My new blog

[jcribb16]

Hi Kim,

I'm that way, too, about the others' sufferings being worse than mine.  My friend's mom is still hanging in there this morning but it's not looking good. 

I'm trying to get all of my paid things and my notes to friends done before the little fella comes this afternoon.  I'm also nursing a migraine that's got me nauseated and sensitive to noise and light.  I've taken some meds to help with it; not too much easing up as yet.  I don't want this when trying to watch a little one - we have to be on the top of things with them. Right?

I'm sorry about your abbreviations test.  I've noticed the same with me regarding memorization.  It's frustrating that I can't do as well as I did even just years ago.  Hang in there.  I honestly believe, too, that you would memorize better than you think if you didn't have as many distractions as you have had lately.  Don't knock yourself down too bad, okay? 

Everytime you seem to get a couple of steps ahead with your situation at home, it seems like things start happening to make you take double steps back.  When I read your note today about the things this weekend and especially with the first wife's things and collectable still around, it reminded me of "Rebecca" by Daphne DeMaurier.  Have you read it?  It seemed as if she felt she could not match up to his first wife, who had died, and she struggled with some similar feelings.  One big problem for her was the housekeeper helped to rub the first wife in - so I'm glad you don't have that. 

That was rather odd about the phone calls.  You would think things would have been changed from her name by now, including removing or putting up her things - do you think it's an underlying denial on his part?  You have been unwavering in your commitment and loyalty to him - through so many types of issues - I hope he really understands the treasure he has and will realize he should make some changes.  Young lady, you are NOT a poor substitute at all!!!  Maybe he's struggling inside with knowing he has to take that step but is having a difficult time letting go.  I hate that you are still having to struggle with these things.

I hope your test goes better tomorrow.  I remember those type of tests when I was taking the medical transcription course.  Let me know how you do!

Hope your get some quality study time tonight, as well as relaxation, too.  Please forgive me for any spelling errors - I usually double check but eyes and head aren't wanting to do that.

Hang in there, my friend,

Julie     

[golotomer]

Dianna...sorry about the pain in your teeth.  Been there and it's no picnic.  I hope you can get them fixed and be pain free soon.  I'll bet you do miss seeing the leaves change.  I do like the seasons but the snow is only pretty when you don't have to go out in it. 

Julie, I had never heard of that book.  It sounds like a must read though.  I'll have to check into it. 

You asked about the tracks being so dangerous and I never did answer.  I'm not an authority and actually had to ask Bob and his explanation was a bit detailed about horsepower of the cars and certain safety features but basically the oval tracks, and that one in particular in Vegas, allows the drivers to drive full out, one speed and never have to break.  That track is a curve on the edges too so they get to running 3 abreast and at very high speeds and they all pile up in a bunch so if one car has a problem they all start running into each other.  On a twisty turning track they have to break and shift which keeps them from reaching the higher speeds except on a straight away and they don't tend to bunch up as badly. 

He mentioned other things about thrust and modifications they could make to the cars but I think the basic thing is racing on an oval track. 

I'm not sure why he hasn't changed the phone or electric bills out of her name or if he realizes how some of this stuff bothers me.  I have mentioned it before and he did take down a bunch of pictures.  I even tried to make a point once by putting pictures of my X on my bulletin board in my room so he would see how it felt. 

I studied a bit last night but know there are points of this test that I'm just going to miss.  I was talking to some other students yesterday and hear that they are struggling with the same tests.  This teacher has a weird way of wording things so that you aren't quite sure what she is asking and she makes us memorize too much in too short of a time period.  It doesn't make my grades any better but it sure helps my emotional state to hear I'm not the only one struggling in this class.  For instance we have to know what the different colored tops mean to all of the blood collection vials, what tests are being conducted for each, ie. blood glucose, what they are filled with (for instance heparin) and what test is being conducted and whether they are collecting whole blood, serum or plasma for each of the tests.  There are 14 of them and we were told Monday we had to know by today for the test.  I could maybe ace the test if I had a full week to study and memorize them but two days is unrealistic. 

Hey do you still want me to mail those books out to you?  Do you have more time to read now than you did earlier?  Just say the word and they are on their way. 

Later,

Kim

[jcribb16]

Kim,

I'm having to start over again.  I hate when I accidentally hit either the backspace key or the delete key and lose everything I just typed.   Grrrrrr.......
Thanks for asking Bob and then explaining to me some about the tracks, the oval shape, and how it all ties in with the drivers, the speed, and how they are packed together.  Sounds awfully risky to me, but I've not got the type of "drive" that's needed for racing.

I kind of chuckled when you said you put up pictures of your X on your bulletin board.  I think sometimes they need to know "what's good for the goose is good for the gander!"  Most men would be bothered by that. 

Today was busy, as usual, except I also am babysitting the 2 yr. old little fella this week.  He's a great little fella, but you, yourself, know how we have to be on constant alert, interacting with them, and so we're not able to get things done like we're used to.  You've gone through that a lot lately.  But they are worth it!  I don't remember if I already mentioned this, but he's had brain surgery before, followed up with 10 more where they have to go in and drain something periodically.  So she doesn't leave him with just anyone when dad's out of town.  I worked with the Handbell Choir tonight, letting them get used to their color-coded song sheets while trying to play their bells.  They did pretty good.  They are really excited and even though it's not easy, they love it and can't wait until next week.  So, I'm really late getting on my laptop tonight.  Everyone else is asleep - it's so quiet I can hear the birds outside.  Especially the killdeer, because of the way they sound like they are whining or getting left behind!

I'm glad you aren't the only one struggling with this type of test.  I hope it gets better for all of you.  I've always been taught, as a teacher, that if over half of your class fails a test, then maybe it's not the students.  So we are to see if we can figure out what they are struggling with, try to determine if it was my way or method of teaching that subject that was not the right way (perhaps we need to do the review as an "object" type lesson, or visual, etc.), or maybe the time factor for studying wasn't enough given, or different other ideas.  But many teachers/professors don't do it and expect a lot from their students.  One of my son's high school science teachers prided himself on the fact that every class, every year, would flunk his first test. I wouldn't want to be known by that - something just wasn't right.

I'm still okay for the moment with the books.  I haven't been able to even read too much lately with extra things going on.  It should calm down some soon - I will definitely let you know.  The same to you, too!

My friend's mom died this afternoon.  They had let Hospice come in yesterday, so hopefully, she wasn't in as much pain as she was dealing with.  I really feel for my friend.  One of her grandfathers died about 3 months ago.  Her dad died a few months before that.  Now her other grandfather (her mom's dad) is in very poor health and has been in and out of the hospital lately himself. She's got such a tender heart and is struggling with these losses.

Let me know how you did on yesterday's test.  I hope you surprised yourself and did better than you thought!  Looking forward to hearing from you!!

Julie   

[jcribb16]

Dianna,

I'm really sorry to hear about your teeth pain.  I don't like how it makes me feel when I've got problems, so I understand and feel for you.  February seems a little too far away for having to wait.  But we do what we can and what we need to do.  I hope it eases up for you!  Find some time on the side to pamper yourself a little!

Take care and hopefully we'll talk again soon!

Julie 

[golotomer]

Julie,

I'm sorry to hear about your friend's loss.  When they are in so much pain though it's easier to let them go than be selfish wanting to keep them with you. 

Will the little boy you watch make a full recovery from his brain surgery or will there be other surgeries to follow?  I hate to see anyone suffer but it's especially hard when it's a child.  For someone that isn't employed full-time you are one busy woman. 

We were able to talk the teacher into giving us until Friday for the test.  Even at that I don't know that I'll be able to memorize everything as I volunteered to help out with a dinner tonight after school (school related and for the teacher in question) so I'll be out of commission from 3-9??? just getting ready to go, commuting and being at the function.  No time to study.  I studied some last night but had a doctor's appointment at 4 and it was 6 before I got home.  I didn't feel well at all and laid down to take a nap until 8, got up and did one of my Word assignments, still have three of those this morning, and will only have from 1 to 3 this afternoon to study.   

You are so right, if over half of the class is struggling there is something wrong with the test.  Even her star student, who should have been a brain surgeon, was complaining that it was too much for such a short period of time. 

I'm going to try to talk her into waiting until Monday.  She gave us another test the other day that I didn't do well on...abbreviations.  I only got a 71 and felt badly about it but then found out that several of the other students only got a 30 and a 45 on the same test.  There were only two that did reasonably well with B's or C's and I feel that they must have had more study time than the rest of us because I know they aren't any brighter than some of the others that failed the test.  There had to be other factors.  Nobody got an A on the test and for Pete's sakes it's only abbreviations so that should tell you something. 

Off to study.  Make the best of your day and take time to pamper yourself. 

Kim

[SmartyTru]

I'm 72 years old, currently unemployed and plan to keep it that way. I'm hardly frugal, I love spending money and having fun, so that's why I spend time making money on the computer each day and pump up my fun money fund.

I'm not planning on going back to school, but who knows when I might change my mind? I like to take my wife traveling around North America and we make several trips a year. This year we had a week on a houseboat in Key Largo, a week at the beach, a week in North Carolina and we already have reservations for a week at Yellowstone next summer. That's why I keep clicking.

I also sing in Barbershop Quartets and play a little bluegrass guitar with my boys.

That is fantastic always wanted to go to Yellowstone myself I'm 51 years old disabled but still enjoy the pc and making new friends as well as making pocket change each month forgive my fowardness but how did you manage over 3k and how long did it take?

[jcribb16]

Hello Kim,

He had a surgery for draining not too long ago.  The doctors said that he can go a year or two before the next one.  It will probably be that way for a few years.  After that, I really don't know.  Veronica said she was going to ask the mom some more questions about it.

I'm sorry you weren't feeling well yesterday.  It's hard to get much of anything done when you feel bad, much less school work with memorizations.  I hope you are feeling better today.  Maybe the teacher will take into consideration about tonight's function, since it involves her and you are helping, and postpone it until Monday.  That would be much better.  Keep me posted!

Speaking of me being a busy woman, what about you?  Lol, you are definitely a busy woman yourself!  Life just doesn't seem to slow down for you as of late.  

Little fella was half asleep when he got here, all wrapped up in his big blanket.  He sat in Roddy's recliner all snuggled in.  Veronica had warned me ahead that he was getting a croupy cough.  He started coughing with that croup after a few minutes.  I asked him if was okay!  He said, "I otay."  After a bit he got up - from that moment on he kept me busy, lol.

Well, I have a few things to do before he comes back at a little before 2:OO.  I have my Avon online store order due by noon today.  I'm also a member of a Living With Chronic Illnesses group.  It's my turn to write about what I struggle with and just have some finishing touches to do before turning it in.  I am so sleepy this morning - ugh.  I had hot tea, may I need some coffee!!??!


Take care, feel better, and I'll "see" you later!!  Hope tonight goes well!

Julie  

[golotomer]

Julie, 

The little fellow sounds like a sweetie.  I think he is good company for you, even though he keeps you stepping. 

I didn't know you sold Avon!  I used to sell it too, back in the day when there were over 1000 people working at my company.  I made out pretty good.  My entire Saturday, every two weeks, was spent packing orders and Monday was delivery day.  I miss trying all of the new products. 

I worked the fund raiser last night and it was interesting.  It was for the local library.  They sold tickets for 15 a piece and sold out at 400.  They had wines, cheeses, chicken wings, pizza, snacks of all kinds, sandwiches, etc. all donated by local businesses and sold tickets for various gift baskets.  There were local business owners, celebrities and politicians in attendance.  We ended up going home with loads of leftovers and they gave each of us 20 dollars for our help.

I feel horrible this morning.  My head is hurting, I'm cold and I just feel worn out.  However, I can't say it was from the night out because I haven't felt good all week and Bob had a couple of bad days too.  I think there is a bug going around.   

He met me for lunch yesterday after school and when we went to walk back to my vehicle one of the back tires was as flat as a pancake.  We had to go buy slime and thankfully I had an air compressor in the truck to reair the tire.  Thankfully this happened at a time when he was around too or I'd have been stranded on the way home from school.  I need tires really bad and have been trying to save for them.  I almost have enough money for new but have been holding out for some used that he knows of but hasn't quite made the connection with the guy yet.  I really need to get this taken care of before he leaves for FL next week.  I also need to purchase a AAA membership. 

I don't think the teacher is going to give us a break from this test today and I know I'm not prepared at all.  I'm just going to have to suck up the bad grade and work harder on the next few assignments.  There isn't much more I can do. 

At this point in time I don't even know if I'll feel well enough to go to school today.  I just got up a half hour ago so I'll see what happens in the next 2 hours. 

Wishing you a great day. 

Kim

[jcribb16]

Hi Kim,

The little fella has been such a good guy and great company.  Today he "vacuumed" the screened-in back porch.  Our grands have a miniature "Dirt Devil" that makes noise when you push it, but it's got a button you push that makes it sound like one.  He has really enjoyed it.  Then he helped me take clothes out of the dryer so I could fold or hang them.  He also tried to get into things like those their age will, like wanting to check out the sockets, getting my make-up bag opened (zip, zip, back and forth) and taking out and putting in, etc.  He even came over to me when they were leaving and reached up for a bye-bye hug, and then blew me a kiss, lol.  The little charmer!

I sold Avon right after my second son was born.  I sold it for 16 years, until a few years ago, when I got so sick from over-working myself with too many things.  I didn't want to give it up but I was really not able to keep up.  I even did a couple of fundraisers of it with my Jr. and Sr. High Choruses.  Once it came in on Friday, I took it all to the school on Saturday, and the students would come for half of a day, and help bag all of it.  A couple would set open bags on all of the chorus seats, some would place products, some would double-check with the receipts, some would add the samples, then others would fold/staple the bags, while others would separate the bags into the different students' piles.  They did great!  Anyway, I only started selling a year ago, but only online - convenient for me and for the customers.  I promised hubby and doctor I would only do it that way.  Honestly, what I do make goes back in for make-up, lotions, jewelry for my daughter and I - since we really don't have the extra to get it any other way.  I love their products!

The fundraiser last night sounds really neat.  Not to mention getting to take home leftovers and getting $20 for your help!  Were there any celebrities we know?

I'm sorry you are feeling well.  Did you end up staying home?  I know you've got to be worn out, for one thing.  Allergies don't help.  And if something is going around it sounds like you may have it.  I sure hope you can rest some and feel better.

That was good timing when Bob came for lunch and could help with that tire.  I hope those tires hang in there for you a little longer. 

That's a shame the teacher couldn't postpone the test.  If you stayed home today, will you still be able to make it up?  Even if you did go in, you probably didn't even feel like concentrating to take it.  Great idea to just put it behind and work hard on the next assignments. 

Here's hoping you'vll have a better night.  Feel better.

Julie 

[golotomer]

Julie,

It sounds like you and your little boyfriend had a good day.  I'm glad you have him as a bit of a fill in until you get things straightened out with your own.  It sounds too like his mommy really needs a break and it's great to have someone like you that she can trust and that he so much enjoys staying with. 

I ended up talking myself into going to school yesterday and took the test I had been dreading.  I think I at least pulled a B on it.  We got her to give us until the end of next week for the retake on the other test. 

Do all of your online Avon orders just get mailed to the people or do you still receive the shipments and have to pack and deliver them?  Send me your link and I'll have a look too.  I've been buying certain things in the stores because I have no where else to purchase them. 

I'm going to be buying those tires off Bob's friend for 150 but won't get them until he returns from Florida.  I'm going to buy a triple A membership on Monday, another bottle of slime and I have the air compressor in the car so I should be okay until he gets home.  The triple A can't hurt.  They'd be there if I locked myself out or if the car wouldn't start.  Just a little insurance for those times when I'm alone. 

I have to get some groceries in today and of course I have housework and homework to do.  Bob is working today and tomorrow so I'll have free rein of my time to get things done.  I think we're going to meet for dinner tonight at Ruby Tuesdays.  We have a coupon for Buy 1 Get 1 free.  We're on their mailing list.  I love their grilled green beans and the salad bar.  The steaks are usually good too. 

I have to try to get busy on some of my craft things too.  I think I'll try to pick up some supplies to make the bath salts and maybe some of the s'mores in a jar that I posted on my FB page.  I don't know if the Christmas marshmallow peeps are in the stores yet though.  I thought those would be cute for the teachers and I have lots of canning jars in the basement. 

It's 5 am but I already have the laundry sorted and the first loads are running.  I hope I can keep up the tempo for the rest of the day.  It looks like it's going to be a yukky day weather wise though. 

What's on your todo list for the weekend? 

Kim

[GRowe]

Hi, I am a 30 year old single mom of two girls. I am also planning on going back to school to finish getting my RN. I am currently a nursing assistant. Can I ask why medical assistant?? do they have alot of jobs in that field in ur state that u are living? here in maryland there arent too many positions open.. have u ever thought of pharmacy technician or ultra sound or MRI technician?

[golotomer]

Hi Growe,

My reason for choosing Medical Assisting was two-fold.  I'm going through school on a TRA grant because my job was outsourced to India.  I really wanted to go to school for Medical Coding and Billing because my skills were mostly computer based (I worked in IT) and I wanted something in the medical field because I felt that was the wave of future jobs over the next ten to twenty years.  However, TRA wouldn't approve medical billing (in the state of Indiana) because they said the field was inundated.  The MA course I'm taking is an 18 month, advanced Associates Degree and includes billing and coding and anything in the back office along with the clinical skills. 

What I'm seeing is that LPN's are being replaced with MA's.  I suppose because we have the same skills but can be paid less.     I did think of the other fields you mentioned but I had to choose something that was 18 months or less and I'm 57 years old so I didn't see much point in training for several years for a job that I hope to only work another ten years (or less) before retirement.  Unfortunately if the economy stays on the same path it is currently taking I'll have to work until the day I die. 

I don't think you can go wrong with RN though hon. 

Kim

[jcribb16]

Good Morning Kim,

We did have a great time, however, he wore me out!  It seems like his dad goes away for several days (like this week), then he'll come home for a couple of weeks, and then leaves again.  Supposedly he goes to fairs, festivals, celebrations, etc., and gets paid to set up and take down things, and also boils/sells peanuts while there.  She's just as sweet as she can be but also tough - he's an odd jealous sort of guy and not very kind to everyone he meets.  I guess I should count myself one of the "liked" ones.... 

I will send you my link.  Thanks for asking!  Online customers buy directly through the online store, pay online, and it's delivered right to you.  I receive the earnings off of the orders.  My daughter and neighbor will order through online but they click the option to have it delivered with my delivery.  I have an aunt and a couple of her friends that are regulars. 

I had a rough coughing spell about 3:30 this morning.  I did my inhaler and drank some water.  I was debating taking the cough medicine, but was afraid it would make it too hard to get up this morning; it finally eased up enough to avoid taking it.  That would have messed up a good part of my day being on that.  It doesn't take much to set my cough off this morning, though - I have drunk hot tea, used the inhaler, and may use the nebulizer.  If that doesn't nip it, I guess I'll break down and take it. 

So, I'm trying to do as much as I can to get things done.  I love Saturdays, but always push to get ahead.  Today, I'm working on laundering the sheets, towels, and some winter blankets.  I've delegated the bathrooms to son and daughter.  However, Veronica always checks behind her brother and lets him know what he only halfway did, lol.  You'd think some of these young men would learn to get it right the first time!     I would like to mop the floors - still chewing on that thought - it usually gets my breathing off and the coughing started, so I'm not sure yet.  Roddy usually does the dusting and urges me to leave for awhile (store, see a friend, etc.) so it doesn't mess with me.

You were definitely up early!  After you get some things accomplished that you want, stop and take a little bit of Kim time!!  Ruby Tuesdays is a great place to eat.  We love their salad bar.  Their steak is good.  I don't order chicken from them anymore, though, since they served me one that had gone bad. It's strange but they couldn't smell what I was smelling (I have a very sensitive nose "smeller")  It's like they didn't believe me, even the manager.  So I suggested they taste it.  They then gave me something else, paid for our meal, and gave us a gift card. When they took the chicken to the back I don't know if they actually tasted it or just made a decision to switch it out.

I agree with your taking all of the precautions you can with the tires while Bob is gone.  It's better to be safe than sorry!
 
The s'mores jar idea sounds delicious, as well as eye-appealing.  Veronica and I are going to use a couple of those ideas from that link you gave me.  They are perfect gifts for family and friends, yet a little more manageable money wise.  I don't think I've remembered seeing Christmas peeps down here.  Which characters are they?  Roddy loves peeps (I usually get him some at Easter); he would like these, I'm sure.

I have kept you more than long enough.  I never even talk this much at home or out, and yet can't seem to stop in here, or through emails with a couple of long-distance friends, lol!  Have a wonderful day, today and tomorrow - you probably won't know what to do with having free rein!!  But, girl, do you deserve it!!!

Julie        

[golotomer]

Julie,

I know having a little one around can certainly wear you out.  I know when I have the little one, she isn't hard to watch, but there are constant interruptions....get me this, get me that, look at this....etc. 

Sorry you had such a bout in the wee hours.  Hopefully you'll pick up steam this afternoon and get moving toward your goals.  Sounds like you at least have a plan.  Currently I have all but two loads of laundry done, have finished one major assignment, talked to my son and a girlfriend by phone, have studied spelling and abbreviations and did one other small assignment.  It's already almost 2 and I still have to revamp my resume, jot down three prospective places I'm interested in doing my internship and work on my English and Word assignments a bit. 

Tomorrow is supposed to be a beautiful day so I'm hoping to get the garage cleaned out enough to get the deck furniture in and get the primer on the deck windows.  More homework in the evenings too I expect. 

Here is a link to see the Christmas peeps that go in the s'mores jars.  I'll be in Walmart tonight so I'll try to remember to check and price them too. 

http://www.google.com/search?q=christmas+peeps&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&rlz=1I7RNTN_en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=7f6iToOxF830sQLz4IjABQ&ved=0CFAQsAQ&biw=1262&bih=741

I wish my hands didn't hurt so bad so I could get more crocheting and knitting done but they hurt even when I'm not using them and some days I can't get the fingers of my right hand together enough to pick up a piece of paper without effort so I'm trying not to overuse them right now.

I look forward to receiving your Avon store link.  I don't buy much but at least I know it's there if there is something I do need. 

 Just remembered I still have to purchase the triple A membership.  Off I run to do that before I forget.  Later gator. 

Kim

[jcribb16]

Kim,

I sent you the link and hope it works for you.  I tried it myself just to be sure. 

I browsed through the "Peeps" link you gave me.  What a great link!  I do remember the Christmas Trees and Snowmen, but not any of the others.  Those are some fun and great ideas.  Veronica and I enjoyed the cat trying to bat at and eat at one of the peeps, lol.  Animals are entertaining and don't even know it!

You have definitely done a lot today!!  You go!!  I've done pretty good myself, including spending time with our neighbors who popped over for awhile.  Veronica is baking Halloween cupcakes and it smells wonderful in here.  She's trying out food coloring for making the Halloween colors to see how they will turn out.

I feel bad for you about your hands.  I know what that feels like with my carpal tunnel (and my daughter with her arthritis) - it's amazing when your hands hurt like that, that even the smallest things, like brushing teeth or hair, opening car doors, and so much more, are almost impossible.  I hope they get better.  Have you had them checked yet?  I remember, too, that there wasn't much, in the way of meds, that would help either.  I hope there is something that can give you some relief.

It's beautiful here today and is supposed to be the same tomorrow.  I know I probably sound like a broken record, but I really enjoy this weather!

I don't wanna but am going to give in to the cough medicine.  I'm getting a headache from the coughing and have had enough!      Nothing much more is going on here for awhile so I won't feel too guilty...  By the way, I hope you are feeling better. 

Later,

Julie