I’ve been looking for a new car/truck/small suv. I’m still unsure about what’s going to happen with my Escape since it’s still in Newfoundland and it doesn’t seem like there’s much progress being made on getting it back (not that I’ve not been trying, believe me I have). I found a 2009 Jeep Compass recently that’s less than $11k. It’s got less than 10k miles on it and seems like it’s in great condition, which I would expect for something so new. I’d just really like something that has better air conditioning and doesn’t shut off unexpectedly while going 60MPH down the highway like my current car does. This Altima isn’t safe at all. If I can keep my payments around $225ish, that’d be great. I think I can get it around there with the Compass. I’ve been meaning to call my insurance company too and get an insurance quote for it. I imagine I’ll get a similar rate as I have now, or I would think.. but it never hurts to look into it either.

I’ve been thinking about taking up boxing. Some of my co-workers started going to this “lunchbox” class and seem to enjoy it. They actually hold the class a few times a day, one even being as late as 4pm, which would be great for me since I get off at 3pm now. It’s a 2 hour class, the first hour being dedicated to conditioning, and the second being strictly boxing. Seems like a lot of fun, so I’m definitely thinking about it. There’s also the Zumba class which seems like a lot of fun too. I think I’d look pretty silly in this class though, so I’m putting it on back burner for now, until I get the guts to try it. There are so many different work-outs, even this thing called the Kettlebell workout which I had never heard of until recently. I currently do weights and cardio for an hour a day but I would love to add something in that’s a little more fun than those. Any other suggestions?

There’s definitely no denying that Summer is here. The electric bill went up a hundred bucks and the heat is enough to melt you. This would be the reasons why I hate driving right now. The air in my car hasn’t been co-operating since someone turned the heat up. I look as though I’ve just hopped out of a swimming pool when I get home from work. It really sucks, especially with a black car and black leather interior.

I’ve been thinking about my grandpa B a lot lately. As you all may recall, he passed away the first weekend I was back in Georgia (January of this year). I go through family photo albums a lot, just missing the times I had with him. He had a horse and pony. I sort of took ownership of the pony, though my cousins would argue they did the same. I can remember riding bareback. Actually, that’s pretty much the way we always did, though we did occasionally use the saddle. He never invested in that equestrian apparel stuff. Didn’t have a need for that stuff really.

Anyway.. it’s been nice going through albums but it does make me miss my summers with my grandparents.

It seems like all I’ve done for the last couple of months is buy gifts. It started with my mom and dad’s birthdays, followed by all of my siblings’ birthdays, then we had Mother’s day and now Father’s day. I’ve lost my touch with gift buying though. I seem to have so much trouble finding the right gifts. I have no idea, really, about what I’m going to get my dad. He honestly doesn’t need anything, per him, and he says he’s not sure about anything he really wants. Great! I know he’s mentioned he’s been looking for a compact flash memory for his camera, and he’s mentioned something about an electric screwdriver too. I guess I couldn’t go wrong with either of those, so I may look for those one day this week.

Any suggestions? This will be the first year I’ve been home for Father’s day in a couple of years. I’d like to do something extra special this year.

I wound up with today off, though I only managed that by having to work tomorrow. I had several errands to run after catching up on cleaning and laundry. I decided to stop in at a few shoe stores to find a pair of dressy sandals. That mission was not accomplished. I was so annoyed with the selection. Maybe it’s just that I’m not into all of the latest styles, or something? I don’t know, but some of those sandals just look so silly to me. I was wondering how in the world some of those would actually stay on. I also became really annoyed at the last store because most of the boxes were without price tags. One of those Honeywell Barcode Scanner thingies would have come in handy for sure.

This is kind of the reason I hate shopping. I either can’t find what I’m looking for or the items aren’t priced, or in some cases, the items are overpriced. Ah well. I suppose I’ll just have to make my shoe purchases online, huh?

Seems like it’s done nothing but rain here for the last couple of weeks. Well, I guess that’s kind of true though. It’s a little depressing at times when you want to get outside and do something, but I guess those things will have to wait until the weather cooperates a little better. I was sitting at my window earlier watching the dark clouds roll in and the wind whipping the trees around like toothpicks. Shortly before the rain began to pour down I noticed hail pounding the ground, the patio furniture, the plants and anything else that got in it’s way coming down. Made me wish I were somewhere else, perhaps the Riviera hotel in Vegas. That could be nice, but I guess that would depend on what kind of weather is going on in Vegas too. I wouldn’t want to go some place like that and not get out and do a little sight seeing, you know?

I’m not able to take any of my PTO days for 6 months, but you better believe when I can, I will!

I’m still alive, can you believe it?

I’ve been so busy with work and healing from a nasty upper respiratory infection. The job is going OK. It’s been a little frustrating dealing with the current schedule and not really having an outline of what my duties and responsibilities are exactly. I guess that’s to be expected with a new position, and by that I mean new to this department and company. I’ve been working 12 hours shifts, 4 days a week and it’s really kicking my arse. On the days that I’m off, I’m usually trying to get caught up on household chores and other things, much of that time being devoted to my family, friends and Joseph. Life has been very busy. I’ll be working 8 out of the next 10 days. Sounds fun, huh?

Everything is good though, for the most part. Can’t really complain about anything. I’m hoping my divorce will be final soon. There are still a few things that have to be worked out, but I meet with my lawyer Thursday to discuss that and hopefully finalize everything. Looking forward to closing this chapter of my life for good. I’m really looking forward to my future, so getting this out of the way will definitely relieve some lingering stress. I had a sister day with Nikki (youngest sister) a few days ago. A full day of pampering in celebration of her birthday. We got manicures, pedicures, massages and did a little shopping, where I bought myself a new personalized tote bag. Who would have imagined that? What, with my love of handbags and all!

In the mix of life, I sort of let this place go. My work schedule should be normal beginning June 2nd when I start my 7am-3pm shifts Mon-Fri. I’m hoping that will allow a little time here and there for me to keep up with the blog-world. Maybe there won’t be such a big gap between some of my entries then.

Some of the physicians we work with occasionally bring in all kinds of goodies for the rest of the staff where I work. This week someone brought in all kinds of chocolate. Now that’s not normally a weakness for me (give me lemon meringue and I’m good to go), but I have to admit that I scarfed down a couple of pieces of chocolate today. I really needed the pick me up after the day we wound up having. It got so busy I just couldn’t contain myself. Kind of feeling like I should take an appetite suppressant tomorrow, haha. This weekend is the onion festival, so there will be so much going on. We’re bound to be busy as all get out!

Cross your fingers that we have a good day!

Most people that would look at me face, arms, hands and legs today would likely think I was in desperate need of acne treatment. Apparently mosquitoes like the way I taste. Over the last few days I’ve noticed at least a dozen bites on me. I’ve been outside a lot lately, so I’m only guessing that I’m being bitten while I’m out there. It’s kind of annoying though because I never see the buggers.

I also have wasp sting on my right leg. It’s been about 3 weeks since I was stung and it’s still not healed. Apparently my mom didn’t see the stinger still in there the first time she looked at it. I had to have my aunt have another look at it, so I’m having to use an ointment on it now. It’s still swollen and red, but thankfully it’s no longer hurting.. so, yay!

I can’t believe it’s almost Mother’s Day. I have no idea what I’m going to do for my mom this year. I know she’s not into sexy lingerie or anything, lol. I’m thinking that I could treat her to a day of pampering. Take her to lunch, then set her up with a massage, manicure and pedicure. I think she’ll enjoy something like that, or I hope she will. I’m also thinking of doing something similar for my youngest sister who has a birthday next month. I may try and work it out so that they can go on the same day, and may even schedule something for myself too. I could do it as a mother/daughter day.

I guess I need to figure something out for my dad’s girlfriend too. I think I’ll set her up with a pedicure. Unfortunately I can’t afford do go all out for her. :/

I should probably start figuring all of this out. Mother’s day will be here before I know it!

I’m alive. Oh yes I am!

I started my new job last Thursday. I have to admit, I was a little nervous about the job as a whole. It was a new position there, so I’m the first to hold it. Kind of nerve racking. My second day proved to be a tester. I thought I’d just give up after clashing with one of the nurses. I decided that wouldn’t be a great idea, so instead I just gave it right back to him and ever since he’s been really nice. Guess he was testing me?

This week has been so busy though. A lot to learn, and sometimes the stress gets to me. I’m thinking that signing up for one of those wine of the month things. Maybe a glass of wine will help me wind down in the evenings!

I may be a stranger still, for the next couple of weeks as adjust to my schedule and the job as a whole. I’ll do my best to keep you all updated as much as I can!

I start my new job at 8am tomorrow morning. To say that I’m a bit nervous is an understatement. I’m excited too, so hopefully the knots that are growing in my belly will fizzle out soon enough. This job just sort of happened, kind of like other things in my life right now. It’s a welcomed change. I’m really hoping it works out and I enjoy it.

My updates may be few and far between over the next 2 weeks, while I’m undergoing training. I’ll be working 5 days a week those 2 weeks, but will gradually move into my normal 12 hours, 3 days a week schedule. Twelve hours is a lot, but I’m hoping the steady pace will keep my occupied and keep the clocking ticking away quickly.

I still haven’t gotten a single thing from my ex. That’s right, 2 months after he supposedly sent my things.. nothing is here, including the damn mixer I’m longing for (belonged to my grandma Mac). I’ve accepted that he’s merely lied and I’ll likely never see any of my things again.. That’s OK though. If he can sleep well at night that way, let him.

My mom must be expecting that I won’t have much time once I start the new job. She immediately scheduled a mother/daughter shopping day for tomorrow. We’re going to have lunch too, and I’m actually planning on staying with her tonight. I’m not much of a shopping person these days, but I do enjoy spending time with her and she actually loves to shop. I do think I’d like to buy myself a new pair of shoes, possibly some new Mary Janes. I have a pair now but there isn’t much of a heel on them, and I kind of like heels on shoes like that. Dansko has a couple of really nice ones, but I’m on a budget, so I’m not sure that I would be willing to spend a lot for any shoes at this time.

I’m hoping that my mom and I will be doing the pedicure thing tomorrow. I’m just itching for one, plus I could use a fill-in on these solar nails I got talked into getting! By the way, solar nails are fabulous. They’re much more natural looking and last much longer between fill-ins. I can get away with nearly 4 weeks between without them looking really bad.

I guess I should go get packed now though. I’ll be heading out in a couple of hours.

I have often thought about going back to school, and at one point even considered a career in education. With a program like Saint Xavier University’s online MS Instruction, those of us with busy lifestyles have the opportunity to continue our education with their flexible schedules. They’re one of the largest (2nd to be exact) providers of teachers for the state of Illinois at it’s graduate level. Saint Xavier University is accredited by the NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education), so you know your training will be professional, thorough and it will enhance your understanding of curricular issues and the impact they have on on instructional practice.

As a person with an increasingly crazy busy life, this would provide a nice option to continue my education if or when I do decide to give it a try again.

Well it seems my design days will be quite limited in the near future. A little over a week ago a job sort of fell into my lap. I had no intentions of working outside of my home, but it was an opportunity I simply couldn’t turn down. Plus the fact that it’s only 3 days a week with 12 hour shifts is kind of nice. It’ll still allow me to do a little design work but not like I’ve done over the last 6 or so months. The pay is really good, plus it has benefits and that’s the main reason I cannot turn this down.

I have an interview for the position Thursday, but considering the person interviewing me and their position there… it’s just for the ‘records’ you know?

I finally feel like my life is getting back on track. It’s been a slow process, but I feel safe saying that life is good now!