Down the Middle

I decided to part my hair down the middle today and secure it back in a clip.

Wrong.  Wrong, wrong, wrong.  I like my outfit today, but ughhh, these pictures.  Lesson learned...I am a side part kind of girl!

Lane Bryant dress purchased about two years ago at my local Good will for $6, Target flats.  Oooh, and I've got a new bra on too.  What a difference!

Really like the kimono sleeves on this dress. 

Really, really sick of my hair.  REALLY.

Thank you, Lane Bryant, for comfy, stylist, practical dresses!

And thank you, Walmart, for Spiderman face hoodies for grown size men.  Yes indeed.

Next week, I am driving into the office EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. to train our new employee.  Do you know what that means?  That means outfit posts every day!  I have been going through my closet for the past two days trying to plan outfits for an entire week.  I'm kind of having fun with it.  There's a reason I don't take outfit photos during the week.  I'm usually in a long maxi skirt, bare feet, and a tank top.  It's not blog worthy.  But this week will be real shoes, real clothes, actual make up, and my hair did up!  Here is what I'll be attempting next week:

1)  I have one pair of pants I will try to work into my week.
2)  A different pair of shoes every day.
3)  A different necklace every day (I don't wear earrings while I work because I wear a headset and it bothers me immensely)
4) One day will be hopefully be  a skirt and top combo.

See you this week!

So I Decided To Stop By...

Oh. Hello there peeps.  Yes, I know.  Another week without a peep out of me!  Trust me, it was a long week indeed and frankly I am upset that my weekend is only two days long, because I could use another few days off, after the craziness here.

Last Sunday night, Tiger's surgical scar reopened, to the point where he was gushing blood everywhere and I had to rush him to the children's hospital in Orlando.  He's good now, but we now have a referral to a peds gastroenterologist because the surgeon is now suspecting he may have something called Crohn's Disease, or Inflammatory Bowel Disease.  This poor kid has been suffering for so long, and my heart breaks for him.  I wish I could take on this illness, whatever it is, to give him some comfort. 

Then, my coworker who possibly does even more work than I do, was diagnosed with bladder cancer.  And it appears to be a very aggressive, rare kind.  She is not taking it well, and has been missing work, which means all I do is work, trying to help keep her workload manageable when she does come back.  Which means that I am getting headaches, nosebleeds, and back spasms from sitting at my computer so much.  Then my computer managed to catch another virus which slows me down at work.  When I complained about it to the MIS guys, the accused me of purposely downloading stuff I am not supposed to do, and I challenged them to scour the company PC.  All I do is work on it (I have my personal laptop for my own stuff!) and frankly I don't have time to play games!  I'm trying to do the work of three people!!!

On Friday, I was asked to train the new hire.  I agreed, but frankly, I'm not happy about it.  So I'm good enough to train new people, but not good enough for a raise?  I have been seething over this.  And then when I finally got a break, which was yesterday (Saturday) I ended up with a migraine so bad I ended up sleeping on the cold tiles in my bathroom and vomiting repeatedly.  Oh, and I did take a pregnancy test, which of course was negative, just in case it wasn't a migraine, but early pregnancy.  Nope.  Just my body disgusted with me for not taking care of it, for feeding it really bad food, and for working until my eyeballs want to jump out of the sockets and run screaming for the door. 

Today, I went to church.  It was such a blessing to walk in and immediately be comforted by the welcoming atmosphere.  No one asked me if their surgery was authorized, or asked me how much the copay was.  I did not hear my email ding.  My phone did ring but I had it on silent.  Thank you, Lord, for peaceful, restful Sundays!

My Ross dress purchased March 2013 for #13.  Blue Avenue tank, and purple American Eagle flats with purple Target jewelry.  That's what's fun about this dress...I can pick any color I want to emphasize. 

Now I'm going to go inside, help the boys with their laundry (our machine broke...again...second time this year.  Don't ever buy Samsung appliances!) and get ready for a memorial service at church this afternoon. 

Oh. Hi There.

Well now, I disappeared there for about nine days.  I had one of those weeks where it seemed to never end, and the bad news continued to hit me.  One of the members of my team at work quit, so we had to split her work up between me and one other coworker, which has not quite doubled my workload but overtime will be essential until Christmas, more than likely.  Then I was anonymously accused of a crime at work; not just an error in judgment but actual felonies.  I was eventually cleared of the accusation but I was a total wreck until it was taken care of.  My work computer also crashed, so I had to bring it in.  Management doesn't like when this happens, as they worry about confidentiality issues.  So imagine how upset I was when I came in, had it fixed, and now it's not working again.  That means I have to drive in again tomorrow to have it looked at again. Then, I got my period a week early (possibly from stress), put a large damper on the holiday weekend I was supposed to spend with my husband (I don't know about all of you, but I play no games during my flow week.  Just no.  Not going there.)

But admittedly, I have been happily shopping quite a bit.  "End of season" sales crack me up because it's not the end of the season here.  I easily have 6-10 weeks of hot hot summer left.  The temperatures don't tend to go below 80 until mid October.  This weekend, it was close to 100 here in Central Florida.  End of season, my patootie!  So shopping I went.

I picked up this very cute Faded Glory maxi dress at Walmart while taking my boys back to school shopping about two weeks ago.  It was...I kid you not...$5. It's a size 1x and perfectly roomy.  The blue was also an option in my size but I decided one tye dye maxi dress was probably enough for me, so I chose this delightful emerald color.

I know these are terrible pictures.  My husband was not happy with my bugging him to take pictures.  And admittedly, I had just been crying so I look horrible (saw the movie Courageous...if you have daddy issues, be prepared for tears  and heartache.)  I cried so hard I gave myself two nosebleeds and I didn't even finish watching the movie.

This could easily translate to maternity....maybe someday. 

And this is my only racerback dress.  I wore it with a strapless bra and all was right in my world.

Other things at Walmart:  tank tops or camis!  They were on sale for $3.  THREE BUCKS.  Oh my word, I totally stocked up.  I wear tanks under just about everything for modesty issues and also for sun protection.  I bought ten new camis in lots of great colors:  emerald, white, yellow, magenta, red, orange, cobalt, purple and two patterned ones.  I also just colored my hair black.  It's just a bit darker than my usual hair color, and actually matches my eyebrows. 

I applied for another job at the hospital, this time in scheduling.  But if I don't get it, I'm going to stop applying for jobs for a while.  I am sort of thinking that the tide may be turning at work.  Lots of interesting stuff coming up (changing programs at work, work flow changing, hiring a few more people) and I sort of want to see how it goes.  Plus, I just like being home.  I've said it many times, but I am a homebody.  In fact, after dinner tonight (which is a delicious Italian dressing marinated chicken with a big green salad, YUM!!!) I need to go clear off my desk, redo some of the wiring, and put the cpu in my beach bag so I can drag it into the office tomorrow.  Mr. R and I are going rearrange the desk to make it more efficient.  Plus we are supposed to start using TWO monitors for work...EEEEEEEK!  I feel so nerdy!

In fun news....be expecting a guest post from a friend very soon, and some changes to my blog! 

The Summer Cold Strikes

I didn't make it to church last Sunday.  I had a horrible sore throat and a low grade fever.  I stayed home and let my hubby take care of me. That part was nice except he kept making me drink hot tea and I'm not a fan. But I did get better.  Go figure.

I applied for a Senior Rep position in my department, and not to be stuck up, but I felt like I was a shoo-in.  I was really surprised when I was turned down.  I've spent 12 1/2 years in my department, and I have had nothing but excellent reviews, perfect audit scores, and I've even been invited to meetings in which a person of my level wouldn't normally attend.  Focus groups, training new employees, all things that a mere "rep" wouldn't do, I've done.  And I was up against new people who I actually trained.  So when I got the email that management went with someone else, I admit that I was crushed.  Every place I apply, every attempt is turned away.  I'm not quite sure what to do anymore.  It feels like every door or window has been closed to me. Right now, I'm just biding my time, doing the same thing I always do:  quality work with great patient service. 

My interview outfit. 

Today I worked 10 1/2 hours with no break, since my usual work partner called in sick.  I was exhausted by the time I was done, and I was bitter about it; as usual, doing upper level work with no recognition.  I just have to remember that my work shows my integrity, my honesty, and my skill level.  Someday, someone will recognize it.  Just not sure when.

Too Hot To Be Outside

Poor Tiger.  I roped the kid into taking my pictures, but it was so humid that the lens kept fogging up.  We ended up taking pics by the laundry room.  And this new computer doesn't seem to have an editing option on photos, so the pics are what they are.

Also, my son seems to forgot that I have feet.

Wearing the lovely blue gray necklace and earring set my mother made me.

Just pretend you don't see dirty clothes on the floor, ok? Humor me.

Goofy face has been made.  It's now time to get to church.

So, in baby news:  I have nothing to share.  I started my cycle again yesterday which actually pleased me quite a bit.  For a woman who is nearing 40, my cycle is very predictable.  My last period started on July 7th, and so I had predicted I'd get it again August 4th.  Instead, I got it August 3rd.  I go 27-29 days pretty much like clockwork.  I talked to a friend of mine who is a doula and she suggested that I try an OTC progesterone cream.  Apparently, for older women like me trying to conceive, a lot of women get pregnant and then their systems can't support a full term pregnancy. The progesterone helps women sustain pregnancies if they're low on hormones, which can happen for an older mom like me.   Considering that I got to nearly second trimester before I lost Fergus, that made sense.  So I purchased the cream on Amazon.  Going to use it tonight, and not even sure if Mr. Ri will make it home at the correct time.  This conceiving business is hard to do when the man is not around.  Sheesh.

Oh, no news on the promotion I applied for.  But I did end up with a second job!  At least, I think I did.  And I'm crazy for even thinking I can pull this off.  A friend of mine is a certified financial planner, and she works for a company where the president does a radio program.  This company wanted someone to read the transcription of the radio program, and then edit it into an article which would then be published on their website.  I am basically editing the article until it's readable.  I had fun doing it, but it took me a really long time.  I know I'd get better at it as time goes on, but I sure hope they hire me.  I'd be considered self employed so I have to put in a bid for what I'd charge them per article.  I've asked a lot of friends and the general idea is somewhere between $50-75 per article.  Right now the number in my head is $65.  I need to put money aside to cover my taxes, plus tithe, plus finally putting money into savings, and then start paying off my debt like mad.  I have medical bills and student loans that I am sick to death of seeing.  If they do hire me, none of this money will be going toward dresses, or hair, or shoes.  Debt and savings only.  Boring, I know, but so be it. 

Recovery

Tiger rests comfortably in his room.  I filled his pain prescription and he hasn't taken a single pill.  I kept him in bed with me last night, and he slept easily, not even snoring.  I kept waking up to check to see if he had a fever, or was in any pain.  It was a smooth night, of me smiling at my boy, loving him, thanking God for such a privilege as this, to be his mother and caretaker.  Those days are winding down.  In a few short years, he'll be sleeping in bed with his wife instead of me, and she'll be the one who smiles at him in the darkness of their room. 

He took a shower, removed the bandages, put fresh ones on, got dressed.  He started a load of laundry.  He made a bowl of cereal the size of his own head.  He was playing video games earlier but they're not on now, so I'm guessing he fell back asleep. 

Work is busy.  The poor girl who worked my accounts yesterday called me in tears to tell me she doesn't know how I do it.  I had really wanted to take today off as well, but she was so upset I decided to come back a day early to relieve her.  But I'm grateful for the work to keep my mind active.  I'm also doing some housework in between accounts and phone calls; loaded the dishwasher, moved stuff from washer to dryer.  Simple things really, but the hum of appliances soothes my heart.  I folded towels while I was on hold with an insurance company, holding the warm fabric against my chest and smiling.   Tiger's music teacher comes over on Thursday nights, and while I don't think Tiger is ready for a lesson, I decided to still make dinner for us all.  I decided I wanted Beef Stroganoff tonight.  I've never made it before, and I'm making it with ground beef instead of steak strips.  But it sounded warm and comforting on a busy, somewhat chilly day.  I've got biscuits in the fridge to sop up the gravy and it sounded great to me.  So Beef Stroganoff it is.

Today is not a great day for fashion.  :D  I'm wearing my ankle length coral skirt, my plaid flip flops, and a brown tee shirt which is covered in bleach and marker stains.  I knew I'd be cleaning today, and there's no point in ruining a good shirt.  I didn't bother with make up or jewelry either, but I did have two cups of delicious non hospital coffee.  Yum!

After weeks of chaos and pain, today was one of the first days I've sat at my desk and not sobbed.  I have been at my desk since 6am, trying to fix accounts and put my schedule back in order.  I can see the sun rise through my back door, and I grinned as the pink and red sunshine came through my white curtains.  I thought of the verse in Lamentations 3 22-24:  "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”  I don't know if my afflictions are done yet, but I do know, his mercies are fresh every morning.

Attempting Life

I thought of lots of stupid titles for this post.  "Orange You Glad To See Me?"  or "Back In The Saddle" but they seemed too cliche and annoying.  I got up, I got dressed, I did my hair, I wore make up, but it was all pretend.  I was going through motions today, and it showed.  But I did put one foot in front of the other, and it's a start.

I haven't taken pictures in nearly a month.  In my last pictures, I talked about how much I was looking forward to summer to see my baby.  And now...my womb is empty, but you can tell I was starting to show because I have a pooch.  I mean, I had a pooch before, don't get me wrong, but I was just getting to the point where I was needing maternity.  Sigh.

This is actually my polka dot black and white Target dress, but I topped it with a bright orange tee I bought at Ross just yesterday for $5.99.  We're supposed to wear orange for the first Sunday of the month in children's ministry, and I was the only one who did it.  Go figure.

Totally fake smile.  Did not fool one single person.

I bought real high heels, again at Ross yesterday for $20.  They hurt.  I'm definitely not used to them.  The heel itself didn't hurt, but I have wide toes and I need to stretch these out a bit.  But they looked cute; I can see why women get addicted to heels.  I felt like it helped my posture quite a bit.

I also bought new bras, but I got those at Target.  I guess a bit of retail therapy over the weekend took my mind off my sorrows.

Tomorrow, I start my new schedule at work.  As grateful as I am for my job, it occurred to me while I was out with the miscarriage that I need to spend more time on me.  I will still getting up at 6am, but I won't be starting work until 8am.  Those two hours will be for me to be in the Word more faithfully, to eat a real breakfast, and to get my exercise.  I will never know if this miscarriage happened because of anything I did, but I know that being 100 lbs overweight didn't do me any favors.  This will be a gift to myself and any future babies that may happen.  I need good health so I can grow a healthy child, if the Lord chooses to bless us again.  Yes, you heard me right.  I intend to try again, as soon as I'm done with the physical part of this miscarriage  (going on two weeks of bleeding, yuck) and Mr. R is home (he just got a run to Colorado, so it will be at least two weeks until I see him again) and if the timing is right...yes, we'll be trying again.

Until then, be prepared for my usual outfit posts, and possibly some updates on my exercise.  I'm going back to my Kettleworx again.  Hope you all have a blessed week.

True Appreciation

I have to say, if a woman has to work for an income, working from home is a great choice.  And I'm blessed that I'm allowed to do so.  I have very few distractions when the kids aren't home; no water cooler gossip, few surprise meetings, and lots of quiet!  One of the bad things though, are the lack of social activities (if you're a social butterfly, which I'm not.) and the "out of sight, out of mind" issues.  As in, no one notices me until I make a mistake.  It's not a great feeling.  So imagine my surprise when I received flowers from a doctor's office!

I love that it came with a vase, too!

This is what she wrote:

Sarah,
We are truly grateful for you and your work ethic. Flowers don’t say enough but I thought the arrangement would convey to you how you make us feel when we work with you. As for the open house, there was one for physicians so we didn’t lie but we were really trying to get your address for the flowers. I would love to have you come over so we can all meet you and put a face to the great person we are working with. Let me know when is good for you and that way I can make sure to be here and give you a special private tour and introduce you to everyone. Thanks again for all you do!!

One of their nurses had asked me for my home address to send me an invitation to an open house, which is why she made the comment about an open house.  I'm telling you, after getting the really not-so-great raise after working my tail off for three years and getting certified, this really helped to perk me up!  It certainly puts a smile on my face and reminds me that my good attitude makes a difference to many people.  I'm also pretty happy that I have the rest of the week off, I still have 86 hours of PDO to kill for the rest of the year and that's a lot for July.  Have a wonderful Independence Day, readers!

Day 12 of June Dresses: I Have a Case of the Mondays on a Tuesday

Going back to work after a three day weekend is TOUGH.  My work schedule went up, I had over 100 emails to answer, and the kids didn't sleep in.  It was a long day, and I'm not even done.  As soon as I make dinner, I'm logging back on to work at least two more hours.

Avenue dress, purchased either 2009 or 2010.  In theory, this is a great dress; cute pattern, v neck, knee length a-line with a sash.  In real life?  I am forever asked when I am due when I wear this.  Therefore, I don't wear it outside anymore even though I think it is super cute.  I will save it for maternity wear, hopefully soon.  No jewelry, no make up, and flip flops; I told you I don't bother with the details during the week!

But it sure is comfortable, and how cute is the navy?  I'm wearing a navy tank top underneath it.

Mr. R will be home in two days; again, not during my ovulation time.  Ugh, I'm happy to see him of course, but I need to call his dispatcher, woman to woman and say HEY JULIE.  WHAT GIVES?!!?  I call his dispatcher "the other woman in his life."  She is super sweet and sometimes we text back and forth.  Plus she usually can get him home for important things like birthdays and stuff; I need to get with her and let her know my cycle.  I'm sure that'll go over so well.  *snort*

I swear it's not a picture of my girls; I wanted to show the pattern on both the body of the dress, the sash, and the trim.  I think it's adorbs!

I think it's the sash tying in the back that makes people think maternity?  Look, the cute patterned trim is on the bottom of the dress, too.  It also came in red, but I bought blue for a change. 

It's Taco Tuesday!  No wonder I'm smiling; goodness I love me some Mexican food.  And then, back to work!  How much you want to bet I'll end up working so much this week to make up my one day off, that I'll end up earning all 8 hours back?

Oh, I love the internet.  I decided to google ovulation calendar.  My goodness, how did people function before google?  I use it for everything!  Looks like Mr. R is going to have a VERY HAPPY MONDAY.  Bwahahaha!  Thank you, babyhopes.com!

Wednesday 6th June 2012 - First day of your cycle

Saturday 16th June 2012 - A little bit fertile

Sunday 17th June 2012 - Fertile

Monday 18th June 2012 - VERY fertile

Tuesday 19th June 2012 - Time to ovulate

Friday 29th June 2012 - A home pregnancy test may work now.

Tuesday 3rd July 2012 - End of cycle

Friday 6th July 2012 - No period? Maybe you're pregnant!

Wednesday 13th March 2013 - If you are, this is your approximate due date

Don't Make Me Hurt You

So this week has been one of those weeks where it is probably a good thing I work from home, and no one can see the crazy woman I truly am.  One, I'm incredibly glad that my coworker is back from Hawaii and I can catch back up on my own work.  Two, there are only TWO weeks left and the kids are done with school.  I've never in my life been so happy that Missy is a licensed driver;she can take both boys OUT with her, like to the movies and to the library and maybe even the beach if she ever gets brave enough to hop on the interstate.  But let me tell you, I have talked to some really not-so-smart people on the phone.  I have to share; I couldn't make this up if I tried.

Me (calling an insurance company):  "Hi, I need to see if there is an authorization on file for this patient to come in for a nephrectomy."

STOP.  STOP RIGHT THERE.

Do you know what a nephrectomy is?  I realize I may have the upper hand here since I've worked in the medical field my entire adult life.  It's the removal of a kidney.  Kinda a big deal.  Let's continue.

Young Thang Answering Phone At Insurance Company:  "I'm sorry, there is an auth on file, but it's not for a nephrectomy.  You need to call the pcp (your main doc, if you didn't know that term either) and have them start the auth right away."

Me (thinking this chick sounds younger than my own 16 year old daughter, and wondering if she is really qualified to be answering phones and dealing with people's sensitive health information):  "So there is an auth on file, and it's for the same date, and the same doctor, and the same hospital?"

Young Thang:  "Yep!"

Me (again, I'm such a quick thinker!  lolololol):  "Can I ask what the auth is for?"

Young Thang: "It's for a removal of kidney, not a nephrectomy!"

BANG. HEAD. ON. DESK.

Me:  "A nephrectomy IS a removal of a kidney."

Young Thang:  "Are you sure?"

Me:  "I'm really, really sure."

Ahem.  Let me also state: by telling this little story, I am in no way breaking any HIPAA laws.  No patient names or birthdates were mentioned.  This is more of a story about inefficiency and inadequacy.  So no comments about HIPAA, k?  Oh, and that's HIPAA.  Not HIPPA.  Just so you know.

Other things that drove me crazy this week?  Getting a phone call from Bucket's teacher telling me that he's failing language arts because he refuses to do his essays.  Why?  Because he thinks the subjects are stupid.  Plus he says with it only being two weeks left, he can slack off and still pass.  This drives me INSANE.  I have no idea where he gets this idea from!  Mr. R and I are hardly slackers?  These kids saw me BUST MY BUTT for over three years getting my degree!  They see me work from home and know I work hard!  Where this lazy good for nothing attitude comes from, absolutely befuddles me!  Right now, it appears Bucket may not make it to high school.  And honestly, I'm FINE with that.  I wonder if he's emotionally ready for high school anyway.  But when he found out he might not make it to high school, and end up in middle school for another year, the kid completely flipped his gourd.  There was screaming.  Crying.  Definitely snot.  Oh, the snot.  But imagine the mad giggling that consumed me when his teacher called to say that Bucket showed up with his essay completed.  Every gray hair on my head = being the mother of Bucket.  Yes indeed.

Other things going on in my life which I haven't mentioned:  I have jury duty on June 11.  The very first day of summer break!  I have to call on Sunday night to make sure I am still needed, but I had to use one of my pdo days to do jury duty.  And, I had to cancel Bucket's appointment with his psych doctor because of course that was the day I had scheduled it.  So now I'm having to use ANOTHER pdo day, and had to bump his appointment to June 22 instead. 

PDO is a weird thing.  Hospital employees are required to use 140 hours of pdo every year.  Unfortunately, they count the beginning of the year right before Christmas, so I've already used up days for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Years Day.  Plus remember I was on vacation in Tampa the first week of January for Mr. R's vasectomy reversal.  So I'm down to 93 hours.  I get emails monthly urging me to take my pdo before the holidays.  But I have a hard time giving up my pdo!  I love looking in my little bank and seeing that time sitting there; in case of emergencies, that sort of thing.  I've been saving this pdo for YEARS.  It's probably been there for at least 7 years!  Well, last year when I did my benefits, I decided to wipe out my account and get that money on the last Friday of 2012.  I am keeping only 60 hours in my bank, instead of the nearly 160 I normally keep.  So I know I'm getting a huge payout in December 2012!  I initially did that because I was really hoping that we'd have a new baby in December; so far, it's not even looking like we will have one for February, either.  It's a lot easier to get pregnant when your husband is home, you know?  Poo.  But anyway, I have to use 140 hours during the year, and that money do you not get to keep, you lose it.  (only after you take the minimum pdo do you get to roll money over) Plus, I earn 4 hours of pdo every two weeks!  So I've got to use this time up.  I'm not giving money back to the hospital, it's mine and I earned it!  So I have June 11 off for jury duty.  And if I'm not needed, I'm still going to take the day off.  I have June 22 off for Bucket's appointment.  Then I have July 5 and 6 off, for no particular reason although it is Bucket's 14th birthday on July 5th.  Then I have August 3-6 off, because it's our 18th wedding anniversary and we were hoping to get away again.  Plus I have the entire week of August 20th off for Bucket's transition to high school (which now may not be needed.)  I still need to take about 20 more hours after that if my math is correct.  I may request Thanksgiving; I've never had Thanksgiving off!  In fact, I normally work the Friday just because I don't do Black Friday sales and I hate giving up that pdo. 

For anyone curious about the baby situation:  There is no baby yet.  Mr. R's schedule, since February, so far has had him gone every time I'm ovulationg.  Apparently, this month seems to be no exception.  He was supposed to be home today; he's still in NJ stuck with a broken something-or-other.  This would be a very good time for him to be home.  Cough cough.  If he makes it home by Thursday, this month could still be a go.  If not; well then.  I guess we'll have June.  One thing I am trying to think about; I kinda don't want a baby in May or June.  Not because that wouldn't be lovely, but next May/June, my lovely Missy will be graduating from high school.  And I don't want to steal her thunder.  I want it to be about her, not her new baby brother/sister. 

So, I've done a lot of rambling today, and I have no pictures.  Maybe tomorrow.  Don't forget, 30 Days of Dresses in June is coming up!!!

I Say What I Mean, And I Mean What I Say

And when I say, I'm going to get a hair cut, I mean it!

Eight inches of hair...gone!

I...absolutely...LOVE...IT!!!  Despite the sour look on my face; I'm actually just befuddled by the whole "using a mirror to take my picture" art.  I guess one needs to be born after 1990 to be skilled at this.

It is soooo short in the back!  The guy who did my hair even shaved my neck which is now itching me insanely.  But look at how thick and shiny my hair is now! ~happy sigh~

The haircut is called an "inverted lob" which means it's a longer bob, with the long pieces in the front instead of the back.  Oh; this is an old WalMart dress which I bought probably 2007 or 2008.  I have it in brown, too.  I think I spent $18 on each of them.  It's a size 18/20.  It's pretty beat up and pilling but they are super comfortable and I usually wear these two dresses when I'm cleaning or something.  I always wear a tank or cami with it because it's low cut in the front.

So, my birthday is Tuesday, and I have to work because my coworker is on vacation in Hawaii for three weeks.  A total bummer, because I have taken my birthday off from work for the past 10 years.  This stems from years of always having to go to school on birthday and not being able to have a day off; with my birthday in the middle of May, it was ALWAYS during final exams and so skipping was never an option.  Anyway, I decided that since my birthday is on a Tuesday, and I can't have the day off, that I'm going to celebrate my birthday over TWO  weekends...yes, you heard me!  Tomorrow, I have a great day planned.  First, I'm going to wake up WITHOUT an alarm!  Then, I'm going to have a leisurely cup of coffee and read my Bible.  I plan to drive to Bob Evans and get a gift certificate for my mom for her Mother's Day (she and my stepdad have breakfast every Saturday at B.E.)  Then I have a few things to donate to Goodwill, and I plan to spend some time thrifting.  I have nothing really in mind to thrift except I do want to find those palazzo pants.  Then, I have to drive to Mr. R's work because...of course...they forgot to pay him AGAIN.  While I'm in that area, I wanted to stop by Avenue because I have a birthday coupon.  Again, nothing particular that I'm looking for, although I'm always looking for cute dresses and skirts.  Then drive all the way back to have Mother's Day lunch with my mom and sister.  I am going to be one tired birthday girl, that is for sure!

How to take a picture in a bathroom mirror:  Hold camera in front of you.  Make a goofy face; preferably crossing one of your eyes as you try to focus.  PUT THE TOILET SEAT DOWN! 

One, this is the kids bathroom, not mine.  Two, I'm not wearing my glasses, so I really couldn't see this huge smudge in the glass.  Three, my kids are too old to be licking glass, so what in the world is this smudge?  (Maybe I don't want to know.)

I was actually trying to take a picture of my earrings.  My friend Cristy insists that any older than the age of 10 should not wear anything heart shaped, pink or sparkly.  These earrings incorporate all three, so I had to take a picture.  By the way, trying to take a picture of your own ears is THE MOST DIFFICULT ENDEAVOR I'VE TAKEN ON OR THIS BLOG.

Sooo, what are you plans for the weekend?  I also hope to buy some root corrector to get rid of these grays.  Mr. R won't be home for my special day; he called me today with the weirdest request: "Don't be cheap and get yourself something nice for your birthday!"  Does that man know me well or what.  Of COURSE I'm going to be cheap.  I'm Sarah!  Pretty much everything I have planned, I have a coupon for it!  I tell you, I am one blessed lady.  I'm so grateful for birthdays!

Gonna Get My Housewife On!

I **LOVE** housework.  It's true!  You wouldn't have known that had you met me 15 years ago.  I hated doing anything housework.  But as I've grown older and more appreciative of having a clean house, good food. organized clothes and no dustbunnies, I've gotten very domestic minded.  I can tell you that  Mr. R loves that, because he is very orderly.  I've called him the White Finger Nazi because that man can find dust anywhere.  I was invited to quite a few social get togethers this weekend, and I turned them all down but one (I said yes to the autism meeting, and that's because I have to go; I'm a director!)  Decided that my Saturday will be filled with cleaning, organizing, cooking, and getting this house back in order.  It makes me so happy!

Time to get out of bed, Sarah!

There are no active pimples, that is just the scarring from earlier this year.  Man, it's bad.

I bought this dress at Goodwill for $4.  It's supposed to be a beach cover up.  I like the color and it's really comfy.  But I shouldn't wear it like this until I'm pregnant.  Because I sure LOOK pregnant.  Oh, this is my kids' bathroom.  No one would take my picture today.  I may need a tripod soon.

That one little piece of hair that always sticks up; sigh.  Cowlicks are WEIRD.

Whoo baby!  That hair sure is getting long!

My brilliant idea for the kids bathroom.  No storage (an issue in this house, let me tell you!)  I bought a plastic shoe rack for $5 and hung it up on their door.  Now their sink is clear and all their "stuff" is in the pockets.  Just because the packaging says it's for shoes, doesn't mean you have to use it that way!

What?!!?  Two people called in sick today?  Kill me.  Kill me now.

Wedged In

I already own a pair of red espadrille wedges, so when I saw these on sale at my closing KMart last week, I picked them up.  Nude (weird light brown tan color?) suede-ish wedges.  Not all that comfortable.  I took them off to work in kids ministry today.  But I think they look cute.

They are "Bongo" size 9 1/2 (a full size larger than I normally wear) and I got them for $8.  Not sure why they run so small.  I tried a 9 and could barely get my foot into it.

Today I wore one of the Walmart skirts I picked up for $11 last year.  Cute colors!  I've already showed you the red one I bought, this is the blue.  It is so comfortable and I can wear it to church and the beach!  I'm all about versatile, casual, modest and chic clothing!  Plus it has a built in slip so I love it even more.  And such vibrant colors; you can see me coming from a mile away!

Aqua wrap top, from eBay.  Can't remember what I spent on it.  Purple stone necklace and earring set, Target.  About $12.  Walmart skirt, $11, 2011.  White tank for modesty, $2 Walmart.  Wedges, KMart, $8, 2012. 

A difficult hair morning, and skin which is still healing.  I keep breaking out, on my chin only.

Work has been bad lately.  I hear through the grapevine that due to our department being unable to keep up with demand, that they are considering letting us all go.  At this point, I throw up my hands and say, "let it be."  I work so very, very hard.  I work late, I work through lunch, I work at night.  I'm not willing to give up any more of my precious time; to be a mom, a friend, and to work at church.  So if it happens, it happens.  I will do my best until I find out I'm being let go.  I am applying to other jobs, but I just keep hearing nothing.  I have complete and utter peace about it, though.  I think I'm so exhausted that for the first several weeks, I'd probably sleep during the day.

Atkins is going well, although the weight loss itself has slowed.  I'm still down 12 lbs, which is how much I was down last week.  I went up two pounds, and then lost two pounds.  I was on my cycle last week which I guess is why that happened.  I also had no menstrual cramps or aches whatsoever!  My blood sugar is still excellent, too.  Even though the scale showed nothing this week, I feel good and I'm going to continue.  We went to the movies last night, and I didn't cheat even then; I had no soda, candy or popcorn.   Now I need to step up the exercise a bit, too.

Last but not least:  Who wants to work when this sweetie wants your attention, anyway?

"Mommy, look at how adorable I am!"

"Look at my sweet face.  I needz da snugglez."

"Put down the keyboard or you'll DIE."

I Put Shoes On, And I Go Outside!

One of my coworkers is moving back to her home state of Pennsylvania and so we had a goodbye party at the Chili's in Altamonte Springs for her.  I brought my camera, then had so much fun that I forgot to take pictures.  I'm goofy like that.  There was only decent shot of my outfit, and I'm standing in front of the TV so that way poor Tiger wouldn't actually have to GET UP and take a picture.

Navy blue Avenue cardigan, bought in 2011.  Kiyonna sequin tank top, bought in 2011.  Svoboda jeans bought in 2009.  Target flats...2009?  Screamo video behind me; courtesy of teenage son.

Bucket was not happy that I left.  He sniffed "Mama, where you going?"  And I said, "Out with my friends."  He looked utterly confused and said, "Who are they?"  Yeah, I don't get out much.  Thanks for reinforcing my agoraphobia, kiddo.  When I arrived, I heard screams:  "Sarah's wearing PANTS!"  Who knew I was so famous for my dresses and skirts?  I had to laugh.  It's better than being famous for your bad breath or for being on Hoarders.  Speaking of, does anyone watch that show?  I love it, and I'm not a TV person.  Whenever I'm done watching it, I get up and clean something.  You too?

Horrifying pimples finally going away.  I tried to put makeup on them, it really doesn't help.  But hey, look!  Nice hair day?  Have I finally turned the page on this awful hair?  Has it grown out enough to finally have a bit of weight, so it's not a huge poofy mushroom head? 

My Stress Overfloweth

I am NOT a 13 year old girl obsessed with Justin Beiber.  No.  I am 36.  36 years old with a massive breakout.  I feel RIDICULOUS.  And this covered in make up...trust me, it looked far worse.  Hey, my eye makeup came out nicely and I just did my brows last night.  Too bad my hair is still a wreck.

I went to church by myself.  The kids just couldn't get up and I decided to be kind and let them sleep in.  I came home to mayhem.  Guess I taught myself a lesson.  Being nice to teenagers rarely works out.

I love weather.  One of the few things not controlled by humans, and I love its raw and wild beauty.  This is my neighbor's yard directly behind me.  Nice cloud bank!

Swirling clouds, never turned green, never heard the siren noise.  Phew.

This is the view down my street. 

I worked 46 hours last week.  I know it's Sunday, but I'm about to change into my pajamas and try to work for about 3-4 hours.  I intend to work about a 9-10 hour day on Monday, but on Tuesday, I have a going away party to attend, so I can only work an 8 hour day.  One of the girls I work with decided to move back to Pennsylvania to be with her kids and grandchildren.  I don't blame her one bit.  I will miss her terribly, especially since our department hasn't hired anyone to replace her (that I know of) and they're going to split up her work and just give it to us.  So my workload is about to increase...again.  I'm seriously trying not to cry just thinking about how awful this is going to be.

My hair: pulled back completely when I'm sick of it.

Liked my outfit, hated my skin.  Have to wear another colored cami under this top; it's very close to my actual skin tone!

My hubby...my goodness do I just love him.  Although I wish he'd stop wearing camo.  Kinda over that.  I'd love to give him a makeover, but that will never happen.  Do any of you girls help your husband/boyfriends pick out their clothes.  I do not even attempt.  My guy is set in his ways.