The Week Ahead of Me

Monday:  Things aren't looking so great to start off a Monday.  I mean... we went for our walk/run this morning - but we got a late start so we HAD to run home so that I could be only 10 minutes late to work.  That's not awful.  I showered, The Dad made us an egg - and *poof* off to work we go.  I get home for  lunch and remember that we are out of bread so it's going to have to be yogurt and granola for lunch.  So while I'm getting the granola out - I see the Lays chips.  And then I remember the Resers ranch chip dip in the fridge.  So a few chips as an appetizer at lunch - and with Jack & Dan outside and Boone the only one wanting to "hang out" with me - he got a few too... I've finished my yogurt and could have a gatorade, water or milk, but I pulled a Diet Dr. Pepper out of the beverage fridge.  BUT... I have yet to open it.  I don't really like pop, but something is driving me out of my norm today.  Just want to get through today to get to tomorrow.

Tuesday:  My girlfriend is starting her new business so myself and another of our friends said we'd host her party tomorrow.  I'm excited for her and hope she does well, and I know it will be a good time.  But between today after work, laundry, dogs, house - I have to find something to prepare for snacks for it.  Tuesdays are usually a decent day at work - if you dont' know why, ask me... I'll tell you.  But on Tuesday, I'm going to be working to get to Wednesday.

Wednesday:  Now Wednesday is a banner day!  A banner day!  It's hair appointment day!  I had to reschedule my July 31st appointment and the soonest she could get me in was tomorrow...  So I look a bit like a backwards striped skunk, but on Wednesday that all gets righted.  That's the thumbs up part of Wednesday.  The thumbs down part of Wednesday is that The Dad and Wack get to head to Seattle for Zach's orientation.  I don't "earn" vacation normally - or rather, this place isn't like any other place I've ever worked where you can't take vacation until your year anniversary.  That's nearly unreasonable... Yes I went to Cabo in April - but when I interviewed I stated - this trip is purchased... I'm going.  But if I wanted to go on this monumental excursion - well, couldn't happen.  So with that going on... I'll be working to get to Thursday.

Thursday:  Now Thursday I've got some major work to get done outside of work what with Yucca-fest 2012 this weekend.  Floors, carpets, shopping and some serious cuddle time with my amazing four legged friends.  But on Thursday, I'll be working to get to Friday.

Friday:  On Friday I get to finish what I don't finish on Thursday - which is likely most of it because, lets face it, I don't get alone time much.  Though - I don't really WANT that.  But I can prep some of the food and the jars for Yucca and wait for The Dad and Wack to get home.  I will probably mow the lawn on Friday instead of Saturday due to an EWU scrimmage on Saturday.  So on Friday, I'll be working to get to Saturday.

Saturday:  Saturday we'll do the 5 mile loop, or he'll play raquetball - we'll get cleaned up and race to the scrimmage.  I'll finish making food for Yucca-Fest 2012, we'll "set up" the holy board and draw out the "tournament" board.  The weather is going to be phenomenal and this year our air conditioning is working - it's looking to be a great time!  When that ends, we'll need to clean up and get the house ready for the NEWEST Spokane, UW Fiji bound boys for dinner here on Sunday.  So on Saturday... I'll be working to get to Sunday.

Sunday:  No rest for the weary.  Jack, Dan and Boone will not let us out of the morning at the Dog Park experience so that will start us off.  Followed by making breakfast for Wack and Blue Eyes who will be home on Saturday night for his fantasy football draft.  The Costco excursion, Rosauers and unpacking - probably just in time to make food for the new boys.  My newest set of "sons".  And when Sunday ends, I won't be working for Monday.  I'll be dragging my feet and hoping that if I stay up late to watch "The Newsroom" that that will let Sunday linger a little longer...  

Just long enough for me to check my lottery tickets...  so that I can sleep well into Monday. <knock on wood>

Walk/Run Much? Take A Tip From A Tipster.

We had a "round the world" day yesterday.  Down to Pullman to take Blue Eyes some stuff he left at home and see his new room at the Fiji house this year.  I'll admit - it's way cool.  I could totally just chill in that room and watch t.v., much like the boys were doing when we got there.  It's on the side of the house the afternoon sun doesn't hit and actually has THREE windows so the air can circulate.  Pretty sweet stuff.  Not to mention he's super jacked about it.  We took he and the Bruiser out to lunch (his girlfriend who has more nicknames than anyone I know... Bruiser, Bruiseanne, Snoozeanne, S-Flames & more) to Rancho Viejo, our yearly lunch with Ry-Man on move in day - or at least now of days, close to move in day.  We stopped and got shown his office at work for the S.I.D. and met a few of his bosses - then into Martin Stadium to see the new WOWZA pressbox that he'll be working in come September 8th.  

On our way home, we took the back way to Cheney to take #7 some of the stuff he left at home.  Yes, Cheney is a drop ball kick away from home, but once football camp starts in August, his time is extremely limited.  We originally thought we would hit the last part of practice and be able to see his new digs.  Instead, we showed up in time for the whole practice in the heat, with the many wasps zinging around.  It was fun to watch.   Hot, but fun and of course - it ended so great with all of these boys that we love to feed coming off the field and giving me sweaty hugs!  Love these boys and am realizing these are my last dinners with them here at the house in a few weeks and at the tailgates.  So... that bites.  

Meanwhile at home, #3 son was texting asking whats for dinner as my phone was running out of battery life.  So he started up the "conversation" with The Dad and they agreed on Panda Express.  We let him know when we were on our way and when we got up Hatch Road, the route that makes the most sense is the one The Dad missed.  

>>Come up Hatch, take a left on Perry, take a right on 29th, turn into Panda.  Leave Panda by way of Southeast Boulevard, turn right on Regal, left to Palouse Highway... so a great big giant circle and relatively little, if any backtracking.  But noooooo....  We (he) *missed* Perry and when I, WOTY said "uhhhh what?" or something like that - The Dad then turned left on Pittsburgh (as Pittsburgh goes all the way to 29th).  But Pittsburgh from 57th winds to the left and then take a right and then you're on heck... I think Madelia or Magnolia.  He was about to turn right on 49th to get back to Pittsburgh but forged ahead to Thurston where he HAD to turn right to get to Pittsburgh.  One short block later, we turned left onto Pittsburgh and this is when we saw "her".

She was short, older and had glasses on.  I can't remember if they were the "old person" sunglasses that cover half of her face, but only because I was checking out her outfit - which wasn't bad - but for her height and the heat - I made note of it.  She was short, but her socks seemed "heavy" for the heat of the afternoon.  She was walking along at a slow-ish pace but heck, she was out "exercising".  Good for her.  Right?  My comment to The Dad was "Hey honey, that's going to be us pretty soon."

That was the end of it.  And sadly... the real end of it.

This morning - I read on my Twitter that the Spokane Police were trying to identify a 60-70 year old, smallish built woman wearing light blue shorts, a white shirt, white socks and tennis shoes... and glasses.  She had been hit by a car on 37th and Crestline.  My Twitter told me about an hour ago that she has died.  Police STILL don't know who she is... was.

I told The Dad about the tweet earlier and he remembered her like I did.  And while I wrestled with whether or not I should call someone, I let the "I don't really have any information" idea win.  When I read that she had not survived - I decided that while she may live alone and no one knows to miss her as of yet, she may well have animals at home.  Or maybe an adult special needs child. Or perhaps... a husband.   

And so I picked up the phone and left our "we were heading north on Pittsburgh at around 6:45 to 6:50 pm and saw the woman..." details.  I imagine she must live in the area and was walking some circle route near her home - so hopefully our "tip" helps them narrow it down.  

I can't take back my comment about us looking like that soon  - and while I never knew her and would likely never have seen her again due to nearly NEVER going down Pittsburgh, I feel badly as my comment was that of a sarcastic nature.  I imagine though, that when The Dad and I are running or walking our routes these days, that others have said things about us...  and that's all well and good, but she taught me a lesson absolutely - regardless of whether I have a husband or animals or kids at home or not.  

Identification.  Whether on my ipod, or carrying my license, or even just a laminated piece of paper with my name and emergency contact info.  Even more so important as we don't do heavily traveled routes.  

It may not save my life - but it would spare the worry of my family, or save Jack, Dan and Boone's lives.  

Fall, Football, Family, Fun, Farewells...

You can have a hot summer day, which turns into, or stays a hot summer night.  You wake up in the morning and the air is still and you can go out to get the paper and think it feels pretty fantastic.

In The Can, that changes overnight and much as The Cannites would hate to hear it and will refuse to believe it - that happened just the other day.  Thursday.  

We woke up and headed out for our morning run/walk and when I hit the great outdoors in my usual workout outfit, I realized I needed something to keep my arms warm until we hit "the turn".  I actually ended up wearing it the past two days and not just to The Turn, but back as well.  After starting the laundry this morning and turning on the sprinkler system, I headed out to get the paper and felt that ever coolness of the morning air.  

Last night, The Dad and I ventured out.  When we were coming home I expected to head to our car in the nice, warm summer evening air.  Instead my lips quivered on my way to the car.  Even the warm nights are turning...

Fall is rearing her beautiful head.

Fall IS my favorite season in The Can.  The sun.  Leaves changing colors.  It's still warm during the days.  Football.  Fall get togethers.  Pumpkins.  Pumpkin candle smells.  Back to school shopping - once upon a time.  Football.  The "feel" of fall.  What has been the "busy"ness of the start up of school, sports, social gatherings, driving all over for games, planning around the times...  Love fall.  Especially when it's sunny.  Fall means Thanksgiving is coming - our families most favorite day of the year.  This year - it's followed by the Apple Cup in Pullman.  With a Husky and a Cougar in the house this year, our Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl may be a little more "spirited".  

So while the days still feel like summer, and my first sign that fall was coming was sending two Minn boys back to college - the second sign is sneaking up on us. Today we did nearly 5 miles instead of the 3.5 loop.  I wore my long sleeve top until the last uphill mile.  Seeing marmotts, deer, cows and hearing the breeze blow out in the open country is really quite a gift and will only get more beautiful as the colors change in the coming weeks.  Makes a workout not really feel like a workout.  

Now we'll turn on the PGA Championship, cheer on "my boy" Tiger - and in a bit head out on a day trip to take Blue Eyes some things he forgot and have lunch with him.  The tradition has been to move him down and take him out - but this year he left on a Tuesday while MOTY and The Dad worked.  I hugged him goodbye that afternoon and cried, just like I did last year when we dropped him off.

I think back to dropping both #7 and Blue Eyes off their first years and how I didn't cry.  Not a drop.  Didn't well up.  I hear so many parents say they bawled - half the way home. And I wondered what's wrong with me?  That the years FOLLOWING the first year are the years that make me want to give them hugs and never let go... and CRY.  And cry.  And then buck up, let go, wipe my tears and smile.

I believe #7 sealed this for me when we dropped him off for preschool at Ferris all those years ago.  I pulled up and was getting out to go walk him in when he turned to me like "What are you doing?"  I understood the look, but not believing my own eyes said "Want me to walk you in?"  And he said "No mom.  I'm good."  The students/teachers who ran the preschool looked to him and me and shrugged.  I cried all the way home.  My FOUR YEAR OLD didn't need me.

I realized that I don't break down the first year because this is what they've been, and we as parents have been working to get to.  I remember how I couldn't WAIT to get out of the house at 18.  So I am usually so happy that they are so happy to be "there" in that moment that I can't, nor should I "ruin" it with my selfishness of not wanting to let them go.  It's the second year... and the third... fourth... that the realization sets in that each year they go, the less of a chance I'm getting them back for much more time.

As a mother of three boys - I am keenly aware that sons, once married, spend more time with the brides families.  Perhaps this plays in to my emotions.

But it's a beatiful day for a day trip to Pullman - where en route home, we are to "swing by" Cheney to give #7 some stuff HE forgot.  But we'll get to see his new digs and may be the last sighting of him until we see him in the Kibbie Dome at the University of Idaho - at kickoff. 

Okay Fall... I think I'm ready for you.

I Know Someone, Who Knows Someone...

So...

I know someone...  who knows someone.

Actually, I just know someone in a bit of predicament.  A very good friend of mine works for a company that's going through a transition.  My friend is an executive at the company and was informed that she wouldn't have a job as of September 1, but there would be a severance package and she and the other executives would know what that was by the end of the week.  That was 3 weeks ago.  The second week into "Uncertainty" they were told they would be notified what that was - the middle of the next week.  The middle of the next week came and she was "told" sort of what to expect and she, having had much time to think about this - told "The Man" that she needed it in writing.

She told me on my way to pick up a friend for "Bunco" yesterday that "The Man" stopped in to see her "today" for their weekly one on one and The Man still said nothing about what's to come and in fact, he asked her to do so more work to help the transition piece along.  She pushed that she needed some assurance, that she needs, for her families sake, something in writing because September 1 was 15 work days away.  Or something to that effect...

The Man said he was being diligent regarding it all and left her work area.

The friend and the other executives have been asked to not say anything to the other employees out of concern there would be a mass exodus.  They did not sign a non-disclosure or anything that would say they can't say anything about it - nor did her family members.  But she stays the course and it's eating her up inside, she's not sleeping and she yelled at her kids the other day due to the extreme stress.  She pretty much said they were told to lie to anyone who might ask "What's going on?"  And when she (and they) inquired "You want us to lie?", they were told to make something up about financials, orrrrr... waiting on the bank or.... something.  So in other words... yah, lie.  

She can't really apply for jobs due to the nature of her position and setting off red flags to competitors which would, in turn, allow the employees to figure it out... leading to the unwanted, but not necessarily accurate, mass exodus.  I mean, people NEED their jobs these days.  It's not easy finding them - it took me 4-5 months to find mine and I make a pittance of what my pal makes.  

So I'm pissed and this is where I put on my boxing gloves.  I can't stand seeing a good person, an honest, hard-working person be drug through the political ringer.  Chasing a severance she may not ever get.  And by "chasing" I mean, by continuing to do everything in her power to help The Man get his millions, while she continues to have no assurance that he MEANS what he says.  Nothing to back it up.

There's more to the story, but my lunch is only so long.  Sadly, I told my friend - Money changes people.  Especially THAT much money.  The Man may have been full of integrity, honesty and commanded your respect before.... but thus far, he doesn't seem to be as concerned about you and I think that's where the dollar signs have factored in - and in my opinion, does not earn your respect any longer.  I know who this "man" is... he's a local, sort of...  a local going on a month long trip starting September 1st.  Out of the country.  

Must be nice.  

Chin up friend.  Karma has a mysterious way of working things out.

Those People....

That's one of the biggest generalizations that I don't like.  "Those people..." and lumping everyone into a "category" that they may or may not be suited for, technically.

So I try hard not to use "those people" when trying to explain something - because mostly I think it makes us sound stupid.

BUT... and of course there's a "but" here...  I do have two of the "those people" groups that I do refer to.  And "those people" put themselves on "those" lists, really.  I don't put them there... well, not really.

Obviously there are "those people" that you send Christmas cards to year after year after year and you never get one back.  But then you're at the Jones' holiday party and you see in their little card hanging thing that shows off how many holiday cards someone receives - a card with the photo of "those people" that you keep sending holiday cards to, and now realize that they never send one to you.  So you make a mental note that you are not sending a card to "those people" next year.  

Ironically - this then becomes the year you don't send one and on December 22nd, receive one from them.  Which then becomes too late for you to send one to them because they will NOW know you sent one to them because they sent one to you.  Ugh.  

But it's not "those people" that has spurned this post.  

The Dad and I like to entertain every so often.  We've had Holiday parties where there are close to 80 people between the kitchen, living room and dining room and no room to move upstairs.  We started up our Seis or Cinco or Cuatro de Mayo parties a few years ago to get everyone excited for spring and get rid of the icky The Can, winter (yes still in May) doldrums.  We've tried the Superbowl, but would really rather just watch the game... and then some other random get togethers.  Our coup de gras are the Holiday, Cinco de Mayo and... Yucca-fest.

We started Yucca-fest last year and it was one of those good "success", not worried about the mess - let's go to bed, parties.  It was in July, just shortly after our air conditioning fizzled out - AND just so happened to be the hottest day of the entire summer.  People have asked us throughout the year if Yucca was going to happen again this year - and it is, though I just pulled the trigger on it as we have a lot of crap going on.  You know... the other days of the year - the REAL days, not the party days.  If only every day were a party...

So we invited most of the people that came last year - with a slight hiccup - I'm not on FB and don't have contact information for a few of the people that attended.  If the others tell them about it - they can come... absolutely.  But then... there's that list... the people you KNOW you're going to invite, that are excited and just want an "event" to go to.  

Then... there's "those people".  The people you feel obligated to invite... but here's the catch.  The people that won't EVER come.  And you KNOW this.  So it's like setting yourself up to be rejected - every.  single.  time.  Who does that to themselves?  So you continue to invite them because the implications of NOT inviting them are potentially more potent than inviting them and being a little pissy that they declined for the 25th time.  Right?  

So there's the part of me that knows that - and should just say "whatever" when they decline again... and I do.  Actually, with a few of "those people" it's more of a ten cent bet to see who declines the invitation first and what excuse they give.  Sometimes it's pretty entertaining - but the fact of the matter is, it's pretty pathetic at the same time.  On their part that is.

So... because I've just put this out there - friends, family, whoever - if you're reading this - and you want to know if you're one of "those people", ask me.  I'll tell you.  I have NO problem telling you.  I was the big liar as a kid - but roles have reversed and if you want to know - I'll flippin tell ya!

Well, it's time for me to get back to work.  With those OTHER people.  :)  Happy Wednesday!

The Weather Says "Summer", The Calendar Says "Fall"

It's happening.  The time is upon me and as a mom of three boys, I had mixed emotions as Monday, August 6th, 2012 reared it's head.

We bought the good steaks at Costco yesterday and fixings for their mexi-rice enchiladas. I came home at lunch and made them all grilled tuna sandwiches - for which 2 of the 3 were so very grateful and the other one slept after his long weekend at Watershed.

Dinner is served, we all watched "The Newsroom" for a second time, while Blue Eyes watched it for the first time and knowing that #7 would be likely to clear his plate and be ready to head back to Cheney - I pulled out the games.  I got Farkle out thinking it would be quicker, but Blue Eyes said "Aww no way.  If we're playing a family game, we're playing "Things.""  And so we did.  For an hour and 20 minutes I got to laugh with my boys and The Dad.

But I sit here now desperately trying to find a way NOT to think about what's next.  #7 starts his last season of football camp tomorrow.  We won't see him at home until Sundays after game days most likely... and... if then.  Blue Eyes is working his last day at the golf course tomorrow and then has to pack up and head to Pullman.  Being the king Fiji means he has to be back earlier than the rest of his brothers.  In another week and a half - The Dad and Wack head over for orientation at UW.  

This is not fun.

We spend so much time, from the time they have fuddies (pacifiers), diapers, spit rags - waiting to buy the last package of diapers.  From there we (I) couldn't wait until they were all in school - past kindergarten and the half days!  Next up - I couldn't wait for them to be out of the grade school simply because of the yearly headache also known as the Science Fair project.  It's ironic that the only school I never wished them out of was middle school... and that's ironic, because most parents now of days - FREAK OUT about sending their 12 year olds off to middle school.  I never was worried about it - because even though, like most other humans of the world who grew up hating their middle school experience, I survived it and knew that my boys would too.  Off to high school where there were really more heartbreaks than any other time.  A football game, a love of a game and not making the team, making a team only to lose a friend...  I couldn't WAIT for high school to be over.  I know better than to wish my life away - and wish for the next great thing - but knowing it and making sure I don't keep up the "wishing", well... you know how it goes.

Now I find myself wishing for them to all be home at the same time.  

Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight 

I wish I may, I wish I might

Have the wish I wish tonight

I wish that the 8 ball gives #7 a different answer the next time he asks that question.

I wish that Blue Eyes drafts the best fantasy football team, that he kills it in his field of study this year and that he never forgets how much his mom loves him.

I wish that Wack hadn't told me tonight that he wants to come home from school next year and his room will be purple and gold.  Not because I don't like the colors... but because I had just made the comment I was done painting in this house!  More than that though, I wish his wishes all come true.  

08/06/12
#7, Blue Eyes, me, Wack