Blog Break

Hello peeps.  My laptop is doing weird things, and I need to have it repaired.  Again.  I don't like using my work computer for blogging, so it looks like I'll be on short bloggy vacation.  Don't worry, I'll be back as soon as possible!

xoxoxo

Not Buying Any More Clothes

Ok, I'm lying.  LOL.  But seriously...no more serious pieces of clothing unless I get a job interview, in which case I'll be running frantically to find a suit.

One, mostly because I really have enough clothes for my life right now.  As a person who works from home, I just don't need a ton of clothes.  I see the same people every week...(my kids, the dog, my mailman, all my kids' friends, the cashiers at Publix, the front desk lady at our local middle school) and just don't see the point of buying more clothes for this portion of my life right now.

It's also partially because I had a doctor appointment last Friday.  Wow.  I mean, I am in crappy shape.  My weight actually didn't go up as much as I'd thought, but my blood pressure is atrocious.  They may have to increase my medication, and I'm on THREE medications to control my blood pressure already!  Plus, when Mr. R was home, we went for a walk around the block and he had to keep stopping to let me catch up.  And I was huffing and puffing like a ticked off dragon.

I already worked out my new schedule, and as long as the hospital approves it (I'm sure they will, they're not actually very picky about the hours we work, as long as it's not before 6am, and not after 6pm, they're pretty cool) I will be starting this new schedule on Tuesday, May 31st.  Only because there is no work on Monday.  I'll be getting up at 6am, which is typical for me so it won't feel like torture.  I'll be doing my blood sugar, medications, and getting my breakfast.  At 6:30, I'll be going out for my walk/run and come back between 7 and 7:15 (gotta get that stamina up!) and then have coffee and Bible time from 7:30 to 8.  Clock in at 8am.  Work from 8 to 12.  In my head, I'd like to get in another walk at noon, but it is so hot by then that I may have to find some type of indoor activity.  Clock back in at 1, clock out at 5.  Ta-da.  Not fancy, but hopefully I can stick with this during the summer and create a good habit once the kids start back at school in August.

So while I was out and about today, I went to Target.  I went to the one in Sanford this time instead of Orange City, and was hoping to find their plus size selection was better.  And it was NOT.  I used to really love Target for their plus selection.  Unfortunately, all they had was cargo shorts, tee shirts, and tank tops.  I did buy a striped red white and blue tank, but it was not from the plus section, it was an xxl in the straight sizes.  I was surprised that all the cardis were still at full price, $27.99.  I'll be waiting until they go on clearance.  I had an idea of what I was trying to find; either a black or denim skirt.  Nothing fancy.  Just something to wear with all the tanks I have, to get me through the summer without constantly wearing a dress.  I didn't think it would be so hard to find.  I went to Avenue, and while they had lots on sale (I could have seriously gone shopping!) the only black skirt they had was a size 14/16.  Oh, and I tried to jam my butt into it, but it was not happening.  I did end up buying two skirts, one in hot pink, one in an odd baby blue/lavender (periwinkle?) color.  But not what I really wanted.  I guess I'll have to hunt on eBay.  They had TONS of cute shoes at Target, and I easily could have bought about six pairs, but I stopped myself.  They had the yellow flats I keep hearing everyone talk about, and in my size too!  But I resisted.

So until I get myself into a size 14, I think I'm going to stop buying clothes for a bit.  I guess, if the need to shop arises, that I will stick with accessories and shoes.  Hopefully I can put my clothes up for sale, or use them for maternity in another year or two.

Getting Through My List

In case any of you guys forgot my list (of course you wouldn't!) I am reposting it so I can see how much I've done so far:

• Bible reading every morning  Ok, I forgot this morning.
• Church on Sunday morning
• Clean that nasty oven!  Just sprayed it, letting it soak in.
• So I can bake cookies and make a waffle batter (I have canned pumpkin I'm dying to use)  I've got it all ready, just waiting on Bucket to unload dishwasher so I can set the kitchen up.
• Go to Sanford famer's market on Saturday morning to meet an old friend!  Done, had fun!  See pictures below!
• A full beauty night; do an oil treatment for my hair, facial, mani/pedi  Did this last night, feel great!
• Do a bit of scrapbooking, maybe on one of the rainy days predicted (please let there be some rain...we are under fire warnings for drought!)  We finally got rain last night, but I was out driving in it, of course.
• Clean and organize my office, including a ton of shredding
• Program the new office phone that Mr. R bought me two weeks ago.
• Mr. R bought me this device which holds music and is a little tv...I have no idea what it's called, but he bought it for me while I was taking the four classes at once, plus studying for the coding exam.  I haven't even looked at it!  Maybe I'll let Missy download some music on it for me.
• Create meal and exercise plan for the summer, to kickstart my metabolism and get me started back on some good habits
• Sweep and mop the entire house.  (Missy might be doing this to earn money to go to the movies.)  Missy did it.
• Mow front and back yards. (Tiger might be doing this to earn money, also.)  I'm still waiting on Tiger
• I need to find this organizer thing I've seen, but I don't know what it's called: it's a device you install on a wall and it holds brooms, dustpans, mops...does anyone know what I'm talking about?  I need to put one in my laundry room because I AM SICK TO DEATH of not knowing where the broom is!  I found one I like, but it was nearly $50.  Think I'll run to Ace and see if they have one there that I don't need to have shipped.

I don't think my china cabinet makes too many appearances.  It needs to be dusted.  And that is Mr. R's drum kit in the other half of my dining room.  And a piece of baseboard propped up on the cabinet.  We like to keep it classy around here.

My gray hair is back with a vengeance.  Not sure how I feel about the blonde anymore.  I'm just a brunette, my identity is wrapped up in it.  I think I want my chocolate brown hair back.

My double chin and I, going to the Farmer's Market!

Cute name for a bar.

Downtown Sanford is so pretty.  I love the brick streets.

I ain't no HOLLERBACH, girl.  (German restaurant!)

I love old quaint buildings like this!

It was so hot that I wanted to jump right into that fountain.

Town Square clock. 

This is my former boss, Mike, and PIGLETS!!!  They were sooooo cute.  And noisy, my goodness!

They were hungry and trying to suckle.

This little one ate like he'd been starved for a lifetime.

If I had a pet pig, I'd give it a weird name.  Like Ham.  Or Chop.  Oh, I do love being punny if I possible can.  What would you name a pet pig?

Back in the cooler you go, Bacon.

Live entertainment!  He was singing Jimmy Buffet...and the weather was perfect for it.  102 degrees, hot, humid, and nasty.  Yes, PLEASE take me away to Margaritaville.  Before 5 O'clock, if possible.  And I'll take that margarita with a cheeseburger in paradise, thanks.

Plans, Glorious Plans!

I love me some vacation time, but I don't have any of that coming until mid-July.  Instead, I am practically SALIVATING over the fact that I have a three day weekend coming up!  Unlike most people who probably live up north, I am not celebrating the return of summer.  It's been 100 degrees + for over a month and frankly, I'd like some autumn, which I won't get anyway.  I also won't be going to the beach, or the lake, or the springs this weekend.  Good luck finding any parking and everyone is drunk; NO THANK YOU.  While on hold yesterday, I made a list of what I'd like to do this weekend.  Good luck to me getting even half of it done!

• Bible reading every morning
• Church on Sunday morning
• Clean that nasty oven!
• So I can bake cookies and make a waffle batter (I have canned pumpkin I'm dying to use)
• Go to Sanford famer's market on Saturday morning to meet an old friend!
• A full beauty night; do an oil treatment for my hair, facial, mani/pedi
• Do a bit of scrapbooking, maybe on one of the rainy days predicted (please let there be some rain...we are under fire warnings for drought!)
• Clean and organize my office, including a ton of shredding
• Program the new office phone that Mr. R bought me two weeks ago.
• Mr. R bought me this device which holds music and is a little tv...I have no idea what it's called, but he bought it for me while I was taking the four classes at once, plus studying for the coding exam.  I haven't even looked at it!  Maybe I'll let Missy download some music on it for me.
• Create meal and exercise plan for the summer, to kickstart my metabolism and get me started back on some good habits
• Sweep and mop the entire house.  (Missy might be doing this to earn money to go to the movies.)
• Mow front and back yards. (Tiger might be doing this to earn money, also.)
• I need to find this organizer thing I've seen, but I don't know what it's called: it's a device you install on a wall and it holds brooms, dustpans, mops...does anyone know what I'm talking about?  I need to put one in my laundry room because I AM SICK TO DEATH of not knowing where the broom is!

So, what about you guys?  What are you doing this weekend?

Disappointed in AHIMA

I took my CCA exam way back on April 9, 2011.  I didn't realize at the time that it was a brand new test and that my results would not be immediately available to me, even though I paid full price for the test and all other students received their results instantly.  I was told that it would take 6-8 weeks to get my results.

Well, still nothing.  I realize I am still within that time frame (this is my SEVENTH WEEK) but I am incredibly disappointed in this organization.  First of all, there was nothing indicating that this was a brand new test for coders; if so, I would have chosen a different date.  Second, if this is a new test, there should be a discount, especially if immediate results are not available.  $300 for a test is not cheap, and making people wait nearly two months for something which is normally automatic is awful. 

My student membership expired back on April 30, 2011, and I was so upset with AHIMA that I chose not to renew.  I also left a message on their facebook page, and it was deleted!  Of course, all the posts praising AHIMA are still there, but mine is gone.  No one from the lofty organization chose to even email me back to see if they could help me. 

So I would say to anyone who is in the Health Information field, to not renew with AHIMA.  I'm going to enroll in the AAPC instead.  Considering I am only 36 and generally have about 30 working years ahead of me, that's a lot of enrollment fees AHIMA will be missing.  I don't ask much; don't mislead me, don't take my money and ignore me, and let's try some customer service, shall we?

**edit.  I decided to call AHIMA to ask.  It's actually going to take LONGER than the 8 weeks they told me.  Now it's going to be "middle of June."  Yeah.   **

***edit again.  AHIMA deleted me from their facebook page.  They did finally answer my question on their page, but did not directly email or contact me.  They also deleted my second post, asking why they deleted my first post when I asked about my results!  Their response on their facebook page now states "90 days" which is much longer than I was initially told.  ***

Not Winning a Blogging Award This Week

I just haven't had much to say.

Mr. R has been home for about four days, which is always wonderful.  Although I am looking into the kitchen from where I am sitting now and realizing that he left me with at least two loads of dishes.  The man can cook, but boy he hates washing a dish.

The last day of school around here is this Friday.  That means I have grouchy kids taking finals this week.  Plus, Bucket managed to catch a really nasty cold, and he's miserable.  But I can't let him stay home because there's no more make up time.

I'm supremely glad that this is Memorial Day coming up this weekend.  I really, really could use a three day weekend.  Of course, I know that is not what Memorial Day is about, as I come from a military family.  But I'm still very happy.  Right now, I have no plans.  Missy is spending part of the weekend with her Nana (my mom) so I've encouraged Tiger to make plans with a friend if he wants to do so.  Bucket will not; he will be happy just to have the xbox all to himself.  I may rent him a few games so I can get some projects done around here.

I used the new mixer to make mashed potatoes, and it was great.  I see cookies in my future.  Even going to try a few diabetic friendly varieties, as long as they don't use that fake sugar in them.  Those taste awful!

So how is everyone out there in blog land?

How To Make Sarah Really, Really Mad, Plus An Interesting Share

As you all know, I work in a field where attention to detail is key.  If I make a small mistake, even a typo, I can inadvertently cost someone a lot of money, or cost my employer money, or order a wrong test or procedure for a patient.  It is because of that, that I am very careful about transposing numbers, making an innocent typo, or even working when sick.  I don't want to cause anyone pain or frustration because I wasn't at the top of my game.  So can you imagine my utter disgust when recently going through some paperwork and finding out that my retirement fund has my date of birth wrong?  And that they've been taking investing  borrowing money from me for ten years, and I know I have filled out this correct information every single time.  I tried to log in to see how my investments were doing, and could not because this information is suddenly wrong.  I called and talked to a person who insists that they know my birthday better than I do...and that if I wanted to change that, I had to fax in a copy of my drivers license.  I did so, and then for another week, attempted to log into my account, and was told every time that my date of birth was wrong.  I finally called back again today, and talked to a different operator who was much more helpful; she went through my paperwork and discovered that I actually DO know my own date of birth, and that they had made a typo.  She would be able to fix that within a week.  At least this time, the rep I spoke to acknowledged the fact that they were wrong, and I was right, and made an effort to fix the error.  That's all I ask.  REALLY!

Besides my retirement, I do have other accounts which I am checking on, for my ulterior motive.  What is that, you may say?  Well, it's something I have mentioned on this blog several months/years ago.  This July, Mr. R, the kids and I are spending a long weekend in Tampa.  Why Tampa?  Because that is where the VASECTOMY REVERSAL DOCTOR IS LOCATED.

Yeah, that's right.  After months of my not even speaking about it, my husband brought it up.  He is ready.  He wants to do it.  I have not forced, nagged, whined or complained, I swear it.  And when he chose to be ready, he made the phone call to the doctor, then put me on the line because I'm Miss Scheduling Freak, and we set the appointment.  This July, we have a check up just to make sure Mr. R is even a candidate for the reversal.  Due to the fact that nearly 13 years have gone by since his procedure, it may not happen.  And if that is the case, I promise I will be ok with it.  Unfortunately, they are so backlogged (who knew how many people were scheduling this kind of procedure?  Not me!) the actual surgery date is not until June 2012.  And we are on the list in case someone has a cancellation, but for now I am content with the June date.  In June 2012, I will just be turning 37.  Right now, I'm only concentrating on the consultation this July.  We are going to get a hotel in Tampa, maybe go to a water park, and just relax.  Also, this gives me a chance to really get my diabetes and blood pressure under control, to lose some weight (I'm hoping for 50lbs!) and hopefully for Mr. R to find a job where he can be home more often.  I am definitely one of those people who believe that God opens doors when He sees fit.  The procedure is $4950.  We have already put down a deposit of $950, leaving a balance of $4000.  Plus, we are going to make this a vacation; maybe the aquarium or Busch Gardens (probably not BG, as two of my kids are major pukers) and definitely the beach. 

I hope you will pray for us as we walk into this journey together.  We're excited and a little scared and praying that we are successful!

Thirty-Six

Do you know what today is?  Do you?  DO YOU?!?!?!

Someone in this house turned 36 today!  I'll give you ONE guess.  By the way, that's the timer on my washing machine.  I turned around and it had just turned 36...how funny is that?

This girl, that's who!  Happy Birthday to meeeeeee! 

And what did I do on this birthday?  I got up, let the dog out and the cats in.  Made coffee.  And...got THIS:

He had already started making breakfast when I was getting dressed for church.  That's why there is food out, lol.

I have been wanting...asking....wishing for a red KitchenAid mixer for at least four years.  And every year, it never happened.  I almost bought one for myself for graduation, and darn it...I am just too cheap to spend $300 on myself.  I bought myself a pair of $16 Dearfoam slippers instead...which, by the way, are too comfortable to be legal.  I love them!

After I opened my gift, I got dressed for church.  Birthday or no, it is Sunday and a great day to worship the Lord!  This is what I wore:

I'm not sure why I'm hanging onto the door frame of the garage?

Dear Lord, I know it's a silly prayer, but I'd love to have a year of no pimples before I get stuck with wrinkles.  Amen.

Every picture Missy took of me, she failed to mention that my slip was hanging out.  I need a new one, and I need to buy petites because the normal ones are too long for me.

My clone and I.

My Winner

Well, I only had 5 entries, which I found kind of odd, but ok.  I actually only had 4 until this morning, but I let a 5th person slide in after my cut off time since Blogger had been out for over 24 hours.  I cut up 5 pieces of paper, wrote everyone's name on it, and drew the name....SAHAANA!  Sahaana, you have until Tuesday May 17th to email me at sarahrr123 at earthlink.net.  If I don't hear from you by Wednesday, I'll draw another name.  Thank you for playing, friends.

Let the Groveling Begin!

The giveaway is now open for the $25 Target gift card.  Please send me a comment, telling me what you would buy at Target.  I'll choose my winner at random this Saturday, May 14th.  You can enter only once, and you have to enter by this Friday, May 13th at midnight.

Meh.

Not thrilled with these pictures, not thrilled with my day.  Despite having both funds and time, my kids did nothing for Mother's Day for me.  Not even a $2 card.  I am so not materialistic, I swear it.  I could care less about jewelry, gift cards, or other kinds of gifts.  I am not a gifty person.  But I was so disappointed.  No breakfast in bed, no homemade cards, nothing.  My mom sent me a card.  It was nice of her, but it was not the same thing.  No special dinner either.  Sometimes it makes me wonder why I bother.

Anyway.  On to my pics for the day.

Nice garbage pile in my neighbor's yard.  I didn't notice it until now.  And again, more proof that I desperately need to lose weight.  The front of my dress rides up to cover my gut.  Nice.

I guess I looked better leaving.

Time for another hair cut.  That gray is clearly loving me, it doesn't want to leave my head.

Would have been a cute pic, except that there is some floating crap in the way.

Why do weeds grow right in front of garage doors?

Dress:  Goodwill, $5.99.  Label torn out so I have no idea.
Pink tank top, Walmart, $2.
Necklace, Lane Bryant...I think $15 about four years ago.  Comes with matching earrings but I didn't wear them today.  Shoes, $19.99, Avenue.

Hope your day was better than mine.  Almost makes me look forward to Mondays.  The giveaway is still coming, I just didn't buy the Target gift card yet.  Don't worry, it's coming.

My First Give Away!

I hit 50 readers! (No, I didn't hit anyone.)  I think this deserves a give away!  I don't know what I'm going to do yet.  Stay tuned while I create hazardous smoke in my house while thinking very hard.  LOL.  I'm thinking somewhere along the lines of a Target gift card.   Yeah, I like that.  A Target gift card it is.  Not sure about the amount yet, and I will set it all up very soon, possibly by the end of this week.  Yaaaay for free stuff!

Churchy

Today I went to church by myself.  Tiger is sick, Bucket was sleeping so soundly I couldn't bear to wake him, and Missy just wasn't having it.  So off I went.  I worked with a new girl in the kindergarten room.  Definitely not autistic, but still getting used to a classroom setting.  She's sweet and quiet and I doubt she'll need the extra help very long.  But it was fun being in the classroom again.

On Friday, we got our tax refund.  We promptly paid off the three bills we had intended to pay, and Mr. R bought himself a gift which we had NOT discussed...to the point where I was pretty steamed because we generally discuss when we're going to buy anything over $100, and he dropped over $600 on himself without saying a word to me.  He's his own man, I get that, but that's a large purchase.  So now he's saying that I can do some shopping (damage control of my favorite kind, lol.)  Yaaaay for me!  Of course, what did I do?  Spent money on the kids.  Tiger needed new pants, Missy always likes new things, so she got some new shirts.  Me?  I found this GORGEOUS navy blue dress at Ross for $16.99!!!

And then, these caaaa-yuuuuute shoes at Avenue for $19.99.  They are that in metallic pewter type color, and more comfortable than they look.  I wouldn't wear them walking around Disney all day, but awesome for a day at church and maybe even work.  However, I actually went to Avenue for bras.  I really, really like that store.  However, their bras are crap.  The bra I am wearing right now I bought at Sears one year ago, and it is a 42DD.  When I went to Avenue, they measured me at a 46C.  I immediately thought that was kinda cuckoo.  I know I'm big on top, but I don't think my ribcage is 46.  In fact, the 42 bra has been loose on me, which made me think I may have either gone down to a 40, or that I just killed the elastic in this one.  So I bought two 46Cs from Avenue, came home and tried them both on this morning.  Neither one fits.  Too tight...could not even latch it on the last hoop.  So now I have to drive all the way back to Sanford to return them.  Shoot, I'm going to just buy another pair of those caaaaa-yuuuuuute shoes in a different color!  They came in a blush pink color too, which is so adorable for spring and summer.  Oh yes.  As long as there is another pair in a size 9W, you shall be mine.  Oh yes.  I also bought, on clearance of course, a raspberry pink cardi for $19.99, and a pair of pajamas pants for $9.99, weirdly enough in that same raspberry pink.  I'm not a huge fan of pink, but lately everything seems to be in that color, and flattering on me, so I'm warming up to it.

Then, I went to Target.  The Target in Orange City, Florida, has been absolute crap lately for anything plus size.  All they have are tee shirts and cargo shorts.  I am so not with you, Target.  I cannot be the only well dressed plus size woman in the area!  Can you please bring back some dresses and skirts, and tops which do not belong in a gym?  I'd sure appreciate it.  Because you know I will be there, buying it.  Almost all of my dresses are Merona for Target.  Also, can I suggest not placing the plus size area in maternity?  It is NOT one in the same, thankyouverymuch.  I had no hope when I hit the clearance rack, except I was praying that I could find a cardigan.  If anyone remembers, that was on my list of stuff I wanted for my possible future career at the hospital.  And...I found one!!!  And can you believe it...it's in NAVY, JUST LIKE MY NEW DRESS!  HOLLA!!!  The cardi is Merona size 2 in plus.  Now, normally I fit into a size 1 in plus, but this cardi is striped and I didn't want the stripes to get wonky, so I sized up.  It was on clearance, and for $12.48.  I scoured the racks hoping to find more in different colors, but didn't luck out.  So navy and white stripes it is.