We are all aware of the rising costs of energy. The phone call I received yesterday, however, demonstrates the blatant misuse of funds by the energy companies. We pay for our gas and electric via budget billing. Our usage is broken into twelve equal payments which is quite nice when trying to figure a monthly budget. Mid-year in the budget cycle, the company will re-evaluate your monthly amount and increase it or decrease it depending on your usage and the forecast of future energy prices.
This month was my mid-year evaluation. I expected the amount to go up. I did not expect an increase of $80/month! As of next month, we will be paying $292/month instead of $211. I am hoping that this is temporary, and will decrease at the next evaluation.
Oh, but wait, I mentioned a phone call, didn't I? I answered the phone and was thanked by Joe Schmoe for using the company we do (like I have a choice). He then proceeded to remind me that budget amounts are reviewed mid-cycle, and I should watch my statement for whether the amount would be increasing or decreasing. Watch my bill? I got it by email 2 weeks ago! Increase or decrease? Do you really think there are that many bills that will be decreasing right now with the economy and the increase of ALL fuels? Give me a break! What a waste of money to actually pay someone to make these phone calls!
19 June 2008
18 June 2008
It's no surprise what city I belong in!
I saw a link to take the What City I Belong In quiz on Create Your Own Experience. It's no surprise where I should be:
You Belong in Rome |
 You're a big city soul with a small town heart Which is why you're attracted to the romance of Rome Strolling down picture perfect streets, cappuccino in hand And gorgeous Italian people - could life get any better? |
17 June 2008
I made a discovery!
This morning I was on a mission to find a park for my kids to play at. We have a half-done play structure in our yard that, quite frankly, needs a re-do (it is giving the Tower of Pisa a run for its money!). Hopefully, we will do something about that when we are on vacation next week. In the meantime, the weather has turned too chilly to swim (got to love Summer in Wisconsin!), and my boys need something to do. This morning started the great park search of 2008!
We used to just go to Kulwicki Park which is not far from here. However, since the rain and flooding earlier this month, the play structure is housed in the middle of a lake. I decided to head to Dan Jansen Park, and give it a whirl. I was really impressed. The play structure is relatively new, and is what is called a foam park. This means that the ground is foam making the falls a bit easier. While I was there, I met a woman who gave me a couple of leads on some other foam parks. Apparently, some mothers out there ONLY let their children play on foam. What a concept! A few minutes later, Michael did his job, and with no diaper in sight (what was I thinking?), we headed home.
After taking care of the diaper situation, we headed out again. This time to a foam park near the Boerner Botanical Gardens. It took a bit to find it as the outlying park is HUGE. Well, I have to say, this has to be one of the most beautiful structures I have ever seen! It was surrounded by beautiful trees and had swings, and about 10 slides! My boys were in heaven! As was I to sit on a park bench and watch them play. When Drew fell off the swing, no problem! He landed on FOAM! We all had a really great morning, and the boys are already asking when we are going back.
As an aside, I was chastised by my two older boys as we left. They were thirsty. I didn't bring water-what was I thinking? I was thinking you could wait the five minutes in the van until we got home!
We used to just go to Kulwicki Park which is not far from here. However, since the rain and flooding earlier this month, the play structure is housed in the middle of a lake. I decided to head to Dan Jansen Park, and give it a whirl. I was really impressed. The play structure is relatively new, and is what is called a foam park. This means that the ground is foam making the falls a bit easier. While I was there, I met a woman who gave me a couple of leads on some other foam parks. Apparently, some mothers out there ONLY let their children play on foam. What a concept! A few minutes later, Michael did his job, and with no diaper in sight (what was I thinking?), we headed home.
After taking care of the diaper situation, we headed out again. This time to a foam park near the Boerner Botanical Gardens. It took a bit to find it as the outlying park is HUGE. Well, I have to say, this has to be one of the most beautiful structures I have ever seen! It was surrounded by beautiful trees and had swings, and about 10 slides! My boys were in heaven! As was I to sit on a park bench and watch them play. When Drew fell off the swing, no problem! He landed on FOAM! We all had a really great morning, and the boys are already asking when we are going back.
As an aside, I was chastised by my two older boys as we left. They were thirsty. I didn't bring water-what was I thinking? I was thinking you could wait the five minutes in the van until we got home!
16 June 2008
Cool Jewelry from an ETSY seller!
Take a look at the jewelry at Snaphots of My Mommy Moments. I love the look of it! She is hosting a giveaway this week for one of her fab designs!
15 June 2008
Home for Father's Day
Let me start out by saying Happy Father's Day!
This year was a tad different than any we've had before-we stayed home! Normally we spend the day going out to Jefferson, but due to the flooding around my in-laws town (Thank God not in their house so far!), we were unable to make the journey. I have to say that it was a little sad to me to not go out to Jefferson. With rising gas prices, we haven't gone out there as often, and I was looking forward to seeing Andy's parents. We'll have to plan for another weekend after the water has gone down.
We have made the most of the day. The boys helped me make breakfast which we followed up with presents. I bought Andy the camera he has wanted literally for years. I have to say that I scored big on that one! To be honest, I think this was one of the best reactions I have gotten from him on a gift before (Yeah, Me!). The rest of the day has been spent with Mass and family time. It has been a good day. I am so blessed that my husband is such a wonderful father!
This year was a tad different than any we've had before-we stayed home! Normally we spend the day going out to Jefferson, but due to the flooding around my in-laws town (Thank God not in their house so far!), we were unable to make the journey. I have to say that it was a little sad to me to not go out to Jefferson. With rising gas prices, we haven't gone out there as often, and I was looking forward to seeing Andy's parents. We'll have to plan for another weekend after the water has gone down.
We have made the most of the day. The boys helped me make breakfast which we followed up with presents. I bought Andy the camera he has wanted literally for years. I have to say that I scored big on that one! To be honest, I think this was one of the best reactions I have gotten from him on a gift before (Yeah, Me!). The rest of the day has been spent with Mass and family time. It has been a good day. I am so blessed that my husband is such a wonderful father!
14 June 2008
Good-bye to a good man!
I am still in shock over the news that Tim Russert died yesterday. It was one of those moments that kind of takes you by surprise. He was young, and didn't have any health issues that were, at least, talked about before he died. Both of my parents were young when they died (64 and 68), but they had cancer. We had time to prepare. As hard as it was, in my heart I know there was nothing left unsaid. There were no regrets.
My heart breaks for Tim Russert's family-for his wife, his father, his son. His son had just graduated from college. It sounds like they were a very tight-knit family, but I often think about how deprived I feel of living the rest of my life without my parents. Really, I am lucky. I had my parents until my mid-30's. I had them around as I was just learning the ropes of motherhood. I got out a lot of those important questions. I am just rambling here, but I do feel so badly for his son.
Tim Russert was a class act. It was not until yesterday that I had any understanding of his political leanings. I looked forward to watching "Meet the Press" because there wasn't any of the bias that you see among most of the media today. His coverage was fair and balanced. I am going to miss tuning in to see him as I get ready for Mass on Sunday. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Rest in peace, Tim Russert.
My heart breaks for Tim Russert's family-for his wife, his father, his son. His son had just graduated from college. It sounds like they were a very tight-knit family, but I often think about how deprived I feel of living the rest of my life without my parents. Really, I am lucky. I had my parents until my mid-30's. I had them around as I was just learning the ropes of motherhood. I got out a lot of those important questions. I am just rambling here, but I do feel so badly for his son.
Tim Russert was a class act. It was not until yesterday that I had any understanding of his political leanings. I looked forward to watching "Meet the Press" because there wasn't any of the bias that you see among most of the media today. His coverage was fair and balanced. I am going to miss tuning in to see him as I get ready for Mass on Sunday. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Rest in peace, Tim Russert.
13 June 2008
Blog Envy
I am going through a serious case of blog envy! Ever since I joined SITS (well actually before that, but it has gotten worse), I have been introduced to a lot of really cool blogs. Mama's Losin' It and Ravings of a Mad Housewife are two of my new favorites, but the list is growing every day! Before I thought of blogging as a way of getting my thoughts out and reading to keep up on my friends (Sydney's blog is always my first read!), but now I am realizing how much more is really out there, and some of it is REALLY funny! It is also leaving me with a serious case of blog envy!
Here's my problem. I have dabbled in the world of writing by blogging-something I NEVER thought I'd do, but I find myself loving it. When I look at these other blogs though, I realize what an amateur I really am. I get really excited when someone leaves a comment, especially someone I don't know, but that is 1 comment. These other blogs-some of them have upwards of 80-100 comments per post! The most I have ever had was 7 about a post asking for comment love (and ideas on how to save money on groceries). These women are really funny, and I am really jealous!
Where does this leave me? I guess just here in my very tiny, obscure part of the blogosphere. I will continue to share my mundane musings and hope, just hope, that one day...OK, it will never happen, but I can dream, can't I?
PS-If you happen across this and feel the need to leave me some comment love, I would greatly appreciate it. I could use a boost today!
Here's my problem. I have dabbled in the world of writing by blogging-something I NEVER thought I'd do, but I find myself loving it. When I look at these other blogs though, I realize what an amateur I really am. I get really excited when someone leaves a comment, especially someone I don't know, but that is 1 comment. These other blogs-some of them have upwards of 80-100 comments per post! The most I have ever had was 7 about a post asking for comment love (and ideas on how to save money on groceries). These women are really funny, and I am really jealous!
Where does this leave me? I guess just here in my very tiny, obscure part of the blogosphere. I will continue to share my mundane musings and hope, just hope, that one day...OK, it will never happen, but I can dream, can't I?
PS-If you happen across this and feel the need to leave me some comment love, I would greatly appreciate it. I could use a boost today!
12 June 2008
School's out for Summer!
Over the past two days, my older boys have finished out the school year. Now is the start of summer. It is the time of year I call a mixed blessing. I am happy that we don't have the morning rush to get them ready for school, but now it is up to me to keep them occupied. I have always felt that a schedule is essential, but I haven't really done one yet. It's Thursday. I feel like we need a couple of days to decompress. I am going to try to be ready to roll come Monday with a schedule and game plan. Wish me luck!
11 June 2008
A Little Pampering!
Today was the last day of school for my oldest and my nephews. I am now the mother of a third grader (that does not seem possible)! As it was the last day of school, my sister came over here and I got a little bit of pampering.
We really had a great time! Mary showed up with lunch for my kids and most of hers, and lunch for she and I. If I have never said this before, my sister is a FABULOUS cook, and she showed up with Minestrone and chicken salad (both homemade)-YUM! After we fed the kids, and we ate, she then took me to have a pedicure-her treat! Not sure what I did to deserve it, but it was GREATLY appreciated! So far, summer is off to a good start!
We really had a great time! Mary showed up with lunch for my kids and most of hers, and lunch for she and I. If I have never said this before, my sister is a FABULOUS cook, and she showed up with Minestrone and chicken salad (both homemade)-YUM! After we fed the kids, and we ate, she then took me to have a pedicure-her treat! Not sure what I did to deserve it, but it was GREATLY appreciated! So far, summer is off to a good start!
10 June 2008
Home for Summer
My Drew had his K4 graduation this morning. The picture is him receiving his "diploma" from our principal. Drew has learned so much over the past year. His teacher, Jodi Mallum is an amazing woman, and should be commended for the work she has done with the group. So, my Drew is done for the year, and moves onto full-day K5 next year. We are so proud of you, Drew!
09 June 2008
We need an ark!
Over the past weekend, the Milwaukee area has had anywhere from 7-9 inches of rain. While the worst appears to be behind us in terms of storms, rivers are still rising, and many people have flooded basements.
This weekend was one of those moments where I can happily say, "We don't have a basement!" This is quite unusual for the area, but it has been a blessing given all of the rain. On the other hand, we were not without a few issues this weekend. First of all, we had a tornado warning. What to do with the kids? We have no interior rooms per say without windows. We instead, opted to put them in our boiler room. This houses our boiler and hot water heater. At some point, the pilot on the heater went out. This meant that I had one cold shower on Sunday morning! The other issue-the outdoor part of our air conditioner got a tad flooded, so we had no A/C for most yesterday while it dried out.
Trust me, I know these inconveniences were nothing compared to those who are now wading (literally) through the damage caused by the storms this weekend. We are supposed to have more rain later this week-if this continues, we may build an ark!
This weekend was one of those moments where I can happily say, "We don't have a basement!" This is quite unusual for the area, but it has been a blessing given all of the rain. On the other hand, we were not without a few issues this weekend. First of all, we had a tornado warning. What to do with the kids? We have no interior rooms per say without windows. We instead, opted to put them in our boiler room. This houses our boiler and hot water heater. At some point, the pilot on the heater went out. This meant that I had one cold shower on Sunday morning! The other issue-the outdoor part of our air conditioner got a tad flooded, so we had no A/C for most yesterday while it dried out.
Trust me, I know these inconveniences were nothing compared to those who are now wading (literally) through the damage caused by the storms this weekend. We are supposed to have more rain later this week-if this continues, we may build an ark!
08 June 2008
Recital Day!
Today I had the distinct pleasure of attending my nieces' recital. My sisters and sister-in-law all use the same dance school, which makes this time of year much easier with only one recital to attend. So, for two hours this afternoon, I was treated to many ballet, tap and jazz routines. Meghan had one of each while Anne and Martha had a ballet and a tap, and Emily had one ballet. I have to say I really did enjoy myself with so many nieces, there are enough numbers spread out through the show to keep me interested.
There were two other numbers that piqued my interest today. One was the annual father-daughter dance. Usually they pick one of the younger classes to do this. I have enjoyed seeing my brother, Frank do this twice. Today, it was the honor of the graduating seniors. They did a number to Britney Spears' (You drive me) Crazy. Those dads REALLY had to dance for this-I was very impressed!
The other number that I enjoyed was a group of older women (and one man) who had taken tap throughout the year! I give them credit for doing this. They were really good, and good for them to learn something that they obviously always wanted to.
It was a great performance! I am really proud of my nieces, and can't wait to go back next year!
There were two other numbers that piqued my interest today. One was the annual father-daughter dance. Usually they pick one of the younger classes to do this. I have enjoyed seeing my brother, Frank do this twice. Today, it was the honor of the graduating seniors. They did a number to Britney Spears' (You drive me) Crazy. Those dads REALLY had to dance for this-I was very impressed!
The other number that I enjoyed was a group of older women (and one man) who had taken tap throughout the year! I give them credit for doing this. They were really good, and good for them to learn something that they obviously always wanted to.
It was a great performance! I am really proud of my nieces, and can't wait to go back next year!
07 June 2008
SITS
I have seen a couple of my blogging buddies talk about this site Secret is in the Sauce (SITS). It seems like a great way to meet other bloggers-like I don't read enough as it is!
So, they have another contest to win a new design for my blog. I NEED to win this contest. The reason is simple-my blog needs a makeover. I like the look in the beginning, but I am getting bored with it. So, all I have to say is PICK ME!!! Oh yeah, here is the site sponsoring the contest:
http://www.eightcrazydesign.blogspot.com/.
So, they have another contest to win a new design for my blog. I NEED to win this contest. The reason is simple-my blog needs a makeover. I like the look in the beginning, but I am getting bored with it. So, all I have to say is PICK ME!!! Oh yeah, here is the site sponsoring the contest:
http://www.eightcrazydesign.blogspot.com/.
Work at Home
I am fortunate enough to be a WAHM (work at home mom). I have said this many times before, that I consider myself very fortunate to be able to use my degrees, and work from home. Even a few years ago, this would not have been possible.
In my teaching position, I actually have 3 roles I perform for the company. I teach, of course, but I also have a team of teachers that I help to navigate through the company. I give them feedback on their observations, an.d I point them in the right direction should problems arise. My third role is as a substitute. So many hours a week, I am on-call. This means that I have to sit at my computer in case they need me to go in and teach. During this time, I can do pretty much whatever I want, as long as they can get a hold of me over our messaging system. I can visit my favorite sites and blogs-in a nutshell, I am getting paid to surf!!!
There is a down-side to this last position, however. Boredom. Saturdays are a prime example. I am on-call from 8-12. Four hours is a long time to sit and do nothing. I hope to not have this position for much longer. Eventually, I want to be a supervisor, but those jobs are few and far between, and I haven't paid my dues yet. In the meantime, I am going to try to move over to monitoring teachers. I think I have a lot to bring to that position, and it would move me in the right direction.
In my teaching position, I actually have 3 roles I perform for the company. I teach, of course, but I also have a team of teachers that I help to navigate through the company. I give them feedback on their observations, an.d I point them in the right direction should problems arise. My third role is as a substitute. So many hours a week, I am on-call. This means that I have to sit at my computer in case they need me to go in and teach. During this time, I can do pretty much whatever I want, as long as they can get a hold of me over our messaging system. I can visit my favorite sites and blogs-in a nutshell, I am getting paid to surf!!!
There is a down-side to this last position, however. Boredom. Saturdays are a prime example. I am on-call from 8-12. Four hours is a long time to sit and do nothing. I hope to not have this position for much longer. Eventually, I want to be a supervisor, but those jobs are few and far between, and I haven't paid my dues yet. In the meantime, I am going to try to move over to monitoring teachers. I think I have a lot to bring to that position, and it would move me in the right direction.
06 June 2008
Guiding Light Home
I have written before about my all-time favorite show and guilty pleasure, Guiding Light. In fact, I am actually paid to write a weekly recap for a website. As I have said before, I started watching because of my Mom and sisters at about the age of six. The reason I am bringing this up is because of the feeling of home I get when I watch this show.
During the last few years of my mom's life, she and I would get together at her house to watch it while Peter napped. Sometimes my sister, Margaret, would stop by for lunch and watch with us. It was just a cozy feeling to sit there and get pulled in to what was happening in Springfield, USA.
Lately, though, I am becoming increasingly concerned about the fate of this show. GL has been around for 72 years! It was the first soap opera and moved from radio to TV in the 50's. It is the longest running show in the history of TV. Recently, it was renewed until 2009. The reason for my concern is that the show is struggling under budget cuts and an executive producer and head writing team that,quite frankly, are not that good. GL received it's lowest rating ever last week, and right now, has the lowest ratings of any soap. To make matters worse, by the end of the month, the show will have lost two huge actors to another soap.
Some of you may say, "So what? It is just a show." To me, it is more than a show. When I watch the replay online every evening, I am reminded of my mom, and of home. It is like a connection to what I had when she was alive.
During the last few years of my mom's life, she and I would get together at her house to watch it while Peter napped. Sometimes my sister, Margaret, would stop by for lunch and watch with us. It was just a cozy feeling to sit there and get pulled in to what was happening in Springfield, USA.
Lately, though, I am becoming increasingly concerned about the fate of this show. GL has been around for 72 years! It was the first soap opera and moved from radio to TV in the 50's. It is the longest running show in the history of TV. Recently, it was renewed until 2009. The reason for my concern is that the show is struggling under budget cuts and an executive producer and head writing team that,quite frankly, are not that good. GL received it's lowest rating ever last week, and right now, has the lowest ratings of any soap. To make matters worse, by the end of the month, the show will have lost two huge actors to another soap.
Some of you may say, "So what? It is just a show." To me, it is more than a show. When I watch the replay online every evening, I am reminded of my mom, and of home. It is like a connection to what I had when she was alive.
05 June 2008
Schoolhouse Rock!
For the past few months, my home has been a schoolhouse of sorts. My niece, Meghan, attends an online school. As many of you know, my sister has been having some health issues, and so, Meghan began coming over here to do her schoolwork. It really was a win-win situation for the two of us. I could help her in the subject areas that she needed help, and she would help me by babysitting when I needed to run errands.
When she started coming, she was a bit behind in History and Science. I am really proud of her. Not only did she catch up, she finished all of her work about 2 weeks early! Today is the official end of school for her. She is no longer a seventh grader. This fall, it is eighth grade! It has been amazing to see the transformation this semester from big girl to teenager. Megs-I am so proud of you! Go enjoy your summer-you deserve it!
When she started coming, she was a bit behind in History and Science. I am really proud of her. Not only did she catch up, she finished all of her work about 2 weeks early! Today is the official end of school for her. She is no longer a seventh grader. This fall, it is eighth grade! It has been amazing to see the transformation this semester from big girl to teenager. Megs-I am so proud of you! Go enjoy your summer-you deserve it!
04 June 2008
My first home
I thought I would take a moment to write about where I grew up. The first home that I remember is a duplex on the northwest side of Milwaukee. I lived there from when I was one until just before my twelfth birthday. The best part of this home was who I lived with. I had my parents and my 4 siblings, but I also had my Grandma and my great-aunt Mary. Dad had bought the house so that they could live upstairs from us.
I loved that house. I lived coming home from school, bounding upstairs, and yelling out, "Auntie Mary!" This used to make my Grandma so mad! Auntie Mary was her oldest sister, and because Grandma still worked, she was often my caretaker after school until Mom got home from work. I loved being up there-watching Auntie Mary crochet, watching her say her rosary, watching her cook (she made the BEST bacon and eggs!). Grandma and Aunt Mary often took me places on the weekend too. We'd go shopping, or to a movie. Quite often, my cousins, Dann and Gregg were there, too. I have to say I was so blessed to have them there in my life. Grandma died in 1985, and Aunt Mary in 1991. I miss them a lot, but I am so glad I had them while I did!
I loved that house. I lived coming home from school, bounding upstairs, and yelling out, "Auntie Mary!" This used to make my Grandma so mad! Auntie Mary was her oldest sister, and because Grandma still worked, she was often my caretaker after school until Mom got home from work. I loved being up there-watching Auntie Mary crochet, watching her say her rosary, watching her cook (she made the BEST bacon and eggs!). Grandma and Aunt Mary often took me places on the weekend too. We'd go shopping, or to a movie. Quite often, my cousins, Dann and Gregg were there, too. I have to say I was so blessed to have them there in my life. Grandma died in 1985, and Aunt Mary in 1991. I miss them a lot, but I am so glad I had them while I did!
03 June 2008
Home is where my heart is...
I am so lucky to be able to stay at home and watch my boys grow. I have friends who have not been able to do the same, and every time I hear one of them speak with sadness over missing their child, it makes me so grateful that Andy and I have found a way to make this work.
When I had Peter, we really were not sure how we would make ends meet. As the years have gone on, it has amazed me how technology has made my working from home possible. Now, I am sitting here watching Michael put together the same puzzle for the fifth time, and I am thankful that I am here to be able to do it.
When I had Peter, we really were not sure how we would make ends meet. As the years have gone on, it has amazed me how technology has made my working from home possible. Now, I am sitting here watching Michael put together the same puzzle for the fifth time, and I am thankful that I am here to be able to do it.
02 June 2008
Home is My Friends
One of my favorite things that gives me a feeling of home is my friends. I am so blessed to have some really good women in my life who have been with me through some really good times and some really bad times.
Tonight, I get to spend time with some of them. Lisa, Michelle, Sydney and I have fallen into a really good pattern of getting together twice a month. Tonight we are getting together for our crocheting time. It is so much fun to be with each other, catch up on what is going on, and see each other's projects.
Speaking of which, I am just about done with my son, Peter's blanket. Here is a picture:
01 June 2008
Home...from Church
I am starting out June's Nablopomo theme of Home by saying that I am happy to be home from church.
We went to 10 Am Mass as always, but, boy were the boys off today! Andy had to walk Michael out not once, but twice (haven't had to walk him out even once in a long time). Drew was busying himself by trying to lick me (gross), and poking his brother, Peter. Even Peter was a bit squirrely. It was just one of those days where not a lot of praying gets done, and I just hope that we get grace just from being there. I am so glad to be home!
We went to 10 Am Mass as always, but, boy were the boys off today! Andy had to walk Michael out not once, but twice (haven't had to walk him out even once in a long time). Drew was busying himself by trying to lick me (gross), and poking his brother, Peter. Even Peter was a bit squirrely. It was just one of those days where not a lot of praying gets done, and I just hope that we get grace just from being there. I am so glad to be home!
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