Holiday flash

Wow! I can't believe it's been months since I've posted anything... Sorry!

We survived Christmas, but somehow forgot to take any pics this year. NONE!

I can't believe how much stuff has happened since my last post.

I've survived the first few months as a co-leader for the Daisy troop! The parents in my troop are awesome and I wouldnt be able to manage without Carolyn, the other co-leader. She's very crafty and was a leader last year, so she has experience and enthusiasm.

I haven't posted much about myself on this blog, but I've had one hell of time over the past 4 months or so. At the end of August I was in significant pain with my back. I started on some serious meds with no improvement. Actually, there was a little improvement until I covered a football game, then I lost sensation and motor function of my lower leg and foot.

Basically, I was limping around pretending that I was ok, until I noticed a visible deficit in girth (the muscle in my lower leg was shrinking "atrophying" because it wasn't being stimulated by the nerve, because the nerve was being compressed, because I severely herniated a disc... Phew!

So, I had surgery in the beginning of October. I was able to return to kenpo the very end of November AND I started to help coaching winter track. It's cool because I'm only helping which allows me to go to appointments and not feel guilty if there's a day I can't make it.

I'm back at kenpo, almost full. I have to wear an ankle brace because of the loss of function, strength, and i still have nerve tension. That means that without the brace, when I kick, my foot gets the same feeling you get when you hit your funny bone... NOT COOL! But no pain with the brace, so I'll be using that for a while :)

We also just adopted a 3yr old American Lab, named Cuttyhunk... Cutty for short. She's awesome. Rebel is finally warming up to her :) I gotta tell ya, though. I really am dreaming of a single family home where we can let her run in the yard and give her access through a doggy door. It's a dream I hope we can make come sooner than later!

Speaking of having more room... We are preparing for our annual Open House and I've been baking for a couple of days now. I'm looking forward to it. I will be posting pics of the goodies and links to recipes :)

Hope you all have a happy safe holiday!!

Oh, if you want to read more about my workout antics and the struggles over the past few months  check out the other blog... Www.onewiththescale.blogspot.com

Girl scouts!!

Holy crap... In a few minutes, me and the girls are headed to the very first meeting of the year for brownies and daisies!!! And I'm the coleader for the troops. There are actually four of us who will be sharing the responsibilities for the troops... Very excited and terrified at the same time:) lol

Wish me luck!!!

Have you ever been a girl scout? What was your favorite memory, experience, craft??

The most requested recipe...

I decided to post my Monkey Bread recipe again since it's been much requested lately.

It started with a basic recipe for the bread and I've evolved it into a cinnamon explosion! lol

Monkey Bread

3-4 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls 

(I prefer the store brands that are rolled instead of the "buns")
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 stick butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
cooking spray

Grease a bunt pan well. Preheat your over to 350 degrees. Then open all of the cinnamon rolls and cut each roll  into about 8 pieces (depends how big you want the bites). Mix the cinnamon and granulated sugar and roll the pieces in it. They don't have to be balls; they bake up all squeezed together anyway.

Stack all of the pieces into the bunt pan. Cut the butter into pieces and add the brown sugar.  Microwave this for approximately 1 minute. All the sugar should be melted into the butter... whisk it up to a creamy, smooth caramel sauce. You may need to mix then zap for another 15 secs. Mix until completely combined then slowly pour over the goodness inside the pan, being sure to cover as much as you can.

Place in the oven for 45 mins. The top looks like it gets dried out, but once you flip it onto a plate all the sugars and syrups run down and coat it. It's fabulous... and very hot initially! You may want to use a fork to take pieces off, at least initially. Enjoy!!!

Now... 

To make it even MORE cinnamon-ny and ooey-gooey. Melt a stick of butter and roll the pieces of cinnamon roll into that BEFORE rolling them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Crazy, I know, but totally, insanely YUMMY!!!!

AND 

You can make an icing for this by adding a couple of drops of vanilla or milk to a half to a cup of confectioners sugar!

Been Distracted...

I know I haven't written much here, but I've been writing up a storm on One with the Scale. I've been trying to take control and get my life back on track. I know it seems like just weight and numbers, but when I don't feel like I'm in control, everything tends to spiral.

Last year was a serious transition and I'm looking forward to starting my second year of teaching strong!

I'm ready for the ups and the downs.

Most of all... I just feel ready to do my best!

So now I'm getting my body more in line with my mind :) Come and see how I'm doing...

Disney... "The happiest place on earth".

Hmmm....

Yeah, no!!

We went to Orlando for vacation for a week.

Now, let's set this up for you...

On Friday, I was in a Wedding. Thursday was the rehearsal and I headed up to the Bride's house 45mins North to spend the night and get ready with her and the Maid of Honor in the morning. The weather was awesome, especially since this summer has been pretty oppressive, but sweat was still going where it shouldn't be and the AC in the limo was not keeping up.

Here I am walking in with the tallest guy in the wedding...

Thank goodness for my 4 1/4" heels :)  Yes, this was after the ceremony and about 2hrs of pictures. The shoes that felt like sneakers in the store were starting to hurt...

 

But we all looked pretty cute :)

The reception was at 6pm and we had to leave the next day. 

So, we packed up the car, picked up the babysitter, met our friends at the park and jumped on the highway to head to Orlando, FL! Oh, did I forget to mention that we drove? Yup.

We arrived at our house about 7:30pm on Sunday. Yay!! Monday we stayed home and swam... but when we went outside, we realized that someone had left some goodies and a note...

The kids were actually more excited about jumping in the pool than they were to find out that they were going to Disney the next day, but I think that because they had pretty much figured it out. Oh well.

We finally made it to the Magic Kingdom...

This was after we drove to the parking lot, got on a tram, got dropped at the Main gate, got our tickets, found out the Monorail was broken so EVERYONE had to use the Ferry to get to the Magic Kindom, waited in line for about 45mins before boarding, finding out they lost our reservation for Bippidy, Boppidy Boutique, rescheduling, finally arriving at MK and getting through the bag checks... uh huh. Fun, right?

It was hot. There were a LOT of people and I was still tired from our travels.

The next day we went to Hollywood Studios...

It rained a LOT that day and I called it quits for my family about 2pm. I needed a nap and we were supposed to head to Downtown Disney for our rescheduled appointments at the Boutique...

Phoebe chose to be Tinkerbell...

Payton was Cinderella...

We got the complete package, which also included a photo shoot...

The next 2 days were spent in Universal! Yes, that was fun. I had napped and we decided to go to the park after lunch so the kids slept in. There was far less moaning from all of us. Oh, and Universal sells DRINKS! Adult beverages... even in line :) This place rocked!

We let the kids keep their princess hair since they got it done the night before and weren't actually able to show it off yet. This is our family on the streets of Universal.

On Saturday, we packed up again and headed up to Washington, DC. This picture is taken behind the White House. It was really cool to see all of the monuments, but we want to go back so we can visit all of the museums.

One memorial that really struck a cord was the Vietnam Memorial. Henry's cousin was lost in the conflict and he wanted to find his name. The artistry of this and all of the monuments is amazing...

Now, we took the trolley tour and it was well worth it, but when we got to this final stop it was about 1:05. The stop included the Korean Memorial, the Lincoln Monument and the Vietnam Memorial. We had til 1:30. Remember, hot July day with 2 kids that we've been dragging around for a full week! It was 1:17 and we had still only seen the Lincoln Monument. We raced back in the direction of the trolley and what I thought was the Vietnam Memorial, but realized it was the Korean Memorial...

I said a prayer for the soldiers lost and families effected and we raced to the trolley to let them know we still hadn't seen the Vietnam Memorial. It was 1:28 and they told us to run.

Now, we had to run past the Lincoln Monument now and down the OTHER side. When we got to the wall, we realized it's not in alphabetical order. How in the world are we going to find this name?? The wall is huge!! There are so many names. Henry raced to the reference sheets to try to find it and within minutes, I had found the name! I can tell you that I had to have had help. But there it was... Charles A Gaudreau.

 We somehow managed to make it back to the trolley at 1:46, before it left without us. They were even gracious enough to take us to the Rayburn Building to tour the office of our Congressman, Barney Frank.

We finished the day with a trip to Good Stuff Eatery and the Capitol Building, before heading back to the hotel. We all napped and the girls and our sitter went to the pool while Chef Hubby and I went to Georgetown cupcakes (DC Cupcakes people... from TLC). Gotta admit, not so great :(

We headed out after breakfast and got home pretty late that night, thanks to New York traffic. 

It was a good time overall, but Disney as the happiest place on earth? I can think of a few others :)

I LOVE this song...

 

It's been FOREVER since I've last posted, but I have a really good excuse... I've been VERY busy!

Honest!
I'm not making it up...

This year I started a new job, remember? Now, I'm a Physical Education Instructor at the regional high school in my area. I've settled into it and I'm having fun.

Then in March I was told that there was a Track Coach position open. I was told that I should apply and had an excellent chance of getting job, I just needed to make the decision by the next day... lol

Anyway, I talked to the hubby since we have the kids and I'd been picking them up after school. He also works at the high school and he's a Kitchen Manager for an area bar (but it has really good food... hehe) AND he's a city councilor.  So I can't just go messing up our juggling act without a serious consult.

Have I ever mentioned how amazing my husband is? Well, if not... he's pretty amazing! He didn't even blink. He told me, "Babe, this is what you've been talking about since I met you. You should do it. Everything will work out. We always figure out a way."

So, I applied and "poof" and I got the job.

The season was awesome!! More than I could have hoped. I loved being a coach. I told them that I will put in as much time and energy as they do, and they worked hard people :)

Also, this year Phoebe is doing girl scouts (and loving it) and both the girls started soccer. I felt that it's time to get them involved. While I was an Athletic Trainer, we never had the time and I always held a lot of guilt that they were missing out. Now, they have "things" they play... I feel better.

My last BIG excuse was that I was once again, the Committee Chairperson for the HFHN Get Fit Health Fair.  It was awesome this year!! After all the hard work, time and energy. I really think that the people enjoyed it to the max!! Vendors and parents were incredibly happy with what we had pulled together and I was really excited about that :)

I am going to try to be more of presence again, but we have the summer off and lots of things to accomplish! Keep checking in though... I think we're going to have lots of fun :)

Chef of the Year Dinner

Have I mentioned that my husband is a chef? It's a great thing when it comes to food... hehe. We were invited to go the American Culinary Federation Chef of the Year Dinner this weekend. Well, with a room full of chefs you can guarantee that the food is going to be beyond amazing!

We had the best food ever!!! Now, I have a little disclaimer... I didn't take a picture of every course because I ate them before I thought about it. Also, the pictures were taken with my phone, so they aren't perfect, but I promise... they were awesome!!!

This was the salad... yes, yummy!

 This was dessert...

BUT... as all chefs know, presentation is the key since people eat with their eyes first.

      Well, I had to laugh out loud when the 3rd entree came out.
           Yes, the 3rd!
                The first was a seared Bay Scallop.
                     The second was an amazing Duck 2 ways dish. I don't even like duck and I inhaled it!!


As I was saying... presentation is key! So when the server placed my plate down I laughed out loud and showed my husband! Then I quickly commented on Laura's blog because I KNEW she'd totally appreciate this... I mean SERIOUSLY!!!

   Just look at the meat... well, then I noticed the potatoes... do you see it?? 

OK, maybe I'm just sick!
Or, I could just need a night without kids... 
           
Uh huh... dirty minds have fun with that! An entire room of chefs were chowing down on some vagina shaped short ribs!! lmao

Yup, I'm sick.

Hope you had a good laugh :)

Friendship and Heaven...

I don't know about you, but I always leave church feeling just a little bit better. The priest at my church is amazing. He has a way of breaking down the gospel and making it something you can really relate with somehow.

Today's gospel was about friends who carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus, to be healed. They weren't able to get near the house because there were too many people. So they climbed the roof, created a hole and dropped the man down to Jesus to be saved. It was because of their faith and commitment to God and their friend, that He healed the man.

I got it. I have to say, though, I'm usually kind of a simpleton with these bible stories and passages. It's usually Father Bob's stories that make it click.

Well, today's story was awesome. It made me even more thankful for my friends and family. It makes me think that we are doing things "the right way" and it helps secure my faith.

This is the story:
A man passed and was being shown around by an angel. He was being shown both Heaven and Hell. So the angel brought him to Hell first.

They entered a huge, ornate mansion, with marble and lights and everything you could imagine. They came to a set of pearly doors that opened to the banquet hall, and upon entering he saw that there was food from all around. Anything you would ever want. On both sides were people seated with HUGE forks... 6ft long. BUT they were all starving, because how can you feed yourself with a 6ft fork??

So then he was shown Heaven.

Once again, it was a beautiful mansion with everything you could imagine and again, they came to a set of pearly doors that opened to a banquet hall. There was food from all over and you would want for nothing. Both sides were lined with people and they all had HUGE 6ft forks... BUT they were happy! They were enjoying the food and celebrating the feast, because THEY were feeding EACH OTHER!

Wow... that's all you need, right?


You can get through anything.
You can DO anything... if you have the support of your friends.

If you know you are not alone... which I'm learning, you will never be, if you have Faith.

I don't think that you need to be religious to believe... and I think for the most part, people do believe... in something anyway. Even if you don't admit (even to yourself). And this story shows that as long as you are not alone, you will never be hungry. You will survive :)

I love my friends. I love my family... and I believe I will never be alone :)

half the story

It occurred to me today that I've telling my little story on both blogs, but with the lack of motivation I was having, I only told a little each. lol.

Anyway, for anyone who wants to know what the deal was with the past 5-6months check out my other blog. Sorry about that!

Kicking Ass and Taking Names!!

Hi!!!

How the heck have you been? I know, I know... I've been missing. I haven't actually been a very good companion lately (you know, the past 6months or so) and not just here.

I am sooooo thankful for having the absolute most amazing husband EVER!!

He works 3 jobs, is a great Dad AND still loves me when he still has to do the dishes, wash the laundry, and take care of dinner.

Yup, I am one very lucky woman :)

Anyway, I'm feeling much better! I'm back into a workout routine. I'm eating better again. I'm actually sleeping! Holy crap... what's that??

Wow... I'm running with this and hoping that it never goes away!!

Now, I need to go put the kids to bed, work on my committee stuff, watch The Biggest Loser with my mom and actually still be up to hubby when he gets home from his meetings... hehe

Thanks for hanging in there with me. Just wanted to let you know I'm back!

I know... having the religious quote and a song by pink is kind of an oxymoron... but I love them both!
Sue me!!!

The Season of Giving Part 2

Christmas this year is going to be much smaller at our house.

I told Henry that I don't need anything.

I told the kiddos that Santa's cutting back.

I skipped out on the family gift swap.

BUT... what we did do is sponsor some students.

Now, the school has a Holiday Helper's program that makes sure that the families who are struggling and the many homeless students enrolled, are able to have at least a little Christmas. Chef Hubby and I are both working at the same school and both emailed each other the blast to see if the other was interested. It was actually a little silly.

So I called the office and stated that we would sponsor a student. I was psyched! That meant I got to go shopping and find deals and totally make someone's Christmas, who otherwise wouldn't have one.

A few days later, I went to her office to get my assigned student, I found out that she had mistakenly given us a very small family. So we took it and then volunteered to take the student as well.

Can I just say the sales that I've been finding are ridiculous!! We've been able to fill their wishlists, including winter coats and infant snowsuits for an average of 30% of the price.

Then we went to church and they had a giving tree. There we were able to give games to a Veteran's Home. The kids classes are taking donations for the Lion's Club and Ronald McDonald House... and who can forget Gifts to Give??

We are so very blessed right now to have so much...
Our health
Stable jobs
Absolutely amazing friends
Loving relationships
A safe, warm roof over our heads
Cars to transport us... and carpool for school
Enough money to pay our bills
Children who are starting to see that it is important to give back :)

My job is settling in.
I've definitely turned a corner.

Things are going to be ok...

and I know that I can do absolutely anything with the support and love of my family and friends!!!

Starting to Feel Better

Yesterday was a lazy day for me and the family.

My mom had the entire family over for dinner... downstairs on the first floor.

We had dinner at our house on the second floor.

We weren't trying to be anti-social. We just wanted to take the chance to have our own tradition of Thanksgiving Day. I usually work the football games and well, as my last post said, I'm not an Athletic Trainer anymore, so I was home. Me and the girls watched the parade while Henry cooked dinner. He made breakfast too... hehe. Yes, I'm spoiled.

So the girls and I sat on the couch and watched the parade. I sorted through the fliers and created a game plan for Black Friday. We even ate dinner in our pjs :) It was awesome!

Then we went downstairs with our pies (after we got dressed) and joined the rest of the family for the afternoon. It was the best of both worlds. I even got to sneak back up to take a nap.

Told you I was spoiled!!

My mom let the kids sleep downstairs so hubby and I could go out this morning and grab some serious deals. I couldn't believe how well we did!

*** Doing the happy Dance *** 

We wanted to run out of Kohl's before they figured out they practically gave us the stuff to take home! Now, I have to wrap and ship out some gifts to my niece and nephew (I love saying that... lol) I just wish we were there to watch them open the packages. Hoping to be able to do that soon, maybe next year ;)  

Anyway, now I'm putting up the tree, listening to Christmas music, and maybe even baking some goodies. Still feeling a little off, but I think it might have been the whole missing the game yesterday and still trying to find my "thing". I have some ideas to roll with at school to get the kids more involved, but we'll have to see. 

OK - Merry Christmas everyone! And just remember... it's not what you get, but instead, what you give. It doesn't have to expensive or shiny. It can be as simple as a card, or a thank you, or even a smile. In this crazy time of year there are a lot of people struggling and the little things are what really matter. 

So, I wish you all enough...

I've been struggling.

I doubt that most people would believe that, but I have. I feel so lost right now that I really can't explain it.

My family has been so blessed this year. I became a Physical Education teacher at a regional high school. My husband was elected to the city council. Our children are still enrolled in the Catholic School that rocks! We booked our first "real" vacation for this summer... can't say where cuz of little reading eyes, but guess. Yup!

We had to make some house repairs and because of these changes, we had the money to deal with it. I no longer have to work at night or the weekends so I get to spend more time with the kids, my friends and my hubby.

Ok... so why am I struggling?

I feel lost because although I think I'm at least pretty good at my current job, I miss being an Athletic Trainer. I miss being able to "teach". I know that sounds like an oximoron somehow... I become a teacher and feel like I teach less. It's just that it's different.

I can explain the importance of moving and exercising. I can explain the rules to a game and the basic fundamentals to make it happen. I can teach some modifications for different abilities, etc. BUT I still "know" so much more. I want to teach them injury prevention and nutrition. I want to explain that you didn't really "break" your finger because it popped.

I almost miss the stress.

I'm also struggling a little because we just finished an insane campaign for the city council. There was throat cutting and all that. I knew it would happen, but at one point the opponent even attacked ME! I'm not running for office. She said that I made a face and turned away.

I know most people think that doesn't sound like a big thing, but it is.

I am a professional. I have to deal with a LOT of people. A few that I do NOT like. A few that I do NOT get along with. A few that I down right HATE to deal with!!! BUT... I do NOT make faces. I might bite my tongue til it bleeds but seriously?? Don't try to break down my character.

I used to have all day to myself in between dropping off the kids at school and then heading to work after school. Now, well now... I have no time! I always have to do laundry. I always have to clean the house. I am always playing catch up!! How the hell do people do this???

So, I miss my job, I'm in the political lime light, my house is a freaking disaster and I just want to sleep... so what happens??

I gain 20lbs back. Can I cry now??

I am still more than 50lbs less than my most, but I am terrified and for some reason, I feel like I'm caught in a current and can't get my feet under me. This sucks.

So - this weekend, I am going to figure it out. I am going to think about what I am most thankful for. I am going to figure out what makes me happy. I am going to make a plan. I am going to start praying a little more and start reading over the bible again...

Happy Thanksgiving. Say a prayer for me. Ok

The Season of Giving

Today was an eye opening experience.

Honestly, I knew when I heard, but it was a reinforcing moment.

Today we brought about 48+ cans to the Cans Across the Park collection today. It was awesome! The best part was the kids were upset we had to leave. They were having fun organizing the cans and knew exactly why they were there. We were helping gather cans to feed the less fortunate.

In our house, we discuss this stuff all of the time.

We have a Pantry box that we stock with items from our shopping trips to donate to the food pantries. We don't throw away our clothes. Instead we pass them on to cousins, friends, or the less fortunate. We don't throw away the toys they no longer use. We usually donate them to a charity.

Well, today we left the park and headed over to Gifts to Give. This is a local non-profit organization that truly operates as a non-profit. None of the staff is paid. Yes, you read that correctly. They have been in operation for 2yrs and NONE of the staff is paid!!! Now, isn't that what a non-profit organization should be doing??

Anyway, they are awesome. They collect items from the community and then volunteers of all ages help sort, clean, organize, pack, wrap, etc all of the items. When I say all ages, I mean ALL ages!! They even have the 3-4 yr olds make wrapping paper for the birthday gifts that go out to the kids in need. Older kids can help sort clothes, repair or organize games, or clean toys.

They take everything people bring. Whatever is "rejected" for the gifts is either recycled, repurposed, sold in a yard sale that helps with their overhead, or (very little of it) is tossed.

So you might think that their main purpose is to send gifts and clothes to less fortunate, right?? NOPE!

Their main purpose is to get people to volunteer!

Isn't that great?!

It gives everyone the opportunity to get involved. It gives EVERYONE the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life.

We are now trying to figure out when we can go help. The kids didn't want to leave that either. I love my kids! They are so amazing. I need to make sure that doesn't wear off. I need to make sure that it rubs off on our friends.

They already want to go through their stuff again and donate some of it. Maybe you have somethings you can bring over. Or you might want to volunteer some of your time to help. Visit their website!

It's the season of giving... what can you offer?

Another apology...

I can't believe it's been almost 2 weeks since I've last posted. I didn't mean to step away for so long.

Things have been crazy!!

Phoebe will be in a show this weekend. It's going to be sooo cute... I can't wait. She's a "Who" in Seussical Jr - The Musical.

Her BFF got the understudy part Jo Jo, the smallest Who in Whoville, which caused a little bit of tension in the beginning. BUT then, Phoebe got the understudy part for the Young Kangaroo and it's all better now :) lol

Don't you wish problems were this easy to solve in the real world??

Actually, now that I think about it... maybe some of them ARE that easy to solve.

Since the last post, my husband won the primary election for our Ward in the city. I couldn't be more proud. I am impressed daily by his determination and commitment to this city. He has been nonstop answering calls, attending meeting, doing radio interviews and debates. It's just constant motion. He is so good at handling it. Me, not so much :(

I have to admit... I need to go back to Weight Watchers, because my coping method seems to have packed on a couple of extra pounds. **sigh**

I am NOT the politician in the family. I say stuff that shouldn't be said, without even realizing it. So I've learned to just say nothing... which is very difficult for me! ugh!!! I just keep saying the Penguins of Madagascar's mantra "Smile and wave, boys! Smile and wave."

That's pretty much what I've been doing my entire life because I'm not a big fan of conflict, but it's my coping mechanism now. I'm awful with names so you smile and shake hands, enter the small talk and pray to God you don't get caught not knowing.

Am I alone??

I don't know. The show is done this weekend. The official election is November 8th. I just need to make it til then. Unfortunately, Halloween falls in between which leaves plenty of candy in the house to soothe me!! lol

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE my girlfriends!!! They have helped me in so many ways...

Watching my kids.
Letting me vent.
Dragging me for runs.
Mixing me a drink.
Making me laugh.
Letting me cry.
Just making me feel sane.

I love them...

Changes, changes, everywhere!!

Phew! It's over.

Remember way back when I posted my "Cryptic message"? Well, I had an interview for a teaching job.

A teaching job that I had applied for way back in March of last year.

My interview was the very first day of Football preseason! As many of the parents out there know... the first day of football preseason isn't pretty.

There are lots of forms that need to be turned in. Lots of kids who haven't done anything all summer. Lots of stupid injuries that could have been avoided. Lots of whining, moaning, groaning, etc.

All of which I am responsible for dealing with!!!

But, I had the interview too...

It lasted 17 minutes. Yeah. That's it. All my eggs in one basket. Hoping that those 17 mins were enough.

Fortunately, I had 2 a days to keep my occupied... oh and those final 30 miles in 2 weeks left to finish for my 99/100 Summer Run Challenge!

Anyway, I got the call with the job offer the following week and was able to start subbing "for myself" the day after Labor Day. It was fun. It was hectic. It was still NOT official, because my husband also worked at the school and they have an Anti-Nepotism rule, which meant that I had to be approved by the school committee the following week.

It passed and I was officially offered the job. THEN, I had to give my resignation at the high school I had been working at for 5+ years as the Athletic Trainer, or more specifically, the hospital I have been contracted out of. They require 2wks, but requested 3 weeks so that I could help with the transition. No problem. I love the people there - the kids, the coaches, the staff, heck, even the parents I work with there ROCK!

So for the past 5wks I have been working as a Physical Education teacher at one school, an Athletic Trainer at another school, a Campaign Manager for my husband's campaign, and a mom. Can you say EXHAUSTED??

Last night was my last "official" night at as the Athletic Trainer and I was sad.

There were so many former students that came to say goodbye and I was swarmed by hugs from the present ones. I cried AGAIN on the way home. Man, this has been a killer.

I am so excited to be a part of my new school. I can't wait to be able to add my spin to the mix. I've already learned so much from my coworkers and there is still so much left to figure out. I'm already planning to go to a lot of the games to make sure that everything is going well... and to actually be able to talk and mingle with the spectators.

Transitions are crazy. Change is scary. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but I can't wait to figure it out :)

Seriously???

I have 2 little girls, as most of you already know.

These 2 little "princesses" are very different. Phoebe is the Drama Queen. She will NEVER be happy.

EVER! Seriously!!

I know. I'm tough on her. I need to start "supporting" her more. Chef Hubby keeps telling me that maybe the reason she doesn't listen is because I'm always nagging. Well, maybe I wouldn't be nagging so freaking much if she started acting like a nice human being... ugh!!

Yes, I am frustrated today.

Yesterday, we had to divide and conquer. We had purchased tickets to the Princesses on Ice: Dare to Dream show a while ago. Well, we had purchased them through a friend and I completely forgot about them. Then another friend was planning a birthday and I assured her that we would be there. Of course!

Well, Wednesday Chef Hubby and I were watching tv and I saw a commercial for the show and freaked out! I totally messed up and needed to fix it. Fortunately, we have other friends :) Phew! So I asked if one of Payton's friends and her Dad wanted to go with Chef Hubby and Payton while Phoebe and I went to a "Tea Party".

While at the party, I got a text from Chef Hubby telling me that Payton said "Daddy, I really wish Phoebe was here. She'd like it".

Phoebe was having a blast with her friends and to be honest, even though she was having fun, was still REALLY upset that she didn't get to go to the Princess Show AND the Tea Party! Yeah...

OK - fast forward to when we got home...

Phoebe walks in the door and Payton runs over: "Phoebe, here this is for you!". Handing her a princess crown.

Phoebe turns around and gives her a pile of "stuff" from the Tea Party that was sent home for her, while saying "Oh, and you didn't get a fan because yours' was broken".

I watched a little disappointed and then a little sad when I asked Payton "Where is your crown?" and she replied "I gave it to Phoebe because she didn't get to go".

Please tell me that this is going to get better!! Please tell me that Payton will always be this way and that someday, Phoebe will realize there is more to life that "stuff". I don't know... I guess I'm just bummed. Did I drop the ball somewhere?? Did I get them too much stuff growing up? How do I fix this??

Decoding!

I know, I've been cryptic for a while, but I couldn't jinx it.

OK - to be honest, I couldn't tell everyone about it and then not get it.

I'm kind of pathetic like that.

Anyway, last year (March to be exact) I submitted an application at Greater New Bedford Voc Tech for a Physical Education Teacher and then never heard anything, at all about it. Well, until the 3rd week of August. I finally "Got a call" and was asked to come in for an interview.

Of course, nothing can be easy because the interview had to be set up for the very first day of Pre-Season! ugh.

Well, I still hadn't heard anything after the 1st day of school started so I figured I should start checking the mail. So, like any other day, on Tuesday, August 30th, I headed out for a run without my phone. Who the heck's gonna call, right??

I came back to 11 missed calls! Wow - all within an hour! I was offered the job BUT because hubby works for the school already and they have a nepotism rule, I needed approval from the school committee. After subbing for myself for a week, I was APPROVED! Then, I handed in my resignation at FHS.

Now, I am still subbing for myself because I have to leave as soon as the last class lets our to run over to Fairhaven and take care of my kids. Man, I am seriously going to miss them :( It's a little over 2wks left for me to juggle to 2 jobs, 2 kids, the hubby, the kids, the dog, 3 hamsters, the house... oh, and the little thing known as the City Coucilor Campaign! I can't wait!!

Then and only then I will be celebrating my new position!!!! woohoo!!!

Wish me luck :)

Fill the Pantry Challenge... Again!

Today is a very special day for America. It represents a time that we came together as a country and shouted to the world that we are united and we get stronger when confronted. We fight to protect each other. United we stand, right?!

Well, I've always believed that you need to care for your family, your neighbor, your community before you try to help the more global charities. You need to keep your base strong, healthy, happy, and united. So I am reissuing the Fill the Pantry Challenge.

It costs only as much as you are willing/able to spend. Very basically, you can keep a box in your pantry, kitchen, hallway, whatever. Each time you go to the grocery store pick up one or two items to put in it. Or you can start a Fill the Pantry fund and put a dollar or two in it each week. Then pick a local charity, food bank, shelter to donate the goods or money.

The most important part is that you are making a commitment to help... and if you have children, you make them take an active role. I used to have my kiddos pick the items. I have to admit, even we got out of the habit of doing this for a while. BUT - we are breaking out the box again!

So help us unite again to make our community stronger! When people work together, talk together, get along it creates a safer, healthier, stronger environment... that YOU helped build :)

My prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims and heros of 9/11. I will ALWAYS remember!!