The baseball / softball season is officially done

Holy shit -

I'm also so relieved when a season ends. Both baseball and softball season are complete! Thank Gawd!!!!! We had closing ceremonies for softball and baseball had their last game today. Bubba - had his best baseball game ever. Yay for him! He didn't strike out once, he hit the ball every time at bat, and even made a run (he usually strikes out every time). It was all very exciting. He was thrilled with himself. Great way to end the season.

I've been bragging on this blog a lot about Prissy's softball pitching skills and overall awesomeness. Well, we found out today at closing ceremonies that she was the best pitcher - statistically - in her entire division. Cool right? (yes, yes, I'm bragging more!!! She is MY daughter!!!) But, Holy shit - coaches and softball board members and multiple different people started recruiting her for their teams next year at closing ceremones. "Oh, Prissy - you are playing winterball right?" ummm - we weren't planning on it... Soccer is in the fall... "Oh, Prissy - you need to be on Softball-girls team next year!" ummm - it's a draft. She has no say at all... Anyway, it was cool - but weird. We don't even know these people. Hubby said he saw two of them watching her last night at the game. Are there really scouts at the 8 and under games? Seriously? Have things gone too far?

On the flip side - one of the assistant coaches asked Bubba to be on his team next year. NOOOOO!!!!! He was an absolute ASSHOLE to the kids. I haven't talked much about baseball because it was horrible. I refuse to let my son be on his team. Bubba had the same crappy coach two years in a row. He needs someone to coach him not someone to just yell at him and tell him he HAS to hit it. Maybe he needs to be told to swing straight and not loopy. Ugh...

So - softball and baseball is done until next March. But, baton is still hot and heavy. Prissy has regionals in a few weeks (for the Western United States). And then has Nationals in July. Oddly - softball isn't her real competitive sport - Baton is. At least for now. I think when she gets older - she is going to have to choose. She won't be able to do everything.

And Bubba, Hubby and I are still doing Taekwondo. We've been a bit short on classes because of all this baseball and softball. We all have testing in a few weeks. We know the forms and the weapons. Bubba will be moving to a Black Belt recommended. He's almost to his blackbelt. He wants to quit after that - which is fine. But, after all this time - he's only about 3 months away from his blackbelt - he needs to finish it. Suck it up and finish!

Man - we sure stay busy with all of our kids sports. It certainly gives us something to do. :D

Updates and Pool Pictures

Ok - FIRST -

DYNAMITE IS THE U8 Divisional Champions!!! Prissy - pitched a no hitter! Prissy - had 2 RBIs off of an amazing double. The score 2-0. (meaning Prissy's double was the only score in the game!!!) I freaking CRIED! I'm such a damn freak. (I cried because the girls were SO HAPPY!! I was so proud of all of them!!! And MY BABY ROCKS! (really, I swear I'm not a "sports mom!"))

Ok - our pool - super incredible. As promised - here are the final construction pictures:

Before:



Trees Cut:



Trees Removed:



Digging #1



Digging #2



Plumbing



Electrical



Rebar



Gunite



Tile #1



Tile #2 and Coping #1



Tile #3 and coping #2



Concrete around the Pool



Dried concrete around the pool



Plastered - starting to fill



Still Filling up



Gorgeous Finished Pool



We still have to landscape. First, we need to figure out the sprinklers and then bring in the plants. Hopefully it will go just fine. We should be able to swim sometime next week. And it's actually going to start getting hot next week - so that will rock. Also? We'll be done with both softball and baseball and have a little extra time. Yay!

5+ Hours at the Fields

Man oh man!

I spent over 5 hours at the baseball/softball fields today. Yes. FIVE FREAKING HOURS! It would be one thing if it was Saturday. But, the kids went to school today and I worked all day. It was actually the kids last day of school! YAHOO!!! NO MORE HOMEWORK!!! WE CAN GET TO SUMMER CAMP A BIT LATER! WE CAN LEAVE A BIT EARLIER! OH YEAH - THE KIDS - ALL As (and Os for Bubba)...



Anyway, went to Bubba's game. It was long. His team slaughtered the other team. Bubba even hit it once! And got on base! He made an awesome stop at 3rd base and threw it to first - and the first baseman caught it. Very exciting.

We then left there and went to Prissy's game. As I mentioned yesterday they are in a single elimination tournament and they played the other top team (either the Dynamite or the Funky Monkeys were slated to win the division - but this is just the semi-finals tonight.)

Prissy pitched the first two innings (better than the final innings) and she struck out everyone. She had one of her best games ever. The other team's pitcher was really good as well and she struck out everyone. Our other really good pitcher came up and struck out everyone in the next two innings - and vice versa. So, the game should have been over due to time - but the score was 0 to 0. Both Prissy and the other good pitcher had pitched their two allowed innings. And it was too dark to play anymore and the field we were on didn't have lights.

SO - we had to do the tie breaker final rules and wait for a field to open up with lights. Another pitcher was warmed up (she is a decent pitcher.) Our girls got up and freaking scored four runs (the Funky Monkey's didn't have a 3rd decent pitcher) and it was getting REALLY late - past all the girls bedtimes. Our girls were just out of control excited - screaming that really really loud screetchy girl scream? You know it? The kind that makes your eyes bleed.



The funky monkey's got up and our 2nd string pitcher did really well. She struck out her first batter and then a couple of hits but they were fielded out. Funky Monkey's scored 2 and were finally put out...





AND...





SO!???





Dynamite won! I haven't been so excited about a team winning in forever. The NCAA basketball tournament wasn't even as exciting as this. You should have heard our girls screaming. They were SO FREAKING EXCITED!

However - there is still one game left tomorrow. They are playing the Storm. We've beaten the Storm 2 or 3 times this season. They aren't bad - and you never know. The girls could have a bad pitching day or something. But, we should beat them. Three of the girls on the Storm were on the team that Hubby and I coached in T-softball (the team was called the Thunderbunnies - is that the cutest fracking name you've ever heard or what??!! The local highschool team is the Thunder - so we thought that these 6 year olds should be the Thunderbunnies.

So, if the other team does win - we can say that we helped coach those girls and we still rock. Cause, clearly we do.

I can't believe how totally exciting this tournament has been. It would be neat if Dynamite won tomorrow.

I'm actually feeling like not such a suck parent tonight. I don't think I have too much guilt about much. Kids did well in school this year. They are doing well in sports. I've attended all of the games my kids had this week. I haven't even complained too loudly that WE'VE BEEN AT SOFTBALL OR BASEBALL EVERY SINGLE DAY THIS WEEK!!!! That's all. Just feeling at peace.

Oh yeah, it helps that I'm off for the next 4 days. Oh, and also? Our pool is done and filled with water. I totally have to get the before and after post up. SO awesome!

This Tournament is going to Kill me

So - the girls softball tournament started yesterday. Prissy is 9 years old on a team called the Dynamite! and she is one of the older players on her team. She and her good friend (also the coaches daughter) are really good and they are THE pitchers. Several of the other girls pitch, but not during this last part of the tournament. There are weird rules for the pitchers. Like the girls can't pitch more than two innings in a game (a typical game lasts 4 innings) and they can only pitch in 2 games in a week (except for the tournament and they can pitch 3 games - they tournament is 4 games long in a single week.)

This is a single elimination tournament. They won yesterday and neither Prissy or her friend pitched. They were being "saved." Both the girls pitched today to a team that they have lost to twice (however, neither Prissy nor her friend have played against them). Prissy's friend did not pitch very well tonight. But, the other team wasn't pitching well either.

So, Dynamite was up 2 to 0 and Prissy starts to pitch. I swear I felt like I was going to throw up for her.

• Strike OUT! YES!
• Hit off of her, pop fly and Prissy catches it! YES!
• Walk -
• Hit -
• Walk
• And then they score... DAMN... 2-1
• And then a final Strike out! YES!

Prissy doesn't usually ever walk anyone. So, getting so many balls sort of flustered her. She was just trying to pitch it too fast I think. Nerves were running pretty high.

Anyway, Dynamite got back up and didn't score.

Prissy comes back up to pitch. Last inning of the game. Winning or losing this tournament is pretty much riding on her shoulders. She looks cool as a cucumber. I was nervous as a mouse in house full of cats.

• Strike OUT!
• Strike OUT!
• Hit - gets on first.
• STRIKE OUT!!!!!!!!

DYNAMITE WINS!!!!!!

Apparently everyone was quite nervous. The coaches were nervous. The parents were nervous. The kids were nervous. One of the parents told Prissy after the game she looked calm out there. She said, "If you were a bug inside of me, you'd know that isn't true." I guess she had some butterflies. :)

Anyway - that's a lot of pressure for such a little girl! WAY more pressure than baton.

Tomorrow we play the other top team in the division. They have also beaten us twice. I can't believe I'm so into girls softball. Crazy.

I Hate Clothes Shopping

I know - those words may cause a riot.

Some people love shopping. I am clearly not one of them. My mom is really good at it. She's not just good at shopping, she's amazing at finding BARGAINS! Cute cute clothes and shoes at crazy low prices. My best friend is also amazing at shopping.

I walk into a clothing store and I start to panic. Here are my thoughts, "OMG! The lights are too bright," "The sales people are all wearing headsets," "holy shit, there are a lot of choices." "Fuck, should I try on maroon? Baby blue? Pink? Teal? Brown? Black? NAVY? HOLY CRAP!!!! THAT IS JUST ONE FREAKING SWEATER AND I CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT COLOR TO EVEN TRY ON!!!" RUN AWAY!!!!

Two years ago, I had reached the end of my long long long pursuit of my master's degree as a fulltime working adult with two small kids and a husband. I was incredibly proud of myself for completeing it. I went to Old Navy (my favorite store - I suppose - they have jeans that fit me) and I swear to everything that I almost had a panic attack. I didn't know what someone was supposed to wear to a graduation. I was supposed to go to this nice luncheon for top graduates and get an award and everything. I called my best friend in tears and asked her to help me.

She immediately came to the store and rescued me. She went in, and 5 minutes later (I kid you not) had a basket full of items for me to try on. Things that looked like crap and I would never have even considered. I tried them on and they turned me into a princess. I ended up getting a nice pair of black pants, a tank off-white sweater with beading and a black chinese collared jacket with brown and off-white lining and 3/4 length sleaves. I looked spectacular.

But, I still panic when walking into clothing stores. I just can't put it together myself. I think I'm missing the gene that allows people to do this. I have no problem letting people dress me, I'm just unable to pick things out myself. I am the woman that personal shoppers are made for.

But, all in all, I'm not your "typical" female (whatever that is). I'm a computer science major, and computer nerd by profession. I work with almost all men. I'm actually most comfortable around men. I'm painfully shy in social situations around new people. I'm terrible at school functions - I don't socialize with the other mommies very well. However, I do get along well with the Dads that I work with (which doesn't go over well with the mommies). Since I'm so fashion-clueless, the other mommies also don't like to include me in their bunco and bookclubs (not that I have time for that anyway.) However, I'm incredibly outgoing with people I know and I'm comfortable with. It may take me 3 or 4 years to get comfortable with someone. However, I love people that are naturally outgoing and talkative - they put me at ease. I do my worst with other shy people - because I just cannot keep that conversation going.

On the flip side - I manage a group of 35 engineers. I have no problem whatsoever getting up and speaking in front of them. Or leading, guiding, teaching, developing them either in a group or one on one. But, my job is different than dealing with "the mommies." I guess I feel insecure? OMG! I didn't think I felt insecure about anything! But, it's weird, because I am your "typical" mommy blogger.

So - my questions for my internets (trying to understand the bloggers who read this crazy blog):

Do you love or hate shopping? Are you good at it?
As a blogger do you find it easier to open up to people in your blog or in real life?
Are most of your friends male or female?

A Year of Oreos

You thought I meant the cookie right?

Today marks the one year anniversary of the day when we got our kitty Oreo. She has brought lots of .... ummm.... broken skin to our lives? She started off so so sweet, then turned into an absolutely cra-za-zee cat. She does make us laugh and she is fun to play with. Here are a few pictures of our life with Oreo.

I burn DVD for you



As small as a remote control


Did you sees that?


You make a good bed


Getting bigger than the remote


I hides from you


Perfect fit


STREEEETCH


It looks okay from back here


Not fitting so good now


This is mine - what are YOU looking at?


I too big to be held like this


I shouldn't have eated that mushroom


Whoa. That's way up there!


I tastes good


I helps sew leotards


We snuggle


My peep shoots lasers at me


Still playing hide and seek


Could eat the remote now


We love you Oreo!

Joy and Happiness

I stole this image from someone on the web. I'd give proper credit, but I'm not sure who it belongs to. Anyway, realize that I didn't take the photo, and I'm not trying to steal it - it's just appropriate for how I feel today.

I DO NOT HAVE TO GO TO WORK TOMORROW!!!!

This shouldn't bring me so much glee. But, work has been so (horrific, horrible, hateful, awful, makes me sob every day on the way home, sad, depressing, failure inspiring) hard lately that an extra day off is wonderful. Without anything major hanging over our heads. Nothing. I just have to go to WalMart and maybe the bookstore.

Not working brings me glee. GLEE, I tell you! And something even more exciting? I don't have to go to work on Friday or the following Monday either. I know! I only have a 3 day (hell hole) work week! That so rocks!

I'm thinking that maybe work is maybe stressing me out.

Oh yeah, I'm taking a PHP and MySQL class for fun. (programming and database class) It's been a LOOOOOOONG time since I've done any programming. And, I've missed it. It surprises me. But, I used to really enjoy the challenge of a good program. So, I'm liking my class. Maybe I can make the website that I want in the way that I want to do it. Maybe...

So, I'm feeling happy and refreshed and joyful. And it's all because I don't have to go to work tomorrow. Which says something about the state of my employeed life.

Short Post

Tonight is a short post. We were actually invited to a Memorial Day party this evening. (yes, us! Anti-social freaks - we were actually invited somewhere! Yay Us!) It was loads of fun. There were other kids there. My kids were nice and the other kids were nice and all the kids played nicely together. Really! I'm not kidding. Weird, right?

All in all, it was a very fun night. I made a spinach dip that was a huge success. FINALLY! I was freaking successful at SOMETHING this week.

That's all. Tomorrow, we have a fundraiser for baton - Prissy has to sell Pizza coupons in front of a store. Unfortunately, I have to be there too. I hate fundraisers. I'd rather just fork out the money.

See, I told you it'd be short.

YAM - Yet Another Meme

Alright - yes, I've done another meme. In yet another week. This one is from Sam. At least it gave me something to write about tonight.

Favorite person (outside family): I have a lot of favorite people - outside of my family it'd probably be Abby, Sean and Taphne. These are all people that make me laugh and lift my spirits.

Favorite food: Oh lord, this is hard. Anything that is bad for me is probably my favorite. Right now, I'm totally enjoying Pei Wei - Chinese food. I also love coffee and wine.

Quirks about you: I listen to audio books while driving. It's almost an obsession. I can't do my daily long drive without my audio books.

How would the person who loves you most describe you in ten words or less? in his words, "I don't know." Wow, I'm certainly feeling the love now... :D

Any regrets in life? Not really, but if anything, I regret not "playing" more when I was younger. I was so intent on growing up. I wish I would have had a little more fun before becoming a real adult.

Favorite Charity/Cause: Foundation for Fighting Blindness because Retinitis Pigmentosa runs through my family. My father is blind, my cousin is blind, my nephew will be blind, and my son has a 50/50 chance of being blind when he is grown (but we don't think about that right now - we like to stay in denial as long as possible). Also, the Food, Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network because Prissy has a life threatening allergy to peanuts and this was a great resource for me when first starting to learn about the allergy.

Something you cannot get enough of? Coffee, wine, blogging and the show The Biggest Loser.

Worst job you have ever had? Pizza Hut - it's what convinced me to go to college. 13 years later and I still cannot comfortably eat Pizza Hut Pizza.

What job would you pay NOT to have? Day care worker (oh my gawd - these men and women have my undying respect) and anything outside in the heat of the summer.

If you HAD to spend $1,000 on YOURSELF, how would you spend it? Ohhh... Probably electronic gadgets, a massage (not really true, I've had a gift certificate for a massage for an entire year and haven't used it - I just simply don't have time) and a pedicure. Also, a wonderful Coach purse would be lovely.

Favorite thing about your house? I love the open floor plan and the fact that we have a spiral-like staircase.

Least favorite thing about your house? The master bathroom shower is much too small and doesn't have a ledge to place my foot for shaving. And the fact that we don't have a double sink in the kitchen - we have a small "vegitable" sink with the disposal and a bigger sink. I'd much prefer two sinks.

One thing you are good at? Laughing at myself.

If you could change something about your circumstances, what? I would not have the boss I currently have. And I will do everything in my power to change these circumstances.

Who would you like to meet someday? I would love to meet George Winston (musician) and Mike May whose biography I read that just absolutely floored me and made me want to become fearless. Oddly enough, these are both people that my parents have met.

What makes you feel sexy? Ummm.... nothing.... I haven't felt sexy in a long long long time... It used to be my little black dress. But, I don't think that fits anymore.

Who is your real life hero? My mom - I know. It's so cliche. She worked so hard all her life and made all the money for the family. She was caring to everyone. She worked so hard. She loved all three of us kids. But, she taught me that a woman CAN work and SHOULD be treated with respect. She taught me that a woman can be the breadwinner. She taught me what a feminist is. Women can do ANYTHING. Without my mom as my mentor - I would never ever ever be where I am today.

What is the hardest part of your job? Two things - dealing with the lying of my manager and the sneaking, controlling and horribleness. Secondly, dealing with the little quibbles of my employees. If they are too nervous to talk to one another - they come to me to bitch. I sometimes wish they would just get some balls and solve their own problems.

When are you most relaxed? Ummm, I guess when I'm sleeping... Or after a few glasses of wine on a Friday night. Like right now. Yeah... I think I'm actually relaxed right now.

What stresses you out? Oh man... This is such a loaded question... My boss stresses me out. Finding out that people have lied to me stresses me out. Knowing what is right, and fighting so hard for it and getting shit on just because of power plays stresses me out. Being discriminated because of my sex and age stresses me out above all. And yes Virginia - it does exist. I haven't seen it in a few years, but it is alive and well.

What can you not live without? Also cliche - I cannot live without my husband and my kids. They are my air. They make me laugh. They make me feel like I haven't totally screwed up my life. They give me hope. And they love me unconditionally.

Do you agree or disagree with the recent article that reported that blogs are authored by narcissists? Oh, we are probably are narcissists. My huband thinks that blogging is crazy. He just found out that I twitter today and I had to explain to him what it was. He thought it was totally stupid. I love the people I follow. I love the people that follow me. I enjoy having a view into people's lives. He just doesn't get it. Am I a narcissist? Probably. Is everyone? probably. We all want people to read our blogs. We get a kick out of comments and knowing that we are loved.. :D

Why do you blog? I'm not entirely sure. First, it was an outlet. I enjoy writing. I enjoy journaling. Then, my family (and my employees) found my blog and I toned things down. And I hated that. So, I started this blog. Those of my family (and co-workers) that are wise enough to find this blog are welcome to it. But, all in all - it gives me something to do at night. It provides an outlet for the shit going on. In all honesty - I love the contests that make me write every day and comment every day. I lurve me an achievement. I MUST HIT MY GOALS!!! I MUST ACHIEVE!!!


Rules: (consider yourself tagged if you have read this.)
1. Answer the questions
2. Link back to whoever tagged you
3. Tag eight bloggers to do the same, 2 from each category:
a. New/newer bloggers
b. Bloggy friends
c. Bloggers you would like to get to know better
d. Bloggers you do not think will respond, but you hope will.

Intense and Not So Tense

Tonight Prissy had her school concert/musical. Next week is the last week of school - so this is the last musical we'll have to go to for this private school. This year's performance was really good. Surprisingly. Usually they are long and painful. This one was filled with patriotic songs and songs about America. Honestly, I was dreading it a little (ok, dreading it a lot). But, it turned out to be really good. The kids did awesome. You could really tell that they have worked hard. Prissy was singing so intensely. She was just really trying to belt out those songs. It was really cute. This was a performance by 4th and 5th graders. And I see that some of the kids are already starting to fall into that "this is so stupid" attitude. But, Prissy isn't there. She thought it was awesome and was still so serious and intent on doing a good job. God, I hope she stays there for as long as she can. I think I will be heartbroken when she hits that "Pessimistic, You don't know anything, Everyone is wrong" attitude. I actually don't think I have long. It terrifies me. She's so sweet and generous and loving and beautiful and awesome right now.

The not so tense side of my day. We had a team building event today. While at lunch, one of my lunch bunch mentioned that he and his wife had gotten a Wii Fit yesterday (it was just released yesterday) and they hadn't preordered it. So, we went to Sam's Club at lunchtime and they had some still availble and I bought one and I took it to our team building event. It turned out to be really fun. I think I'll like this little Wii game.

Also, I'm still in the Biggest Loser at work (although, I ate like crap at our team building - it was a potluck at one of my managers house - everyone was trying to get everyone else to eat poorly.) But, today, instead of a normal "one on one" I was to have with another contestant that reports to me - we did our one on one in the fitness center. We had a meeting while we were on eliptical trainers. It was one of the coolest one on ones I've ever had. Plus, I got a good 20 minutes of aerobics in today. Yay!

Our pool was supposed to be plastered and filled today - but was postponed because it's so windy. They said it would blow leaves and debris into the wet plaster and ruin it. They are certainly right. But, it's still a bummer that it's delayed again.

Anti-Sex in the City Meme

So, I'm taking on Suzanne's challenge and following her "Anti-Sex in the City Meme." I'm also NOT a fan of Sex in the City. Actually, I've never even seen it. And I don't really have a desire to see it either.

What's the cheapest pair of shoes you own?: Ohhh... I love cheap shoes. Although, most of my shoes are somewhere in the $35 - $50 range. My cheapest pair of shoes was a $19.99 pair of flats that I got at Old Navy. I don't ever wear them because they kill my feet. My most expensive shoes are Birkenstocks. I LOVE Birkenstocks - even if they are fugly - they are soooo comfy.

What's your favorite piece of jewelry, if you own any?: I have three favorite pieces. One is a rhinestoned wishbone that my daughter bought for me when she was on a fieldtrip at the gift shop of where ever they were. It's a $5.99 piece of jewelry and I get LOTS of compliments on it. *laugh* The second is a garnet bracelet my mom got me. She is a super shopper and she said she got this $90 bracelet for $19. The third is an absolutely gorgeous set of pearls my husband bought in a charity auction. I used to wear them all the time. But, then I had them appraised and found out how much they were worth (5 times what hubby paid?) Now, I'm too nervous to wear them.

What's your favorite t-shirt?: I have two that I love. The first says, "Ninja in Disguise" the other says, "Black Belt Princess."

If you could wear jeans every day, would you? Yes, and I do. Except for the weekends and I usually wear jean capris. And sometimes if I'm feeling exceptionally good about myself I'll wear shorts, on the weekend, when it's over 153 degrees.

Do you comb your hair every day? Yes, but not that it makes a difference.

If you read this consider yourself tagged.

Anxiety Ridden

I have felt so much anxiety today. No particular reason. And anxiety is maybe not the right word. Just jumpiness? Anticipation? Too much coffee? I feel like a live wire. And I have since this morning. I don't know what it is. There is a ton of shit going on. The pool inspector is coming tomorrow. They are plastering and filling the pool on Thursday - assuming that we pass inspection. Prissy has baton tomorrow, and she is missing a softball game. Prissy also has her school play/musical/performance stuff on Thursday. Haircuts for the boys on Friday. Bills to pay. Taekwondo classes. Softball practice. Baseball game. Softball tournament next week. I'm starting a MySQL/PHP class tomorrow. School is out next week. Just stuff after stuff after stuff. On the work side - a trip to legal to be a whistleblower. A presentation and proposal to start a women's group. A proposal to move my team out from under NIB. An upcoming team event. and a bunch of other crap I can't think of right now.

I wonder why I'm feeling anxious? I'm just not sure when I can put myself down and just relax for a second.

It actually makes me want to get wasted to oblivion. But, I don't want the hangover. Instead, I'm going to go play rockband with Hubby. :D

Nothing and Everything

Oh internets - all I have is stuff. There is nothing exciting going on, but SO MUCH STUFF happening (all of it incredibly boring - but that's what you come here to read. Right? Wait, is there anyone even there? I guess it's just a journal that I can look back upon then. :))

Here is my STUFF:

• I didn't go to Walmart yesterday I went to Safeway because I was exhaused after everything and I just couldn't do the Walmart crowds. Also Safeway has better meat and produce.
• I bought cherries there. They are tasty.
• I wrote the hot hotel a nasty note and they sent me a gift certificate for a free night's stay. That sort of rocks. I'm not sure when we'll ever make it back there. However, they did have a Chevy's within walking distance - that means the big margaritas! YUMMY!
• The hotel also has a mall within walking distance. I'm not a shopper - I may have to write an entire post on this at some point. My mom - shopper. My best friend - shopper. Me - I suck at it and I hate it. Unless I'm with my mom or my best friend and they tell me what to buy. I went with Prissy - and I hated it. Poor little girl - SHE WAS THRILLED to be shopping with her mom and I just wanted to get the fuck out of there. And I had even had my margarita. I just hate shopping. But, we did get her a cute dress and it was only $9. She was thrilled. I need to acquire a taste for shopping since I have a tween girl. Yugh..
• We got our direcTV fixed today - well, we got our HD dish. Unfortunately, the guy didn't run the second line down, so we can't record and watch a different channel. At least we have TV now.
• The pool guys came and cleaned up the pool and caulked the side. The inspector was supposed to come tomorrow - but, the owner forgot to have the equipment installed. So, they still have to install the pump, the filters, the lights, etc, etc, etc. Inspection is scheduled for Wednesday. Plaster and fill is scheduled for Thurday. We may be swimming by the end of next week.
• Ironically enough - it's been hot as hell and it's supposed to cool off now that our pool is being filled. UGH.
• I want to do a tropical landscape around the pool. OMG! I have a vision of what I want. I know - don't freak out. It is so unlike me.
• Bubba had a baseball game today - he didn't hit a single ball. He did play catcher. The mean coach said they were going to let him play a few innings in-field because they've played him outfield all season (which is terribly boring) but they wouldn't play him at first becaue they would be slaughtered if they did that. Ummm - assholemuch? He's SEVEN!
• I worked from home today. I love that my job is flexible enough that I can work from home occasionally.
• I didn't have to go to PT today - but I should still do my exercises that I have not yet done.

Is that enough nothing and everything for you? We're busy - super busy. But, not by anything very exciting.

Updates on the weekend and such

Holy shit -

This has been an incredibly long weekend. Prissy and I drove to the Bay Area on Friday night and it was super hot. Unfortunately, the air conditioner in our room was not functioning correctly and we couldn't get the room to cool. Called the front desk and they said the maintanence guy wouldn't be back until Monday (we were staying until Sunday - of course.) So freaking hot - miserably hot. I called them back later and asked for a different room but they were booked up - of course. I asked if they had a portable air conditioner or even a fan and they did not. They said they could move us the next day.

Anyway, we got up super duper early and ate breakfast and headed to the baton competition. We got to the gym about 7:30am. THANK ALL THAT IS HOLY the gym was air conditioned. It would have just been intolerable without air conditioning. Anyway, Prissy did extremely well. She won 3 first places. Which is just awesome for states. And she did incredibly well in all of her events. We ended up getting out of the gym about 9:45pm. We were the last remaining people from our team (besides our coach who was judging.) We couldn't wait for the awards - because it looked to be another hour or so. And Prissy could barely keep her eyes open and was so ready to skip the awards. (she is only 9 after all and had been there since 7:30 in the morning.) So, we went back to the hotel and went to sleep.

We slept in to 8am. Then, went and tried to pick up a geocache (which I swear was taken) and then went and ate breakfast before heading back to Sacramento. We went straight to Prissy's best friend's birthday party at skyhigh sports. It was awesome. It was like a rollerskating rink sized space filled with trampolines - even on the walls. Awesome. So, Prissy jumped for 2 hours and then we headed to Bubba's soccer game.

Bubba was having a soccer play day. He played for 3 hours. 20 minute halves and 4 games. He did so well - but, it was SO HOT!!! Even me, sitting in the shade was burning hot. I think I personally much prefer the indoor sports. :D

So, then we headed home and I went to the grocery store. Prissy and Bubba are watching a movie now - but I'm surprised that any of us is still upright. It has been an incredibly long weekend. I absolutely cannot believe that I have to go to work tomorrow.

That's up update!

Crap what a long day

Prissy's state baton twirling championship was amazingly long. We had
to be there at 7:15 this morning and ended up leaving early at 10 pm.
Prissy was so tired she didn't want to stay for the final awards
ceremony. She had all the trophies she won already. Staying would just
mean she would be in the solo winners picture.

Anyway - prissy did awesome. She came home with 3 first place
trophies. That's damn good at states.

Our hotel moved us to a room with air conditioning - which I'm
grateful for. The gym was air conditioned - which was good because it
was over 100 in this bay area town.

So, we sleep in for a bit tomorrow and then drive directly to a
birthday party for prissy's best friend.

Nite!!

Sent from my iPhone

Hot hotel

As I have been mentioning, we have been having a freaky heat wave. In
the sacramento area it was 105 today. That's really hot. Anyway the
state championship for Prissy's baton I'd in the bay area (always
pretty cool) is also extremely hot. And the air conditioner in our
room is not working.

I called the front desk and they said the maintenance guy wouldn't be
back until Monday. And they are totally booked up. So, we are stuck on
this horribly hot hotel room for the next two days. We may try to
change hotels tomorrow after the contest. But - I hate the sleeping in
the hot.

I don't have the dumb. I have the hot.

Sent from my iPhone

Tired and unmotivated

I am so so so unmotivated. I don't really want to do N.E.thing. We are
having this freak heat wave. My car said it was 105. That is damn hot
for May. It would be really nice to have a pool about now.

So, work. Ugh. The only really exciting thing I'm working on is trying
to get a womens group started. This is currently what is floating my
boat.

I will be posting to this blog from my iPhone for the next several
days as we will be traveling for states. Also which I'm not so
motivated for. Its just going to be really long.

Shoot two boring posts in a row. Suck on SUCKSTAR!!!!!

Sent from my iPhone

Only because of Blog365

I'm only posting tonight because of Blog365. I have nothing left. Nothing witty. Nothing mean. Nothing even whiny. I think I'm about as burned out as the kids (cause the end of school.)

Here is a few short synopsi:
I had taekwondo - damn - I love me some taekwondo. I did a bunch of situps yesterday and my muscles are so sore. But, sometimes that feels good cause I know I did something.

I think I will only have two more physical therapy sessions - my knee is so much better! That PT actually works - even if it is the work of the devil. I love my McGonnell taping and even bought my own tape for Taekwondo and sore days.

The pool is so close to being done (unfortunately it won't be done this weekend when we are expecting a weird heatwave of 105 - DAMNIT!). We had to get our fence replaced (our neighbors totally have avoided us like the plague and even moved a washer and dryer and a couple of mattresses and a dresser onto their driveway to try to convince us they are CRAZY FUCKS! Anyway the fence is awesome - and it only took them two days to do it. AWESOME! So, now we can pass inspection, and they can plaster and fill the pool. YIPPEE! Probably one to two more weeks. Oh, please please please be done by Memorial day!!!! I don't have pictures yet, because I'm sucking like a suckstar.

We had baton on Monday, baton today, baton tomorrow and then the state baton competition this weekend. holy shit - it's just too much baton for a single week.

I sort of did a bit of whistleblowing at work and I think I might have set myself up for a firing. But, I guess if I'm fired I'll be eligible for unemployement. Oh well, at least I'll be able to sleep better at night.

Now, wasn't that entertaining?

Rockstar

Hubby, my horribly tone deaf husband, is trying to complete all the songs in Rock Band as the singer - on expert. OMFG. My daughter plugs her ears and complains that his singing hurts her brain, I drink lots of wine and give myself an IV of morphine. He can't even sing the words, he just sort of moans until he sort of hits the notes. I should totally record it but I shake too bad from the pain. For those songs he just absolutely can't pass - he pulls me over and I sing the song and pass it and he gets all huffy because I pass it without too much angst. My life is hell. (as a side note - he's an awesome rockband and guitar hero guitar player and has already passed all the songs on expert which is why he has to now get the achievements for the singer.)

I have a new title for for his Rock Band singer - SUCK STAR! Definately NOT a rockstar. When I was in college I often abused the phrase, "Rock on Rockstar!" I think that "Suck on Suckstar!" is quite appropriate for this phase in our lives.

I think I'll use that tomorrow with NIB.

Biggest Loser

A guy at work started the biggest loser competition for our organization. I'm totally a secret Biggest Loser closet lover. Shhh... don't tell anyone internets...

So, we all anti-ed up $20 and it's for 3 months. But, there is a weekly winner for whoever loses the biggest percentage body fat for that week gets $5. Then, there is the overall winner that wins a boatload of money. I'm against a ton of boys - who when talking body fat will certainly kick my wimpy ass. But, who knows. I'm still really excited. I'm grateful to the coordinator of the Biggest Loser - because it's bringing the team together (even if it's a bit sabotagey with people bringing in cheesecake and doughnuts.) But, it's also got me rejuvinated on my heathy eating. I re-signed up for weight watchers online. Which really does help - even though I said it didn't.

I can at least plan for my wine calories now. :D

But, if we're looking at body fat - this means I actually have to freaking exercise now. Bleh...

Caught in the Act

Happy Mother's Day to all of you Mother's out there!

I had a very nice day.

I lurve me some ribs. I grew up in Kansas City - and living in California, it is not easy to find even somewhat edible ribs. However, Texas Back 40 BBQ has the best ribs in the area (and they are really good.) Hubby doesn't enjoy ribs the way I do, so we don't go there very often. But, since it was Mother's Day, he conceded and we were off to eat some ribbies. (Prissy lurves ribs like I do.)

Anyway, they had the country really going in there and it was "old" country. Not the new rockish country. We're talking Patsy Cline and Tammy Wynette. Twangy is the best definition I have of it. Anyway, some song was playing and Bubba started swaying to the music, and then Prissy joined in and then Hubby and then we were all swaying and dancing to the music in our back corner booth where no one could really see us. And of course - just at that moment of silliness - the waitress walks up. And the kids bust up laughing and I turn red. I said, "Oh, you weren't supposed to see that" which just cracked up Prissy even more. The waitress just looked at us and turned around and walked away. Which caused us all to completely fall apart.

The waitress probably thinks we're all bitches, but we had a really good time and we left her a nice tip. :D

Today was a Good Day

I don't post about Good Days very often. But today was busy, but good. Here is my run down (minus what we had for lunch. :))

9am - sleep late... Ahhh....
10:30 - Bubba's Tae Kwon Do
10:35 - take in dry cleaning (same parking lot as TKD) and get a Caramel Machiato from Starbucks.
11:15 - Go home, eat lunch, play on the computer for a few minutes.
12:30 - Hubby and my Tae Kwon Do
1:15 - Go home and play with the kids and play on the computer together.
2:25 - Go to Bubba's baseball game -
3:00 - game starts and he made a hit. The opposing team's coach is awesome. He actually "coaches." Tells the kids what to do and more importantly HOW to do it. They all seem to love him and they are really really good. Bubba's team lost 12 to 9.
4:30 - Bubba's game is over, we get him his snacks from the snack shack and head to Prissy's softball game.
5:00 - Prissy's game starts. They win 1 to 0. Prissy strikes out 2 of the 3 batters she faces. Then, she had two assists to first for 2 additional outs. All in all - she rocked.
6:30 the game is over.
6:45 - we go out to dinner with some friends. They also have 2 kids and they are just a really fun family to spend time with.

Then, get home, and bath and stuff... Finish up the game that has been haunting me.... And write this post.

So, we've been busy - but, not frantic. It's been great. I also get to sleep in tomorrow.

Yay me!!! Mother's day tomorrow! YIPPEE!!!

Stick a Fork in Me

Stick a Fork in Me - 'cause I'm done.

This has been a long and not so wonderful week. Not exceptionally bad - given my boss screamed at me and a saw a bicyclist that was killed by a car. On the positive side - I had a constructive confrontation with NIB - telling him that it was unacceptable to yell at me in front of my employees. Additionally, I talked to my old boss and explained the situation again - and made it very real to him. Finally, my physical therapist says that things are going really well and I might be done with PT in 2 weeks. Yippee! That's way cool.

Anyway, we had quite a few baseball and softball games. Lots of baton, and some taekwondo. But, I'm beat, bushed, tired and just finished. Finished. I need to watch TV tonight - turn my brain off - drink enough wine to feel it - and go to bed.

So - that's what I'm doing.

I saw a dead guy today

I was driving to work this morning in the Sparky-mobile with the kiddos and there are some guys standing in the road waving cars to the far right lane. They were normal guys, not police officers or anything. I then see the police motorcycle and the police man kneeling down. And - what's that beside him? It's all bars and and is that a wheel? OMG - it's a bicycle. Then, I see him. The kids see him too.

He's laying face down on the concrete and he's not moving a muscle - it's an old guy mostly bald with white hair. There is blood absolutely everywhere and it's predominately around his head. He only has one shoe on. And the thing that has been sticking with me all day is his one white socked foot stretched out into the street.

As we drove past - Prissy says that she's shaking all over. I could only agree. We were driving in the direction of the hospital - and no ambulance came flying towards us. I guess they knew they could take their time.

It put everything in perspective for me today.

Calmer

I am a bit calmer today. I was awake for much of last night spinning and arguing in my head and coming up with snitty little comments for NIB (New Italian Boss). Then, around 5:30am this morning (20 short minutes before I was forced to get up) I started calming down and figuring out what I needed to say to NIB to keep me in a positive light to all the superiors that matter at my company.

So, I got to work and started calling him. He never answered. He actively avoided my calls this morning. I think he knew he was wrong yesterday. He's still not getting out of this without a bit of a "Constructive Confrontation." (That's the Intel phrase for trying to resolve problems when someone is upset - using a positive manner and using "When you.. I feel..." phrases. The touchy feely stuff that actually works.)

Anyway, he avoided me like the black plague today. Which was ok - because at some point he is going to have to talk to me. And if he's a Cunty McCunterson* about it all - I will go and work for HR and begin providing management classes and sensitivity training for select assfaces. Does anyone know if the California harassment laws pertain to a manager who isn't located in the US? I know if a manager is located in Arizona, but managing someone in California they have to take the harassment training and all that. Not that NIB is harassing me (yet) - but it would be something good to know.

On a happy note - without my interference - the thing that he got so incredibly yelly about yesterday was overturned by someone with more authorita. Neener neener neener - he should have listened to me - BECAUSE I WAS RIGHT - BITCHWHOREMUCH?!?!!!!

Tomorrow (if he is brave enough to answer), I'm going to give my 2 cents in a positive and happy-sappy manner (which he may or may not listen to) and then just picture me dropping the phone, saying "Peace out - yo" thumping my chest twice and giving the peace sign.


*Name stolen from Suzanne at cuss - it's too awesome not to use as much as possible.

NIB Returns

Bleh...

Today freaking sucked. Sucked with a capital shit. I got so angry I almost hung up on NIB (New Italian Boss). Really... It took every ounce of self control I had not to hang up on his cunty-assholeyness (that is inspired by Suzanne).

I got yelled at today. YELLED AT!!! I'm a super duper awesome performer - always exceeding expectations - outstanding employee (yes, I have a big ego too) and I WAS SCREAMED AT FOR SOMETHING I DID NOT DO... Screamed at... really... WTF? The button pushing words that were dare uttered from my mouth?

"I do not think this is a very constructive conversation."

Which, it wasn't. NIB was not listening. At all. He was talking over me. And over my super bright and wonderful employee. He didn't care one nano-snatch about what we had to say. He wouldn't be quiet. And finally I made the horrible and terrible statement above. Most normal people will ask in response to the statement above - "Oh, how can we make it constructive?" Not go off on a tirade about something I didn't even mention - nor was I even thinking.

It was a conference call. And I had to put the phone down and I could still hear him yelling. I'm totally not shitting you. It took everything in myself for me to not hang up on him. One of my direct reports was also on this conference call. As was someone from an entirely different group. SO COMPLETELY unprofessional. After he finished yelling - I told him that I was speechless and that I was hanging up the phone. He actually said, "Ok, have a nice day. Goodbye." Honestly - WTF? Floored. I'm still floored.

I used to have a boss somewhat like this. And he yelled at me once in a staff meeting for an entire hour. This was 9 years ago. I would tune into him and listen to him rant (about something the person I took over for did) and about how bad I suck for letting my previous co-worker do this horrible horrible thing. When, I was just a peon - and I'm the one that uncovered the problem and was trying to fix it. In all of my management training classes that I give now - I use him as my bad manager example. He now is not allowed to manage people - because he sucks at it.

I think I have an entirely new type of manager to use as an example of a horrible terrible manager. For the years of 1999 - 2007 I had the world's most awesome managers. Two of them actually. Really. They were both super. I have a special love for them I think might be unnatural. But, I think I also took them for granted. Then, last year, I got a new manager (US manager) and he wasn't super, but he wasn't horrible. I can work with that. Just stay out of my way and I'll do my job and give you amazing results.

Nib though - NIB is making horrible decisions. Horrible. And then screaming at me when I try to just ask questions. Not even mean or rude questions - just questions. I guess there subordinates aren't allowed to question their managers. He also won't let me do what I do best - he won't let me do my job. It's making me uggy..

I'm still fuming. Maybe I'll go work in HR - they are all US people.

Things to do before I die

My 100 things to do before I die list (which is on the side of this blog):

01. Get a Masters Degree - DONE
02. Earn a Black Belt
03. Run (or walk) a marathon
04. See Great Wall of China
05. Volunteer in a Women's Shelter
06. Go to Australia
07. Start my own business.
08. Have a total net worth of $1M
09. Own a house with an in-ground pool
10. Be my own boss.
11. Parasail
12. Write a book.
13. Plant a Garden
14. Plant an orange tree.
15. Learn basic Italian,
16. Be able to do 30 "real" pushups
17. See the egyptian pyramids.
18. Go Kayaking.
19. Scuba Dive
20. Ride a bike a significant distance
21. Hike Half-dome
22. Try to surf.
23. Witness a salmon spawning
24. Visit Every State in the US.
25. Ride in a hot air balloon.
26. Ride a Camel.
27. Have a girls-only weekend at a spa.
28. Join a bunco group.
29. Take tap dancing lessons.
30. Have at least one blog site ask me to be a contributing author.
31. Grow my hair long at least one more time.
32. Learn how to really use Photo Shop
33. Learn how to really use Pinnacle.
34. Host a fundraising event for the foundation for fighting blindness.
35. Make people more aware of food allergies.
36. Learn joomla.
37. Declutter, organize and redecorate my house.
38. Have my children grow up to be non-dependant adults
39. Learn to take better pictures.
40. Get my public notary certification
41. Become PMP certified.
42. Learn how to use a serger.
43. Sew something useful on a serger.
44. See the Grand Canyon.
45. Find 1000 geocaches.
46. See a TV comedyshow being taped live.
47. Host a dinner party
48. Create a picture scrapbook of both kids from birth to their current age.
49. Successfully grow bonsai trees.
50. Go to Italy - DONE
51. See the aurora borealis.
52. Play in the rain with my kids.
53. Go camping with the family and tell stories around the camp fire.
54. Develop a production website for a business.
55. Complete my list of 100 things to do before I die.
56. Ride a motorcycle.
57. Exercise Regularly
58. Swim with the dolphins
59. Speak in front of 100 people or more
60. Make smores with my kids.
61. Learn to use Microsoft Expression
62. Change my own oil.
63. Learn how to tile (and tile bathroom)
64. Zipline

The most sad thing - there are only 64 things on my 100 things list (and 62 are not done). And item 55 - is to complete my list. I figure I'll do that sometime.

While this list is supposed to be inspiring - it actually makes me a bit depressed. There is so much I want to do - and my days are full of work and kids sports. Little time to actually complete anything on the list.

I actually just re-read through them and I'm relatively close to a couple. I might even be able to cross off having an in-ground pool in a week or so. And I'm still working towards a black belt - maybe in a year or so - that was a very long term goal.

I encourage you all to create your own 100 things list (or 64 it doesn't matter) and post your links in the comments.. If I was a really good blogger - I'd have a little graphic that you could post in your blog entry and once a month (on the 5th?) we can update each other on our 100 list. Ohhhh.... Maybe I'll add that as item number 65 - create a blog graphic that people can link to.

The Day I've Been Looking Forward To

I got to sleep in. Yes, yes, I know - I didn't think it would happen either. But, I slept in and the phone didn't ring. The kids didn't fight. I slept and I feel so refreshed. Until tomorrow - when I have to wake up at the ass-crack of dawn.

Anyway, we had a really really nice day - it was absolutely gorgeous. I did my typical errands of grocery store (and now since I go to Walmart - I get my drugstore stuff done too.) I got the Mother's Day gift ready for my mom and it's all packaged and ready to send tomorrow. Yippee! And then we did this:



Which was very cool. Unfortunately, the rocket drifted WAY out of the park and ended up in someone's backyard down the street. Hubby and Prissy were able to retrieve it and the woman at the house was very nice and said it happens all the time.

Then we did some geocaching. We had our geocaching mojo on today and found 4 out of the 4 caches we looked for. One was even a 2 stage multicache. It was perfect weather. The caches we went on were all pretty good hikes - so we got a bit of exercise in as well (and maybe some poison oak).

Then, we came home, cooked some dinner and I'm writing my blog super duper early. Rock on for me! It would have been a perfect day - except for the fact that I have to go to work tomorrow.

Oh yeah, did I mention we got a fence contractor and we're getting our fence repaired? We have to have it fixed before we can put water into the pool - so we need to get on it. Ugh. It's terribly expensive. Anyway, that is our wonderful day today.

Sunshine (although right now it's weirdly thundering and raining), rocket launching, geocaching, and just getting shit done.

Glee Coming

You know what I get to do tomorrow? Sleep in - that's what! Today from 8 until about 2pm was so incredibly busy. We squeezed in a baseball game, a softball game (which included scorekeeping), Bubba's Taekwondo, my and hubby's Taekwondo and a rec class for Hubby. Ugh... It was nice to be done. We had a relatively quieter afternoon.

No progress on the pool since the last pictures. I don't think they've worked on the pool since Tuesday. We got a fence quote and it's about 3 times as expensive as we thought it should be. But, after doing some research on materials - maybe it's in the right ballpark. We have to get the fence rebuilt before we can fill the pool with water.

Tomorrow - we have NOTHING. N.O.T.H.I.N.G... Just the normal chores... WE GET TO SLEEP IN!! I haven't slept in in weeks. I'm SLEEPING LATE!!!! NO ONE CALL - cause I'm going to sleep late.

You know that since I have made that declaration - I'm going to wake up at 6:30 and not be able to go back to sleep...

Close Talkin'

I like my personal space. I may have a bit larger than normal personal space need. (Ok, maybe I'm a bit of a freak. Instead of the traditional 7 inches, I need a least a foot and a half of personal space to feel comfortable.) I don't like it when people invade my personal space. Period. It's always been an issue with me. Even my kids are able to invade my personal space at times - especially while I'm on the computer. My co-worker is convinced it's because I'm an Aquarius (she is too and has the same problem. I guess we're both freaks.)

Anyway, the other day, I had to have an impromptu meeting with my division's controller - he's from Italy and is an extremely close talker. I met him and shook his hand and he stepped towards me, within a foot. Think about being your face being within a foot of someone you don't know. Too CLOSE. I stepped back. He stepped forward again and I let go of his hand and quickly backed up.

I led him over to my office. I was trying to step into my very very very small cubicle and talk to him - but he kept stepping closer and closer and closer... I was holding myself back from karate chopping pushing him out of my office. Back off, I kept thinking. I couldn't even concentrate on what we needed to discuss. I just wanted him to back.thefuck.off.

At one point, he kept getting closer and closer and I would step back farther and farther (in an extremely confined space). And I was finally sitting on my desk and pushing my phone out of the way so I could make sure this guy was outside of my personal space. Finally, I pulled my desk chair in front of me (while huddling on the desk sitting on books, mice, and papers) which I was able to perfectly place between me and close talker. Ahhhh... Personal space...

We finally finished our business, and he left and I climbed down off my desk and pulled the paperclips out of my ass. Damn - one more cultural thing I need to learn to deal with. I'm not sure I can deal with people literally being in my face. I'm just not comfortable with that.

Clearly he hasn't taken the "Working with American's" class. Rule #1: Appreciate the American's need for space around his or her body. If you notice the American backing up - this is not an invitation to step forward, it means that you making the person you are talking to EXTREMELY FUCKING UNCOMFORTABLE!!!! SO BACK THE HELL OFF...

I'm so poetic, I should write a book.

Thought I was so cool...

This week has been hectic - and even hecticmom hectic. We've had something every single day and night - either softball, baseball, baton, haircuts - which needed to be rescheduled, physical therapy, taekwondo, hubby traveling, scorekeeping, etc etc etc after a very very hectic weekend.

Anyway, my son is in Little League and part of the deal is that the parent has to volunteer at the "snatch snack shack." My daughter had a softball game and I was completely unable to get to the snack shack by 4pm because I work. And I work until 5. and I work an hour from where I live and my son plays baseball. So... I hired a teenager to cover my shit shift. I have been a bit negligent in paying him, but I emailed his mom last night and all was good and I was going to run over after work on my way to softball to pay him - and I gave him a little extra because I was so late (we're supposed to pay before.)

Anyway... I'm feeling pretty good. I did my presentation at 4pm at work. Headed out at 5... Got to the snack shack by 6 and paid the nice kid... Got to my daughters game by 6:10... Tomorrow, Bubba is getting an award at school, I moved my PT appointment. I'm going to PT, then to sign the kids up for soccer then to Taekwondo. I'm feeling pretty damn cool... Shit man, I can do it all!

Got home at 7:30 and started making dinner. I check the messages and it's the team mom saying that my teenager didn't show up. WTF? He was there at 6... It ends up that my shift STARTED at 7pm. DAMNIT!!!!! I thought I had pulled it off. I had balanced work and life. I had made all my inflicted commitments... Or not... DAMN IT!!! Now our team won't get the $100 for our team party because I didn't fulfill my responsibility. DAMNIT!

And I thought I was so cool...