The Times They Are A-Changin'

Come gather 'round people

Wherever you roam

And admit that the waters

Around you have grown

And accept it that soon

You'll be drenched to the bone.

If your time to you

Is worth savin'

Then you better start swimmin'

Or you'll sink like a stone

For the times they are a-changin'.

There has been a lot of change in the around me lately. Dear friends parting ways, new members joining the family, babies that aren't really babies anymore.

There are happy changes, like baby stumbling her way to me taking what are some of her first steps. It amazes me how fast they grow. There are dress shopping excursions for a wedding that I'm excited about like it's mine. Son's getting older and "taking care" of his sick parents. He even offered to take the baby to school because we were too sick to take care of her.

There is also sad change. Some I am sure I will never fully understand. People show you what they want you to see, and sometimes you can't see the signs that are clearly there until after it's too late. Most of us don't want to see the bad possibilities in the future. Even still, we take it in and process, and do whatever we can to be there for those that need us, because they would do it for us.

Things go in cycles, there are weddings, babies, divorces, and death. I'd like to say there are more of the first 2 then last, but it's not always the case. Either way, there is always change.

My little piece of crazy

So, everyone in my family has their own form of crazy. It spans from OCD to other things. I've always considered myself one of the more "normal" people, though some would consider that an insult. One of my family once told me they chalked up my calmness to the pills I'm on. I don't know what I think about that. I do have my quirks though. I won't list them, I bet some of you can name them better than I can.

One thing I'm a little nuts with is reading. I don't read a ton, but I've read a good smattering of stuff ranging from Shakespeare to Political comedies, to my most well know love of fantasy. I don't read a ton because I get completely submersed in a book. I can't just pick it up and put it down causally over a week. I usually finish a book in a day or two. It's even worse when it's a series. I read the Hitchhikers series so fast I couldn't' tell you what was in each book. I also have found that fantasy is often written in trilogies, which makes it even harder. The books are long and I could spend 10 hours a day reading. The fam doesn't like it very much. Anyway. . . back to reading.

I'm addicted to Facebook games

Well, honestly, I'm addicted to most computer games, but the facebook games have taken over recently. They are fun, mindless games. I like to fight cyber-people and run restaurants, even farms (who'd of guessed). Gotta go play. . .

Seriously?

So today is the 40th Anniversary of the moon landing. One of the girls at work said her husband is skeptical about it. I'm hoping she was kidding, but you never know. I told her I was skeptical about the whole Jesus being god's son thing, but it didn't go over well.

On a side note. I love Mythbusters. They are debunking all the anti-moon landing myths. It's such a good show. I hear it's up for an Emmy. Well deserved. I like to watch shows with Trev that teach you something. Talk about the whole taking something you love and getting someone to pay you for it, taken to the next level. Now if I could just figure out what it is I love so I can get someone to pay me for it, suggestions (and I've thought about getting paid to read teen literature, it won't work).

I'm addicted to reality TV

Not all of it, but most. There is something about seeing real people suffer, that trips my trigger. I like the summer because it's got a lot of reality. I even watch some of the sudo-reality, semi scripted TV. I miss one of the best shoes, that they axed, The Mole. It was a quality show. It let us play along. I do hate the all=star seasons. After your 10 minutes is up, it's up. Stop trying for more. The only exception is the real world/ road rules challenges. I like them better than the real show most of the time. We even watched AI for the first time this year. It was pretty good. I guess it appeals to me because it's family friendly too. Trev likes to watch shows with me. We even watch a animates "reality" show. It got us a trivia answer this year. Anyway, Big Brother is about to start, gotta go.

I hate California

Seriously, nothing good has come from a conversation about California lately. Stupid Eric seems to have to go there for work all the time. The thing is, it's far. The flights take a long time, and he's gone for a long time. I hate it when he travels for work. Even worse, the absolute worse time for him to go was the beginning of next week for me, but of course that's what worked for everyone else, so he's going. Guess what, no one else is going now. AHHHHHH!!! I wish we had separate money so I can make him buy me something nice.

Maybe someday I will get to go to Cali too. Maybe some day my work will send me out of the state, doubt it. Maybe someday he will be able to send one of the guys on his team. Maybe someday he will make so much money that I can hire help. Argh.

I've lost my child

So, we stopped in SP on the way home to drop some stuff off my sister and fam left at our house a couple weekends ago and we lost a child to them. He REALLY wanted to go to Rafi's water park, and we didn't have time to stay all day, so they kept him. It must be nice not to have to work in the summer, you can just take kids in for a few days. I use to do it all the time when I was a kid. I'd spend about a week each summer with my aunt and uncle and their kids. Trev's a little harder with the food thing, but maybe they'll break him. I'm okay with that. It's weird loosing a kid, you'd think you would have some freedom, but we still have the little moose so the house is just a little bit quieter. It's good for him.

Anniversaries

We were married 8 years ago today. It seems like a century ago. It's strange to think that most marriages don't last this long. I like being married. I can't even fathom dating again, or not having someone around to hang out with all the time. Lots of people say that after the kids grow up people don't have anything in common. I don't think that's going to happen. We'll be young enough to enjoy it. We want to travel.

Also, I'm so glad we're not getting married now. I'm weddinged out. Nothing is original anymore. We go to so many weddings I actually get sick of them. Some are fun, some we look forward to, but most not so awesome.

On a side note, anniversaries aren't that exciting. We just had a pretty normal night. He sent me flowers, which was nice. We stopped celebrating it years ago. Maybe that's the secret to success?!? The kind of people who need tons of attention and elaborate presents are in it for the wrong reasons. It stops being about you and more about us (which is even truer if you have kids) I think we've spent the last 4 anniversary weekends at the Brewers. We are planning a nice trip for our 10 year since we never really did take a honeymoon. Is it sad that I considered taking the kids? I kind of like them.

How much money would change your life?

We've been Powerball crazy at work. Against my constant reminder that it's a bad idea, my work facilitates the group buying of lottery tickets. About 1/3 of the employees go in together and buy a ton of tickets. What would they do if we won? I'm assuming most would not come back. I guess that's not my problem since I'd be with the winners.

I got to thinking about it. Sure 113 Million would be great, or even 1/30 of that if we won with work. Honestly, If someone gave me $75000 if would change our lives. We'd be completely debt free (other than the house). No student loan, cars, plus there would be some left for something fun (or a few things). $200,000 would be better, but not necessary. What would we do with all that extra cash. We make enough, don't get me wrong, but no bills would leave thousands of dollars a month to play with. That would be freaking awesome. Any takers???

I'm alive!

After what was a horrible weekend, and a pretty rotten week I'm feeling better. I hate being sick. I hate throwing up. I know everyone hates it, but I despise it. I hate it with every fiber in my being. It makes me violently ill. Yuck! My hubby was great. I didn't help him all weekend with the kids and he took care of me too. I guess that's the payback for Vegas. I spent most of the time sleeping, or in the bath. At least with the flu you know what it is, what to expect, and that it will end soon. I did not have those luxuries.

On a side note, I really hate doctors. I've had some mishaps with the whole baby thing that shook my confidence some. I chalked it off to stupid Ministry not having electronic records
(wish someone I knew worked for a company that could help them out). So, when I got sick last weekend I decided to try a different place that had a walk in open. they were all high tech, computers and all, ran a ton of tests, gave me a bunch of pills to take and sent me on my way. I felt about 50% better within 24 hours, pretty impressed. My "kidney infection" must be clearing up from all the antibiotics I was on. BUT WAIT, then they call on Monday and say it was not a kidney infection. What the hell was I taking antibiotics for then??? Here's the basic exchange "Okay, it wasn't that then what was it", "Are you feeling better", "yes, but what was wrong with me" "not sure, but something we did worked so stop taking some of the drugs" and that's it. Seriously, couldn't we all do that. Take a bunch of drugs that might fix your problems and call me in the morning. What did I pay them for? There is no way that what I had was normal. I guess I won't sweat it until I find out I have some crazy disease that they should have caught. At least I can lie on my stomach again without cringing.

I am not a good little wife

I am not a good wife. I don't like cooking and cleaning and taking care of the kids by myself. I HATE that Eric has to go to Vegas for the next 4 days and I have to be here alone. I love my kids, and love spending time with them, but I like to have the option of someone else changing the diapers or making the breakfast. Let's face it, you all know Eric gets up with the baby at night so I can sleep, which means 4 nights of me jumping up at any noise. I'm not looking forward to any of it. I have the clothes laid out, the lunches laid out, easy dinners planned, but still, I'm crabby. I wouldn't make it as a single mom. I guess he knows I'll never leave him. Stupid work trips. At least next weekend is mother's day so he'll make it up to me. I do get some peace of mind in the fact that he goes every year, to the same place, with the same people, and gets almost no free time, but still, it's freaking Vegas. ARGH!

Spying

I have google analytics set up. Ultimately what that means is that I can spy on who is reading my blog, which is awesome. There is someone out there from Fon du Lac that reads it pretty consistently, also awesome, but I can't figure out who lives there. If you're out there, let me know who you are. I'm assuming that only people I know find me fascinating enough to read regularly, but who knows?!? It's been driving me a little crazy. One of the perks of being in my family is that I'm allowed a little crazy.

Kite Fest

My Rotary's big annual event is the Kite Fest, which is tomorrow. It's a great event that we put on for free for the community. We get sponsors and sell concessions and all the proceeds get donated to a charity or organization. This year the money is going to the Civil Air Patrol. Here is the Wiki explanation of what they are "Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a Congressionally chartered, federally supported, non-profit corporation that serves as the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF).[2] CAP is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes people from all backgrounds, lifestyles, and occupations. It performs three congressionally assigned key missions: emergency services, which includes search and rescue (by air and ground) and disaster relief operations; aerospace education for youth and the general public; and cadet programs for teenage youth. Membership in the organization consists of cadets ranging from 12 to 21 years of age, and senior members 18 years of age and up. " Anyway, like I said, it's tomorrow. It's supposed to rain all day. I know, most of you would say, why do you plan your one event outside? And the answer is, in hindsight, it's a bad idea, but we really like it, and they were doing it long before I got there. Last year was cold, but still all together a pretty good day. If it rains, we have to cancel, we don't rescheduled, we cancel. There are too many permits, and other red tape to reschedule. If it rains, it doesn't mean we didn't spend hours planning, we didn't buy tons of food for concessions, we didn't order the porta potty, mow the grass, no WE DID ALL THAT STUFF. I guess ultimately, what I'm saying is that we need it to not rain. Let's hope the 70% chance is wrong???

That being said, if you're in Point tomorrow and it's nice, come on down to the Business Park and check out the kite fest. You'll know where we are because of all the kites in the sky. It's a good time for all ages.

Duck a muck!

Trivia, continued

Have I mentioned I love trivia? I thought we did great this year. We ended up in 73rd place, up from 130 something last year which is fantastic for our “sophomore year” If we go up 60 places each year, we’ll be rock stars next year, though I don’t think it’s possible. We were much more organized, the setup was better, and we had more people. I still think we have a few things to work on, so I’m going to post them now while it’s fresh in my mind:

We need a schedule- It needs to have questions recorders, point keepers, players, AND SLEEP schedules so that people actually get some
We need to keep the questions from year to year
Look at the Belts sign
Carl Yastremski and Ward Clever are always questions
Kids are an asset to the team
Find a good commercial site
Make sure someone is awake for the early morning shifts
Find Capri Sun and Kashi boxes, ads or anything else to do with them
Find a couple different age groups to play with us
I think some were more into it than others, but it was great to have everyone there, especially those that helped take care of the kids so Eric and I could play and get some sleep. It’s more helpful than you’d think. Here is to Trivia 41! Let’s set the goal for top 50, we can do it.

TRIVIA!!!!!!

Hour 40, 14 more to go!!! I'll post more tomorrow after I sleep.

Babies

I love babies! I think I attract them like some people attract mosquitoes. They are everywhere. I see a disproportionate amount of people with babies at work. My co-workers are beginning to wonder if I recruit people at the hospital. There is a baby in my office almost everyday. Some would say that it's just my age, but I don't know. It's a good thing I like them so much. Anyway, off to prepare for the festivities. Another post will follow about said event.

Technology

Sometimes I love technology. I've been trying to find my best friend from when I was little for forever. I searched Myspace, asked around, and no one knew where she was. Then boom, today, out of the blue, a friend request. I imagine, that before technology, you just lost touch (though I'd be happy to do that with some). I'm excited to find her. she's one of those, we haven't talked for 8 years, but lets pick up right where we left off kind of people. Everyone once in a while something comes up and it makes me think of her. Silly things, waffles, yikes stripes gum, clueless. Anyway, I'm sure if you asked an old person, technology is the downfall of society, but I love it. How else could I chat with my friend in San Fran who HATES to talk on the phone? :)

PS I'm glad I'm not seeing a movie at midnight with Snoop and the hubby-Chief you're lazy.

Driving

I don't like to drive. I'm horrible with directions. I would much rather ride in the back and watch a movie with the kids. That being said, from now on, if I go anywhere with any of my friends (you know who you are) I'M DRIVING!!! I'm the only one who hasn't been in a terrible accident in the last few years. Actually, I haven't had so much as a speeding ticket in the last 10 years. Guess that's just the way it has to be.

On a side note, babies like cars. She watched the rear windshield wiper for a long time and laughed today. She likes the movement, and generally falls asleep. I wish all our car seats could be as comfy as a babies. Too bad my moose will need a bigger seat soon. They are less comfy as they get bigger.

6 months

Can you believe Sophia's 6 months old today? Time flies. She's getting so big. She eats real people food, rolls around, and looks more and more like a big girl every day. Also, have I mentioned she is living up to her "Godzilla" name? she's in 12 month clothes. She goes to the Dr. on Monday so we'll see how big she really is, but I'm sure it's over 90%. It's crazy how fast it goes. Next year at this time she will be walking, and talking. I think her first words are going to be Trevor, NO! though she does find him hilarious at the moment.

Sick Days

So, I've been sick all week. I didn't call into work because we're super busy. I've suffered through it. And today, on the one day I really wanted to go to work, my sitter is stick. I guess I now know the beauty of organized daycare, they can't call in sick. Sure, you pay more, but there is not call at 6:30 and a scramble to search for someone to come in, only to realize everyone you know has a JOB. So, I'm home. Eric has some fancy meeting he needs to be at all week, so even though it's his turn, and I'm missing my super fun lunch (that might be a stretch) I'm home. I'm surprisingly not mad at him, I knew he had this meeting, but still I'm a little salty this morning. I like spending the day with the kiddles, but I've already emailed into work with the things I was supposed to accomplish today and I'm sure I'll come up with more. What to do with a completely free day, hmmmm. Why don't they just let you bring your kids to work. You'd think a day with me and a baby is better than me not being there at all. She sleeps.

Wisconsin

Ever tried to convince someone from California that Wisconsin is a better place to live. All anyone can come up with is that we have 4 seasons. In the end you kind of end up lying. I'm not sure that I convinced my brother-in-law's girlfriend, but I tried. Her mom told her to have fun, but not too much fun before she left. Though she has lived out of her state once, so maybe there is hope. EXCEPT she lived in Hawaii. We're doomed. I see a lot of Disneyland in our future. Argh!

We're old

Every once in a while it really hits me that I'm getting old. Trev's so smart and self sufficient. Soph's eating real people food (if you can call rice cereal that) and our 10 year reunions are this year. I do feel better that I'm not turning 30 this year like Chief AND I'm not even close to turning 40 like Sergio. I forget he's that much older than me. I am also reminded that we were so close to having our kid out of the house when we were 40 and now we're going to be closer to 50, but that's okay. In reality we'll be pretty young to have all the kids out. Especially since we're some of the only ones with kids. We'll have tons of time when we have more money, which will lead to lots of traveling which I'm looking forward to. See, everyone should have kids when they are in college. . . or not.

Trivia

I'm excited for Trivia this year. I think we'll have a much better system. I'm hoping for good weather for the stones. I was bummed it was canceled last year. We need to get more people, with different age groups. This is my plug for you all to come play. I'm not sure how to recruit more people exactly. It really, in theory, sounds like a horrible weekend, but it's not. Come, bring your friends, bring your family, bring your friend's family. Go Loonery!

Half Day

The downside: I have to work on Saturday
The upside: I LOVE having a half day off work during the week. In the past it wasn't that great since T was in school anyway, but now it means a half day of baby time. We went shopping today. It was a very girl thing to do. Now we're watching Max and Ruby (an awful kids show) but it's just background noise. It's rare to get mommy/baby alone time, so we eat it up. She's at such a fun age. Anyway . . . back to the baby.

WICKED Awesome

I love musicals. Put a play to music and I'm in. We've seen Wicked 2 times now, and both were very good BUT I have to say that the front row is definitely the way to go if you are able to spend the money. I've seen 2 shows from row now, and I'm a little spoiled. There is something to be said for being able to see the people actually act with the expressions on their face. Don't get me wrong, it was good either way. You miss a little of the artistic vision in the front. You have to focus on one part of the stage rather than the whole show, but it's worth it. I guess my friends weren't nuts for getting those tickets after all. :) It was worth the money.

A Note To All The Teachers Out There: When you bring your kids on a field trip, CONTROL THEM. The people in the front row paid GOOD money for their seats and they don't want kids standing in their way staring at the orchestra for the entire intermission. Other than that, a good night.

We're BACK!

And can I just say that I love our friends. It's nice to have people that you can travel with and not have to worry about entertaining all the time. It's nice to have other people to talk to too. Don't get me wrong, I love my hubby, but we talk everyday. Other people just make things more exciting.

San Antonio was fun. I'd recommend it, for a few days. I think we would have gotten bored if we were there much longer, but it was definitely worth the trip.

Can I also note, no one loves flying. If you say you do, you lie. I don't hate it, but as my husband says, if you could teleport you would. Airports suck. The seats are small. You can't get comfortable. It's not awesome.

I'm ready for a vacation

Which is very convenient since we leave in 2 days. The sitter was sick today, so I had to stay home with the littlest one. I was reminded (once again) how I couldn't possibly be a stay at home mom. Don't get me wrong, I love her to death, but I was looking forward to her taking a nap. I like to talk to grown-ups. Also, I talked to work 4 times today. It was more stressful being home and thinking about everything I needed to be doing, and explaining to them how to do it. I sometimes envy those whose jobs don't revolve around them. The ones who have other people that do the same job that can take care of everything, and can just be gone for a day with no worries. I feel like I've had enough quality time with the baby that I won't feel so guilty being gone for a few days.

You've sucked me in

I've officially started blogging, though I'm sure I won't do it as often as most of you. I don't think I'm nearly fascinating enough for you all to want to read my thoughts each day. We'll see what this turns into.