Of Mice and (Wo)Men

Ok, I love my new house--but the uninvited guests have gotta go! I HATE mice! But when you live smack dab in a pasture, well you get lots of "field" mice. So, I have these glue traps set out to catch them. I hate the sound of the SNAP! old-timey mousetraps, but I think I might hate the squeal of a stuck mouse even worse.
I took the day off today and was standing in my kitchen when I hear "EEE! EEE! EEE!" coming from my laundry room. ICK-a mouse! I am petrified of them being in the house. I just hate the thought of something having the run of the house and catch stand them!
So, I call Richie, but it was about 1:30 and he wasn't going to be off work for a few more hours. Well, I couldn't stand the noise, plus I couldn't leave my house or go outside because I have to go through my laundry room to get to my car. So, I called my Papaw to see if he was out and about and would be willing to kill him. Luckily they were on their way to town and came by to get it.
By the way, called the pest company and made an appointment for first thing Monday morning to spread some poison. It's me or them and since I pay the bills, they gotta go!!

Ok, so I am chasing mice, but that's all I am chasing right now. Rumors and old friends are not on my list. I find it humorous that old colleagues won't talk to me, but I don't let it bother me. I am not interested in someone else's selfish perspective. I don't have a beef with their life or issues that they are currently experiencing against their wishes. My life is just that-all mine. I couldn't be happier right now! AWESOME job, AWESOME fiance, and an AWESOME house with lots of mice! Who could ask for more??

Little Rock

Guess what? I am engaged! Yes, engaged. So, you ask--who is the lucky guy and why haven't we heard about him? Richie is his name--no, you haven't heard about him on my blog yet. Not because he was a secret from the world--we've been together for awhile, but because I wanted some parts of my life to remain intimate, unknown. But, in the process it appears as if I have been hiding a part of my life. So, I starting today, I am gonna include that aspect of my life in my blog.
Ok, on with the engagement. Totally romantic! I am sucker for someone who puts thought into a romantic event! So, last Sunday, was the big day. We had spent the last two weeks frantically working on my house--painting, cleaning, and hanging pictures and curtains to get ready for game day--Razorback game day that is! After all of the work, we were exhausted. So, Sunday he suggests that we "go somewhere". I was all for it--I had seen enough angles of my house to make me want to run! We headed out to the Nature Center first and walked along the paths outside. Then, I suggested that we go to Mt. Magazine to check out the new lodge. When we got there, we stopped at the hang gliding ledge. There was a guy that was about to glide, so we decided to check out the lodge and then come back and watch him take off. When we got to the lodge, we went and sat out on a large rock overlooking the valley. We sat there and just talked and hung out. Then he said, "Well, we better get going." We don't want to be late." We stood up and hugged and enjoyed one more last view of the valley. Then, he started talking and honestly it gets blurry from here. I just remember hearing "best friend" and "the rest of my life" and that was enough to let me know what was going on. He got down on his knee and proposed. I started bawling! I couldn't even talk! I was so surprised and so excited. Oh, and when I was able to talk--I said yes! We plan on wedding next April--I really want a beach wedding, so I think we are going to wait on the weather and head south! Anyway, I am thrilled!

Stripped

I am cutting back on some things in my life. School is done for me, but now my kids are knee deep in homework. So, my life has to be simplified--I need to change my focus. Sure, it's hard.
I have found myself really tired again--it's actually a welcomed thing though. I feel like I have relaxed in order to feel that way. Sure, I'm stressed right now, but I think there's a peace about me that comes from knowing I have to let go of some things. I have to kick the "I can handle it all" attitude. I find that I am not as strong as people think I am--I am so weak. So imperfect. But in the same respect it doesn't seem as if transparency has gotten me anywhere lately either. I find that exposing myself to be honest and open has only caused more problems. It just doesn't make you want to put yourself out there...only to get hurt.

Opposites Attract

Well, I thought Weston would be my shining star when school started back and I figured I would have a permanent seat at the Principal's office for Kylie--but no! Kylie has been an angel since school has started and has gotten ALL green notes. Definitely a record for her. Weston has gotten all green notes too, however he has brought home 3 F's in the last two days! Nothing like him whatsoever. He is such a smart kid, but something's not clicking for him. I know it's not the teacher--he's had her before. So, I just have to assume that he's just not into school this year.
As for fall baseball, the team is showing signs of life. They won a game this evening! Weston made contact with every ball and although he was thrown out, he was helping to get runners in.
Well, the Ambien is setting in, so I guess it's time to shut the computer and get some shut eye.

Mastered

Well, I have completed my Master's degree....I am thrilled! This past Thursday night is when it hit me. I was sitting on the couch, it was 7:30 or so and I was at home. No books to read this week, no papers to write. Hey, maybe I'll have time to blog again!
Kylie has started cheerleading class w/gymnastics mixed in. She is awesome! She's a natural entertainer who has the drive to learn. She also started kindergarten--that was hard for me! I walked them to the bus stop and anyone who knows Kylie knows she isn't scared of anything. Well, when she saw the big bus rounding the corner, she grabbed her brother's hand. She didn't say a word, just grabbed a hold of his hand and watched it come to a stop. I cried. Then, Weston was sweet to her and on the way home he told her where to sit and that he would be in the back of the bus and not to worry that he was there.
Well, I am going to get a nap in before her practice is over....that's all for now!

I am pathetic...

Nearly a whole month without a post? Plain awful! I guess I have a few excuses though....I finally moved! WOOHOO! Ok, now back to reality--the place is filthy (former owners were probably pigs). So, in order to put ANYTHING away, I have to scrub, yes scrub the cabinet! So, it is snail speed on the getting settled aspect. But, hey--there is a door on my bedroom.
Ok, also, my life is complete--I shook FAITH HILL AND TIM MCGRAW'S HANDS--TWICE!!!! Went to see them again in concert and it was AWESOME! I had such a blast. (No I wasn't at the Lafayette one!!)
Well, Kylie starts kindergarten in 1 1/2 weeks. I am so nervous...for her teacher. And Weston got the same teacher he had for kindergarten--he loves her so we were thrilled!!

Saved!

Well, Weston got back from church camp and guess what? He got saved! I thought that was totally awesome. He is such an old soul and I truly know he understands the commitment he has made. Even more news, my house is finished--YES FINISHED! Ok, well, there are a few minor details, but it is liveable! Can you believe it? So, I will begin the fun journey of moving this weekend--UGH and YIPEE in one!
And, only 5 more weeks of school left--and we actually have a professor who can teach. She is awesome! She really puts thought into her message and I have learned more in this class than I have in the last 4-6 classes combined. I am impressed. We just finished reading the John Marshall book, "There's No Such Thing as Business Ethics" and it was just a great book--the Golden Rule is truly a way of life if we choose it. I can promise you I haven't lived it like I should have, but I have definitely learned a lot in this class.
Well, gotta get "movin"!! :)

SNAP!

My daughter never ceases to amaze me with her personality. You know, I prayed that God would bless me with a strawberry blonde little girl that had attitude and was willing to fight for what she was passionate about--note to self...don't pray for something unless you know what you are asking for!!
Anyway, the other day at teeball practice, she was hanging out with one of the teeball Moms. I wasn't there yet, but here's how the conversation supposedly went:

Kylie: Hey, Laura, do you like my skinny jeans (poses with hip popped out and hands on hips).
Laura: (trying desperately to not laugh outloud...) Yes, Kylie I love them!
Kylie: My Momma has a pair of dark skinny jeans and she wears them with her brown shoes and she looks SNAP!
Laura: (deciding she can't contain the laughter and is rolling at this moment...) Really? Well, I bet she does!

A few moments later...
Kylie: Hey Laura, check out how pretty my Mom looks as she gets out of the car (I have pulled up at this point)....
Laura: (Deciding that my daughter is a hoot)...Yes, she does, Kylie!

That girl is crazy!!

Testament of Love

I recently read an article called, “Scenes From a Marriage” in which a lady shares a journal of happy moments that she collected during her second marriage. It was important for her to document these memories because it helped her to stay on course during tough times. I thought it was a testament of love, a representation of commitment, and a document of faith. She writes down small things, however it was in the small things that she found joy. She calls these memories, “The List.” It included moments such as her husband teaching his daughter to change a tire or how when she got mad, her husband would kiss her. It seems that in life it is so much easier to remember the bitter moments while we let the best ones slip our mind. She sums up love perfectly—being appreciated for appreciating her husband. Simple, but true. No one is perfect—but we are still lovable.

Please Pray

My Uncle Greg was in a motorcycle accident yesterday. He's pretty beat up evidently. I don't know all of the details, but he is in intensive care. He was comatose last night, has a neck fracture, had to have some of his intestines removed, and a broken arm. My Mom said he is talking today and doesn't know what hit him or even happened. Anyway, I was very worried last night--very scared he wouldn't make it. He sounds like he is going to pull through this, but they did have to do another surgery last night to remove some blood clots, so I know he's still pretty serious. So, please pray that he's alright!

A Day Off!

Well, I took the day off today...I really need to catch up on so much stuff....however, I haven't accomplished much. I did go watch Weston's baseball camp today--that was worth it. He had a great time and is improving so much! Friday night's game against IC will be our toughest game yet! Our team has been the focus of controversy as other teams have tried their hardest to get us out of their way...and this is church league TEEBALL! It's funny!
Anyway, I am playing catch up today--although I have a feeling I am still going to be very behind at the end of the day....

Progress...Well, sort of!

Ok, I have made progress first of all...but, not as much as I had anticipated! The living room/dining room is COMPLETELY painted--trim and all!! Yeah! Weston's room is COMPLETELY painted--Woo Hoo! However, I didn't get to setup the furniture and organize his room. The rails to his bed haven't made it in yet, so really it wasn't possible, but I did run out of time too. Oh well. I do want to scrub his windows and get the floor vacuum first anyway. That way, it's clean....for the last time! :)
The weekend went well besides painting--lots of teeball games, too.
I am so ready to move--it feels so good to have rooms w/doors, painted walls, and plenty of space.
My class is going alright. I just don't have the time/energy to put in it as I should, but I am managing to survive at least. Only 2 more weeks. Can you believe this class has passed this fast. THEN, I have ONE more course left and it's only SIX weeks long--I am ALMOST DONE!!! YIPPEE! I am SOOOO ready.
Well, I have some work to do, so that's it for this evening!

Viva Las Vegas!

Now how many people would say they would rather be at home instead of Las Vegas? I am one...why? Well, our conference was shortened, so for one thing, I didn't even get to see Vegas. Secondly, my new house is almost done, so I am READY TO MOVE! Plus, I've been to Vegas 4 other times, so I don't feel like I am missing out. Anyway, I started painting on the new house last weekend...slowly but surely I will get it renovated. Weston's bedroom suite has arrived, so I plan to put his room together this weekend--that's my big goal, to have his room painted and set-up by Sunday evening--I'll report back on that. Don't hold your breath either!! :)

Look Ma, No Hands!

My kids experienced a milestone together this weekend!! They can both ride their bikes without training wheels! You should've seen Kylie's face--she was SO excited! She had the biggest smile on their face as she rode by me! Weston was so happy to learn as well--it's been so hard to have any practice time since we leave on a gravel road, but now that their Dad has a concrete parking lot, they have been able to practice a lot more. I am so glad they both learned--it's neat to experience a milestone with someone else!
Well, as stated earlier, my job is keeping me extra busy. Between work, school, and the kids, I have been stretched to death! But the kids will be done with school soon, so hopefully that will help ease the burden of Weston's homework load. However, in August, they will BOTH be in school!
Kylie graduated from preschool last week--she was hilarious during her performance! She has so much soul and groove in her that during the performance, she looked like she was in a gospel choir! It's awesome to see that much spirit in someone!

Various Rants

I haven't had a lot of free time lately...can you tell? I certainly don't get to blog near as much as I want to. So, I will try and sum up a few funnies as quick as possible to catch ya up....
First off, I got my grade from my last class. EVEN THOUGH I DID AN ENTIRE EXTRA ASSIGNMENT THAT I REALLY DIDN'T HAVE TO DO HE GAVE ME A B+!!! I am sure it's his way of trying to get even at me for not caring for him, but frankly I didn't really care. I am ready to be done with school!! Hey, as long as I pass, it's good with me! There's no place on my degree that prints my grades--the degree still looks the same! In fact, I am proud of the B+ considering everything I did in the last 8 weeks. So, Harper, I don't really mind the B+, sorry! His only way to even justify the B+ was to give me a 75% on my final paper. Funny how I have gotten A's on every paper I have done in grad school (including his classes). Anyway, as I remember Harper, you were never invited to this blog, so kindly quit reading.

The new job is going well! I love being out and meeting people--so far everyone is very nice. I get to bring people lunch and drinks and have made so many new friends. Best of all, no boss worrying about my personal business or breathing down my neck. In fact, my boss at my old job doesn't even speak to me anymore--too funny. Guess it drives her nuts she can't give me fits about my personal life anymore. Poor baby. She ignores me at our kids' teeball games. I guess she hopes it will bother me? Actually, kind of nice. Sorry.

Tonight is Kylie's graduation from pre-school! I actually get to go--I was afraid I wouldn't because of class, but I am able to skip tonight. She had dance recital the other night. I have attached a picture from it--she was absolutely beautiful! The dance was precious too! My baby is growing up!

Well, enough griping--I sound mean today, so I better wrap it up before I really go off on someone.

Neighborly Love

What fun...I have decided that country living is about as dramatic as the suburbs...so my neighbors decided they don't want me to use the road behind my house to get to my house (remember my driveway cuts right through the infamous horse pasture with the even more infamous gates)...so, I politely (ok, with a little bluntness) told the neighbor that he needs to not let himself on to my property and brush hog. Now I know you are thinking I am just shooting myself in the foot, however the guy is 80 plus years old and if I am a liability on their road, then he is DEFINITELY a liability on a big mower on my property. Hey, forgot to mention, the road they don't want me to drive on is a COUNTY ROAD!!! What idiots...but, I will play by their rules. So, I need to get down my driveway--well, Daddy decided to padlock the gate where I can't get on it. UGH! But, I got a copy of the key and went on down the driveway--hey, I am the one who paid $10,000 to build it and the easement for MY driveway is written on the deed to MY land. I am so sick of crap!

Mean People

Ok, the kicker to this job....being nice to people that are rude to you! You guys know me...I treat people the way they treat me. Sooooo... a nasty nurse ain't gonna score no brownie points, ya know? That means I need to work on the "forgive and forget" theory and keep my chin up. One thing I have realized is that in this profession, people take advantage of others.
Today was such a rainy day! Trying to do this job in the rain was such a chore. Especially since it was my first day doing the job myself. I still have a Trainer in my car, but I was actually performing instead of shadowing. There are so many things to do and trying to remember them all (and in the rain) is a chore!

Workin' for a Livin'

Well, it's day two out in the field (a.k.a. real world)...and so far, it's going pretty good. Just a TON of stuff to remember and do. I am still riding with my partner, so it's been an easy couple of days--it'll get interesting when I am on my own on the 11th!
I am so stressed and so tired! Tomorrow is the final day of my Global Leadership class and we have a paper and presentation due...I haven't started! I am frantically trying to get everything done that's required of me, but I'm stretched pretty thin!
I am READY for the weekend!

I have a job!!

Well, I passed all of my tests! Now I will drive my company car! HA! :) Today is the last day and we are practicing our doctor calls. I have completed one, only 6 more to go!
Tomorrow I am headed home--I am ready to get back! Hopefully I will get to move in the next few weeks...I am so ready for some extra space--I will need it with this job and all of the materials we have to store!

Passed the First Test

So, I passed my first test, but tomorrow there's another one and it's a biggie! I really hope I pass it! Nothing like spending 1 1/2 weeks here and then bombing a test...it's got so many numbers on it--I just hope I can keep them straight! I am ready to come home...it's been a long 1 1/2 weeks and I know the kids are missing me (well, I hope at least!)...
Well, I gotta get back to studying...I HAVE TO PASS THIS TEST!!
Say a little prayer--it's at 8 a.m. Wednesday!