You are not going to start my day this way....

My darling husband just called me - at work.  He's had a light week, he's rested, it was a nice Christmas the man was darn near happy -- then came Friday December 30 at 9 AM.

He called - I'm at work, I have an office mate, who is also working today, the bug that crawled up my beloved's neather regions and laid a stink?  Apparently he couldn't put his gym bag down on my dining room table before he left the house today because there is "crap every where".

Yes, you read that right.  And when I asked why are you putting your gross gym bag on my dining room table was met with more anger and more name calling and just more of the "about to bust a blood vessel" anger than we've seen in a while. I refused to engage in his rant and respond in kind because well  - I'm at work - with an office mate sitting right here and I'm not going to engage in that level of explosive temper that I felt bubbling, in front of witnesses.

Aunt Ing ain't stupid.

So, he ranted, I explained - work - office - not now - you idiot - yes, of course we'll talk later... I think I'll make a list.  What I did in December and what you did in December.  His list is easy - went to work, came home sat on his ass...

Aunt Ing, went to work, came home, baked, wrapped, organized, paid bills, cooked, cleaned made sure everyone was paid, including tips for folks who keep life living, oh yeah, wrote cards, mailed them, tended to other small details.  so now because I didn't take Tuesday off to end to things like I had originally planned there are cookie tins and other crap on the table I haven't dealt with yet.  I too, have taken this easy week to sit back and not do a great deal, you know except cook dinners, do dishes, tend to a girls' group thing, and plan for things to get done this weekend before I leave his happy ass for a week and not think twice about it.

And breathing - in and out - in and out - we're blogging - we enjoying the quiet of the day - we're going to get our nails done, then we will go home and deal with life.

I know what the problem is - he's got a massage tonight and she's coming to the house.  Watch me care.

I will point out when I get home after a week away that the sink is full of dirty dishes and I will assure you when I leave Tuesday morning the dishes will be done, the dishwasher will be empty or mostly so with dirty dishes and ready to be filled.  But somehow the ability to put a dish in said dishwasher is way beyond the computational abilities of one said spousal unit.

And everyone wonders why I'm not that excited that Bubba won't be traveling much any more... life is peaceful when Mount Eruptus-Idiotous isn't home much.  If something gets left for a day or three it gets left and dealt with when I deal with it.  And make no mistake --  it is I who deals with all of life's moments.  My husband goes to work comes home and finds something to complain about.  I ignore it and move on with my day.  And blog - where he and my blabby relatives can't find it.  

He's still bitching to me about the old one - which is mostly deleted.  Oh I have back ups... I need to organize those, get them on a stick.

I know he's suspicions of that gmail account I have - piss off.  I am allowed a piece of my own life. We share a freaking email - deal with it.  And you keep it up more and more will go elsewhere and you won't know jack. 

Not feeling 100% but better - I have things to complete work wise before I bug out early and for another week - Good karma for a new year means I cannot murder my spousal unit.  A new fancy purse only buys so much good will... another pissy rant like today and you'll get beaten with said purse - full of large heavy metal things I will use to bury your whiny behind.  

Not quite 100% yet -- getting there.

Happy New Year Y'all.

....What just happened?!?

Today is December 19th - where did this month go??  Let's see, Thanksgiving, home, work, Bubba gone, Bubba back, and stayed - another successful trip home.. more going to work, more stuff... more, more, more (how'da like it how'da like it?) more, more more....

Sorry - didn't mean to drift into disco.  So, since last we spoke, its been busy to say the least.  Shopping for gifts, wrapping gifts, filling out and mailing cards - apparently I had some kind of brain fart and mailed 2 cards to one person, and pulled out duplicated for several others -- at least I caught those... I'm a dork.

Anyway - I made cookies before I left for PA because I had a ladies group cookie exchange that Monday.  Made it home, and it was a very good weekend; oh a little stress but all went well in the end and that's what counts.

So Monday saw the Ladies' group meeting, then wrapping gifts, and cards, and laundry and life and cooking and working - and then this past weekend... I baked.  Heaven help me I baked.  Friday, Saturday, and most of Sunday.  I did manage to clean up my kitchen almost every night -within limits, and tonight is the final push as the nice lady who cleans my house comes tomorrow and I want this mess done and outta here!  Did I mention the egg nog?  Yep got that done too...

My feet and back ached - I needed to come back to work so I could sit on my lazy be-hind.

I still have a hand full of things to get done tonight, and I'm already re-arranging things to do Thursday morning before we head off to PA.

Up side, short week this week, next week and the week after that -- now lets toss in another trip home to PA (baby shower - more later) and now a request to cook a meal for 60 the Thursday after that last trip home.  Cripes I'm tired already.   Another up side is boss is gone this week, so life will be quiet, and next week folks will be gone, a quiet week, so I will bask in the slow... post Christmas until then its GO GO GO GO BABY!!!

I need a nap.

Oh yeah did I mention the girls' group stuff due at the end of the year???  I'll deal with that post 12/25.  And post nap.  Or as I usually say - I'll sleep when I'm dead. 

Welcome to December...

Thanksgiving - was Thanksgiving... family, family and more family and I still can't get it right.

I hate the fact that it is catch as catch can with my sister in law - no tables, no sharing and she sent her own husband out of the house to go shopping without getting dinner!!  Who does that??

My idiot husband HAD to go to Toy R Us Thursday night for no good reason - we had all darn weekend to shop -it's a holiday!!  Frankly I think he wanted out of the house.

I wasn't overly thrilled with my family either -- the girls had less than no interest in gingerbread houses - the boyfriend of my eldest niece was -- unique.

My husband spent half the weekend in perpetual pissed of and what a joy that was. I for the most part ignored him.  What what is his issue to get shopping done the Friday after Thanksgiving.  There was nothing that was on sale that we needed.  I hadn't exchanged names with my family - we wont' see his family as heaven forbid they change anything... so we aren't there Christmas Eve - you both last year and my Christmas sucked.

Last night I had my once a month meeting in  DC - as usual is was an awful commute, it was a long meeting - but the leak in my sundae glass was my darling husband calling before the meeting to ball me out about me spending money...  Oh - whoa unto - me... I bought the bracelet my eldest niece asked for - that I discussed with him on the way home from Thanksgiving.  And then I bought tickets for an event my mother, my sister and I wanted to attend... they are paying for their tickets.  I which I had remembered that more money went to Vegas then came home... I always think of those things later.  But every time I mention that it's "no it doesn't".

Makes me nuts.. and apparently my face shows it so when I returned from my phone call I was asked if everything was all right.

I firmly believe that my schedule of me leaving at 0-dark-early is he can't start my day with whatever bitchy whiny thing that crawled up his butt in the night.  And with him traveling so much I can put the phone on speaker and listen with half an eye to whatever blatherings he's grumping about then...

I am sure when I pick him up tonight I will get another blast of "you spend all our money".  Considering my mood - I may just leave him there.

All right I'm off to enjoy some girl time to counter act Bubba time later...

Stay warm - fight for that bargain and "ho -- ho --- ho  You'll shoot you're eye out kid!"

Family and things you do for them...

It's almost 10 AM Saturday morning, I am operating on barely 5 hours sleep - 2:30 AM until 7 AM ... now you may ask - "Why Aunt Ing if you went to bed at 2:30 in the AM did you arise from your bed at 7 AM??

Well since you asked I will tell you - I had an appointment 16 miles up the road to get my car's oil changed and the battery checked at 8 AM... but that isn't the whole story - of course it isn't.

Friday started like every other Friday, up early, work all day, home, grocery store, I had a dinner idea, and I had to get stuff to make gingerbread, bought some more baking stuff that was on sale, got stuff for my mama and my mama-in-law... came home.  Made Gingerbread dough, and make a recipe for a bourbon cocktail - then Bubba called and said "let's go get a margarita"  So cleaned up the kitchen, got myself put together, we went to our fav Mexican place, enjoyed a very potent happy hour margarita some snacks, and then my sister from another mother called - actually her husband called... they were hit on Rt 70, they needed some help.  And boom, grab the waitress, check out race home to get my car (truck contents vs. Bubba's mobile) race as fast as we can through Friday night traffic, and the 5 mile backup caused by the accident, we get to them, and the lack of blood on anyone was a glorious day in Aunt Ing's world.

As I said about 1000 times last night - metal and cars and things can be replaced, people you love in your life cannot.  I am sure when Sis and Brother-in-law arise this morning they will feel as if they went 10 rounds with Mike Tyson and Mohammad Ali..

We finally got to them, at the Sheetz, we got things all loaded up, got everyone loaded up and headed to their home... 45 minutes from our home.  We stopped and grabbed some fast food, as they hadn't had dinner, and by this time - I was ready to eat again.  Adrenaline will do that to you.

So as we sat there, I was worried, we were all wavering so the decision was made to go to the emergency medical type facility near their home... we arrive at 10:30 ish - Bubba and I left about 1 something, Sis by this time had a general clean bill of health - her husband was being wheeled into a medical device as we started to make our way home... we got home, texts, things were progressing and then my alarm went off...

Here I sit, oil changed, laundry started, coffee being sipped and wondering where the energy is coming from to bake gingerbread houses... I will get there.

Send a prayer heaven ward, for family members held in his hand and tended, a high school friend who lost her husband yesterday, and for all your blessings... and maybe a nap.

Where is my espresso machine????

I'm annoyed...

I'm not sure where this attitude came from but it is here. Bubba popped in for a nap last Friday, then left again, I meanwhile tended to things, mostly stuff I stupidly volunteer for  - nonetheless - I made 20 pounds of mashed potatoes Saturday night, and my hands are still paying the price.

I shutter to think what was on those peels to cause this reaction...

I got grumpy Saturday afternoon when the person who supposed to be in charge oft his dinner kept saying "not me" and "I don't know" and the "president put this stuff somewhere" - of course the president couldn't be bothered to show up to help set up - so my opinion is if it ain't how you want it then come here and do it yourself.

Of course whiny #2 in charge isn't a good method to take either.. just get the job done and move on...

So - Saturday night, potatoes and more potatoes - then turkey carving, clean kitchen, then bed and dead.

Sunday arise, clean up leaves left in the street, warm up potatoes and turkey, iron table cover for volunteer organization, clean me up, get warmed up stuff to lodge, help set up, talk whiny down because stuff is showing up that wasn't on her list -- who cares??   We might have too many potatoes - so what?  We always run out - this year we had leftover - BFT it's potatoes. 

I cut off the brown bag auction - 2 hours was WAY to freaking long, people were leaving, and I had had enough of me!

Clean up, done, outta there, home and DEAD - before during and after the freaking Steeler's game.

(insert long, loud, string of foul football words here....) 

Monday - the alarm went off about 15 minutes after I went to bed.  Up, morning routine, work all day, home, unload dishwasher, make dinner (warm leftovers) eat, watched my taped afternoon show, make a list, and gather my stuff and go shopping, cheap store doesn't have everything, so go to store 2, get final stuff, get to lodge, unload, get organized, things are looking good, then get practice started... now I was doing good, tired, ready to get practiced and go home... I made the crack as I opened my book to re-learn my 3 lines that I needed to "learn my part"  Head lady making sure we knew our three lines, said very snottily - "You mean you don't know your work?"

I as snarky replied "its 3 lines I'll know it before you call on me"  And I did.  Suck it lady.  So back came that annoyed attitude... and I said it again this morning, and I will on the way home, and again tomorrow.  It's three blessed lines... I got it and if I don't the world will not end.

so, yes, I will admit to being a bit bitchy during practice.  I paid attention to what I needed to know, I will do my job tomorrow night and I will do my best not to let Miss Annoyed come roaring back out.... I'm not making promises - but I'm doing my best. 

Off to email a time line to get stuff done... what joy!  

I really have to learn how to say NO! 

Election Day...

Its Tuesday in America... heaven only knows what the heck is going to happen.  Bubba is in Canada - again.

We got through his "procedure" - we were doing pretty good, until Bubba forgot what doctor he was going to - I was driving - and "we" got all turned around; there were words; we got to the doctor --finally.

It wasn't that big of a deal he was very mellow when he came out of it.  Home boy needs to be knocked out more often...

We went to lunch because for some reason Bubba was hungry.  He didn't listen to the doctor when he said eat small meals.  The rest of the day he was on the computer, I went and got my nails done.

We celebrated our anniversary Friday night with our neighbors it was an OK dinner.  Plenty wine.  Saturday saw us out for steak, it was a good night.  That was after we raked leaves and I did more filing. I know excitement are us -- are we not??

Sunday - well we are not going to discuss what happened on Sunday.  I hate purple - I'm starting to hate white jerseys with black and gold stuff...

All right, I've got some stuff to get done, so away I go to do something -- else.

Stay safe, stay calm, the sun will rise tomorrow and we'll deal with whomever we are stuck with. 

Be bery bery quiet...

We have managed to keep the hangry at bay - he's been quiet, buried in his phone and laptop.  Captain Crankypants has only poked out briefly yesterday... shhhh

We don't want to poke the bear or wake that witch Karma... so Aunt Ing is quietly sitting down stairs, and not engaging in a great deal of conversation outside of - "do you want something to drink?"

We have time to kill as his appointment isn't until 12:30 - I gave serious thought to putting in a half day at work - then said screw it and slept in.  Laze R I

Very quick hit -- staying quiet waiting for it all to begin...

Stay tuned of tailed from the waiting room -- a new prospective in my world. 

Doing something nice...

Is never appreciated by the person I married.  Bubba is having a procedure Thursday - a procedure of a delicate nature - he must fast for 24 hours and clean out his system.

Bubba - no food for 24 hours.  Life in Casa-de-Aunt-Ing will not be happy one this time tomorrow.  Stay tuned.

ANY way -- I went to the store and got darling Bubba fluids to get him through tomorrow... all he did was complain about what I bought - and the quantity. 

Kiss my grits -- see if I do something nice for you again.  My plans are to keep my nose in a book, and away from Admiral Crankypants because that is what he will be by then. Its already started, he's a lousy patient - and add hungry, angry and all the rest... oh what joy the next 24 - 36 hours will be...

Pray for us.

Short and sweet I'm off to bed... long day and longer one tomorrow.

I need to go to work - I'm exhausted!

This weekend has been one for the record books... Bubba home again, cranky Friday night - and Saturday morning.

I was busy Friday afternoon, getting the house tended that I had ignored all weekend.  Then Saturday morning it all hit the fan... I got up Saturday morning to make breakfast for the husband so he could head out on his motorcycle ride.  Yes, I encouraged this - go - get out - relax and stop grumping at me.

But as I looked about my kitchen I noticed something not right -- down right GROSS.  Little gross mouse poopies!!! All over my counters so I scrubbed that counter within an inch of it's life, then starting pulling stuff out the cupboards didn't see any other evidence of infestation... still grossed out, starting cleaning - then... Bubba comes downstairs and wants to know what is going on.  So I stupidly told him. Then he starts looking around like it's going to pop out him.

So he goes and gets busy with Lulu and I am encouraging all that -- go!  Mostly because I want to get my errands run, get home, get the house ready for the carpet cleaners and then get to scrubbing my kitchen within an inch of my and it's life... and still he putz.  I stupidly ask him what was wrong -- he's cranky bitchy about "my life... and on and on" so I tell Captain Crankypants to call his boss right now, quit this job that is making all of us miserable and we'll deal with the rest... of course he didn't.

He went on a motorcycle ride, I ran errands, came home, took care of the house for the cleaners and got down to scrubbing  - and scrubbing including the walls, the cupboards, found more mouse evidence, sprayed more Clorox cleaner and Mr. Clean and the EVERYTHING in my kitchen got washed, cleaned out, scrubbed down and I finally died about 6 PM.  Bubba came home, feeling less the whiny little bitch he was when he left and things were good.

I washed up, we went out to dinner and I came home, sat on the couch, read 2 pages and fell dead to the world asleep.   Sunday morning dawned, after I woke.  We got rolling, Bubba discovered that our nocturnal visitor was mostly stuck to the sticky mouse trap we put out... proceeded to drag it under the dryer  and he had to dispose of our little 'friend'.  I was upstairs and no thinking about all was going on in my laundry room.  I took a very long hot shower.

Today was better after that -- no more presents, we went out to breakfast, our fav Waffle House.  Then Bubba got his car washed, we came home, Bubba cleaned the gutters I raked leaves, we worked together getting them into their proper County approved vessels, ran out of said vessels, when we finished Bubba's paperwork for hopefully a new job, then we went to the grocery store -- I got lucky there.   He forgot he had to go to the library - thankfully he dropped me off at the grocery store and he went to the library.  By the time he got to me in the grocery store, I had everything on my list, down to dessert.  It took longer for Bubba to choose an ice cream treat than it did to do half my list...

Came home, put dishes away began the process of putting my kitchen and my house back together, got busy making dinner, we had chili. So I got that on the stove, then got to cleaning up putting away; made lunches, now dinner done, mostly cleaned up, I'm looking forward to a generally quiet week.

Right --- Monday is Halloween, which means traffic home will be a nightmare (pun unintended).  Tuesday sees me off site for the afternoon, Wednesday begins the 'cleanse' process for Bubba's ro-to-router procedure... Bubba on no food and clear liquids for 24 hours... those happy drugs will not come fast enough.  The boy is a BEAR when he's hungry... oh yes Wednesday and Thursday morning will be super fab...

Then Thursday - I get to sit and wait for Bubba instead of the other way around.  This will be new.  :-)

Friday -- heavens help me I will survive this week.  Stay tuned.  All right signing off for the night.  Need to go to bed and pray for an easy week.... (insert Halloween laughter HERE)...

Long week blatherings...

Thursday -- sheesh it has been a slog to get through this week... I did it to myself - I know better but I did it anyways...

Monday saw us up and out early - Bubba starting is usual automobiles, trains and planes trip (in that order) me starting another snog through a week...I stupidly went to another Ladies' Group meeting Monday night it was all the high and might-ies of the Maryland ladies group and about half way through I remember why I don't go to these... zzzzzzzzzzz.

I left super early thinking I will arrive just in time, do meeting and get the heck out of there.  I was so early I went shopping for new lipstick - I spent $30 on a hip new DARK color.  It actually matched the sweater I had on, and looks seriously cool - so I'll enjoy it.  I am very self conscience about it when I wear it.  It's like my lips are shouting LOOK AT ME!

Any way -- meeting, pomp, bored, shifting, standing, sitting, nodding off it's over!  Yeah!  Nice seeing you all I'm outta here it's 10:30 WAY past my bedtime and I have 30 minute ride home yet.

I slept in 30 minutes Tuesday, and Thursday ---

Tuesday saw a doctor's appointment with our beloved plastic surgeon; she's happy, seeing her in a year... the last hold out from 2013.  Had a hair appointment, of course Bubba never calls before 8 PM except the night I am sitting at the hair salon covered in goop to make the gray go away.  If he hadn't called and I hadn't said anything - he never would have noticed.  He didn't notice when I cut an inch and half off my hair.

Wednesday saw my local Ladies Group - another semi-late night.  I had sugar I was awake until 10:30 again... hence the sleeping in.  I really have to quit that.  Traffic with that extra 15 minutes later is noticeable.  But leaving that warm toasty bed on a cold fall morning -- sucks.

Tomorrow thankfully is Friday - but thanks to Dr. appointment I don't have my early get away time... ah well.  Who am I rushing home to?  I have plenty to keep me busy tonight and tomorrow.

Another tale in the life of "ease" my husband enjoys... yes he works like a dog, but he can't even take an hour to deal with security paperwork to find a new job... his wife did it for him.  Granted, his wife has been filing out this paperwork for years - and pretty much had almost everything he needed at her fingertips... she didn't have it all.  And when I had the audacity to ask him to fill out something himself you'd thought I'd ask him for a bodily fluid without meds!  Sheesh

So when I told him that he and I could sit together Saturday and bang this out in an hour - he was satisfied and then hung up the phone.  Ah - thanks hon nice talking to you too....

Of course this was after Tuesday night's return phone call at 8:45 when he said "go fire up the computer and let's get this done"  I was literally in bed.  Um  No.  I can call you at 5 AM and we can do it then pumpkin.... also why I did it last night... shut his cranky behind UP!

Final thought for a Thursday -- clothing and the fact that mine is shrinking.... two pairs of pants this week have been branded - 'oh heck no' so Aunt Ing is getting back on the working out band wagon - and she really needs to have a sister who yells at her about the crap she's been eating lately.  I'd say it's stress but what the devil to I have to be stressed about... lonely, bored, eating, baking things I really shouldn't be eating - brought those into work. 

So tonight I vow working out at home or at the gym I have paid for and barely used.  Maybe I'll get the neighbor on board with me to do this regularly.

Stay with me - I need the company.

The social conundrum ...

Work is work and it's not terribly exciting but it indeed providing me with a place to 1) interact with other human beings 2) wear my nice clothes and 3) wear a different pair of shoes each day.

But with the weather so wonderful this week I find myself wanted to be home to enjoy it - alas without Shelby girl for company - it seems - lonely.

Plus I'm a chick and I need that 3000 words per day thing regularly or family and friends are tied to phone for WAY longer than I'm sure they want to be.

Hence my social conundrum ... home alone, quiet, reading, soaking up sun, peace....

Work, people, talking, words, traffic, up early.. versus home alone, in 80 plus degree weather in October.  Maybe one day....

But - I took Friday off with darling Bubba and it was a good weekend, until the end when he turned back into flaming butthead Bubba and I got a lot of quality reading time in on the 'flight' home.  We took his car - he 'enjoyed' the drive at 15 plus mph above the posted speed limit.  I managed to remind him only once or twice that going that rate of speed would indeed result in a large, expensive ticket and I would not bail his cranky butt out of the pokey.  He mumbled something about - enjoying the drive and not being able to tell his true rate of speed... right. ...

So, I will be a good doobie and stay at work, enjoy a post lunch walk outside to soak up a ray or two, then putz home for the ever growing list of things I need to get done, and can get done in one night with Bubba gone...

Signing off for now - back to work and semi-productive things... oh look-y there time for lunch. 

Struggling...

I need to put pen to paper apparently - in a digital sense - as I laid in bed last night dead tired and wide awake... I had thoughts... 

It makes for tough mornings and without Carpool buddy to get my fanny moving - I'm leaving a bit later than I used to. But I am getting out the door at o-dark early still, it makes the drive alone not so bad.  Not so great either - but that is a whole other matter.

The title - I have come to recognize that I am indeed struggling with being alone - truly alone. Didn't realize just how much of a companion Shelby girl was - even when she was sleeping.  I miss her muchly; and I'm am indeed struggling with it.

I know she's a dog, and I get that I guess that is why almost every night next week I have something planned... even if Bubba ever manages to stay home regularly I'll still be out and about.

I make myself a promise that I have yet to keep to get to the gym with her gone - and still I don't.  I will strive to better (I solemnly swear I am up to no good).  Bubba is traveling again soon and I will pack up my bags and get things organized.  And be in bed before 10 PM, so I can stare at the walls earlier.  ;-)

Bubba and I are headed North this weekend - the old boy actually took a day off. I haven't nagged at him to contact his family - if he isn't motivated to do it - why should I poke that bear?  and that is just what he is - a big grumpy bear these days.  Maybe a day off and unplugged will mellow things out a bit.   Or not. 

I have a lot to get done tonight - and I'm tired, which is never a good combo.  I did get lodge stuff done this week - unplanned meeting but it is documented and done.  Generally if I don't get that stuff done right as I'm thinking about it - I don't do it at all.  Work has been busy which is good, keeps the day moving. 

I will power through - I think off and away this weekend will be good for all of us.

Enough - I have things to get done and an hour left in my work day... that I get paid for... then home to to all the other stuff my life demands.  Thanks for listening.

Another busy weekend... I need to post when I write...

The last couple of weeks have been - challenging... dear lovable Shelby stopped eating, and finally we had to let her go.  It was, in frank words, a shitty day.   She was a sweet dog, LOTS of energy early on, but as she got older we were buddies.  The house is so quiet without her.

Bubba - typical with hard emotions, held on, but he was moved.  We drank afterwards.  We killed the day away from home.

Thankfully for a change, Bob was home this past week. It made things a bit easier.  A bit.

I loaded up my car with her stuff THEN found out that the Humane Society closed at 5 PM... great.  Had to hang on to her stuff for a week.  My car smelled like dog food all week.  I cried putting her stuff in the car - that stupid orthopedic bed... cripes I was a mess.  And Friday when I finally dropped it off - I had to get out of there quickly.  Sucked on ice.

Upside, morning routine is shorter, this past weekend when we were both gone, I didn't fret and worry about Shelby being home alone.  She's now, sleeping in the sun, running jumping playing again.  Nothing aches and all the goodies she wants.

I had my first weekend with the Rainbow Girls in Ocean City. The drive down was rainy, long and I was too pooped to pop by the time I found this place.  Dumped kid, drove another 20 minutes up the road to the same hotel we use during Girls' beach weekend.  It was 9 miles up the road - it might as well had been 200... Why?

Let me tell you - LOTS AND LOTS of cars cruising up and down the street with seriously loud tail pipes and all sorts of drunken foolishness... OMG  Cops and people everywhere. Twenty somethings with too much time and money on their hands because you know all that car modification doesn't come cheap.

Then this morning I was up at O-dark-early -- up showered, packed, out the door early - had time for another breakfast at my favorite beach place, it was early - there 3 of us in there. Perfect.
Rolled kid out of bed, and got on the road.  I love coming in early if not on time.  I had time for primp, and get things handled - until my husband comes downstairs in pants that looked like he should be mowing the lawn in them...

So, two wardrobe changes later he finally figures out that old blue pants don't match with a brown shirt... we got something that wasn't old and mis-matched.  Then he shows me his shoes -- with cracked soles... just shoot me now...

We have made plans to go shopping.

.... more later.

Top 10 Sucky day...

Today I had to say good bye to my dear Shelby girl.  I have know since Wednesday that it was today that we would lose her.  It was confirmed Friday when she hadn't eaten for two days - she drank less.  I know she was hurting, no meds because she wouldn't eat anything.  She turned down chicken, beef, eggs you name it I tried it.

I was a freaking mess.  I promised myself I wouldn't be a big mess at the Vet's office - that promise was kept about a long as the usual political promise.  Cripes.

We got through it somehow, she was drugged and really out of it.  Then, the vile, in it went, and she was gone.  Bubba commented to me after wards that Shelby's eyes didn't react like Violet and Beaufford's did.  He thinks when the meds make her loopy she let go.  I hope so.

Shelby came to us thanks to a friend Bubba worked with, she was sick and hurt when we brought her home from the shelter.  Once she was healthy, we discovered she was chewer, and we needed strong toys NOW!  She gave us 15 years of joy, company, and companionship.  She slept along with me during chemo-crappy, she was goofy and sweet and my buddy.

Yeah, top 10 day of suck.

I will be a total selfish bitch now and say my mornings will now be quicker.  I'm not sure I know how to get down the stairs without hauling 55 pounds of puppy.  How do I start a day without a whiff of yucky soft dog food.  Who the heck am I going to talk to when Bubba is traveling??

It will be a crappy week, but one foot in front of the other.   God speed Shelby girl, run, jump, play in the grass and sun; things won't hurt, your legs work again and all the goodies you could ever want.

Amazing little lists...

Yes! I am the nerd queen and if I can make a list - I will.  And I did.

Yesterday morning I spent a good hour, making, consolidating and refining my to-do lists.  There is order in my world.

There is peace in my brain.

There were updates as soon as I printed.  Yes,  I typed the lists.. it made for happiness.

It made for - yes! I can get all this crap done.

It made for yes!  Crossed off two actions before I printed!

I crossed everything off I needed to do for Wednesday.

I have added and subtracted from Thursday.

Saturday has gotten busier - but in a good way.

Completely off my list - I'm craving -- something.  Most likely not good for me but something.  I'll figure it out - sooner or later.  Or blow a good week with diet and exercise and eat my way through the junk food aisle.  Trying not to.

Bubba has called me 4 times today - and it's not yet noon.  I think they are breaking out mittens in hell.  We are trying to have a social life out side of working and life - some together and some not so much.  I like both.   We are doing breakfast Saturday morning while I get my oil changed, then he's off on a ride and I'm free to check things off my list --

I got tickets to a concert Saturday night - place in VA we haven't been to before. Should be fun.

Sunday will be our day of rest, and get more things ticked off my list.  Bubba is headed out again... and I am too we'll see each other briefly Saturday night and Sunday.  Secret to a long and happy marriage - time apart  - or at least according to Bubba and Aunt Ing,

All right I'm off to eat lunch and do something productive today... I started just need to finish.

12,000 things to tend to and my brain is stuck

I've got many plates spinning right now and I was counting on a quiet week at work... and that hit the industrial-sized spinning air-moving device Monday morning... and it hasn't stopped spewing 'stuff' since.

Covering meetings, boss popped in and left a list and tasking in her wake, emails, phone calls, things that aren't working, status changes and oh yeah Bubba is home, and grumping about everything.

I'm working on getting things back on track, consolidating work lists, consolidating Girl's Group Lists, consolidating to-do lists outside of those two actions - oh yeah and that whole get up, got to work, drive like the crazies in DC and I wonder if it isn't time to cash it all in become a prepper and move to the wilds of PA.   Bubba and I could be Mr. and Mrs. UniBomber.

We'd kill each other inside of 2 weeks.

So, I decided to take a few minutes, let my spinning brain step off the crazy merry-go-round that is GET THIS ALL DONE RIGHT NOW... and let me get myself back to happy lists, manageable to-do things with a plan.  I have a 3 day weekend, a day sans Bubba and 2 working days next week.  Somehow I will manage a way to figure it all out.

I have been trying to keep working out.  Easier said than done but I'm doing something.  Which is more than doing nothing.  AMIRIGHT?

The weather has been summer in DC, hot humid and sticky - did I mention Hot and Humid?  Poor Shelby girl, when we take our 2 house down and 2 house back walk she's all pant-y and sitting-y.  But I know it's good for those joints to keep her moving.  It's just so hard to watch her struggle.  She's still my lovable lump. I find it funny that she gets up the stairs, wanders into the kitchen and proceeds to plan her furry butt right in the middle of where I need to be - stove/ dishwasher/ doorway... thankfully she slides with minimal issues. 

Nice to have a window - blue skies, gentle breeze through the tree outside my window, knowing full well when I walk outside my skin will want to melt off my face - or maybe just my makeup.  :-)

All-right-y  mental and physical break taken.  Back to fixing my lists and getting myself put together.

Put one foot in front of the other -- and soon you'll be marching on your way!  (name that tune from a Christmas special) 

Busy day!

Boss has been gone, yesterday, today and tomorrow -- AND next week.  Fun!  Which means I get to scramble today to get things to her which she will ignore unless I need acted upon before she gets back.  What fun.

Better to be busy as it's now later in the afternoon and its gone by quicker than yesterday with that BLA feeling.

Bubba called last night - past my bed time but I was up and reading.  Its like he wants to chat but he doesn't have a lot to say.  I am 'uh huh' - ok - brain dead and ready for bed.  As I was already IN bed.

Its our life.

He's home Friday night - and all next week then we start the whole hamster wheel of No Bubba again. 

Also means next week he's going to have an expectation of meals cooked.  Last night I had a cheese stick and an hour later frozen yogurt bar.  The day before I actually broke out a pan and melted the cheese on my sandwich. 

I've started working out again - kills the dinner appetite so that's a good thing.  My legs are killing me and wearing high heels isn't the best way to handle that new muscle ah- tweaking ...

I sent an email to my older Girls' Group girls - meaning they have 'graduated' from the group.  I asked them for some ideas.  They were all helpful and complimentary.  It was a nice boost to the ego - but I have to remind myself this isn't why I tossed my hat into the ring of fire.  Well - OK part of it is. I'm human - but I also want to see if I can make a difference, I'm holding firm that the woman in charge, to whom I sent the letter will either not acknowledge she got it at all -- or wait until October or November to acknowledge she got the letter - then take another 6 months to make up her mind - leaving about 3 months for turn over.    I don't know why I keep thinking about this -- yes I do. We have an event Sunday - I have gotten nothing official about it - there is a Facebook post and email to the State board - and if I wasn't on the board I would know nothing about it!!!  That makes me nuts and you can't run things this way!  and expect people to just drop things and re plan weekends and lives!  Cripes.

Down to 45 minutes left in my day - need to get some things done.  Or to ignore until tomorrow - next week - ah -- she's gone.  I've got time. 

Later.

Apparently I need to 'chat'...

Feeling kinda BLA today.. Boss is gone for the day, dealing with BS of the same questions 3 times over I mean when your answer to the question is See email dates XX time YY and email dated... you get the idea.

Another Bubba being Bubba moment last night -- we are need of doggie 'day care' when Bubba is traveling -- which is every blessed week with one week off in the middle for good behavior - and we all know how well that works with Bubba and his cranky meter.

Now the neighbors have graciously said they can help but I feel like we are taking advantage of them.  And in talking to Bubba stating that said neighbors were gone for bit he said "we should hire someone as I don't want random strangers in our house"

Hand-head slap repeatedly... now he did say "you know licensed and bonded."  OK.... so I asked the Vet the didn't have anyone, did a search on line, read reviews and other sites, picked one and make some inquiries.  I talked to them Monday; we have an appointment tonight, Wednesday, to talk to these folks - last night Bubba is giving me the 10th degree on who, what, where and of course cost.  $15 per day to have someone drive to our house, let our old dog out and let her back in.  Lucky for him it's only 4 days a week - I backed off the Friday as I'm early.

So today I sent him an email saying call me regarding all this because he was less than pleased about the cost and the rest... so tell me darling Bubba - what decision are we making today -- and YOU WILL ask the neighbors for help because I'm tired of being the needy PITA.  This is our responsibility.

I worked out yesterday for the first time in forever - I hurt in places I forgot I own.  Cripes why does it take 30 seconds to get out of shape but a year to get into shape. No comment on my eating habits... boy do those need to change too... I am trying.  I'm making smoothies for breakfast - problem is I'm hungry too soon after wards... need more protein.  Or something - bagel? Dough nut?  no no no BAD Aunt Ing

Anyway... I won't mention my trip out to the food trucks today for lunch instead of eating the healthy lunch I packed..need to borrow some of my sister's control. I'll blame the BLA feeling. Yeah let's got with that and nothing to do with pulled pork and garlic fries...  Have I mentioned I'm ready for a nap?

All right -- of to pretend to be productive today because I don't sincerely see this happening without a little fake-it-till-you make it.

Stay tuned for more adventures in Dog Sitting...

And another thing...

For some strange reason I went back and read the letter I sent to the Girls' Group in-charge Chick... still sounded OK.  I'm still banking on the August time frame.  :-)  Or she could ignore it completely... we'll see.

In the meantime, I am enjoying the quiet evenings of No Bubba, Just Shelby (because you know its all about the bass - No Bubba...)   and now that song is stuck in my brain.  Going to make for a great afternoon..

The other hinge in my afternoon is the pending weather.  They are predicting storms to hit - just about rush hour!  Yeah!!!  Quality time with Carpool Buddy.  And now the clouds are darkening... wonderful.

The weekend was busy/quiet... we didn't do much, but did some stuff.  Went to a party of the neighbors behind us - then Bubba went to spend time with his friend who ironically is moving to Pittsburgh.  I went to dinner with the neighbors, had two very yummy margaritas went home and died.  Woke up at midnight, just as Bubba was coming in and we went to bed ...

Got up Sunday and Bubba went riding I spent the AM in the PJ's then did the weekly shopping; laundry and other stuff.  I got a delivery from Amazon - new pillows!!!  They were all wrapped and flat, so I unwrapped and unboxed them - and went running errands... Bubba gets home and nags at me as to why I bought flat pillows!  I told him you have to wash and dry them first... he didn't believe me.  Then I showed him the affects... yeesh.  You'd think he'd learn - but NO!  Never wrong... and never admits it when the evidence is right in front  of his face!  I must say they are nice... very fluffy.

Monday saw Bubba on the road again, only this time in Philly for training. He sent me a text at 10 something last night - I got it at 5 AM this morning.   Welcome to our lives.

Nothing else planned this week, makes for happy Shelby.  I also have the OTHER neighbor coming over to let her out, since my regular gal is out of school and on the road.  And now I have a company coming to help out my old gal.  She scared the crap out of me Friday, her back leg was spasming and it didn't quit for over an hour!  Called the vet - by the time we got there it was all over.  Could have murdered that dog!  So we upped pain meds for the weekend, she slept.  Then Monday when I got home she was all bouncy and happy and ready to go!  I took her with me to the Girl's Group meeting and she laid like a good girl and basked in the loving fawning.   Then we came home, and putzed, got things ready for the cleaning lady and went to be later than I should have.

I'm trying something new in the mornings; trying to make smoothies and lay off the mini-begals. Problem is with slow moving puppy and prep work I have to get up earlier to get this done.  Not sure if things are healthier but I looked up some recipes today.  One called for whole milk?!  We'll see but Aunt Ing's new clothes are getting a little tight... gotta work on our habits.  Not having Bubba home helps smaller meals when I get home. 

All right - back to work.  Quiet day today... calm before the storm??

My get up and go... went

If you go back to Tuesday there was productivity, there was happiness there was another @#$$%^ accident on my way home... Every Tuesday for the last 3 weeks some moron decided he wanted to attempt to defy the laws of physics and occupy the same space at the same time.

And again -- it no work. (read like "My big fat Greek Wedding")

So Aunt Ing and Carpool Buddy enjoy an additional 30 plus minutes of quality non-moving time together.  (insert Kermit-the-frog waving arms here!)  Yeah!


Yesterday was wholly uninspired, total upside was a 90 minute massage, layered with puppy guilt, when I left and when we went to bed.  She moved her bed, right next to my side of the bed.  Twist that knife Shelby girl..

She seemed OK this morning, up side I am home tonight, early tomorrow and all weekend so that should make up for the in-out nature of yesterday's issues.

I pulled the trigger Tuesday - I mailed the letter tossing my hat in the ring to lead all of Maryland Girl's Group.  Heaven help me.  I figure the leader will get around to reading it sometime in August.

I must confess I was going to sit on it a bit longer, craft the letter, edit, edit, edit, then at the Ladies' group Monday night the opening thought - felt like a direct comment on where my brain was -- in a nut shell it was "don't doubt yourself, you are smart and capable.  Don't sit on your hands go after what you want..." 

As I do hold the belief that the big guy above sends messages - I heard that and acted.  We'll see if it's the best or worst decision I have made lately.  (insert snort and snicker here)   I should probably go to mass more regularly too...

Bubba will have another weekend stop over this weekend, then off to the land of cheesesteaks for training, then amazingly home for a whole week.  Then gone again for 3 weeks in July.  Including again for the third year in a row - my birthday.  yeah.... I warned home the gifts better get more pricey the number of years he's gone... I shopped after he told me that schedule.  I bought a new shoe rack and new pillows - ours suck.

I also want credit that Father's Day cards and gifts are on their way.  Along with birthday gifts and cards for the niece and college friend.  They may actually arrive close to if not on time... for a change.

All right off to pretend to be productive, I have lots to do just not a lot of willingness to go do it.

Break out the 'brellas today... hopefully it will be nice this weekend so Bubba can go riding.

Stay tuned for more -- deep and penetrating conversations -- with the dog.

Totally Tuesday!

(Checking around - knocking wood - tossing salt over my left shoulder...)

Today has been a very productive day!  I passed a test I needed to get done, got a number of things done this morning... things are humming.

I have now cursed my drive home...

Spoke to soon -- tooted my horn and added an extra gov person and my gov boss had a minor meltdown... so I send another message -got rid of that  - fixed what I could and we are moving on.... sheesh.

You'd think I'd learn.

Speaking of learning the hard way... I wrote my letter tossing my hat into the Girl's group "I wanna run it all' sweepstakes.  The letter is written; its in it's addressed envelop - and just now I've had a thought... no not to run away as fast as I can - but to do something creative.  We'll see what happens when I get home  -making notes so I don't forget in the haze of horrible traffic!

Bubba called last night - yes from the land of Canada... he starts with "We need to talk".  I start to freak "Oh crap - what does he think he knows??"  Turns out he has to go Philadelphia next week for a training course.  Whew!  Oh dear (insert generally concerned voice here).  Oh well,...Aunt Ing frantically thinking of all the right things to say outside of - "So I don't have to cook for another week??"  Our grocery bills are getting smaller and smaller. 

I worry about Shelby - but I've got the neighbors letting her out - and next week I will hire a neighborhood kid -- but no Bob is all "oh I think about the other kid who searched our medicine cabinets for meds... my comment to that was - well then you come up with a better idea!  Not to mention cheaper!!

Signing off - short and sweet today - plus this work thing... sheesh.

Later.

A better than average Saturday...

Yesterday was the annual Rainbow event where the entire state of Maryland shows up to my lodge, there is coordination; drama; the first 90 plus degree day; usually this day is a nightmare wrapped in BS and I go home have a drink to wash it all away...

Yesterday was a bit different.  Things were coordinated, lunch was handled, clean up done, refreshments were handled, clean up was breezy, we were cleaned up before everyone was leaving!  It was a matter of "GO HOME!"  But it was more in the line of why are you still here?  But it wasn't in my usual angry get out - it was more surprise that people were still there!  We were cleaned up and out the door and it was a good day.  A young lady who, a handful of years ago, wouldn't memorize much, and stood in the back of the room stood before the group, and ran the meeting!  It was something to see.  

Both her parents to show up!  Of course they left as soon as they could but that is neither here nor there...

Extra bonus - no food left overs!

There was a moment, when during initiation speech that spoke of Immortally teaching girls, you so young so fair we should direct your thought to death - I remembered my friend a Girl's group Mom who I miss... I got a little emotional.  I know! me!   But we got through it...

I sat through my first State Board - I could frankly call that check marked on the bucket list and call it a day... but alas I fear that will not be so... what could have been accomplished in 30-44 minutes TOPS took 90 minutes and frankly I wanted to spout "just get on with this"  I refrained.

Now here is where my day and my brain took a twist.  It was announced that the leader of Maryland Girls' Group wants to retire.  She's looking for a replacement.. my idiot brain said to me "You can do this"   Apparently I had a stroke.  But I let things marinate - called Mom and Dad - they only encouraged this thinking.   Mom sent me the phone number of the lady who has the job in PA...

THEN! over dinner last night -- Bubba shocked the living the living heck out of me - his reaction wasn't what I expected.  He asked what this meant to him - and we agreed that I would have to give up my other positions - I agreed.  He wasn't totally opposed to the idea.. go figure.   So later today I will make a phone call - and maybe write a letter... heaven help me.

Sunday -- a day of rest sort of - after laundry and shopping and dinner and packing lunch ...

What do you mean it's just WEDNESDAY?!?

OMG - I mean the first two days of this week have been -- challenging. 

The weekend, quiet, as Bubba is traveling so much he doesn't want to go anywhere.  We did our separate things Saturday, then went out for Mexican, came home and watched the Pens lose a game. 

Sunday - mellow baby.  Up late, Waffle House Breakfast, a bit of shopping for my week, home, kitchen, prep, laundry was done Saturday night, went to the movies, made steak sandwiches... mellow.

Sunday night Carpool Buddy calls, need to drive separately, he's got an afternoon appointment.  No worries.

Monday -- ah Monday that Karma witch apparently sobered up and danced all over the "let's screw with Aunt Ing Button".  First, late start because Bubba's system was acting up again.  I dug out drugs and handed him the bottle.  "Take this before getting on airplane, will make life better"

So, late start, I stupidly take him all the way to the airport, then a bit of zip, zoop and up the road to work.  Not at late as I thought I was going to be...but later than usual.  BUSY day at work, numbers don't add up, where did this go?  Email hunt, peck, search, wait --what?? Where?  Oh cripes. Until I headed home about 3:45 PM... arrival time home 5:05 PM.  No carpool Buddy - traffic sucked.

Got home, tended to Miss Shelby, reheated something for dinner, putzed, then gathered up Shelby and headed to my Rainbow meeting... Karma-the-bitch must have been drinking Tequila ... I cannot put into words the steaming pile of mess that landed on my head at this meeting.  We are getting a new girl!  Her mama then proceeded to tell me all that was going on in this kid's life... I am neither emotionally or mentally equipped to handle this.  But I will - I have (of sorts).  Sweet baby Jesus I am reminded how truly blessed, fortunate, loved... you name it I am.  I will do all in my power to give this kid a small slice of normal.

So--- practice ran late, but things went well.  I managed to hold myself together - I got home, tended to my very loved, very tired Shelby girl, and we went to bed.  Where Shelby snored and I laid awake wondering what the heck I was going with my life....

Tuesday dawned -- on my way into work... the usual morning routine, out the door, carpool Buddy, into work.. for 90 minutes of "what? Where?  Oh just add these two together and give it to her!"  THEN off for an 8 hour training class, new stuff - YEAH!  - had to think - ouch!  Left with the demos -- picked up Carpool Buddy-- and 90 minutes later we were home (Accident Tuesday!!)   Called the Vet told then I'd be late with Shelby girl, thankfully only be a few minutes, she got her laser treatment, then we headed back down the road, called Nana we chatted, then Shelby decided that she had to go - number 2.  In my car... so I pulled over, cleaned up that bit of a mess, got what I needed to do, made my way back North and home, talked to Bubba (always exciting); tended to Shelby, cleaned my car, tried to make myself some dinner and dropped soup on the kitchen floor.  Yeah... cleaned up that mess, then dumped all those soup-sopped rags in the laundry room only to find Shelby 15 minutes later standing there licking rags... Quickly got those into the laundry.

By the time I sat down last night - it was already pushing 8 PM... I didn't get to bed until 10 PM.. Wednesday morning came WAY too freaking early.   Today at work has been busy, busy, busy...and a lot of hurry up and wait... so here I blog.

Tonight - I'm baking a cake for a co-worker who is leaving.  It's going to be a mix and icing.  Here.  Too tired for anything extra.  And I will be in bed early... even if I lay there staring at the ceiling at least I will be horizontal. 

Did I mention when I got to work there was a HUGE run in my pantyhose -- I swear it wasn't there when I put them on this morning -- I'm pretty sure I would have noticed this one.  Off to go see what the boss just sent... 4 emails in 5 minutes.. she's on a roll.

Tick... Tock...

Today I have scheduled myself to be at work for a longer than usual day... I am sans carpool Buddy and it is easier to head to the DC meeting from the office than to drive home, then back into DC.  Oh, I do it when I have Carpool Buddy because 1) Carpool and carpool lane and generally I don't drive on Thursday's and 2) home earlier get stuff done, then head to meeting and 3) not cooling my jets at work until nearly 6 PM

So --- today I had lots planned work is busy things to get done -- I get in -- type in my log on... wait, not unusual -- wait -- WTH -- wait --- try logging on to another computer in case it's the box... it wasn't....

reboot computer 1, reboot computer 2... log on...wait....wait.... call help desk.... "There is an issue... "

Great... that was 6:45 this morning - am I on my 'work' computer yet?  That would be a big fat NOPE.

As I write this its now 2:45 in the afternoon.  Yes, Boys and Girls I have sat at my desk all blessed day staring at the message "Please wait..." for the better part of 7 hours.  I am not alone, however on my team I am only one of 4 who couldn't log on today.  The developers with oober accounts got on and were productive today.  We heard from tech support (on site) that 80% of the agency I work for has spent the day cleaning their desks.... yeah.  Your tax dollars at work - or not as the case may be.

I haven't had to kill this kind of day at work in a very long time.  It sucks! However, it is nice to sit with others in the same boat, had a nice walk outside the weather is lovely.  Also nice for the drive into DC, when it rains it really sucks eggs - of course in the sun I've had crappy drives in  -- and for the last two days no rain, sunshine, dry perfect driving conditions - 4 major freaking accidents making my commute home at least 1 hours and 45 minutes.  What fun.

My bacon was saved Tuesday because Bubba was home he was able to take Shelby for her laser appointment -- and that is when we got the news about her blood work.  It's a good thing it was him, that saves a great number of questions I couldn't answer because - well it's documented that he and I don't think the same - and I in a million years would have never thought to ask such questions...

Yesterday was just fugly drive - home, love up on the Shelby, and toss left overs at the  Bubba.  Here eat this, enjoy.

All righty I have killed another 40 minutes with this bit of drivel... check in later when I post where to find the end of the internet...

Confessions of an Old-Dog Mom...

I don't have kids, the Good Lord apparently saw something in me that said - no, she's got enough. I don't dwell on it - much.  I get a little pissy when I see children being ignored or other actions in parental stupidity - but I generally just complain to Bubba.   He doesn't listen anyway.

So - as you all know our beloved Shelby is getting on in years.  She don't move so quick, can't hear well, can see much, but as the Vet said Friday - she's still got that Shelby spark.  And it does show up every now and again when she's bouncing around the house, getting up the stairs, eating kibble, and drug-laced chicken.

She's my buddy.  She also got bad news on the blood work side of the medical equation. There is something going on with her kidneys.  Ok.... We have to change her food.... OK (no comment on the half of a 40 pound bag of food we have downstairs)... and for further tests you need a urine sample.

Yes, you read that right.  I had to collect a pee sample from my 15+ year old dog at 5:40 AM this morning.... Now you might ask yourself how does one do that Aunt Ing?  Let me 'splain.   You put on your shoes, follow the dog outside to the backyard, with a large old plastic container, let her start peeing, carefully slide said-old plastic container under her -- wait.  Slide back out, fill medical device for holding such "samples" , put it in a zip lock bag.  WASH YOUR HANDS. and slide the bag into the fridge for the darling hubby to take to the Vet. 

Now we wait.  So we can check that one off our bucket list.  ;-)

Happily Shelby was pretty clueless through the whole procedure, other than when she turned around I was right there.  She went with it.  Mellow puppy.

Stay tuned for more adventures with Geriatric Dog and her Service Human... taking stairs - one at the time, enjoying the ride down the stairs, missing tossed cookies and still scarfing chicken bites in a single snap...

A Bubba-less existence...

Now before you freak and think I have just snapped and am now sitting at the dining room table sipping wine and quoting old Betty Davis movies --- relax.

Bubba is alive, well (relatively speaking) just not home.  The project he's working - part time mind you -- has him back and forth to the wilds of Canada most of this month - next month, into July, and through October.  Things at  home are --- quiet. Too much so that I can count on one hand the number of times I've cooked this month - which also allows for a nice clean kitchen.

It also means my lazy gene comes out and I don't get stuff done when I should... mostly.

Work has been nutso-crazy.  on the Upside it makes the day go by nice and quick like.  Although today it feels like I've doing stuff but just spinning my wheels. Its the cycle of one question to two people and I get 12 email responses back with statements about stuff that wasn't in the first email... and then heaven forgive me I asked another questions and the round and round started all over again.

Big up side today - I got free tickets to a baseball game Saturday night!  So all our plans falling through has paid off!!  Bigger bonus its the company suite!  Food included.  Aunt Ing scored there.

Quick hit today because well work is nuts!

Later!

Frustration...

That is the one word to describe my morning, frustrated with myself, my dog, my husband.  Why doesn't this work?  Why can't I go to bed and go to sleep so I don't have to swear at the alarm clock every morning? Why can't I not feel frustrated and guilty at the same time when my 15 plus year old dog wants no parts of a morning walk - and I know my neighbor is going to have a present when she lets my pup out.

AND - Bubba is traveling again next week.  Yeah.

I'm craving something, I can't make time to get to the gym - without feeling guilty about leaving the dog again.

I wonder what life would be like to have all those little details handled for you - like my husband.  Where his obligation to gift giving is acceptance of a thank you or just checking with me that is was done.  A-la-mother Day.  Granted, I do go the easy route, everyone gets flowers, I ordered them last Friday, because I'm that kind of anal.  Today I will get and mail cards, Bubba will sign none of them.  There is a birthday gift going out at well - same situation -I shopped, wrapped and mailed.  His involvement will be questioning the expense on the credit card next month.

*sigh*

All right I have purged this - now off to keep busy.  This too shall pass and the pup will do better when the grass isn't tall, wet and wet.

Boss is back Friday - that should put the sprint on my week - end.

Back to reviewing my week, getting ready for a meeting and writing up how-to instructions.

Quack...

For two days in a row, the weather man at 5-something-AM has said "its a good week if you're a duck". He was referring to all the rain we're about to get - and downpour we got last night.  Thunder and lightning and Shelby in the rain -- oh joy.

The old girl hates the rain, worse with high grass and major wet... there is a lot --"Shelby - GO you have to PEE".  Thankfully I have the neighbor giving the helping hand this week, so that allows for some extra time, and a shorter day for my girl.  Actually got to walk her in the sunshine yesterday afternoon... then had to deal with major downpour later that night.  Good and bad, ying and yang I guess.

Bubba is traveling -- he told me a story yesterday.  I was good - I didn't laugh when he told me because he was mad (at himself!).  He took the wrong bag, and was almost to his office (a 90 plus minute drive) when the airline called... and basically said "Hey dumbass - you got the wrong bag!"  so he turned around, drove back to the airport, exchanged bags and then did the 90 plus minute drive AGAIN.

Snort.  Snicker.  There is a tag on your bag - didn't you look for the Shelby like tag?  You bring a big black bag that looks like every other big black bag... but Mr. I'm Busy and Important didn't.  And he paid. Giggle. 

I'm an awful person.  It's a mistake, anyone could make. Snort.  But oh so much more fun when 'perfect' Bubba does it.  Tee hee hee. (Goin' straight to hell for that one)

Semi-busy week; meeting Monday and Thursday.  Thursday is my monthly trek into DC after work...groan.  This past weekend was very mellow - and rainy.  Bubba and I went to the movies.  He lamented more than once that he couldn't ride Lulu... I too lamented that -- enjoy that bit of quiet time. But I did get other stuff done, and Shelby had company.  All good things.

Gov boss is gone this week; so things are quiet at work.  Not that she didn't leave a list... but I'm glad for that - keeps things semi-busy.  Plus its nice to have a break from the go-go-go that she has been pushing lately.
Tonight will be quiet.  Just me and Shelby, dinner early, bed early, and we'll start it all over again.

Been fighting the munchies demon lately.  I've been drinking more water (making commutes home fun!) and trying to pack better things, and still I --snack.  Plus with Bubba on travel getting to the gym is hard due to Shelby duty.  And not wanting to see Shelby Duty on my floor...

ANY way... I'm fighting the battle, losing some days, winning others.  Need to discover something new. We'll see how I do.  Plus I just bought new jeans so we'll need to keep those around and not shrink "in the wash"

Later --- sorry this wasn't terribly interesting today.  I'm blaming the weather.  Quack, Quack

New Job! Still a job!!

Yeppers -- yes, new job, yes busy all day, good things, busy things... still working.  Still up before god, country and 8/10's of the East Coast planet... got a case of something... bla.

Good busy weekend, followed by a busy Monday, work-work and home stuff.  Thankfully a break from Meeting Monday to get stuff done.

I was seriously annoyed with Bubba Sunday night, he'd been home and playing all weekend, when I get home after a 5.5 hour drive, I'm doing laundry and kitchen duty - he's looking for backyard cleanup and other stuff... including dinner.   He got leftovers I brought home from PA.

I get to vote tonight.  I guess it would be too dramatic to walk in with a clothes pin on my nose right?  Cripes.  I seriously think about the world in which we live - it's really starting to hit the crazy spin cycle!  On my drive home I was reminded of the quiet beauty of my PA home, trees and space, and no bumper to bumper traffic...

That week at camp will be nice -- peaceful.  Sans electronics.

Craving something not good for me -- not 100% sure what it is yet.  So you have to ask yourself what do you think you want - when you aren't hungry enough to know... swish that bit of illogical mess around and spit.

Hit a snag yesterday with the new boss - I think that is where this mood hit today.  I was cruising - and then wham! Dork Ing stepped in and screwed that all up.  It was only a matter of time.  I guess better to get the Dork issue up front - and not hit her with it later.

Eating lunch, then off to a meeting with the boss, in which I will probably do a lot of day dreaming.  And look like I am taking careful notes.

Short and sweet - sometimes those are the good ones.  I have some planning stuff to do, my at home lists are getting longer, and I find I want to spend more time just hanging out with my dog.  It's so hard seeing her get older and those legs just don't want to do what she wants or needs.  But she's still in that food bowl every morning and evening and trying to take off a finger with the pill/chicken combo.

Off to meeting prep; drink, empty bladder, pen, paper, presentation... ah... the glamorous life I lead.

Yesterday I was grateful...

Yesterday on my way home from the surgery vet - I sent thanks and praise to the heavens above.  I acknowledge that I am a very, very lucky girl in many ways.  But yesterday in something as simple as my old dog's health -- dodged a big bullet - and bill.

Let me 'splain...
As you know Shelby and her busted elbow of Christmas, things have been progressing along.  She'd been getting up and down the most used stairs (to the back yard) but we still carried her down the big steps in the house.  It's just our routine now.

ANY -- way.. she got all brave on Sunday as I was talking to the neighbors and fell down the two steps off the deck.  Of course, she landed on that freaking elbow.  Then I saw a new bump.  She didn't like me touching it.  We feared the worst, we sent pics to the ER Vet - they said as long as she was walking on it -- keep our Wednesday appointment.

That was yesterday.  I will admit I had expected the worst - more surgery - maybe after all we are talking about the laws of diminishing returns.  And of course Bubba is traveling for work...

So we arrive, go through the intake, discuss the spill of Sunday, back she goes... I break open a book - because it's what I do - and it's a good distraction - then - oh the heavens be praised - the doc comes out and says -- no big deal.  Screw was loose (make your own joke there) and it was right under her skin, 15-20 minutes with a local numb screw came out, and we were headed home. 

I said a multitude of prayers on the way home, so very grateful for that small gift.   Shelby napped. ;-)

I also figured I better send up a chest bump to the big guy up stairs because I was having very selfish thoughts about my weekend plans and how Bubba could adapt his instead of me canceling everything.  God knows my husband and the suffering that would have been brought upon him  had he had to do something not of his liking... especially because his wife didn't do it for him.   Rude I know... doesn't make it any less true.

So!  Big deal tonight is the rush to get hubby's car paid for before they close tonight - and because I don't want to go 15 miles out of my way Friday afternoon.  Call me selfish.

All righty -- back to work.

well - that took a while...

Frankly, it was March first then suddenly it was April.  And now its Mid-freaking-April.  Upside busy - life, work, things are humming along.

I joined a gym near home - then ignored it for a week - just kinda worked out that way but I did - week 2 manage to get my lazy buns in there.  We are trying a new app - Couch to 5K in 8 weeks... I am on day 1.  I swear that one minute run was longer toward the end of the walk than it was early on. 

I will go back tonight - Thursday is a dinner I must make for the guys, and I will return on Friday.

Saturday is completely booked with Girls' Group stuff -- should be fun.  At least the bowling and the dance will be.   Sunday I will do my best to get up and go to church.  I had a good streak going until last Sunday - I turned off the alarm and went back to sleep.  Lord and Nana forgive me.

I got Carpool Buddy back a week ago - up side HOV lane and quicker trips home - down side less running around before I get home -- Not sure that is a down.  I do feel bad, he's not 100% and the job isn't much fun.

Same with my Bubba - the job sucks - he's unhappy.  And yet won't make time to do something about it.  Better side is that he can go ride LuLu with the group and that makes him happy.  It also makes Aunt Ing happy because I did so enjoy that quiet time this past weekend.  Ahhhhh

My new job is busy and I like it.  It's so much easier to fill a day when you have something to do all day!

All right back at it... I have a list of course. 

This won't be happiness...

What a difference two weeks make in a life....  we got through the Girl's group convention, Dad was contained and all went well there.  Smoothing of ruffled feathers and we moved on.

We had one major blow up with another girl, long story short, a lack of communication, some luggage searching, something found, accusations, tears, calls to Mom, texts and I am ashamed to admit I wasn't unhappy when she left early (as was the plan).  It was a Scarlett moment (I'll think about that tomorrow).

Then Sunday afternoon things just stopped.  A Girls' group Mom, a 46 year old woman I considered a good friend, didn't wake up.  It was so unexpected - sudden - I still;  2 days later; am having trouble adjusting to it all.  Her Service is tomorrow.  I don't expect to get through it well - although knowing me, I'll see her daughter, and pull myself together for her.  I lose my composure on the way home. That's more my style.  :-/

I'm handling details.  It's what I'm good at. 

I had to call Mom last night - the leader of the girl's group is calling me, she was nice to me at the convention and frankly -- its freaking me out!  The woman has said 15 words to me in the decade I've known her then all of a sudden - we have all this --- communication.  I'm tell you its really concerning me.

Of course I had a conversation with my friend, the departed, I did tell her that I will not forgive her for leaving me here to deal with these people alone.  She was much loved and needed sanity check, comic relief and commiserat-or of all things Girls Group.  I don't think I had the chance to tell her of my new appointment to the State board.  Cripes this sucks on ice.

I am reminding myself hourly - lucky, lucky me.  Up, moving, job, home, family.  Ok off to handle work details then not deal with all this tomorrow.

I think I'll queue up the cemetery scene from Steel Magnolias -- "why?!? Why??!  Here hit Weezer." 

It will be all right.  I have details to handle.

I promise something funny will hit before the weekend - or Bubba will be Bubba.

What am I missing? Forgetting? OMG>>>

We are down to 48 hours before the big Girls' group event.  I am too calm.  I am missing something. I keep sending out emails, reminders, my lists are updated, my stuff isn't packed, or ironed or printed or copied ... OMG.

Yeah there it is... the annual freak out.  Started slow this year.  I don't know why.  Maybe because I think I have it then - again I figure the bigger PITA is the Dad and that won't start until Thursday.  Still searching for that Blow-dart tranq for Dad.... surprised Amazon didn't have one - heaven knows they have everything else.

Or maybe its because I have a job that is keeping my brain focused during the day and I don't have the mental capacity for a freak out by the time I get home.

Today I have indeed managed to churn out work and more work, plus write up a plan for my Ladies' group to deal with the new folks' stuff, sent a message to the girls with lots of details, and surprise! Made another list of stuff I have to do tonight, tomorrow and Thursday.

I'm always surprised when sleeping isn't on that list.

All right off to get something else done, add to my list -- need to start crossing off ....

Stay tuned for possible updates after the weekend  - and a nap or three.

What a difference a weekend makes...

Friday I was glum and unhappy.  I got home, loved my dog, walked my dog then loaded up my dog into the car, we did some errands, came home enjoyed dinner at home.

Saturday Bubba and I enjoyed breakfast together, I went and got pampered, then we went to VA for what was supposed to be a trip to the thrift store - it closed before we got there. OMG.  ANY way - had a nice lunch, Bubba was super happy I took him to an Indian Buffet I had one plate, he had 3 or maybe 4 I lost count.

We hit the big mall, he bought new shirts  hit the sale rack hard.  We got home, hit another store for his shirts (color we needed a certain color). Then hit cheap store one for stuff and kids birthday, then hit cheap store 2 when we couldn't find something in cheap store 1.  Got home, picked around because someone had 4 plates of Indian Buffet for lunch...

Sunday - ah Sunday.  Bubba left on Lulu and there was peace and productivity.  I got birthday gifts for the in-law contingent birthday and mailing wrapped.  I got glasses wrapped and packed for folks who didn't it to Bubba's big bash... Then I loaded up all that stuff, and the dog, and headed out.  Returned a shirt he bought Saturday - it had a stain on it. Got gas for next week as I am still without Carpool buddy - he's still home recovering from broken ankle surgery... Got cash for the weekend and shopping, then Post office and got all this stuff mailed, then doggie shop for Shelby goodies, and then grocery store and home.  That was quite the outing for Shelby, she slept a lot when we got home, I did laundry, dishes, prep for lunches and dinner, did the Ladies Group checkbook, did our bills, did the Church Service handout for the Rainbow girls, and answered email.

I've got an hour left in my working day and I wonder where the day went.  Have I mentioned how much I freaking love that???

Off to finish up the day and fight the good fight home...

Perhaps I will blame the weather

Blame the weather on what you may ask???  My mood, now I will grant you it's been a long week, Girls' Group meeting, more adults than kids, coordinating rides, packing, crap, crap and more crap.  Then my Mom driving from PA to MD and back again to make a dress for a kid, worry, worry that she's OK back and forth and I'm the reason she's on the road and losing sleep....

Plus it freaking snowed! last night, now granted it only stuck to the grass which is a good thing.

I worked all day yesterday, went to happy hour with a lot of people I didn't know but were nice and chatty, left that, drove into rush hour traffic, around rush hour traffic and back into rush hour traffic into downtown.. for a meeting.  Yes I did nod off once or twice... there were communications..zzzz

I was noting to myself on the way home, that everyone around me is moving up, moving around and doing new things.  Oh granted I have a new job, new faces, no office mate and on that front things are going well.  The new boss had a one on one with me and said she was very happy to have me here.  I think my lack of satisfaction is all my volunteering.

I complain I don't have time for X-Y-and Z... but thing again I'm tired of doing the same thing for basically zippo appreciation for the job.  I know I am going to work my tail off next weekend, and get the usual meaningless platitudes and get all cranky all over again.  But I'll be tired and go home and go to bed.  that will help.

I don't know what's wrong with me.  I'm tired.  I have an unplanned weekend.  I don't see me leaving the house for much.

Up side, beach week is planned, vacation is on the books, so - I got that going for me, which is nice. 

I got 20 minutes left in my work week... I have only 3 days next week.

My dog likes me.

:-)  Positive.  I think I'll bake something chocolate this weekend and maybe I'll share.

What weekend??

We have firmly established here that I am a big dork with an inability to say the word No.  This weekend was a shining example.

Saturday was fine, had a nice lunch with nice people honored one lady show served her year well, and she spoke for about 2 minutes, opened her gift and we're done.  I went running all day Saturday afterwards - spent longer with one errand because she wanted to chat... also discovered that Burger King's version of iced coffee mocha was chocolate milk with ice.  yuck.

Every where I went Saturday there were lines, and waits and people and people... Trader Joe's the grocery store - heck my pop in to Good will was forever to check out.  So, I got home from "lunch" at 5 PM.  upside was I had the week's grocery shopping done, I got lunch stuff prepped and I made dinner. Home made pizza... life was good.

Sunday - we did breakfast together, he went off to get a massage I went  home, walked the dog and then got ready to lunch again - after an hour plus drive north.  Thankfully someone else drove, it was nice to have company and fellow suffer... this "lunch" started at 1 with a miss-aligned greeting line, in a hallway, were you could go either direction and apparently folks were... fun!

Then lunch started at 2 - yes 2 PM... the "entertainment" was some old lady with a Prince Valiant hair cut a guitar and singing songs written in the 1900's... thank goodness there were only 3.  Then the speeches started, but it's not just "thank yous" it's the introductions, its unwrapping gifts, its no one paying attention to 1 gift rule, it's no one paying attention to 3 minutes to thank everyone you know and that is how you end up with lunch going to 6 PM.  I got home at 7.  By the time they were done I swear it was 2 minutes I had my stuff, my coat and was standing at the door waiting for my ride to get out of the bathroom... LET'S GO!

Fun part of this story - I was asked to serve on the committee, there 2 others from my Ladies' group (local) also on this committee.  I got a message, first one all year, the day before the event, tell me to show up early.  I already had coordinated a ride and that wasn't happening.  I sent a message stating that fact.  Haven't heard a word - don't expect to.  The fun part, I was on the program but when the Chairperson read out the names of the committee she left mine off... I laughed.  But it did niggle at me because through no fault of mine I wasn't included to do anything.  The lady on the committee said "she didn't have your correct email"  for months?  My phone numbers haven't changed, and don't you think when you didn't get a reply you would 1) reach out to the committee members who are in the same local group, 2) try another method of communications? i.e. phone, letter, whatever...

I really don't care, but it also goes to a reputation thing that I was put on a committee then didn't bother to do anything.  That isn't the case but it could become the story told.  I need to find something else to do with my time... I can promise you that is the LAST state office luncheon I go to... regardless of who is holding a state office. 

Back to work, nice to be busy.

So much for Valentine's....

I wrote Sunday Valentine's Day was a good day.  Fast forward to Wednesday evening, Thursday morning and I would very much like to return said gift and words...

Major tightwad is living at our house again.  This week's trigger?  My new eyeglasses.  Now I mentioned, more than once, without darling Bubba in front of the television or on his phone, that I was getting new eye glasses - I was getting them from the eye doc.  Did he say a word??  I knew his glasses were pricey but I figured  - as I had mentioned it MORE THAN ONCE... that I was OK to move forward.

I did - they were expensive but about the same price Bubba paid.

Does it matter that I mention that fact when he's ranting and raving about the price tag?  Does it matter than I state over and over again that I said I was getting glasses and he said nothing about the doctor being pricey? 

Instead I get two ranting lectures on me not caring about the money I spent and - on and on and on. 

I like leaving before he gets up, I don't have to start my days this way... but then he calls.  And my day starts this way.

It sucks.

Again - I point out - same price as Bubba's glasses, I also mention its been a DECADE since I last bought glasses and it will probably be another 10 years before I buy them again.  But still I have to listen to yelling and screaming over my lack of concern over the money I spend.

Have I mentioned I hate starting my day this way???  and now it's lunch time and I'm still pissed off.  I know! I know! I have that other account and I will make it a point every blessed Friday to make a deposit into that account.  It won't change the glasses conversation but it will change all the other charges.  I just don't understand -- he acts like I got to Yuppy store every weekend and buy it out.  I shop at Wal-Mart and Big Lots.  Cash is king... I will no longer charge anything so he can't see it - unless it's for his happy ass.

I swear.

/ end rant.

cheap ass
apparently not quite yet.

*sigh

Back to work - been busy today.  And that's a good thing.  Still not 100% sure what the heck is going on and who I'm talking to regularly.. but its coming along and my brain is engaged again.

It's engaged, and it hurts but its working.. later.

Sunday, Sunday... into Monday

Its Valentine's Day... frankly its been a good day.  Bubba got his Cajun brunch I got my bottomless mimosa... life was good.

He got his present Saturday - I was efficient and bought his stuff a week ago.

Bubba shopped Saturday. In his defense, he was traveling and working all last week.  The fact he put forth an effort and did such a great job is still pretty amazing.

I was completely lazy Sunday, and now have similar plans for Monday.  It's a federal holiday and I was planning to go into work, but the weather took an ugly turn and I said screw it.  Probably shouldn't have but wasn't really in the mood to get out of bed.  Shame on me.

I'm cancelling the Girls' group tonight, they are predicting ice later today and home girl don't due ice.  Snow - not a crisis.  But also hearing the traffic reports this morning probably a good decision to stay my butt home.

All right off to kill an hour and then think about being productive. 

Later!

Sing it with me now...

"Its the final countdown...."  (see insurance commercial for that song!)

What final countdown -- my new job.  I am down to hours on the old job, moved my box of stuff and crap down three flights of stairs.  Good news! My name is on the door -- Bad News they spelled my last name wrong.  There is an added H.  Ah well.

Met a few folks some knew I was coming, some didn't.  Monday morning should be fun.

I figure when I get in Monday morning, I will spend that first hour just getting my desk the way I want it.  My office has been the storage unit apparently.  :-)

I am a bit worried, new challenge, new people, new tools, no time to screw off and do other other things.  I'll make do

I am now sitting here cleaning up my email.  Might as well start with a cleaner slate.

Hubby keeps calling me, early in the AM, on the way to work, on the way home, at work... I don't need to talk to him this much. Every day for a week he's called to confirm the need to medicate the dog.  YES dear!  Every 12 hours, I do it before bed, you do it in the AM.  I kept asking do you want me to do mornings and evenings... but he said no.  So why the calling???

The good news is he's headed off next week  -- so peace, no cooking and early bed times.  Bonus.

The weekend is thankfully on semi-planned.  Bubba is taking my car in for regular maintenance so there will be no discussion on whether or not I should have something done to it. 

I must say I had a nice turn out for my going away luncheon, and with people I didn't expect to see! I got a nice card from folks and it's nice to leave on that high note.  And my clean desk. 

Final hour.... and 6 years... poof.

Deep breath, new challenge, new people.  It will be good.  Feeling a little queasy. Or maybe that was the salad I had for lunch. 

I'm going to the mall after work today.  The candy Bubba likes has a kiosk there plus I can do some other running, and maybe a new job gift for ME!  :-)

Short and sweet today.  We'll see what we can come up with Monday.  Deep breaths.

I really meant to update this...

Bubba's birthday weekend was a hit.  I was floored, and then I was bedded... as in - bed - sick as a dog - dead to the world.  It took me a week plus being snowed in for 4 days to recover.

In complete amazement to myself things went off without Bubba losing his cool during his birthday weekend.  It took a week for him to remember the bill, and yell at me about it.  Only because I couldn't remember exact numbers for X, Y and Z.  Frankly I didn't care it looked close enough, here done.

Monday was a holiday, I was in my pj's until 4 PM, Tuesday I woke with something that died in my sinuses so I called out of work.  I went to work Wednesday feeling better, cold meds are your friend. Thursday I should  have stayed home, but didn't... I was Zombie Aunt Ing all day.  Came home, let the dog out, crawled into bed and didn't get out of it until Friday morning about 8:30.  Then I proceeded to lay around all weekend, which was available because 3 feet of snow feel upon our house, yard, street and neighborhood.  I also enjoyed two days off of work because there was a lot of snow to push around.

After that, and a three-day work week we are 98% back to normal.  98% because you know as well I do there ain't nuthin' 100% normal about me.

Now I am in the final countdown of the old job, and start the new one Monday... my desk is mostly packed.  I haven't thought much about it yet.  I'll tag up with the new boss tomorrow, and move Friday.  I am working on a complete lack of care... The girl's group is making me nuts, and as usual the parents are a bigger issue than the kids, but the kids aren't much fun either right now.

I must push through, and I will but right now it's just not fun.

I want to fix things, but I can't.

I got snippy with a kid - but again if you listen to me in DECEMBER we'd be done with this and you wouldn't be whining that it isn't what you want.  Suck it up buttercup.  (see?!?  No fun)

Today it's raining, a week ago, we could barely get around on major highways, due to 6000 pounds of snow.  Mother Nature's internal temperature control is as screwed up as mine.

My desk is 8/10's clean.  I am down to one box of crap and some stuff that make working life homey.

I think there is something wrong with a person who finds making lists soothing and ads an element of control in my continually chaotic life.  Is is wrong to hope that your husband leaves town for a week?  He's threatening to go to Canada next week and it's all I can do not to help him pack.  Get out - go!  I need a break!  We've spent too much time together and he's not much fun a lot of time.  Captain Crankypants has been visiting our house WAY too much lately.

My team is taking me out to lunch today --- I ordering a slice of cake to take with me.  Because I can.  And I'm not sharing.  Aunt Ing wants cake. 

All right.  Off to pretend to do something constructive today, have lunch and enjoy cake.  I have high goals today.

Later....

Ah heck with it - get a manicure

I still have 5000 things to do to get ready for this weekend-o-Bubba.  But Aunt Ing has had a rough week, cakes that went flat, two perfect job offers, and having to make a freaking decision, my office mate officially retiring, writing out what to tell my government boss that I'm outta here too, and oh yeah brunch for 30.

I decided that I needed a manicure more than I needed that hour to get brunch stuff ready.

Vanity thy name is Aunt Ing.

So, my plan today is putz for the required number of hours, get a manicure, shop, cook, change and go to dinner, come home, get ready for invasion number 1, probably more cooking, and go to bed and die.

Saturday and Sunday will be rinse, repeat, Monday I am not getting out of my pj's until I have to take Shelby to the vet.

We are taking Shelby twice a week for laser treatments to help her bone heal better and faster.  The doctor called Bubba and apparently talked him into it.  So now twice a week, so goes and gets laser-ed.  She's bionic and now radioactive - one slip-up away from Marvel comic side kick.

BTW - based upon the stock market I will be working until I'm dead - I will be sleep deprived until then.  Just shoot me.

I must confess I am 1/10 of a snafu away from completely losing my cool with all this.  I just feel like I don't have a rope around it all and its all going to come crashing down around me - Bubba is going to be his usual understanding and wonderful self and I am just going to lose it completely.  I know! I know like I know my name something isn't going to meet his approval and he's going to lose his cool over me and I will snap like a twig in a drought.  Film at 11.  Enjoy.

Sigh. 

I need to remind myself that the month of January is 15 days old, in that time I have completed a complete audit of the Girl's group checkbook, ensured that the parent saw the updated reports and got those printed and organized.  I then updated then 2016 checkbook to ensure I didn't have to do that again next year... I also ran off all my reports, got those done, got the checks written correctly and got all my paperwork in on time - AND walked another adult through their report as well.  I have completed the Ladies group checkbook, that is done monthly, attended the meeting, got that deposit tended and to the bank.  Got the girls group annual ad book stuff put together, emailed and snail mailed to the powers that needed it.  I didn't get our usual boosters but there are only so many hours in a day and days in a weekend.  OH yeah - and I shopped, prepped and kept organized a luncheon for 50 brothers - with two shifts of helpers!

Not to mention, grocery shopping for the day to day stuff, an interview on Tuesday and making sure the dog has what she needs - including a trip to the vet-surgeon, picking up drugs for her, Bubba, calling and nagging my doctor to get my prescription refiled so I can stop having my own personal summers when it's least convenient.

Someone send me a spa day -- well I did get a massage Wednesday night.  I need another one - for about 6 days. 

Up side, job decision was made, told the gov boss today, and things are in motion.  So that's settled.  Now I have to tell the team - next week.  

Now it's just a matter of, coordinating my office mate's retirement party, submitting our checks for the various things we've got on the calendar - including a dinner and wine tasting, a Ladies Group Luncheon where I just found out I am escorting someone and must dress formally... then that whole sprint to the state convention in early March - where I am the adult advisor to the kid who is running the whole show this year.  Oh and to add to the fun -- her father is a flaming a-hole and will be a complete joy to work with... NOT.

I have an hour to kill at work.  I'm going to clean off my desk - and fight the urge not to crawl under it and suck my thumb.