Take this job and...

My stomach has felt like a blender this week and somebody keeps pushing the "pulverize" button, dammit! Nasty stomach bug! Go away!
Moving along... otherwise, it has been a good week. I've been home long enough to catch my breath from our recent travels to Rome and the beach. Both were good trips. If you're lucky, I may post some pics.
But the best part of this week is work! I am almost. done. forever!
"No more homework, no more books! No more teacher's dirty looks!" (did you ever sing that little rhyme?)
I run a program at an elementary school and my last day with kids was Tuesday. And other than to finish up some reports and data collection, I am done and I'm not going back! Technically, I don't have a job to go back to. My program was grant funded and with the lovely state of education finance right now, I don't see them discovering any pot of unused money anytime soon.
And then, boys and girls, I get to stay home. Whoo-hoo! Ok, maybe I'm not quite cut out for domestic bliss either, but I'll keep you posted.

Driving the Speed Limit

Normally I wouldn't consider going 35 to be speeding, unless of course, you're in a construction zone, but when your age is the same as the in-town speed limit, it's puts a new perspective on things. Yes, it's my birthday!

I've always tried to appreciate everything I had and be grateful for the moment. The exception would be the 5 years I lived out of state. There was nothing I wanted more than to get back to good ole' SC and put down some roots. But being married to a Navy boy and subsequently a college boy, made that difficult. Eventually we made our way back to the South and I'm not going anywhere anytime soon...

In my 35 years I feel like I've been through a lot and been able to experience a lot. I only have 1 regret and that was something I did NOT do, rather than something I did.

Life is good these days. As you probably know, we have been in our dream house for almost a year. At times it seemed like that day would never come, but here we are. On many occasions I look around and think how blessed I am to have this.

And while Savannah knows how to test my patience like no other, she is healthy and smart and has a big future ahead of her. If I could just get her to listen to me....

Steve is gone more lately than he is home, but his world travels pay for our home and will allow me to not go back to work next year. I'm looking forward to that! It's also nice to be able to join him occasionally, like I will soon in Rome! He drives me nuts, sometimes, too, but we're still together after almost 13 years.

We have our health and that's something many of our friends and family don't have. Oh some days, we moan and groan like a bunch of old people, but it's nothing compared to the battles some people are facing like multiple bouts of cancer.

So, for now I'm happy to be "driving" the speed limit. Just wish I could do it in a convertible....

letter to Savannah

So I'm still trying to get along with my dearest daughter, Savannah. (see previous post "Terrible 4's?" before you offer any advice). I was blog surfing and came across this and thought I'd take the opportunity to play along...

Dear Savannah,
I know once upon a time before you were born, I wished for you independence and the ability to stand on your own. Little did I know your Independence would be from me and all your love and affection poured on your daddy (or "dada" as you've reverted to calling him lately).
I know you love him and I'm glad you have that special relationship with him, but could you be a little nicer to your dear, old mom?
It nearly broke my heart the other day. I had been out of town for 4 days, something I hardly do but your daddy does on a weekly basis. I walked into the room, hoping for a hug. Nope. All I got was a wrinkled nose and you pushing me away. Then turned and threw your arms around your daddy and said, "my dada."
I've been told for about 2 years now that this is a stage and it will pass. When? When she's 25? I really try to be patient and not take it personal, but it hurts. So could you please be nice to me more than when I drop you off at school? That's the nicest hug and kiss I get all day.
And I'd really like to be on your good side before you turn 13.
I love you,
Mama

Snowtorius!

(I stole that from a friend on facebook!)
I am eating my words because we got snow! Yes, usually us Southerners don't quite know what to do with ourselves when we get this much snow (about 6 inches here) but we played and built snowmen and sledded and all that good stuff!
It started yesterday around 3:00 and quit sometime during the night. We got out around 8:00 this morning and took some pics of the fresh snow.

Beautiful, isn't it? My dad found an OLD sled (wooden with metal rails) and we drug that behind the golf cart and 4-wheeler. What else do you expect a couple of rednecks to do when it snows?!

Savannah had a blast! After about 45 minutes though, she was done!

So pretty in the trees!

And now, almost 24 hours later, the snow is 90% gone! Yep, that what some sun and 45 degree weather will do for it. And we're glad! It's nice to see it come and nicer to see it go.

Now, who's ready for summer?

Terrible 4's?

I'm sitting here on the couch catching up on my soap and enjoying the peace! Steve and Savannah have gone to run errands and it's calling for snow here, so they are probably out getting milk and bread, too! That's a joke. But I'm sure many other Southerners are stocking up on the basics today. Seriously, the forecast is for 1-3 inches of snow in the area. My thoughts? I'll believe it when I see it.
Moving on....The reason I started this blog to begin with was to vent without everyone I know thinking I'm nuts. (disclaimer* If you know me in real life, please don't hold this against me. You know I am sane...for the most part...) But Savannah is killing me lately! And if I mention what a booger she is all people want to say is, "you just wait another 10 years..." And to that I say, "God help me! If we get that far!"
I nag her to do everything. I try to be patient and calm but then she pushes my buttons and I want to scream! And sometimes I really try to be patient and not let he get to me, but then she kicks me for no reason at all or says things like, "I don't like you. I only like my daddy." GRRRR! Like yesterday was their Valentine's party at school. There was a little beaded heart necklace in her goody bag I suspected the kids made for their moms. So like a dumbass, I ask her, "what's this? Who is this for?" She snatched it away, looked at me and said, "It's for dada."
A typical scenario is we're going somewhere and Savannah asks, "is mama going? I don't want her to go." She is so hateful to me!!!
I've tried to talk to her when things aren't so heated and explain that I need her to help me when it's time to get ready and it's better when she listens. And on the occasions she is nice and I don't have to tell her 10 times to do something, I try to praise her. I do know she's only 4, but on the other hand, she's 4! not 2!
Can anyone sympathize?
Changing the subject, I am looking forward to the rest of the weekend. Several of us couples are going to dinner Saturday night at one of my favorite restaurants. And no kids!