Wait.....What?

Well, back again. Found a new sitter, who never showed up or called. Figures. Then I found another one. She was 30 minutes early the first night. Great babysitter. Super nice, working out wonderfully! I just hope it stays this way. So, I'm working on getting Quinn back home, very very soon. Like in the next couple of days.

My friend and my ex don't get along. I posted something on Facebook about work that annoyed me. One of those status shuffle things, that said exactly how I was feeling at the moment, but said absolutely nothing about work, so I can't get into trouble for it. Anyways, he commented on it, and she commented back. It went back and forth without my knowledge for a few remarks. When I finally found it two hours later, I deleted it all. And I told her that she shouldn't have done that because now I have to deal with the crap that goes along with it. Hopefully he never saw her last comment. Hope doesn't tend to follow me around very often, so he of course saw it. I heard about it, and how I need to delete her as a friend. I don't do well with being told what to do anymore, and I especially won't allow somebody else to pick my friends. So she's still there, and I stood my ground. Since we have kids together, he has to get over it, just like I have to get over things, too. I seem to have a little more trouble with that than he does.

The babysitter took us grocery shopping last night. Spent about an hour longer than I should have, simply because I took the children with us. I don't think I'll be doing that anytime in the near future again! They ask questions about EVERYTHING, and it takes me three times as long to find the right can of soup that's on sale, or whatever it is I was looking for. By the time we got to the end of the store, I was so fried and burned out from them that I skipped the last few things on the list just so I could get home. She also brought her vacuum cleaner over. I am in love! I'm so excited to have clean floors again! I've been vacuuming all day, just because I can!

Tina Fey is being honored for some Mark Twain thing on tv tonight, and I have it on. Chayse read the title of the program and promptly asked all surprised, "Shania Twain is married??" What? Oh, I get it. "No, Mark Twain was an author. He wrote great books, and he's long dead." "Oh. Like what?" So I named a couple. Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn. "Nope. Don't know those ones. So, was Shania Twain ever married?" And this is where the good education is getting us.........!

Feeling Stupid....

Well, first of all, my sitter bailed. She promised the girls that she would come and sit with them if they needed her to, and when they called she said she would call them back, her boyfriend was coming over with dinner. She never called. She didn't take them to church on Sunday, and didn't take them the church classes on Wednesday. They seem to think that she still cares. I feel bad.

I was walking home the other day from work and realized how nice it is here. The birds were singing, it was cool, the water was calm under the bridge, palm trees were gently blowing. And it made me think about how you learn different things about where you grow up. Winter or fall here, is easy. Some here think that it's hard, and cold, but really, it's normal. 40 degrees below zero is not normal, but 20 degrees is. It's still cold, but it can get colder! You adapt to the freezing weather, and learn how to do everything from building a house in summertime, to parking your car in the winter. These things you dont need to know here. Here, you need to know where to find the snakes and how to avoid heat stroke. You don't dare swim in the water here unless it's the ocean. All the lagoons could have alligators, and if they didnt have one yesterday, one might have moved in overnight. Watch for deer when you're driving, but more importantly, watch for alligators crossing, or just chilling in the road. Anyways, things are completely different growing up here versus Minnesota. And unless you're a transplant, you wouldn't ever consider life any other way.

When I got home after my thought-provoking walk, I was a bit mortified as to what I came home to. Tripping over blankets on the floor, I found the light switch, only to reveal candy wrappers, dishes, and clothes all over. I started to clean things up a bit and when I finally sat down with my breakfast, I found hair on the table next to a pair of scissors. Hair! I thought they outgrew this YEARS ago! Even though Riley still has super short bangs thanks to her hair-cutting incident a few months ago. They just never learn. Chayse did it this time, because her 'hair was hard', and rather than washing it, she just cut it. I let them sleep in because I just wasnt ready to deal with them yet. I was awaken at 10am to my door whipping open and the girls frantically yelling about something. Of course they sounded panicked, so that's what I did, panic. Something's wrong, right? Of course it is. Chayse sat in the chair Riley wanted, and Riley was there first, or some stupid thing. I never know what they're fighting about. Back to sleep! For a half an hour. Start again.....I finally just got up at 11. But then they wanted me to stay in bed, and were super nice. Too late though....

I spent a day fighting with the ex-hubby, and over stupid things, too. Like how he can never get a dog again because I don't want one. Huh?? Get a dog! Just don't bring it to my house. I tried to watch a movie with the girls and the hour and a half movie took us all day to watch! Then we went on the computer and were looking through FaceBook. Got a stupid virus. Took me two days to get it out, but I fixed it all by myself! Works great again.

Yesterday was spent trying to get my cat off the roof. He went up there at some point, following Lucky, the little female. She bounces around the rooftops like it's a game, but K is older and sturdier. Not so 'bouncy' anymore. He's still stuck up there. Poor thing. I've put cat food out, tuna out, stacked chairs, totes, and baskets to make it a less far drop for him. Nothing. He's still up there. And the fire department doesnt do cat rescues anymore. Yes, I called the fire department about my cat.

Tonight, my thirteen hour night, my kids called me and asked me 'to get on fb'. What the heck is fb, and how do I get on it? Duh! FaceBook! I thought my mom was silly for not understanding the lingo back then. Guess it's my turn now......

Been Awhile....

Well, where do I begin? It's been so long. Let me try to remember what's been going on.....We had Halloween. That was fun. Riley was a ninja princess, and Chayse was a disco diva. They were cute. We went trick-or-treating at a small community down the road with one of their friends. Chayse lasted about ten minutes in her 'disco boots'. They came off and she ran around in socks for awhile, until we went back by the car and she switched into flip-flops. Riley's ninja headband came off pretty quickly, too, and found it's way into her bag. They didnt get much there, so they wanted to walk around our little neighborhood. That was just a waste of time. The cat came with us, and we knocked on about 50 doors, only about 7 answered. And 3 of those didnt have any candy. Later that night, kids will be kids, and they begged for candy, and more candy. Then they snuck even more when they were told no. Needless to say, I had two sick kids that night.

This week we have no school. I have no idea why they get a week off, but they do. Just random reasons, I guess. So it's not been fun at home. This morning I went to bed at about 730 after working all night. At about 10 am they both came running in screaming that the other one was hitting her, but she started it, no I didnt you did! Nobody wants to wake up to that! And to top it off, when I tried to roll over to go back to sleep after they finished yelling at each other - they didnt even need me! - they came back in. About three times. By the last time, I was overly fed up and told them that I was getting up now. I was told to stay in bed, I need to sleep. Huh? Why would they tell me that now, when they woke me up with fighting? I will never understand them.

On another note, my 'hubby' got a job finally. Working hard instead of hardly working now. It's about time, but he says it feels good to be out there doing some work. I wouldnt know, since I've been working for a long time. Last time I had four months off was probably when we moved down here. I had to get the kids set up in school, unpack the house, get everyone acclimated to South Carolina living. I didnt work for five months at that point, but I stayed pretty busy.

So, one step at a time, we'll continue down this new journey...........

Back To Work.....

Well, another day at work begins. I'll recap my lovely 'weekend'. Monday morning was a typical bad morning in my house. Just like most others. Slamming doors, screaming, crying, yelling. Not to mention what the girls do! No, I'm just kidding. I try to remain as calm as possible, I'm not the one crying and slamming doors. After school wasn't much better. Tuesday was a repeat of Monday.

On Monday though, when I got home from my twelve hour shift, I turned on the kitchen light to see the gallon of milk still sitting there! Needless to say, I kinda flipped out. But they were home. So, I went into their room, and gutted it. Very therapeutic, and very necessary. It was overrun with crap. Then I took my short nap, since I was supposed to have a meeting with HR about my insurance. I had to walk up to the office. All went well, and I even got my new work boots! Even though the size of them is extremely depressing. When the girls got home, I impatiently waited for them to go into their room, where it was clean. Chayse finally went in, and screamed "Mom! What did you do with all our stuff?!?!?!" To which Riley said, "What is she talking about?" and walked in there to see for herself. To their horror and dismay, nothing was left except uniforms and beds. I told them that I threw everything away, and that the garbage man had already come that day. I really only threw away the garbage, a bag and a half worth! The rest went into my closet. The yelling and blaming went on with slamming doors for about a half hour. They stepped up, for one night. Now, amazingly, their room is a mess again, and they don't have anything in it! I really don't understand this.

Tuesday morning was rough, again. So I walked to the beach. It was a BEAUTIFUL day. The soft, white bubbles were floating over the glittery sand. Warm sun shining on my face. I don't get to see the sun much, so it was extra nice. Even butterflies were flying over the water! It was peaceful and quiet. On my way home I stopped off for an ice cream bar and a Coke. Both of which I hardly ever splurge on. So my near perfect day cost me $2 and a few miles on the beach. Then the girls came home......

Our lists are absolutely not working any longer. They did their chores better when they weren't reminded with a list! The laundry finally got done, because I threatened to throw away Riley's pants if she tried to wear them again before washing them. She told me that she washed them last month, so she didn't know why she had to wash them again. I do their laundry sometimes, if it's brought out. I don't expect them to do it ALL. But those uniform pants never made it to the washer. They're done now! The dishwasher is still clean, and full. It's never-ending. If the cats didn't sit at the door and meow for their food, they probably wouldn't get any either! (I would feed them, but they would have to wait until the bus comes, and they REALLY don't like to wait!) Don't know what to do anymore.....

Today, I finally made it to the grocery store. You have no idea how good real food tastes! I had to call a cab, which was a new experience for me. Very expensive, but so worth the food! After I spent almost two hours getting everything after a month of no groceries, it took me almost an hour to unpack it all! I thought I had done great shopping. I spent $147 and my cart was overflowing, and the cashier had to bring out two bags that wouldn't fit. But after I sat down and looked over my receipt, I saw that MOST of my items hadn't rung up properly. It appears that she didn't scan my store card, so I should have saved an extra $30-$40! That's a lot of money, and I called the store manager. I'm going back tomorrow to get my money back. But I'm not calling a cab this time!

Oh, and as far as my date went on Monday, it didn't happen. So much for loser guys!

Parenting......

I was just watching an interview with Jamie Lee Curtis on the new show 'The Talk'. Hey, it's late at work, I'm bored, and I watch tv shows. Actually, not that bad so far though. Anyhow, back to the interview. She was saying how her mother's generation of parents were more 'custodial' parents, meaning they provided for their kids, but left them to their own devices. And unfortunately, parents today are far too 'friendly' with their kids. I was thinking about it, and she's right. To be a good parent, is it better to applaud little Johnny for climbing the ladder to the slide every time he does it, or is it better to not notice when they get to the top and yell to show you? I know that I am so far from being the first of the two, and it makes me feel like a terrible parent, for not being at every PTA meeting, and running every bake sale, as I see some mothers doing. But I don't think I'm the type to completely ignore my kids, either. So if one extreme or the other is undesirable, maybe being somewhere in the middle, as I am, is the better parenting strategy? I want them to be able to talk to me, but I don't have the energy or time to be ecstatic over the tiniest accomplishment. Good job you got a 'A' on your report card! Not so much good jobbing done for riding your bike, that you've been doing for five years........

My Weekend Isn't Like Yours......

My weekend started on Wednesday and ended today, Saturday. Beutiful weather, good times, not a bad 'weekend' at all! Wednesday was a good day to sleep after working, not much happened that night. Thursday was a frantic search to find a ride to a dr's appointment for the girls, all the way in Bluffton! (About a 40 minutes drive, plus the pitstop at the school to get them) Finally found one, a lady I work with. We had fun. Stopped for lunch at Subway, man I miss those sandwiches! Then went to see the doc. All's well, pretty much. Chayse needs to see a therapist, and we're putting her on mild anti-depressants. I don't really like the idea, but I was depressed as a kid, and I don't want her feeling like I did.

After a long ordeal at Walmart Pharmacy, we left with no meds. So now I have to find another ride when they come in. What a mess!! Riley's Halloween costume came. She's going to be an Arabian Princess, or a Ninja Princess. It all depends on her mood that day, and where she decides to wear her belt. Normal would be Arabian Princess, but Riley is FAR from normal, so she of course already tied it around her forehead, and think she looks like a ninja, so we'll see what we end up with! We're still in a desparate search for a costume for Chayse. Fingers crossed I find her ANYTHING at this point!

I got rid of the dog Friday night. Wonderful family in Charleston. I'm confident he's in a better home than I could ever give him. And it's been so peaceful, and so much less stressful in the house since he's left. The rabbit has been able to be out more, which is kind of backfiring so far. He's happy to be running around, and happy to be chewing on all my cords again! As of this afternoon, I have no internet, since my lovely Mr. Petey decided that the cord for that should be lunch. Ugh! If it's not one animal, it's another! I should just go back to my cats!!

My sitter's mom called me and told me that she needs her at home, every night. Apparently Mom is going through a divorce, and is very child-dependant, so she needs her 19 year old daughter home with her every night. How is this fair to the daughter? Or to me, I'm going through a divorce, too! It's not easy, I depend on my kids for strength, too. But I also realize that it isn't fair to them to make them pick up my pieces. I just don't understand some parents. At least she can stay until I find a new one. It was just so hard to find this one....

On another note, a friend called and asked me out to dinner Monday night. My kids are extremely upset. No idea how to handle this one. Sure, he's a guy, but he's just a friend, and they even know him! I need adult time, and free food.......Wonder where I'll be going?

Really??

So apparently I'm really stupid. And I agree. I believed him and his lies for years, and then I stopped believing. When I stopped believing he left for another woman, even though they're "just friends" or "roommates" with whom I found out tonight is WAAAAAYYYYYY more than both!! Because she called me!! And guess where my wedding ring mysteriously turned up? At their house. And guess who was supposed to be getting a ring soon, 'from a pawn shop, but it needs to be sized because its too big', of course? It couldn't be mine, right? Yeah, except that when she sent me a picture, it was MY ring! Why wouldn't I listen to anybody before? The last few months he hasn't been able to pull the wool over my eyes, so when people told me the last few months, I wasn't surprised by anything, except my ring. That really shocked me. Who steals a wedding ring from the woman they SAY they want to work things out with, just so they can move in with the girlfriend, and give her the wedding ring?! A very expensive ring, that I paid for! The whole 'I never wanted to hurt you' thing is crap. He lead me to believe he wanted to be with me, not her, because he didn't want to hurt me? More like he didn't want to lose this option in case she turned out to be nuts! And if she stays with him after all of this, she is nuts! And she actually told me she wanted to be a part of my son's life. Like hell, I say! I feel really stupid to have been sucked in by all of his lies. Even the kids don't like him. I had to beg them to play nice and talk to him on their birthday. Some birthday, talking to a father you can't stand? Sure shows they love me though. I love my little monsters, no matter how frustrating they can be. They can really step up when I need them to. Even if it is after 1 am before they finally get to bed!

In store for another WONDERFUL day tomorrow! Wonder what lies ahead for me then.........