Early this summer our family experienced the passing away of a treasured member of our family. My children lost their dad, I lost my confidant and partner in raising our kids. Jeff and I were not together when he passed, but we were friends and 100% committed to raising our kids to the best of our abilities. We worked well together to ensure that the girls had what they needed and were happy, healthy and felt secure.
All of that was shattered on June 7.
It was a busy weekend for us. Erin had dance pictures all day and Dani had a softball tournament. I attended the first of Dani's games, and then headed over to the dance studio for a day full of hair spray, make-up, costume changes and craziness. I secretly like dance picture day, but don't tell anyone....! I got a phone call around 11:30 that morning from Jeff's sister asking me to come to the hospital now, if not sooner. You see, Jeff had gone to the hospital the evening of June 5. He was throwing up blood, which is never good. I visited with him June 6 and he was in good spirits and planning on being released in a couple days. He was mad at having been taken to the hospital (he had spent 9 months of 2013 in hospitals so you can understand his frustration) but realized he needed the care. He was able to Skype the girls (he was in ICU, they couldn't come in) and tell them that he loved them. No one knew that would be the last time he would see or talk to his girls.
When I got to the hospital, Jeff had been rushed into emergency surgery. He had developed a severe bleed into his abdomen and during the exploration, he coded so they had to start chest compressions and put him on a ventilator. At that point, they made the decision to rush him to surgery to fix the bleed. They spent 3 hours working on him. They did stabilize him, but it was short-lived. Shortly after he returned to his room in the ICU, he started bleeding out again. 4 hours later, he lost his fight for his life.
The hardest thing anyone has to do is to tell their young children that their Daddy is gone. They were devastated. Crushed. We cried together in that cold, hospital waiting room, trying to process how something like this could happen. After the initial shock had passed, they wanted to go home, play Clue and watch a movie. We did just that and then slept together in the living room. We had dance recital dress rehearsal week that next week which was a blessing in disguise, but I'm afraid it simply masked their pain. They were kept busy with trips to Wisconsin and California, along with play dates and sleep overs. Thank God for friends who were willing to help them and welcome them into their homes.
Now school has started, softball is in full swing and dance starts today. We are settling into some sort of normalcy. In the midst of this, I found a notebook started by my youngest, with notes to Daddy each day, thanking him for the events of her day. I cried...both because it was so sweet and because it shows me that she is grieving. Her main way of coping has been to hop from friend to friend...she hasn't shown a whole lot of emotion. My oldest holds things in as well, but will cry when she thinks of her Daddy. She does show emotion and sadness. This notebook demonstrated to me that my youngest does indeed grieve, but in her own, quiet way.
This entire experience has left a hole in our lives and in our hearts. It has also demonstrated to me who my true friends are. I thank God that I have the friends I do...I honestly don't know what I would do without your support. So many people don't know how to respond when a death occurs. I must admit that I'm one of those...do you offer to help or are they too busy with family? Do you keep calling them to make sure they're OK or do you leave them alone? Do you send a card or flowers or do you figure they've gotten enough from other people? I will tell you...never figure that they've had too much help, don't want to talk or don't have enough flowers or cards. When a death occurs, any help or support you can give means the world to the grieving family. I know I cried many happy tears when we received such beautiful cards from such caring people. The sentiments were real and were well-received by the girls and I.
The girls and I will be OK. We are working things out. It's not always going to be easy, but thankfully they are good girls and hopefully I can keep them in check! As I said to Jeff many times during his hospitalization and recovery...we are all adjusting to "new normal" and we will all be fine. Our "new normal" now comes with a guardian angel...and we'll be fine.
Monday, August 4, 2014
Monday, June 17, 2013
Of Dance Recitals, etc.
This past weekend was the dance recital extravaganza. The girls were in 3 performances over 2 days. That, combined with dress rehearsals every single day the week prior, made for exhausted kids and mom. We basically hung out the next day and recovered. SO tired.
After the final performance, there is an after party for all companies. My girls are each in a company...All Stars for Dani and Firecrackers for Erin (Firecrackers is a new company this year). At this party, the studio owner gives out awards to members in the companies. For the past 2 years, she has lavished praise on her premier company, the Starkids. Last year she mentioned the All Stars, but they did't receive any individual awards. Meanwhile, every single Starkid came away with an award.
This year was no different, except that she didn't even make mention of the All Stars. She at least said one sentence about the Firecrackers, but nothing more. Again, the focus was on the precious Starkids company and the Senior company. Each and every Starkid again received an individual award. This did NOT go over well with me or other moms/kids from the companies that were left out. Us moms had to come up with some sort of an explanation to their disappointed kids as to why they weren't recognized for all their achievements. It left a very sour taste in our mouths as we sat and were astounded at the lack of recognition for ALL companies. It was a company party after all.
The next day, I chatted about this with a friend who has a fellow All Star, and we tried to figure out a reason why these two companies were not recognized. We tried to rationalize it, but couldn't. She did ask me if I could come up with individual awards for all the players on my softball team, and truth be told...I probably couldn't. We had about 6 core girls that came to every practice, did extra practice and basically gave it their all. The other 5 missed a LOT of practices and even some games. HOWEVER, at the end of the season, I recognized the team as a whole and was very proud of their accomplishments AS A WHOLE. I did not leave anyone out and recognized the entire team.
So then I ask myself why. Why do I continue to pour money into dance at this studio when my girls just do not get respected. It's not just the company part of it, it's in their day-to-day classes as well. Dani is of the same age as many of the revered Starkids and is in several classes with them. She is CONSTANTLY overshadowed by their "brilliance" and she is always asking me why Miss Ann doesn't say anything nice to her...why does Miss Ann only compliment the Starkids...what do I say?? She absolutely hated one of her classes this past year because it was a class that consisted of all the Starkids plus her and one other girl. She felt intimidated by the Starkids and just did NOT want to go in. She would always beg me to stay, as if my presence would help her get through this class. The Starkids themselves are a very nice group of girls. I truly like several of them...I think because they are the favorites of the studio owner, they come out in a bad light.
I realize that everything in life will not be fair. I keep telling my girls that. But when they are overlooked time and again, it's so hard. They understand to a certain degree, but at some point, they just don't get it. And to be honest, neither do I.
After the final performance, there is an after party for all companies. My girls are each in a company...All Stars for Dani and Firecrackers for Erin (Firecrackers is a new company this year). At this party, the studio owner gives out awards to members in the companies. For the past 2 years, she has lavished praise on her premier company, the Starkids. Last year she mentioned the All Stars, but they did't receive any individual awards. Meanwhile, every single Starkid came away with an award.
This year was no different, except that she didn't even make mention of the All Stars. She at least said one sentence about the Firecrackers, but nothing more. Again, the focus was on the precious Starkids company and the Senior company. Each and every Starkid again received an individual award. This did NOT go over well with me or other moms/kids from the companies that were left out. Us moms had to come up with some sort of an explanation to their disappointed kids as to why they weren't recognized for all their achievements. It left a very sour taste in our mouths as we sat and were astounded at the lack of recognition for ALL companies. It was a company party after all.
The next day, I chatted about this with a friend who has a fellow All Star, and we tried to figure out a reason why these two companies were not recognized. We tried to rationalize it, but couldn't. She did ask me if I could come up with individual awards for all the players on my softball team, and truth be told...I probably couldn't. We had about 6 core girls that came to every practice, did extra practice and basically gave it their all. The other 5 missed a LOT of practices and even some games. HOWEVER, at the end of the season, I recognized the team as a whole and was very proud of their accomplishments AS A WHOLE. I did not leave anyone out and recognized the entire team.
So then I ask myself why. Why do I continue to pour money into dance at this studio when my girls just do not get respected. It's not just the company part of it, it's in their day-to-day classes as well. Dani is of the same age as many of the revered Starkids and is in several classes with them. She is CONSTANTLY overshadowed by their "brilliance" and she is always asking me why Miss Ann doesn't say anything nice to her...why does Miss Ann only compliment the Starkids...what do I say?? She absolutely hated one of her classes this past year because it was a class that consisted of all the Starkids plus her and one other girl. She felt intimidated by the Starkids and just did NOT want to go in. She would always beg me to stay, as if my presence would help her get through this class. The Starkids themselves are a very nice group of girls. I truly like several of them...I think because they are the favorites of the studio owner, they come out in a bad light.
I realize that everything in life will not be fair. I keep telling my girls that. But when they are overlooked time and again, it's so hard. They understand to a certain degree, but at some point, they just don't get it. And to be honest, neither do I.
Monday, June 10, 2013
It's Been a While
With the advent of Facebook, this blog took a break. I guess it's the sign of the times. My life also got exponentially busier (more busy...?) which left me with little time to post an actual blog. Facebook posts are short and sweet...blog posts, not so much.
Mostly I'm back because I have a few things to say. Where to start...
Dance vs. Softball
Every single year at the end of May, these worlds collide. Sadly, the loser is always my girls. The dance people want them in class as they are working out their final staging for the recital. The softball people need them at the games as they are playing their pool/tourney games. I am put in the middle, trying to make everyone happy. I would have to say that this is by far one of my top two most stressful times of the year. The girls rarely, if ever, miss dance classes throughout the year. Not to mention they (especially Dani) are routinely overlooked and placed in the back of group numbers. Dani in particular works her a$$ off in her classes and I always feel so bad for her. The softball people hate having to work around dance, but again...Dani missed one practice all season. One. However, she is a valued member of the team (she plays 1st base and has an awesome bat) and receives the recognition she deserves. I guess I'm between a rock and a hard place with all this. Dani is not the favorite at dance and having this conflict with softball each year simply amplifies it...whereas in softball she is valued and loved by her teammates and her coaches. I try so hard to keep the peace, but I'm getting sorta tired of doing that. The studio owner recognizes that some company members (which both girls are) have other interests. I think where I get upset is when other company members are off on vacation or at other school functions, and it's OK. However, when my girls are playing a softball game, I feel their wrath and have to suck it up. Makes for a very unhappy, stressed out mama.
Dog Stuff
I love dog agility. I really do. It's an awesome way for the dogs and I to go out there and give it our all. Sadly, the agility world is not without it's own drama. I left the club of which I was one of the original board members (back before agility was cool). Why did I leave? The board that has been in charge for a while now is slowly driving the club into the ground. The president is very immature and is all about drama. It's as if she never left high school. She started talking about me behind my back. Of course, I have a wide network of friends in agility so it all got back around to me. I decided that I simply couldn't associate with this sandbox-type behavior, so I left. Even though I left, the drama continues to follow me. I am so over it and haven't associated with these people in months, but they can't seem to leave me alone. Thank goodness I have some awesome and amazing friends who have my back. Not sure what I'd do without them!!
The "Illness"
2013 has been a challenging year. Christmas morning, Jeff, the girls' dad (we are separated), had a severe acute case of pancreatitis. He almost lost his life twice, but battled back each time. As of this post (mid-June), he is still in the hospital. The girls and I have been adjusting...we have our good days and bad days. While I want him to get out of the hospital soon, I am conflicted. I have been a true single mom for 6 months, and I don't want to share the girls again. Maybe I'm being selfish, but we've gotten used to the "new normal" and it will be hard to go back to what it was like "before." Jeff will be fine, though he will have a lot of adjustments to make when he does get out of the hospital and I wish him nothing but the best. It's been a roller coaster ride for everyone and I'm pretty sure we're all ready to get off.
Friends and Such
I struggle with this. I am one of those people who is very friendly and an extrovert by nature. I had lots of friends growing up and always had someone to hang out with. Now, not so much. I really treasure my dance friends, softball friends and agility friends...they are fantastic, but what's missing are the school mom friends. I have been on the edge of a clique for a while now and can never seem to "get in." I'm not trying overly hard to do so as I abhor cliques, but I see how it hurts Dani. She is friends with some of the girls in this clique and when we don't get invited to one of their many parties or camp outs or whatever, it hurts. She is already somewhat shy, so when she hears about all the good times these kids have at these functions, she shuts down. Like I said...I've tried to "get in," but truth be told...I'm a) not a heavy drinker and b) a LOT older than all of them. Drinking seems to be a mainstay at these parties and I just don't go for that. I just don't seem to fit in...which I'm not totally upset with...but it doesn't feel good either. I think I just need my bestie...and she's in Wisconsin. I guess I need an Arizona bestie. Course, I may be too old to use that term, but whatever.
To Wrap It Up...
Perhaps I've been having somewhat of a pity party lately. I've been doing my best to keep it all together for the girls and to be positive, but many times I fail. I am NOT superwoman nor do I care to be. I am simply a mom who is trying to do everything in her power to make everyone happy. Lately I feel as if I'm disappointing everyone and it sucks. Perhaps I need to seek professional help...or eat more chocolate...but something's gotta give. Only I have the power to change my life...I'm just too tired to start that journey.
Mostly I'm back because I have a few things to say. Where to start...
Dance vs. Softball
Every single year at the end of May, these worlds collide. Sadly, the loser is always my girls. The dance people want them in class as they are working out their final staging for the recital. The softball people need them at the games as they are playing their pool/tourney games. I am put in the middle, trying to make everyone happy. I would have to say that this is by far one of my top two most stressful times of the year. The girls rarely, if ever, miss dance classes throughout the year. Not to mention they (especially Dani) are routinely overlooked and placed in the back of group numbers. Dani in particular works her a$$ off in her classes and I always feel so bad for her. The softball people hate having to work around dance, but again...Dani missed one practice all season. One. However, she is a valued member of the team (she plays 1st base and has an awesome bat) and receives the recognition she deserves. I guess I'm between a rock and a hard place with all this. Dani is not the favorite at dance and having this conflict with softball each year simply amplifies it...whereas in softball she is valued and loved by her teammates and her coaches. I try so hard to keep the peace, but I'm getting sorta tired of doing that. The studio owner recognizes that some company members (which both girls are) have other interests. I think where I get upset is when other company members are off on vacation or at other school functions, and it's OK. However, when my girls are playing a softball game, I feel their wrath and have to suck it up. Makes for a very unhappy, stressed out mama.
Dog Stuff
I love dog agility. I really do. It's an awesome way for the dogs and I to go out there and give it our all. Sadly, the agility world is not without it's own drama. I left the club of which I was one of the original board members (back before agility was cool). Why did I leave? The board that has been in charge for a while now is slowly driving the club into the ground. The president is very immature and is all about drama. It's as if she never left high school. She started talking about me behind my back. Of course, I have a wide network of friends in agility so it all got back around to me. I decided that I simply couldn't associate with this sandbox-type behavior, so I left. Even though I left, the drama continues to follow me. I am so over it and haven't associated with these people in months, but they can't seem to leave me alone. Thank goodness I have some awesome and amazing friends who have my back. Not sure what I'd do without them!!
The "Illness"
2013 has been a challenging year. Christmas morning, Jeff, the girls' dad (we are separated), had a severe acute case of pancreatitis. He almost lost his life twice, but battled back each time. As of this post (mid-June), he is still in the hospital. The girls and I have been adjusting...we have our good days and bad days. While I want him to get out of the hospital soon, I am conflicted. I have been a true single mom for 6 months, and I don't want to share the girls again. Maybe I'm being selfish, but we've gotten used to the "new normal" and it will be hard to go back to what it was like "before." Jeff will be fine, though he will have a lot of adjustments to make when he does get out of the hospital and I wish him nothing but the best. It's been a roller coaster ride for everyone and I'm pretty sure we're all ready to get off.
Friends and Such
I struggle with this. I am one of those people who is very friendly and an extrovert by nature. I had lots of friends growing up and always had someone to hang out with. Now, not so much. I really treasure my dance friends, softball friends and agility friends...they are fantastic, but what's missing are the school mom friends. I have been on the edge of a clique for a while now and can never seem to "get in." I'm not trying overly hard to do so as I abhor cliques, but I see how it hurts Dani. She is friends with some of the girls in this clique and when we don't get invited to one of their many parties or camp outs or whatever, it hurts. She is already somewhat shy, so when she hears about all the good times these kids have at these functions, she shuts down. Like I said...I've tried to "get in," but truth be told...I'm a) not a heavy drinker and b) a LOT older than all of them. Drinking seems to be a mainstay at these parties and I just don't go for that. I just don't seem to fit in...which I'm not totally upset with...but it doesn't feel good either. I think I just need my bestie...and she's in Wisconsin. I guess I need an Arizona bestie. Course, I may be too old to use that term, but whatever.
To Wrap It Up...
Perhaps I've been having somewhat of a pity party lately. I've been doing my best to keep it all together for the girls and to be positive, but many times I fail. I am NOT superwoman nor do I care to be. I am simply a mom who is trying to do everything in her power to make everyone happy. Lately I feel as if I'm disappointing everyone and it sucks. Perhaps I need to seek professional help...or eat more chocolate...but something's gotta give. Only I have the power to change my life...I'm just too tired to start that journey.
Monday, February 16, 2009
ADCH Jam!! :-)
Can you believe it? My Jam...baby Jam...earned her ADCH at the Tucson USDAA trial this past weekend. What a girl! We needed one Pairs leg and one Gamblers leg going into the weekend. My Pairs partner was a very fast, nice Sheltie who did her half of the course with ease. Jam knocked a bar, but it didn't matter as their time was fast.
The gamble was very doable for Jam and had an a-frame in it...her favorite obstacle! She barely got the a-frame contact (thank goodness I hadn't cut her nails recently!) and won the class! I am so PROUD of her!
She started her competition career in May of 2007 in Bermuda. It took her about 1 year, 9 months to get her ADCH (from start to finish). We don't get to compete as often as many of my friends, so we had to make each outing count. And she totally came through! She is truly a special girl. I am the luckiest person on the planet to own such a wonderful little Toller...she ROCKS!
The gamble was very doable for Jam and had an a-frame in it...her favorite obstacle! She barely got the a-frame contact (thank goodness I hadn't cut her nails recently!) and won the class! I am so PROUD of her!
She started her competition career in May of 2007 in Bermuda. It took her about 1 year, 9 months to get her ADCH (from start to finish). We don't get to compete as often as many of my friends, so we had to make each outing count. And she totally came through! She is truly a special girl. I am the luckiest person on the planet to own such a wonderful little Toller...she ROCKS!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
What's it all about?
Wishy poses a question in her blog..."why do we do agility?" I responded in the form of a comment, but felt the need to expand on that thought.
My comment mentioned cameraderie. When I first started agility in 1993, I met and befriended some fantastic people. We became the best of friends and started spending a lot of time together. The highlight of each year was roadtrippin' to Pueblo to compete in a USDAA trial. We were together for 5 straight days and rarely, if ever, got on each other's nerves. We did this for several years and have fond, happy memories of those times together. THAT is what hooked me into this sport and kept me going.
At the time, I ran a Beagle (NEA, Her Beagleness) and we weren't wildly successful. It was those same friends that kept my spirits up and helped me to see the comedy in each situation. I cherish those times and miss them tremendously. You see, each of those folks ended up leaving the sport for one reason or another. Some lost interest, some moved away, some moved on. I keep in touch with them, but miss the times we had together.
I stayed with it (agility) and my friend set changed, but the one common bond we all share is the love of our dogs. While there are no more roadtrips (having kids put a stop to that) I still feel a wonderful bond with many of these friends and cherish each moment I get to spend with them.
Another aspect of friendship is the one I share with my dog. I've blogged about my tragic losses (losing 4 dogs in 1 year) so I won't go deep into that, but one thing I came away with after that horrible year was a whole new perspective. I went 3 years without an agility dog. Three very long years. When I got Jam, I was overjoyed, enthralled and fell in love with her almost immediately. While I was anxious to get back into the ring, lack of time and circumstances allowed for precious little training time. Instead, I worked on building a close bond between Jam and I. And that was time well-spent. We don't drill, we don't spend 30 minutes a day on backyard sets...heck, we were lucky to get in 10 minutes every 3rd day! Yet when showtime came, we hit the ground running. I am taking the same route with my new puppy and come showtime, we'll see what happens!
In summary, I do agility because it truly gives me a high. I get to spend quality time with Jam and socialize with friends...two of my most favorite things to do!
My comment mentioned cameraderie. When I first started agility in 1993, I met and befriended some fantastic people. We became the best of friends and started spending a lot of time together. The highlight of each year was roadtrippin' to Pueblo to compete in a USDAA trial. We were together for 5 straight days and rarely, if ever, got on each other's nerves. We did this for several years and have fond, happy memories of those times together. THAT is what hooked me into this sport and kept me going.
At the time, I ran a Beagle (NEA, Her Beagleness) and we weren't wildly successful. It was those same friends that kept my spirits up and helped me to see the comedy in each situation. I cherish those times and miss them tremendously. You see, each of those folks ended up leaving the sport for one reason or another. Some lost interest, some moved away, some moved on. I keep in touch with them, but miss the times we had together.
I stayed with it (agility) and my friend set changed, but the one common bond we all share is the love of our dogs. While there are no more roadtrips (having kids put a stop to that) I still feel a wonderful bond with many of these friends and cherish each moment I get to spend with them.
Another aspect of friendship is the one I share with my dog. I've blogged about my tragic losses (losing 4 dogs in 1 year) so I won't go deep into that, but one thing I came away with after that horrible year was a whole new perspective. I went 3 years without an agility dog. Three very long years. When I got Jam, I was overjoyed, enthralled and fell in love with her almost immediately. While I was anxious to get back into the ring, lack of time and circumstances allowed for precious little training time. Instead, I worked on building a close bond between Jam and I. And that was time well-spent. We don't drill, we don't spend 30 minutes a day on backyard sets...heck, we were lucky to get in 10 minutes every 3rd day! Yet when showtime came, we hit the ground running. I am taking the same route with my new puppy and come showtime, we'll see what happens!
In summary, I do agility because it truly gives me a high. I get to spend quality time with Jam and socialize with friends...two of my most favorite things to do!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Motherhood and dog stuff
Motherhood. One of those things that doesn't come naturally to me, but I figure if my kids are still breathing, fed, and generally happy then I must be doing something right! I have Erin with me all day on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These are actually tough days for me since she is always wanting me to just "be" with her. I, of course, have 1,000 things to do so at some point during the day she sits in front of the TV, watching Dora or Olivia or whatever else. I feel guilty.
Then there's Dani. She's in school, but if I happen to take Erin to McD's or to the park during the day, she gets upset. I feel guilty.
Course Dani gets to go to ballet, Erin doesn't. On ballet nights, Erin still puts on ballet clothes, but stays home with Daddy. Again, I feel guilty.
I head to a dog show...and this month, there are 3 shows in a row...and leave them with Daddy. They ask me if I'll be home that weekend and when I say no, they get sad. I feel guilty.
I'm convinced that no matter what mothers do, they are always feeling guilty.
Dog Stuff. We had a show this past weekend in which one of the days (Sunday) was canceled due to rain. It didn't actually rain all day, but the damage was done early on...when we all got to the show site the field was full of puddles of water and the mud was everywhere. In the interest of keeping a show site and keeping the dogs/handler safe, the club decided to not attmept to hold a show that day.
BUT, on Saturday Jam and I had 5 fabulous runs! We Q'd in everything we ran:
Masters Gamblers...2nd place and Q
Masters Standard...1st place and Q
Masters Snooker...1st place and Super Q
Grand Prix...1st place, Q and a bye!
Steeplechase...3rd place and a Q
All we need now for our ADCH is 1 Masters Gambler Q and 1 Masters Pairs Q. We have a trial this weekend and one next weekend. Hopefully we can pull it together in those two weekends! :)
I start my job next Tuesday. I'm both dreading it and looking forward to it. Dreading it because I barely have time for everything now...how will I manage when I have a job? Oh...and I won't be able to drop off/pick up Dani from school anymore...more guilt there. Looking forward to it because we need the $$ and I think it'll be an interesting job. The commute isn't that great, but I'm hoping to get in early to avoid the brunt of rush hour. Now I've got to start setting that alarm so I can actually get up AND function on Tuesday!
Then there's Dani. She's in school, but if I happen to take Erin to McD's or to the park during the day, she gets upset. I feel guilty.
Course Dani gets to go to ballet, Erin doesn't. On ballet nights, Erin still puts on ballet clothes, but stays home with Daddy. Again, I feel guilty.
I head to a dog show...and this month, there are 3 shows in a row...and leave them with Daddy. They ask me if I'll be home that weekend and when I say no, they get sad. I feel guilty.
I'm convinced that no matter what mothers do, they are always feeling guilty.
Dog Stuff. We had a show this past weekend in which one of the days (Sunday) was canceled due to rain. It didn't actually rain all day, but the damage was done early on...when we all got to the show site the field was full of puddles of water and the mud was everywhere. In the interest of keeping a show site and keeping the dogs/handler safe, the club decided to not attmept to hold a show that day.
BUT, on Saturday Jam and I had 5 fabulous runs! We Q'd in everything we ran:
Masters Gamblers...2nd place and Q
Masters Standard...1st place and Q
Masters Snooker...1st place and Super Q
Grand Prix...1st place, Q and a bye!
Steeplechase...3rd place and a Q
All we need now for our ADCH is 1 Masters Gambler Q and 1 Masters Pairs Q. We have a trial this weekend and one next weekend. Hopefully we can pull it together in those two weekends! :)
I start my job next Tuesday. I'm both dreading it and looking forward to it. Dreading it because I barely have time for everything now...how will I manage when I have a job? Oh...and I won't be able to drop off/pick up Dani from school anymore...more guilt there. Looking forward to it because we need the $$ and I think it'll be an interesting job. The commute isn't that great, but I'm hoping to get in early to avoid the brunt of rush hour. Now I've got to start setting that alarm so I can actually get up AND function on Tuesday!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Things are looking up!
I haven't blogged in a while...I've been communicating through Facebook more these days, but you can't always put a lot into Facebook, so I'll still maintain this blog...when I remember! :)
I guess the biggest news of the day is I GOT A JOB!!!!!!! It's with a company in Phoenix that creates billing/acocunting software for law firms. My role will be that of a trainer, specifically training folks on how to install the software. The training is all done online, which presents challenges since you can't actually see the students, but with well-timed questions, I'm certain I can keep their attention...5% of the time anyway!! There may also be some opportunity for on-site training which will mean some travel.
All-in-all, it's a good thing. The company has won awards for their flexible workplace, so that is great. I can work from home a day or two a week, and I can also work 9 x 80's (8 nine hour days, 1 eight hour day with every other Friday off). The benefits are so-so, but not horrible. I am THRILLED beyond belief!
My husband is still looking to buy a business, and is close to making an offer on one of them, but he's waiting for some financial information before doing so. Meanwhile, he has a second interview with Wells Fargo for a Financial Analyst, so we'll see how that goes.
So far, 2009 is being kind to us. Let's hope the momentum keeps going in our direction! :)
I guess the biggest news of the day is I GOT A JOB!!!!!!! It's with a company in Phoenix that creates billing/acocunting software for law firms. My role will be that of a trainer, specifically training folks on how to install the software. The training is all done online, which presents challenges since you can't actually see the students, but with well-timed questions, I'm certain I can keep their attention...5% of the time anyway!! There may also be some opportunity for on-site training which will mean some travel.
All-in-all, it's a good thing. The company has won awards for their flexible workplace, so that is great. I can work from home a day or two a week, and I can also work 9 x 80's (8 nine hour days, 1 eight hour day with every other Friday off). The benefits are so-so, but not horrible. I am THRILLED beyond belief!
My husband is still looking to buy a business, and is close to making an offer on one of them, but he's waiting for some financial information before doing so. Meanwhile, he has a second interview with Wells Fargo for a Financial Analyst, so we'll see how that goes.
So far, 2009 is being kind to us. Let's hope the momentum keeps going in our direction! :)
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