Close Of The Day

Here I sit at my computer and it is 630 in the morning on a dreary Sunday. That sounds like I am a little down but I am just a lot tired. I have been in Chattanooga again for the weekend but this time it was mixed with business. My company holds a mandatory corporate compliance meeting every two years to catch everybody up on the new Medicare rules and regulations. My choices were Gatlinburg in April or Chattanooga in May. Well, since I am one of the select few who finds Gatlinburg more kitschy than entertaining, I chose Chattanooga. They put us up in the historic Read House and other than the faint waft of old in the air, it is pretty swanky.

Friday night we ate at one of the best pizza places I have ever been to, Lupis....yummy. Saturday, I was supposed to be in class until 3 but the last few hours of class was information I had just been taught 3 months ago...so I was allowed to leave early!! Look at me! I had to spend part of that time finding a mall since I was ill-prepared and didnt bring one long sleeve shirt and it was chilly outside. We followed that with Michael and I doing two challenge courses at the zip line/obstacle course in the sky thing they have at Ruby Falls. It was loads of fun and I have pictures but I am going to wait until I get home to upload all that.

Lastly, today is a couple of hours of Osteoporosis and the like. I think we will head to the river one last time after that and walk across the huge pedestrian bridge and then head home. As usual, weekends go waaay too fast!

1. I know and feel like I am truly waiting patiently for the light at the end of my tunnel.

2. I am going to try to stay on top of things or at the very least, a teensy bit behind them if at all possible.

3. This weather has been great for walking around downtown Chattanooga. We have kept the truck in the garage all weekend except for the 8 mile trek to the mall.

4. I don't like people who always walk around as if the have a problem. Show me one person that doesn't have any problems and I will show you someone who is either lying, medicated or dead!

5. I'm really happy I have the ability to look at the bright side and keep smiling at people even when I am not feeling it. I am not saying I do that all the time, then I would be in the category mentioned in #4 :)

6. Meant to be, happens for a reason, or something to that effect.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting settled in Chattanooga and eating at Lupi's, tomorrow my plans include going to class and ziplining and Sunday, I want to have a safe trip home, pick up Princess Leia, and catch up on some things around the house!

I Am All Over It

I am all over the deal today. Blog finished by 9:30, only 5 patients to see today followed by a relaxing evening...I hope, I hope, I hope.

This week has been super crazy and I found myself in a little bit of a funk on Wednesday morning. I think the pressure of all the home work that needed to be done coupled with all the paperwork from both of my jobs that I keep getting behind on hit my like a truck and I felt crazy overwhelmed. Luckily, I pulled through and convinced myself that sitting around being sad and anxious about it all doesn't get it done either so I might as well get started. Unfortunately, I am still behind but my outlook on it all is...it will get done when I can get it done. No more stressing about it!

1. Seinfeld is my favorite TV show (or movie) because its a show about nothing, of course!

2. Go to page 45 of the book you're reading or of the book closest to you; go to the 6th paragraph and make a sentence out of 7 words from it: The rain slowed to a drizzle as we continued to shovel mud into the hole.

3. I am so glad it's Friday.

4. I prefer jogging a few leisurely miles instead of taking long walks.

5. Take some time to to reflect and try not to make the same mistakes again.

6. My chicken Parmesan needs a bit of a kick. It was awful bland.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with Michael and getting to bed early, tomorrow my plans include chaperoning a trip to Dollywood for the concert band and Sunday, I want to drive to Franklin and spend time with my mom, grandmother and the rest of my family I rarely get to see.

Too Good To Last

I should have known the bragging which ensued last week would be followed by a bitter disappointment. Not only am I late this weekend, I have almost waited until the eleventh hour.

It was nice to wake up to a light, stormy Sunday morning. I know that sounds a little strange but when my windows are slightly open, I love waking up to the sounds of a storm. The wind rustling the leaves, the soft hum of a steady rain and the low rumble of distant thunder...especially on a morning I don't have to jump out of bed. If only I had been served a big cup of coffee while I stayed snuggled under the covers. :)

It's official, as of Friday we have a new member of the family. Don't even think about it being anything more than a four-legged addition. She is a Shi-Poo and the boys have lovingly named her Princess Leia. At first I wouldn't describe myself as being excited about that name because it sounds incredibly corny to call it aloud. However, the name and most definitely the dog have grown on me big time. She will make a wonderful addition to our family and as a bonus she is taking to this potty training thing fabulously. Only one little accident since we brought her home Friday afternoon. I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend.

1. I love to let myself go and be completely uninhibited.

2. I like to end my day with a lot of laughs and a smile.

3. It's how you look at things in life which determine how good or bad they are .

4. If you have a lot of negative things to say, don't tell me!

5. Well, would you ever give it a shot.

6. I love looking at my home through spring peepers.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to bringing home our new puppy, tomorrow my plans include soccer, soccer, seeing my mom, getting lots of laundry done and washing my car and Sunday, I want to hanging out at the house and going to the movies!

I'm On Time, I'm On Time, I'm On Time!!!

Holy cow, look at me. Friday fill-ins being completed on a Friday....what a concept. I am definitely not going to get too comfortable with my timeliness because I am positive this is a fleeting thing.

Well, for a little impromptu vacation, we finally arrived in Chattanooga yesterday for a little much needed R and R. We had no agenda initially as to how we would spend the time here...then last night my Clark Griswold alter ego emerged and I scratched up a rough draft. Couldn't help myself.

Well, we are off for a day of mostly unplanned fun. I hope everyone has a great Easter weekend.

1. Pardon me, while i burst into flames.

2. For anyone who truly knows me, I am always looking for a good deal.

3. I was surprised to find that I really like a lot of things I have recently discovered.

4. Most things physical is one of my favorite forms of entertainment.

5. Hi, my name is Angela and I'm self-consciousalohic.

6. I love low humidity, just rain kissed summer afternoons.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to swimming and relaxing after a busy day in Chattanooga, tomorrow my plans include seeing Rock City and having a safe trip home and Sunday, I want to have an early Easter egg hunt at the house and enjoy some Easter lunch with my mom and kids!

Right In The Middle

Although I did actually copy and paste the fill ins yesterday, I am just getting around to doing them today. I know the pasting is important but the real clincher is actually completing them. See, I am getting it...just taking more time for the slow one. :)

This week went much better than last week and I was actually able to spend more down time doing the things I enjoy the most which has enabled me to sleep well and be more relaxed. This week ended with a little bit of a hiccup, I am getting over it but not quite. I hate that about myself. Why cant I just see past what is happening at the moment and focus on the good that has been happening in the past, present and will happen in the future. I am usually not one to harbor negative feelings (I have them but don't keep them) but in this instance I just cant help myself. It is a tough place to be in, I tell you that.

The kids are doing well which is always a good thing. Michael is half way through the TCAPS and not complaining about all the testing. He seems to actually be enjoying it since the tests are only half a day followed by fun time the rest of the day. I think it has been a good break for him because he needs and deserves a little fun in his life. Next weekend I am taking the boys to Chattanooga and am looking forward to spending some time with them. Should be a fun and relaxing trip...I really really need fun and relaxing at this point in my life.

Well, that is my exciting week in a nutshell. I hope everyone has a fabulous and safe weekend.

1. For me, it was everything they did that I liked.

2. I have zero anonymity at my local supermarket.

3. Behind the sound of the wind in the trees, I heard leaves crunching under someone's feet as they neared.

4. Experimenting is something I always wanted to do.

5. When it was over, I was fulfilled and satisfied, as usual.

6. I have been in some dark places more frequent than usual but I never felt alone.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having a nice dinner out with my boys, tomorrow my plans include soccer if it doesn't get rained out, maybe a movie or going skating and having dinner with friends and Sunday, I want to take the kids to church for Palm Sunday, run a few and relax!

Sunday Snoozers :)

My weekend has been tumultuous to say the least so I am finally getting around to my fillins and have lovingly renamed them. I feel it is a fairly appropriate name the more I think about it. For today that is.

This past week has been a blur due to the start of the new Medicare rules which went into effect on Monday. I don't want to complain because it further concretes my job security but it does require a more hectic schedule. I am continuing to try and think of the positives and other than job security, it allows me to see my patients more frequently so I can monitor goal progression, change their plan of care if needed and upgrade/downgrade their goals as necessary. Basically, the new Medicare rules will make me strive to continue to be a better therapist and that is a fabulous thing.

That being said, I also registered little Marshall for kindergarten this week. I cannot believe it is that time already. I think he is ready and I am also hoping he is ready so I can save 600 a month in child care!! Selfish?, You Betcha!! There isn't one person out there who would turn their nose up to a seventy-two hundred dollar raise per year.

In conclusion :), I am really hoping for a better next week.......

1. In the near darkness I could tell something was out there....watching me.

2. As stupid of a decision as it may be, I am in this til further notice.

3. But this too shall pass...so they say.

4. Salmon swim the opposite way in the stream.

5. It's always nice to hear someone tell you how much they appreciate you as a person.

6. I long for happiness, acceptance and pleasant company.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to consecutive soccer practices and eating at our favorite Mexican restaurant, tomorrow my plans include three hours on the soccer field, haircuts for the boys, spending time with mom and basically having the crappiest Saturday night that I have had in a long time and Sunday, I want to make amends with people I care about, spend quality time with my boys, get a sunburn and go to an outdoor swim party!

Thought I would close with a picture of Marshall at the swim party today. I will have to get a pool at my next house.

That's Right.....

That's right, people...late again. I almost put it off until tomorrow so I could have some type of crazy catch title but it lost luster the more I thought about it. This week passed so slowly while I was in the middle of it but so fast now that I glance back. I am still confused as to why weekends cannot feel as if they were moving slow when you are smack in the middle of them! Someone please help me understand!

The big excitement this week was Michael was the proud recipient of braces, AGAIN! He is less than thrilled but I told him it will all be worth it in the long run...a nice smile goes a long way. Today, he participated in an ensemble at the local high school. Basically, you perform in front of a 'professional' in a solo, duet or other type of group and graded based on performance and skill. He was so excited about doing it and I was thrilled he loves to get in front of people without the slightest bit of hesitation. He was in a duet with his sax and a clarinet player. The only problem was he didn't practice...AT ALL! So, basically...he bombed and came out of the room crying. My only advice was...try to make this a learning experience and then it won't be a mistake. Next time maybe you should practice. He quickly got over it and we all loaded up into the Tahoe, drove to Nashville and went to the Adventure Science Center. Good times, good times!

Off we go.................................................

1. I can't believe I am in the throws of starting again.

2. I can offer nothing but thanks for everyone who has been so incredibly supportive of me. I am truly blessed by so many true, non-judgmental and fabulous friends.

3. How can I ever be so open and forthcoming with anyone else...ever!!??.

4. OMG...I am so embarrassed to say......Tatertot casserole was the last thing I cooked and only because it was requested by my eldest. :)

5. Six of one just one of the other please. I don't really like it that much anyway. :)

6. Actually completing a Friday Fill In on Friday; nonono!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a relaxing night with my boys and then catching up on some of my Real Housewives dvr programming, tomorrow my plans include driving to Nashville with the kids and spending the day at the Adventure Science Center with them and my mom and Sunday, I want to take Michael to church to Acolyte, finish up any residual laundry and ready myself for yet another work week!