Kinda goes along with my previous post. Well, not really but it's my favorite right now.
The Brookshire's
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Perfect Day
I've figured it out...my facebook status yesterday has my mind in overdrive. Here's what I think I want...
I've had several discussions with various people about whether or not I should go back to school. Many questions come up - will it be worth it? after I finish, will I make any more money with a degree than I do without one? The answer is - I don't know. I have been very lucky with jobs. Other than my first job at Ingles, at 15 years old and my job at Eckerd shortly after, I've pretty much walked in to every job I've had. My first real job was at Asheville Family Health - right after high school. I was going to AB Tech and my dad's cousin's wife - Cindy, had mentioned they needed a night time person at her office. I went in for the interview, got the job and worked as night person after my classes at AB Tech from 1pm until about 9pm. I loved that job - eventually a day position opened and I took it. I worked at all 3 offices - Asheville, Arden and Hominy Valley. I enjoyed working there. Eventually after falling in love with Damion and getting pregnant - my doctor was Carole Saltzman at Biltmore OB-GYN. She decided, while I was her patient, that she would like me to work for her. So I went in to talk to Lisa, their office manager and was hired. I made lots of good friends there and still enjoy visiting with them from time to time. While working there I discovered that one of my doctors (Stacy Travis) had a husband who was starting his own practice. He was a psychiatrist. My mission in schooling was to become a child psychologist. Of course that didn't happen but when I found out he was a psychiatrist, I wanted all in. At first it started out part time - just 2 nights a week. That pretty much killed me though. I already had a full time job, was taking a class 2 nights a week and then began working the other 2 nights a week oh, AND I had a 1 1/2 year old. I enjoyed every minute of it though. I eventually convinced Dr T to let the girl go that he had working for him during the day. I couldn't figure out what she was doing for him all day long and he had no clue what to look for. So anyway, 5 months later, I'm working full time for him. Been here ever since! 11 years. I love it, I really do. I feel like I am good at what I do, I like being needed/depended on...but don't always feel that important. Doesn't really make sense, does it? okay so here is what I envision...me. In an office. With my own office. Walking around like I'm important. Professional clothes (hot professional clothes). High heels. Confident. you get the picture?
I've had several discussions with various people about whether or not I should go back to school. Many questions come up - will it be worth it? after I finish, will I make any more money with a degree than I do without one? The answer is - I don't know. I have been very lucky with jobs. Other than my first job at Ingles, at 15 years old and my job at Eckerd shortly after, I've pretty much walked in to every job I've had. My first real job was at Asheville Family Health - right after high school. I was going to AB Tech and my dad's cousin's wife - Cindy, had mentioned they needed a night time person at her office. I went in for the interview, got the job and worked as night person after my classes at AB Tech from 1pm until about 9pm. I loved that job - eventually a day position opened and I took it. I worked at all 3 offices - Asheville, Arden and Hominy Valley. I enjoyed working there. Eventually after falling in love with Damion and getting pregnant - my doctor was Carole Saltzman at Biltmore OB-GYN. She decided, while I was her patient, that she would like me to work for her. So I went in to talk to Lisa, their office manager and was hired. I made lots of good friends there and still enjoy visiting with them from time to time. While working there I discovered that one of my doctors (Stacy Travis) had a husband who was starting his own practice. He was a psychiatrist. My mission in schooling was to become a child psychologist. Of course that didn't happen but when I found out he was a psychiatrist, I wanted all in. At first it started out part time - just 2 nights a week. That pretty much killed me though. I already had a full time job, was taking a class 2 nights a week and then began working the other 2 nights a week oh, AND I had a 1 1/2 year old. I enjoyed every minute of it though. I eventually convinced Dr T to let the girl go that he had working for him during the day. I couldn't figure out what she was doing for him all day long and he had no clue what to look for. So anyway, 5 months later, I'm working full time for him. Been here ever since! 11 years. I love it, I really do. I feel like I am good at what I do, I like being needed/depended on...but don't always feel that important. Doesn't really make sense, does it? okay so here is what I envision...me. In an office. With my own office. Walking around like I'm important. Professional clothes (hot professional clothes). High heels. Confident. you get the picture?
Monday, March 28, 2011
We can all breathe a sigh of relief
whew! It is all over. She flew, they landed, flew, and landed again. Everyone is safe. Mom and dad took EL to Pinehurst for Ayla's 4th birthday party and they had a safe trip as well. Now a little about MY weekend... Friday started with me working a half day at work, then heading to meet Dawn and the girls at Panera for lunch. 
After lunch, Dawn went on to the airport to get things ready for their departure and I drove the girls there. She had strawberries dipped in chocolate, cookies and sparkling grape juice ready for them. 
After that, it was time to leave! 
But first, group hug with Emily. This was heartbreaking. Emily was SO strong. I know it took a lot out of her to just be there; it still made me cry though (of course). 
Sarah even brought Riley and Reagan to see the girls off. Riley LOVED seeing her "friends" leave in the plane.
ok so after my heart settled back in my chest, Sarah (Riley, Reagan) and I went to pick Emma-Leigh up from school. She was excited! When leaving the airport, Dawn gave Riley some leftover cookies and strawberries with chocolate to take with her. This is what I saw once we got to the school...
the picture doesn't even really do it justice. But this little girl ate practically ALL the chocolate in less than 5 minutes. The most chocolate she has ever had at one time! But believe it or not, she was fine. We even stopped at the bank after that and she had another chocolate chip cookie! haha
Friday night, Damion didn't get home until late so EL and I went to Twisted Crepe for dinner with Brett, Sarah and the girls. As always, it was delicious! After that I took EL over to mom and dad's for the night. They were leaving early Saturday morning for Pinehurst.
Which brings us to my weekend :) it started at 3:30am Saturday morning...Muffin threw up on my down comforter. I got up, let both the dogs out and came back to bed. At 6am, they wanted to go back out again. I got up, took Maggie's crate to the living room and stepped in poop on the way. Guess Muffin had a belly ache - good thing it was only a little bit but STILL. If it's not the kids, it's the dogs! Damion left for work at about 7:30 and I started cleaning the house. I was done, laundry and all by 9:30am. Go me! So then I took a shower, went to get gas, ran by the bank, Starbucks and met Kim for a pedicure. It was Kailyn's bday party day and she had several little girls with her for a spa day. We had our pedicures, did a little shopping at the mall and I went home around 3pm. When I got home, I had a lovely surprise waiting for me. Damion was home! He said he had been home for about an hour and I was delighted :o) we just hung out together, watched some tv and later on went for dinner at Frankie Bones. It was lovely. We actually talked, didn't have any moments of silence or anything. We always joke about how when we go out without the kids, we need someone else to go with us, otherwise it is just boring. But we managed fine on our own this time. It was very enjoyable. Sunday morning we slept late, tried watching a movie we started the night before but our dvd player decided to stop working, then went for lunch at Papas & Beer :) we then went over to the Dillard's clearance store and did a little shopping. EL came home around 6:30, Madison around 8:30 (Dawn had to pick them up from Winston Salem because of the fog in Asheville). I was so happy for them both to be home. Madison was extremely tired and grumpy this morning. I didn't really hear anything about her weekend. . . she was just too tired. Hopefully tonight she will tell me all about it but I promise we are going to bed early!!
After lunch, Dawn went on to the airport to get things ready for their departure and I drove the girls there. She had strawberries dipped in chocolate, cookies and sparkling grape juice ready for them. 
After that, it was time to leave! 
But first, group hug with Emily. This was heartbreaking. Emily was SO strong. I know it took a lot out of her to just be there; it still made me cry though (of course). 
Sarah even brought Riley and Reagan to see the girls off. Riley LOVED seeing her "friends" leave in the plane.ok so after my heart settled back in my chest, Sarah (Riley, Reagan) and I went to pick Emma-Leigh up from school. She was excited! When leaving the airport, Dawn gave Riley some leftover cookies and strawberries with chocolate to take with her. This is what I saw once we got to the school...
the picture doesn't even really do it justice. But this little girl ate practically ALL the chocolate in less than 5 minutes. The most chocolate she has ever had at one time! But believe it or not, she was fine. We even stopped at the bank after that and she had another chocolate chip cookie! haha
Friday night, Damion didn't get home until late so EL and I went to Twisted Crepe for dinner with Brett, Sarah and the girls. As always, it was delicious! After that I took EL over to mom and dad's for the night. They were leaving early Saturday morning for Pinehurst.
Which brings us to my weekend :) it started at 3:30am Saturday morning...Muffin threw up on my down comforter. I got up, let both the dogs out and came back to bed. At 6am, they wanted to go back out again. I got up, took Maggie's crate to the living room and stepped in poop on the way. Guess Muffin had a belly ache - good thing it was only a little bit but STILL. If it's not the kids, it's the dogs! Damion left for work at about 7:30 and I started cleaning the house. I was done, laundry and all by 9:30am. Go me! So then I took a shower, went to get gas, ran by the bank, Starbucks and met Kim for a pedicure. It was Kailyn's bday party day and she had several little girls with her for a spa day. We had our pedicures, did a little shopping at the mall and I went home around 3pm. When I got home, I had a lovely surprise waiting for me. Damion was home! He said he had been home for about an hour and I was delighted :o) we just hung out together, watched some tv and later on went for dinner at Frankie Bones. It was lovely. We actually talked, didn't have any moments of silence or anything. We always joke about how when we go out without the kids, we need someone else to go with us, otherwise it is just boring. But we managed fine on our own this time. It was very enjoyable. Sunday morning we slept late, tried watching a movie we started the night before but our dvd player decided to stop working, then went for lunch at Papas & Beer :) we then went over to the Dillard's clearance store and did a little shopping. EL came home around 6:30, Madison around 8:30 (Dawn had to pick them up from Winston Salem because of the fog in Asheville). I was so happy for them both to be home. Madison was extremely tired and grumpy this morning. I didn't really hear anything about her weekend. . . she was just too tired. Hopefully tonight she will tell me all about it but I promise we are going to bed early!!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Facing my fears
I never have trouble sleeping. Ever. I go non-stop all day long and when my head hits the pillow, I'm out. Not last night. I've got too much on my mind. Ya see, in just 4 days, I send my teenage daughter on an airplane with 3 of her dearest friends. You can imagine the thoughts that have run through my head. I won't list them here...you'll think I've absolutely gone insane. I may even scare myself. The point is, a part of me is selfish...the other part terrified. Selfish because as we all get older, the "firsts" seem to be few and far between. This will be her first time on an airplane. I want to see her face when she is up in the air, above the clouds for the first time. I know the girls will take lots of pictures. But I want to be there. Isn't that ridiculous? She thinks I'm crazy. She just shakes her head and laughs. She just doesn't or won't know how I feel until she is old enough to feel the same way. She's gonna have a blast. It is Cameron's 13th birthday and it will be a weekend they will never forget. It's an honor really for Madison to even be invited. Cameron's grandfather has his own private plane and will be flying them to and from. I'm just nervous. And the whole terrified thing? let's not even go there. At the same time as Madison is flying the friendly skies, Emma-Leigh will be traveling to Pinehurst with mom and dad for Ayla's birthday. I am sure Damion will work on Saturday but it will be nice to spend a little time with him. We have talked about going to a movie - we will see!
I wanted to update you all on Muffin's eye. On Saturday Madison noticed that his fur was flapping around in front of his eye. So I picked him up and saw that he had rubbed his fur / dried blood all the way down his face. Hard to explain but here's a picture..
He has pulled the fur off, all around his eye. I cut the flappy part off with scissors :( He goes to the groomers on Wednesday. Let's hope they can clean him up and make him look a LOT better.
I wanted to update you all on Muffin's eye. On Saturday Madison noticed that his fur was flapping around in front of his eye. So I picked him up and saw that he had rubbed his fur / dried blood all the way down his face. Hard to explain but here's a picture..
He has pulled the fur off, all around his eye. I cut the flappy part off with scissors :( He goes to the groomers on Wednesday. Let's hope they can clean him up and make him look a LOT better.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
This past weekend Tiff, Todd and the girls were in town. Todd coaches Pinecrest High School's girl's soccer team and this weekend they came to town for an invitational game against Reynolds and TC Roberson. Tiff has been waiting for this day for quite some time. Todd's team against her (our) high school - only it didn't turn out as planned. . . it rained the ENTIRE day on Saturday and Pinecrest lost 1-0. After the game we headed to mamaw and papaw's for a quick visit. Then it was lunch with the team at Cici's Pizza.
After that, I took EL & Jaidyn back to our house so they could play for a little while. A while later we met all the fam (minus Damion & Todd - he had to go back with the team) at Chili's for dinner. Sunday morning, EL, Tiff, Jaidyn and I went to church. After church we picked Madison up - she had gone on a trip with Wyldlife - to Polar Bear Weekend at Windy Gap (and had an absolute blast) then had lunch at Fuddruckers. The weekend flew by!
Yesterday I had Madison's hair done - not by me. Those of you that I talk to regularly know that about 3 weeks or so ago I colored Madison's hair myself - using an "over the counter" box deal. The first time (I did it twice) it turned out a teeny tiny bit brighter, mainly on the ends. The second time...the best way to describe it? orange. So we went last night - Madison's hair was highlighted, Emma's was curled -
and here's the finished product -
She likes it. If she's happy, I'm happy.
After that, I took EL & Jaidyn back to our house so they could play for a little while. A while later we met all the fam (minus Damion & Todd - he had to go back with the team) at Chili's for dinner. Sunday morning, EL, Tiff, Jaidyn and I went to church. After church we picked Madison up - she had gone on a trip with Wyldlife - to Polar Bear Weekend at Windy Gap (and had an absolute blast) then had lunch at Fuddruckers. The weekend flew by!
Yesterday I had Madison's hair done - not by me. Those of you that I talk to regularly know that about 3 weeks or so ago I colored Madison's hair myself - using an "over the counter" box deal. The first time (I did it twice) it turned out a teeny tiny bit brighter, mainly on the ends. The second time...the best way to describe it? orange. So we went last night - Madison's hair was highlighted, Emma's was curled -
and here's the finished product -
She likes it. If she's happy, I'm happy.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Dog fight
Doesn't that just break your heart? Maggie and Muffin got into a fight over a bouncy ball. That happened on Tuesday. At the time, I didn't know he was injured. I dropped Madison off at home yesterday afternoon while Sarah and I went to get our nails done but then 2 minutes later she called me in hysterics, crying her eyes out because she couldn't see Muffin's eye. She thought his eyeball was gone. His eyeball is still there, it's just hard to see because of all the (dried) blood. Madison was so upset that she called Damion's mom to come over to help her. So they tried to clean it as best they could, which is extremely hard - he just won't sit still. When I got home, I tried to clean it and put some bactroban ointment on it using a Q-tip. I was able to get it on there, just not sure how effective it will be. He keeps using his paw to rub at it, which is making it worse. Damion had an idea of putting socks on his feet so if he did try to paw at it, it wouldn't be so bad...that didn't work. He had them off within minutes. I just got off the phone with the vet - they want $60 just to come in, $85 for anesthesia, and they're unsure how much the "surgery" would be. No can do. I asked if I could pay the $60, make payments on the rest if need be..she said no. Unfortunately, I don't have an extra $150+ to use on the dog. I feel like a cut will heal...it just may take longer. Hopefully this isn't the wrong decision.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
If I didn't have to work
I struggle with balancing work and family. I know most working mom's do. I know my sister does anyway, she's what got me to thinking about this. So here's some things that would be different if I didn't have to work...
* I would have more patience
* dinner would be done at a reasonable hour, instead of 8pm at night
* I could go to the gym in the mornings, rather than after work
* I could do laundry during the day, while the kids are at school instead of at night
* I could catch up on my dvr during the day instead of trying to stay up late
* Saturdays would not be spent cleaning the house
* I would have time to read
* I could actually start on a project at home and finish it
* I would have less "me $" -----major con
* I could pick my girls up from school each day
* I could do homework with my girls
* I wouldn't be so exhausted when Damion comes home (well, I might still be tired but all my chores would already be done)
* I could hang out with my other friends who don't have to work
so that's just a few things. Let's face it, it's not like I'm killing myself here at work. I do love my job and all the people oops, I said all - okay not ALL but MOST of the people I work with. I'm not breaking the bank either but then we get into this whole other blog post about trade offs and how I could have gone to college, got a better paying job, instead of having Madison. Nope. Happy with my trade off. And anyway, with this economy the way it is, I guess I am pretty lucky I make what I do. Lucky to even have a job. There are many college degree people out there that are at home searching for a job on the internet. So I am blessed. But I am sad at the same time. I wish I could work part-time. That would be perfect. But my job isn't a part-time position and again, with the economy, Damion isn't building any massive houses right now to be able to support me financially. He says I'm too high maintenance. I used to be, not anymore. Another blog post. Anyway, I miss my kids and I'm tired and I'm blaming it on work today, so there.
* I would have more patience
* dinner would be done at a reasonable hour, instead of 8pm at night
* I could go to the gym in the mornings, rather than after work
* I could do laundry during the day, while the kids are at school instead of at night
* I could catch up on my dvr during the day instead of trying to stay up late
* Saturdays would not be spent cleaning the house
* I would have time to read
* I could actually start on a project at home and finish it
* I would have less "me $" -----major con
* I could pick my girls up from school each day
* I could do homework with my girls
* I wouldn't be so exhausted when Damion comes home (well, I might still be tired but all my chores would already be done)
* I could hang out with my other friends who don't have to work
so that's just a few things. Let's face it, it's not like I'm killing myself here at work. I do love my job and all the people oops, I said all - okay not ALL but MOST of the people I work with. I'm not breaking the bank either but then we get into this whole other blog post about trade offs and how I could have gone to college, got a better paying job, instead of having Madison. Nope. Happy with my trade off. And anyway, with this economy the way it is, I guess I am pretty lucky I make what I do. Lucky to even have a job. There are many college degree people out there that are at home searching for a job on the internet. So I am blessed. But I am sad at the same time. I wish I could work part-time. That would be perfect. But my job isn't a part-time position and again, with the economy, Damion isn't building any massive houses right now to be able to support me financially. He says I'm too high maintenance. I used to be, not anymore. Another blog post. Anyway, I miss my kids and I'm tired and I'm blaming it on work today, so there.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Celebrations and frustrations
Saturday night was mom's bday dinner at Red Lobster. They were lined out the door! People walked away after being told how long the wait was. We waited about 25 minutes. Not bad when you're used to waiting at Papas & Beer for an hour! Dinner was delicious and I think mom loved her $200 gift card we all got her to Grove Park Inn.
Here she is being serenaded by the waitstaff. Happy Birthday Mom!!
And a happy picture of mom and Madison.
Sunday was a lazy day at our house. Ashley spent the night with Madison Saturday night and hung out pretty much all day Sunday. They even made a new friend, Pepper.
They fed Pepper water and then milk, although Madison thinks cats are lactose intolerate (I have no idea). The next morning, she/he/Pepper was outside waiting for us. Purring ever so loudly. I think she/he/Pepper may be lost. That's not enough for me though. She will not be finding a home at my house :)
Yesterday was pretty uneventful. EL went on a field trip to the fish hatchery and came home raving about fish jerky. So we went to Earth Fare for some. Actually doesn't taste like fish at all. Looks and tastes more like a slim jim. Madison and I were up pretty late working on Bayley's birthday present. I took a picture of it but it isn't a great one. I used to make collages all the time for my friends in high school. I'm not creative at all but I really love doing these! Such a great way to capture the memories - all in one place!
Cindy had early morning duty this morning which means she had to be at work at 7am so she brought Bayley to my house. I had birthday breakfast ready for her! Strawberry muffins, scrambled eggs and bacon!
Happy 13th Birthday Bayley! Hope you enjoyed your surprises!
Now time for frustrations....I know I complain. But I promise I do not complain as much as Hannah does. And if I even come close, I will stop. Here are just a few examples of what I deal with...
first thing in the morning "I don't feel too good today"
"my throat is kinda scratchy"
Hannah - "I smell banana" Me - "didn't you just eat a banana?" Hannah - "Yeah, and threw it away in this trash can. I guess that's why." Really?!?
"my stomach hurts"
"I don't have an appetite at all" 2 minutes later - "I could eat a big mac" Huh?
Hannah - "Dr. T is in an ill mood today, isn't he?" Me - "No, why?" Hannah - "He just seems to be."
Hannah - "Did you make a chart for...." Me - "Yeah, I put it in your box." Hannah - "You did? I didn't see it. Oh there it is."
and she asks me how to spell EVERYTHING
Okay that was mean and I promise I am not a mean person but I can not take much more!!
Here she is being serenaded by the waitstaff. Happy Birthday Mom!!
And a happy picture of mom and Madison.
Sunday was a lazy day at our house. Ashley spent the night with Madison Saturday night and hung out pretty much all day Sunday. They even made a new friend, Pepper.
They fed Pepper water and then milk, although Madison thinks cats are lactose intolerate (I have no idea). The next morning, she/he/Pepper was outside waiting for us. Purring ever so loudly. I think she/he/Pepper may be lost. That's not enough for me though. She will not be finding a home at my house :)
Yesterday was pretty uneventful. EL went on a field trip to the fish hatchery and came home raving about fish jerky. So we went to Earth Fare for some. Actually doesn't taste like fish at all. Looks and tastes more like a slim jim. Madison and I were up pretty late working on Bayley's birthday present. I took a picture of it but it isn't a great one. I used to make collages all the time for my friends in high school. I'm not creative at all but I really love doing these! Such a great way to capture the memories - all in one place!
Cindy had early morning duty this morning which means she had to be at work at 7am so she brought Bayley to my house. I had birthday breakfast ready for her! Strawberry muffins, scrambled eggs and bacon!
Happy 13th Birthday Bayley! Hope you enjoyed your surprises!
Now time for frustrations....I know I complain. But I promise I do not complain as much as Hannah does. And if I even come close, I will stop. Here are just a few examples of what I deal with...
first thing in the morning "I don't feel too good today"
"my throat is kinda scratchy"
Hannah - "I smell banana" Me - "didn't you just eat a banana?" Hannah - "Yeah, and threw it away in this trash can. I guess that's why." Really?!?
"my stomach hurts"
"I don't have an appetite at all" 2 minutes later - "I could eat a big mac" Huh?
Hannah - "Dr. T is in an ill mood today, isn't he?" Me - "No, why?" Hannah - "He just seems to be."
Hannah - "Did you make a chart for...." Me - "Yeah, I put it in your box." Hannah - "You did? I didn't see it. Oh there it is."
and she asks me how to spell EVERYTHING
Okay that was mean and I promise I am not a mean person but I can not take much more!!
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