Less hair for the good of others

Here I am after having 8 inches of hair cut off. Not only do I feel lighter, look younger and have a new bounce in my step, my hair is going to help make a womans life feel a little less painful. I'm donating my hair to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths donation program, and they are teaming up with the American Cancer Society in order to make wigs that will be dontated to women who have lost their hair due to their fight with cancer. It's a win win situation for me and I like my new summer cut - what do ya think?

Office Politics

Surviving the working world means much more than a job well done after a tough day at the office. The daily grind and ins and outs of office chatter is exhausting. One of the toughest aspects of my job is dealing with the many unique personalities. I have to curtail and tailor my office etiquette to please so many different management styles, preferences and it sends my mind whirling around like a tornado. Sometimes I feel so out of control and pulled in so many different directions I feel sea sick - please pass the Dramamine.

Another horrifying pet peeve is office gossip, back stabbing and down right two faced "adults" who never seemed to graduate from their high school antics. This behavior down right infuriates me and suffocates my well being. I simply loathe the whispering, smile to your face, stab you in the back behavior that goes on, but, unfortunately, it comes with the territory. These behaviors make me feel paranoid, uncomfortable and more importantly, takes my mind off my work.

Some days these idiosyncrasies don't affect me at all, but some days, like the days this week, it just tears me a part;especially when it is so blatant. I know, I should be mature enough to let it go in one ear and out the other, let it slide right off my back, just ignore it. And, I do for the most part, but my easy going, laid back, c'est la vie attitude is worn out. My take it easy slot is all filled up. I feel like exploding and as I'm sitting at my desk I feel like I wanna run and escape the chatter.

Maybe I'm overreacting, maybe I'm just sick and tired, maybe everybody else needs to just grow up and pay more attention to the important things like doing their job, and thinking about going home to their families. Take a good look at the view - the big picture - and I guarantee you it's not gonna reflect any of the snide gossip or games played at the office. In a few years no one is going to care who finds out the dirt on the next hire or who got what raise or why this person doesn't seem to do their job right, etc. etc.

My synopsis............I'm ready for my vacation. The countdown begins-- I'm already mentally on the beach, listening to the waves roll in, seagulls overhead, and a gentle breeze blowing my hair as I watch my family play and splash in the refreshing water - aaahhh suddenly the office seems far away and barely visible. At the bottom of the ocean - the sharks are circling, but I'm safe on the sand reading a good book and escaping the chirps of office politics.

Knee surgery

My husband had surgery on his knee today. He had a torn meniscus and was in excruciating pain. Everything went well aside from being groggy and a throbbing pain in his knee. The doctor repaired the tear, shaved off a few jagged edges and even removed some arthritis. In the journey from the car to the house, he was able to utilize his crutches and even put a little pressure on his knee. I'm thankful all went well and he's resting peacefully at home in his recliner.

Happy 91st Birthday to Great Grandma Young

For many, today was a day off from work, sleeping in, kicking back or maybe doing some yard work. It was also a day to celebrate 91 years of living for Eleanor Young. We celebrated Great Grandma's birthday by having lunch with the family at the assisted living facility where Eleanor lives. I'm not sure if Eleanor was the oldest, but I'm pretty sure that Nolan and Zachery were the youngest. We ate barbecued chicken, potato salad and baked beans. The meal was delicious and Grandma kept telling everyone how delighted she was to have her family there with her today. It meant a lot to her and to us to share this special day with her.

Degree Seeking Mom

I wish I would have known my career path sooner. I would have loved to have graduated from High School and gone to college and graduated in 4 years. Then got the job of my dreams and started into a career that was actually in my field of study. But NOOO, instead I'm 35, a full-time working mother of two and I'm taking college courses now while cramming everything else in my life at once. I know I'm not alone in this desperate quest for a college degree. If only back then I would have realized how important it was to go ahead and get it done while I was young, energetic and childless. That is one thing I would have done differently. If I could turn back the hands of time, I would have gotten my degree while I had less responsibility. These days, having a degree makes a huge difference in your chances at a decent paying job and with the job market the way it is right now, every extra edge or advantage is a huge benefit. Education is important and is something that can never be taken away from you. Knowledge is power and in my experience, so is having a degree. I plan on continuing and forging ahead with my plans in obtaining a Bachelors' degree, one class at a time. Better late than never!

Summer break

I remember that feeling just before Summer break. There was an excitement in the air, an extra bounce in my step and the feeling that I made it - another school year under my belt. AAAHHHH - time for fun, staying up late, sleeping in, swimming and all about having a good time.

My son, Zachery, is at that moment now. The last week of school before summer break sets in. This Friday will be his last day. I brought this up last night at dinner and he said, we won't do much this week except "mostly party and a little learning." I thought that was pretty funny and probably accurate. I know this is a difficult time for the teachers, because according to the calendar there's 5 more day of school left; but as far as the kids are concerned - summer has arrived.

My life

I remember as a child wondering what I would be like as a grownup. What kind of career path would I take, would I marry, have children, where would I live, what kind of house would I have. Through the eyes of a young, inexperienced and naive little girl I imagined a fairytale of the invincible career driven and successful woman carrying a briefcase wearing a designer suit with high heel shoes and an impeccable outward appearance. There was also the beautifully decorated home and manicured yard with perfectly well behaved and mannered little children dressed in their Sunday best. A husband who thought the sun rose and set in my honor and thought of me as the Queen of his world. HELLO!! Wake up and smell the coffee - which I happen to drink every morning, by the way. The future is just unimaginable, unpredictable and never what you expect it to be. As I look back at my youth I realize life's experiences has shed a great deal of ignorance, naivety and innocence; slowly peeled away over time and exposing the real me. My core was always there it was just covered up with circumstances and environmental exposure inhibiting the real beauty...........my inner beauty. The part that really counts. While my life is not perfect, it's as perfect as it can be. I have a husband and two children that mean the world to me, a beautiful home, stable job and friends and family who love me. All of these may have faults, imperfections and trying times, but it's my life. Maybe not the perfect life I imagined as a child, but a life better than I ever imagined. I can truly say that I do appreciate all that life has given me and I don't take any of it for granted. I feel so lucky to be me and each day I feel more and more blessed.

A new era

Life as we know it has changed. Gone are the days of placing Nolan in one spot and finding him there moments later. Safety is now of the up most importance. Now I'm forced to keep my floors clean too and that alone is a feat in itself. Brian and I had to lower the crib so that our little climber stays put and unhurt. He's already pulling up on things and reaching and grabbing for anything he can get his cute, pudgy hands on. Let the games begin.

Time Travel Part 2

It seems there is a trend in my life lately. Bizarre, maybe, but welcomed. I saw the Bon Jovi concert which took me back in time and now I've reconnected with Allison. She was my very best friend growing up. From the instant we met in 2ND grade we were inseparable. We quickly became friends and stayed that way until we graduated from Bauder College. After that we went our separate ways, but thanks largely in part to the world wide web we've started getting reacquainted again.

I'm very happy to say that she has a beautiful family and seems to be in a happy existence. What more can you wish for someone that is near and dear to your heart? It's hard to believe that it's been probably 14 years since we've talked, just about the same amount of time that we were best friends.

Usually things happen in three's. What next? Oh man, does that mean Jordache jeans will be back in style? Or worse yet, those dreaded jelly shoes? Time will tell.................my heart does feel happier knowing that Allison is doing well.

My handsome baseball player

This is my handsome son, Zachery. He plays baseball through the Park and Rec here in town and has come to really enjoy the game. He started out at 3rd base, but the last game he was the starting pitcher. He struck out many players and pitched almost the entire game. While up to bat, he hit an infield home run. They won 18-7. What a game! I missed it because of the concert, but we have another game tomorrow night and I can't wait to cheer the team on. I'm very proud of him, not only because he is a team player, but because of the mature way he handles himself. Playing sports teaches kids so many valuable lessons: being a part of a team, sportsmanship, confidence booster, dealing with winning and losing, having fun and benefiting from exercise. It's a great feeling to be a part of something. Go Twins!!!

Do you believe in Time Travel?

Last night I traveled in time. I instantaneously went back to the 80's. It was painless, quick and fun to do. My perspective of the 80's was so different coming from my 35 years of age - minus the BIG hair, bangle bracelets and Guess jeans.

It amazes me that an era can bring about a different side to a person. In this case a musical era. Back in high school I LOVED Bon Jovi. It took me until now to see them in concert, but it was worth the wait. As soon as they played "Shout through the Heart", "Wanted, Dead or Alive" and many other classics I was whipped back in time. I could feel a surge in my heart as I belted along in unison, word for word the lyrics that somehow have managed to stay nestled in my brain.

The band looked and sounded great! They no longer have big hair, tight leather jeans or other visual indications of their younger days, but they sounded fantastic. The arena was packed with people of all walks of life........young, old,male, female and even small children. What an array of fans. I guess when you've been around for a while your fan base stretches wide. The opening act was Daughtry - from American Idol - boy he could let it rip.

Because of the concert, we missed Zachery's baseball game.....BOOHOO :(
A co-worker, who's son is on the same team, took Zachery to the game and Grandma Paula picked up Nolan and went to the game. Brian and I called and found out that Zachery hit an infield home run and was the starting pitcher who struck out quite a few players - YAY Zachery! You did great! I'm so proud of you.

Needless to say, I'm tired today, but hey I'll manage. I am a mom after all and we mother's can do anything. Right?

Thanks to Uncle Wes for the tickets!! You're awesome.