"IT" being the entire month of December, wherever the heck it went.
As I flipped the calendar from November to December, I was shocked to see something written on every. single. day. Appointments, jobs, no school days, days off, parties, and birthdays. So many things to organize and keep track of.
I started my seasonal job the week of Thanksgiving. Worked 530am-1200ish. It was an easy job and I was thankful to have it as it paid for Xmas. But, I was tired, people. Like, in bed, asleep by 7pm, tired.
Then, we got approximately 500 feet of snow. Or 2 feet. Whatever. The little boys had 5 no school days!!
And, it wasn't the "let's play in the snow and build a snowman and have tons of fun" type of snow. It was "this snow is so powdery and it is below freezing out here, let's go back in the house and never, ever come out here again" type of snow.
I had to call in 2 times because the roads were so bad. I had to call in one other time as Jayce (my 15 yr. old) was going slightly insane watching the boys while I was at work. Originally, they were suppose to be at school while I was at work, but the snow altered those plans.
The snow altered alot of plans, actually.
My husband worked approximately 500 hours of overtime. Or 20. Whatever. That was a plus side to all the snow. Perhaps he will not get laid off next month! (Please, Lord!!)
Jayce turned 15, right in the middle of the snow storm. I risked our lives and took him down to get his drivers permit. And, then, he couldn't drive for 2 weeks as who is going to teach their kid to drive in the snow? Not me!!
Now, that the snow is melted, his dad has been taking him out to practice.
It's funny, when I was 15, it was a perfectly acceptable age to start driving. But, now? Notsomuch!
Christmas seemed to arrive earlier than expected and brought with it it's own set of issues. Choosing which family party to attend, which party to skip. I make it sound like we're are in such high demand but mostly, it's the result of divorced parents (my husband's) and everyone wanting their share of time. But, we did manage to have Christmas Eve to ourselves and that was a first. And, it was nice.
With my youngest being 7, it's interesting, and if I'm honest, a little sad, to see the toys being replaced with electronics and clothes. When my husband and I were out shopping, we saw so many toys that our kids would've loved, 5-15 years ago. Woody and Buzz toys were not available when Jayce was into ToyStory, 13 years ago!! And, the dinosaurs!!! Where were those when we needed them??
The month is closing out on Josie's 11th birthday. I took her and a friend to the movie "Frozen" (cute!!) and now,as I type, they are getting ready for bed and I'm wondering how much sleep they will actually get. Luther is patiently waiting for the lights to be turned out so he can "sneak" (as much as a smelly, 120lb dog can sneak) into bed with the girls.
Tomorrow we will go to yet another party, where we will stay up way past our bedtimes, hanging out with friends and letting the kids eat as much as they want. We will "ring" in the New Year.
2013 definitely had some low points, but it had some highs as well.
I wonder what 2014 will hold?
Monday, December 30, 2013
Monday, December 2, 2013
Old Fashioned Recipe
Jeven (2nd grader) brought home a flier from school today.
Apparently, the school is making a cook book and asking for parents to contribute recipes.
Great fundraiser, if you ask me.
I asked Jeven if he'd like me to send a recipe with him.
He said "Yes!"
I asked, "Which recipe would you like me to send? What do I make that you LOVE!!"
"You know that stuff that has ice cream, gummy worms, crushed up Oreos, whipped cream and cherries?"
"You mean a 'sundae'?"
"Yeah!! That! Send the recipe for that!"
It's nice to see myhours time on Pinterest, trolling for healthy, yummy recipes was well spent.
Apparently, the school is making a cook book and asking for parents to contribute recipes.
Great fundraiser, if you ask me.
I asked Jeven if he'd like me to send a recipe with him.
He said "Yes!"
I asked, "Which recipe would you like me to send? What do I make that you LOVE!!"
"You know that stuff that has ice cream, gummy worms, crushed up Oreos, whipped cream and cherries?"
"You mean a 'sundae'?"
"Yeah!! That! Send the recipe for that!"
It's nice to see my
Friday, November 15, 2013
Feverish
One of the things I've enjoyed since I've had more "free time" at home, is helping my friends.
One friend recently had her third baby. Her little boys were delighted to welcome their new baby sister into the world. But, little boys and rest and quiet don't add up, so I was thrilled to take them off her hands for a day. If I could hold that sweet newborn baby girl. Which, she happily allowed.
It gave me baby fever. There is NOTHING like a tiny, new person.
Another friend, mother of 7 (yup) was going out of town for 2 weeks. Her older 5 were going to Grandma's and the newborn with her. That left the little 2 year old boy. Christy's mother in law is of the mindset that even tiny babies can be potty trained (I'm sure you've heard of this. In fact, maybe you do elimination communication with your own children. I'm not here to judge) but it just stresses Christy out. Lord knows, she has enough to do with a newborn, a two year old and 5 other children under the age of 12. I could see it was causing Christy some angst, the thought of her mother in law losing her patience with little Seth.
I jumped right in and volunteered to keep him.
Figured, if anything, chasing a two year old would cure me of that fever.
This little boy, is as close to perfect as you can imagine. I'm not kidding. I had to bribe him to NOT GO NIGHT NIGHT as it was too early in the evening. He obeys, he eats anything I put in front of him, he's funny, adorable and this fever is burning me up.
It's probably a very good thing my husband and I are both "fixed". Even after 7 years since my last baby, even after I'm done with diapers, sleepless nights, potty training and having to work around naps and feedings, and I'm so glad I am, I tell ya, when I hold that precious baby, or hear a two year old giggle because the dog licked his toes, it makes my uterus hurt.
One friend recently had her third baby. Her little boys were delighted to welcome their new baby sister into the world. But, little boys and rest and quiet don't add up, so I was thrilled to take them off her hands for a day. If I could hold that sweet newborn baby girl. Which, she happily allowed.
It gave me baby fever. There is NOTHING like a tiny, new person.
Another friend, mother of 7 (yup) was going out of town for 2 weeks. Her older 5 were going to Grandma's and the newborn with her. That left the little 2 year old boy. Christy's mother in law is of the mindset that even tiny babies can be potty trained (I'm sure you've heard of this. In fact, maybe you do elimination communication with your own children. I'm not here to judge) but it just stresses Christy out. Lord knows, she has enough to do with a newborn, a two year old and 5 other children under the age of 12. I could see it was causing Christy some angst, the thought of her mother in law losing her patience with little Seth.
I jumped right in and volunteered to keep him.
Figured, if anything, chasing a two year old would cure me of that fever.
This little boy, is as close to perfect as you can imagine. I'm not kidding. I had to bribe him to NOT GO NIGHT NIGHT as it was too early in the evening. He obeys, he eats anything I put in front of him, he's funny, adorable and this fever is burning me up.
It's probably a very good thing my husband and I are both "fixed". Even after 7 years since my last baby, even after I'm done with diapers, sleepless nights, potty training and having to work around naps and feedings, and I'm so glad I am, I tell ya, when I hold that precious baby, or hear a two year old giggle because the dog licked his toes, it makes my uterus hurt.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Honeymoon Stage
It has been almost 2 weeks since I had my last day at the assisted living facility.
Making the decision to indeed quit was very, very difficult. I'm one of the rare people that enjoyed (most of the time, if you looked past the "politics and procedures")their job. I loved the residents.
And, while we needed the money, we didn't need the money.
But, my family does need me and they will always come first. Working 40+ hours a week, random days was not what I signed up for.
After I gave my written notice (3 week notice, mind you) my boss did propose a job share type of scheduling accommodation for me and while I sincerely appreciated his effort, his lack of effort previously and the fact that he has been screwing up my schedule from the day he took over the building, didn't leave me with much trust that he'd get it right now.
So, I slowly let residents know I would be leaving at the end of the month (October). **Ami, imagine telling your kids you would be leaving them in 3 weeks!? Heartbreaking!!**
Some residents were flat out angry and wanted to speak to my boss immediately. And, while I appreciated their sentiments, I had already made up my mind.
Some residents expressed their regrets and I was sad as well.
On my last day, there were many, many tears. From myself and residents. Some, I didn't even know they knew who I was, but here they were, giving me cards and hugging me. It was horribly sweet.
I promised that I would return, that I would come back and volunteer and they would see me again.
One lady said "They all say that." I said "Rochelle, you know me. When I say I will do something, I do it. Right?" "Yeah, you did say you'd pluck my chin hairs and you stayed after your shift and got every single one!!" ( :
We did not tell the kids I was quitting my job. For several reasons. A) to make sure I actually had the guts and would really do it. And, B) I was going out of town immediately after my last day . I didn't want to be "Kids, mom will be home with you more now. But, not yet!! See ya!!"
My last day was a Thursday. So, the following Monday, Josie noticed I wasn't getting dressed for work. I was there to greet the little boys off the school bus. They knew something was up.
As they ate their ice cream sundaes (best after school snack ever!!) I told them "I don't work today. Or the next. Or the next. Or the next..."
They caught on very quickly and were over the moon with happiness. Made my mama's heart very happy.
However, Jeven did expect ice cream for a snack the next day as well.
The last 2 weeks have been WONDERFUL!!
My house has never been cleaner.
The laundry has never been more caught up (still not 100% but I'm still holding on to that dream).
There has been banana bread, pumpkin pie, caramels, chicken pot pie, and biscuits. All handmade from scratch.
I've been more relaxed. The kids have been more relaxed.
Things have just been.....dare I say it....peaceful.
I know that this is probably the Honeymoon Stage. Where it's all wedded bliss until the new husband leaves the toilet seat up. Or, in this case, until someone catches the flu. (Or, when I start my seasonal, temporary part time job at the end of this month)
But, if the last year and a half has taught me anything, it's that my heart is at home. I know now, more than ever, that it's a blessing. I know there are many women (and men, too!) that want to be home but can't .
I hope the honeymoon stage lasts a very, very long time.
Making the decision to indeed quit was very, very difficult. I'm one of the rare people that enjoyed (most of the time, if you looked past the "politics and procedures")their job. I loved the residents.
And, while we needed the money, we didn't need the money.
But, my family does need me and they will always come first. Working 40+ hours a week, random days was not what I signed up for.
After I gave my written notice (3 week notice, mind you) my boss did propose a job share type of scheduling accommodation for me and while I sincerely appreciated his effort, his lack of effort previously and the fact that he has been screwing up my schedule from the day he took over the building, didn't leave me with much trust that he'd get it right now.
So, I slowly let residents know I would be leaving at the end of the month (October). **Ami, imagine telling your kids you would be leaving them in 3 weeks!? Heartbreaking!!**
Some residents were flat out angry and wanted to speak to my boss immediately. And, while I appreciated their sentiments, I had already made up my mind.
Some residents expressed their regrets and I was sad as well.
On my last day, there were many, many tears. From myself and residents. Some, I didn't even know they knew who I was, but here they were, giving me cards and hugging me. It was horribly sweet.
I promised that I would return, that I would come back and volunteer and they would see me again.
One lady said "They all say that." I said "Rochelle, you know me. When I say I will do something, I do it. Right?" "Yeah, you did say you'd pluck my chin hairs and you stayed after your shift and got every single one!!" ( :
We did not tell the kids I was quitting my job. For several reasons. A) to make sure I actually had the guts and would really do it. And, B) I was going out of town immediately after my last day . I didn't want to be "Kids, mom will be home with you more now. But, not yet!! See ya!!"
My last day was a Thursday. So, the following Monday, Josie noticed I wasn't getting dressed for work. I was there to greet the little boys off the school bus. They knew something was up.
As they ate their ice cream sundaes (best after school snack ever!!) I told them "I don't work today. Or the next. Or the next. Or the next..."
They caught on very quickly and were over the moon with happiness. Made my mama's heart very happy.
However, Jeven did expect ice cream for a snack the next day as well.
The last 2 weeks have been WONDERFUL!!
My house has never been cleaner.
The laundry has never been more caught up (still not 100% but I'm still holding on to that dream).
There has been banana bread, pumpkin pie, caramels, chicken pot pie, and biscuits. All handmade from scratch.
I've been more relaxed. The kids have been more relaxed.
Things have just been.....dare I say it....peaceful.
I know that this is probably the Honeymoon Stage. Where it's all wedded bliss until the new husband leaves the toilet seat up. Or, in this case, until someone catches the flu. (Or, when I start my seasonal, temporary part time job at the end of this month)
But, if the last year and a half has taught me anything, it's that my heart is at home. I know now, more than ever, that it's a blessing. I know there are many women (and men, too!) that want to be home but can't .
I hope the honeymoon stage lasts a very, very long time.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Peeves
I'm not in a bad mood, I swear.
The weather has been so pretty. So far, we've avoided the sickies that have been going around. Life has been just fine.
But. There are still some things that are irritating me. And, I thought it necessary to gripe about them here. So...here we go.
1: Zombies/Vampires/Other Horror Crap---Yes, I know it's Halloween season and that stuff tends to "go" with it. But, the zombies and vampires have been BIG for quite awhile now. Apparently, there is a tv show that is HUGELY popular about zombies and walking. I don't watch it. I find it all stupid. And somewhat disturbing. But, the "Horror Theme" is just everywhere and I'm a little peeved about it. I was in a store the other day (which reminds me of the next peeve I'm going to list. Stay tuned.), found a cute hoodie, on sale. But, upon further inspection, I noticed it was covered in skulls!! I just...don't....get it. If that sorta thing is something you like, then go for it. I'm just tired of seeing it everywhere.
2: Being Asked to Donated to Random Charities When I'm Already Spending My Hard Earned Money in Your Store--Seems to me, every store is asking me if I'd like to round my total up to benefit some charity. And, while I have no problem giving to charity, I do have a problem with people asking me for MORE money. The money I'm about to spend on the ONLY pair of jeans in the entire town that fit my 10 year old daughter, like a 10 year old girl and not a 21 year old hooker, (peeve!) is enough of a dent in my dwindling budget and you're asking me to donate money to a charity that I have no idea of it's validity and if you will indeed give the money to them? I think not. And, while I'm at it--wearing pink or posting my bra size on facebook does absolutely NOTHING to fight cancer. I'd rather donate my time in helping a mother/woman by giving her a ride to chemo, babysitting her kids, buying groceries or any other easy task that would be actually helpful . Rounding my purchase up at Penney's is not going to help my neighbor.
3: Since When Does the Music in Stores Have To Be So Loud--I know Ami wears headphones when she shops and while I think that's a wonderful idea, I find it somewhat claustrophobic and I have a hard time keeping a watchful eye on my kids if I'm wearing headphones. Why not have a station at the checkout where if you want to listen to the crap they play on the radio these days, then you "rent" a pair of headphones and can listen and other shoppers will not scream and pull their hair out because some girl singing a song about "Maybe" is driving her insane?
There. I feel so much better getting that all off my chest. And, yes, I realize it makes me sound like I'm 88 instead of 38 but...it is what it is.
What are your peeves? Everyone has some. Spill it!
The weather has been so pretty. So far, we've avoided the sickies that have been going around. Life has been just fine.
But. There are still some things that are irritating me. And, I thought it necessary to gripe about them here. So...here we go.
1: Zombies/Vampires/Other Horror Crap---Yes, I know it's Halloween season and that stuff tends to "go" with it. But, the zombies and vampires have been BIG for quite awhile now. Apparently, there is a tv show that is HUGELY popular about zombies and walking. I don't watch it. I find it all stupid. And somewhat disturbing. But, the "Horror Theme" is just everywhere and I'm a little peeved about it. I was in a store the other day (which reminds me of the next peeve I'm going to list. Stay tuned.), found a cute hoodie, on sale. But, upon further inspection, I noticed it was covered in skulls!! I just...don't....get it. If that sorta thing is something you like, then go for it. I'm just tired of seeing it everywhere.
2: Being Asked to Donated to Random Charities When I'm Already Spending My Hard Earned Money in Your Store--Seems to me, every store is asking me if I'd like to round my total up to benefit some charity. And, while I have no problem giving to charity, I do have a problem with people asking me for MORE money. The money I'm about to spend on the ONLY pair of jeans in the entire town that fit my 10 year old daughter, like a 10 year old girl and not a 21 year old hooker, (peeve!) is enough of a dent in my dwindling budget and you're asking me to donate money to a charity that I have no idea of it's validity and if you will indeed give the money to them? I think not. And, while I'm at it--wearing pink or posting my bra size on facebook does absolutely NOTHING to fight cancer. I'd rather donate my time in helping a mother/woman by giving her a ride to chemo, babysitting her kids, buying groceries or any other easy task that would be actually helpful . Rounding my purchase up at Penney's is not going to help my neighbor.
3: Since When Does the Music in Stores Have To Be So Loud--I know Ami wears headphones when she shops and while I think that's a wonderful idea, I find it somewhat claustrophobic and I have a hard time keeping a watchful eye on my kids if I'm wearing headphones. Why not have a station at the checkout where if you want to listen to the crap they play on the radio these days, then you "rent" a pair of headphones and can listen and other shoppers will not scream and pull their hair out because some girl singing a song about "Maybe" is driving her insane?
There. I feel so much better getting that all off my chest. And, yes, I realize it makes me sound like I'm 88 instead of 38 but...it is what it is.
What are your peeves? Everyone has some. Spill it!
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Camera Dump
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| Jarrett with the hermit crab he found in a tide pool! |
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| Friends just hangin' out. |
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| My big 2nd and 3rd graders! |
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| Judd's Grandma and Grandpa, celebrating 65th wedding anniversary. |
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| Jayce's first doe, with his father, family friend and Great Grandpa. |
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| Josie watching t.v. with the duck. Yup. |
Monday, October 7, 2013
Total Irony
I was out of the job field for 14 years before going back part time at the assisted living facility.
And while I always had bosses that treated me fairly and that I got along with , I am not totally naive in my thinking that sometimes, it's all about the money. Money the boss receives in a bonus for being under budget, under hours or full filling some quota or another.
But I was still shocked at the happenings this past week.
My shift is 3pm-9pm, and it's called the "half-shift" although it's more of a three-fourths shift. The "full-shift" is 2pm-10pm, with each caregiver assigned a certain section of the facility and me floating around, helping every where.
Tues, I got to work on time and was greeted with "Makayla called in sick, we are short a girl."
So, we all ran our butts off and constantly asked management if they were calling anyone in to help us out. "We are working on it." we were told.
Then, it was 4:59 pm
Do you think management stuck around to make sure we had the help we needed?
Do you think they kindly asked if I would consider staying until 10, to make sure our residents were well taken care of?
Nope
I kindly stayed an hour past my shift, took no lunch break and gave a 100%, like I do every time I work.
The following day, I went into my boss' office and had to report why I stayed late and did not take a lunch. When I stated that there was not enough coverage at 9 for me to go home, and I took no lunch because again, it would have left not enough aides on the floors, I was lectured about budget hours and labor laws.
Not a "thank you" for staying to take care of our residents. Nothing.
Except a reminder that scheduling rules were changing.
Now, instead of people having certain days, and times, off, the schedule would rotate to 4 days on, 2 days off.
When I asked, "Even the part timers?" I was told "Yup."
When I asked, "No matter what agreement was reached when I was hired? With my availability accepted then?" . I was told, "This new schedule will void out all that."
"Hmmmm...that doesn't work for me. I chose this job, and you chose me for this job, with the understanding that I could not work certain days and I only wanted certain hours. We both agreed on this certain schedule."
"Doesn't matter."
"Well, I don't think I will be able to work here then."
"We are hiring more staff in the anticipation that we will lose some current staff."
I have worked there a year!! I have called in sick two times. I have come in on my days off numerous times. I have stayed past my scheduled shift numerous times. Residents request me, by name, to help them. Co-workers request me on their shift. I am not a slacker employee. I have won prizes from the same management team.
I thought I was a valued employee.
I guess I was wrong.
The irony?
It was staff appreciation week.
And while I always had bosses that treated me fairly and that I got along with , I am not totally naive in my thinking that sometimes, it's all about the money. Money the boss receives in a bonus for being under budget, under hours or full filling some quota or another.
But I was still shocked at the happenings this past week.
My shift is 3pm-9pm, and it's called the "half-shift" although it's more of a three-fourths shift. The "full-shift" is 2pm-10pm, with each caregiver assigned a certain section of the facility and me floating around, helping every where.
Tues, I got to work on time and was greeted with "Makayla called in sick, we are short a girl."
So, we all ran our butts off and constantly asked management if they were calling anyone in to help us out. "We are working on it." we were told.
Then, it was 4:59 pm
Do you think management stuck around to make sure we had the help we needed?
Do you think they kindly asked if I would consider staying until 10, to make sure our residents were well taken care of?
Nope
I kindly stayed an hour past my shift, took no lunch break and gave a 100%, like I do every time I work.
The following day, I went into my boss' office and had to report why I stayed late and did not take a lunch. When I stated that there was not enough coverage at 9 for me to go home, and I took no lunch because again, it would have left not enough aides on the floors, I was lectured about budget hours and labor laws.
Not a "thank you" for staying to take care of our residents. Nothing.
Except a reminder that scheduling rules were changing.
Now, instead of people having certain days, and times, off, the schedule would rotate to 4 days on, 2 days off.
When I asked, "Even the part timers?" I was told "Yup."
When I asked, "No matter what agreement was reached when I was hired? With my availability accepted then?" . I was told, "This new schedule will void out all that."
"Hmmmm...that doesn't work for me. I chose this job, and you chose me for this job, with the understanding that I could not work certain days and I only wanted certain hours. We both agreed on this certain schedule."
"Doesn't matter."
"Well, I don't think I will be able to work here then."
"We are hiring more staff in the anticipation that we will lose some current staff."
I have worked there a year!! I have called in sick two times. I have come in on my days off numerous times. I have stayed past my scheduled shift numerous times. Residents request me, by name, to help them. Co-workers request me on their shift. I am not a slacker employee. I have won prizes from the same management team.
I thought I was a valued employee.
I guess I was wrong.
The irony?
It was staff appreciation week.
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