Today do not go well.
We started off at the little zoo that could--a lovely little zoo full of playful critters that you can get a bit closer to than at most of the big zoos we've visited. And the girls got to ride a camel and play with lemurs.
Unfortunately, halfway through our visit, PS started feeling bad. First she started seeing spots, then she said her head hurt and she was getting nauseous. I had to leave DH and the twins playing with the lemurs while I ran PS back to the condo. She cried the whole way back. I'm pretty sure she was suffering from her first migraine. I gave her a dose of super Excedrin and a cold washrag on her head and left her alone in a cool dark room for a while.
After I retrieved the rest of the family from the zoo, I took the TT and SS down to the beach while DH stayed with PS in the condo. The wind was blowing today and the waves were crashing hard. I took the kids' boogie board into the the water and was immediately rolled into the sand, and have road rash (sea rash?) on my shin to show for it. For the rest of the afternoon a stream of blood slowly leaked down my leg.
A little later I had retired to the beach with a magazine while the girls played in the surf. SS had a floaty mat and TT had a ring. They started floating a little down the beach from me. They were right at the edge of my comfort level. And, then, within a minute, they were beyond my comfort level. I started walking down the beach toward them, reached TT quickly. I could hear SS yelling at her, and from the tone, I knew she was scared. I ordered TT back to the beach, and headed out toward SS. Even as I was moving toward her, the ocean seemed to be drawing her farther and farther away.
I am not an athlete, but, thankfully, I have always been a strong swimmer. Still, about halfway toward SS I started getting worried. I couldn't touch at all, and she still looked so far away. We weren't on a public beach, so there was no lifeguard. Only a handful of other people, who I hoped were paying attention. Three-quarters of the way there, I was getting tired and really worried. It was pure mommy adrenaline that got me to SS. I finally nabbed the end of SS's mat and side-stroked my way back to shore. It was a whole lot easier getting back to shore than going out. But by the time we did get back my heart was beating about a thousand beats per minute and I was breathing hard. I think it took two hours for my heart rate to come back down.
Once we got back to the beach, I plopped down to text DH. But my iphone said that the temperature was too high to operate. (WTF?) So I carefully balanced it in the cooler. In the meantime, the girls went back to collecting shells in the surf.
And then SS got stung by a jellyfish. So she comes up to me screaming. And, of course, I'd left the bottle of vinegar back in the condo. Right at that moment the wind grabbed TT's floaty ring and rolled it, on it's side down the beach. It rolled and rolled and rolled--at least a couple hundred yards.
So I was still recovering fro my deep-sea rescue, one kid was screaming in pain, and the other was running down the beach after a $2 floaty. At least my phone cooled down so I was able to frantically text DH to bring down the vinegar and help us Sherpa all of our beach gear back to the condo.
By that time PS was feeling better, so we all schlepped back to the condo and crashed for a nap. I can now feel every single muscle in my shoulders and back. At least I got a nice work-out.
8/7/11
The Leisurely Life
We made it to our vacation condo., after a 12 hour drive yesterday. Of course, the drive took a little longer after a spontaneous detour through a Civil War battleground. The battleground wasn't particularly exciting, but along the battleground tour we stumbled upon a war ship that had been sunk and then raised in the 1960's. It was very cool and definitely made the detour worthwhile.
This morning it was ungodly hot and humid. We came from hot and humid., so I didn't expect the heat to affect us. Here is is less hot and more humid which I think is worse that the more hot and less humid that we came from.
We delayed going to the beach so that we could stock up on groceries and floaties (because we hadn't already dragged enough crap with us). Fortunately, but the time we made it back to the condo, showers had moved through, dropping temperatures and taking the humidity with them. We spent the rest of the afternoon until sunset on the beach, and the kids are begging to go back first thing in the morning. Yep. We have absolutely nothing planned, except on Tuesday when I have reserved a pontoon boat so that we can explore the bay.
So far this vacation is going well.
This morning it was ungodly hot and humid. We came from hot and humid., so I didn't expect the heat to affect us. Here is is less hot and more humid which I think is worse that the more hot and less humid that we came from.
We delayed going to the beach so that we could stock up on groceries and floaties (because we hadn't already dragged enough crap with us). Fortunately, but the time we made it back to the condo, showers had moved through, dropping temperatures and taking the humidity with them. We spent the rest of the afternoon until sunset on the beach, and the kids are begging to go back first thing in the morning. Yep. We have absolutely nothing planned, except on Tuesday when I have reserved a pontoon boat so that we can explore the bay.
So far this vacation is going well.
8/4/11
Baby It's Hot Outside
I have tried not to complain about the heat. I'm just thankful that I'm not pregnant. I carried PS during the second hottest summer in [my hot state's] history. I think we've surpassed that, and it's now the third hottest summer. But it was hot and I was hugely pregnant and miserable and we lived in a crappy duplex where the air conditioner broke every other week.
So this summer hasn't been so bad. I'm not pregnant and I pretty much go from my air conditioned house to my air conditioned car to my air conditioned office and then back again.
Until yesterday. Our house was uncomfortably warm last night at 80 degrees. I though the a/c was just having trouble keeping up in 110 degree heat. But we woke up this morning sticky and sweaty and realizing that the a/c definitely was not working.
We called our neighbor who is an a/c guy, but he was already off on another job. Fortunately, though, he was able to help DH diagnose the problem on the phone and after a quick trip to the parts store we were back in business. Total cost-- $60 and a six-pack for the neighbor.
But the heat seems to be making people crabby. This morning the gate to my office parking garage wasn't working. The lady in front of my kept swiping and swiping her card to no avail. So, since I was stuck behind her, I hopped out of my car to try my card. (I knew she worked in my building because I've been trying to figure out her vanity plate (CU AT PK) for a year.) The gate didn't work when I swiped my card either. So she snatched my card out of my hand and said, "Let me try it." After swiping unsuccessfully another 5 times, she shoved my card at me and said, "I can't believe this, today of all days." Never did her mouth utter a "thank you" for trying to help out.
Then at lunch an equally cranky woman was excessively bitchy to the guys who work the little cafe in my building. I had to bite my tongue to keep from telling her to drop the attitude. Instead I was just extra nice to the cafe guys (these guys make my lunch multiple times a week, I'm always nice to them, anyway).
Seriously, is it necessary to take your crappy attitude out on everybody around you? Eat some damn chocolate and get over it.
8/1/11
Layoffs
A few weeks ago my co-worker was let go. My firm took great pains to ensure that I knew that it was a performance based decision as opposed to an economic one. And that my position was secure. That they fully intended to replace co-worker.
Today a secretary was laid off. The reason: the firm has decided not to replace co-worker after all. So we are (were) overstaffed. It was a business decision--an economic one. Quite a different tale than the one I heard a few weeks ago. But again my firm took great pains to assure me that my position is secure.
So I am the low (wo)man on the totem pole, and it now looks like it will be that way for a while. This doesn't exactly give me warm fuzzies--even though my bosses were highly complimentary of me after both incidents.
On the one hand, I anticipate that I would be the next one out the door if the economy worsens. And I don't know if I would see it coming, because I'm pretty sure the last two didn't (although I definitely noticed enough buzzing in the office both times around to know something was up).
On the other hand, I've been busy since my co-worker left. I am the only full-time associate supporting 5 partners. I think they'd be in trouble without an associate. But it also means that I get all the crap jobs that the partners don't want to do, and that would typically be handed to a lower-level associate. I'm just not sure how I feel about this scenario. My firm is top-heavy and I don't know if there is enough room left for me to grow.
I guess I have some thinking to do, although I don't know that it even matters in this economy.
Today a secretary was laid off. The reason: the firm has decided not to replace co-worker after all. So we are (were) overstaffed. It was a business decision--an economic one. Quite a different tale than the one I heard a few weeks ago. But again my firm took great pains to assure me that my position is secure.
So I am the low (wo)man on the totem pole, and it now looks like it will be that way for a while. This doesn't exactly give me warm fuzzies--even though my bosses were highly complimentary of me after both incidents.
On the one hand, I anticipate that I would be the next one out the door if the economy worsens. And I don't know if I would see it coming, because I'm pretty sure the last two didn't (although I definitely noticed enough buzzing in the office both times around to know something was up).
On the other hand, I've been busy since my co-worker left. I am the only full-time associate supporting 5 partners. I think they'd be in trouble without an associate. But it also means that I get all the crap jobs that the partners don't want to do, and that would typically be handed to a lower-level associate. I'm just not sure how I feel about this scenario. My firm is top-heavy and I don't know if there is enough room left for me to grow.
I guess I have some thinking to do, although I don't know that it even matters in this economy.
7/31/11
3 Weeks
Until school starts. Ugh. I am not ready for school to start. I love our summer pace. I don't have to nag the kids to get moving in the morning. I get to sleep in a little bit because I don't have to nag the kids to get moving in the morning. The sun is shining when I wake up. Traffic is sooooo much better--I can make it to the office in 30 minutes!
And when I come home, I don't have to spend my evenings working on homework or school projects. No soccer practice. No teacher meetings or concerts or PTA programs I have to attend.
And I get to spend more time with the kids in the evening. 8:30 bedtimes mean I only get to spend an hour or two with the kiddos during the week. During the summer, we may be going for a bike ride or going out for yogurt at 8:30.
I'm just not ready to get back to all that. But I spent most of yesterday buying school supplies. And beach stuff. At least we still have vacation to look forward to, our last hurrah of summer. We leave next Saturday for a week on the beach. And I'm gonna need it by the time I survive this week at work.
And when I come home, I don't have to spend my evenings working on homework or school projects. No soccer practice. No teacher meetings or concerts or PTA programs I have to attend.
And I get to spend more time with the kids in the evening. 8:30 bedtimes mean I only get to spend an hour or two with the kiddos during the week. During the summer, we may be going for a bike ride or going out for yogurt at 8:30.
I'm just not ready to get back to all that. But I spent most of yesterday buying school supplies. And beach stuff. At least we still have vacation to look forward to, our last hurrah of summer. We leave next Saturday for a week on the beach. And I'm gonna need it by the time I survive this week at work.
7/27/11
Making Headlines
Ok, maybe not headlines. But my client was featured in a national news story that was published this morning, regarding the case that I mention in this post.
We knew the article was coming. Shortly after the hearing a reporter started hounding me for a comment. Sadly, I had to decline since it is likely that my client will have to testify again and I didn't want to give the defendants any ammo to use against her. But the article was really nice, and painted my client in a good light.
Oh yeah, and I was mentioned too...for declining to comment. Still, it's my fist press mention. Another entry in the baby lawyer book.
We knew the article was coming. Shortly after the hearing a reporter started hounding me for a comment. Sadly, I had to decline since it is likely that my client will have to testify again and I didn't want to give the defendants any ammo to use against her. But the article was really nice, and painted my client in a good light.
Oh yeah, and I was mentioned too...for declining to comment. Still, it's my fist press mention. Another entry in the baby lawyer book.
7/26/11
I Love to Ride My Bicycle
DH took PS to a concert tonight, so it was just the twins and me. Despite the fact that the thermometer on my back porch was reading 109, I agreed to take a bike ride with them. Fortunately, DH just got a bike for his birthday, so I had one to ride. It's probably been 20 years since I spent any amount of time on a bike. (I'm 36--got a car when I was 16, haven't had a bike since. Yep, 20 years.) Fortunately, it's just like "they" say.
Well, except that the kiddos insisted I wear a helmet. I've never worn a bike helmet. The girls were baffled by this. It is beyond their comprehension that there was a time when people didn't wear bike helmets. So I wore the helmet (and it was dang hot).
I think I may need to get a bike of my very own. I forgot how much I missed cruising around the neighborhood. And it's nice that the kids are big enough that I have to worry about keeping up with them instead of the other way around. (The main reason I never got another bike--it just didn't sound like fun with little kids trailing behind at turtle speed.)
Not to mention the exercise factor. We weren't out very long because of the heat, but I was still feeling muscles I had forgotten about. And the bike is doc approved, since I have old lady bones.
Well, except that the kiddos insisted I wear a helmet. I've never worn a bike helmet. The girls were baffled by this. It is beyond their comprehension that there was a time when people didn't wear bike helmets. So I wore the helmet (and it was dang hot).
I think I may need to get a bike of my very own. I forgot how much I missed cruising around the neighborhood. And it's nice that the kids are big enough that I have to worry about keeping up with them instead of the other way around. (The main reason I never got another bike--it just didn't sound like fun with little kids trailing behind at turtle speed.)
Not to mention the exercise factor. We weren't out very long because of the heat, but I was still feeling muscles I had forgotten about. And the bike is doc approved, since I have old lady bones.
7/23/11
Double Digits
My twins turn 10 tomorrow. Which means that all my kids are now in double digits. Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday I was 9-months pregnant with twins. Or breastfeeding practically 24 hours a day. Or trying to figure out how I would ever survive three-year-old twins.
And now they are 10. They have become awesome people. And they are actually useful. SS makes the best fried eggs and iced tea in the world. TT just takes whatever the world throws at her and keeps right on rolling without a complaint.
And they are still sweet and cuddly and love their mom and dad. I still get about a million hugs and kisses a day from them. (PS would hardly give us a hug if her life depended upon it; she is not big on physical affection.) And when we watched tv together last night, SS curled right up next to me the whole time. I love that they still do this.
We bought them new big kid bikes for their birthday. With hand brakes and gears. And cell phones. (We were on the fence about that one.) They are getting big. I miss buying Little People. But we did get some Legos, one of the few toys we can buy anymore.
It has been weighing on me a lot lately how little time we have until all our kids go off to college and start their own lives. When I was young I NEVER wanted kids. But they are definitely the most awesome thing that has ever happened to me.
And now they are 10. They have become awesome people. And they are actually useful. SS makes the best fried eggs and iced tea in the world. TT just takes whatever the world throws at her and keeps right on rolling without a complaint.
And they are still sweet and cuddly and love their mom and dad. I still get about a million hugs and kisses a day from them. (PS would hardly give us a hug if her life depended upon it; she is not big on physical affection.) And when we watched tv together last night, SS curled right up next to me the whole time. I love that they still do this.
We bought them new big kid bikes for their birthday. With hand brakes and gears. And cell phones. (We were on the fence about that one.) They are getting big. I miss buying Little People. But we did get some Legos, one of the few toys we can buy anymore.
It has been weighing on me a lot lately how little time we have until all our kids go off to college and start their own lives. When I was young I NEVER wanted kids. But they are definitely the most awesome thing that has ever happened to me.
7/21/11
Feet and Anger
Took TT to the ortho today who said that her toe is NOT broken. She just has a bad sprain (her foot is still really swollen!). No more splint, no more crutches. Woot! She can ride her bike and go swimming again and, best of all, our beach vacation isn't screwed up. (Can you imagine a cast on the beach?)
He also hesitantly said that she could still go to the amusement park for her birthday this weekend. I'm a bit concerned about this, since she would now be walking on it all day. I had a bad sprain when the twins were about 10 months old. We went to Chicago a month later and I walked too much the first day and was miserable the rest of the trip because my foot hurt so much. That sprain took forever to heal and hurt a heck of a lot more than the fractures I had last summer.
And in other news I am mad at DH. We went out last night, so he picked me up from work, leaving my car in the underground parking garage. He dropped me off at 9:30 last night--right at the stairs to go into the garage (he couldn't drive into the garage because the pass was in my car). And then he left! Without making sure that nobody murdered me and that I actually came back out of the dark, empty parking garage. Who does that? Whenever I drop off DH, or anybody else, I always make sure that they are safely in their car and actually moving before I leave.
He thinks I am ridiculous for being angry. I think he is lacking in civility.
He also hesitantly said that she could still go to the amusement park for her birthday this weekend. I'm a bit concerned about this, since she would now be walking on it all day. I had a bad sprain when the twins were about 10 months old. We went to Chicago a month later and I walked too much the first day and was miserable the rest of the trip because my foot hurt so much. That sprain took forever to heal and hurt a heck of a lot more than the fractures I had last summer.
And in other news I am mad at DH. We went out last night, so he picked me up from work, leaving my car in the underground parking garage. He dropped me off at 9:30 last night--right at the stairs to go into the garage (he couldn't drive into the garage because the pass was in my car). And then he left! Without making sure that nobody murdered me and that I actually came back out of the dark, empty parking garage. Who does that? Whenever I drop off DH, or anybody else, I always make sure that they are safely in their car and actually moving before I leave.
He thinks I am ridiculous for being angry. I think he is lacking in civility.
7/17/11
Cooking Weekend
This was supposed to be a cooking and cleaning weekend, but it ended up more of a shopping and cooking weekend. Haven't made much progress on the cleaning, but at least I have a refrigerator full of food and a week's worth of meals in my freezer.
A commenter asked about recipes a few weeks ago, so I'll share what I did:
I brought home 3 lbs of chicken tenderloins and used 1/3 of it in Brown Butter Ravioli with Crispy Sage and the remaining 2/3 in Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken. We had the Brown Butter Ravioli for dinner Saturday night (it was really good) and froze the Santa Fe Chicken (haven't tried this yet) for later in the week.
Today I browned 5 lbs of ground beef with a little onion and bell pepper, 2.5 lbs of bacon (use the oven!) and cut up a rotisserie chicken from Costco (a great cheat!). Most of the bacon and the chicken will be used on Monday and Tuesday to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzones and Garlic Chicken Farfalle (this is so unbelievably delicious). The rest of the bacon went into breakfast burritos that were frozen for later in the week.
I added spaghetti sauce to part of the ground beef to be used in Skillet Lasagna and spaghetti in the next week or two. I added refried beans (along with a little cumin, chili powder, onion powder and garlic) to another part to make burritos for lunch this week. (I really, really hate store-bought frozen foods for lunch). I have several more portions of ground beef stored in the freezer for later.
Tonight we had T-bone steaks with homestyle green beans and modified version of Crash Hot Potatoes.
I'll admit that this set of recipes isn't particularly healthy. The pasta dishes use lots of butter and cream. Also, I don't regularly buy bacon, so the number of bacon dishes is an anomaly. And the 5 lbs of ground beef will probably last for a month. We are also carb-heavy. That's always my weakness. I love carbs and the kids never gripe about pasta.
But I think cooking from scratch with real ingredients has got to be better than a bunch of over-processed foods. And we supplement with lots of fruits and veggies. And, most importantly, I can have dinner on the table in less than 15 minutes every night this week.
A commenter asked about recipes a few weeks ago, so I'll share what I did:
I brought home 3 lbs of chicken tenderloins and used 1/3 of it in Brown Butter Ravioli with Crispy Sage and the remaining 2/3 in Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken. We had the Brown Butter Ravioli for dinner Saturday night (it was really good) and froze the Santa Fe Chicken (haven't tried this yet) for later in the week.
Today I browned 5 lbs of ground beef with a little onion and bell pepper, 2.5 lbs of bacon (use the oven!) and cut up a rotisserie chicken from Costco (a great cheat!). Most of the bacon and the chicken will be used on Monday and Tuesday to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzones and Garlic Chicken Farfalle (this is so unbelievably delicious). The rest of the bacon went into breakfast burritos that were frozen for later in the week.
I added spaghetti sauce to part of the ground beef to be used in Skillet Lasagna and spaghetti in the next week or two. I added refried beans (along with a little cumin, chili powder, onion powder and garlic) to another part to make burritos for lunch this week. (I really, really hate store-bought frozen foods for lunch). I have several more portions of ground beef stored in the freezer for later.
Tonight we had T-bone steaks with homestyle green beans and modified version of Crash Hot Potatoes.
I'll admit that this set of recipes isn't particularly healthy. The pasta dishes use lots of butter and cream. Also, I don't regularly buy bacon, so the number of bacon dishes is an anomaly. And the 5 lbs of ground beef will probably last for a month. We are also carb-heavy. That's always my weakness. I love carbs and the kids never gripe about pasta.
But I think cooking from scratch with real ingredients has got to be better than a bunch of over-processed foods. And we supplement with lots of fruits and veggies. And, most importantly, I can have dinner on the table in less than 15 minutes every night this week.
7/15/11
Chaos
I keep dreaming about wind. Last night I dreamed that I was walking through a courtyard and it was very windy. Another woman was walking with a big purse that was hanging open and the wind suddenly filled up her purse and lifter her into the air like a hot air balloon.
The night before I dreamed that we were traveling and stopped at a little shack in the middle of nowhere. We were stuck there for 3 days because it was so windy that the dirt stirred up by the wind impeded visibility to the point that all nearby roads were closed.
I think the wind dreams are symbolic of the chaos that has taken over my life.
Work
It's busy. That's a good thing. I am much happier when I am busy. But it is hectic busy. And I'm still a little frustrated by the monotony of my job.
Home
My house is a mess. There are baskets of clean laundry all over my bedroom. The rest of the house is generally messy. Our nanny is supposed to supervise the kids' chores and perform light housekeeping tasks. She's been slacking. But she is going off to college soon and only has another 6 weeks with us.
I think that we have decided not to replacing her. The kids really don't need a lot of supervision these days. PS turns 13 soon and is very mature and responsible. The biggest challenge will be getting kids to their activities, but we will talk to the neighbor to see if she is interested in helping out with this.
The good news is that I am testing out a new housekeeper next week. Hopefully having someone come in every week will help with the house-mess chaos.
Kids (and dog)
Bob is doing great. He is already back to chasing bunnies in the yard and running up and down the stairs.
Speaking of stairs, TT broke her toe walking down the stairs. I've broken lots of toes and don't usually consider it a big deal. But she broke the big one and it was hugely swollen and bruised half-way down her foot. So I took her to the doc this morning who put some funky splint-thing on it, gave her crutches, told her not to put any weight on it, and referred us out to an ortho. (Yes, this is the kid who broke her arm and has only been out of the arm splint for 6 weeks.)
She thinks having crutches is super cool. But she doesn't get how much this is going to make the rest of her summer suck. The splint she has now can't get wet. So no pool. And we have a fully paid beach vacation scheduled in 3 weeks! And her birthday is next week. She's fully expecting a new bike and to go to the Big Amusement Park. So if she gets a bike, she won't be able to ride it for a month. That sounds like a sucky birthday. And she will be totally bummed if we can't go to the Big Amusement Park.
Finances
DH's employer started a crazy new insurance plan this year, and health care costs are insane. Oh how I miss my PPO. I don't think it would be so bad in a regular year, but with all of TT's issues this year, it's ugly. But at least next year we'll have a better idea of how much to contribute to our FSA. We way underfunded this year because we did not fully understand how this new plan would work (his employer automatically funded the FSA, but we blew through that by April). Not to mention the ginormous vet bill that we just got, compliments of Bob.
It's not debilitating, just not well planned for and adding more stress.
I just want my kids and my dog to be well and my house to be clean. Is that too much to ask?
The night before I dreamed that we were traveling and stopped at a little shack in the middle of nowhere. We were stuck there for 3 days because it was so windy that the dirt stirred up by the wind impeded visibility to the point that all nearby roads were closed.
I think the wind dreams are symbolic of the chaos that has taken over my life.
Work
It's busy. That's a good thing. I am much happier when I am busy. But it is hectic busy. And I'm still a little frustrated by the monotony of my job.
Home
My house is a mess. There are baskets of clean laundry all over my bedroom. The rest of the house is generally messy. Our nanny is supposed to supervise the kids' chores and perform light housekeeping tasks. She's been slacking. But she is going off to college soon and only has another 6 weeks with us.
I think that we have decided not to replacing her. The kids really don't need a lot of supervision these days. PS turns 13 soon and is very mature and responsible. The biggest challenge will be getting kids to their activities, but we will talk to the neighbor to see if she is interested in helping out with this.
The good news is that I am testing out a new housekeeper next week. Hopefully having someone come in every week will help with the house-mess chaos.
Kids (and dog)
Bob is doing great. He is already back to chasing bunnies in the yard and running up and down the stairs.
Speaking of stairs, TT broke her toe walking down the stairs. I've broken lots of toes and don't usually consider it a big deal. But she broke the big one and it was hugely swollen and bruised half-way down her foot. So I took her to the doc this morning who put some funky splint-thing on it, gave her crutches, told her not to put any weight on it, and referred us out to an ortho. (Yes, this is the kid who broke her arm and has only been out of the arm splint for 6 weeks.)
She thinks having crutches is super cool. But she doesn't get how much this is going to make the rest of her summer suck. The splint she has now can't get wet. So no pool. And we have a fully paid beach vacation scheduled in 3 weeks! And her birthday is next week. She's fully expecting a new bike and to go to the Big Amusement Park. So if she gets a bike, she won't be able to ride it for a month. That sounds like a sucky birthday. And she will be totally bummed if we can't go to the Big Amusement Park.
Finances
DH's employer started a crazy new insurance plan this year, and health care costs are insane. Oh how I miss my PPO. I don't think it would be so bad in a regular year, but with all of TT's issues this year, it's ugly. But at least next year we'll have a better idea of how much to contribute to our FSA. We way underfunded this year because we did not fully understand how this new plan would work (his employer automatically funded the FSA, but we blew through that by April). Not to mention the ginormous vet bill that we just got, compliments of Bob.
It's not debilitating, just not well planned for and adding more stress.
I just want my kids and my dog to be well and my house to be clean. Is that too much to ask?
7/9/11
Awful Night
About 8:30 this evening we headed to the neighbor's house to water her plants while she is out of town. I told the girls to put Bob in the backyard before we left so he wouldn't try to run out the front door.
Bob was quite unhappy that his family was in the neighbor's yard while he was stuck in our yard, and was doing his best to ram his head through the fence. So we told PS to go back home and let him into the house. A few minutes later, her sisters followed. Just as DH and I were finishing up, TT ran back over to tell us that Bob had gotten out and was taking off down the street. PS and SS had followed, so DH took off running after them. I went to get the car, with SS in tow. (This isn't the first time Bob has taken off, and the best way to catch him is to convince him to take a ride in the car.)
As I reached the end of our block I caught a glimpse of SS standing at the edge of our neighborhood. Which borders a busy two-lane highway with a 55 mph speed limit. When I reached the highway I saw the girls and DH standing on one side screaming. It was hard to see what was going on in the road because it was dusk and the oncoming car headlights put everything into silhouette. My biggest fear at that moment was that one of my children would take off across the highway after the dog. Traffic was too heavy to pull onto the highway, so I just laid on the horn, hoping it would make the other cars slow down and pay attention.
And then the cars in both directions stopped and I saw DH and PS take off across the road. SS was still on the side opposite me. I pulled onto the highway and saw that Bob had been hit. I flipped a u-turn in front of the stopped cars--my top priority was to get SS into the car before she tried to cross the road, or a car came onto the shoulder and hit her. I walked down to where DH and PS were, and I could see that Bob was lying down but moving his head. Lots of other people had stopped and were out of their cars trying to help. (DH said later that some strange lady came over and started yelling at the kids who hit Bob. It wasn't their fault a big black dog came darting into traffic. And PS said that lots of other people were crying.) I yelled across the road that I would bring the car over (it was a few couple hundred feet away on the other side of the highway.)
Meanwhile, someone found a blanket, which was made into a makeshift gurney to carry Bob to the car. He looked to have a broken leg and was bleeding from his mouth. We loaded him into the back and DH called the vet. PS and SS, who had seen everything, were hysterical.
We headed to the vet's office, and she met us within just a few minutes. Bob was very calm in the car, and stood up when DH tried to lift him out of the car. In the vet's office he was panting heavily, but he was standing on his leg and wagging his tail. X-rays showed no breaks or internal injuries. He just has lots of road rash, swelling in one knee, and apparently bit his tongue. The vet sent him home with lots of pain killers and antibiotics.
It is awful seeing Bob hurt and the kids so inconsolable. They are all trying to blame themselves. (And yes, he should be better trained.) SS is sleeping on the couch tonight so that she can stay near him. But the worst of all was the very real fear that one of my kids was going to get killed on that very busy highway. It was like watching a movie in slow motion and there was nothing I could do.
It looks like Bob will be ok. We can clearly see how this situation could have been worse in so many different ways and know that we are lucky it wasn't worse. And we are so grateful to everyone who stopped to help. We wish there was a way to let them know that Bob turned out ok--especially the kids who hit him and got yelled at.
Bob was quite unhappy that his family was in the neighbor's yard while he was stuck in our yard, and was doing his best to ram his head through the fence. So we told PS to go back home and let him into the house. A few minutes later, her sisters followed. Just as DH and I were finishing up, TT ran back over to tell us that Bob had gotten out and was taking off down the street. PS and SS had followed, so DH took off running after them. I went to get the car, with SS in tow. (This isn't the first time Bob has taken off, and the best way to catch him is to convince him to take a ride in the car.)
As I reached the end of our block I caught a glimpse of SS standing at the edge of our neighborhood. Which borders a busy two-lane highway with a 55 mph speed limit. When I reached the highway I saw the girls and DH standing on one side screaming. It was hard to see what was going on in the road because it was dusk and the oncoming car headlights put everything into silhouette. My biggest fear at that moment was that one of my children would take off across the highway after the dog. Traffic was too heavy to pull onto the highway, so I just laid on the horn, hoping it would make the other cars slow down and pay attention.
And then the cars in both directions stopped and I saw DH and PS take off across the road. SS was still on the side opposite me. I pulled onto the highway and saw that Bob had been hit. I flipped a u-turn in front of the stopped cars--my top priority was to get SS into the car before she tried to cross the road, or a car came onto the shoulder and hit her. I walked down to where DH and PS were, and I could see that Bob was lying down but moving his head. Lots of other people had stopped and were out of their cars trying to help. (DH said later that some strange lady came over and started yelling at the kids who hit Bob. It wasn't their fault a big black dog came darting into traffic. And PS said that lots of other people were crying.) I yelled across the road that I would bring the car over (it was a few couple hundred feet away on the other side of the highway.)
Meanwhile, someone found a blanket, which was made into a makeshift gurney to carry Bob to the car. He looked to have a broken leg and was bleeding from his mouth. We loaded him into the back and DH called the vet. PS and SS, who had seen everything, were hysterical.
We headed to the vet's office, and she met us within just a few minutes. Bob was very calm in the car, and stood up when DH tried to lift him out of the car. In the vet's office he was panting heavily, but he was standing on his leg and wagging his tail. X-rays showed no breaks or internal injuries. He just has lots of road rash, swelling in one knee, and apparently bit his tongue. The vet sent him home with lots of pain killers and antibiotics.
It is awful seeing Bob hurt and the kids so inconsolable. They are all trying to blame themselves. (And yes, he should be better trained.) SS is sleeping on the couch tonight so that she can stay near him. But the worst of all was the very real fear that one of my kids was going to get killed on that very busy highway. It was like watching a movie in slow motion and there was nothing I could do.
It looks like Bob will be ok. We can clearly see how this situation could have been worse in so many different ways and know that we are lucky it wasn't worse. And we are so grateful to everyone who stopped to help. We wish there was a way to let them know that Bob turned out ok--especially the kids who hit him and got yelled at.
7/3/11
Have a Safe and Happy Holiday
We took off Friday afternoon and headed to Hometown for the holiday weekend. Our plan was to let our kids experience some of our favorite things about Hometown--something we never get to do because we always have a whirlwind of relative-visiting when we're here.
And so yesterday morning we went hiking in the fantastic canyon that we spent a good part of our teenage years in. We were thrilled to find that the kids loved it as much as we do. The twins apparently learned all about tracking when they were at Girl Scout camp, and so they had great fun pointing out tracks and informing us of whether they were opossum or raccoon or deer or horse or armadillo or coyote.*
Last night we took FIL to dinner and an outdoor theater production. (I think DH is done with musical theater for the year--this is our third production in as many weeks.)
And today we visited our grandparents and finished the day off with a barbecue at my dad's house with my brother and nieces. (We had to fit the mandatory visits in somewhere.) It was nice getting to hang out with my brother and his girls. I'm pretty sure my dad never anticipated having 7 granddaughters and it's a little crazy when they're all together, but also a lot of fun.
Tomorrow we head home. I think the kids had a great time (TT told me as much).
*DH's sibs went with us and I overheard this conversation between my 6-year-old niece and 3-year-old nephew:
Nephew: What's a coyote?
Niece: It's a kind of wild dog.
Nephew: Ooohhh, that sounds scary.
Niece: It is scary. They eat people.
And so yesterday morning we went hiking in the fantastic canyon that we spent a good part of our teenage years in. We were thrilled to find that the kids loved it as much as we do. The twins apparently learned all about tracking when they were at Girl Scout camp, and so they had great fun pointing out tracks and informing us of whether they were opossum or raccoon or deer or horse or armadillo or coyote.*
Last night we took FIL to dinner and an outdoor theater production. (I think DH is done with musical theater for the year--this is our third production in as many weeks.)
And today we visited our grandparents and finished the day off with a barbecue at my dad's house with my brother and nieces. (We had to fit the mandatory visits in somewhere.) It was nice getting to hang out with my brother and his girls. I'm pretty sure my dad never anticipated having 7 granddaughters and it's a little crazy when they're all together, but also a lot of fun.
Tomorrow we head home. I think the kids had a great time (TT told me as much).
*DH's sibs went with us and I overheard this conversation between my 6-year-old niece and 3-year-old nephew:
Nephew: What's a coyote?
Niece: It's a kind of wild dog.
Nephew: Ooohhh, that sounds scary.
Niece: It is scary. They eat people.
6/28/11
Crazy Week
This week is crazy week. PS is attending a half-day engineering camp on the campus where I attended law school. Meanwhile her sisters are attending lego robotics camp* in our little suburb, 25 miles away. And of course they both have to be at camp at 9:00 am. Fortunately, my sweet neighbor agreed to drop off the twins, since it is only 5 minutes from our house.
PS's camp is 5 minutes from my office. Which means that she spends the other half of her day with me at work. I spoke with Big Boss about this last week, and he was less than thrilled--concerned about having kids wandering through the office. Um, she's 12, going into 8th grade. She sits in a corner and reads or plays video games or watches movies on my laptop (exactly what she would be doing at home). I have never had my kids at the office before and don't intend to make it a habit. It's a one time event and a great opportunity for her. And nobody else in my office has kids, so no issues with setting a precedent.
So I took her anyway--and I'm pretty sure he hasn't even noticed that she's there.
Today we carpooled with DH so that we could go directly to the funeral visitation tonight (an hour away from home) and didn't get home until 9:00. Tomorrow is the funeral, which will be an all day event with lots of out-of-town relatives. But FIL will not be staying with us, so at least we don't have the added stress of overnight guests.
Friday we head to Hometown for the weekend (where we will be staying with FIL). There's a lot to do between now and then, both at work and at home.
*Yes we are geeks. The twins are also attending a science camp later this summer, further reinforcing our geekiness. The purpose of PS's camp is to get girls more interested in engineering--still a heavily male-dominated field. And interestingly, my girls were the only girls attending the sold-out lego robotics camp.
PS's camp is 5 minutes from my office. Which means that she spends the other half of her day with me at work. I spoke with Big Boss about this last week, and he was less than thrilled--concerned about having kids wandering through the office. Um, she's 12, going into 8th grade. She sits in a corner and reads or plays video games or watches movies on my laptop (exactly what she would be doing at home). I have never had my kids at the office before and don't intend to make it a habit. It's a one time event and a great opportunity for her. And nobody else in my office has kids, so no issues with setting a precedent.
So I took her anyway--and I'm pretty sure he hasn't even noticed that she's there.
Today we carpooled with DH so that we could go directly to the funeral visitation tonight (an hour away from home) and didn't get home until 9:00. Tomorrow is the funeral, which will be an all day event with lots of out-of-town relatives. But FIL will not be staying with us, so at least we don't have the added stress of overnight guests.
Friday we head to Hometown for the weekend (where we will be staying with FIL). There's a lot to do between now and then, both at work and at home.
*Yes we are geeks. The twins are also attending a science camp later this summer, further reinforcing our geekiness. The purpose of PS's camp is to get girls more interested in engineering--still a heavily male-dominated field. And interestingly, my girls were the only girls attending the sold-out lego robotics camp.
6/26/11
A Mother's Rant
To the lady at the table behind us at dinner last night: yes, I did give you an icy-cold death stare. Your baby screamed the entire time we were at dinner. It was not "fussing," it was screaming. And as much as you may have wanted a nice dinner out, so did every other diner and the restaurant and they were deprived of this opportunity because of your selfishness. Not to mention that your child was tired or hungry or otherwise ailed, and simply did not want to be there.
I understand that it may have been a long time since you have gone out to dinner. But that is one of the consequences of having children. Believe me, I have missed my share of hot meals, dinners out, movies, concerts and theater productions, because I had young children. And I have had to leave restaurants and church and shopping malls because I had babies who were uncooperative. It's no fun to have your meal wrapped up to take home, but that is what you do when your child is screaming at the top of her lungs. And now that my children are old enough to leave the house and act like civilized human beings, I really don't want to listen to your child scream. I've suffered through years of missing out on fun things because of my children--now its your turn. It won't last forever (unless you're the Duggar Family). Suck it up and realize that the world does not revolve around you and your adorable little bundle of screams.
To the lady who attempted to bring her one-year old to the theater last night: A one-year old is never, ever, ever going to sit through a theater production. One-year olds like to talk and play. They do not like to sit still for three hours and watch adults sing and dance on a stage 50 feet away. At least you figured this out early on and removed your child. But really...you're not going to be able to go to the theater for years unless you get a babysitter. Just save yourself the cost of the tickets and rent a DVD.
To the the adults who kept entering and leaving the theater in the middle of the show last night: unacceptable. I didn't let my 9-year olds leave in the middle of the act to go to the bathroom, but it is hard to explain that this is poor theater etiquette there were so many adults coming in and out. (It later appeared that these adults were the parents of children who had a very short spot at the end of the second act--which seems even more appalling to me. If you kid is in the show, you should know how an audience member should behave.)
To the adults who left candy wrappers in the floor of the theater: Disgusting. This is not a movie theater. Food is not even allowed in. How hard is it to pick up your own trash?
I understand that it may have been a long time since you have gone out to dinner. But that is one of the consequences of having children. Believe me, I have missed my share of hot meals, dinners out, movies, concerts and theater productions, because I had young children. And I have had to leave restaurants and church and shopping malls because I had babies who were uncooperative. It's no fun to have your meal wrapped up to take home, but that is what you do when your child is screaming at the top of her lungs. And now that my children are old enough to leave the house and act like civilized human beings, I really don't want to listen to your child scream. I've suffered through years of missing out on fun things because of my children--now its your turn. It won't last forever (unless you're the Duggar Family). Suck it up and realize that the world does not revolve around you and your adorable little bundle of screams.
To the lady who attempted to bring her one-year old to the theater last night: A one-year old is never, ever, ever going to sit through a theater production. One-year olds like to talk and play. They do not like to sit still for three hours and watch adults sing and dance on a stage 50 feet away. At least you figured this out early on and removed your child. But really...you're not going to be able to go to the theater for years unless you get a babysitter. Just save yourself the cost of the tickets and rent a DVD.
To the the adults who kept entering and leaving the theater in the middle of the show last night: unacceptable. I didn't let my 9-year olds leave in the middle of the act to go to the bathroom, but it is hard to explain that this is poor theater etiquette there were so many adults coming in and out. (It later appeared that these adults were the parents of children who had a very short spot at the end of the second act--which seems even more appalling to me. If you kid is in the show, you should know how an audience member should behave.)
To the adults who left candy wrappers in the floor of the theater: Disgusting. This is not a movie theater. Food is not even allowed in. How hard is it to pick up your own trash?
6/24/11
Long Week
So our kid-free week has come to an end. It was fun, but I am definitely too old for the going out every night thing. And I am so glad to have all my girls back. They have hardly stopped chattering (or eating!) since they got home.
But it's also been a dramatic week with my co-worker getting fired and DH's great-uncle passing away this morning. We visited his aunt and uncle earlier this week, knowing that the end was likely near, which brought memories of our last days with MIL. Because all of our side of the family is out of town, we will likely have company coming in for the funeral. Company meaning FIL and likely his wife. That is still a touchy issue (yes, I know some of my readers are critical of this.)
I guess I need to do some major grocery shopping and house cleaning (not to mention the disgusting camp laundry--thank god I don't have boys because 3 girls are gross enough).
And I have a spa appointment tomorrow morning. I have a GC that I have been sitting on since my birthday and it has to be used by the end of the month--this was the only time available when I finally called a couple of weeks ago. Not great timing with the kids just getting home and company in, but hopefully it will help me relax and deal with it all.
But it's also been a dramatic week with my co-worker getting fired and DH's great-uncle passing away this morning. We visited his aunt and uncle earlier this week, knowing that the end was likely near, which brought memories of our last days with MIL. Because all of our side of the family is out of town, we will likely have company coming in for the funeral. Company meaning FIL and likely his wife. That is still a touchy issue (yes, I know some of my readers are critical of this.)
I guess I need to do some major grocery shopping and house cleaning (not to mention the disgusting camp laundry--thank god I don't have boys because 3 girls are gross enough).
And I have a spa appointment tomorrow morning. I have a GC that I have been sitting on since my birthday and it has to be used by the end of the month--this was the only time available when I finally called a couple of weeks ago. Not great timing with the kids just getting home and company in, but hopefully it will help me relax and deal with it all.
6/22/11
Always look on the bright side of life
I was whistling this all morning after seeing a certain musical last night, although it's a bit cheerier that I feel.
My problem with being too slow at work has just resolved. My co-worker was fired yesterday. He was the only other full-time regular associate, so much of his work will likely be shifted to me until a replacement is found (which, if history holds true, could be a while).
My bosses took great care to explain to me that it was not a lay off and that my job is absolutely secure and that they could not anticipate a reason that they would ever need let me go because I am such a valuable asset to the firm. But while it was nice to hear high praise for my work, I felt terrible for my coworker. It wasn't really a shock, though, since I had been tasked with re-checking his work on several occasions.
He asked to talk to me after he found out, and the bosses agreed to this. And he asked what he could have done differently (I think he was truly shocked). I told him that if he wasn't getting feedback he needed to ask for it. You can only improve your work product if you know what the problem is. And sometimes you have to detect subtleties to know that there is a problem. (He knew I was re-doing one of his motions which should have been a bright red flag.)
He also complained that he didn't get enough input when he didn't know how to do something. We didn't talk much about this, but one thing I learned early in my career is that "I don't know, but I can figure it out" is a great answer. The key is that you have to be able to figure it out. He wasn't able to do that, and no senior partner wants to baby-step an associate through drafting a simple motion or discovery. You have to take the initiative to find a form or a book or someone a couple of years ahead of you who can point you in the right direction.
So, those are my bits of advice for young lawyers: be someone who can figure things out and be proactive in discovering your weaknesses.
My problem with being too slow at work has just resolved. My co-worker was fired yesterday. He was the only other full-time regular associate, so much of his work will likely be shifted to me until a replacement is found (which, if history holds true, could be a while).
My bosses took great care to explain to me that it was not a lay off and that my job is absolutely secure and that they could not anticipate a reason that they would ever need let me go because I am such a valuable asset to the firm. But while it was nice to hear high praise for my work, I felt terrible for my coworker. It wasn't really a shock, though, since I had been tasked with re-checking his work on several occasions.
He asked to talk to me after he found out, and the bosses agreed to this. And he asked what he could have done differently (I think he was truly shocked). I told him that if he wasn't getting feedback he needed to ask for it. You can only improve your work product if you know what the problem is. And sometimes you have to detect subtleties to know that there is a problem. (He knew I was re-doing one of his motions which should have been a bright red flag.)
He also complained that he didn't get enough input when he didn't know how to do something. We didn't talk much about this, but one thing I learned early in my career is that "I don't know, but I can figure it out" is a great answer. The key is that you have to be able to figure it out. He wasn't able to do that, and no senior partner wants to baby-step an associate through drafting a simple motion or discovery. You have to take the initiative to find a form or a book or someone a couple of years ahead of you who can point you in the right direction.
So, those are my bits of advice for young lawyers: be someone who can figure things out and be proactive in discovering your weaknesses.
6/19/11
Camp in the age of the internet
This morning I am tying up all of the last minute details before we send the kids off to camp. One of which is setting up an account so that I can email the girls at camp. You can't use regular email. You have to use the GS proprietary system that lets you send "bunk notes" that are printed off and delivered to the girls with the regular mail. Oh yeah, and you have to pay for this service. Messages start at $1 and go up by $1 per add on if you want to make it in color or add a picture or a word game. So one email can end up costing $3. And you have to buy credits for this service in $10 increments. Per kid. So I have to pay a minimum of $20 to email my kids at camp. Makes a postage stamp look like a bargain. (Not to mention I already went old school and hid little notes throughout their suitcases.)
This is a little irritating to me. Especially because I have been getting blast emails for the last two months encouraging me to buy a bunch of overpriced crap to be delivered to my kids while they are at camp. They are definitely playing the "show your kids you love them through material possessions" card. I didn't really think that was what GS was all about.
I think scouting is a great program, and I know that the money made off of these ventures goes back to the scouts, but I am not loving this particular fund raising mechanism.
Meanwhile, PS's camp is not allowing any electronics, either. (Can you imagine the number of cell phones and ipods that will be confiscated by the end of the week from 300 middle schoolers?) But they have set up a twitter feed so that the parents can see what is going on. So yesterday I joined the 21st century and set up a twitter account. I still don't really see the point of twitter, but maybe I'm just getting old. I'm following a few business, and it seems to me like I have just voluntarily signed up to be affronted with even more advertising. Why would I do this to myself?
However, a new social networking site that I LOVE is pinterest. I describe it as a visual bookmarking site that you can share with the world. Your "pins" are images/links that take you back to whatever you are pinning. I can spend hours on this new time-waster.
This is a little irritating to me. Especially because I have been getting blast emails for the last two months encouraging me to buy a bunch of overpriced crap to be delivered to my kids while they are at camp. They are definitely playing the "show your kids you love them through material possessions" card. I didn't really think that was what GS was all about.
I think scouting is a great program, and I know that the money made off of these ventures goes back to the scouts, but I am not loving this particular fund raising mechanism.
Meanwhile, PS's camp is not allowing any electronics, either. (Can you imagine the number of cell phones and ipods that will be confiscated by the end of the week from 300 middle schoolers?) But they have set up a twitter feed so that the parents can see what is going on. So yesterday I joined the 21st century and set up a twitter account. I still don't really see the point of twitter, but maybe I'm just getting old. I'm following a few business, and it seems to me like I have just voluntarily signed up to be affronted with even more advertising. Why would I do this to myself?
However, a new social networking site that I LOVE is pinterest. I describe it as a visual bookmarking site that you can share with the world. Your "pins" are images/links that take you back to whatever you are pinning. I can spend hours on this new time-waster.
6/18/11
Summer Camp
Tomorrow the twins leave for camp, and PS heads out on Monday. DH and I will be empty-nesters for a week, and we plan to take full advantage. We've already got tix to the theater, a baseball game and passes for the movie theater that serves booze (and mediocre food).
But getting ready for camp has become a major undertaking.
On Tuesday we were informed PS must have a one-piece swimsuit for camp. Do you know how hard it is to find a one-piece these days? Especially for a 12-year-0d trapped between kids and juniors sizes? She already has a modest tankini, but the half-inch of belly it shows might cause boys to be overcome with lewd and lascivious thoughts. (Can you tell she's going to church camp?)
So I took a two-hour lunch on Wednesday to peruse the frou-frou mall a block from my office. (Note to self: Do not go shopping on the day you wear your highest heels.) I would text pics of what I found, and PS would respond with "ughs". I came home with a suit she thought was "ok," but that ended up being too small. (This shopping challenge is complicated by the fact that PS has been volunteering with the stage crew of our local theater company from 7-11 every night. I rarely get home before 7, so there has been no chance to go shopping together.)
Thursday the kids were directed to pack while I was at work. I got home at 8, only to find that 4 out of the 5 pairs of shorts each twin had packed were too small. So we flew out the door to hit Old Navy before they closed at 9:00. Fortunately, they were running great sales and I was able to pick up 8 pairs of shorts, 2 bathing suits and a couple of t-shirts for about $100. Woot!
Unfortunately, we got home to find half of it didn't fit. Apparently the kids have grown a lot since last summer. So last night we repeated our expedition, this time trying on. Whew! At least the twins are packed. But PS still needs new shoes and a swimsuit and possibly a couple of pairs of shorts, so there will be more shopping today.
And then on Sunday, we make the 4-hour round trip to drop off the twins. Happy Father's Day--you're getting rid of the kids for a week!
But getting ready for camp has become a major undertaking.
On Tuesday we were informed PS must have a one-piece swimsuit for camp. Do you know how hard it is to find a one-piece these days? Especially for a 12-year-0d trapped between kids and juniors sizes? She already has a modest tankini, but the half-inch of belly it shows might cause boys to be overcome with lewd and lascivious thoughts. (Can you tell she's going to church camp?)
So I took a two-hour lunch on Wednesday to peruse the frou-frou mall a block from my office. (Note to self: Do not go shopping on the day you wear your highest heels.) I would text pics of what I found, and PS would respond with "ughs". I came home with a suit she thought was "ok," but that ended up being too small. (This shopping challenge is complicated by the fact that PS has been volunteering with the stage crew of our local theater company from 7-11 every night. I rarely get home before 7, so there has been no chance to go shopping together.)
Thursday the kids were directed to pack while I was at work. I got home at 8, only to find that 4 out of the 5 pairs of shorts each twin had packed were too small. So we flew out the door to hit Old Navy before they closed at 9:00. Fortunately, they were running great sales and I was able to pick up 8 pairs of shorts, 2 bathing suits and a couple of t-shirts for about $100. Woot!
Unfortunately, we got home to find half of it didn't fit. Apparently the kids have grown a lot since last summer. So last night we repeated our expedition, this time trying on. Whew! At least the twins are packed. But PS still needs new shoes and a swimsuit and possibly a couple of pairs of shorts, so there will be more shopping today.
And then on Sunday, we make the 4-hour round trip to drop off the twins. Happy Father's Day--you're getting rid of the kids for a week!
6/11/11
Loose Ends
1) I seem to have come out of my funk. Still don't know what is going on with my kid, though, since they had to rerun a bunch of her bloodwork and it takes forever to get results. But since she is acting perfectly normal these days, it's hard to believe that something is wrong.
2) We are not filing a grievance against Lawyer A. I do think his conduct was both despicable and unethical. But filing a grievance against an attorney is a very serious, career-altering move. I discussed it with my partners and we decided that since his conduct was recorded on the record and the judge admonished him in open court that this matter had been handled. My client is already stressed by being involved in these proceedings that she is not a party to and has little interest in getting involved in another mess by filing a grievance.
3) I'm still slow and bored at work. I was at a CLE yesterday and ran into an old law school friend. She asked what I was doing and if I liked it--and my response was "I'm bored." I couldn't even bring myself to couch it or tell a little white lie (although I am a terrible liar, anyway.) And then, one of the points made at the CLE was that if you are discontent, or worse, unhappy, you need to make a change because you only have one life and you need to get the most out of it. And a corollary point was made that very few good things in life happen without risk. I am taking this advice to heart and trying to figure out what to do about it.
2) We are not filing a grievance against Lawyer A. I do think his conduct was both despicable and unethical. But filing a grievance against an attorney is a very serious, career-altering move. I discussed it with my partners and we decided that since his conduct was recorded on the record and the judge admonished him in open court that this matter had been handled. My client is already stressed by being involved in these proceedings that she is not a party to and has little interest in getting involved in another mess by filing a grievance.
3) I'm still slow and bored at work. I was at a CLE yesterday and ran into an old law school friend. She asked what I was doing and if I liked it--and my response was "I'm bored." I couldn't even bring myself to couch it or tell a little white lie (although I am a terrible liar, anyway.) And then, one of the points made at the CLE was that if you are discontent, or worse, unhappy, you need to make a change because you only have one life and you need to get the most out of it. And a corollary point was made that very few good things in life happen without risk. I am taking this advice to heart and trying to figure out what to do about it.
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