I've Lost the Mother-of-the-Year Award

Of course, I'm not sure that I was ever in the running.

Knowing that I had an important errand to run today (to drop off a job application), and being the control freak that I am, I started calculating today's agenda last night. After taking the kids to school, I would spend the morning searching for jobs online, then I would leave just in time to scoop up my aunt Sandy when she was done teaching kindergarten, turn in the golden ticket application, have a quick bite to eat, and get to the kids' school just in time to take them home.

It worked out well. I even squeezed in a quick trip to Wal-Mart. In fact, I had done so well with my time, that I stopped for a carwash.

I was happily chatting with my mom as I pulled in to the school when the ton of bricks landed all over me. Today was early day. My kids get out an hour early every Monday and had been waiting for me for more than half an hour.

OH the guilt, the horror. And were they angy! They even tried to milk it for a trip to the drive-thru. No such luck. Yes I feel bad, maybe even really, really bad. But I'm not about to let them hold it over me.

Feel free to give me a reminder call next Monday. Darn these early-out days.

Here Kitty, Kitty

There are some things that are just hard to believe. You just have to see to believe.

Knowing this, and knowing that I have a deep love for all things feline, David's camera phone gave me a glimpse of the little visitor that had to be removed from under a warehouse pallet by animal control.

Exploring the New State

If you know me, you know that we take advantage of our geographical upheavals by exploring the new territories. Today was no different. We drove up Provo Canyon for a little hike at Bridal Veil Falls.

The weather was forecasted to be horrendous, but when there was still no sign of lightning at 1pm, we were on our way.

The trail leading to the falls was nice. Plenty wide, paved, and with a white line running down the center.

The first 40-50 feet had a bit of an incline and a curve, but then straightened out and had only the slightest slope. A sign was posted near the start of the trail instructing us to share the trail, as it was being used by people on foot, on skates, and on bikes.

I spotted a guy on roller skates (not blades) just after the sign. He was really pumping his legs, trying to gain speed as he descended down the hill, coming right at us. Even when it became apparent that he was approaching a family of four (us), he didn't slow down, nor did he move off to his side of the white line. I shot him dirty looks, and attemped to shout something rude to him, but herded my family off to safety on the side of the trail instead.

I turned around to see him, me still flustered by his disregard to our safety, and saw that he was still trying to gain speed on his way down the trail. Knowing that there was a curve in the trail, I blurted out "he's going to biff". Not only did he biff, but he slammed in to the embankment, after making fruitless attempt to stop his out of control body.

I stood there, wondering if I should run help or if I should dial 911. He jumped to his feet, and was on his way, too far away for me to see if he was bloodied or otherwise wounded.

We continued on our hike. At first feeling bad for the jerk, but quickly turned sympathy to laughing at the idiot. David swears that he wouldn't have offered CPR had it been a need, that the guy deserved to crash. Our kids were too kind to laugh, and maybe a bit bewildered by the whole event. But David and I laughed back and forth for several minutes at the skater's expense, as if we were 9 and 7, instead of Maddie and Isaac.

As our hike progressed, Isaac's mood got worse and worse. The kid was down right ornery and I wished that we had left him in the car.

Still eeking out a smile for mom here. But...

And even...

I tried to be light-hearted, but my patience dwindled and I've been a crab ever since. He's now happily playing with his Star Wars guys at the kitchen table after sleeping it off in the car ride home. Thanks for letting me blow off a little steam here in the blog.

We enjoyed the scenery offered on our hike near Bridal Veil Falls, and I should note that there are Bridal Veil Falls in other states we've lived in/visited: California, Montana, South Dakota and now Utah.

Being in the Provo Canyon caused me to have a bit of anxiety. On March 5, 1990 my uncle Karl was killed in a car accident just a mile from where we visited today. Not having been in the area since, I had a hard time shrugging off that feeling that I can only describe as weird and uneasy. I plan to return, and expect that each time I do, it will be easier and easier. I hope to eventually look to that area for fun and recreation, and have happy memories for skater-less hikes.

I'm Thinking "No"

I went for a job interview today.

I'm looking for part-time work that pays well and has flexible hours. Too much to ask for?

The job-du-jour was at a furniture store. A big plus - assuming that there would be a nice employee discount and considering that I am sofa-ly challenged in not just one but two rooms.

It was too far away, the hours were not as flexible as touted, and the hourly rate was what the local drive thru is hiring at.

It's so frustrating to be over-qualified and without a college degree. All the while trying to convince my anti-risk-taking husband that I am ready to start my own business.

I've applied for other jobs, we'll see what comes my way.

After the interview, David (my chauffer) and I walked around the mall. I felt guilty, like I should be home doing something productive (to counter my thus-far non-productive week). I did my best to shrug it off and enjoy time alone with my husband. We did squeeze in an Italian lunch that was only so-so. I could have done better in my own kitchen.

Back to the job search. Wish me luck.

Punked in the Drive-Thru

We are thrilled to live in the land of Sonics. Not the basketball team, the drive-thru. I have yet to try the Orange-Cream Slushy, but aspire to do so in the very near future.

I've been to Sonic 3 times this week. Yes, 3 times. Once after taking the kids to the county fair with the drunken carnies last Friday; the second trip to Sonic was Saturday when the kids and I were out shopping; and the third visit was this morning with David after we delivered the kids to their first day of school.

ALL three times our order was screwed up. When I pointed this out to David he said "so what, their food is good". I hesitated just for a second and then silently agreed before taking my next bite of my yummy sausage breakfast burrito.

The closest drive-thru to me is the Artic Circle about 3 miles from here. I have seen their commercials, but the hamburgers looked so pathetic I had no interest. Not even their "We Have the Best Halibut Sandwiches" sign lured me in. Gross. Today geography worked in their favor. Needing an "I survived the first day of school treat", we tried their shakes. They have won my approval based on one menu item alone: the Andes Mint Shake. Geniuses.

PS Did you notice that line about me having to drive 3 miles for fast food?! We are way out here.

I'm Not Dead

But with such a long absence, where do I begin?

We are settling into our new home, but really, how settled can you be without couches in the family room or the living room. 10 minutes ago I was laying on the floor, using the bottom step to rest my head on. Someday we'll have couches. Now I sound like the Wells Fargo commercial.

I'm pretty sure that I haven't turned into a Utah Mormon yet, but stay tuned.

Monday I tagged along with my aunt to Logan to drop of my freshman cousin. Ohh, to be young and living in dorms. I'm so old that I am beyond any regret of not living the college existence, but spent the day thinking about taking my own Maddie to college. Highlight: when the dorky-looking guy asked if I was a freshman. "No, but you just boosted my self esteem!"

My kids started school today. It's a brand-spaking-new elementary located OVER 5 miles from our home. Chalk it up to crappy boundaries in the new but growing community. No, no we can't go to the school that's just a stone's throw away.

I know I'm babbling. Too much going on in my brain. I'll bore you more later.