also saw on the news that you might be getting the noreaster you've been praying for....? I'll put in a good word if I can.
Love,
A
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Superbowl Solo
Hey, A.
I tried to write a little the other day, but had trouble with my connection. I don't want you to think I was neglecting us here...Sorry about that!
I'm also sorry that C is having such a tough time. When it rains, it pours, hu? I have many fond memories of being in my twenties, but I also remember continuing to carry with me so many insecurities leftover from adolescence and I'm not sure I'd ever go back. I hope everything works out at the ob-gyn and that losing the BF will get easier....especially when she realizes that dumping a girlfriend because of ob-gyn concerns is a d*ckhead thing to do.
It's been a quiet weekend for me. I went to L's Friday night and watched S play basketball. Afterward we all went out to dinner at an Italian place close by. It wasn't a late night, but it was an early morning Saturday since C came into the bedroom at 7:30 and announced "I'm ready to pway bwocks." It's all good, though. They're so fun to spend time with.
Today I snuck in an afternoon nap and now I'm up and wishing I'd get hungry enough to make the quesadillas I've been craving, and for which I have all sorts of fixings, as my Superbowl celebration fare for one. I was invited to a party at a friend's but didn't feel up for it. I'm just as happy to be home tonight. It was a long week and next week promises to be gruelling, the last few days before vacation always are.
Hope you had a good weekend and that everything's okay in your world.
Love you,
Barb
I tried to write a little the other day, but had trouble with my connection. I don't want you to think I was neglecting us here...Sorry about that!
I'm also sorry that C is having such a tough time. When it rains, it pours, hu? I have many fond memories of being in my twenties, but I also remember continuing to carry with me so many insecurities leftover from adolescence and I'm not sure I'd ever go back. I hope everything works out at the ob-gyn and that losing the BF will get easier....especially when she realizes that dumping a girlfriend because of ob-gyn concerns is a d*ckhead thing to do.
It's been a quiet weekend for me. I went to L's Friday night and watched S play basketball. Afterward we all went out to dinner at an Italian place close by. It wasn't a late night, but it was an early morning Saturday since C came into the bedroom at 7:30 and announced "I'm ready to pway bwocks." It's all good, though. They're so fun to spend time with.
Today I snuck in an afternoon nap and now I'm up and wishing I'd get hungry enough to make the quesadillas I've been craving, and for which I have all sorts of fixings, as my Superbowl celebration fare for one. I was invited to a party at a friend's but didn't feel up for it. I'm just as happy to be home tonight. It was a long week and next week promises to be gruelling, the last few days before vacation always are.
Hope you had a good weekend and that everything's okay in your world.
Love you,
Barb
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Yuk Travels
Dear Barb.
Argh. Hard day for you. I am glad that you went for a steak, though. Always good to take care of oneself during a crisis.
I did have a good day, although I had D in the back of my mind, as well as C, who is going through crises of her own this week. On Friday, she got abnormal PAP results from her gyn, then, after reviewing them, her doctor told her that they thought she might have HPV (funny, because she had the shot). ALSO, that they are concerned because her cervix is showing cancerous signs (I am paraphrasing here.) At any rate, she doesn't even have an appointment for the culture test until this Friday, so she went home with the C word in her head. To make matters worse, she chose the weekend to do her taxes, at which point she figured she owed the IRS $1200. By dinner time, a cocktail was in order (this was Sunday). When J (the NB) came over, she told him about the medical stuff. He freaked out on her, and now, Wednesday, (I am skipping mucho details) they have broken up.
I have been on the phone with her for the past hour and she's a wreck. Oh, to be in love at 25 again. Of course I want to call him and rip him a new one for breaking my girl's heart, but I won't. There are no words that will assure her that this isn't the only guy she'll fall in love with and that this will stop hurting. Eventually.
So instead, I recounted funny details from my evening with the gang last night, where K was insanely drunk by accident and totally hilarious. I made her laugh and she thanked me. I guess if that's all I can do, I'll take it. That makes me a good mom, too. Dad will fix her taxes when she comes up for JJ's birthday and, from what I understand, the cervical stuff sounds exactly like what I had in college, which was completely solved with a minor, out-patient cryosurgery. Of course my fingers are still crossed on that one.
Today was quiet and productive - met with Kim and a friend of hers to plan her release signing at Borders and the after party that evening. It was very fun and very surreal. I am so excited for her, and kind of dorkishly honored to be asked to do this. Naturally, I'm in my bossy girl element; her friend Jac is kind of that way too, so we'll see how this all rolls. Just kidding. Kind of.
J's home from bagpipe band practice now - just heard the car lock beep. So I'll sign off with good thoughts for you tomorrow, and white light for D, always.
Love you!
A
P.S. In case you were wondering, accidently drunk means that she went out for cocktails then never ate dinner, and kept on drinking. You know, technically not her fault :)
Argh. Hard day for you. I am glad that you went for a steak, though. Always good to take care of oneself during a crisis.
I did have a good day, although I had D in the back of my mind, as well as C, who is going through crises of her own this week. On Friday, she got abnormal PAP results from her gyn, then, after reviewing them, her doctor told her that they thought she might have HPV (funny, because she had the shot). ALSO, that they are concerned because her cervix is showing cancerous signs (I am paraphrasing here.) At any rate, she doesn't even have an appointment for the culture test until this Friday, so she went home with the C word in her head. To make matters worse, she chose the weekend to do her taxes, at which point she figured she owed the IRS $1200. By dinner time, a cocktail was in order (this was Sunday). When J (the NB) came over, she told him about the medical stuff. He freaked out on her, and now, Wednesday, (I am skipping mucho details) they have broken up.
I have been on the phone with her for the past hour and she's a wreck. Oh, to be in love at 25 again. Of course I want to call him and rip him a new one for breaking my girl's heart, but I won't. There are no words that will assure her that this isn't the only guy she'll fall in love with and that this will stop hurting. Eventually.
So instead, I recounted funny details from my evening with the gang last night, where K was insanely drunk by accident and totally hilarious. I made her laugh and she thanked me. I guess if that's all I can do, I'll take it. That makes me a good mom, too. Dad will fix her taxes when she comes up for JJ's birthday and, from what I understand, the cervical stuff sounds exactly like what I had in college, which was completely solved with a minor, out-patient cryosurgery. Of course my fingers are still crossed on that one.
Today was quiet and productive - met with Kim and a friend of hers to plan her release signing at Borders and the after party that evening. It was very fun and very surreal. I am so excited for her, and kind of dorkishly honored to be asked to do this. Naturally, I'm in my bossy girl element; her friend Jac is kind of that way too, so we'll see how this all rolls. Just kidding. Kind of.
J's home from bagpipe band practice now - just heard the car lock beep. So I'll sign off with good thoughts for you tomorrow, and white light for D, always.
Love you!
A
P.S. In case you were wondering, accidently drunk means that she went out for cocktails then never ate dinner, and kept on drinking. You know, technically not her fault :)
Less Than Rested
The rest of the world had a two hour delay this morning, but our superintendent was no so inclined, which is unfortunate, since I could have used the time with cold compresses on my eyes, and--more importantly--some of our students got in an accident. Fortunately everyone is okay. I hope this makes kids could get hurt not so abstract for the Super next time around...
So I'm tired, my eyes are puffy, and I had a visual episode (ocular migraine) on my way to school. Knock on wood I don't have a lot of head pain along with this one. I'm sure it's part stress and part weather, while it all around sucks.
Hope to get out of my bad mood later today. Maybe I'll take myself out to dinner after a nap. Maybe I'll just allow myself to be sad. I'll keep you posted.
Love you,
Barb
So I'm tired, my eyes are puffy, and I had a visual episode (ocular migraine) on my way to school. Knock on wood I don't have a lot of head pain along with this one. I'm sure it's part stress and part weather, while it all around sucks.
Hope to get out of my bad mood later today. Maybe I'll take myself out to dinner after a nap. Maybe I'll just allow myself to be sad. I'll keep you posted.
Love you,
Barb
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Oh, Barb, I am so sorry to hear your sad news. My heart aches for D, you, and all your family. I know how strong she is, and hopefully that will be what carries her through to beat this thing once again. My prayers are with all of you - honestly, I will keep you close in my thoughts and send all the white light I can for D. I love you. Be strong.
xoxo
Amanda
xoxo
Amanda
Perspective
Today for me was as good a day as yesterday. I wore my hair in a ponytail, so it wasn't a good hair day, but I had a good outfit day and my nails look perfect. I was productive, I used my new folders (that you might covet) to get organized for NHS, and I made it to the gym. Even though I knew it would be wicked busy since I wasn't getting there until 3:30, I went. And had a good workout. I came home and relaxed and made myself an excellent dinner--gyoza soup with mushroom broth and baby spinach and decided it was okay to get in my jammies. Woo hoo. I'm back! I've come out of the anniversary party fog and recovered from my last migraine just this past Sunday and I'm good. Two for two....
And then I found out about D's last scan, which she had Friday and got results of today. The cancer has spread to "many new places"...her liver and kidneys and it's back in the breast and there's more in her bones, etc. They are going to start her on chemo again and are going to try to get her in on a clinical trial, but everything is still uncertain, because she needs to meet a bunch of prerequisites AND have x amount of spots 2 cm or larger to qualify yada yada yada. I can't take it. So she, unshakable D, pillar of strength, is home crying with her daughter (who just moved home from her very short stint in Boston after graduating from college in May) and sister and best friend from high school who has been so good to her, coming from RI for all her appointments. Meanwhile, I'm here shedding enough tears for all of them, I think, wanting so much to have a very personal conversation with God.
Glad you're feeling better.
Love you,
Barb
And then I found out about D's last scan, which she had Friday and got results of today. The cancer has spread to "many new places"...her liver and kidneys and it's back in the breast and there's more in her bones, etc. They are going to start her on chemo again and are going to try to get her in on a clinical trial, but everything is still uncertain, because she needs to meet a bunch of prerequisites AND have x amount of spots 2 cm or larger to qualify yada yada yada. I can't take it. So she, unshakable D, pillar of strength, is home crying with her daughter (who just moved home from her very short stint in Boston after graduating from college in May) and sister and best friend from high school who has been so good to her, coming from RI for all her appointments. Meanwhile, I'm here shedding enough tears for all of them, I think, wanting so much to have a very personal conversation with God.
Glad you're feeling better.
Love you,
Barb
Today May Test the Magic Potion
Hey, Barb.
Quick note before I head out for the day. I got up with JJ this morning and didn't have A today, so I thought I had all the time in the world to sit and write. No idea what just happened to my morning - it's suddenly 9:20 and I have to leave for MC's at 9:30. ??? I seriously don't know what I've just done with the last two hours.
I'm having one of those technology roadblocks with everything the past couple of days. I've been trying to clean up my computer so it will work better (yea, because I'm some kind of tech expert) and also download this video from Fanfest. Of course, none of it is working right and I'm only succeeding in frustrating myself beyond anything my magic potion will cure. Then yesterday I tried to do a really, really simple thing with my phone at Verizon, but I got such the runaround at customer service that I was ready to switch phone companies altogether. Thing is, I know they're all going to deal with this issue the same way: all I want to do is gain access to my online account, but since J is the only Authorized Owner (ooooh!) of the account, evidently, he's the only person who can be privy to this top-secret, terrorist-proof, government security information. Because, I guess, if they gave it to me, I might bomb the white house. I don't know. It's a **%#* phone, for God's sake. Get real.
When I asked J to call and take care of it for me, he told me he didn't have time to be on hold that long. So that will never get done, like the kitchen sink will never get fixed...oh don't get me started. I'm already leaning toward a bad mood.
BUT!
I, too, am having a good hair day, AND I bought a gorgeous bright pink-magenta-purplish cashmere sweater yesterday that I LOVE. Plus, I'm headed out to counseling, then lunch with KB, so I should pull out of this funk before I actually sink into it. I hope.
Sorry to vent - must run...more later, hopefully!
Love you,
A
Quick note before I head out for the day. I got up with JJ this morning and didn't have A today, so I thought I had all the time in the world to sit and write. No idea what just happened to my morning - it's suddenly 9:20 and I have to leave for MC's at 9:30. ??? I seriously don't know what I've just done with the last two hours.
I'm having one of those technology roadblocks with everything the past couple of days. I've been trying to clean up my computer so it will work better (yea, because I'm some kind of tech expert) and also download this video from Fanfest. Of course, none of it is working right and I'm only succeeding in frustrating myself beyond anything my magic potion will cure. Then yesterday I tried to do a really, really simple thing with my phone at Verizon, but I got such the runaround at customer service that I was ready to switch phone companies altogether. Thing is, I know they're all going to deal with this issue the same way: all I want to do is gain access to my online account, but since J is the only Authorized Owner (ooooh!) of the account, evidently, he's the only person who can be privy to this top-secret, terrorist-proof, government security information. Because, I guess, if they gave it to me, I might bomb the white house. I don't know. It's a **%#* phone, for God's sake. Get real.
When I asked J to call and take care of it for me, he told me he didn't have time to be on hold that long. So that will never get done, like the kitchen sink will never get fixed...oh don't get me started. I'm already leaning toward a bad mood.
BUT!
I, too, am having a good hair day, AND I bought a gorgeous bright pink-magenta-purplish cashmere sweater yesterday that I LOVE. Plus, I'm headed out to counseling, then lunch with KB, so I should pull out of this funk before I actually sink into it. I hope.
Sorry to vent - must run...more later, hopefully!
Love you,
A
Monday, February 1, 2010
Good Hair, Good Day
Hey, Amanda.
My weekend ended on a quiet note...Yesterday afternoon, after a quick trip to L&T and TJs, I got a migraine the minute I walked in the door (I know, I need to see a doctor about this). I took it as my sign to stay in and play vampire the rest of the day, and I did just that. This morning I woke up feeling great AND I had a good hair day, so life is good.
I had to meet with some students after school, then I had my nails and eyebrows done (talk about tearing down the rainforest!), and after that I made a $25 stop at the Dollar Store (yeah, I know). Eventually I came home to make chicken piccata for dinner, which came out great. Funny, but it was my first time making it at home, which really is absurd since it's so easy and I love it so much. Since then I've been texting and cook book browsing and watching TV and sipping my new favorite cocktail: sweet tea vodka with Arizona green tea with ginseng and honey. I figure the green tea cancels any deleterious effects of the vodka...or something like that. Ha! I've had sweet tea vodka out in a restaurant with lemonade, but that was a little tart for me, so I asked for the next one with half lemonade and half unsweetened iced tea and it rocked. At home it's just easier to do Arizona iced tea--and it is just as good. Anyway...
I have a busy week this week--and next, actually-- at school, but February vacation is only two weeks away. (God forbid we get a snow day between now and then!) Socially, I'm going out with C on Thursday and thinking of going to L's Friday night to see S play basketball and hang out with S and C on Saturday. I'm jonesing to see W and we could probably make it work this weekend, but I haven't seen M play basketball yet this season and she’s really on a roll—scored 15 or her team’s 20 points last Friday. I'll let you know what I/we decide.
Thanks for checking in last night...sounds like you had a good weekend overall. Hope your week is off to a good start.
Love,
Barb
My weekend ended on a quiet note...Yesterday afternoon, after a quick trip to L&T and TJs, I got a migraine the minute I walked in the door (I know, I need to see a doctor about this). I took it as my sign to stay in and play vampire the rest of the day, and I did just that. This morning I woke up feeling great AND I had a good hair day, so life is good.
I had to meet with some students after school, then I had my nails and eyebrows done (talk about tearing down the rainforest!), and after that I made a $25 stop at the Dollar Store (yeah, I know). Eventually I came home to make chicken piccata for dinner, which came out great. Funny, but it was my first time making it at home, which really is absurd since it's so easy and I love it so much. Since then I've been texting and cook book browsing and watching TV and sipping my new favorite cocktail: sweet tea vodka with Arizona green tea with ginseng and honey. I figure the green tea cancels any deleterious effects of the vodka...or something like that. Ha! I've had sweet tea vodka out in a restaurant with lemonade, but that was a little tart for me, so I asked for the next one with half lemonade and half unsweetened iced tea and it rocked. At home it's just easier to do Arizona iced tea--and it is just as good. Anyway...
I have a busy week this week--and next, actually-- at school, but February vacation is only two weeks away. (God forbid we get a snow day between now and then!) Socially, I'm going out with C on Thursday and thinking of going to L's Friday night to see S play basketball and hang out with S and C on Saturday. I'm jonesing to see W and we could probably make it work this weekend, but I haven't seen M play basketball yet this season and she’s really on a roll—scored 15 or her team’s 20 points last Friday. I'll let you know what I/we decide.
Thanks for checking in last night...sounds like you had a good weekend overall. Hope your week is off to a good start.
Love,
Barb
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