Happy Wednesday everyone!!! One more day 'till the long weekend! Not much going on today, had to drive to Monticello this morning to put stuff in their health department's computer. Then I had a couple visits and went to job #3. No kids tonight so still made it home early!!!
I was assigned another case today and I don't mind except that the girl does not speak English. Now, I already have one girl who speaks only Spanish and I am able to communicate with her, for the most part, because she understands some English and our therapist (who is Latina) helps out when I can't get something through. She does not want an interpreter because she desperately wants to learn the language and she is doing fairly well. However, it is a lot of work and very frustrating for both of us (although she is an AWESOME young mother and we get along with each other very well). I don't know how well I'll do going through all of this with another person. I do not habla espanol!!!! Don't get me wrong, I would love to learn!!! If I had the time and resources I would absolutely try to learn Spanish. Hopefully it will go okay, I'm going to try to meet the girl next week. Well, I'll sign off for now, hope everyone's day was okay.....we're over the hump WOO HOO!!!

This week is flying by for some reason, not that I'm complaining!!! Went to Clinton with Pam today to put some stuff in their computer. We stopped by for El Rey's for lunch afterwards and it was awesome!!!! While we were there Pam ran out to the car to get something and set the car alarm off. To fully understand how funny it was you have to understand how ghetto-fabulous our agency cars are. This particular reliable piece of automotive genius (if you could only HEAR the sarcasm) has a cracked windshield, cracked driver's side side-mirror, and NO passanger side side-mirror. But it has a working alarm that we didn't even know it was equipped with. Anway, Pam was embarrased because an eighty year old man had to show her how to disable the alarm. Whatever makes the day interesting!
No kids tonight at group! Actually made it home early for a change! We're looking forward to this weekend because we're going to Mom and Dad's so that's making the week go a little faster. Well, I know this is a short one but I'm going to take advantage of being home early! Have a good night everyone!

Today is my hubby's birthday!!! Happy birthday Baby!!!! The big 3-2! He couldn't wait for his birthday cake so we kinda celebrated this weekend. Works out better anyway because he is not even home yet and I just got here. Sorry about the lack of postings this weekend. I don't know what I had on Saturday but I felt awful! Part of it is that I switched my birth control pills and my new ones are still making me a little nauseas. I think the weather is affecting me too because it has been so jacked up lately. I love it though, it can be like this all year 'round!
Feeling much better today though! I had to do a file review today which consumed most of my time. After that I went to do childcare for our teen group and good news, my youngest girl (turned 15 last week) agreed to go! I've been working with her for awhile and I think this group would be good for her. So I went and picked her up and took her home afterwards. It always amazes me how people who will hardly talk to you in their living room will open up like crazy when you're driving in a car! I'm going to start doing that for my visits, just drive around the country (j/k :-). Anyway, that was the best part of my day!
Roy and I made a huge batch of chili this weekend as well as several twice baked potatoes! So, we'll be eating a lot of leftovers this week. I have some leftover taco shells so I have been heating them up and putting chili topped with cheese and onions in it. Delicious! (Sorry, haven't had dinner yet....dreaming a little!).
Gave Tatum a bath when I got home. Its quite the experience, I don't so much recommend it to a friend. A lot of dogs I know love baths but mine has to be different :-) After the bloody, horrible process of getting her into the tub in the first place one then has to hold her down the entire time while she stares up at you with her huge pathetic eyes like she's pleading for her life. Then, after drying her off she runs to the first place she can find to snuggle in and shakes for awhile. Afterwards, she gets a treat and then runs around like she's on crack.
Well, now that everyone has heard the epic saga of washing my dog I will sign off for now! Thanks for the get well soon posts!!! Take care everyone!

Wasn't feeling very well today so I don't have a lot to write about. I'll try to get one out tomorrow, hope everyone is having a good weekend! Take care.

Man, I wish my Uncle Ben rice bowl deal would hurry up and finish cooking because I'm starving! Our microwave isn't working so I'm cooking it in the oven. I'm really tired today, I ended up getting home later than I planned when we went out. One of my friends had had a fight with her boyfriend so we stayed at Shooters for awhile and then went to Fat Jacks. I enjoyed it more than last time, it wasn't nearly as crowded (or hot!). Kelli's friend was the DJ and he played a lot of songs that we liked so we ended up staying until almost close (and I might add that from what I saw most of the chicas there this time were wearing underwear). When I was driving home my friend ended up calling, very upset, because her boyfriend had left her a mean note so I ended up talking with her for awhile. I went to check on her today and she was doing better so apparantly their starting to make up. Makes me feel lucky, Roy and I rarely fight and when we do it does not last long. They don't either but this was one of their first major ones and that's always hard. They're really good together though so I think they'll be fine.
Made it to work on time despite the late night! I had two visits in the morning and they both went really well. Afterwards I did paperwork in the office (after a quick stop through Wendy's, love their dollar menu!!! Their chili was really good today too.). Friday afternoons seem to drag on forever, especially stuck in the office when it is absolutely gorgeous outside! Pam was gone most of the day on visits so I didn't have anyone to chat with which made it seem longer too.
I have got to get a cage around my tomatoes!!! They are getting so huge! Anyone with gardening tips feel free to give advice, this is my first attempt. They're doing fine so far and I want to keep it that way because I LOVE fresh tomatoes! Mom and Dad have a cage for me and they may come up this weekend, if not we're going down the next so either way those bad boys are getting caged pretty soon!
Well, I hear my Uncle Ben timer going off so I'll sign off for now! Have a good one everybody!

Nice and chilly out, just the way I likes it! Interesting day today, we had to call the cops because some guy was very close to assaulting his wife (who is staying in the women's shelter to get away from his abusive butt). They were in front of the agency and I guess he wanted to see their kids so she agreed to meet him there. He ended up pulling her over by my office window and I could see them arguing (my hand was on the phone the entire time 'cause he looked like he was just going to go off on her!) and some other people ended up coming in and we called the police. Good thing too because he was trying to get her in his car by the time they got there! Between the cops and a couple of people going out to talk to them the woman ended up back at the shelter safely. Sheesh, drama everywhere! What made me really sad is that their kids were out there the entire time while both parents were hysterical.
Other than that my day was pretty uneventful. We had these Mexican microwave dinners for supper tonight and they were really good! Only a buck at Wal-Mart and they really fill ya up! I'm meeting my friends out in a little bit. I don't usually go out twice in a week but I'm making an exception this time because of my stress-o-plenty this week. I did get to see one of my new babies today which made me happy! One of my favorite parts of my job! Well, I'll sign off for now, have a good night everyone!!!

Warning.....major work frustrations about to be spewed out all over the blog....its gonna get messy. Before I start on that though I had a fabulous time out last night with my brother and his friends from work. They are both really cool (and one is actually the brother of our old high school chorus teacher! Small small world!). Anyway we had a great time even the karaoke was briefly delayed for the cubs game. And, we did get Jeremy to sing Amish Paradise!!! He did really well even though we made him do it against his will! Everyone seemed to like it and he sounded really good.
Alright, so at work today two of the members of our team weren't there. It turns out that the director of the program took them (as well as some other favorites from throughout the agency) to "help out" at a golf outing. The favoritism that is shown in this agency is beyond ridiculous. It is petty and childish and ranges from what happened today to certain people not "receiving" memos that everyone else gets. Our supervisor is just as frustrated as us but does not have the power or the balls to do anything about it. Nevermind the fact that our newest member who just came over from another program and did not take a pay cut (which means she is making WAY more than me for doing the same job, as we are the lowest paid people in the administrative building) does not do a damn thing. It all falls on myself and my friend Pam. So frustrating because it is very hard to find a job in social work anymore. I love my job and feel that I could do it forever if it wasn't for where I work at. Whew.....alright, sorry about all the rage but had to vent. Tomorrow is Thursday so at least the week is almost over!!!! Well, I will get back to vegging on the couch with my pillows!!! I hope everyone is having a good night and I promise to be more positive tomorrow!!!

No kids tonight!!!! Woo Hoo!!! Work was fairly uneventful today. I was supposed to drive to Bement to see a girl but she called and wanted to reschedule since she got a new job. So happy that she called instead of driving to Bement for no reason! I only had one other visit scheduled in the afternoon so I actually got some paperwork done.
Tatum scared me to death last night! She has these rawhide bones that she chews on and she got a really small piece and almost choked on it. I hate it when she does that! I've held her upside down shaking her before trying to get stuff like that out before. She loves them so much that I hate to not give them to her. Sheesh, I worry about her like she was actually my baby!
I'm meeting Jeremy out in a little bit for karaoke. He's supposed to sing tonight so I'm sad that I don't have a video camera! Well, gotta go start dinner! Have a good night!

Monday's suck!!! I'm so glad to finally be home, its hard going back to work after the weekend (I know I'm preaching to the choir :-) I got stood up twice today, I don't know what it is about the end of the month but that's when I need to make the most visits and that's when everyone stands me up! I have to get a certain percentage of home visits done every month and I'm doing okay so far but people need to start being at home! Sorry, had to vent a little :-) I actually did get a few rescheduled from last week so at least a little was accomplished! After that I went over to the teen group to do the child care. Two of the kids had impetigo. Their Mom swore that the doctor said they weren't contagious anymore so I hope they weren't!!! This'll have to be a short one tonight because I'm exhausted and not a whole lot to write about today. Take care & more tomorrow!!!

Happy Father's Day Dad!!!! Very uneventful day again today (which is absolutely fine with me!). We slept in this morning for the first time in ages and have just been lazing around all day. The only time I got out of my jammies was to run and pick up lunch from McDonalds! We are halfway through the second season of 24 (kind of having a marathon today). It is nice just to have the whole day to be lazy but I can't believe how fast it is going by! I talked to my parents this morning as well as my friend Alyssa who is doing an internship in DC. I've got some laundry going right now since I haven't had time to keep up on it like I should, I've been doing it all day long!
I need to get my hair cut because it is starting to get out of control. I usually just go to the cosmotology school because its cheap and they do a pretty good job (I'm not overly picky anyway as long as they don't get to crazy on the length!). Every time I go there though they tell me how dry my hair is and how I should be using their recommended products. One of these days I'm going to get the balls to inform them that if I could afford to spend 30 bucks a bottle for shampoo I would not be waiting for five dollar Wednesdays at the cosmotology school to get my hair cut. Whatever, people don't think.
I really need to get some paperwork done today, I even brought some files home, but I just don't see it happening. I've been trying to keep up on it, but every now and then I just lose all motivation and the piles get higher and higher. We're having another file review in a couple of weeks so that'll motivate me to get my butt in gear. I tend to work better under pressure anyway!
Yesterday, Tatum was roaming the yard and she kept chewing on something. I went out to see what it was and it was a shell from a crawdad head. It looked like he shed it off, I didn't even know they could do that! Freaked me out because it was huge!!!! She can't just chew on a stick like a normal dog, she always finds the most interesting things. Well, my laudry is calling so I'd better get to it! I hope everyone is having a great weekend and enjoying the weather!

Very nice day today! It is our first Saturday at home in almost a month. Not that we don't love going and visiting people, but it is nice to have a full day at home! We have not done a lot today at all. I meant to go to Karla's garage sale today but we ended up taking a much needed nap and I completely missed it. Ordered in some Pizza Hut for dinner and then we went to watch Dodgeball. It was good, we love comedy's like that (especially with Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn). Right now we've piled blankets on the couch and are watching some more of the 24 episodes, perfect night! Tatum has just had some weird sudden burst of energy. I wish I could get her on video, when she gets excited she dances around and then runs laps around the living room! Not much else to talk about tonight so I'll sign off for now. Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Having so much fun playing with the new cell phones!!!! I'm still getting used to it........I'm so techologically retarded but slowly getting the hang of it! I'm very tired today. We went out last night so I didn't get to bed until close to 2:00. We usually just stay at Shooters the whole time but since we were celebrating we headed over to Fat Jacks so we could dance and stuff. Not a big fan of Fat Jacks, (I think my friends and I were the only girls wearing underwear) but we had a good time! Very sleepy this morning though!
I got stood up three times this morning after I dragged my tired butt into work! After that drama I drove through Jimmy Johns for a sandwich, and it was fabulous, I've been getting hooked on them lately. Then, one of my girls called me and said that she and her family are moving to southern Illinois so I went over to their house to say goodbye. It was sad, she is one of my favorite girls but I think it will be a better situation for them. After work Annie, Kelli and I went over to Pam's to hang out for awhile. Then, I hit Wal-mart for some way past due grocery shopping. Right now I have some pork chops and wild rice in the oven. Roy and I are getting ready to watch some 24 episodes and eat so I will sign off for now! Have a good night!

Good Lord it is toasty out! Can't wait for summer to be over, I would be perfectly happy if it could be November all year long! I scheduled my visits so that I could get off a little early today. Roy and I are going to go get cell phones later tonight so I'll have to email my new number out! My day went fast (especially since I got home early). I went to Monticello this morning to see one of my clients. She just got a new house and they are very excited! Then, one of my other clients called to cancel so I actually had time to get a little paperwork done today. When we get back from buying our cell phones (leaping into technology this week!) I'm going out with some friends to celebrate my friend Annie getting a new job. We all like to go to karaoke at Shooters and we usually try to go about once a week. It is so much fun, I don't care how much other people make fun of it......drunk people singing is hilarious! I'm getting Jeremy hooked on the whole phenomenon too, he's working up a rendition of "Amish Paradise".
Speaking of trashy trailer parks, yesterday I was talking to Annie on the phone while sitting on my porch and my neighbors were racing their riding lawn mowers. Classy. We have never had a problem living out here but we do have some backwards neighbors. Last time we had a really good rain we were standing at our back door and all of the neighborhood children were playing in the drainage ditch on a boogie board. Where were the parents you ask? There were two moms standing overlooking everything, and they were in their swimsuits too. Fun for the whole family! Anyway, I'd better get going. Have a good night everyone!

Great night so far! We didn't have kids tonight at job #3 so I was able to get home by seven. Woo hoo!!! Got home and chatted with my brother for awhile. Very exciting, while I was talking with him on the phone he was holding his son Matthew up and he took three steps by himself (Matthew did, not Jeremy)!!! So proud of the nephew! I can't believe he's walking, it seems like he should still be a newborn. Anyway, today was busy but good. I had four visits scheduled and everyone was home so that was nice. All of the visits went really well too. I love going and seeing my clients because I get to watch their kids grow as they meet with me. In my program if they choose to stay in the whole time I meet with them until their child turns five. I love it (although I'm not crazy for the place I work for, that's a whole other discussion). Tatum is running around the living room playing with her chew toy. She shakes it so hard it flips up on our cabinets and entertainment center and then sits in front of me and barks until I go get it down for her. Even though she drives me nuts sometimes with her abnormal supply of energy I don't know what I would do without her. Having her to baby makes me able to put off having kids for a few years (sorry Mom :-)
It was so muggy and hot today, the air in our house feels really nice! I need to venture outside soon and water my tomato plants. I have never tried to garden anything before and I got these plants from Mom and Dad so my main goal is to not kill them. They are getting huge though! They doubled in size over the weekend. Well, I'd better find something in our kitchen for supper (which might take awhile, we haven't made our wal-mart run yet). Have a good night!

Well, I FINALLY get to sit down today. My day was spent in the car AGAIN as I had to drive to Bement to see one of my clients. After that I rushed back to get to another home visits but her mom ended up calling to cancel because my client had a family emergency. I hope everything is okay and I really appreciate her calling. A lot of my clients don't and I hate it because then I'm stuck standing outside of their apartment buildings (usually in the ghetto) trying to get inside their house. White girl in the ghetto who looks like she's carrying any kind of official bag draws more negative attention than I care to deal with. After that I went to my third job (which is doing child care for a domestic violence group). We had kids and so I got home around seven. Tomorrow night I won't get home until eight :-( But for now I'm finally in my pajama pants and we're watching Last Comic Standing (Jeremy, if you're reading this there will be a quiz tomorrow). Tatum is trying to lay on me while I type and its not working out so well. If she doesn't give up I'm kicking her butt to the curb. Whenever she gets tired she roots around until she finds a lap to lay on. Its the only time she's every really affectionate. Other times she's too freaking hyper and she's tries to play with us but she ends up scratching us up. Always goes right for the face too. Crazy.
Our water is shut off, one of the joys of living in a trailer park. We have our own water system and they're always messing it up. It hasn't happened in awhile and at least it waited until after we made dinner! Well, I'd better get back to LCS so I can interrogate Jeremy tomorrow! More later!
By the way, many apologies to KristI for misspelling her name :-)
Congratulations to Alyssa for passing her LSATs!!!!!! You'd better party it up the rest of the week woman!!!!

Virgin Blogger

Alright, I'm going to give this a shot. I don't know how interesting my life will be on paper but I enjoy reading Al, Kristy, and Diane's so much that I thought I would try it out. Quite the eventful weekend to start off with. Roy and I took Friday off and went to Kentucky to visit his sister Julie and her family. They have three kids and we all get along so well, we try to see them as often as we can. They are buying a new house so we were able to go and check it out. It is awesome!!! It is right inside of Tennessee and is absolutely beautiful. It is on five acres of land and their backyard consists of a view of the woods and their pond. We had a blast sitting on their porch, consuming some beverages and cooking out. Our puppy Tatum kept busy terrorizing their dog Opie and playing with the kids so she is still worn out today (which is fine with us, I swear she has some sort of puppy ADHD). Had to drive to Springfield today for a training (because I need to be in the car after spending about 12 hours on the road this weekend :-) It wasn't bad though because I got to go with my friend Pam. I'm sort of working three jobs right now. My full time job is as an outreach worker but I also work with a couple of other support groups on weeknights. My group for tonight was cancelled, thus the blogging ensued! It is so nice being home early for a change, I was able to catch up on some phone calls have some vegging time on the couch. I think I'll sign off for tonight though so I can find something to make for dinner before Roy gets home from class! More tomorrow!