Well, I survived the month of February.
I'm actually super proud of myself. Now, I just have to press on through March and most of April, and all this madness will be over. At least for a year or so. :)
I'm thinking it's going to be very hard now to not get too excited about Kent's homecoming. Now that we're past the halfway mark, it feels like the days are going to just fly by, but I'm not so sure that they will....
Plus, tomorrow we have our last Family Readiness Group (FRG) meeting, and I know that all we will be talking about is redeployment, and it will be hard to keep reminding myself that we still have a ways to go in this deployment. I'm afraid I'll get too excited now, and then it will make the time pass slower. hmm...oh well.
For now, I'll just try to focus on work, and finishing the majority of my training that's due in July before he gets home. That way I can focus more on our relationship while he's home, and not constantly obsessing over my training.
Speaking of work, it was so good to be back in my normal center, with ladies who may not ALWAYS the most understanding (see earlier posts for references), will at least make the effort to talk to me and include me in conversations. I was even coerced into purchasing some cookie dough from one of my coworkers. haha. It didn't take much to talk me into that one!
Tomorrow I won't be able to sleep-in as much as I did today, because I have to go turn in the rent check before my meeting, and THEN go to work, but sleeping in until 10 this morning was completely well-deserved after my crazy weekend.
Ok, off to bed.
Much love to all!
-Jessica
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Day 49: Apparently I'm a hobo
SO picture this:
Me, squatting in my diriveway, hunched over a plastic grocery bag, picking whole Claussen pickles out of a broken jar, checking each of them for shards of broken glass, and placing them into another Claussen jar, in the daytime, while it's sprinkling, and tears running down my face.
Yes. This was my afternoon. And yes, some of my neighbors witnessed this hobo-like behavior.
But, before I tell you why this occured, let's first rewind to the beginning of my day.
I was finally able to get myself out of bed on a Sunday morning, and I went to early service at Grace Lutheran. It was a really good experience, and I'm starting to get more used to the formality of their services. After church, I got home only to discover that my crawl space door was open again. When my parents were here in January, my dad had noticed it was open, and closed it for me, and who knows how long it was open again, but I closed it. Unfortunately, the lock wouldn't work, so instead, I stacked 3 big concrete bricks in front of the door, so that it would stay closed. I'll check on it tomorrow to see if it's still closed, because I'm super paranoid about it.
The reason I went to early service, was so that I could home in time to get on Skype to talk to my hubby. We had our morning conversation, and then I had to decide what to do today. I really needed groceries, so that was my first thing on my to-do list. So, I was off to the commissary. After about an hour of perusing through each aisle, and carefully selecting the perfect jar of whole Claussen pickles, I returned home to discover that a piece of my roof, on the side of my house, is hanging by just a couple of screws, and that's what has been causing the loud banging noise that's been terrifying me for the last couple of nights. It apparently happened during the super bad storm we had a couple of nights ago, and we're supposed to have another awful storm in about 6 hours, so hopefully, it doesn't get ripped off completely over night. I called my landlord, and he said he would have someone come out in the morning to fix it. Although, I'm a little worried that if they try to do it in the morning, it'll still be storming, so we'll see.
Then, the catastrophe of today occurred. I picked up the first grocery bag out of the back of my car, and it slipped out of my hand, smashing into the pavement, and breaking my jar of Claussen's into 100 little pieces. I cried. Yes. I cried over pickles. Those of you who know me well, are probably not that shocked by this reaction, but to those of you who don't, I have an obsession. My favorite food in the entire world is pickles. Dill pickles. I could literally eat them all day, every day. Especially if they are placed on a nice salty potato chip. Uh, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. But, if pickles were to be placed in a hierarchy, Claussen's would definitely be at the top of the pyramid. So, losing an entire jar was quite a blow for me. Plus, they're EXPENSIVE. Needless to say, I wasn't going to just throw them ALL away. So, I finished taking in my groceries, and grabbed the Claussen jar that was still in my refrigerator, which no longer had any pickles in it, just the juice. (Please don't judge me too much!)
I quickly returned to the driveway, and proceeded to salvage what I could of my new jar. It was quite pathetic if I do say so myself. Oh well. Who am I trying to impress?
So, then it was time for some laundry, and watching some of my recorded shows off the DVR.
And now I'm watching the Oscars.
That was my Sunday.
Here's to another week of madness!
-Jessica
Me, squatting in my diriveway, hunched over a plastic grocery bag, picking whole Claussen pickles out of a broken jar, checking each of them for shards of broken glass, and placing them into another Claussen jar, in the daytime, while it's sprinkling, and tears running down my face.
Yes. This was my afternoon. And yes, some of my neighbors witnessed this hobo-like behavior.
But, before I tell you why this occured, let's first rewind to the beginning of my day.
I was finally able to get myself out of bed on a Sunday morning, and I went to early service at Grace Lutheran. It was a really good experience, and I'm starting to get more used to the formality of their services. After church, I got home only to discover that my crawl space door was open again. When my parents were here in January, my dad had noticed it was open, and closed it for me, and who knows how long it was open again, but I closed it. Unfortunately, the lock wouldn't work, so instead, I stacked 3 big concrete bricks in front of the door, so that it would stay closed. I'll check on it tomorrow to see if it's still closed, because I'm super paranoid about it.
The reason I went to early service, was so that I could home in time to get on Skype to talk to my hubby. We had our morning conversation, and then I had to decide what to do today. I really needed groceries, so that was my first thing on my to-do list. So, I was off to the commissary. After about an hour of perusing through each aisle, and carefully selecting the perfect jar of whole Claussen pickles, I returned home to discover that a piece of my roof, on the side of my house, is hanging by just a couple of screws, and that's what has been causing the loud banging noise that's been terrifying me for the last couple of nights. It apparently happened during the super bad storm we had a couple of nights ago, and we're supposed to have another awful storm in about 6 hours, so hopefully, it doesn't get ripped off completely over night. I called my landlord, and he said he would have someone come out in the morning to fix it. Although, I'm a little worried that if they try to do it in the morning, it'll still be storming, so we'll see.
Then, the catastrophe of today occurred. I picked up the first grocery bag out of the back of my car, and it slipped out of my hand, smashing into the pavement, and breaking my jar of Claussen's into 100 little pieces. I cried. Yes. I cried over pickles. Those of you who know me well, are probably not that shocked by this reaction, but to those of you who don't, I have an obsession. My favorite food in the entire world is pickles. Dill pickles. I could literally eat them all day, every day. Especially if they are placed on a nice salty potato chip. Uh, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. But, if pickles were to be placed in a hierarchy, Claussen's would definitely be at the top of the pyramid. So, losing an entire jar was quite a blow for me. Plus, they're EXPENSIVE. Needless to say, I wasn't going to just throw them ALL away. So, I finished taking in my groceries, and grabbed the Claussen jar that was still in my refrigerator, which no longer had any pickles in it, just the juice. (Please don't judge me too much!)
I quickly returned to the driveway, and proceeded to salvage what I could of my new jar. It was quite pathetic if I do say so myself. Oh well. Who am I trying to impress?
So, then it was time for some laundry, and watching some of my recorded shows off the DVR.
And now I'm watching the Oscars.
That was my Sunday.
Here's to another week of madness!
-Jessica
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Day 48: Is this high school?
So, today was....I have no words.
Thankfully, my hubby is amazing, and he called USAA and got it all straightened out last night. I LOOOOOOVE HIM!!!
So, this morning before I went to work, I was able to deposit the check, and all is well in the money world again! SUCCESS!
So, then it was off to Super Saturday. I was in one of the infant rooms, which was good, because I was a little worried about being put in a toddler room where I would feel more out of my element, and the babies that we had were fairly well-behaved and happy babies, so that was good. But, the girls that were that room with me. Ridiculous. I haven't seen a clique-y group like that since...the last time I watched Mean Girls. I literally could not believe how nasty they were to me all day. They acted like they didn't want anything to do with me, and basically pretended that I wasn't there. I think it's because we were at the center that they work at on a regular basis, PLUS, we were in the their regular room, so I think they were feeling very territorial. It was ridiculous. I was getting scolded left and right, because "that's not the way we do things here.", and I was apparently the dumbest person in there, because every time a question was asked, nobody listened to the answer that I offered. I was so confused all day. Also, none of them asked me anything. No normal questions such as, "Where are you from originally?, How long have you been at Ft. Campbell?, Which center do you usually work at?, or What's your name??" None. Apparently I was so uninteresting, that nothing that I had to say was of any great importance to any of them. Unbelievable.
AND another thing! Two of them weren't even wearing name tags. GRRRR. When I went through orientation, I was told by the lead trainer, that if anyone is working in the center, and they don't have a name tag on, that it is viewed as a LIFE THREATENING CHILD ABUSE INCIDENT. Basically, if an inspector had walked in, they could have gotten fired, and the rest of us probably could have been written up for not reporting it.
Oh, and one more thing. They just got video cameras put into the center, and the girls spent all day complaining about the fact that their bosses could see them texting and not doing their job now. BOO HOO!
Needless to say these ladies will be reported come Monday morning. (by me, obviously)
And yes, I'm a snitch. I'm a tattle-tale. Whatever. They should have treated me with some respect.
Anyway, it was a rough day, and I was so relieved to be able to Skype with my baby tonight. Great ending to an ugly ugly day.
Ok, bedtime.
Much love to all of my lovely friends that I miss so deeply today!
-Jessica
Thankfully, my hubby is amazing, and he called USAA and got it all straightened out last night. I LOOOOOOVE HIM!!!
So, this morning before I went to work, I was able to deposit the check, and all is well in the money world again! SUCCESS!
So, then it was off to Super Saturday. I was in one of the infant rooms, which was good, because I was a little worried about being put in a toddler room where I would feel more out of my element, and the babies that we had were fairly well-behaved and happy babies, so that was good. But, the girls that were that room with me. Ridiculous. I haven't seen a clique-y group like that since...the last time I watched Mean Girls. I literally could not believe how nasty they were to me all day. They acted like they didn't want anything to do with me, and basically pretended that I wasn't there. I think it's because we were at the center that they work at on a regular basis, PLUS, we were in the their regular room, so I think they were feeling very territorial. It was ridiculous. I was getting scolded left and right, because "that's not the way we do things here.", and I was apparently the dumbest person in there, because every time a question was asked, nobody listened to the answer that I offered. I was so confused all day. Also, none of them asked me anything. No normal questions such as, "Where are you from originally?, How long have you been at Ft. Campbell?, Which center do you usually work at?, or What's your name??" None. Apparently I was so uninteresting, that nothing that I had to say was of any great importance to any of them. Unbelievable.
AND another thing! Two of them weren't even wearing name tags. GRRRR. When I went through orientation, I was told by the lead trainer, that if anyone is working in the center, and they don't have a name tag on, that it is viewed as a LIFE THREATENING CHILD ABUSE INCIDENT. Basically, if an inspector had walked in, they could have gotten fired, and the rest of us probably could have been written up for not reporting it.
Oh, and one more thing. They just got video cameras put into the center, and the girls spent all day complaining about the fact that their bosses could see them texting and not doing their job now. BOO HOO!
Needless to say these ladies will be reported come Monday morning. (by me, obviously)
And yes, I'm a snitch. I'm a tattle-tale. Whatever. They should have treated me with some respect.
Anyway, it was a rough day, and I was so relieved to be able to Skype with my baby tonight. Great ending to an ugly ugly day.
Ok, bedtime.
Much love to all of my lovely friends that I miss so deeply today!
-Jessica
Friday, February 25, 2011
Day 47: USAA blunders
Well, today was interesting. I'm so glad that this week is over, but I'm kind of dreading tomorrow. This Super Saturday thing is great for the spouses of deployed soldiers, but it kind of sucks for those of us who have to work. I have to be there at 8:30, and I'm not really that tired right now... so I don't know if sleep is going to come that easy tonight.
But, today was better than yesterday, for sure. I already feel a little bit more comfortable in the rooms. I've gotten a little better at diapers, at getting children to sleep, at knowing when to pick them up, and when not to, etc.
Also, I found out this week that we're getting t-shirts for the "Month of the Military Child" or MOMC, and for the staff, they're free! I love free shirts. For some reason, now matter what the shirt looks like, if it free, then it's fantastic!! haha
But, anyway, I got home from work, and wrote up a check to put into our USAA account from our Bank of America account, to pay for Kent's car loan on the 1st, and it was a total mess. First, I couldn't answer one of his security questions, so I got locked out of his account. So, I called the toll free number, and asked them to unlock it, and he said that he couldn't unlock the account, because it was under Kent's name, and apparently I'm not authorized to unlock his account. So they had me set up my own screen name for our account, so I could log on as myself and take care of it. After about 20-25 minutes on the phone, I finally logged in as myself, said thank you, and hung up. Then I went to the deposit function, and as it turns out, my account is not authorized to make deposits. I'm assuming that this is because I'm not the main account holder, but really??? Really??? I had even told the guy on the phone that I was wanting to make a deposit using my scanner. Couldn't he have told me on the phone that I wouldn't be able to do that under my screen name!?!? He's the one that set it up!!!
I was beyond angry. I couldn't believe the run-around that I was getting. I would assume that the bank that was made for the Armed Forces, would understand that my husband is in Afghanistan, and that for the time being, I'm in control of the finances. I AM Kent for the next two months. Whatever. Frustrating.
Thankfully, my husband is amazing, and he is currently on the phone with USAA, as far as I know at least. He said that he would call me back later to let me know the status of the situation. Hopefully all of this nonsense will be worked out. I didn't know that depositing a check each month would be so difficult.
grrr
So, as a result of all of this bank ridiculousness, I was unable to attend the Going Away Party for one of the girls at work. I was so excited too. It was at the Chinese buffet, and I was so honored to be invited to a work function. Thankfully, I didn't tell anyone that I was for sure going. But, since I was already craving Chinese food, I decided to order some carry-out from the Chinese restaurant up the street from our neighborhood. What a fantastic decision!!!! It was SOO good! Although, I definitely ordered way too much food. I feel super gross now, but now I have some delicious leftover Chinese to stuff my face with tomorrow night when I get home from a long day of work. YAY!
Okay, well I'm gonna watch some tv until I fall asleep.
-Jessica
But, today was better than yesterday, for sure. I already feel a little bit more comfortable in the rooms. I've gotten a little better at diapers, at getting children to sleep, at knowing when to pick them up, and when not to, etc.
Also, I found out this week that we're getting t-shirts for the "Month of the Military Child" or MOMC, and for the staff, they're free! I love free shirts. For some reason, now matter what the shirt looks like, if it free, then it's fantastic!! haha
But, anyway, I got home from work, and wrote up a check to put into our USAA account from our Bank of America account, to pay for Kent's car loan on the 1st, and it was a total mess. First, I couldn't answer one of his security questions, so I got locked out of his account. So, I called the toll free number, and asked them to unlock it, and he said that he couldn't unlock the account, because it was under Kent's name, and apparently I'm not authorized to unlock his account. So they had me set up my own screen name for our account, so I could log on as myself and take care of it. After about 20-25 minutes on the phone, I finally logged in as myself, said thank you, and hung up. Then I went to the deposit function, and as it turns out, my account is not authorized to make deposits. I'm assuming that this is because I'm not the main account holder, but really??? Really??? I had even told the guy on the phone that I was wanting to make a deposit using my scanner. Couldn't he have told me on the phone that I wouldn't be able to do that under my screen name!?!? He's the one that set it up!!!
I was beyond angry. I couldn't believe the run-around that I was getting. I would assume that the bank that was made for the Armed Forces, would understand that my husband is in Afghanistan, and that for the time being, I'm in control of the finances. I AM Kent for the next two months. Whatever. Frustrating.
Thankfully, my husband is amazing, and he is currently on the phone with USAA, as far as I know at least. He said that he would call me back later to let me know the status of the situation. Hopefully all of this nonsense will be worked out. I didn't know that depositing a check each month would be so difficult.
grrr
So, as a result of all of this bank ridiculousness, I was unable to attend the Going Away Party for one of the girls at work. I was so excited too. It was at the Chinese buffet, and I was so honored to be invited to a work function. Thankfully, I didn't tell anyone that I was for sure going. But, since I was already craving Chinese food, I decided to order some carry-out from the Chinese restaurant up the street from our neighborhood. What a fantastic decision!!!! It was SOO good! Although, I definitely ordered way too much food. I feel super gross now, but now I have some delicious leftover Chinese to stuff my face with tomorrow night when I get home from a long day of work. YAY!
Okay, well I'm gonna watch some tv until I fall asleep.
-Jessica
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Day 46: Don't pick on the new kid...
So, today I really felt like the new kid at school while I was at work.
I felt like the other workers just assumed that I knew everything already, and when it turned out that I didn't know exactly where a form was located, or what to do with the end-of-the-day paperwork, I was instantly judged as just being plain stupid. It was so frustrating. Yes, I understand that I'm brand new and that I don't know how everything is done yet, but don't make me feel stupid. Please understand that not only am I new, but I've NEVER worked in a daycare as a caregiver. Yesterday, when I changed my first diaper to be approved, that was the first diaper I had changed since I was 15 years old. I don't really know how to give a baby a bottle, or rock a baby to sleep in the rocker, or do much of anything. But, I'm not an idiot. I'm actually a very fast learner, if I could only find someone who would be willing to teach me.
GRRR
Whatever.
Besides being treated like an eight year-old at work, today was alright.
Currently, we are now towards the back-end of a terrible thunderstorm, so there's lots of thunder and lightning, which is upsetting, because my lights keep flickering...eek
But at about 9pm, it was terrifying! That's when the worst part of the storm came through town, and there was a tornado warning, flash flood warning, and sightings of hail and tornadoes nearby. So, as soon as my satellite cut out, and I heard the tornado sirens in town, I grabbed a bottle of water, my cell phone, a big blanket, and my laptop and headed to the hall bathroom, which is the only room in my house without a window. Once I got there, I freaked out because I didn't know where Peaches was, and I didn't want a tornado to hit without knowing where my Peaches was! So, I sat there, calling her name over and over again, until finally she came cautiously walking into the bathroom to join me. I sat there for a couple of minutes, staring at weather.com, and finally decided to call my mom, because I was so freaked out. Thankfully, my mom is a very understanding lady, and talked to me until the worst part was past, and I am very grateful for that! Before I called her, I was sitting there imagining the worst possible outcome!!
So anyway, then I got to talk to Kentworth, and complain to him about being treated badly at work, so it was good to rant a little bit. I can't wait for him to be home so I can complain as soon as I get home, instead of having to wait until 9:30 for our skype date. :P
Anyway, I'm very thankful that my house is still standing, and that Peaches and I are still safe and sound.
But, that's all for tonight.
I'm going to try and go to sleep, but I'm not sure if it's really going to work, with all of this thunder and lightning....
Much love to all!
-Jessica
I felt like the other workers just assumed that I knew everything already, and when it turned out that I didn't know exactly where a form was located, or what to do with the end-of-the-day paperwork, I was instantly judged as just being plain stupid. It was so frustrating. Yes, I understand that I'm brand new and that I don't know how everything is done yet, but don't make me feel stupid. Please understand that not only am I new, but I've NEVER worked in a daycare as a caregiver. Yesterday, when I changed my first diaper to be approved, that was the first diaper I had changed since I was 15 years old. I don't really know how to give a baby a bottle, or rock a baby to sleep in the rocker, or do much of anything. But, I'm not an idiot. I'm actually a very fast learner, if I could only find someone who would be willing to teach me.
GRRR
Whatever.
Besides being treated like an eight year-old at work, today was alright.
Currently, we are now towards the back-end of a terrible thunderstorm, so there's lots of thunder and lightning, which is upsetting, because my lights keep flickering...eek
But at about 9pm, it was terrifying! That's when the worst part of the storm came through town, and there was a tornado warning, flash flood warning, and sightings of hail and tornadoes nearby. So, as soon as my satellite cut out, and I heard the tornado sirens in town, I grabbed a bottle of water, my cell phone, a big blanket, and my laptop and headed to the hall bathroom, which is the only room in my house without a window. Once I got there, I freaked out because I didn't know where Peaches was, and I didn't want a tornado to hit without knowing where my Peaches was! So, I sat there, calling her name over and over again, until finally she came cautiously walking into the bathroom to join me. I sat there for a couple of minutes, staring at weather.com, and finally decided to call my mom, because I was so freaked out. Thankfully, my mom is a very understanding lady, and talked to me until the worst part was past, and I am very grateful for that! Before I called her, I was sitting there imagining the worst possible outcome!!
So anyway, then I got to talk to Kentworth, and complain to him about being treated badly at work, so it was good to rant a little bit. I can't wait for him to be home so I can complain as soon as I get home, instead of having to wait until 9:30 for our skype date. :P
Anyway, I'm very thankful that my house is still standing, and that Peaches and I are still safe and sound.
But, that's all for tonight.
I'm going to try and go to sleep, but I'm not sure if it's really going to work, with all of this thunder and lightning....
Much love to all!
-Jessica
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Day 45: Diapers and Naptime! OOoo what joy!
Well, folks, it's official. I'm now approved to change diapers at work!!
Isn't that just spectacular!? lol
Even though I know that it's going to end up being gross and something that I hate, it also feels good to pull my own weight in the room. Lately, I've been feeling like I'm a burden to the other caregivers, because I can't be left alone with the children until my background check goes through, and until today, I wasn't allowed to change diapers, because I hadn't been observed doing it yet. So, now I feel like I'm not completely useless.
Today was a pretty good day, although we had many a moment of 3 or more children screaming their heads off for no reason.
Also, I was finally able to put one of the pre-toddlers to sleep on a cot. Lately I've been having problems discovering the secret to the back rub technique, and today I was finally successful! It felt really good to know that I was the sole person responsible for that child's nap! lol. I sound silly, but these are apparently the things that excite me now: diapers and naps... wow.
Each day, I get more and more excited about Kent's homecoming. I've even started debating about which outfit I want to wear, whether or not I want to have a friend come down and take pictures for me ( I really want the classic homecoming hug picture!), etc, etc.
I have to constantly remind myself that I still have the rest of February, all of March, and most of April before he's home, and that I shouldn't be too excited, but it's hard not to...
Anyway, I'm pretty sure that I have work the next two days, and then I have the honor of working my first super saturday this saturday from 9-5, which should be an experience, to say the least.
lol
Anywho! Bed is calling me, so that's all for tonight, I think.
Much love to all!
-Jessica
Isn't that just spectacular!? lol
Even though I know that it's going to end up being gross and something that I hate, it also feels good to pull my own weight in the room. Lately, I've been feeling like I'm a burden to the other caregivers, because I can't be left alone with the children until my background check goes through, and until today, I wasn't allowed to change diapers, because I hadn't been observed doing it yet. So, now I feel like I'm not completely useless.
Today was a pretty good day, although we had many a moment of 3 or more children screaming their heads off for no reason.
Also, I was finally able to put one of the pre-toddlers to sleep on a cot. Lately I've been having problems discovering the secret to the back rub technique, and today I was finally successful! It felt really good to know that I was the sole person responsible for that child's nap! lol. I sound silly, but these are apparently the things that excite me now: diapers and naps... wow.
Each day, I get more and more excited about Kent's homecoming. I've even started debating about which outfit I want to wear, whether or not I want to have a friend come down and take pictures for me ( I really want the classic homecoming hug picture!), etc, etc.
I have to constantly remind myself that I still have the rest of February, all of March, and most of April before he's home, and that I shouldn't be too excited, but it's hard not to...
Anyway, I'm pretty sure that I have work the next two days, and then I have the honor of working my first super saturday this saturday from 9-5, which should be an experience, to say the least.
lol
Anywho! Bed is calling me, so that's all for tonight, I think.
Much love to all!
-Jessica
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Day 44: Back in the groove?
Today was so much better than this weekend. I actually have things to blog about! Get Excited!!
So, this morning, I got up to take my shower, and was in the process of getting into my shower, when I noticed a big black spider at the corner of my tub that was about the size of a quarter. Needless to say, I FREAKED out!!! I'm one of those people who completely overreacts about spiders.So, I screamed bloody murder, grabbed a flip flop, and stared at the spider, with flip flop in hand, for about 5 minutes, contemplating on how to kill said spider. My solution was as follows:
Step 1: Pull shower curtain out of the tub, for ample attack area
Step 2: Turn on water.
Step 3: Stare at spider and try to decide what to do next.
Step 4: Splash spider with water, using flip flop as splasher.
Step 5: Wait for spider to get sucked into the main body of water in the tub
Step 6: Hope that spider drowns.
Step 7: Realize water is not working, and resort to using flip flop to smash the spider.
Step 8: Scream
Step 9: Turn off water, pick spider up with toilet paper.
Step 10: Flush spider down the toilet.
Yes. That is how I kill spiders.
So, anyway, after all of that unnecessary drama, I took a nice hot shower, and then made myself a salad with baby spinach, turkey, and some shredded cheese. Yum Yum. Then, I got to talk to Kent for a little bit before heading off to work at 12:30. Our conversation wasn't as long as it usually is, because he was online about an hour and a half later than usual, because of a problem that one of his guys is having with some online college classes.
Then, it was off to the infant room! It was so good to be back in the room with the kiddos again! They just never cease to crack me up. Apparently, though I need some work on my naptime skills. It feels like I'm the only one who doesn't know how to put the kids to sleep. I rub their backs, and pat their backs, but I guess I just don't know the foolproof tricks yet. It's a little frustrating.
Whatever.
Also, I learned today that you're not allowed to call them "kids", because apparently it's politically incorrect. I guess since baby goats are called "kids", that it's supposed to be a negative term for the children. Anyway, I was told that if there's an inspector in the room, that I'm either supposed to call them by their names, DUH, or call them "children" or "friends". I think it's just silly.
So, today was much better. I love having stories, even if they're not the most interesting! :P
I'm so happy to be among other people again!
Here's hoping that tomorrow's even better!
much love!!!
-Jessica
So, this morning, I got up to take my shower, and was in the process of getting into my shower, when I noticed a big black spider at the corner of my tub that was about the size of a quarter. Needless to say, I FREAKED out!!! I'm one of those people who completely overreacts about spiders.So, I screamed bloody murder, grabbed a flip flop, and stared at the spider, with flip flop in hand, for about 5 minutes, contemplating on how to kill said spider. My solution was as follows:
Step 1: Pull shower curtain out of the tub, for ample attack area
Step 2: Turn on water.
Step 3: Stare at spider and try to decide what to do next.
Step 4: Splash spider with water, using flip flop as splasher.
Step 5: Wait for spider to get sucked into the main body of water in the tub
Step 6: Hope that spider drowns.
Step 7: Realize water is not working, and resort to using flip flop to smash the spider.
Step 8: Scream
Step 9: Turn off water, pick spider up with toilet paper.
Step 10: Flush spider down the toilet.
Yes. That is how I kill spiders.
So, anyway, after all of that unnecessary drama, I took a nice hot shower, and then made myself a salad with baby spinach, turkey, and some shredded cheese. Yum Yum. Then, I got to talk to Kent for a little bit before heading off to work at 12:30. Our conversation wasn't as long as it usually is, because he was online about an hour and a half later than usual, because of a problem that one of his guys is having with some online college classes.
Then, it was off to the infant room! It was so good to be back in the room with the kiddos again! They just never cease to crack me up. Apparently, though I need some work on my naptime skills. It feels like I'm the only one who doesn't know how to put the kids to sleep. I rub their backs, and pat their backs, but I guess I just don't know the foolproof tricks yet. It's a little frustrating.
Whatever.
Also, I learned today that you're not allowed to call them "kids", because apparently it's politically incorrect. I guess since baby goats are called "kids", that it's supposed to be a negative term for the children. Anyway, I was told that if there's an inspector in the room, that I'm either supposed to call them by their names, DUH, or call them "children" or "friends". I think it's just silly.
So, today was much better. I love having stories, even if they're not the most interesting! :P
I'm so happy to be among other people again!
Here's hoping that tomorrow's even better!
much love!!!
-Jessica
Monday, February 21, 2011
Day 43: Meh
Today was just meh...
It had good moments, like getting to talk to my man twice (and both times, we went over the allotted 30 minutes, because nobody was waiting!!), watching Bucket List and bawling my eyes out, and being able to sleep in for the 3rd day in a row. But it was just meh. Not a lot of super interesting things.
It also rained today, a lot. So, that didn't really help with my meh feelings. It was just a boring, rainy, gloomy day. I'm just ready to do something. I really hope that I'm working tomorrow at noon. I think getting out of this house, and getting around other people again, will help get me out of this funk that I've been in for 3 days.
I can't wait to see my little kiddos again!
Also, can't wait for a new Glee and new Teen Mom 2 tomorrow night.
Tuesdays are good days, usually.
Ok, I got nothing else. I'm gonna go try and get out of this funk that I'm in. Maybe I'll color or something.
Love to all!
-Jessica
It had good moments, like getting to talk to my man twice (and both times, we went over the allotted 30 minutes, because nobody was waiting!!), watching Bucket List and bawling my eyes out, and being able to sleep in for the 3rd day in a row. But it was just meh. Not a lot of super interesting things.
It also rained today, a lot. So, that didn't really help with my meh feelings. It was just a boring, rainy, gloomy day. I'm just ready to do something. I really hope that I'm working tomorrow at noon. I think getting out of this house, and getting around other people again, will help get me out of this funk that I've been in for 3 days.
I can't wait to see my little kiddos again!
Also, can't wait for a new Glee and new Teen Mom 2 tomorrow night.
Tuesdays are good days, usually.
Ok, I got nothing else. I'm gonna go try and get out of this funk that I'm in. Maybe I'll color or something.
Love to all!
-Jessica
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Day 42: A Day Full Of Nothing
Well, today I didn't really do much of anything.
Woke up about 9, and talked with Kent on Skype. Then basically sat in bed all day, watching tv, and playing games online. I'm newly obsessed with www.pogo.com, where I can play scrabble, mahjong, and many other great games. Today I played like 3 games of Monopoly online, and lost every single one of them. It was depressing...
So, basically my post isn't really all that fascinating today.
Although, I'm a little afraid that there might be something living in my crawl space, or like in my duct work. I heard some strange noises tonight, and when I went into the living room, I heard some scratching noises coming from the big wall vent. I immediately starting calling for Peaches, to see if she came from the direction of the noise, but she sleepily came walking out from underneath the bed, so I don't know if it was some noise that I was imagining or what, but it really freaked me out.
Anyway, I guess that was my piece of info for today.
I can't believe I have a third day off tomorrow. I really have no idea what I'm going to do with myself. I guess it'll be more pogo.com for me! Or, I guess I could clean....but that would be lame.
Ok, that's all for tonight!
-Jessica
Woke up about 9, and talked with Kent on Skype. Then basically sat in bed all day, watching tv, and playing games online. I'm newly obsessed with www.pogo.com, where I can play scrabble, mahjong, and many other great games. Today I played like 3 games of Monopoly online, and lost every single one of them. It was depressing...
So, basically my post isn't really all that fascinating today.
Although, I'm a little afraid that there might be something living in my crawl space, or like in my duct work. I heard some strange noises tonight, and when I went into the living room, I heard some scratching noises coming from the big wall vent. I immediately starting calling for Peaches, to see if she came from the direction of the noise, but she sleepily came walking out from underneath the bed, so I don't know if it was some noise that I was imagining or what, but it really freaked me out.
Anyway, I guess that was my piece of info for today.
I can't believe I have a third day off tomorrow. I really have no idea what I'm going to do with myself. I guess it'll be more pogo.com for me! Or, I guess I could clean....but that would be lame.
Ok, that's all for tonight!
-Jessica
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Day 41: I love Saturdays
Today was good.
I woke up on my own at 9am, and stayed in bed watching tv until the hubby got online. Our morning conversation was a mixture of bad and good. Bad, because my skype cut out halfway through our conversation and I had to restart my wireless card in order to reconnect, but his mic was working finally, which was really awesome!
Then, it was off to the post office, and I mailed Kent his second package. Early this week, I was certain that I wouldn't be able to send him anymore packages, but hopefully this one gets to him before he leaves.
So, then after the post office, I went to Goodwill, and bought myself a scrub smock to wear while I'm at work. Many of the ladies wear them, and I've been wanting to get one of my own, so that I don't have to worry about my shirt getting dirty. Plus, it was only 4 dollars! yay for Goodwill!
Then came the challenge of dinner for tonight. I had a pound of ground turkey that I had no idea what to do with, but I knew I wanted to try and use my crockpot. So, I finally found a recipe online for a slow cooker taco soup, that you could use any kind of meat with. I went out to the store to get a few ingredients that I didn't have, and put al the ingredients in my crockpot, browned the meat, added that in, let it cook for 2 hours on High, and it was SOOO good. Perfect. I don't think I've had soup that good in a very long time. Also, now I have 5 different single-servings of leftovers to eat this week. If you want the recipe that I used, then here's the link: Taco Soup Recipe
When I made it, I used MILD rotel, and didn't add the can of green chiles, because I didn't want it to be too spicy. It turned out not spicy at all, so if you want the spice...go for it!
Anyway, I felt like a very accomplished cook!!
I will definitely be breaking out the crockpot more often.
This weekend is already turning out to be a good one, and I've still got two guaranteed days to rest up before it's back to work I go!
Maybe tomorrow, I'll actually clean my house up a bit....It's not looking so good.
Ok, that's all for tonight. Time to get ready for bed and watch some SNL!!
Much Love!
-Jessica
I woke up on my own at 9am, and stayed in bed watching tv until the hubby got online. Our morning conversation was a mixture of bad and good. Bad, because my skype cut out halfway through our conversation and I had to restart my wireless card in order to reconnect, but his mic was working finally, which was really awesome!
Then, it was off to the post office, and I mailed Kent his second package. Early this week, I was certain that I wouldn't be able to send him anymore packages, but hopefully this one gets to him before he leaves.
So, then after the post office, I went to Goodwill, and bought myself a scrub smock to wear while I'm at work. Many of the ladies wear them, and I've been wanting to get one of my own, so that I don't have to worry about my shirt getting dirty. Plus, it was only 4 dollars! yay for Goodwill!
Then came the challenge of dinner for tonight. I had a pound of ground turkey that I had no idea what to do with, but I knew I wanted to try and use my crockpot. So, I finally found a recipe online for a slow cooker taco soup, that you could use any kind of meat with. I went out to the store to get a few ingredients that I didn't have, and put al the ingredients in my crockpot, browned the meat, added that in, let it cook for 2 hours on High, and it was SOOO good. Perfect. I don't think I've had soup that good in a very long time. Also, now I have 5 different single-servings of leftovers to eat this week. If you want the recipe that I used, then here's the link: Taco Soup Recipe
When I made it, I used MILD rotel, and didn't add the can of green chiles, because I didn't want it to be too spicy. It turned out not spicy at all, so if you want the spice...go for it!
Anyway, I felt like a very accomplished cook!!
I will definitely be breaking out the crockpot more often.
This weekend is already turning out to be a good one, and I've still got two guaranteed days to rest up before it's back to work I go!
Maybe tomorrow, I'll actually clean my house up a bit....It's not looking so good.
Ok, that's all for tonight. Time to get ready for bed and watch some SNL!!
Much Love!
-Jessica
Friday, February 18, 2011
Day 40: 40 Days and 40 Nights
Well, it's been 40 days and 40 nights since my husband left, and I would love to say that everything is awesome, and the rainbow has appeared, but it's not awesome, and I'm 100% positive that rainbow won't be here until April.
But, it's getting there. Slowly but surely, I'm doing better. Yes, I still cry. Yes, I still can't sleep very well. Yes, I'm still completely attached to my laptop and my cellphone, waiting for communication with him. But, I'm pretty sure those things will all be true until the day he returns. But I'm okay with it now. I longer expect myself to do well everyday. I've decided that it's okay that I'm a wreck, especially at night. Deployments aren't something that is easy, or at all normal. I shouldn't be expected to just "get over it" or "get on with my life". For the next 2 months, my life is going on as well as it can. My "unhealthy obsession" with facebook has become my normal life.
Also, just because this is a short deployment, doesn't mean it's easier. Because 4 months isn't long enough to get into a new routine....
Ok, I'm not complaining, I promise. I don't mean to sound full of myself, or whiny, etc. etc.
I just wanted to let everyone know that even though I might seem like things are getting better, it's only because I have accepted my feelings, and have decided that it's okay to be a mess sometimes.
Yay for acceptance!
-Jessica
But, it's getting there. Slowly but surely, I'm doing better. Yes, I still cry. Yes, I still can't sleep very well. Yes, I'm still completely attached to my laptop and my cellphone, waiting for communication with him. But, I'm pretty sure those things will all be true until the day he returns. But I'm okay with it now. I longer expect myself to do well everyday. I've decided that it's okay that I'm a wreck, especially at night. Deployments aren't something that is easy, or at all normal. I shouldn't be expected to just "get over it" or "get on with my life". For the next 2 months, my life is going on as well as it can. My "unhealthy obsession" with facebook has become my normal life.
Also, just because this is a short deployment, doesn't mean it's easier. Because 4 months isn't long enough to get into a new routine....
Ok, I'm not complaining, I promise. I don't mean to sound full of myself, or whiny, etc. etc.
I just wanted to let everyone know that even though I might seem like things are getting better, it's only because I have accepted my feelings, and have decided that it's okay to be a mess sometimes.
Yay for acceptance!
-Jessica
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Day 39: So much better
Today was so much better than yesterday. Not to say that it was perfect, I mean I almost got into an accident (which I will admit was my fault). But compared to the last couple of days, it was much much better.
I went to orientation and learned about proper food safety, how to properly use Family-Style Dining, all about Creative Curriculum, and Baby Sign Language. After we got through the food safety stuff, the day was very entertaining. During the Creative Curriculum part, I got to paint a picture with water colors, and then relate it to how and what it teaches children, such as working well with others, and the use of their fine motor skills. Then it was time for lunch.
Then, Baby sign language, which has been one of the most fascinating courses we've had this week. I've been really looking forward to learning how to communicate better with babies who are unable to speak yet.
And after Orientation was over, and I called my boss to find out if they needed me to come in this afternoon, she told me that I was free to go home for the day. I was so ecstatic! I immediately headed to Kohl's to use my 30% off coupon that I have right now, and I spent an entire 2 hours walking around and looking at EVERYTHING. It was so relaxing. I didn't even really buy that much, I just really needed some time to walk around and not think about anything in particular. I just wanted to shop. Not necessarily buy, but shop. Now, don't get me wrong. I bought stuff. But nothing too outrageous. I got 3 shirts, a nightgown, a belt, and two boxes of Valentine's Day Ghiradelli chocolates for a dollar a box. yay!! So proud of myself.
Anyway, then I came home and made a HUGE cheeseburger on my George Foreman. Like it was too big of a burger. I completely underestimated it....lol oh well. I think it ended up being like 1/2 pound of burger. Now, I feel a little sick.
lol
THEN, Kentworth called me on skype!! He got up EXTRA early to be able to Skype with me! He's the best!! I mean he had to be up and in the FDC super early, but he got up even earlier just to walk over to the MWR and get on Skype. I'm so blessed.
The only bad thing was that his mic didn't work again. I don't know why it's not working. It's like some of the computers' mic jacks are completely broken, and any type of mic won't make a difference.
Anyway. I'm super excited for this week to be over. But, one good thing is that I'm done tomorrow at 1pm. Chances are though, I'll be going into the center after that. But that's ok. The weekend's just around the corner!!!
YAY WEEKENDS!
Okay, well I need to go watch Jersey Shore. lol.
Much love to all!
-Jessica
I went to orientation and learned about proper food safety, how to properly use Family-Style Dining, all about Creative Curriculum, and Baby Sign Language. After we got through the food safety stuff, the day was very entertaining. During the Creative Curriculum part, I got to paint a picture with water colors, and then relate it to how and what it teaches children, such as working well with others, and the use of their fine motor skills. Then it was time for lunch.
Then, Baby sign language, which has been one of the most fascinating courses we've had this week. I've been really looking forward to learning how to communicate better with babies who are unable to speak yet.
And after Orientation was over, and I called my boss to find out if they needed me to come in this afternoon, she told me that I was free to go home for the day. I was so ecstatic! I immediately headed to Kohl's to use my 30% off coupon that I have right now, and I spent an entire 2 hours walking around and looking at EVERYTHING. It was so relaxing. I didn't even really buy that much, I just really needed some time to walk around and not think about anything in particular. I just wanted to shop. Not necessarily buy, but shop. Now, don't get me wrong. I bought stuff. But nothing too outrageous. I got 3 shirts, a nightgown, a belt, and two boxes of Valentine's Day Ghiradelli chocolates for a dollar a box. yay!! So proud of myself.
Anyway, then I came home and made a HUGE cheeseburger on my George Foreman. Like it was too big of a burger. I completely underestimated it....lol oh well. I think it ended up being like 1/2 pound of burger. Now, I feel a little sick.
lol
THEN, Kentworth called me on skype!! He got up EXTRA early to be able to Skype with me! He's the best!! I mean he had to be up and in the FDC super early, but he got up even earlier just to walk over to the MWR and get on Skype. I'm so blessed.
The only bad thing was that his mic didn't work again. I don't know why it's not working. It's like some of the computers' mic jacks are completely broken, and any type of mic won't make a difference.
Anyway. I'm super excited for this week to be over. But, one good thing is that I'm done tomorrow at 1pm. Chances are though, I'll be going into the center after that. But that's ok. The weekend's just around the corner!!!
YAY WEEKENDS!
Okay, well I need to go watch Jersey Shore. lol.
Much love to all!
-Jessica
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Day 38: Am I a push-over?
Today was quite a long day.
I went to orientation from 8-10:15, and came home for lunch, and was pleasantly surprised when Kent got on facebook chat. We got to talk on there for about 15 minutes or so, and he warned me that he wouldn't be on Skype again tonight, so that I wouldn't worry like I did last night....
Then it was back to orientation where we learned about diversity in our classrooms and curriculum. We also learned how to correctly discipline and guide the children in the classroom.
wahoo!
When we were done at 3, I called my center, and asked to speak to the infant lead. I asked her if she needed me today, and she said no, that I could go home for the day. So, I happily drove across town to do some shopping before the busy shopping hours started. At about 3:45, I got a call from my center director, asking if I could go over to another center, that really needed help. I explained that I was on the other side of town, and that it would probably take about 20-30 minutes to get there depending on traffic, and she said that was okay, and that they really just needed me to run breaks for a couple of rooms. So, I drove all the way back to base, and got to the center around 4:20ish, and the director of that center seemed very confused as to why I was told to come there. But, since I was already there, they had me stay, and I ended up in the toddler room until 5:45....
I was so mad that I had to go back in. I had a nice afternoon planned....So much for that.
I'm just scared that I'm being too much of a push-over when it comes to accepting hours. I know I should be taking all the hours I can get before I'm done with training, and my hours decrease, but this week is wearing me out quick.
Thankfully, it's over halfway done.
Just two more days.
Then, the weekend. Which I guess should be exciting? But, I'm not really doing anything....
O well. I'll hang out with Peaches.
Oh! My night ended quite well! Kent called me just a little bit ago, since he couldn't talk to me on Skype, and it was get to HEAR from him, like actually HEAR the sound of his voice!!
Ok, that's enough for today. I gotta go get ready for another day as a caregiver.
-Jessica
I went to orientation from 8-10:15, and came home for lunch, and was pleasantly surprised when Kent got on facebook chat. We got to talk on there for about 15 minutes or so, and he warned me that he wouldn't be on Skype again tonight, so that I wouldn't worry like I did last night....
Then it was back to orientation where we learned about diversity in our classrooms and curriculum. We also learned how to correctly discipline and guide the children in the classroom.
wahoo!
When we were done at 3, I called my center, and asked to speak to the infant lead. I asked her if she needed me today, and she said no, that I could go home for the day. So, I happily drove across town to do some shopping before the busy shopping hours started. At about 3:45, I got a call from my center director, asking if I could go over to another center, that really needed help. I explained that I was on the other side of town, and that it would probably take about 20-30 minutes to get there depending on traffic, and she said that was okay, and that they really just needed me to run breaks for a couple of rooms. So, I drove all the way back to base, and got to the center around 4:20ish, and the director of that center seemed very confused as to why I was told to come there. But, since I was already there, they had me stay, and I ended up in the toddler room until 5:45....
I was so mad that I had to go back in. I had a nice afternoon planned....So much for that.
I'm just scared that I'm being too much of a push-over when it comes to accepting hours. I know I should be taking all the hours I can get before I'm done with training, and my hours decrease, but this week is wearing me out quick.
Thankfully, it's over halfway done.
Just two more days.
Then, the weekend. Which I guess should be exciting? But, I'm not really doing anything....
O well. I'll hang out with Peaches.
Oh! My night ended quite well! Kent called me just a little bit ago, since he couldn't talk to me on Skype, and it was get to HEAR from him, like actually HEAR the sound of his voice!!
Ok, that's enough for today. I gotta go get ready for another day as a caregiver.
-Jessica
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Day 37: Oops
Oops. I was already asleep, and then woke up to turn off lights and to close down my computer, and realized that I still needed to post for the day.
Well, today was another busy one. I was at orientation from 8-3, and when I went on my lunch, I decided to stop by the flower shop on base, to see if my flowers were there for me to pick up. Thankfully, they were, and they are absolutely beautiful. A dozen orange roses, my favorite flower, and a very sweet card along with them. And the lady working let me take a balloon for free, because of all of the hassle and confusion that we went through to get these flowers.
Then, it was back to orientation, where I felt kinda guilty walking in with a big vase full of roses, since they are only a handful of girls whose husbands are in town right now...but oh well, I was just happy to finally have them.
After orientation, it was off to the center until 5. According to the infant room lead, they really want me to stay there permanently. Hopefully it is her opinion that matters the most, because I have a feeling that if I'm not in the infant room, I'll be in the toddler room...eeeek!
Well, I'm pooped, so I'm going to let myself go to sleep for real now.
Kent's still not online, so I'm definitely going to pray long and hard tonight before I go to sleep that he's okay. I hope that it's just that he was too busy to walk over to the MWR building....but I can't help but worry. It's my job.
Much love!
-Jessica
Well, today was another busy one. I was at orientation from 8-3, and when I went on my lunch, I decided to stop by the flower shop on base, to see if my flowers were there for me to pick up. Thankfully, they were, and they are absolutely beautiful. A dozen orange roses, my favorite flower, and a very sweet card along with them. And the lady working let me take a balloon for free, because of all of the hassle and confusion that we went through to get these flowers.
Then, it was back to orientation, where I felt kinda guilty walking in with a big vase full of roses, since they are only a handful of girls whose husbands are in town right now...but oh well, I was just happy to finally have them.
After orientation, it was off to the center until 5. According to the infant room lead, they really want me to stay there permanently. Hopefully it is her opinion that matters the most, because I have a feeling that if I'm not in the infant room, I'll be in the toddler room...eeeek!
Well, I'm pooped, so I'm going to let myself go to sleep for real now.
Kent's still not online, so I'm definitely going to pray long and hard tonight before I go to sleep that he's okay. I hope that it's just that he was too busy to walk over to the MWR building....but I can't help but worry. It's my job.
Much love!
-Jessica
Monday, February 14, 2011
Day 36: Quite an ordeal
I know that many who read this blog have been waiting on pins and needles to find out how my Valentine's Day went today. Well, it had it's up's and down's. I woke up at 6:30 and took a shower, and after that, Kent called me to wish me a happy 4 year! I love him so much. Then it was off to my first day of orientation. I was expecting to be miserable, but it was actually not too bad. I made some friends, and have already begun to be the butt of jokes, as well as a giver of jokes (don't worry, I'm picking on others too! :-P)
So, at lunch time, I went home, because I had quite a long lunch, and on the way back out of the house, I found a placard in the front yard, that I'm assuming was once on my front door, saying that I had missed a flower delivery! Kent had sent me flowers!!! It's amazing how such a trying time in our lives can actually make our relationship stronger than ever. I feel so close to my husband, even though he's on the other side of the world.
So, anyway. I had to get back to base for my afternoon session of orientation, so I decided to call the number that was on the placard once I had a break at 2. Thinking that I would be done at 3, like I was supposed to, I told the guy that I would be home after 3. Well, I was mistaken. Before leaving for home, we were all required to call our respective centers to find out if they needed us to come in our not. So, when I called in after orientation, my boss informed me that the lead in the infant room had forgotten that I had orientation this week, and so she had planned on my being there this afternoon. SO, I had to go in for TWO hours. Completely pointless. Especially, because all I wanted to do, was go home and wait for my flowers. I was so frustrated.
AND, to top it all off, when I got to the center, it turns out, they only had like 7 kids left, so I wasn't really needed, but for some reason, I was still there until 5. Ridiculous.
When I finally got home, I was surprised not to find another placard on the door, or in the yard, so to my knowledge, the delivery man did not come back by in my absence. So, I sat in the living room, with the front door open, waiting. I thought maybe since it was Valentine's Day, that deliveries would be extended later into the evening.
I never got my flowers.
I was livid.
AND, I have NO idea how I will ever GET my flowers.
I have to work everyday this week from 8-5.
Apparently, I wasn't meant to have a great day. I was MEANT to go to bed tonight peeved at the world, and praying that tomorrow will be better.
I can't wait until April....
-Jessica
P.S. Today marks the halfway mark in February, which is somewhat reassuring. I guess.
So, at lunch time, I went home, because I had quite a long lunch, and on the way back out of the house, I found a placard in the front yard, that I'm assuming was once on my front door, saying that I had missed a flower delivery! Kent had sent me flowers!!! It's amazing how such a trying time in our lives can actually make our relationship stronger than ever. I feel so close to my husband, even though he's on the other side of the world.
So, anyway. I had to get back to base for my afternoon session of orientation, so I decided to call the number that was on the placard once I had a break at 2. Thinking that I would be done at 3, like I was supposed to, I told the guy that I would be home after 3. Well, I was mistaken. Before leaving for home, we were all required to call our respective centers to find out if they needed us to come in our not. So, when I called in after orientation, my boss informed me that the lead in the infant room had forgotten that I had orientation this week, and so she had planned on my being there this afternoon. SO, I had to go in for TWO hours. Completely pointless. Especially, because all I wanted to do, was go home and wait for my flowers. I was so frustrated.
AND, to top it all off, when I got to the center, it turns out, they only had like 7 kids left, so I wasn't really needed, but for some reason, I was still there until 5. Ridiculous.
When I finally got home, I was surprised not to find another placard on the door, or in the yard, so to my knowledge, the delivery man did not come back by in my absence. So, I sat in the living room, with the front door open, waiting. I thought maybe since it was Valentine's Day, that deliveries would be extended later into the evening.
I never got my flowers.
I was livid.
AND, I have NO idea how I will ever GET my flowers.
I have to work everyday this week from 8-5.
Apparently, I wasn't meant to have a great day. I was MEANT to go to bed tonight peeved at the world, and praying that tomorrow will be better.
I can't wait until April....
-Jessica
P.S. Today marks the halfway mark in February, which is somewhat reassuring. I guess.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Day 35: Grammy's and Laundry
Well, I was up until like 2am this morning, so early church service certainly was out of the question. I just couldn't sleep. And that made me mad, so it made sleeping even harder...
So, I got to Skype with Kent this morning, which was awesome, but I was so exhausted, that I didn't really do too much until about 1pm, when I began my laundry. I only had two loads to do today, and it was so good to have all of my clothes nice and clean. Then, I went to the living room, and did a 45 minute Dance workout DVD on Netflix. I'm not sure how effective it was, because I'm not sore yet, but I'm sure I will be tomorrow. :)
After my workout, I watched Planet 51, which was absolutely adorable. I've been wanting to watch it for a while now, and I finally decided that since it was bound to be a happy ending, it was okay for me to watch it. For the next 24 hours, it will be crucial to not watch anything sad, or romantic, which will probably be quite the task, with tomorrow being Valentine's Day...
Anyway, I had a pretty good day, let's just hope and pray that tomorrow is also a good day.......
Love to all!
-Jessica
So, I got to Skype with Kent this morning, which was awesome, but I was so exhausted, that I didn't really do too much until about 1pm, when I began my laundry. I only had two loads to do today, and it was so good to have all of my clothes nice and clean. Then, I went to the living room, and did a 45 minute Dance workout DVD on Netflix. I'm not sure how effective it was, because I'm not sore yet, but I'm sure I will be tomorrow. :)
After my workout, I watched Planet 51, which was absolutely adorable. I've been wanting to watch it for a while now, and I finally decided that since it was bound to be a happy ending, it was okay for me to watch it. For the next 24 hours, it will be crucial to not watch anything sad, or romantic, which will probably be quite the task, with tomorrow being Valentine's Day...
Anyway, I had a pretty good day, let's just hope and pray that tomorrow is also a good day.......
Love to all!
-Jessica
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Day 34: You Gotta Have Friends
Today started out just like any other. I talked to Kent online, took a shower (Gasp! I know!) and got ready to go out and get some groceries and spend some time walking around Hobby Lobby.
I pulled the car out of the garage, walked down to the mailbox and got my mail, and got in my car, and began to drive away. As I turned the corner, I noticed a large box sitting on my front step. So, I drove around the neighborhood, and pulled back into the driveway, and went up and grabbed the box.
It was from Brianna, my longtime friend and former roommate. She had told me earlier in the week that she had found a towel of mine in her apt, and she wanted my address to send it to me. Even though I could really care less about said towel, (I obviously hadn't missed it yet), I was looking forward to getting some mail!
So I got back in the car, and decided to open it right then and there, because I was curious why a package that supposedly only contained a towel was so heavy, and in such a large box. When I opened it, I instantly started crying. Yes, the towel was there, but it was accompanied by an assortment of wonderful things such as DVDs, a finger bowling set, glitter crayons, a coloring book, some children's bubble bath, and a whole bunch of other stuff. Also included, was an envelope that contained a letter from each one of my closest girlfriends from Truman. I was so overwhelmed with their love and support, that I had to sit there, in my car, in my driveway, on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and BAWL. Like a Baby! I never expected anything like that, and if DEFINITELY made my day, my week, my month, my YEAR! So, K-Wags, K-Rick,Pat, Val, and Brianna, you girls are amazing, and now, I think I'm like 100 times more homesick! But, it was the best gift I could ask for. It's good to know that Kent's not the only one getting care packages. I can't wait to treat myself to a lovely kids' bubble bath on Valentine's Day, and eat Great Value Nutty Bars, and an entire package of Oreo Fudgees! It's gonna be EPIC!
After my good cry, I set out to run my errands. And what a mistake I made. Clarksville is WAY too small for the amount of people who live here. This town needs another mall. Or at least another major shopping area, because Wilma Rudolph (the main stretch of stores, including the Mall) makes me want to scream. The traffic on the weekends is so unbearable that it took me a little over half an hour to get out of the parking lot on one side of the road (at Hobby Lobby), and into the parking lot of Target, which was directly across the street. I saw at LEAST 10 almost accidents in the span of one stoplight cycle, and I almost got hit basically every 3 minutes. I can't imagine how bad the traffic will be once all of the brigades are home. I will surely dread going out...
Anyway, my errands went well, besides the awful traffic, and I got a sweet pair of jeans at Target for 14 dollars! Wahoo!
Once home, I fixed myself a smoked pork chop for dinner, along with rice, and peas and carrots. DE-licious!
Then I watched Pride & Prejudice on TV. It was the first time I actually watched it, and it was good. I don't really get all of the hype around it, but it was good.
Tonight was frustrating though. Kent was unable to sign into Skype, so we spent the half hour he gets on the computer talking on Facebook chat. It was still good to talk to him, but now I really look forward to real conversations with him, and not just IMing back and forth.
Tomorrow, I'm planning on going to the 8am church service, so that I can be back to the house by 9:30, and then I can talk to Kent. Hopefully Skype will be more cooperative in the morning than it was tonight...
Despite the Skype mishaps tonight, Today was the best day I've had yet. Thank you again to my wonderful girls for sending me such a lovely package!
Gobs and Gobs of Love!
-Jessica
I pulled the car out of the garage, walked down to the mailbox and got my mail, and got in my car, and began to drive away. As I turned the corner, I noticed a large box sitting on my front step. So, I drove around the neighborhood, and pulled back into the driveway, and went up and grabbed the box.
It was from Brianna, my longtime friend and former roommate. She had told me earlier in the week that she had found a towel of mine in her apt, and she wanted my address to send it to me. Even though I could really care less about said towel, (I obviously hadn't missed it yet), I was looking forward to getting some mail!
So I got back in the car, and decided to open it right then and there, because I was curious why a package that supposedly only contained a towel was so heavy, and in such a large box. When I opened it, I instantly started crying. Yes, the towel was there, but it was accompanied by an assortment of wonderful things such as DVDs, a finger bowling set, glitter crayons, a coloring book, some children's bubble bath, and a whole bunch of other stuff. Also included, was an envelope that contained a letter from each one of my closest girlfriends from Truman. I was so overwhelmed with their love and support, that I had to sit there, in my car, in my driveway, on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and BAWL. Like a Baby! I never expected anything like that, and if DEFINITELY made my day, my week, my month, my YEAR! So, K-Wags, K-Rick,Pat, Val, and Brianna, you girls are amazing, and now, I think I'm like 100 times more homesick! But, it was the best gift I could ask for. It's good to know that Kent's not the only one getting care packages. I can't wait to treat myself to a lovely kids' bubble bath on Valentine's Day, and eat Great Value Nutty Bars, and an entire package of Oreo Fudgees! It's gonna be EPIC!
After my good cry, I set out to run my errands. And what a mistake I made. Clarksville is WAY too small for the amount of people who live here. This town needs another mall. Or at least another major shopping area, because Wilma Rudolph (the main stretch of stores, including the Mall) makes me want to scream. The traffic on the weekends is so unbearable that it took me a little over half an hour to get out of the parking lot on one side of the road (at Hobby Lobby), and into the parking lot of Target, which was directly across the street. I saw at LEAST 10 almost accidents in the span of one stoplight cycle, and I almost got hit basically every 3 minutes. I can't imagine how bad the traffic will be once all of the brigades are home. I will surely dread going out...
Anyway, my errands went well, besides the awful traffic, and I got a sweet pair of jeans at Target for 14 dollars! Wahoo!
Once home, I fixed myself a smoked pork chop for dinner, along with rice, and peas and carrots. DE-licious!
Then I watched Pride & Prejudice on TV. It was the first time I actually watched it, and it was good. I don't really get all of the hype around it, but it was good.
Tonight was frustrating though. Kent was unable to sign into Skype, so we spent the half hour he gets on the computer talking on Facebook chat. It was still good to talk to him, but now I really look forward to real conversations with him, and not just IMing back and forth.
Tomorrow, I'm planning on going to the 8am church service, so that I can be back to the house by 9:30, and then I can talk to Kent. Hopefully Skype will be more cooperative in the morning than it was tonight...
Despite the Skype mishaps tonight, Today was the best day I've had yet. Thank you again to my wonderful girls for sending me such a lovely package!
Gobs and Gobs of Love!
-Jessica
Friday, February 11, 2011
Day 33: All wore out
Today was exhausting.
I got up at 7am and drove to base for the free furniture donation event. And oh my goodness! It was CRAZY!!! I got to the event at 7:30, right when it was scheduled to begin, and there were already like 30-40 cars in front of me (if not MORE), and I sat in my car, in line until 9!! At 9, when I finally got to the weigh in station, they weighed my car empty and gave me a slip of paper with instructions, and I drove around the back of the building, to yet another line! But the frustrating thing was that NO ONE was listening to the process. NO ONE! We were told to go to the back parking lot and park, and then WALK over to the furniture area, and grab the tags of the items we wanted, and then go get our cars and return to the furniture area to load up. WELL, everyone decided that it was a better idea just to cram as many cars into that area as was possible. This caused the loading area to no longer look like a nice uniform line, but a mass chaos of cars, snow, and confused people.
I just wish that people would pay attention to the signs, and do what they're supposed to, instead of simply doing as they please! ANNOYING
So, anyway, I go park in the parking lot, and walk around and in between about 15 cars to get to the furniture barn, and found that the only things left were short lunch tables, and giant rectangular, obnoxiously large, things that they were calling entertainment centers. I would have probably called them bookcases on steroids, but that's just me.... so I left empty-handed. I was in the market for normal-sized bookcases, maybe a 3-drawer dresser, and a kitchen play set (for preschool back in stl)....I didn't even have the patience to look through all of the books.
But, through all that, I'm still glad I went. I feel better that I tried, and failed. I would have been upset with myself if I would've just slept in like I wanted to . Plus, I was able to get out of there in time to be able to talk to Kent!
After my morning Skype session, it was off to work. And BOY did I have a DAY at work. It was one of those days where we had a TON of kids, and pretty much every single one of them was not having a good day. At one point, we had eight pre-tods, ALL of whom were screaming at the top of their lungs for one reason or another. Most of them were crying because they were tired, but refused to lay down and take a nap...Believe me, I would have jumped at the chance to take a nap today.
On my way home from work, I remembered that today was our FRG meeting at 6.. Thankfully I remembered before I got off-base! So, I turned around, and head back to the Family Resource Center. An hour and a half later, it was FINALLY time to go home.
Ok, my eyes hurt. It's time for bed. I'm SOOOO happy that tomorrow is Saturday. I'm so ready for this weekend.
Gnight all!
-Jessica
I got up at 7am and drove to base for the free furniture donation event. And oh my goodness! It was CRAZY!!! I got to the event at 7:30, right when it was scheduled to begin, and there were already like 30-40 cars in front of me (if not MORE), and I sat in my car, in line until 9!! At 9, when I finally got to the weigh in station, they weighed my car empty and gave me a slip of paper with instructions, and I drove around the back of the building, to yet another line! But the frustrating thing was that NO ONE was listening to the process. NO ONE! We were told to go to the back parking lot and park, and then WALK over to the furniture area, and grab the tags of the items we wanted, and then go get our cars and return to the furniture area to load up. WELL, everyone decided that it was a better idea just to cram as many cars into that area as was possible. This caused the loading area to no longer look like a nice uniform line, but a mass chaos of cars, snow, and confused people.
I just wish that people would pay attention to the signs, and do what they're supposed to, instead of simply doing as they please! ANNOYING
So, anyway, I go park in the parking lot, and walk around and in between about 15 cars to get to the furniture barn, and found that the only things left were short lunch tables, and giant rectangular, obnoxiously large, things that they were calling entertainment centers. I would have probably called them bookcases on steroids, but that's just me.... so I left empty-handed. I was in the market for normal-sized bookcases, maybe a 3-drawer dresser, and a kitchen play set (for preschool back in stl)....I didn't even have the patience to look through all of the books.
But, through all that, I'm still glad I went. I feel better that I tried, and failed. I would have been upset with myself if I would've just slept in like I wanted to . Plus, I was able to get out of there in time to be able to talk to Kent!
After my morning Skype session, it was off to work. And BOY did I have a DAY at work. It was one of those days where we had a TON of kids, and pretty much every single one of them was not having a good day. At one point, we had eight pre-tods, ALL of whom were screaming at the top of their lungs for one reason or another. Most of them were crying because they were tired, but refused to lay down and take a nap...Believe me, I would have jumped at the chance to take a nap today.
On my way home from work, I remembered that today was our FRG meeting at 6.. Thankfully I remembered before I got off-base! So, I turned around, and head back to the Family Resource Center. An hour and a half later, it was FINALLY time to go home.
Ok, my eyes hurt. It's time for bed. I'm SOOOO happy that tomorrow is Saturday. I'm so ready for this weekend.
Gnight all!
-Jessica
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Day 32: Digging my way out
Well, the snow storm ended over last night, so this morning I had to dig my way out of my driveway. We ended up getting like 6 inches of snow, so shoveling my drive was quite the task. Made me wish that Kent was here, so I could just have him do the work for me.
But, I also feel like I'm beginning to dig myself out of the rut that I've been in lately. It's hard getting used to doing everything on my own, but I'm getting to the point where I'm ok going grocery shopping alone, in fact, I think I might prefer it, until I get home, and I have to take all of my groceries in myself.....
I'm getting to the point where I don't just randomly start crying, which is good. I mean, things still make me cry, but it's not as sporadic as it was in the beginning.
Although, sometimes at work, when the babies are all screaming and crying, I kind of want to scream and cry too...
It's probably good that I don't have babies of my own, they would just make me cry all the time...
Work was slow today. Not many kids were there. But, it was a good thing. We got to catch up on some much needed cleaning, and the kids that DID show up were quite a handful. We had a lot of stealing of toys, and pushing, and one poor girl tripped, and hit the front of her head, and then got pushed to the ground by another child, and hit the back of her head. It was a mess.
When I got home, I was happy that I had spent so much time shoveling earlier in the day, because the sun had melted the rest of the snow, and my driveway was dry and clean!
Well, I'm off to bed. I'm supposed to get up early and go on base for a Furniture Donation Event to get some free furniture. It starts at 7:30, but I'm pretty sure that people will start lining up way before that, so I don't know....
We'll just have to see what my body tells me tomorrow morning. LOL
Ok, Bedtime!
Much love
-Jessica
But, I also feel like I'm beginning to dig myself out of the rut that I've been in lately. It's hard getting used to doing everything on my own, but I'm getting to the point where I'm ok going grocery shopping alone, in fact, I think I might prefer it, until I get home, and I have to take all of my groceries in myself.....
I'm getting to the point where I don't just randomly start crying, which is good. I mean, things still make me cry, but it's not as sporadic as it was in the beginning.
Although, sometimes at work, when the babies are all screaming and crying, I kind of want to scream and cry too...
It's probably good that I don't have babies of my own, they would just make me cry all the time...
Work was slow today. Not many kids were there. But, it was a good thing. We got to catch up on some much needed cleaning, and the kids that DID show up were quite a handful. We had a lot of stealing of toys, and pushing, and one poor girl tripped, and hit the front of her head, and then got pushed to the ground by another child, and hit the back of her head. It was a mess.
When I got home, I was happy that I had spent so much time shoveling earlier in the day, because the sun had melted the rest of the snow, and my driveway was dry and clean!
Well, I'm off to bed. I'm supposed to get up early and go on base for a Furniture Donation Event to get some free furniture. It starts at 7:30, but I'm pretty sure that people will start lining up way before that, so I don't know....
We'll just have to see what my body tells me tomorrow morning. LOL
Ok, Bedtime!
Much love
-Jessica
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Day 31: One Lazy Wednesday
Well, today I woke up and took a shower (YAY! That was much needed...) and then got to talk to my hubby, which was the perfect beginning to today.
Then, I had some soup for lunch, and before heading out the door for work, I decided to check the weather outside....WOW! It was NUTS!
By noon, my neighborhood was already completely covered in at LEAST 2 inches of snow, and there was no sign of it letting up anytime soon, so I decided to call work to make sure that they were planning on being there all day. The receptionist, Courtney told me that, yes, they were all still there, and so I told her to tell the infant room that I was on my way, but that I was probably going to be late for my 12:30 shift, with the way that the roads were looking. So, she said she would, and I finished getting ready, opened the garage, backed the car out, and got out of the car to close the garage door (I hate not having an electric garage door...) and my phone starting ringing. It was work calling back! Courtney told me that she talked to the infant room lead about my being late, and that she said to tell me just to stay at home today. The roads were such a mess, and were only going to get worse, so it was just best for me not to go in. I was SOOOO relieved. I was terrified about trying to get to work, and even worse, trying to get back home later, so being told to stay home was such a great feeling.
So, basically, after that, I didn't do too much. :)
I paid the electric bill over the phone.
I wrote a couple checks for the eye doctors back in St. Louis
I.....made cookies! Chocolate chip Oatmeal!! YUMMY YUMMY!
annnd what else?
that's about it....
wow.
productive day.
Well, anyway, it was a good day, and that's what matters, right?
RIGHT!
Unfortunately, at this point, I still have to go to work tomorrow....soooo BEDTIME!!
Much love to all.
-Jessica
P.S. Can you tell that I'm just a little bit HYPER tonight? lol. We'll see if sleep comes easy tonight or not....
Then, I had some soup for lunch, and before heading out the door for work, I decided to check the weather outside....WOW! It was NUTS!
By noon, my neighborhood was already completely covered in at LEAST 2 inches of snow, and there was no sign of it letting up anytime soon, so I decided to call work to make sure that they were planning on being there all day. The receptionist, Courtney told me that, yes, they were all still there, and so I told her to tell the infant room that I was on my way, but that I was probably going to be late for my 12:30 shift, with the way that the roads were looking. So, she said she would, and I finished getting ready, opened the garage, backed the car out, and got out of the car to close the garage door (I hate not having an electric garage door...) and my phone starting ringing. It was work calling back! Courtney told me that she talked to the infant room lead about my being late, and that she said to tell me just to stay at home today. The roads were such a mess, and were only going to get worse, so it was just best for me not to go in. I was SOOOO relieved. I was terrified about trying to get to work, and even worse, trying to get back home later, so being told to stay home was such a great feeling.
So, basically, after that, I didn't do too much. :)
I paid the electric bill over the phone.
I wrote a couple checks for the eye doctors back in St. Louis
I.....made cookies! Chocolate chip Oatmeal!! YUMMY YUMMY!
annnd what else?
that's about it....
wow.
productive day.
Well, anyway, it was a good day, and that's what matters, right?
RIGHT!
Unfortunately, at this point, I still have to go to work tomorrow....soooo BEDTIME!!
Much love to all.
-Jessica
P.S. Can you tell that I'm just a little bit HYPER tonight? lol. We'll see if sleep comes easy tonight or not....
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Day 30: Is it April Yet??
Well, today wasn't anything super special. Not lots of super cool news or anything. Just another day in a long string of days that are beginning to blend together.
*sigh*
Well, anyway, Kent finally got my package today! Which means that he finally has his microphone, so talking on Skype with him is SOO much better!!!! I love it! Plus, I don't have to make sure that I'm not talking too loudly, because he has a headphone now too. Only he can hear me now! So, I guess that's one exciting factoid for today.
Work was good today. We had a couple babies that had some pretty huge meltdowns, but I've gotten better with knowing when and when not to comfort them. AND, I got to be the one to close down the room today. Hopefully I did everything correctly. The last thing I need is to mess up this quickly in the game.
Anyway, I'm a little bit at a loss for what to blog about today, soooo yeah. That's about it.
I just can't wait for April. I'm a little sick of only getting excited about Skype, and nothing else....
Just one of those days, I guess.
Ok, Love to all.
-Jessica
*sigh*
Well, anyway, Kent finally got my package today! Which means that he finally has his microphone, so talking on Skype with him is SOO much better!!!! I love it! Plus, I don't have to make sure that I'm not talking too loudly, because he has a headphone now too. Only he can hear me now! So, I guess that's one exciting factoid for today.
Work was good today. We had a couple babies that had some pretty huge meltdowns, but I've gotten better with knowing when and when not to comfort them. AND, I got to be the one to close down the room today. Hopefully I did everything correctly. The last thing I need is to mess up this quickly in the game.
Anyway, I'm a little bit at a loss for what to blog about today, soooo yeah. That's about it.
I just can't wait for April. I'm a little sick of only getting excited about Skype, and nothing else....
Just one of those days, I guess.
Ok, Love to all.
-Jessica
Monday, February 7, 2011
Day 29: Peaches and Petraeus
Well, I finally made the trek back down to TN, and I'm so elated to be back with my kitty cat. Peaches was SOOO happy when I got home. Made me feel really good that she missed me this weekend. I missed her too, surprising as that might sound. I missed her crazy antics, and her annoying habits while I'm trying to get things done. Plus, she's my bed-mate, so it was really strange to sleep in a bed all by myself, without my cat.
This morning, I got up in time to hug my mom good-bye before she left for work at 7:30, which was good, because then I was able to call my boss at 8, right when the center was open, and let her know that I was still stuck in St. Louis, and that I wouldn't be able to come into work today, and I felt really guilty because she said one of the girls had called in sick, and was actually wondering if I would be able to come in for the whole day. But, she was very understanding, and thankfully, I didn't get yelled at.
So, then Dad and I headed out to his parents' house to get my family's old coffee table and end table that have been stored in their basement for quite some time. I have decided that my living room needs a coffee table, and boy was I right! Now, the living room feels much more complete. LOVE it!
As I was driving back down South, I was not expecting snow at ALL. The radars last night all said that it was just supposed to be rain, so when I got into Kentucky, and started seeing snow accumulation, and plows, I was very shocked. So, of course, I couldn't quite make it all the way up the driveway. Thankfully, now I have a snow shovel, so I was able to clear the walkway, and the area around my tires, in order to be able to pull into the garage, to get my car out of the weather. YAY! I'm a grown-up now!!
I can't wait for Kent to get online so I can tell him all about my day, and hear about his wonderful experience yesterday, when he got to meet Gen. Petraeus!! SOSOSOSOOOO Proud of my man!!!
-From one Proud Army Wifey!-
Jessica
This morning, I got up in time to hug my mom good-bye before she left for work at 7:30, which was good, because then I was able to call my boss at 8, right when the center was open, and let her know that I was still stuck in St. Louis, and that I wouldn't be able to come into work today, and I felt really guilty because she said one of the girls had called in sick, and was actually wondering if I would be able to come in for the whole day. But, she was very understanding, and thankfully, I didn't get yelled at.
So, then Dad and I headed out to his parents' house to get my family's old coffee table and end table that have been stored in their basement for quite some time. I have decided that my living room needs a coffee table, and boy was I right! Now, the living room feels much more complete. LOVE it!
As I was driving back down South, I was not expecting snow at ALL. The radars last night all said that it was just supposed to be rain, so when I got into Kentucky, and started seeing snow accumulation, and plows, I was very shocked. So, of course, I couldn't quite make it all the way up the driveway. Thankfully, now I have a snow shovel, so I was able to clear the walkway, and the area around my tires, in order to be able to pull into the garage, to get my car out of the weather. YAY! I'm a grown-up now!!
I can't wait for Kent to get online so I can tell him all about my day, and hear about his wonderful experience yesterday, when he got to meet Gen. Petraeus!! SOSOSOSOOOO Proud of my man!!!
-From one Proud Army Wifey!-
Jessica
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Day 28: Glee-tastic!
Today was a pretty great day.
I got up at 8am, feeling wonderful. I slept super hard last night, and that makes me really happy.
Went to church with the rents. We ordained and installed our new Pastor of Children's Ministry this morning. He was my youth group leader growing up, so it was cool to get to get him Pastor this morning, instead of just BK.
After church, mom and I went to US Cellular to turn in Kent's deployment orders, so we can get his phone suspended, and hopefully save me some money. Then, it was off to the Goodwill, for some bargains, and after that, we headed to Sam's. I'm super excited, because I finally got a membership there! I can't wait to go and buy an insane amount of all of my daily essentials! lol.
Then, the Packers won, which I was happy about, because I'm not very fond of the Steelers. And THEN, it was FINALLY time for the new Glee episode. Elation!
Now, I get to call in to work in the morning, and find out if I should try my darnedest to get back in time for my shift, or if they're okay with me missing work tomorrow. We shall see what tomorrow brings.
Much love! Go Packers!
-Jessica
I got up at 8am, feeling wonderful. I slept super hard last night, and that makes me really happy.
Went to church with the rents. We ordained and installed our new Pastor of Children's Ministry this morning. He was my youth group leader growing up, so it was cool to get to get him Pastor this morning, instead of just BK.
After church, mom and I went to US Cellular to turn in Kent's deployment orders, so we can get his phone suspended, and hopefully save me some money. Then, it was off to the Goodwill, for some bargains, and after that, we headed to Sam's. I'm super excited, because I finally got a membership there! I can't wait to go and buy an insane amount of all of my daily essentials! lol.
Then, the Packers won, which I was happy about, because I'm not very fond of the Steelers. And THEN, it was FINALLY time for the new Glee episode. Elation!
Now, I get to call in to work in the morning, and find out if I should try my darnedest to get back in time for my shift, or if they're okay with me missing work tomorrow. We shall see what tomorrow brings.
Much love! Go Packers!
-Jessica
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Day 27: Home again, Home again, Jiggity Jig!
Currently, I'm sitting in my Grandma's kitchen, waiting for my Kent to get online, so that we can all skype with him tonight. It has been quite a day, if I do say so myself.
I left this morning at 5:45am, which is ridiculous! When I left, it was just raining, and as I got closer and closer to Saint Louis, the snow and ice got worse and worse. I finally had to give up and pull off the highway in Ina, Illinois at a truck stop for about an hour, and wait out the storm. I was so frustrated because I was so torn with whether or not to turn around. By that point, I was over halfway home, so turning around would take longer than continuing home, but I was afraid of what was going to be around the next corner, weather-wise.
But, when I got back on the road, it was much better. The plows had been through, and the sun was starting to shine, so the snow was already beginning to melt. Much better than before I stopped. I finally got to my parents' house at about 11:30, exhausted and completely relieved.
This evening, my parents and I headed out to my mom's parents' house for dinner and visiting, and we decided not to tell the grandparents that I had decided to come home. So, it was nice to surprise them when I showed up at their house unannounced.
After dinner, we played a rousing game of Scrabble. ANND I WON! I love winning. lol.
Good times.
Now we just have to sit and wait for Kent to get online. I don't want to miss talking to him like I missed him this morning. :(
Can't wait to sleep tonight.
Much love from the STL!
-Jessica
I left this morning at 5:45am, which is ridiculous! When I left, it was just raining, and as I got closer and closer to Saint Louis, the snow and ice got worse and worse. I finally had to give up and pull off the highway in Ina, Illinois at a truck stop for about an hour, and wait out the storm. I was so frustrated because I was so torn with whether or not to turn around. By that point, I was over halfway home, so turning around would take longer than continuing home, but I was afraid of what was going to be around the next corner, weather-wise.
But, when I got back on the road, it was much better. The plows had been through, and the sun was starting to shine, so the snow was already beginning to melt. Much better than before I stopped. I finally got to my parents' house at about 11:30, exhausted and completely relieved.
This evening, my parents and I headed out to my mom's parents' house for dinner and visiting, and we decided not to tell the grandparents that I had decided to come home. So, it was nice to surprise them when I showed up at their house unannounced.
After dinner, we played a rousing game of Scrabble. ANND I WON! I love winning. lol.
Good times.
Now we just have to sit and wait for Kent to get online. I don't want to miss talking to him like I missed him this morning. :(
Can't wait to sleep tonight.
Much love from the STL!
-Jessica
Friday, February 4, 2011
Day 26: Excitement
I'm so excited. I've decided to go home to St. Louis this weekend to see my family. It's my mom's birthday, and I'm not sure when I'll have another weekend free. Hopefully the snow doesn't ruin my plans, but I have high hopes.
My plan is to get up super early in the morning, load the car, and hit the road! I'll have to make sure that Peaches has a bunch of food and water, and hope that she doesn't rip the house to shreds while I'm gone.
Today was pretty decent. I got up around 9:45 feeling refreshed for once, talked to my hubby, and then made a super delicious ham and cheese sandwich for lunch (I'm talking lettuce, mayo, pickles, mustard, cheese, and ham on country white bread) DE-licious!
After lunch, it was time to head off to work. Today was much better than the past 2 days. The kids were less fussy, and we didn't have too many of them either. Thankfully. After work, I came home to a happy kitty, who had yet to make me furious tonight, and after a sink full of dishes, I made myself another cheeseburger on my George Foreman, and it was just as good as the first one I made. SOOO good!
Then it was time to pack. Which I love. Packing always makes me excited for the weekend ahead. Can't wait to hit the road in the morning!
Then, I watched Ramona and the Beezus, which was super cute! I actually ended up crying because of it. In the movie, their family cat dies. I lost my mind. I was so sad. Haven't cried that hard at a kid's movie in a while. Very good use of my time, if I don't say so myself.
Well, anyway, I should go to sleep ASAP, if I want to be on the road by 6am.
LOVE LOVE LOVE!
-Jessica
My plan is to get up super early in the morning, load the car, and hit the road! I'll have to make sure that Peaches has a bunch of food and water, and hope that she doesn't rip the house to shreds while I'm gone.
Today was pretty decent. I got up around 9:45 feeling refreshed for once, talked to my hubby, and then made a super delicious ham and cheese sandwich for lunch (I'm talking lettuce, mayo, pickles, mustard, cheese, and ham on country white bread) DE-licious!
After lunch, it was time to head off to work. Today was much better than the past 2 days. The kids were less fussy, and we didn't have too many of them either. Thankfully. After work, I came home to a happy kitty, who had yet to make me furious tonight, and after a sink full of dishes, I made myself another cheeseburger on my George Foreman, and it was just as good as the first one I made. SOOO good!
Then it was time to pack. Which I love. Packing always makes me excited for the weekend ahead. Can't wait to hit the road in the morning!
Then, I watched Ramona and the Beezus, which was super cute! I actually ended up crying because of it. In the movie, their family cat dies. I lost my mind. I was so sad. Haven't cried that hard at a kid's movie in a while. Very good use of my time, if I don't say so myself.
Well, anyway, I should go to sleep ASAP, if I want to be on the road by 6am.
LOVE LOVE LOVE!
-Jessica
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Day 25: Hatred
Hatred.
I had such a bad morning.
First, I drove 20 minutes to the eye doctor, only to sit for 20 minutes, and then find out that my insurance stuff still isn't taken care of, and I have to wait on Tricare in order to get my referral that I need. So, I drove 20 minutes back home, livid as all get-out at Tricare. I can't BELIEVE how messed up this system is. CANNOT BELIEVE IT. This is supposed to be the health care system given to the men and women who are serving this country and their family members, but apparently, if you don't get services on base, or if there's anything wrong with you that's any more serious than a cold or flu, then it takes over a month to even get permission to see the doctor that you need. FRUSTRATION!!!!!!
I hate it. Absolutely hate it.
Anyway, so I get home about 10:07 am, only to find out that Kent tried to Skype me at 10:04, so of course, I start to get really upset, because I'm afraid that he's already given up. I called him really quick, and thank the Lord, he answered. I was so happy that something was working out! So, I cried to him about the injustices of Tricare, and after I calmed down, we had a nice conversation. I love how easy it is for him to make me smile, even when I'm having the absolute WORST day!
After our skype date, I went into the kitchen to make some lunch, and was, of course, joined by Peaches. She loves to follow me EVERYWHERE now. It's cute, but after a while, it's a little frustrating. Whatever.
So, for lunch, I had a nice big salad, with tuna on top, which made Peaches nuts! I also got a nice glass of milk, because I love milk. Now, Peaches LOVES to stick her paw into cups and topple them over for some reason. Not thinking about it, I went back in the bedroom to eat my lunch (for some reason, I don't sit in the living room at all anymore) and placed my cup of milk on a tv tray. I looked away for probably 3 seconds and heard an awful noise. The noise of my cup being tipped over by an overly curious cat....
There. was. milk. every. where. EVERY. WHERE.
I have NEVER been so mad at that cat. The milk was all over the carpet, the bed, my shoes, the tv tray, some socks, oh and did I mention ALL over the carpet? Even UNDER the bed.
I was Livid.
Sooo mad.
Thankfully, Peaches is all that I have, so she did not become mince meat. But, she DID hide under the bed the rest of the time that I was home...I think I scared her a little......oops.
But, that was the most excitement of my day. After that madness, I headed to work, managed to avoid working at the CD home again tonight until 9:15...UGH, tooo tired.
I got my new Netflix movie in the mail, Ramona and the Beezus. Yes, I am 7 years old. Get over it!
That's all for now!
-Jessica
I had such a bad morning.
First, I drove 20 minutes to the eye doctor, only to sit for 20 minutes, and then find out that my insurance stuff still isn't taken care of, and I have to wait on Tricare in order to get my referral that I need. So, I drove 20 minutes back home, livid as all get-out at Tricare. I can't BELIEVE how messed up this system is. CANNOT BELIEVE IT. This is supposed to be the health care system given to the men and women who are serving this country and their family members, but apparently, if you don't get services on base, or if there's anything wrong with you that's any more serious than a cold or flu, then it takes over a month to even get permission to see the doctor that you need. FRUSTRATION!!!!!!
I hate it. Absolutely hate it.
Anyway, so I get home about 10:07 am, only to find out that Kent tried to Skype me at 10:04, so of course, I start to get really upset, because I'm afraid that he's already given up. I called him really quick, and thank the Lord, he answered. I was so happy that something was working out! So, I cried to him about the injustices of Tricare, and after I calmed down, we had a nice conversation. I love how easy it is for him to make me smile, even when I'm having the absolute WORST day!
After our skype date, I went into the kitchen to make some lunch, and was, of course, joined by Peaches. She loves to follow me EVERYWHERE now. It's cute, but after a while, it's a little frustrating. Whatever.
So, for lunch, I had a nice big salad, with tuna on top, which made Peaches nuts! I also got a nice glass of milk, because I love milk. Now, Peaches LOVES to stick her paw into cups and topple them over for some reason. Not thinking about it, I went back in the bedroom to eat my lunch (for some reason, I don't sit in the living room at all anymore) and placed my cup of milk on a tv tray. I looked away for probably 3 seconds and heard an awful noise. The noise of my cup being tipped over by an overly curious cat....
There. was. milk. every. where. EVERY. WHERE.
I have NEVER been so mad at that cat. The milk was all over the carpet, the bed, my shoes, the tv tray, some socks, oh and did I mention ALL over the carpet? Even UNDER the bed.
I was Livid.
Sooo mad.
Thankfully, Peaches is all that I have, so she did not become mince meat. But, she DID hide under the bed the rest of the time that I was home...I think I scared her a little......oops.
But, that was the most excitement of my day. After that madness, I headed to work, managed to avoid working at the CD home again tonight until 9:15...UGH, tooo tired.
I got my new Netflix movie in the mail, Ramona and the Beezus. Yes, I am 7 years old. Get over it!
That's all for now!
-Jessica
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Day 24: Sooo tired
I don't know how long this post will be, because I am just absolutely exhausted after the day that I had today.
After talking to the hubby this morning, I got to work around 12:30, and as soon as I clocked in, my boss asked if I would be willing to go and work at the CD Home tonight from 5pm-8:30pm after I got off work at 5. The CD Home is a part of the Child and Youth Services Program, but it is open for a longer period of time, and it is more geared for parents with non-traditional work schedules, such as night guards and nurses. Well, I agreed, because I was feeling pretty good, and I hadn't been to the CD Home yet, and I was naive to the stresses of the day ahead of me.
As soon as I walked into the infant room, I knew I had made a mistake. Today was just one of those days that every child and every baby were just not in a good mood. Every single one of them was just cranky, and fussy, and out of control! I had a full-blown headache within just a half an hour. After 4 and a half hours of screaming and tears, I headed across base to the CD Home, hoping for a more relaxed set of kids.
I was instead greeted by more screaming, running, fighting, and chaos than the mayhem I had just left. By 8:30, I was completely spent. I dragged myself home, fixed myself a pot pie, and fed the cat, who was worried sick about where I'd been all day long. Then, I settled into bed and waited by my laptop until my sweetheart got online, and helped bring me back to reality. I feel like I lost my brain. I'm so exhausted, both mentally and physically.
Now, I'm gonna pass out so I can get up and go to the eye doctor in the morning before work.
Love to all!
-Jessica
After talking to the hubby this morning, I got to work around 12:30, and as soon as I clocked in, my boss asked if I would be willing to go and work at the CD Home tonight from 5pm-8:30pm after I got off work at 5. The CD Home is a part of the Child and Youth Services Program, but it is open for a longer period of time, and it is more geared for parents with non-traditional work schedules, such as night guards and nurses. Well, I agreed, because I was feeling pretty good, and I hadn't been to the CD Home yet, and I was naive to the stresses of the day ahead of me.
As soon as I walked into the infant room, I knew I had made a mistake. Today was just one of those days that every child and every baby were just not in a good mood. Every single one of them was just cranky, and fussy, and out of control! I had a full-blown headache within just a half an hour. After 4 and a half hours of screaming and tears, I headed across base to the CD Home, hoping for a more relaxed set of kids.
I was instead greeted by more screaming, running, fighting, and chaos than the mayhem I had just left. By 8:30, I was completely spent. I dragged myself home, fixed myself a pot pie, and fed the cat, who was worried sick about where I'd been all day long. Then, I settled into bed and waited by my laptop until my sweetheart got online, and helped bring me back to reality. I feel like I lost my brain. I'm so exhausted, both mentally and physically.
Now, I'm gonna pass out so I can get up and go to the eye doctor in the morning before work.
Love to all!
-Jessica
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Day 23: Confusion
Today, I got a call from my boss, asking if I could come and work in the Baby room in the afternoon, so of course, I agreed, and after going to turn in the rent and talking to the hubby on Skype, I headed out the door, umbrella in hand, armed with my brand new nametag! I was so excited to finally be counted into the ratio count, and not just be some observer in the corner, scared to do anything with any of the kids.
But it was just confusing. I can't decide if I like the baby room or not. I love being around the babies and pre-toddlers. They're so adorable, and watching them figure out simple tasks such as rolling over and standing on their own is such a great experience. But some of the girls that work in the room with me are...beginning to lose that interest in those new experiences. A couple of them seem more concerned with discussing their own lives and problems than paying attention to the children.
I think one of the most frustrating parts of my day was when I was pushing the remaining little kids in the buggie up and down the hallway. Since I still haven't passed my background check, I'm not allowed to be left alone with the kids. It's fine for me to push them in the buggie, but only when one of the other caregivers is in the hallway with me. Well, around 4:55, both of the caregivers that were out in the hallway while I was walking with the children, decided to go back into the classrooms, leaving me alone. I was instantly panicked, because I was afraid that I would be the one that would end up getting in trouble. So, I proceeded to hurry my way back to the classrooms, so that at least they could see me through the windows. Needless to say, apparently I was the only one concerned about this brief miscalculation. Oh well.
I guess I'm still in the transition period. It'll take a while to get used to the way things are done in the center, and the dynamics of the people who work there.
I hate new things.
But, anyway. I'm on a trial basis for the baby room this week. Sooo we'll see what happens.
that's all for now!
prayers for the safety of all of my friends and family living through the snow-pocalypse of 2011. When you dig your way out, make sure you actually take some time to enjoy the snow.
-Jessica
But it was just confusing. I can't decide if I like the baby room or not. I love being around the babies and pre-toddlers. They're so adorable, and watching them figure out simple tasks such as rolling over and standing on their own is such a great experience. But some of the girls that work in the room with me are...beginning to lose that interest in those new experiences. A couple of them seem more concerned with discussing their own lives and problems than paying attention to the children.
I think one of the most frustrating parts of my day was when I was pushing the remaining little kids in the buggie up and down the hallway. Since I still haven't passed my background check, I'm not allowed to be left alone with the kids. It's fine for me to push them in the buggie, but only when one of the other caregivers is in the hallway with me. Well, around 4:55, both of the caregivers that were out in the hallway while I was walking with the children, decided to go back into the classrooms, leaving me alone. I was instantly panicked, because I was afraid that I would be the one that would end up getting in trouble. So, I proceeded to hurry my way back to the classrooms, so that at least they could see me through the windows. Needless to say, apparently I was the only one concerned about this brief miscalculation. Oh well.
I guess I'm still in the transition period. It'll take a while to get used to the way things are done in the center, and the dynamics of the people who work there.
I hate new things.
But, anyway. I'm on a trial basis for the baby room this week. Sooo we'll see what happens.
that's all for now!
prayers for the safety of all of my friends and family living through the snow-pocalypse of 2011. When you dig your way out, make sure you actually take some time to enjoy the snow.
-Jessica
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