Losing the battle

Ever had one of those days..no...weeks...no...months...no...lives?  OK, it's not as bad as that, but it's bad.

I missed some work due to illness (mine, and the family's.)  I had to make up the missed work, since most of my job can't be done by anyone else (seriously, what if I die?  Then what will they do?)  My van broke down last night, to the tune of at LEAST $250. (can you say "when it rains it pours"?)

Something didn't get entered into the checkbook.  My fault?  Probably.  The snowball effect of a result killed us this week.  We used to live like this every week, no more than 2 years ago, but I'm not used to it any more.  I don't know what we'll do.  I was depressed all day over it, and that accomplished nothing.  Being sad doesn't fix anything.

Saturday is the 2 year anniversary of the death of Kevin's brother, Steve.  His mom wants....no, scratch that...NEEDS him down there, and he had planned to go.  It will NOT happen, now.  There is to be a service and she needs the support.  Ain't happenin'.  He told her, and it was like a dagger going into her heart.  She is as broke as we are, yet offered to get the money we need.  Bless her heart.  We can't let her go into debt that she can't repay, just to fix our stupid errors.

The wind is howling outside, and it adds to the depression.  I don't get depressed often.  I'm usually the upbeat, glass-half-full person at home and at work.  I can see the bright side of just about anything.  Not today. I think sometimes I just need to be sad.  There was no beer for Survivor tonight, but I had enough cash left to get the kids their IBC rootbeer and a can of Pringles.  No need for them to suffer for my mistake, right?  They're none the wiser...why bother kids with money issues.  A person shouldn't drink beer when they're depressed anyway, so it's for the best.  Actually, I'm still recovering from the flu, so it's a good thing.

I should be thankful...Hell, I AM thankful.  I have a wonderful Dad who lets me borrow his car for a couple of days.  Otherwise, I'd be taking Kevin to work at 5:30am, coming back home (25 miles each way) to get the kids ready, and going to work (40 miles.)  I have a wonderful Mom who watches my kids through health and sickness, and lets me postpone payment for a week when needed (P.S.  It's needed this week!)

The kids are happy with so little.  They don't demand a lot, or even ask a lot.  When they DO ask, they accept a "no" with such grace.  I have a home that I can call my own.  I have a hard-working husband and many extras.  For example:  We have cell phones for when the van breaks down, "grandma-great blankets" for the cold nights, warm coats to fight the sudden cold spell, friends who offer love and support, and little things like journals, to spill your guts and get past the crying spell.

Yup, this journal earned it's keep tonight. 

Sleep well, friends.  I'll be better tomorrow.  I always am.

Winning the battle

Well, I checked outside this morning...I think the Grim Reaper has left for now.  He was looking pretty confident for the past few days.

We went out for a bit Saturday evening, and when we got home, Natalie was lying on the couch groaning.  She had a temp. of 102.  Crap.  By Sunday morning, Monica felt bad, and by Sunday evening, Kevin and I had it, too.  The flu is an ugly beast.  Kevin's temp spent close to 24 hours hovering around 104.  Mine topped out at around 102.5, but normal for me is 97.7, so we were both in pretty bad shape.

I came home early Monday and grabbed the girls from Mom's and we came home and went to bed.  Kevin came home a short time later, and went to sleep himself.  I tried to go back to work yesterday, but came home midday again.  Today, Kevin went back to work, and I'll check the girls temperatures when they wake up, but I think they can go back today. 

There's only one problem.  Brett came up the stairs coughing and groaning shortly after 6.  The verdict?  A temp of 101.1.  Crap, it's his turn.  Poor kid.  I gave him some medicine and sent him back to bed.  Maybe we'll all be back to normal by the weekend.  If I never get that sick again, it'll be too soon.  I don't typically do this.  The last time I was that sick was Thanksgiving '01.  I just usually avoid the crap.  Oh well, back to work, back to life.

I Love today!

I got done with all of my work by 4:30, and was able to jack around and visit for 30 minutes...that hasn't happened since I took the new position.

Survivor is on tonight.  'nough said.

They are replaying the Grey's Anatomy episode that I missed on Sunday, supposedly the best so far in the series.

ER is on.  Damn, what a night for TV. 

I've picked my Survivor fantasy league team, the cardboard pizza is almost out of the oven, the kids have their IBC, and I splurged on Michelob Ultra®.  LOL, don't you just love that I learned to make a trademark symbol???  I've learned so many cool things lately.

Now, my friends, I must retire to my recliner.  Have a lovely Thursday evening, I know I will!!!!

Close inspection of a hotel room

Well, I'm home, and I'm happy.  There are pictures about stuff I find interesting in a hotel room, but not much else.  I'll be back soon, but for tonight:  I'm so glad to be home. 

Another day in Indy

I awoke this morning to a snowy view.  I love snow (sorry honey, but I do!) and took a few shots.  After showering and drinking too much coffee, I headed to breakfast.  I was the youngest one there by more than a few years, and they all knew each other better than I knew them, but breakfast was good.  I don't typically eat breakfast, but I learned a lesson long ago...there is no "lunch" when working a trade show, so you better eat a big breakfast.

We got the booth set up and it was 5 minutes before show time....then it happened.  I had a "wardrobe malfunction"...(sorry, it IS Super Bowl Weekend!)  I tore the knee in my khakis.  SHIT!  I busted butt back to my room and changed into my only other non-denim pair of pants...black pants...I was wearing a black sweater.  Crap, I'm glad I brought 3 H&H sweaters to a 2-day show.  I changed sweaters and headed back.  I hope nothing happens to the black pants before tomorrow afternoon!

I planned to take pictures during the trade show, but we were too busy.  That is excellent news.  Busy is good.  The lab pays premium moolah for us to be here, so we need the exposure (photographic pun intended.)  I will try to take some more pictures tomorrow.

After the show, I had a couple of hours of down time that I really needed.  I run around the lab all day, but standing for 4 hours in a small area is hell on one's feet.  Finally, I headed out with some fun customers for dinner. 

We went to a place called "The Palimino" and had a good dinner.  I'm glad I wasn't paying, since the tab was almost $140 before tip.  Sheesh.  Thanks, boss, for the treat.  These friends/customers showed me "the circle" in downtown before heading back.  It's a great city, really.  I'm glad they were my escorts.

When we got back, she told him to go in and attend the awards ceremony, and she would meet him at home.  She took me (her idea) to get some beer and to get some for him.  LOL  My boss would CRAP if he thought I got a customer to take me to a liquor store, but it wasn't my idea!  HONEST!  I staged the last picture for Kevin, but it was fun dreaming it up.  The Pringles and cookies were packed in my checked bag.  I hate paying room service prices for luxury stuff that I would NEVER charge to my room (meaning, my boss.)  Plus, beer is $3.50 a bottle here, plus gratuity.  IKES!

I will go to sleep soon, and get up to do it again tomorrow.  It sucks that I'll be travelling through the Super Bowl.  I'll get to see the first little bit in an airport, but miss the majority of it.  I hope to be home in time for Grey's Anatomy.  I love that show, and it promises to be a great episode.  Sheesh, I'm too wrapped up in TV.

Well, time to turn in.  I hope my friends are doing well out there in J-land.  I'll be safe at home by 11 tomorrow night, and will have a hectic Monday, but it's worth it.  I have a great job to be thankful for, great customers that make it worth doing, and a supportive family waiting at home.  I'm blessed for sure.

See ya Monday, Mom.

Destination: Indiana

Well, my flight left KC at 9:15.  We had a 50 min layover in Chicago, and got to Indianapolis on time.  It's been alternating between sun and clouds, but 2-4" of snow is expected by tomorrow at noon.  Ick.

My customers, that I was supposed to take to dinner, decided that tomorrow would be better, so I had from 4:00 to infinity to myself.  Sweet, sweet silence.  I played on the computer, watched some TV, and eventually had room service for dinner.  It's only my second venture with room service, and I still like it!  LOL  I really needed some down time.  I just wish Kevin could enjoy it with me.  Some day, honey.  I promise.

Tomorrow, we'll work the trade show from 11-3, then I'll have a couple of hours to relax, then I'll take a couple of cool folks to dinner.  One of my favorite customers, actually.  I hope to be back early, to get some good ZZZZs, since I'll be getting in to KC at 9 something, and home around 11 on Sunday night.  Saturday night's sleep may be the thing that gets me through work on Monday....ok, I've confused myself, never mind.

I miss the family, and I'm getting a bit lonely (I always do around bed time...I miss my husband and my kids) but I'm in a warm room with a huge soft bed, and I'm going to bed soon, so all is good.  My job has perks, that's for sure.

I was trying to find Peyton for Russ, but the best I could do was a 3" circle ad in the city guide type magazine in the room.  Maybe I'll have more luck tomorrow, buddy.

Wednesday garbage

I put in 13 hours at work today, so I'm a bit tired and pissy, but let's keep this upbeat, shall we?

Survivor starts tomorrow.  YeeeeHaaaawwww!  I'm ready.  More ready than you can imagine.  As soon as it's over, I'll have to start packing for my trip, but I'll enjoy that hour like I have an eternity to sit on that couch.

Friday morning, I'll head to the airport.  I hate MCI.  Anyway, I was going to get Mom to come over here early, and leave while the girls slept.  I figured today that I can leave at 6:30 and make it there in time, so I'm not going to.  It would be easy (although a copout) to let mom wake them up, but I'd rather say "goodbye."  Natalie will shed a few tears, but she gets better every time.

Indianapolis is expecting 33 degrees and snow showers on Saturday.  Bah Humbug.  I picked up my clothes from the cleaners, as well as the 3-4 items that Kevin and Brett threw in...the bill was $53!  ACK.  Anyway, all of my work sweaters/shirts are clean and pressed now.  I can pack after Survivor tomorrow, and be ready to roll.  Kevin, the kids, and the dog are apparently heading to Carthage for the weekend.  I hope the dog behaves.  The others can fend for themselves.

I've put in a tough week, and I'm ready for a few evenings in a quiet hotel room.  I will get some work done, and update my journal, but have no REAL responsibilities in the evenings.  PHEW!  I hope there's a good eatin' joint there.  Room service sounds awesome.

It's Februrary 1 and we still lack Kevin's W2.  Sheesh.  They probably mailed it yesterday.  I hate this waiting game.  I want my refund, DAMMIT!

Oh, something I forgot to tell Mom in my reply to her journal entry...my aquarium was loud because the water level is getting a bit low.  The water is falling almost 2 inches to hit the surface, so that's what you hear.  I'll add water....honest!