Lessons learned

Every relationship we have in our lives teaches us something new, and that was very apparent tonight at work.  As I came into work there was an obvious developmentally disabled man wandering the store.  Not causing trouble, just wandering.  After I had settled at my register, he stopped by and asked what time it was because C-Van was to pick him up at 5:30 - it was 6:15.  Well, it's not unlike C-Van to sometimes be late, so off he went to wait in the vestibule. 

I got busy with customers and suddenly I realized that it was 7:05 and he was still sitting there waiting for the bus.  Hmmmmm, C-Van can be late, but I haven't heard of it being 1.5hrs late.  I called back to customer service and told Nicole the story and said that I was going to send him back and have her call the phone number on his bus pass hanging around his neck.  I went out to him and told him the time and that it's been 1.5 hours and that Nicole will call for him and sent him on his way.  He gave me all of his bags to hold - good thing cuz about 5 min later Nicole called me to say that she's only getting "we're closed" messages.  I then opened the mans bags and went through his belongings looking for a number to someone who can come get this poor man.  Luckily, there was a canceled check with a his name and another name with phone number.  

Nicole called and found out that it's his sister.  She was NONE too pleased to find out that we were calling.  She gave Nicole some lame excuses and then said she'd call right back.  About 25 min later she called back (it's now 7:55) and said she wanted someone to walk him to the nearest bus stop.....um NO!!  Nicole put her on hold and called me.  I said that Nicole needs to tell the sister that she needs to come get her brother.  The sister then sighed and said that she had "things to do first" and she'd be there in an hour.   AN HOUR!!!  He's already been at the store for several hours, he keeps stating that his Depends are full.

I kept checking on him and he kept coming to talk to me.  He was so sweet.  There were times he was on the verge of tears, times where he would crack a joke, times when he'd "bother" customers in line, but mostly just wondering where his sister was.  I would patiently tell him that he needed to go back and wait for his sister. 

It was then 9:10 and he was STILL there.  I started work at 6pm, when I first encountered him, so it's been 3 hours he's been waiting to go home.  I was just walking up to him so I could get his information to report this incident to Adult Protective Services tomorrow when his sister pulled up and he walked out.  DAMN! 

My manager knows this man and his back story.  Apparently the sister either drops him off at various places for the entire day - every day.   He's been banned from Best Buy, Fred Meyers and Target. 

As I said previously, every relationship teaches us something.  Through our time together, I listened to the stories, listened to the frustration, listened to the fun that DD people can bring to lives.   I learned how to be patient, calm and understanding to the DD community.  I learned, somewhat, how the system works and that was very apparent tonight with Duane. 

Dirty Talk

I LOVE to garden, to get dirty, the mindless energy.  I love the feel of the dirt, the smell, the picking out of flowers, veggies and herbs.   I love seeing the beauty of the flowers as they mature and reaping the rewards of the edibles planted. 

Living in an apartment, I don't get the luxury of having a garden, instead I'm learning a new way to garden - container gardening.  Since I was burned out on cleaning the inside of my house,  I decided to get outside and get dirty.   After getting back from the store with the dirt and plants, I took off my shoes and started planting.  I have planted an herb container, tomato plant, strawberries and flowers!   I'm so very excited.  If I had the funds, my patio would be one HUGE flower/veggie garden of container plants, but I don't so I'm settling with containers I had + one I bought today.  For less than $30, I made a small piece of wonderful in my backyard.  I'm going to search garage sales and thrift stores for more planters and plant stands because we have slugs out here and they'll infest my planters soon.  I hope that this summer brings us warm weather (last year was horrible), so that I can enjoy what I've created. 

Off to wash the dirt out from between my toes, under my nails and where ever else it landed and, for now, I will be content in my accomplishments this weekend. 

To all my Brothers and Sisters say - AMEN!!

Carpets are cleaned!!  They were quite gross and I'll probably be going over a few of the more dingy spots again tomorrow.  I want to see how they dry and after I vacuum.  I'm so excited.  Dunno what the poor dog is going to do tonight....there are no couches to lay on as they are holding up the chairs, so I think I'll put some towels on the kitchen floor and she can lay in there.   The house is about 90% done.  I still have to put away clothes in my room and wash the kitchen and bathroom floors - then I'm DONE!! 

I'm off to shower and get ready for class.  PHEW!  I'm tired, but quite pleased with what I've accomplished this weekend.  I'm hoping that tomorrow will be just for me to relax and be still....although doing that at the moment only leads to my brain going into overdrive, so who knows what tomorrow will bring.  For now, I'll just relish in the now. 

It really is Easy (Off).

I was thinking yesterday, that I'm doing the same thing this Memorial Day weekend that I did a year ago.  I am cleaning and organizing the apartment.  Yea, I'm full of fun.  Yesterday's cleaning plans didn't progress as I had on my list (I hate doing it, so I tend to get distracted easily - I feel like Doug from the movie UP.  SQUIRREL).  I was exhausted, so I didn't even start until after 11am.  However, I did get through D's room and have a HUGE box of old toys to sell, wooden train set, Little People garage...etc.  He'll be here Tuesday morning and get final decision over what I feel needs to go.  We already agreed that the train would go - hopefully he'll agree with the rest.    I was dreading cleaning my oven.  I've always had a self cleaning oven - just start the self cleaning, once it's cool, just wipe out the ash at the bottom of oven, not so sure that a regular oven would be so simple.  I bought some Easy Off and applied it Friday night to sit 8 hours overnight.   Just as the name implies, it was EASY!!   After it sat overnight, I opened the oven and took paper towels and just wiped away the crud.  After the major stuff was gone, I wiped it out with a damp rag - clean oven!  Today's plans include my room, bathroom and clean the carpets. 

I MUST get these carpets cleaned, they're grossing me out!!  MUST MUST MUST!!  I have 10 hours before I have to run off to class tonight, luckily I've done the homework already.  Yep, I'm taking a class that meets even on Holiday weekends (4th of July weekend too).  It's only 13 weeks long, so they just want to get it done before summer is completely over.  They also provide childcare, so the Sunday's I have D, he just comes along which is wonderful and keeps my stress down. 

Also, after much motivation from my brother, I am in full force of job hunting.  Even on the weekends I'm sending out massive amounts of resume's.  OH! And this week starts the Biggest Loser weight loss challenge that we've started in my MOMS Club!  There is about $100 on the line to WIN - and WIN I shall (got that ladies).  I just have to keep busy, it keeps my mind occupied.

Time to get dressed and go get some MAJOR caffeine supplies.  I think I'll walk up to the gas station and buy an AMP and newspaper. 

Still no camera.  DAMN!  I'll have to budget to buy a new one....UGH! 

The Walmart Song

http://www.break.com/index/people-of-walmart-song-2063156

Please be sure to pee before watching.  You've been warned! 

Out with the old, in with the .... clean!!

Dirt and stuff will be removed from this house this weekend!    I mentioned that a couple weeks ago I cleaned off my patio and purged some things that had been sitting out there - it motivated me to move forward.  Well, I've moved inside and this house is going to get cleaned, organized and purged of things that I no longer need, want or use.  I've already started with the kitchen.   When I say clean, I mean C L E A N!  The top of the fridge has been purged and then washed!  Tops of cabinets, inside/outside...etc.  This whole house will be done!  I really hate cleaning, but I'm really excited to get this done.  PLUS, I'm going to clean my carpets this weekend.  I have 5 days to get this done...No Problem!! 

Wish me luck!

Camera

Still no camera.  I was hoping that MAYBE D would walk off the bus holding my precious camera that someone just happened to find in a back pack yesterday.  Um, no.  Damn. 

Ding - I'm done!!

It's time for this day to be over....completely over.  I'm done.  I can't do anymore, nor can I take any more.  The day started ok, I was awake too early again when I could've slept in.  Went on D's field trip which was fun....until my camera went missing.  It's gone.  Don't know where it is.  I looked everywhere for it and the Kindergarten classes from school were the only ones there today.  I've left my name and number for them and even called this afternoon - no one found it. 

That just rounded out my morning - just before loading on the the bus, I received 2 rejection letters from two different employment agencies.  EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES!!  The ones that are supposed to help you find a job.  Apparently I'm not marketable.  To summarize what they said:   It's an employers market and they are being very specific in their hiring because of the market and the fee's they have to pay us (the agencies), so without consistant work in the last 3-5 years.....screw you.  Ok, I added the screw you part, but it's basically what they stated.  Don't call us, cuz we won't call you. 

FAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC!!!!!    As I mentioned a long time ago...shit rolls downhill and apparently I'm just standing in it's way. 

Stanley's return

Once again my teacher friend in WI has sent me a Flat Stanley from one of her 3rd grade students.  I got one last year and he had a busy busy time, Hazel Dell parade, Mt. St. Helens, the Columbia River, and a trip to Florida - where, unfortunately, I lost him!!  He was sent back to the school (thank goodness) and I sent the girl a whole report of his adventures and history of the area, but I'm not up to doing the same things again.  D probably won't want to head up to Mt. St. Helens again and I kinda just want to stay in the area. 

So, where to this year?  I'm not going anywhere on vacation until July, so....help!  My Couve/Portland friends - where should I take FS?  I was thinking the falls, Lewis and Clark area's...then where?   I take FS with me and take pictures of his "adventure".  I know that the students get a huge kick out of the photo's and info of where FS has been. 

Dozer Days 2011

Every 3rd weekend of May, a corporation in our town sponsors Dozer Days.  It's great for kids!  The event is at a stone quarry and the kids get to drive and work heavy machinery - digger machines, bull dozers, earth movers...etc.  D was all excited to go, so yesterday morning we headed off.  Trying to beat the crowds, we got there at 10:30 and they don't open until 11.  Ummmm, yea, it was a plan to beat the crowds, but the line was hella long getting in.

As we were standing in line a lady walked up to me and asked if we'd like some tickets - FREE!  Heck yea, I said!  They were legit tickets - I guess she's a teacher and her principal had given a bunch to each teacher.  WOO HOO!!  Yay me for getting there early!

Once the "doors" opened D pointed to the closest biggest digger machine to operate.  No line!  Again, YAY for going early.  Then he headed off to a bull dozer.  He climbed on huge tires, dug through a sand pit for toys, sat in a fire truck, got pelted with candy and as we were leaving we picked up some cotton candy.   D was ready to go in less than 1.5 hours, so I was REALLY glad that I didn't pay. 

 

Make Mine a Double - Day 15

Day 15 - Getting to witness a wonderful double rainbow.  

While my life isn't so cheery at the moment, seeing a double rainbow today lifted my spirits for just a moment.  

A rescue request - Day 14

Day 14 - listening to preschoolers play.
I have to say I have loved teaching preschool this year.  Almost every day the kids make me laugh.  We have had a love affair happening between Malcolm and Grace for the better part of this year.  Yes, they may only be 3, but it must be true love.  Today Grace stood in our 4ft tall castle outside beckoning Malcolm to come rescue her from the evil dragon.  Malcolm heard the distress call, unsheathed his pretend sword and ran toward the castle ready to slay the dragon and rescue his princess.  

Burn baby burn

Yesterday I decided to go help with our annual MOMS Club garage sale and while I thought I stayed within the garage for most of the time, apparently I didn't.  My arms have a farmers sunburn, my chest is fried and as I got into bed last night, I realized that my legs were slightly pink too!!  So, I'm looking HOT!!  Farmers sunburn (still beet red), capri length brown on my legs and flip flop marks on my feet!!  Thank goodness today is very overcast and cool, long sleeves and pants will be worn. 

Note to self - it's time for sunblock!!  I need to remember that for D too when we go to the pool.  He didn't get a burn these last 2 days, but I need to be vigilant. 

Sleeping in - Day 13

Day 13 - Having your child sleep in and you sleep in!!
I have witnessed a miracle - D slept in until 8am!!  HOLY COW!  D has always been an early riser - anywhere between 6-6:45am without fail.  Maybe he's going through a growth spurt, maybe this is a new thing or just a fluke, but whatever it is....I LOVED IT!! 

Purge - Day 12

Day 12 - getting rid of the stuff not used. 
A couple of weeks ago, I got a notice on my door stating that my patio needed to be cleaned off as it did not meet the "standards of the rental agreement".  I had about 10 plastic storage bins that have been sitting out there since moving in over a year ago (neatly stacked).  I had been saving them because....well, those darned things are expensive!!  I have been a believer that if you haven't used it in a year, then it's probably time to get rid of it, so I got rid of them.  Off they went to the MOMS Club garage sale that happens this weekend. 

Fact or Fiction, Who Cares!! - Day 11

Day 11 - indulging in celebrity gossip
My MOMS Club has an annual tradition of Secret Sisters.  Imagine, Secret Santa, but in the spring time.  Today my SS provided me with the latest People Magazine.  Oh, the pleasure of sitting down and reading it cover to cover!!  

Power Hour...uh, no - Day 10

Day 10 - getting a power nap.  
I am not one who takes long naps.  Nope, I'm a 15-20 min power napper.  Most of the time, if I nap more than 20 min, I wake up more groggy and unable to snap out of the sleep.  I am also one who doesn't like to waste the day away by sleeping through it (I'm an early riser too).  I powered through 13 hours of hiking out of the Grand Canyon, at night, after being up all day, survived on a 20 min power nap in the middle of the trail.  In the last 4 days, I've probably had about 15 hours of sleep, but a 20 min power nap really just does the trick to keep me moving. 

Speaker Up - Day 9

Ok, I see I'm a little behind on my 365 blog, so you may get two a day until I'm caught up.

Day 9 - Listening to music in the car as loud as it can go!!
My car has a 6 speaker sound system and I LOVE IT!!  I'm definitely a rocker chic and like to listen to my music loud and only get to enjoy it when I'm alone in the car.  Today - Linkin Park.  The drive home from Portland was awesome!

Bill Me Later - Day 8

Day 8 - Opening the mail and having NO bills!  

In fact I opened the mail and found that one credit card actually owes me $3!!  Yea, it's only $3, but it's better than me owing them! 

The Sound of Music - Day 7

Day 7 - Watching an elementary school performance.  
No everyone will agree with my choice, but as a former elementary teacher, I rather enjoy watching those kids perform.  Also, I have a minor in Children's Theater, so that helps as well.  Yesterday, I got to watch not 1 but 2 elementary performances.  The first was an "Informance" at D's school.  Just his Kindergarten class sang and danced.   LOVED IT!!  D was so nervous yesterday morning, but then I just said that it's OK to be nervous and when it happens he just needs to look at Mommy or Daddy.   Then, last night, C's 1st grade class had a performance.  She has been singing the songs for a couple of weeks, so it was nice to finally hear them from a group.   It's so wonderful that our kids get to experience performing, I feel that it's a great self esteem booster.  I love looking at the kids and seeing the kids who are putting their whole heart and soul into the song - mouths open wide, voices clearly heard and movements almost exaggerated.  Then there are the kids who just stand there almost shell shocked for a while - then they forget that they are standing before an audience and they start singing.  These performances may make your ears bleed from off key singing and they are not choreographed like a Broadway version of CATS, but I find them fun and heartwarming to watch. 

Seeing green rather than yellow Day - 6

Day 6 - Hitting every green light when you have to pee.   
Yep, I said it and it happened today.  Driving home from work and wondering if I was going to make it, but then I hit all green lights. 

You did what? & Where have the kids gone? Day -5

Day -5 Doing something that didn't require being told to do it (5 million times) & not hearing whining for 3 looong and wonderful hours!!  
Happy Mother's Day!  You get a two'fer today!   As we were getting ready to head into Portland to take the kiddo's to Playdate PDX, I found D in the bathroom brushing his teeth.....without being told to do so!!!  HOLY COW!!!   Then once we got to the place, the kids were gone and playing for almost 3 hours with no whining, minimal seeing them and now that they are old enough - they can get their own water!!  I read the newspaper, clipped coupons, and read a few chapters in a book.  Catrina actually got some work done.

Sun Break - Day 4

Day 4 - the perfectly timed sunshine!
When living in the Pacific Northwest, we know that it rains...a lot.  It's soooo great when we do get that sun break at the most perfect time.   Catrina, me and the kids just got done with lunch and we decided that it was not raining, let's run to WalMart and buy some outdoor toys and head to a park.  Dash inside the store, get what we needed (frizbee, boomarangs, scoop ball catcher...etc) and we exit the store - to have it raining.  DARN!  So, we decide to head home.  2 blocks from home, the sun shines again (that's how it happens out here), I happen to have a park just 1 block from my apt., so we make a mad dash to the park thinking that if we even had 30 min of fun is better than none at all.  1.5 hours later and 3 tired kiddo's (and mommies) it started to rain again.

Mommy Said What? - Day 3

Day 3 - Kids retelling a story
In the car tonight, D was trying to explain to C2 about how our belly buttons came to be.  He claims that I told him that his belly button was connected to a tube (close enough) which was then connected to my belly button.  The food I eat gets mashed up and sent through the tube.



On a separate note from everyday awesome, something very funny happened on the way home from Burger King.  All 3 kids had BK crowns and suddenly we here boy-child C speaking in fear  "ow, my hair!  Ow, my hair!"  His fear escalating greatly.  Catrina turned around to see C stuck in his crown.  STUCK!  In a paper crown!!  LMAO!!!

What the hair? Day 2

After 5 long years, D didn't cry, whimper or whine getting his hair cut.  PHEW!!  Now, THAT'S an everyday amazing!!

Perhaps this should count as one of my MOST AMAZING days in my life, but for today, it was my everyday amazing!!  

365 Everyday Awesome

I have a lofty goal ahead of me...  Yesterday morning I was watching the Today Show and there was a guy on there who had written a book made from his blog.  His blog (http://1000awesomethings.com/) was about the everyday awesome things that happen.  We all have awesome days which we will remember forever:  graduation, birth of a baby, wedding...etc., but these days only account for 5-10 days out of our entire life.   What about those little awesome things that happen daily?  Catching all the green lights on your way to work, a stranger holding the door open for you, or the cool crispness of fresh sheets. It's these awesome things that we should also recognize and celebrate the simple pleasures of everyday living.

So, for the next 365 days, I'm going to try posting at least 1 awesome thing that I can think of or that happened during the day because it's the tiny things make a great big difference.

I hope that my readers will include some of their little AWESOME moments from your day....that would be AWESOME!

Day 1 - Seeing bird eggs in a nest
After school today, D and I were over at a friends house.  While the kids were playing, Christine and I were just chatting and she showed me a birds nest that had been built on her back porch.  I asked if she had gone up there to see if there were eggs, no she hadn't.  She quickly got a chair and peeked inside.  Sure enough, there were two small blue eggs.  Enjoy!