May 5, 2007
Well, the peace of a vacation never seems to last long. G even commented on how much more relaxed we were when dealing with our children, etc. My daughter has been driving me crazy lately. I mean, I don't know what to do with her! She is defiant, lazy, disregards everything I say, etc., etc. I know, I know, that's her job...but I didn't raise her to be this way! And she's not even a teenager yet. I don't know what I'm doing wrong, and every time I look at her, I remember the sweet angel she used to be, and I just feel that I have failed. And I think, my God, I have to go through this again, two times over.
Our big screen tv died. It is truly a dinosaur, and is still taking up [plenty of] real estate in the living room. It's one of those giants that is built into a huge wooden cabinet. We probably have some vehicles that weigh less than this thing, and I'm quite sure I don't know how they ever got it up our front steps. Anyway, it's got to go. A few months ago, it crapped out in this same fashion (I don't claim to know what's wrong with it), and G mended it. I am wondering if he could do it again, and it would hold out long enough to get $100 for the thing or something. So anyway, we're going to have to get a new tv. I wanted a flat panel, hung on the wall, but G rationalized that due to us also having a Fios box, home theatre, etc...all that will still need some place to live. So it makes sense to get one of the DLPs, instead (and save some money in the process). That's fine with me. But I'm still not keen to get rid of a grand.
On the other hand, G is up for a promotion. I think he's a shoo-in; now it's just about the numbers. He stands to get the break he's been working so hard for, and I really hope he does, for many reasons. One, he deserves it. Many a family event he spent behind a laptop or on a call. Many times he worked from home, worked late, whatever. He's been diligent and focused and has never once missed a beat since he started. Not to mention that the financial side of it would obviously be very nice. Especially since everyone in the family is now in the market for a new minivan (can you hear my sigh?). His raise, if he gets the projected amount, would almost equal my annual salary, so although I don't plan on leaving the work force, the thought has crossed my mind. I'd probably only be shooting myself in the foot, though, really. I'm well compensated for what I do. I have a good amount of tenure. I have a pension AND a 401k, for God's sake. If I left the work force now, despite benefits to my family, it would probably make it much more difficult for me to rejoin the work force later. And I might go crazy, being home even MORE.
I'm looking forward to our fire tonight. Viva el Cinco de Mayo. Or something like that.
Showing posts with label Cinco de Mayo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cinco de Mayo. Show all posts
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Archives-I'm Back! 5/3/2007
May 3, 2007
So, Florida, for the most part, was great. I really enjoyed spending time with my family. And my mother-in-law (hereafter referred to as MIL) was actually pretty tolerable. There were a couple of times where she got way past crocked, but it was ok.
The flight there was great--everything went smoothly, the children were great, etc. We even received comments from others about how good our children were. We rented a mini-van, and there has been mutiny in my family-every one of them now insists that I abandon my beloved truck and get a minivan. I must admit, it was a little nice. They're uglier than crap, and I hate the stigma associated with them, but this minivan was cool for the staggered, stow-and-go seating, the rear heat and air, and the Sirius satellite radio. I do feel the pull of the minivan. And to be quite honest, I'd like to have something newer...my truck is starting to worry me. It has nearly 150k miles and is 10 years old now...which means the transmission is probably not healthy any more, and I KNOW that it needs a tuneup ASAP...who knows what else.
Anyway, the flight home was not so great. G took the older two to the bathroom, and while they were in there, they called pre-boarding. Then boarding A, B, and C. Finally, when they called final boarding, here they come. I was nearly in a panic. Of course we didn't get to sit together, and other travelers had to be bribed with alcohol to move so that I could sit with my children. The baby was a crazy person on the way home, and I could not wait to get on the ground. You can bet that I said yes, when the flight attendant asked if I wanted a drink...a couple of times! Not to mention the two margaritas I had in the Tampa airport.
While in FL, we had a lot of fun. We went by boat to a nearby island in the gulf where there were plenty of shells and space for the kids to run in the surf...and the waves are gentle enough that they don't get knocked down. We visited the fishing/shopping/Greek village of Tarpon Springs. That was ok, but I've been there before and really don't need any more sponges, thank you. However, I did manage to still drop $50 at a shell shop.
We barbecued, ate drank, swam in the pool...found a great coffee shop called Insomniacs...and, unfortunately, took my MIL's advice as to which bar to check out. It was good for people watching, at least. Old-people watching! My littlest son emptied all the rocks out of MIL's plants...into her pool! The middle son learned to swim a little. We took the babies to Disney, which was fun, but a little disorganized. We didn't get as much done there as we would have liked. And of course, that was the hottest day. And my poor red-haired daughter, despite the hat and slathering 50 SPF sunblock on her every half an hour...she still managed to get burned.
Two weeks till Mexico. And my passport finally came while I was gone!!! My mom and sister still don't have theirs, though *sigh*. I can't believe it's only two weeks. I'm sad to leave my babies and my honey, especially after all the fun we just had together. But man, I can't wait.
Anyone up for a fire for Cinco de Mayo?
So, Florida, for the most part, was great. I really enjoyed spending time with my family. And my mother-in-law (hereafter referred to as MIL) was actually pretty tolerable. There were a couple of times where she got way past crocked, but it was ok.
The flight there was great--everything went smoothly, the children were great, etc. We even received comments from others about how good our children were. We rented a mini-van, and there has been mutiny in my family-every one of them now insists that I abandon my beloved truck and get a minivan. I must admit, it was a little nice. They're uglier than crap, and I hate the stigma associated with them, but this minivan was cool for the staggered, stow-and-go seating, the rear heat and air, and the Sirius satellite radio. I do feel the pull of the minivan. And to be quite honest, I'd like to have something newer...my truck is starting to worry me. It has nearly 150k miles and is 10 years old now...which means the transmission is probably not healthy any more, and I KNOW that it needs a tuneup ASAP...who knows what else.
Anyway, the flight home was not so great. G took the older two to the bathroom, and while they were in there, they called pre-boarding. Then boarding A, B, and C. Finally, when they called final boarding, here they come. I was nearly in a panic. Of course we didn't get to sit together, and other travelers had to be bribed with alcohol to move so that I could sit with my children. The baby was a crazy person on the way home, and I could not wait to get on the ground. You can bet that I said yes, when the flight attendant asked if I wanted a drink...a couple of times! Not to mention the two margaritas I had in the Tampa airport.
While in FL, we had a lot of fun. We went by boat to a nearby island in the gulf where there were plenty of shells and space for the kids to run in the surf...and the waves are gentle enough that they don't get knocked down. We visited the fishing/shopping/Greek village of Tarpon Springs. That was ok, but I've been there before and really don't need any more sponges, thank you. However, I did manage to still drop $50 at a shell shop.
We barbecued, ate drank, swam in the pool...found a great coffee shop called Insomniacs...and, unfortunately, took my MIL's advice as to which bar to check out. It was good for people watching, at least. Old-people watching! My littlest son emptied all the rocks out of MIL's plants...into her pool! The middle son learned to swim a little. We took the babies to Disney, which was fun, but a little disorganized. We didn't get as much done there as we would have liked. And of course, that was the hottest day. And my poor red-haired daughter, despite the hat and slathering 50 SPF sunblock on her every half an hour...she still managed to get burned.
Two weeks till Mexico. And my passport finally came while I was gone!!! My mom and sister still don't have theirs, though *sigh*. I can't believe it's only two weeks. I'm sad to leave my babies and my honey, especially after all the fun we just had together. But man, I can't wait.
Anyone up for a fire for Cinco de Mayo?
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