August 2007

August 2007

Tuesday August 21^st

Happy Birthday Mom...
Today she would have been 66...

I've got a lot to write about yesterday's first day of school but since this story is so fresh in my mind I've got to get it out before I forget the details.

As many people know, before I became a lazy bon bon eating stay at home mom and before the 4 year stint as a pre-school teacher, I actually had a good job or maybe even something you could call a career? Uh, Maybe? Well, I worked for this company for over 13 years starting as a gopher and working my way up to Office/Accounting Manager and a few other titles. When I left, they actually hired 3 people to put in my position. This place was like a second home to me as I worked with my mom, dad, Chris (before he found better) Karen and even my brother Jerry worked there for a while before heading to Atlanta to work for Coke. (Coca-cola that is). For a brief time, my sister in law and brother in law actually worked there too so as you can see - a 2^nd home to me. The owners of this company have known me since I was 12, watched me grow and helped me become the jaded person I am today as it was pure hell most of the time to work there. I finally gave it up when they allowed a homicidal gay man to jump over the table at me and tell me he'd kick my ass if I didn't begin to understand my place on the office totem pole. Ahh, it's a long story that one is.... I should have just kicked his ass like I wanted too instead of giving him the respect he so didn't deserve. So, after over 13 years of faithful loyal service I said to the boss, "it's either him or me," the boss chose him and I walked out. Six months later, flame-boy left with about 100 of their accounts and a lawsuit. Ahh justice... But anyway, I've gone off my subject here.....

As I was saying, these people were like my second family, sucky, but family. So, imagine my surprise that after over 13 years of service and 6 years of my being gone from that place, I receive a contract in the mail for my alarm system. I'm being charged $20 per month with activation fees waived. Gee thanks... Now, I'm not complaining that after 12 years of having free service I receive a bill, but I am wondering why now and why so impersonal? Why didn't they mention it to me when we visited them in June? Why didn't they mention it the 500 times I've called them or emailed them to just say hello? Why get an impersonal bill in the mail with a contract. No note? No hello? It makes no freakin' sense. So, just to be my pissy self and make my mom proud, I said, "FUCK YOU." And told Chris to start calling ADT, Safetouch or one of the other companies and I'll pay $50 a month just to be spiteful. I mean, dad worked there over 20 years, mom worked there 20 years, Jerry 7, Karen 10, Chris 8-10, me over 13 what the hell is wrong with these people that they couldn't pick up a freaking phone or write an email to say, "Hey, we just noticed that you haven't had to pay for monitoring for all these years." OR "Hey, we're updating our files and think now is the time for you to start paying." I'd have been fine with that... but this impersonal bull shit is ridiculous. I mean give me a break - they went to our graduations, my wedding, visited after the births of all our children. Give me a break right? We're friends, FAMILY! Okay - off the temper tantrum and on to the rest... So, I call my dad and tell him what's up. He gets pissed because he sold back his stock to the company with the promise of a "paycheck" for the next few years. He's been gone 2 years now and he's received ummmm maybe 5 checks.... He's supposed to get them monthly!!!! And they are charging me $20 a month!!! Boy did that make him mad. He immediately emails 3 of the office people and says, On my next paycheck deduct Teresa's monitoring from it before it's sent. The reply to him was... We'll be mailing you a check for the month(s) of April, May, June, July and August on September 1 and will deduct her monitoring per the owner but please have her send back her contract - signed. OMG Give me a break!

So, after all of this, I have to go back just a little bit for more of the drama.

Dad is just about as obsessed with pictures as I am. He's more obsessed with the home videos BUT, he's pretty bad with pictures too. He spent the past 5 years fighting with the owner's wife trying to get pictures of one of our old Christmas parties. She finally had copies made and gave them to him in June. During the past 5 years he's also been trying to get a copy of a VHS tape of the same Christmas party. I believe it was 1986. Why is he so insistent? It's the last video we have of my grandparents and the "owner of the company's" parents. It's an awesome video but dad can never get his hands on it to copy it. So, Dad purchased all the equipment needed for Chris to copy VHS tapes to CD and now all we needed was this one tape. I've emailed 300 times in the last 2 months reminding her to bring the tape in. I told her I'd make our copies and make her a few too all for free. The last time she responded to my emails was August 8^th with the response of "I'm going home at lunch to pick up the tape for you." She never responded again. So dad gets an email this morning from Cathy, the office person, saying that Ronnie dropped the VHS tape off at the "place" to make copies. When the copies are made, Dad will get one. HUH? What the hell? Dad emails Cathy back saying that Chris was supposed to get the tape to make the copies for free. Cathy says..... Ronnie "forgot". BULL SHIT... So I get into it and send my response - With copies of ALL MY EMAILS concerning the VHS tape. Cathy's only response to me was... Ronnie forgot and she dropped it off for copies. Dad is TOTALLY pissed. This is just another excuse for us NOT to get a copy. Now in a few days we'll get the email that the VHS tape was destroyed. I can guaranty it. Dad tells me to hurry up and sign the contract and mail it to them so he can have the full amount of the contract removed from his check. That way they can't screw him over any more. He's so upset! My decision is made, I'm going to write Cancel on the bill, scribble all over the contract and mail it back.. Fuck them.. I'm going to Lester Jackson HEE HEE!

Mom would be so disappointed with them. It's a pity.

You know, reading over this, I realize that those who don't know our history with this company would think I'm being bitchy. Those who know our history would be saying.... "That's how they are and you knew it. Why are you shocked?" Vindictive evil people... It's a shame...

OH WELL...

And on to Becca's first day of school....

I left the house at 4 to run up to the bus stop to pick Becca up. Her bus was to drop her off a little after 4 but I wanted to be sure I was there early so she didn't have to wait for me. One of the "cons" for her being bused across town is that traffic downtown sucks. Becca was over 45 minutes late getting home. Luckily, one of my GS moms called me and told me there was a "jumper" on the Matthew's Bridge and it was closed. We knew they'd be re-routed and they'd be late so I didn't panic. We bought Becca a phone so that in case of emergencies - like traffic, missing the bus etc she'd be able to contact us BUT she was to keep it off during school hours and the bus ride as it's not allowed in school or on the bus. Well, Becca took it very seriously. She kept her phone off until she was 2 minutes away from her bus stop! I waited over 45 minutes sitting in a hot car waiting for her to call me and tell me she was running late and my gifted child waited until she was 3 blocks away!!! Talk about taking it literally about not using the phone on the bus. Of course, I'd sent her 5 text messages while I waited hoping she'd call me and tell me she was alright. Oh well, at least she listened. So we spent a few minutes last night discussing the usage of her phone. Hopefully, she now understands when to use it.

Classes went wonderfully. She loves all of her teachers and her Advanced Science teacher she totally adores. She had a little bit of homework that gave us a bit of trouble but other than that.... She had a great first day and was raring to go this morning. She's on the road to meeting new friends as she only has 2 classes with her old friends in them. She's on her own in the other 4 classes. She ended up taking 2 lunches yesterday as she used the wrong lunch schedule. Luckily her teacher didn't get upset that she missed the first ½ of class - apparently 10 other students had the wrong lunch scheduled too...

So we're on to day 2 and hopefully it will be as wonderful if not better than the 1^st.

Saturday August 18^th

I've been having some very strange dreams lately. My dreams don't usually stick in my mind and I usually forget them when I wake but lately, WOW, they've been odd.

I woke yesterday morning with the feel of my mom's cheek pressed against mine. I don't know what brought it on, but I dreamt I was having a social gathering and the talk was about babies. My mom wanted to remind me of the special routine she had with me, my brother and sister. Our bedtime routine would be that after tucking us in, she'd press her check or mouth to our cheek and whisper, "I love you, good night, sleepy good, I love you, good night." She did this up until we all moved out. Of course, after a certain age it was just as we were going to bed, not her tucking us in and mostly out of us teasing her to do it. I don't know why I dreamt of this or how when I woke, I'd still feel the heat of her cheek against mine.

Last night, Chris and I watched the movie Elizabeth with Cate Blanchett and Captain Barbosa. I don't know his real name and every time I saw him I thought only of Barbosa. It was a wonderful movie and I can't wait for the sequel to come out in a few months. Last night I dreamt I was a queen and my one true love (yes it was Chris) I could not have as he was married to another, just like in the movie. I was devastated and woke with my heart in my throat. I had to check beside me to be sure he was next to me. After letting the dogs out and then crawling back into bed, I dreamt I was talking on the phone with Zephyr while she was working. Her new job was a mail carrier; our mail carrier, and while I was talking with her, I peeked out my living room window and saw her walking down the street on the phone with her mail pack on her back and in her arms was one of those balls we had as children... the ones that are huge balls with a handle that you sit on and bounce on? I can't remember the name of it and unfortunately neither can Chris or Becca. Ugh! But anyway, what does this mean? It made no sense. And she was dressed in her long skirts with her combat boots. Why the heck would you plan on bouncing on the ball in a skirt? Too weird.

I've been happy lately, and it scares me because I know something bad is going to happen. I'm never allowed to be this happy for so long. I keep looking over my shoulder for something to sneak up on me.

We had our first Service meeting with Girl Scouts and I am officially called the webmaster. HA me? That's a total laugh. I'm about as computer literate as well... Luna... I can't believe I'm actually doing it. I spent most of yesterday adding dates to our calendar and updating all the upcoming activities. I'm also trying to make sure we're ready for our first official Juniors meeting. We're up to 12 girls this year and it looks like we'll have about 3-5 more. OH MY! That many pre-teens! I think I need a drink.

I've got my J this weekend and so far it's been great as always. I've missed her the past few years as we've only seen her 2 or 3 times in the past few years. They went skating last night and had a blast. No fighting, no screaming - it was awesome. I wish I had more things planned for this weekend but unfortunately, Chris and I are planning on making a few house repairs before the realtor comes on Monday. Chris is trying hard to force me not to get my hopes up. I am so ready to move and he's terrified this guy is going to just blow my dreams to pieces. Oh well, the girls can play out side, watch movies or play on the computer. What else do you want to do when it's too freaking hot outside? Too bad we don't have a pool.

I talked to dad and he's having another crisis. Liz needs braces and neither of them are happy about it. Dad is a single father and widower on a fixed pension (blah blah blah blah) and $4500 is freaking crazy for teeth repair. I told him just to rip all her teeth out, make her toothless, then all he'd have to do it buy a $50 blender and she could eat her food through a straw and he wouldn't have to worry about orthodontist fees. Liz didn't find me amusing. I asked him if they have a payment plan (as Becca may need them too) and of course they do, but he's NOT making payments - he hates to owe money. Single widower with fixed pension my butt!

All in all it's looking like we're going to have a great weekend. I hope it stays this way....

Wednesday August 15^th

What a wonderfully terribly busy couple of weeks I've had. There is so much to do and I am running out of time. Becca starts school on Monday and both she and I are so looking forward to it. We went last Thursday to her Orientation and Becca was very disappointed in finding out that so far none of her friends will be in any of her classes. She still loves the school and is really excited about this new year. We got her class schedule, locker, lock and books. We walked her schedule and found her homeroom so we are both confident her first day will be a blast.

Saturday we went to St. Mary's Aquatic Center to celebrate my sweet little nephew Nicholas's birthday. It was a beautiful day and as usual I took a ton of pictures. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a lot of pictures of Nic because he was always away from the camera but I took a ton of pictures of Jordan and I can honestly say I'm getting better at taking pictures.

Tammy invited Becca to spend the night with them Saturday so Chris and I had the afternoon and all day Sunday to ourselves. Chris finally gave me the go ahead to find us a new home out of the Arlington area. Since we're not heading to Pennsylvania this year I wanted to find a way to get out of this area. I'm so tired of this place. I want a new home and a new location. So, after doing a ton of research on the computer, I decided I want a new home, built to order. I want to design my own home. Chris and I got up on Sunday morning and headed out to a few new developments and started asking questions. We fell in love with a new development and actually found a house we both loved so the ball is rolling and hopefully by this time next year we'll be in our new home.

So I'm back to packing the house and cleaning up. I've packed up all my elephants from the living room, I cleaned out the laundry room for storage and we've thrown out a bunch of crap. I told Chris most of this stuff is NOT going to the new house. I want new living room furniture (MATCHING FURNITURE), a new dining room set, a new bedroom set for Becca and new entertainment center. I'm not asking for much, it's not like this can't be done, we just have to do it right? At least I have a major project to do now that Becca is going back to school. I volunteered to work at the school this year; I spoke with my Girl Scout mom that has the home day care and she asked if I could work for her a bit this year; I volunteered to create and update an E-group for our Service Unit and of course be a co-leader again so it doesn't look like I'll have much idle time.

Today I have the chance to get to know my newest little niece, Jordan. Tammy took a day or two off work to hang with the kids and today is Nicholas's day to spend with mommy so I get to watch Jordan. She is just the cutest little thing. Unfortunately, the only thing I'm allowed to do is take pictures. Becca won't allow me to play with her. She insists on feeding, changing, rocking and playing with Jordan. She will make a wonderful big sister.... If it ever happens....

Friday August 3^rd

Well, this week has definitely proved to me that summer is over and it's time to get back to school and responsibilities. My calendar is starting to fill up again and though I'm excited about the new school year and all the activities planned, I'm dreading that panic feeling I get when there's just so much that has to be done and not enough time to finish it.

I've got meeting after meeting scheduled this month and next for Girl Scouts. We've got our first meeting schedule for the 3^rd day of school, a fall product sale in September and a camping trip scheduled for October. Not to mention the meetings scheduled for cookie sale training. I was asked to do a recruitment at Don Brewer this year so Becca and I will have a booth set up to recruit new girls. Oh and don't forget Orientation for next week and Open house in September for Becca's new school. I know, I know, everyone has this problem and you all work too! I'm not complaining, I'm just...whew... overwhelmed again. Oh and don't forget all the birthdays coming up in August and September. UGH!

I bought a new computer program from the council shop yesterday and I installed it all by myself. It will help me keep the girls information updated along with awards, dues, activities and finances current. So far, I am so totally in love with this program and it was really easy to work. I think I'm starting to miss my old data input days. I wish I could find a job where I could work part-time entering data and not have to deal with office politics. I wish I could find something that I could do only when Becca was in school. Ahhh, to have that perfect job that brings in cash but doesn't interfere with my "mommying".

I need to brag a little AGAIN about my darling little brat. I am just so proud of her. At the beginning of July we went on the JWJ website and found out that she had some mandatory reading for the summer. They had this huge packet she had to complete for 2 different books. After the initial temper tantrum, she realized it really wasn't much and got started on the reading materials. As of today, she has read a total of 5 books (2 which were mandatory) and completed all of the assignments that go with them. She has to read about 200 more pages to hit the minimum required reading for the summer and has 2 books already set out to not only hit this requirement but for once - EXCEED the required amount. WOO H OO Becca is back! She really seems excited to get started on this school year.

We had some more exciting news come in last week. I don't know if you remember that in my previous writing I wrote that Becca was invited and is now going to the World Leadership forum in DC next spring. It's all confirmed and we are slowing paying off the balance of the cost for this wonderful opportunity for her. One week in DC checking out monuments, museums and talking to politicians. She's so excited about this. She's actually contacted a few of the kids that will be visiting at the same time. One girl is from California and they've been chatting for weeks. Anyway, last week we received a letter inviting Becca to a meeting in September for Jacksonville Delegates. She's going to this meeting to discuss becoming a Jacksonville Delegate for France, Belgium, Ireland, Wales, England, and the Netherlands. WOO HOO. Becca can decide if she wants to go on a trip next summer for 20 days to be a student ambassador of the World Leadership forum. She is so excited and we are too. This is a great opportunity for her. She's already talking about how this would be awesome for her college applications. Gotta love that kid. She's talking about Harvard right now; she wants to become a "domestic" lawyer and wants to help abused children and adults. Ain't she the greatest?

I saw one of my former students the other day and it brought on an over whelming feeling of sadness. I miss my little guys especially the year I had this little one. He was one of my terrors. He was a smart little boy but so out of control. He was too smart for my class but way too young for the older classes. He had a high pitched voice that seriously grated on my nerves but he had the best darn hugs that you couldn't stay mad at him long. I talked to his mom and found out that he had to leave his current school due to the same reason he left mine; he's out of control. He'd only been there 6 months. The teachers (like me) could not control him. He ignored authority and refused structure. He's heading off to kindergarten this year. I wish I could be a fly on the wall during the first week. It would be just too funny. I miss my little guys; I wish I could have a handful of them right now.

Thursday July 26^th (Submitted 8-4 so it goes in August...CMM)

So, Chris has bitched at me over the past few days because I have not written an update in about a month - A month? NO WAY! Time flies when you are having so much fun (sarcasm here)

So to make a long month short - I'll write a brief summary of the goings on in my world.

We got back to Florida on the 29^th of June. We spent the next few days visiting my dad's old friends and work. We went to the flea market and rested until Dad left on July 3^rd.

We had no plans on July 4^th (cause we have no life) and so we spent the day relaxing (and drinking) and watched the fire works in our front yard. Liz and Becca continued to fight and bicker but with all the alcohol flowing through our bodies - for once we didn't care.

We were finally able to get down to Chris's parents house to pick up my baby boy -Pagan. He was very excited to see us and though I knew he had a wonderful time hanging out down there, I know he was just as excited to be going home. Every time Chris or I would walk near the front door he'd scramble up ahead of us to make sure we didn't leave without him. It was quite hilarious to see. We spent the weekend there relaxing and enjoying family and pool time...And playing poker.

After our return home, the girls and I spent the next week cleaning and shopping. We were planning our special "Girls Night/ Weekend" and we were really excited about it. Zephyr and Catlyn came up and picked up Kristin along the way. Julia was able to come over too so it was even more special for me. Julia came over Friday while the rest of the gang showed up on Saturday. I grabbed my 3 girls (Julia, Liz and Becca) Saturday morning and ran them up to Sears for a "photo shoot". I haven't had pictures of the girls together in 4 years and since I wasn't sure if I'd ever have this opportunity again - I took it. The girls took beautiful pictures and I spent over $175 on prints. I couldn't help it - they were beautiful! We had an awesome weekend and I took TONS of pictures. The boys across the street started sniffing around at about 1am and Zephyr was finally able to kick them out around 4 in the morning. Having a house full of girls ranging from age 10 to 16 was ...... ummmm WOW! But having a house full of young girls and two 17 year old boys - DOUBLE WOW! Any body have a tranquilizer? No actually, it was a blast and I hope the girls had as much fun as I did. We headed to the beach Sunday evening and when we got back, Chris informed me that our "boyfriends" showed back up with the excuse of wanting to play his drums. He had a very nice "talk" with them. They played his drums, listened to his music, and then left before we got back. WHEW!

It was a sad day on Monday when everyone had to go home. After they all left, I sat down at the computer, went through my pictures and immediately downloaded my favorites for my "wall of honor". Becca thinks I'm silly but I spent that entire night re-organizing the wall so I could put the new photos up.

Kristin - you are finally up there!!!! WOO HOO!!!

Just wait until the 27^th when my other pictures come back - I'll have to re-organize again to get them up there... I just love my pictures!!!

Liz Becca and I spent the next week reading and just relaxing. We did a bit of shopping because dad wanted me to get Liz ready for school. Liz doesn't like shopping with my dad because he likes all the "tacky" clothes. WHATEVER! So we went shopping, walked the mall and just had fun together. Becca and Liz came to an understanding of some sort so the fighting was minimal. Liz and I got hooked on a new Author and Series. My sister in law, Trisha, mentioned this new vampire series I might be interested in. Since I love JD Robb with its murder and mystery, I'd probably be interested in Laurell K Hamilton. Boy was she right! In 7 days, I read 6 books and I'm still going. I let Liz read the first few books because other than blood, gore and "dating" there wasn't anything bad about the book. After my 5^th book, I decided I better talk to dad before she goes any farther... it was pretty descriptive in the romance part and though I'm sure she could handle it... it was a little much for even me. I think 13 is too young for that... So, with a lot of screaming and pouting on her part- she's decided to be content with just getting the story from me instead of reading about it. RIGHT! I can guaranty she'll find a way to hit the book store up there and sneak herself a copy or two.

Liz wanted to do something fun on her final weekend here so she suggested Disney World, the Zoo or Sea World. After a lot of negotiating and discussion, Liz decided what she really wanted to do was go swimming. She wasn't in the mood for long lines, hot weather and crowds. So, she asked if we could take another trip down to the grandparent's house so we could swim, relax and have fun. We packed up the car (AND THE DOGS) and headed down south again. Chris took an extra day off of work so the girls could have the extra time in the pool. Unfortunately, it rained most of the weekend. We still had fun playing poker and board games but the girls were a little disappointed about the weather.

We got back home late evening Monday night and picked up Julia on the way. The girls wanted to spend Liz's last few nights here together. We picked dad up from the airport on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon Liz and Dad went home. Julia asked if Becca could spend the night with her and since I had not had one day to myself in over 2 months - WOO HOO! I had to say yes. The house is quiet and my Lizzie has gone back home. It's a sad day today because I miss her so much already.

She's grown so much since I saw her last. She's a beautiful young lady and I love her so much! Her joke the whole time she was here was that I told her my goal was to make her cry. Liz is one that will egg you on until you pull your hair out and scream for mercy but we can never get her to that point. She never gets angry or hurt enough to cry. Why try? Cause that's what girls do. So, I told her my goal was to make her cry - especially if she drives Becca crazy. She's grown so much the past 7 months that I never even made the effort. When Becca acted like a baby Liz just walked away - no sarcasm, no baiting, nothing. When they fought, Liz refrained from name calling and insults. It was absolutely amazing. There is usually bloodshed when the two of them get together but this time, not a bit. I was so amazed and impressed. No tears for Liz this trip - me on the other hand - watching her walk into that airport away from me yesterday - I lost - she brought me to tears first. Darn it!

Liz asked about her father this trip. I tried to be as honest as possible but telling her the truth was painful especially after seeing the disappointment on her face when she found out he was just like her mother if not worse. I think she was hoping he was this fairy tale prince that just didn't know she existed. Unfortunately, he knows she exists; he gave her up without a fight and has made no effort to find out where she is or how she is. Karen tried to contact him while Liz was here... but that's a Karen update you definitely don't want to miss. She's at it again and well... I'll write it all up and you'll see. Liz is content with her life; she knows she's better off where she is and not with her biological parents. She knows she is loved and well cared for and knows that life would be a heck of a lot different (and not in a good way) if she were living with the birth parents instead of dad. She has no regrets and no hard feelings. I guess that's a good thing. That girl is just too special!!!!

So, I am current now and I don't think I left anything out. The house is quiet, the dogs are behaving and I am just enjoying my "alone time". Becca just called to see if she could stay as late as possible so I'll have even more quiet time to myself. I LOVE IT!

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Last Updated: 09/06/07 02:06 p