About Me

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Manhattan, Kansas, United States
I'm a 33 year old woman finding her own way in life, while being a mother of almost 7 yr old girl Angel, going to college full-time and working as many hours as i can to get by. I've lived in Kansas all my life growing up in SW and now living in The ne corner for 12 years. My ex is a medically-disabled/retired OIF/OEF veteran (TBI,PTSD) and my daughter is topping the scales on height and knowledge of her age. I'm just along for the ride sometimes :)

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Day 5 (Thirty Day Challenge): Time I thought about ending my life

I write this post with hesitation.  I know this is a very very touchy subject with some people.

I had 2 times that I can think of that I really thought there was nothing worth living for. 

The first was when I was in High School.  I'm sure it was just chalked up to crazy hormones, bullying at school, and just BEING a teenager.  It was short-lived and I worked my way through that tough time of depression by writing in a journal.  If I could put my feelings down in words, it seemed like a release of those bad emotions.

The second time was when I was pregnant with my daughter.  Again, I'm thinking it was a LOT of crazy hormones combined with the fact that my husband was volunteering for deployment (so that we would be able to afford a baby -- health insurance, bonus pay, etc) and so I truly felt like I was going to be all alone.  Our daughter was the furthest thing from a "planned pregnancy" also, so this was not a state of being that we WANTED to be in anyway. 

Now don't get me wrong -- I LOVE MY DAUGHTER and she is the MOST important thing in my life.  Now.  But then, well...   I just couldn't handle my emotions.  I never ever did anything to harm myself, but I did have thoughts running through my mind.  Amazingly, I never experienced post-partum depression.  In fact, once I went to the hospital to deliver Angel, any depression I had miraculously lifted.  I knew that God was with me, and He'd never throw anything at me that I couldn't handle. 

There are still times that I battle with depression.  It runs in my family and so I know to expect it.  Thankfully, it never gets severe enough to worry about -- just have a "blue" day here and there.  I can see the symptoms/warning signs coming -- for me, it's not having energy to clean house, not wanting to get out of bed or off the couch, becoming grouchy towards those I love.  Once I notice those, I literally force myself to do something about it to turn around.  I have a Mom's Night Out at the local karaoke place.  I ask my husband for help for 30 minutes to do housecleaning, or maybe just for him to watch our daughter so I can go for a bike ride, or workout at the rec.  If I can catch myself early enough, I can banish those yucky feelings pretty effectively.  I also find things to "look forward to".  Currently, our big "forward" is our vacation to Walt Disney World in 24 days.  It's still a bit stressful (making sure our budget is good since we are HORRIBLE at saving money in the bank), but manageable. :)

Sidetracked by Life...

I realize I haven't written in a looong time (heck, I only made it to Day 4 of the 30-day challenge!) but there have been many many changes lately. I'll give you the short run-down and elaborate later.
1) I finally quit my job effective July 8th. phew.... MUCH stress relieved.
2) My daughter has turned 5 and started Kindergarten!!!
3) I have gone back to college!!! (YIKES)
4) In 24 days, we will be making a family trip to Walt Disney World!
I have lots of homework, cleaning, arranging, and packing over the next month. A wedding weekend, a quick trip to Colorado (Pike's Peak for my mom's would-be 50th wedding anniversary), and the Disney trip -- I've got too much going on in a 30-day span, on top of everyday household/homework chores. But I can do it!! :)

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Day 4: Your views on Religion

I think religion is one of those basic necessities -- right along with air, food, water, shelter, etc... You have to belive in something!! Obviously, I'm a bit biased towards the Catholic reign, but even basic Christianity has the best general/realistic beliefs, in my honest opinion. Love thy neighbor, treat others as you would like to be treated... all that goodness. :)

I also believe that a person who HAS religion of some type, is generally happier, more content with their life, and more friendly and liked/popular. Definitely the first two. I've never known anyone who valued religion highly that was a sourpuss.

I'd love my own little family to be a bit more religious honestly. Better values, making sure we pray before each meal, attend mass every weekend. I'd LOVE to be part of a bible study -- but there doesn't seem to be a Catholic one that is within my schedule (as in it's while I'm at work).
And no, I don't agree with *everything* the Catholic faith says. I'm totally for using birth control, I'm not a stern pro-lifer (but neither am I outright pro-choice), I don't see any problem with reading bibles that are not "Catholic", and I think the "other" churches have a much better youth program (Awanna's is such an interesting program, that makes religion fun for kids!).

But I do believe in God, that his son Jesus died for our eternal sins, that our loved ones will pass to Heaven to become Angels, and Angels will watch over us. I don't believe in "ghosts" or "poltergeists". I do believe in Angels. I honestly have had a couple experiences that I know my own Dad has come down to give me a message. There was one time that I was having a VERY difficult time with Angel, and after Jason had his accident, and I was pretty much just DONE. I wanted to throw in the towel, get in my car and drive off from my dysfunctional house, never looking back. I was sitting, crying, and praying to God to take some of this stress off my shoulders -- that I just couldn't handle it. Right then, the smell of a Swisher Sweet (my dad's favorite smoke) surrounded me. Immediately, the weight on my shoulders lifted, Angel stopped crying and decided to take a nap, and my heart was just happier... Yep. I know my Dad stepped in to help out right then, when I needed him the most.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Day 3: Your Views on Drugs and Alcohol

This is a split opinion for me. I don't see anything wrong with alcohol consumption, as long as you are of age or, in fact, with family once you're 18. I understand the "law" says 21, but if you are with responsible family, there's nothing wrong with having a beer or maybe two between the ages of 18-21. I don't approve of minors getting drunk by any means, no matter who they are. But there's a lot more to drinking than the purpose of getting drunk. I hate being drunk. But I love having a beer to relax.

On the other hand, drug-users/abusers repulse me. My husband HAS to take prescription drugs for his PTSD issues, and so I'm obviously all for taking drugs for legit medicinal purposes. But marijuana, cocaine, meth, and that new so-called-legal weed -- If I know you use them at all; I pity you. Your life must be so joyless and depressing, your soul so dead and pathetic that you have to turn to illegal substances that do absolutely NO good to your body or mind. Once you do that, a dog has more common sense than you. There are sooo many options out there to entertain yourself other than getting high. I just don't understand why someone would feel the need to do that to themselves.

And, I'm done. :) Got a sunburned little girl I have to slather some more Aloe Vera on.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Day 2: Where I'd like to be in 10 years...

In 10 years, I'll be 41 (shhh, that's just a secret between you and me) and Angel will be 14/15. I have a feeling, that year will rival the current one in terms of difficult child-rearing LOL. We'd be bargaining for chores over make-up and family nights vs dating... All that aside, here's how I like to imagine our life will be playing out in 2021...

*I'd have graduated from K-State with my Bachelors in Agri-business.
*Jason and Angel have a quality father-daughter bond, in spite of how the first couple years went (with his PTSD/TBI issues)
*Angel and I spend mother-daughter time at the beauty salon, shopping, gossipping over hollywood stars, and have that deep friendship that allows her to feel comfortable discussing anything with me -- even that dreaded 3-letter word discussion (S-E-X)
*Angel will be doing very well in school and love learning! Hopefully, she will have found her "knack" at something -- whether it's Piano, Singing, Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Dance, whatever...
*We'll be living in San Antonio, TX. Close by the BAM-C medical center/Ft Sam Houston. This would allow us to live VERY close to one of the largest military hospitals in the US, so that Jason would be able to get immediate and constant monitering for his PTSD & TBI meds. We were stationed at BAM-C when Jason was first injured and fell in love with the area and the people there were so helpful!! And there's sooooo much to do there for a retired soldier (and his family)
*My mom would be able to come down for a couple weeks every other month to visit us (at our expense because of my fabulous job that I have -- whatever it may be!)

That's really all that I have pictured or want to happen at this moment. I try to be fairly realistic -- I know we'll all be arguing over bedtime, Jason will have his days where the meds don't help, I'll have mood swings..... But we'll have each other and our love. (wow, that was cheesy. sorry).... :)

Friday, May 20, 2011

Day 1: Discuss your Current Relationship

wow... well, that gets pretty emotional and complicated at times....

I have been married for 8 years, and we'll be together for 11 years come August. We've had our ups and downs, but any couple will tell you the same. We've come to the breaking point a few times as well, but it seems that we just keep going strong. I think our problem (and salvation) is that we're both just too pig-headed and stubborn. :)

Then, about 3 years ago, we had a major revelation in our love. Jason was in a C-130 'hard landing' and suffered from hemoragging in his brain. This gave an edge of mortality to our marriage and really made both of us realize that life is too precious and short to worry about the small stuff. However, he has a hard time dealing with stress and, honestly, turned into a giant jack-hole. His vices were alcohol, gambling, and violence (bar fight after bar fight with strangers). Never physically abusive toward me -- even when he was in "crazy mode", I knew he wouldn't directly hurt me or Angel. But since we're being honest, I wasn't sure when that last straw would break. Both me and Angel became fearful of his outbursts and walked on eggshells. Our life was anything but Happy. I stuck is out for 2 years when I finally had enough. I told Jason that it was either get help or get out. That was the wake-up call he needed to realize How he was treating us and just What he was going to lose. Yep, he checked into an in-patient treatment at the local VA hospital for 3 weeks, and then again for 2 more. Jason still suffers from Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and he will for the rest of his life. Thankfully, the military/VA has finally gotten him on some medications that help lessen the effects.

Granted, we both have our "days", and Jason has relapses of jack-hole, but we are definitely on the road to mending our brokenness. He's more caring/considerate, and I'm more cautious/doubtful than we originally were, but we're working on coming to the middle. I'd say we're definitely a case of "What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger"!! My personal favorite line for our marriage is this : God won't give you anything you can't handle. (I just wish God didn't have so much faith in ME sometimes)

Am I up for a 30 day challenge??

Why not?? :)








Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Extreme couponing in Vegas? Oh yeah....

My hubby has a nationwide dart tournament in Las Vegas this coming weekend (Apr 29-May 2). Of course, I'm going with him to cheer him on! And yes, I'm going to try to enjoy myself. If you don't know me, Vegas is definitely on my "dislike" list. Not a city I'd evereverevereverever want to visit. I dont' like huge crowds, cities, gambling, prositution, drunken idiots. No, I didn't care for the movie "The Hangover" either. Waste of my $3 to rent it. Anyway -- back to the subject:

I am bound and determined to do this Vegas trip on as little wasted money/time as possible! And my Extreme Couponing diva is kicking in... When the trip is all said and done, I'm going to post all the money we spent vs what we saved. But for now, here's what I've got:

1. We live 2 hours from the airport and flying out at 6am Friday. Hubby has a VA appointment in Topeka (hour in the same direction) on Thursday. We are going to stay in Topeka Thursday night to save, more or less, two hours of driving (back to home, then back through Topeka on way to KC). We'll be staying at a local casino, where we have a FREE room comp'ed to us and also have 2 FREE buffets. We'll lounge in the hottub and go to bed early. Then, not have to wake up 'quite' as early to leave for the airport.

2. Coupon for 1 day free parking at MCI airport.

3. Security escort courtesy of the Wounded Warriors project and TSA. Saves about an hour at the bigger airports.

4. You can bring the miniature bottles of whiskey in your 3-1-1 bags. We are NOT paying $7.00 for a dixie-cup of Jack/Coke on the plain. The soda is free and we can add our own Jack Daniels. Savings: approx $3 each bottle used.

5. Using carry-on luggage ONLY. Saves approx $50 in checked baggage fees.

6. Am planning on buying a 3-day unlimited bus pass to travel up/down the strip & to attractions $20

7. Getting a discounted rate at Bally's b/c of the dart tourney. Right in the middle of the strip. Going to ask for a room facing the Bellagio when we check in. Then we can watch the fountains from our room!!

8. I have mapped out the "Open Bar" locations/times for free drinks. And the Sahara has $1 draft beers 24/7. Long ways from Bally's but that's what the buss pass is for!!

9. www.Restaurant.com provided me with $165 worth of certificates for only $14!!!
Also have coupons for 2-for-1 buffets, free Haagen Daz ice cream, free Pretzelmaker goodies...

10. I have multiple coupons for Two-for-One admissions to shows, Freemont Street experience attractions, etc. Really need to find another woman to take advantage of my 2-for-1 coupon to the X-Burlesque Acadamy class. Hey - don't judge me. It's Vegas. And we get a free 8x10 and diploma. :)

11. On our return trip, we have a horribly long layover at Chicago O'Hare. But we qualify to utilize the USO station and so get free refreshments, internet access, and comfy chairs to nap in.

12. Biggest saver of all --- My mom is watching Angel all this week so we don't have to pay a babysitter. Win-Win situation for all involved!!

Will update either on the trip or when I return with spending vs savings!

old(er) age

March is a wonderful, beautiful month! The official start of Spring, spring break, baby animals are born, grass is greening, snuggle-inducing drizzely rain, and my own birthday!

Granted, these years I'm less and less enthusiastic. Turning 30 was a HUGE issue with me. 30 was always the age that I dreaded; worse than 40,50,60, etc. When you're 30 you can't pretend to be young anymore -- you are undeniably an adult. This year I turned 31.

I honestly forgot my birthday was even approaching until the day before. Chalk it up to old age/senility I guess. I took on 31 pretty much like I was already defeated. There's no fighting it anymore. The crows' feet, cellulite, drooping jowls and flapping arms (you know that "double wave" action when you move your arm?) are officially winning. I can -- and do -- dye my hair to my hearts content to stave off any grey that might be wanting to come through. But that's just about the only physical trait I can easily take care of. I have true and good intentions of working out 5 times a week for at least an hour each. But my actual daily schedule says otherwise, with housework, homework, work-work?, mommyhood and wifedom. So I will gaze longingly at the elliptical machine in our bedroom. Fantasizing about the day when I actually have time left over after taking care of everyone ELSE's wants and needs.

At least now I have a more valid reason for my scatterbrain mode. Seriously, I'm worse than a dang squirrel. "Oh, something shiny!" My husband loathes shopping with me -- I have to touch every fabric item we walk past, just to feel it. Then, without warning, I'll abruptly stop in the middle of the aisle, weilding a 100-lb shopping cart -- just to look at something that caught my attention via the corner of my eye. One of my friends, Molly, has seriously held me by the shoulders to guide me through Wal-Greens so that I didn't get distracted by the Tinkerbell Lanterns (that would be totally AWEsome for my daughter's Disney World trip bytheway).

Yep, turning 29 (for the 3rd time) at least gives me reason for my craziness/scatterbrained/dillusional life. I'm old. Leave me alone. :)

Sunday, February 6, 2011

I'm not a Bad Mom...

There's so much unspoken pressure put on Moms nowadays. Well, ok, I guess Mom's have always been the ones with all the responsiblities regarding the children and homes. And the ones to blame if their kids turned out bad. I'm brave enough to admit that I may not be a "perfect" mom. And here's why....

1. I don't spend 24 hours with my daughter. I work. She socializes with friends and fun games for 8.5 hours of the weekdays. But I try to make up for it with "Mommy-Sweetie" times/afternoons/weekends.

2. I let her drink all the juice she wants. It's Orange-Pineapple-Apple juice from concentrate. That's got twice the mix of water that is required. Economical AND healthier.

3. When she was 1 year old, she was watching TV. Probably about 4 hours worth a day. Don't judge me. It consisted strictly of Barney and a little bit of Blues Clues. Go ahead and judge now. My daughter shares better than most adults I know and She Can Read! At age 4. I'll never get that wonderful "I love you" song out of my head, but the version I like to keep in reserves is the one of the sweetest, loving 2 year old voice singing it.

4. My house is not always clean. Heck, it's rarely presentable anymore. But I'd rather spend 30 minutes cuddling with my Sweetie than straightening bookshelves or doing laundry.

5. Angel has free range option with the fridge. And now freezer since she's shot up faster than that danged beanstalk. She sees something she wants. She eats it. Or brings to us to cook it so she can eat it. But usually, she's asking for apples, oranges, grapes, strawberries, and the random piece of bologna or cheese.

6. We regularly take dinner trips to McDonalds. It's her favorite treat place (and mine). Go ahead, ask her to order. "Happymeal wit Chik nuggets and milk. And APPLES! But no appledipper. That's healthy!" She seriously gets mad if they mix it up and give her french fries instead of apples. Oh yeah.

7. She spends more time on the computer than either me or my husband. Internet has replaced the tv-time it seems. We've even bookmarked the two sites she goes to so that we don't have to help her find them. 1) www.nickjr.com 2) http://pbskids.com Bacteria-infested sponges that are named "Bob" or their equivalents are nowhere to be found. I'm pretty sure I can do experiements and prove that watching sea-faring Bob will seriously dumb-down your children. But that's another story.... Both sites are either chock-full of educational games or kid-friendly videos (i.e. Sesame Street, Blues Clues, Max & Ruby...)

8. I will put my daughter in time-out and on a rare occasion, swat her butt when she misbehaves. Nope, she's not perfect and neither am I. But I make sure that she knows why exactly she's in trouble, we talk it out afterwards ("Next time, you need to...), and always give her a huge hug and make sure she knows I love her. I personally think the world would turn out less miscreantes, thugs, and criminals if parents would discover this blend of love and consequences. If you go to the extreme on either side, you're asking for trouble.

I know I'm not perfect. But I do what I can. My daughter may be spoiled, but she's far from rotten. And she's mine. :)

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Annoyed

Has anyone else gone through a stage of annoyance? I don't know what's different lately, but I'm downright Annoyed with almost everything. People, my animals, the fact that the dishwasher doesn't always clean the dishes... I really think I need to join a kickboxing class just to get these frustrations out. It'd probably be more beneficial than my current state of grrrr. The things that are really pushing my limits are the following:

1. I didn't get my job I applied for. They offered it to someone that had more experience. Ok, so I can't disagree with that option, but it doesn't mean that I have to like it.

2. My daughter's alternating independent/clingy stage. You just can NOT make a 180 on attitude that quickly without a written warning and signed consent.

3. Stress of doing well on my 13 hrs of college classes, along with my final insurance class to acquire my Associates of Underwriting. Also, I thought I *lost* my Biology textbook and went crazy going through the house looking for it. Turns out, I never did order it. :/

4. My crazy, almost-presentable-but-still-disaster-zone-lurking house. For the most part, it's presentable (no rotting food or trash all over) but not anywhere near what I would like it to be. I just don't have enough hours in the day to do the housework I want to -- between working 40 hours a week, studying, spending time with Angel and Jason, trying to exercise -- something's gotta give. If I exercise, then I have to take that time away from studying. Need to spend 2 hours doing laundry? Then I can't go to Dart League on Wednesday.... Granted, Jason's been trying his best to help keep things picked up, but he doesn't take initiative and vacuum the carpets or sweep/mop the kitchen.... maybe in time.

5. I've been hanging around empathetic, emotional people for too long. I have lost touch with my inner Bitch. I miss her. She didn't care about others' opinions, and looked out for her own success and failures before others. I really do hate to hear other people gripe and complain about their life, when they're not going to do anything to improve it. Hate your job? Apply for new ones. Not getting enough sleep? Go to bed earlier! Something pains you? See a dang doctor and follow their advice! Lonely? Go out on a date or out with friends. Otherwise --- PULL UP YOUR BIG GIRL PANTIES AND STOP THE WHINING!!! Whining gets you absolutely nowhere -- except on my nerves.

Well, maybe now I won't be so annoyed. Ok, so maybe I will. But every woman is entitled to getting pissy once in a while, right?? Well, too bad if you don't think so. I'm letting my inner Bitch have free reign for a while. If your feelings get hurt because you take this personal, then you really don't know me well enough. I'm going to say what's on my mind without cutting corners or making it all soft and comfy for you. Man-up or Get out.

Have a quality day!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

4-Year old mood swings.

O.M.Geeeee! I don't know if anyone else out there has the same problem I do, but I'm going crazy!! My darling four year old daughter has mood swings worse than my brain-injured husband! Granted, it keeps life entertaining I guess...

For example, she's in the "I'll do it!" stage. But she's not mature enough to handle disappointment well (like when she can't master a move on the Wii). Then she screams and cries hysterically until you help her. It's like a dang Tsunami crashing over your poor little love shack on the beach. (I've always wanted a love shack on the beach -- sounds so wonderfully seedy and made for a smut book).

Another example is how clingy she's suddenly gotten!! I can't go into another room without her following me. Yes, I am flattered -- TO A POINT! There are also times when I'd like to tinkle or talk on the phone without a shadow asking me what I'm doing. Or take a shower without someone saying "My boobies will get that big when I'm older!". Don't even suggest shutting the door b/c our master bathroom HAS no door. She cries when I leave her at daycare, she cries when I go out for dart league, she cries in the morning when I wake her up (because we're not staying home).

I have been trying to spend more quality time with her and that's helped -- but very minimally. I've tried being the Tough Parent. Didn't help either of us. I'm at my wits end on this one.... I guess it's just another stage that she'll have to overcome! Exit, Stage Left!!

At a Crossroads...

Ah, that proverbial fork in the road...Yes, folks, I am THERE! And ultimately, I'm putting my fate in others' hands. God of course, has a huge hand in this, but I'm talking about smaller, more local hands.

I have applied and interviewed for a different job within the company. Interview went good, but it's been a week with no news!!! I know they're done interviewing (because of my sneaky, super-sleuthy way of asking the receptionist) and so they've GOT to be making a decision. This will get me out of my miserable job (which I don't want to waste keystrokes describing right now) and into an exciting, fast-paced position. Oh, and the pay would pretty much be DOUBLE what I make now.

I've talked this over with my hubby and we've decided NOT to force me to be unhappy for long. Either 1) I get this new and super-awesome job and stay working...OR...2) I am going to quit this summer and then go back to college full time in the Fall. Both are winning options to me, with their own pros/cons.

But I HATE the unexpected; the butterflies in my stomach. They said that they should make up their mind by the end of Last Week! It's now the following Wednesday and I'm gall-darned pissed off!! I don't know if I even want the job now! -- no, wait -- I'm lying. I really really do want this job! LOL

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Crazy, Hectic life...

So, as much as I love Christmas and the idea of the New Year (fresh start, best day to begin improving yourself, etc), I despise all the commotion and constant go-go-go motion we're in. For the better part of a month, either we've all traveled somewhere, had celebrations to attend, had invitations to go out with friends, and so on. Don't get me wrong, I had a wonderful time during all this!! I just need my downtime to recharge once in a while; and my batteries have been trying to quit for about 2 weeks LOL.

It wasn't until this weekend, when I told Angel that her and I (Hubby's at a dart tournament) wouldn't go anywhere at all this weekend, that we'd just stay home, that I realized she hated the constant plans also. On Saturday night, when I was tucking her in, she asked what we'd do the next day. I said that we'd stay at home all day long -- and she literally cheered! She wooped it up and said that she LOVES staying home! hmmm.... made me take a look at my own hectic life.

1) I work full-time, at a job that I am less enthusiastic for. Actually, it's the boss lady that I'm unenthusiastic about. A dictator that has little training in human resource skills, that is threatened by my own advances, and very obviously gives special favors towards her friends and punishes others. When I started at this job 2 years ago, I felt excited everytime I pulled into the parking lot. Within the last 6 months, I've been dreading it -- actually getting a sick feeling in my stomach. So, I have applied for a different job within the company. Had a really good interview on Monday and now am just playing the waiting game. Which brings a whole different nervous-sick feeling to my tummy LOL.

2) I'm a Mom. Let's face it, that's a whole 'nother job in itself! Trying to clean house, cook, tackle laundry, keep 3 cats and a gaggle of fish alive and happy, take care of my daughter, manage my husbands Dr. schedule and moodswings, organize/downsize my belongings (I've joined PackRats Anonymous), my cross-stitch and sewing projects, the multitude of community service projects I want to do... Well, that's a full day right there! Crammed into only a couple hours each weekday. Oh, and add in sick days, and there's no time for ME! Well, I guess I have 45 minutes at lunchtime during the week. If only I didn't need to use that time for.....

3) I'm going back to school. I am enrolled in a local community college online, and taking 13 hours worth of classes. 4 classes -- Accounting, MacroEcon, Human Development, Biology. All need to be completed by mid-May, which gives me approximately 4 months. I really think I may have stepped in over my head on this one. Granted, I have already taken the first 3 (then had to quit school for personal reasons so never passed them) so I do have that working for me. But I wasn't quite realistic on finding study time for these classes.

Angel has her sticker chart (which is working wonderfully on helping me out and behaving!!) and so I've decided I'm going to need to make up a printed Schedule/chart for my own use. Dividing out the chores that need done and marking times that I *have* to study uninterrupted. Erma Bombeck would be proud. :) If I land this new job, there's possibilities of me traveling to different areas of Kansas in times of heavy claims, so that'd throw a whole new wrench into schedules.

But you know, I think I'm up for it. After all, I'm a Mom. And Mom's can do anything! (right?)