Ok, I don't get "crushes" ever any more

But, a while back, I met somebody that works in my building. I have never seen a more genuine smile. He's intelligent and above all very calm. I have learned a couple things since I started thinking he was cool.

1. Don't carry and or eat a snickers bar if you might run into your crush in the elevator. It just doesn't look good. (in my defense, my sugar level was terribly out of balance and I felt like I was going to pass out).
2. Be careful what T-shirt you borrow from your marketing department after you spill coffee on the clean white shirt you wore even though you should know better. (I wasn't thinking. The shirt said LIKEME.NET - It just looks sooooo needy!)

With all the kid stuff going on, dating really isn't a primary focus but I have found myself daydreaming. Somebody to see movies with. Someone over 15 to actually talk to! Somebody to see the occasional cool band with. Someone to listen to after a day's work.

It's been very long time since I have even been interested in someone romantically. I have three jobs. I have kids to tend to. I have to sleep! Now, there is my fascination with Jack Bauer but that's just my imagination. It's safe and there is no risk. To actually try to pursue anything that personal terrifies me. My whole perspective has changed in regard to dating. I used to romanticize everything about relationships. Now I find myself being morbidly realistic. Do they have a job? Do they look at the bright side (or do they even have a bright side) are they able to balance a check book (thank you "insert name here") and above all are they independent enough to not be first in my life?

I still think about the perfect first date. A nice dinner, dessert near a lake shore, maybe spend time at a local club all of which gives us a chance to chat and get to know one another. Then of course there is the inevitable first kiss. After that if all is going well, I could introduce him to my kids and oh yeah

THE GUY THAT IS STAYING IN MY LIVING ROOM.

How on earth could I explain that one??????

The best things in life are free

But you can give to the birds and bees. I want Money.

Ok, I don't really feel that way. I am just so budgetfrustrated right now.

What I would really love is to find something I enjoy doing that I could make a bit extra with. I have tons of ideas. I have a home business but that is selling and I don't think I am pushy enough. Plus, in order to make the real bucks you have to recruit. Not my thing at all.

It's amazing, I restructure my budget every week to make sure I get through until the next payday but something always comes up. Food for the kids, the house payment all of those irritating little expense...the list is endless.

I know I am not the only one that is suffering. "What's his name" hasn't had a full time job for 19 months (and counting) so I guess it could be worse.

I have been doing some little things to cut costs. I have been taking leftovers to work (Today it's Beef Stew!). I have been shutting off the heat when the house is plenty warm and I turn off lights when I leave the room. Of course these little items will not help me with the car payment that's due but one thing at a time.

The kids are great as far as being understanding about money things. I really do wish I could give them more. I think that this may help them in the long run though. Sometimes when you grow up without money worries you don't learn to be responsible about budgeting and planning. I try to impart some knowledge in that area to them with real world examples like letting them know prices of certain items and how my salary relates to the time I spend at work. I just don't want to burden them with things that are mine to deal with.

oops! Speaking of money, I need to get back to work. It's a reporting day.

Happy Wednesday!

What have I done for me lately?

Well, I made a declaration in my blog that I would do something every day to improve my life. Ummm. I try, I really do but lately I have just been reacting. I can say that last night I did a few good things.

I went to dinner with a very good friend I haven't seen in a long, long time. She is someone I have known since high school and was visiting town so we went to dinner. Good for me!
I picked up my middle daughter (G2) from BBall practice. Good for us, as we had a chance to chat. We really have fun with the chats.
I helped my youngest (G3) with big a 3rd grade project, and did not yell at "what's his name" when he sat by (slaying dragons) and watched her struggle. That last part was good for all of us because the fighting does not help it just makes everyone sad and tense.
My oldest has been struggling with homework as high school is a high volume homework situation. I used to try to be very gentle and encouraging with her as she does have an ASD. I have decided recently that I am going to have put the hammer down a bit. My tone is a bit more stern and I am a lot more straight forward. I am proud to say that her response is very positive. She will be trying to get into post secondary schooling in a couple of years and she has a wonderful mind. I don't want her missing out!

Well, it ain't slaying dragons but at least I helped a few real people!

Woo hooo!

Where did my blog title come from?

Way back when I first was a single Mom of three my life was unbelievably busy. I had a seven year old a five year old and a newborn. I was also working full time and trying to finish my degree. In addition, I had "What's his name" to cope with and (insert name here) I was trying to maintain a friendship with. Talk about being pulled in all directions!

I got into the habit of telling fun stories about my kids to pretty much anyone who would listen. Many told me I should write a book. At the time I took it as a compliment. I wonder now if they just wanted me to stop telling them these cute little stories. ????

I got as far as a few chapters.

Here is part of chapter one:

Multitasking: Microsoft may have coined that phrase but mother's have been doing it for centuries. I never realized how much I could accomplish all at once until I became a single mother of three. Not to toot my own horn as I know I am not the only one, I am just proud of my ability to juggle so much. When I was in college I couldn't get anything done and all I did was go to school (ok, and the occasional club).

Anyway, one of my crowning moments in motherhood was a day I had decided to make a roast for dinner (on a school night). G1 was having trouble with math homework so I was helping her. G2 was reading to me from a school assignment. I was nursing G3 when the timer went off on my oven. I was able to continue everything while getting dinner on the table!!!! Woo hoo. Good times.

Later that same week I got a visit from (insert name here). I hadn't seen him in a while so I was glad he was there. Here is how that evening went:

Oh Hey (insert name here) I am so glad you stopped by."
A2: "Mom A1 just kicked me!"
A1: "Only because A2 won't shut off the light"
A2: "I am trying to read!!!!!"
A3: "Waaaaaaaaaaaa!

(Insert name here) just read the newspaper.

Me, I was on the couch, with a cat sitting on my head.

It's been a few days

Wow! What a busy weekend! Kids stuff mostly. Girl Scouts for 1 & 3 and band stuff for 2.

I am really proud to say that I have change my mountain of laundry into a small hill that can be easily walked around in our laundry hallway. It's amazing what can be accomplished when you put your mind to it, oh and give up a Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

Now that I am writing this blog, I get blocked. I remember back when the kids were little and I had come up with a title for the book I wasgunna write. I had the funniest stuff going on! Now, I can't think of anything to write about.

Also, it's 6:13 and I have no idea what to make for dinner. I just went grocery shopping but I don't feel like making anything that I bought. Tacos? Spaghetti? Chicken Chatchatori? (okay I don't know how to spell it but I do know how to make it). The choices!!! To many, cannot decide......If I wasn't exhausted I was have stress! Thank God for exhaustion!

At least I get to go to work tomorrow. Did I just say that!?!?!?! Either I am getting old or I need to get out more!!!! Speaking of getting old. Does it make you old if you jam to Copacabana? I caught my self "Rockin' out " to Barry Manilow. Maybe I was just caught up in the moment but I remember a time when I wouldn't be caught dead listening to him let alone enjoying it!

I think I write better when I am at my desk at work. Hmmmm

Let's see, tomorrow: How I came up with my blog title, 1,000 people need my attention and there's a cat sitting on my head.

Same Day, Different Post

I have realized that my focus has been really bad lately. I am going to need to push myself to pay better attention, especially at work. I can be much more accurate than I have been. It does not have to be such a struggle.

It may be a really great opportunity to leave the home stuff at home. It I do this correctly, I will be able to leave work at work and home at home. What a concept.

I really do love my job. I especially feel fortunate that I work with a group of people that I respect. I do get really worried that with the job market the way it is I could end up losing this job that I love.

I can be more accurate
I can be more accurate
I can be more accurate
I can be more accurate
I can be more accurate
I can be more accurate
I can be more accurate

Oops. That is not the secret:

I am very accurate
I am very accurate
I am very accurate
I am very accurate
I am very accurate
I am very accurate
I am very accurate
I am very accurate
I am very accurate
I am very accurate
I am very accurate


That's better.

Just a quick one

I need to give snaps when they are due. "What's his name" seems to have stepped up his presence with the kids. He went with us to an event for G1 and was up and ready to help G3 get to the school bus. I think that is a really great start in the right direction.

Work is so weirdly busy I have to get back to it.