Who’s got the time?

How do my summer weekends get filled up instantly? Ok, so it wasn’t instantly, but I think it only took a month. In the beginning of May I thought, ‘Man! I only have 2 things planned all summer! This is great!’ Then a social calendar tornado from hell came out of no where and filled up my summer. It only took the month of May to fill up 3 months. How is that possible? Am I the only one this happens to?

Almost every weekend is full. Ok, not 100% full but close enough. I have something to do on every weekend in June, and July (minus one weekend…the 3 day weekend, which makes no sense).

My August is also rapidly filling up, however I’m trying to leave some open weekends because John’s friend (Jon) from NYC is supposed to be coming to CA that month. I emailed him a few weeks ago and have not received any word of his plans. This wouldn’t be an urgent matter, however I’m trying to coordinate a neighborhood garage sale in August, and I can’t set a date and then flake on it. How bad would that be?

I also just found out that my sister-in-law just got engaged (Yeah!) and she is hoping to be married in 3 months! Seriously. So now I’m wondering…am I going to have to fit in a bachelorette party and a bridal shower in the next three months? That should be no prob since I have so many available weekends right? Don’t worry, I’ve already emailed her asking about the plan. But does she know the answer…that is the question.

Even if she doesn’t it’s fine with me as she asked me to be one of her bridesmaids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot tell you how excited I am. I seriously thought my bridesmaid days were over. There is almost nothing better then being a bridesmaid, in my opinion. Granted I’ve only been in two weddings, but I had so much fun on those two days that I cannot wait to do it again.

Needless to say I feel honored that she asked me to be a part of her big day. Oh and guess who else is a part of the day? John…but not as a groomsmen…as the officiate! He says he won’t be nervous, but I don’t by his macho act. I am also praying that my Achilles will be healed. I really need to dance…I am seriously having withdrawals! Plus I don’t want to be limping down the aisle! How embarrassing!

Sweet Name

Do you all remember the 'Other Amber Grundman' that I met via Facebook? Well since then she has become Amber Sweeney and just became a mom again on June 8th! I had to post this link to her announcement for two reasons. One she got some GREAT photos taken of her daughter, and I absolutely love the name. (Please note, that during her pregnancy she became highly engrossed in the Twilight series). Congrats to you and your family Amber!

Links to the Left

I finally got around to updating the blog links on the side of the blog. At first I only thought of posting blogs of people I knew, but after a second thought I said forget it. So I chose a few of my fave blogs that I stalk in addition to bloggers that I know. I would have liked to have listed ALL of the blogs I read but I've got about 150 in my reader and well...that would be excessive, right? If you have time, check them out!

Delima

What do you do when Bev Mo stops carrying your FAVORITE pina colada mix due to a misunderstanding regarding the CA redemption symbol?

You order 6 bottles online.

BO YAH!

The End of the Boo Summer

Guess what happens with you can't sleep, it's 12:30am, and no one is on Facebook??? I blog. So shocking I know! I guess that is what it takes to get me to sit and type. Pathetic. John asked me the other day what one of my favorite hobbies was, and even though I was tempted to tell him 'spying on the neighbors' I told him blogging. Kind of sucks realizing how much I have been partaking in my 'favorite' hobby over the past few months.

I found out last week that I will be starting my new job in exactly a week. That is right....my 10 month summer vacay is coming to an end. How sad is that? I've actually been thinking of writing a pros/cons entry about going back to work, but obviously I have not done it. Throughout my days I'd think of witty items to add to the lists, but I never wrote them down, and now my mind if blank. Let me see if I can muster up the few brain cells that are REFUSING to go to sleep.

I think I will start with the CON list since my thoughts have been more con than pro once I got my OSD, (Official Start Date).

CONS
- Losing my freedom (seriously...that is how I feel. Being able to go anywhere and do whatever you want everyday is really priceless.)
- My sleeping in days are OVER
- Laying out during the week will not be an option
- Having to shower EVERYDAY (You know I've reduced my showering to 3 days a week right?)
- Having to fix my hair EVERYDAY
- Not having Facebook access for 9 hours a day (seriously...how will I stay in touch?)
- Having to schedule all appointments around my lunch hour or after work
- Not having lunch with John everyday (especially now that his office is in Pismo)
- Not driving properties with John and not being able to go to Bako (something I never thought I would say...but they were fun trips!)
- Having a boss again is going to be like having a parent again (offense parents)
- Having 1 hour lunches
- Not being allowed to wear t-shirts and sweats all day
PROS
- Having a normal income (Yeah!)
- Giving my life a purpose other than laundry, cleaning and running errands
- Using my design skills on a regular basis
- Chance of making new friends
- Get to wear my cute work clothes again

As you can tell I'm a little negative about joining the work force again, which I know is CRAZY! How can I not be EXTREMELY excited for this job? I have been looking for work for the past 8 months and have only had two interviews! Who am I kidding? I just think the reality of working 8 to 5 is setting in. I am SO used to not working...you know how it only takes a human 21 days to form a new habit? Well times that by 12!!! I'm surprised my 'not working' habit isn't permanent.

I really am thankful for this opportunity that was given to me. Had I run out of unemployment, with no job possibilities I would have been a total mess. I keep telling myself to be thankful for having the time off during my surgery...being able to go to Hawaii...being able to meet Dooce and seeing No Doubt on weekdays...visiting my out of town friends multiple times, but it's still hard. A lot harder then I thought it would be...especially when 3 months ago I was ready to head back to work. I was tired of being at home, and really missed it. Where are those feelings now that I need them? Darn.

As I've said before, I would love to be able to work part-time, because I do like to work. However after having this time at home, I have also realized that I don't mind doing chores around the house when I have the time. (Compared to dedicating your entire weekend to cleaning).

This final week of the Boo Summer is of course going to be jam packed. I'm heading to Sacramento on Wed. to visit with some friends and then over to Ukiah to visit with Rebekkah and her family. One last time while I am still a free woman. I also had big plans to wake up early (8am) and run some errands before my physical therapy appointment. However I have the feeling I'm going to need more than 7 hours of shut eye.

Sleep Please

So much to blog about and so little time. Seriously...looks like I will be back in the work force soon, although I have yet to know the actual start date. The offer letter said my start date would be June 15th, but my friend who works there would like me to start as soon as the IT guys sets up my computer. That is fine with me if she knew when that was. I know it's not her fault, but I'm just hoping for at least a few days notice. My preference would be to start on the 8th...who wouldn't like an extra week?

I feel utterly exhausted from this past weekend. (Although I know it's an accumulation of the time in Humboldt and the rest of last week). I have been going full speed for the last few weeks and I think it's caught up with me. Lucky for me my awesome husband told me I should go get a massage so I obeyed him and made an appointment for tomorrow!!

We had a great visit with the Steinbuck's for our annual Memorial Day Weekend reunion. I think the two kiddos are even more work then they were last year. I blame that and the fact that I am a year older to why I am so pooped. Even John is feeling it despite his two rounds of golf. When we got home today he laid down on the couch and within 10 minutes the dude was asleep!




We didn't do too many monumental things this past weekend, but we were going nonstop. Rebekkah and I did get in some awesome shopping just like the good 'ole days. I always forget how much fun I have when we shop together, and now we are so good we can even do it with both girls in tow.

We hit up the Carter's outlet in Pismo which was a necessity for me since I had to buy baby clothes for four babies. I still can't believe how much cuter clothes are when they are miniature. I really wanted to buy everything in the store.

We also found some killer deals at Old Navy. Their big sale was $1 flip flops which everyone was buying...except me. The checkout lady looked at me like I was crazy, and I was like 'listen lady...the plastic flip flops hurt my feet. I need cloth. I can't help it if I'm a flip flop snob. Your sale brought me into your store right?' Well I didn't go into that much detail, but she understood my point. I'm still in shock over the mark downs. I got a bunch of shirts for $2 and a sweater for $3! Then I saw some shirts for $9 and they were way too expensive for my price range. You really can't compete with $2. I even found found a new pair of dress pants that were labeled $29 and got rung up for $9! Don't you love it with that happens? I know I really didn't need any new work clothes, because a wise woman, (Molly Alice Atkinson), once told me that one of the best things about starting a new job is that your existing wardrobe turns into a brand new one since none of your co-workers have seen your clothes before. She is one smart cookie I tell ya!

Donations?

Hey all. I've dropped off the face of the earth, and now I'm back! What an incredible journey it was! Who am I kidding? I have no idea why I haven't been blogging. I thought I would have gotten back into the swing of things after my Maui entry, but apparently not. Of course these next two weeks are going to be TOTALLY busy which makes me think I really will have no time to blog. I so badly want to be the blogger I used to be. To at least blog once a week. That is really not much to ask...I know this.

On Tuesday John and I are heading up to Humboldt to visit the families and to go to Maddy's first communion. I can't wait! We will get 4 whole days to spend with everyone, (2 with each family). Normally we never get to take long trips up north other than Christmas so this is a real treat.

The following week will also be crazy because on Wednesday John and I will be heading over to Bakersfield to see No Doubt. Let me just say that I CANNOT WAIT! After seeing them 10 times this 5 year break as not been enjoyable. I believed them when they said they were just 'taking a break,' but I never knew if I was actually going to get to see them in concert again.
I am also a member of their fan club, which allowed me to purchase tickets first so we have great seats. How sweet is that? I have to show ID once I get there to pick up the tickets from will call, which allows people just wanting to resell the tickets to not be able to purchase them. I haven't had good seats to one of their concerts ever since the online ticket selling became so huge, so I am really excited.

They are even having a special chance to 'meet No Doubt' before the concert for the fan club members. However it could cost $2,000 minimum, (which they would donate to charity.)

Am I considering this?
OF COURSE!
Do I know it is CRAZY?
OF COURSE.
Do I care?
NO WAY!
Does my husband care?
OF COURSE!
Is he trying to let practically take over this situation?
OF COURSE!
Dang.

I'm really trying to figure out how I can swing the $2,000 for the meet-n- greet, but so far I've got nuttin. The auction ends on Tuesday so that gives me 48 hours. I'd like to try to use my cancer card first, but that would only work if I had some sort of terminal cancer. I know, I know...that is a horrible thing to think of, but I'm really starting to feel desperate!

Anyway, after the concert it will then be time the Grundbuck Reunion '09. Rebekkah and her family will be paying us a 5 day visit over Memorial Day weekend, and I can't wait! They are actually moving to Georgia in July for two years while Adam gets his masters degree. (More on that later).

All you need to worry about is helping me come up with a plan to A) Convince John to let me bid on the auction, and B) where to come up with the cashola. Should I start collecting donations? Selling my furniture? Sell my car? HELP!