Closing out the year

I'm taking an idea from my blogging friend as I look back on the year that was...

What books and or magazines did I read this year?

This year I rediscovered the joy that comes with reading a good book. I've read a lot of books...some great (The Help, Friday Night Knitting Club, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, and Island Beneath the Sun ) and some only so-so (House Rules, Knit 2 and Knit the Season). No matter how busy the week is, I always find time to read my People magazine (hubby calls it my porn). I'm also pretty excited to see how our PV Book club turns out. It remains to be seen if we'll actually talk about the books or just socialize, but really either way is a win when you are spending time with your neighbors and friends, right?

What movies and or tv shows did I watch this year?

As a family, we've discovered the humor of Big Bang Theory. What rock have we been hiding under that we missed the first 3 seasons of this very funny show? Also, continuing to enjoy the NCIS series (HELLO: just like my hubby, Mark Harmon just gets better looking with age!). The big change in our viewing habits has to be that the boys are now old enough that we can watch more shows together as a family. As for movies, we said goodbye to Blockbuster Home delivery and welcomed Netflix into our lives. And just last month, I experimented with Red Box. While I enjoy the $1 price, I don't care for the need to return it to the store vs. dropping it in the mailbox. I end up spending more $ in the store (D"UH...their marketing strategy works).

What special days did I celebrate and how?

In July, Hubby and I became parents of a teenage boy. Not sure how that happened (as it seems like just last year we brought the big headed baby home from the hospital). In November, we celebrated 15 yrs of wedded bliss. And let's not forget March 8th. That was a big day for both hubby and I: we both found ourselves with new jobs on the same day!

What gifts did I give/and or receive?

The most memorable gift I gave was to my friend Judie. This summer, she had a series of very unfortunate events and found herself moving into a new place.. I organized a "shower" for her...filling her new apartment with all sorts of fun and practical things. It won't heal all the hurt in her heart, but I hope that this simple gesture on our part showed her what a gift her friendship means to all of us.

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?

I've enjoyed good health as has the rest of the family. Thing Two took a couple tumbles this year that reminded us what a blessing it is to have affordable insurance and access to health care. Luckily, none of his visits were major concerns but the financial costs could have really weighed us down had we not had insurance.

What fun things did I do with my family and friends?

The boys and I took two trips to spend time with my dad, sister and nephew. Exploring cities that are new to us, visiting places with my kids that I once enjoyed as a kid.

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this year?

3 words: sleigh ride martini.

What special or unusual purchases did I make?

2010: the year of the electronic gadgets. New laptop, cell phone, t.v, and camera (though technically it belongs to hubby)

What were my accomplishments this year?

After 10+ years of being a (mostly) stay-at-home-mom, I put on the working-outside-the-home hat. I'm proud of how we've all pitched in together to make it work. Everyone has made compromises and taken on more home tasks but I'd have to say...it's been worth it.

Anything else noteworthy to record?

I'm looking forward to the new year: continuing to work on balance, moving forward in some home improvement plans and settling into the new chapter of our lives. 2011? Bring it on...I'm ready!

Are they trying to tell me something?

3 friends...3 gifts.

Was it great minds thinking alike, great sales or Ewww....she needs to take a shower?!

3-0

Day 3 of Winter Break.
Day 3 of a mid-day nap.

Life is very good indeed!

Nothing wrong with HIS self esteem...

Thing One just came down in his lounge pants.
Winter Break has officially begun and he is determined to lounge in such attire as long as we'll put up with his foolishness.

He proudly proclaims "His gorgeousness has arrived...admit it, you cannot dispute my awesome qualities!"

Oh my...will we survive two week of him and his ego?

A very special visitor came a callin'...

Around 1, who comes a knockin' on the door of my clinic...none other than Santa himself!

Seems our visiting Santa has lost some weight since last year, and his pants were falling down.
He stopped in our office, knowing we had pillows.
Would we mind if he borrowed a pillow while he visited with the daycare kids downstairs.
You know, it's not good to have a Santa with droopy drawers.

Made up for the other situation I was dealing with.
A young lady...high on marijuana for sure...but there seemed to be more.

Some days? I love and hate my job all within the same afternoon!

It's a sign..

that you aren't THAT sick...when the nurse offers you a throat lozenge and you have the nerve to ask for a different flavor.

Enjoy that one, sistah. Next time you ask, I'm totally out!
Yes, I will be there for you, when you need me
But, when you have enough energy to complain about the selection of comfort items I'm offering?
Go.back.to.class!

'Tis the Season...

This is my first Holiday season as the school nurse. I am sort of taken by surprise by a 'trend' I've noticed this week.

High school kids and depression.

All in a Day's work...

E. came in telling me she had a tummy ache. A polite young lady, I offered her some of the usual crackers and some water. Just as I was sending her back to class, Grandma called me. Seems E. had sent Grandma a text that suggested more was going on...texting the grandma that "life is not worth living, I should just give up". Thank you Grandma for calling me (she'd tried the counselors but they were all at their convention, so in a panic, she called me, not knowing that E. was already in my office). "Let's take a walk" and I escorted E. over to the psychologist (who had just returned briefly from the conference). E. was transported to the ER for a more thorough suicide risk assessment.

Then there was C. C. is one of my all time favorite kids. he's had multiple back surgeries and last spring he and I had breakfast every morning while I gave him his IV antibiotics. Started as a shy young man and really opened up to me. C was feeling flu like symptoms yesterday and as we chatted, he started to tear up "I just need to be home today, we're being evicted tonight". OMFSM: seems his family has fallen on hard times, and they fell behind in their payments. He's 17...he's been handed so many stressors and now this.

And I finished up the day with M. I had known that M.. suffers from PTSD and had heard rumors about the triggering events that resulted in this condition. But most of my encounters with M. have been basic...headache, itchy skin...nothing too exciting. Yesterday, he came to me in the midst of a panic attack. When it resolved, he opened up about Christmas...and how he is tired of people asking him what he wants for Christmas...nobody can give him what he wants so instead he just wants a package of gum. He starts to tear up. Seems his father died on his birthday and ever since then, Christmas and birthdays are just pointless. (and the death was apparently a violent death, witnessed by M: that's the part I'd heard about through staff).

I left work yesterday...not just physically exhausted but emotionally drained....and yet also feeling very blessed. I joke that this job just fell from the sky when I needed it most. But, I also see where there are many life lessons for me to learn...this week? To be humble...to know the many gifts I have in my life...a roof over my head, a father for my children and a job that I find rewarding in ways I never imagined!

for those of us raising teens/young adults...keep your eyes and hearts open to the worries that our young adults are facing. We all know that for many adults, this is not necessarily the most wonderful time of the year. And sadly, I fear for some of our youth, as they grow up so much faster than we did, they too approach the holidays with more sadness than joy!

Today we celebrated...

Thing One stomped into my office at work, grinning from ear-to-ear, singing "I am the champion".

Seems he took first place in his class Geography Bee and will be advancing to the next round, all of 7th grade.

Ok, I admit, I did ask if this was his reg. class or his special ed classmates. (bad mommy, I know) and I am proud to report that it was his reg. class that he competed against.

So, we celebrated with dinner and a trip to the bookstore...where his interest in academics proved short lasted as he picked out a Pokemon book.

Oh well, there is always tomorrow.

Thankful for...Day 25

Thanksgiving.
The one day so many of us set aside to spend time with family. To cook the big meal. To set the table with the "good china" and the "real crystal". To linger over dessert, chatting, laughing, sharing stories and memories.

Granted, we should be thankful all year long, and not wait for Thanksgiving to slow down and savor the day, let's be honest...we don't do it nearly as often as we should.

So, today I'm thankful for the fact that today, I took the time to be with my family and friends. And it was a wonderful day indeed!

Thankful for...Day 24

Coffee

Not just the cup that I sip on in the morning to get my day started.
But also thankful for the cup I savor on Wednesday mornings with the ladies.
Both warm me up and leave me feeling refreshed and ready to face the challenges that are waiting for me.

Work has gotten in the way of my weekly get togethers at Carinos. But, when a Wednesday rolls around and I don't have to work, it is always such a blessing to join up with the ladies and soak in some friendship while sipping on a cup of coffee.

Thankful for...Day 23

excellent candidates

We interviewed today for the job vacancy in my office. 5 people were selected by my office manager (out of 27 that applied). Of the 5, I could have easily worked with any of them. Two will meet with the principal on Monday and she will make the final decision.

And I'm thankful for that as well...because I really liked both of the "final 2" applicants for totally different reasons and I wouldn't want to be the one who makes the final decision.

Thankful for...Day 22

A short week...(Thanksgiving Break starts tomorrow, 2:45 p.m.)

because today was long enough to count for 3 days.

Over 100 kids passed through the clinic....and not a one had anything that even remotely resembled exciting.

and actually, that's something to be thankful for as well. With all the foolishness I was sorting through, it was good that nothing too major was also competing for my attention.

Now I'm off to see if Calgon will take me away!

Thankful for...Day 21

Brotherly Love

Of all the things I love about my Things, my favorite is watching the boys getting along. Too often I hear others remark how their kids bicker and battle all day long. I'm not saying that my guys never do that, but it is safe to say, it more of a random occurrence than a regular event.

Most days, they are in each other's company...playing or watching some show...together...laughing at each other's faults, and cheering each other on. And yes, some days, plotting together to drive their parents insane.

Parenting is indeed so much easier when the kids get along...my hope is that they continue to grow together and while each taking their own journey, may they always find joy in the company of each other.

Thankful for...Day 20

Pay day!

And to celebrate...I did a bit of retail therapy and some vanity time in "the chair" with Jane taking care of some matters of GRAY concern.

I'm so thankful that these days, not all our financial eggs are in one basket. We're able to budget AND save. And assuming the Things hold up on their end of the bargain (dude, DO YOUR HOMEWORK!), we might have enough saved for them to go to community college (or at least pay for their bus pass with the way college costs keep climbing!)

Thankful for...Day 19

the kids who are different...they are without a doubt the best part of my job.
Today, they hosted a Thanksgiving Feast for all of us that "help them".

I mean look at these smiles: who can't help but feel joy when you are greeted with a hearty "Hi Nurse Martha" whenever you enter their world. I am so thankful I get to be a part of their daily routine!

(p.s.: Fridays at work are "spirit day". Wear a school tshirt and jeans. Hello, that's my kind of dress code!)

Thankful for...Day 18

A Quiet Day at work.

The past few weeks at work have been rather hectic.
But, now the past 2 days were delightful.
With such a long run of busy days, I'd forgotten the joy that comes with being able to finish up all my work AT work, being able to pack a lunch AND eat it, and being able to tackle a couple back burner projects.

so much to be thankful for when the day is quiet.

Thankful for...Day 17

our garage.

This morning I was enjoying a cup of coffee and a bagel, catching up on email and sort of let time slip away. Realized I had to be in a meeting in 15 minutes, I grabbed my coat, keys and purse and dashed out the door.

YOWZA: where did that ice come from?

thanks to my car being parked warmly in the garage, I didn't have to spend any time scraping windows.

twas a great way to start my day!

Thankful for....Day 16

flannel sheets and a nagging hubby.

Hubby has been nagging at me to "put the flannel" on the bed. I couldn't find the old set of sheets, so this past week, I bought a new set.
OMG: what took me so long.
It makes the bed so warm and cozy...the perfect place to crash after a long/rough day at work.
Thanks, Hubby...you were right...

Thankful for...Day 15

Grateful parents.
My job can be hard. A "quiet day" means only about 75 students pass through our office. In a matter of seconds, I'm forced to make some difficult decisions. I do it with the student's best interest in mind.

a simple word of thanks from a parent means the world to me.
I am grateful for those countless parents that respect what we are doing for their children...it helps me deal with the random parents that prefer to "shoot the messenger".

This messenger? Does not take kindly to being shot.

Thankful for...Day 14

Lazy Sunday afternoons.