(Maintaining Me) RE-Creating Me

I just got a bs scam email to my work email claiming to be the IRS wanting info on a “formed employee”.  I mean come on, you can’t even type “former” correct, and you expect me to fall for that?  Hilarious!  So now I am doing an extra-good virus scan, taking the opportunity to write while my comp is so slow, lol.

I ate too much icing yesterday while frosting cupcakes, so I didn’t even have cake.  And the icing wasn’t even that good!  Blech!  The twins were thrilled with their gifts and we had a really nice time.  It was a late night … 11:30 by the time I got everything done, and I am still not packed and I didn’t do any school work!  But I DID workout! 

I won’t be around again until Monday.  NYC tonight, dinner, back to R’s, school work tomorrow, NOBU in the evening (yay!) and then Lion King with kids Sunday.  Busy weekend, and we will be home pretty late for a school night.  With lots of laundry in tow.

My boss is at Magic Kingdom with his grandkids.  You would think he would leave me alone then, right?  No such luck.  Sigh.

Okay, off to make some phone calls while my virus scan runs.  Everyone have a fabulous, fun, healthy weekend!

Today is looking up.  DS13’s stomach is better, I have medicine for his lips and he is all around improved.  I have a full (and packed!) day at the office.  We are doing a small cake and presents for the twins tonight so they have some time to enjoy their gifts before we hit the road to XH’s tomorrow afternoon.  We are doing homemade make your own pizzas for dinner.   Then afterwards, I will be frosting all the cupcakes for tomorrow.  At least they are baked!

There are also big changes happening within my company that has me a little stressed.  (Okay, a LOT stressed) but my boss keeps telling me I am okay.  I know that as far as HE knows, I am okay, but what if there is something he doesn’t know?  I know I am in a better position than a lot of the corporate employees … but I am still worried.  And worried for them too, I have grown to love some of them over the years.  Sigh.  I am trying to relax and trust my boss, but in the meantime, I am definitely keeping my eyes open to see what else is out there.

Breakfast today was oatmeal and a small banana.  Lunch is LC.  Dinner is the homemade pizza.  I am doing mine with roasted zucchini, peppers, onions and mushrooms - yum!  Not sure if I will indulge in a sliver of cake, but if I do, I will make it just one and won’t beat myself up over it.

I still must exercise tonight, so sometime after presents and cupcake decorating, then the kids are immersed in their new gifts, I will do a Firm DVD.

Half day of work tomorrow, so I have a lot to get done today.  School work also tonight, and packing for all of us.  While the kids are at XH’s, I will be at R’s.  Made sense since I will be in NYC Friday night and need to be there again Sunday.  Of course, I don’t like not having my routine - normally with the kids not home, I would have caught up on housework, did massive food shopping and meal planning, and done a lot of school work.  Kelly - two nights away is not going to be the end of the world. 

MBFF is at the emergency room because she has had this pain in her side for a couple months that is just getting worse and worse, and her regular dr found nothing (2 mos ago) so she went straight there.  Shes waiting for her CT scan results.  I am helping her through this via text, lol.  She is the type of person that every pain is some sort of stage 4 cancer.  Not that I don’t think she should be at the drs, I am glad she finally went!  But she always thinks the worst.  I guess many of us do that.

Okay, better get back to work.  Strength for another day … hugs!

2 hour delay.  DS13 puked now.  Seriously?  How long are we going to pass this back and forth?  To make matters worse, what appeared to be chapped lips on DS has progressed into something else, something yucky looking, so we have a Dr appointment for that.  I will be at the office literally 2 hours today.  Which means, lots of working later into the evening, less time for school work.  I hope that whatever this is, they can give him some ointment or something.

Have to go shovel in 6 minutes … work, drs, store, home to work, dinner, cupcakes?, girl scouts, school work

Yesterday food and exercise was good.  Exercised early and got to the store to spend a fortune on Studio ARt supplies for DS13.  Anyone realize how expensive portfolios are?  Sheesh.  Last night, even though I was exhausted, all these things were swirling around in my head (fence, max’s surgery, kids being sick, work) and I had a hard time getting to sleep.  DD was up at 3:30 am crying because she was worried someone would steal her doll.  Sigh.

 WI down half a pound today.  Well, whatever.  I will take it.  I will try and get back later.

Today sucks.

DD is sick.  Again.  Woke up with her stomach hurting which led to you-know-what within minutes, and she was doing that from 5 - 6:30 or so.  She is sleeping now.  Boys are at school.  I am working at home.  Again.  I really really hope this is a quick bug, her birthday is Friday and she won’t be able to go see the new baby this weekend.  We will see what happens.

Yesterday - food and exercise was good.  I felt very munchy/hungry.  Had a handful of reduced fat cheez-its before bed, which is not bad considering Tom is knocking on my door and I usually do MUCH worse.  Got my work done, school work done, stopped at grocery store, house work done, exercise done, sewed one badge and repaired DD’s dolls shirt, played 2 rounds of Jenga with the kids.  Good day.

Today, I was supposed to stop at a craft store to pick up some supplies for DS13’s studio art class and a white t-shirt for DD’s girl scout meeting tomorrow.  It’s near my office so that isn’t happening today … who even knows if DD will be at GS tomorrow.

Oh, listen to this!  Let’s see if I can write about this without it turning into a book.  Did I mention that DS6’s birthday party venue closed?  Well, not closed, but the people who did the “Dino Dig” part moved their stuff out because they had a falling out with the owners (and it is inside of another arcadey type place that does parties, but I booked the dinosaur party).  Well, the owners of the property offered me a party at their sister property which is actually an all-inclusive vacation resort, so even though it is 15 minutes from me I have never been there (because it would cost $600/night to stay so close to home, lol, and you can’t just go for the day).  They have horses (and riding!), skiing, snow tubing, INDOOR water park, pools/saunas/jacuzzis.  So now, DS’s birthday is going to be there and we get full sit down lunch at the restaurant - adults too! (which they threw in for free!!!) - and I am paying the same rate as what I would have for the dino party.  It is unbelievable!  I am so excited!

Here’s the dilemna - and I’d be interested in what you ladies have to say.  As you know, DD and DS are twins.  DS is having that party, and DD is having an “American Girl Day” with a trip to the city with her little BFF, shopping, birthday party lunch at the cafe, and photo shoot.  So, DS is not going to her day and originally, she was not going to his party (all boys, dinosaur party, yuck).  NOW though … it is an indoor water park at this horse ranch that we normally would not be able to go to because you have to be guests, and I feel a little bad excluding her.  She’s not upset though … it’s me, lol.  What would you do?

I am leaning towards the fact that they each have their separate special days planned and that is that.  Thoughts?

Okay, off to be productive.  Wish me luck to stay away from the snacks today - home and PMS?  Argh!

I knew the boss being away would still be a pain, he would overcompensate for not being physically present by just being a total pain in the ass about all things.  The first morning without him, and within ten minutes of me being here, he had already assigned me a project that belongs to someone else.  Another mgr was here at the time, and he hit the nail on the head.  He said our boss is good to us because we do our job well, but unfortunately, instead of fixing the issues with the people who DON’T perform, he simply piles the responsibilities onto those of us who do.  So, so true.

So, with that out of the way for now, I am checking in.  Been here almost two hours and haven’t even checked my voicemail yet.  It is one of those days.

And I am out of coffee.

Well, busy busy day ahead.  Breakfast was EB on TMGEM, coffee, lunch is sandwich from home, snack is banana and pretzels, dinner is baked crispy chicken tenders with veggies.  Double veggies for me, veggies and chicken noodle side dish thing for kids.

Workout is a Firm DVD.

I am tired.  DS13 couldn’t sleep and woke up me up at 12, and then I couldn’t fall back asleep until after 1 am, so I woke up really tired this morning.  It is always hard to get readjusted after a weekend.

4 days until the twins turn 7!  8 days until I turn 33!  Eeek! 

Hugs!

Will post this on Desperate Housewives commercial breaks

Weekend was good.  Great workout yesterday, then shopping with DD.  Made the baked mac and cheese from eating well which turned out really yummy!  Probably ate too much though, lol.  I made a lowfat-ish tiramisu trifle for today and today had MBFF’s family AND SBFF over for an afternoon dinner.  Today I made the chicken and dumplings from the eating well cookbook for everyone.  They were okay, good, but not great.  Probably wouldn’t make it again though, or not without some changes.  Overall, it was nice to get together with MBFF who is into eating healthy lately and nice to cook for her and show her that food doesn’t have to be fattening to taste good.  Everyone even ate the salad and zucchini cakes I made, woo hoo!

Being that we had an afternoon get together, I was able to clean up and still do 50+ minutes on the treadmill.  Today was an exercise day off, but because I probably ate a little too much today and had the time, I did some walking.

This is a busy week and I will be away next weekend, time to get a schedule together:

• Monday - Work, grocery store, Firm DVD, psych reading
• Tuesday - Work, Firm DVD, management work, psych discussions 3.1-3.2, bake DD cupcakes
• Wednesday - Work, Girl Scouts, psych discussions 3.3/journal/management work, bake DS cupcakes
• Thursday - Work, Twin’s cake and presents, Firm DVD, decorate cupcakes, pack bags, management/psych work
• Friday (TWINS B-DAY!)- Work half day, school for cupcakes, traveling

Away Sat/Sun - Nobu and Lion King on Broadway!  No formal exercise so despite this week being busy, I cannot miss any workouts.

Ugh, just remembered I still have more badges to sew on DD’s tunic.  Will have to fit that in before Wednesday somehow.

I started the day out frantic that I wasn’t going to be able to accomplish everything, but here it is lunch and I am pretty much caught up.

Food and exercise was good yesterday.  Got a lot accomplished.  Today is a day off.

Breakfast was egg beaters on english, then had a banana for snack.  Boss leaves for FL for one month tomorrow (YIPPEE!!!) so I agreed to a final lunch at our fave deli - but we are splitting a turkey sandwich, mayo on the side - so I am fine.  Dinner is up in the air.  DD6 will be at her friends for a playdate, DS13 is going to his dads, so it may be a quick bite out, but I WILL remain in my calories!

Running out for car inspection (again!) at 1:45 … it failed originally due to check engine light but the dealer found NO problems!  So I had to drive around another 100 miles and have it rechecked.  Btw, the check engine light came on after I brought it to the gas station for inspection, VERY odd.  Should just always take it to the dealer.  Wish me luck!  I’ve never had this happen before, and it isn’t fun! lol

Tonight after work DS6 and I have to go shopping for a bday gift for his friends party tomorrow … nothing like waiting to the last minute! And some groceries.  The party is at Chuck E. Hell (sorry … I can’t stand that place, even worse than walmart!) and it is at TEN AM.  Really?  So much chaos, SO early?  So, thank goodness, R is bringing him.  He actually LIKES C.E.C.  Well, he tolerates it happily, lol.  So, while he is out at the part, I will get my workout in for tomorrow and some school work! Score!

Then, tomorrow evening I am making the eating well baked mac and cheese with spinach in it.  Will let you know how it turns out.  I am guessing it will taste great because to me, it isn’t really lowfat or lowcal, lol.

Have to run to get some supplies for twin’s school cupcakes next week … rainbow surprise for DD (rainbow layered cake covered in light blue frosting/clouds like a sky) and twist cones for DS (marble choc/van cake in ice cream cones with vanilla and chocolate frosting piped on to look like twist soft serve).  48.  What was I thinking? 

XSIL had her baby yesterday afternoon and she is SUCH a cutey!  Makes me miss those baby days.  Hopefully I will get to see her when kids go to XH’s next weekend.  (lol …accidentally typed SH … but yeah, that applies too!)  You know how some newborns - my OWN included - are wrinkly and not really at their cutest potential at birth?  Well, she is like a perfect little doll!  I joked with MBFF that I need a “temporary baby” to get my baby fix.  Anyone need a sitter?  I will take 3 mos - 9 mos, lol!

Okay well boss will be back with food soon.  Everyone enjoy your Fridays and your weekends!!  HUGS!

Sipping my morning coffee, watching huge snowflakes falling outside.

I woke up and didn’t notice the snow until halfway through my entire morning routine (so there was no chance of going back to bed, lol).  We leave to get the school bus at 8:15, middle schoolers and high schoolers were already at school but the snow is rapidly falling and we have a couple inches.  So, at 8 am they announce that there is a 2 hour delay. 

So, we are all ready but have no where to go until 10 (and, if it keeps it up, I imagine they may cancel).

I MUST take my car back to the dealer within the next day or so … my inspection is up, and they did a system reset of some sort so I had to drive 100 miles before they could do the inspection to clear codes or something.

My boss is IMing me that he hopes the snow clears so I can come in to the office because he has a pc of a wedding dress and two books that he needs to mail to someone.  Like, seriously?  Clearly that is not business related and I can do and DO do 110% of my job from home (except of course, when I travel to a site) but THAT is the important crap I have to go in for in a snowstorm.  GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!

Deep, calming breaths Kelly … in, out, in, out.

Food yesterday was good, exercise day off.  GS meeting instead (where I did homework, lol).

Today … egg beaters on english muffin, coffee, lunch will be lean cuisine, dinner is caramelized chicken, baked potatoes and roasted brussel sprouts.  Snacks will be fruit.  Exercise is a Firm DVD, something with weights/cardio combo … maybe Bootcamp or Maximum Burn, those are toughies.  Friday will be exercise off or treadmill, then Saturday I will do a DVD in the AM to get it out of the way, off Sunday.

Snow is still falling … at least it looks pretty.  Off to replenish coffee.

Quick post today, writing on my lunch “break” (haha! funny)

I am actually eating my lean cuisine with a plastic knife.  Yes, no fork … no spoon even … a knife.  Ran out of all plastic cutlery, used up all the little packets from take out, forgot to bring a real one in.  Sigh.  Well, this is sure helping me to pace myself!

Exercise last night ended up being a yoga/pilates Crunch DVD and treadmill. Wasn’t feeling weights.  Only got half of DD’s GS patches on - time consuming!  Got a lot of school work in.  I was hungry and feeling really snacky, so I shut everything down downstairs and secluded myself upstairs for the evening. 

WI - down 2 pounds this week.  Amazing what doing the right things does, lol.

R got Nobu reservations for my birthday dinner, not next weekend, but the following.  I am excited.  Yum! 

Tonight is GS so no exercise.  Breakfast was toaster strudel, snack banana, lunch LC, snack plum, dinner leftovers.

Okay, 2.5 hours into the workday and finally getting a moment to myself.  So much for having a “quiet” day without the boss.

Despite a few crappy things that happened yesterday, I still had an OP day and didn’t turn to food to make me feel better, which is always a huge accomplishment.  I think that no matter how many years I will be at this, that will always be a challenge for me.  Perhaps being so busy that I don’t have time for food is a plus, haha.  I made the recipe I spoke about yesterday or the day before - the oven fried fish and chips (I think I posted about it, not sure now, lol).  It was just okay.  Actually, DS13 really liked it a lot and DS6 seemed to like it somewhat, DD6 didn’t like it at all and ate the potatoes and fruit for dinner instead (lol) and I actually didn’t really care for it either.  BUT - I think I would try that method of coating for chicken.  I have some chicken breast tenderloins that that might work out for, hmmmm.  I did Firm Total Body Toner, which is all weights.  Laundry, lunches, and finally some textbook reading (but it was so late that it really wasn’t enough textbook reading, sigh)

Today, breakfast was the usual EB on EM, coffee.  Lunch is tortilla crusted fish LC and dinner is a crockpot beef stroganoff that I got started this morning.  I was so excited to see that Ronzoni Smart Taste now has egg noodles!  I buy only smart taste pasta now, it’s great.  I have a few different pcs of fruit in the office for snacking.  Speaking of which, I am hungry and going to have a peach right now.

<ewww … peach is grainy/mushy. I HATE when that happens!>

Plan today:

Home … Work … Iron on patches on DD’s GS thing while simultaneously preparing the rest of dinner.  Then, clean up, lunches, run a load of laundry, workout.  Then sew on the patches that are not iron-on, do something with kids (game/read), bedtime for kids, school work for me.

If the ground has dried out a little, I need to move some stuff around in my backyard.  Being that the fence fell, it looks like I have this giant grill in the middle of the yard and you can see it from the street and it looks so weird.  Everything was just mud yesterday, so I couldn’t move it.  Will try again today.

Always something ladies.  Life is quite a challenge in itself.