I love this rain! People make fun of me but days like this are my absolute favorite! I have some French onion soup on the stove (love soup on days like this!). Yes, I finally got to finish grocery shopping, AGAIN!!! Pretty easy day today. I met another worker in Pontiac and we went to an IFSP meeting. This baby was born almost four months premature and he is so little! He's eight months old and only weighs ten pounds, the strangest thing is that he's starting to develop his motor skills. He gets up on all fours and rocks and holds his head up, looks so funny because he looks like a very advanced newborn. He is slowly starting to do more things and he'll start therapy hopefully in the next couple weeks.
After the meeting Vicki and I grabbed something to eat and started putting stuff into the computer for the visit. I still have some more left to do tonight, but it shouldn't take too long. Got back into town around three and hit wal-mart. It feels good to finally have groceries in the house! I bought a new kind of dog food for Tatum. She usually eats Purina one, but we tried Kibbles and Bits out on her and she loves it. I know its not as healthy, but as long as her activity level and weight doesn't change we'll let her have it now and then. Today I got her the "burgers and cheese" kind and she ate almost the whole bowl! She has favorite shapes in both brands and she'll nose them out and eat them first. Its so funny to watch, spoiled brat!
Congratulations to Brenda and Joe on the new house! I can't wait to hear about it! So exciting!
Alright, better go finish the laundry (Kristi, you're absolutely right about the "never ending laundry!). Hope everyone's having a good night!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL!!!!!!!!!!

Alrighty, I try to keep the whining toned down a little but I had the most frustrating day yesterday! To start with, Roy and I got ready to go to Jeremy and Rachel's and ran by the store to get Rachel's birthday present. I went to grab my atm card and its not there! I had cash on me for a change so I just used that but I'm of course freaking out! Searched my purse, car, etc. and couldn't find it anywhere! We drove on to visit with the family and had a very nice time with them. Mom and Dad brought beef and noodles (mmmmm!!!!), Roy and I picked up some bread from Avanti's and Rachel made a chocolate cake that was delicious! We all ate very well and sat around chatting and playing with the kids. It was a really good time!
Then.........Roy and I decide to get the much pushed-off grocery shopping over with. An hour later we are standing at the checkout line with ninety dollars worth of groceries.............and Roy's atm card won't work. We didn't have our checkbook on us, so we had to leave a cart full of groceries and walk out empty handed. Turns out, the money from my paycheck and mileage check that I put in Saturday morning had not gone through yet and thanks to overdraft protection (which is a good idea in theory but was not my friend yesterday!) we can't get any money out. Won't be able to until midnight tonight! So frustrating!!!!!
Today was much better though. Annie and I drove to Danville for a meeting and I was finally able to get my laptop! Good thing too, I have my first two intake visits scheduled for Thursday. First thing this morning I called our bank to see if my bank card happened to be there (I thought I may have left it in the atm on Friday night). They called me later in the afternoon and thankfully had it and I can pick it up in the morning. So, so thankful; I had imagined all sorts of scenarios of people charging stuff to our account and the hassle that would cause. My friend Kelly had her checkbook stolen about six months ago and I know how frustrating that was for her and her husband. So, I am feeling much better tonight! I am going to try to get to bed pretty soon, have to be in Pontiac in the morning. Hope everyone is having a good night! Thanks for listening to me whine if you made it this far :-)

Nice day!!!

Very nice out today although it got a little windy! I got up and helped Roy at work this morning and then we came home and straightened up the house. Ran and got my oil changed and then ate at Shooters buffet, ate WAY TOO MUCH! We were going to go get groceries afterwards but too lazy after eating. Came home and laid in bed and watched "Supersize Me" and then we took a nap.
Later on tonight we're going to go watch "The Grudge". Looks creepy, and I'm craving some movie theatre popcorn! I was worried about our money for a while yesterday but everything worked out. I was supposed to be able to pick up my last check from the Children's Foundation, but when I called my friend Pam to see if she could hold it for me she told me they already mailed it from Chicago to my house. Fine, but it worries me because they never changed my mailing address from the apartment we lived in a year and a half ago (even though I gave them my new address in writing, I'd better stop....could go on for days about that place!). I don't know how long the post office will forward mail when you move. I thought it was a year, but I'm not completely sure. Does anyone know? Anyway, when I got to Danville my milage check was waiting on me and then when I got home my paycheck from my new job was in my mailbox. So excited!!! So everything worked out fine!
Excited to go to Jeremy and Rachel's tomorrow. Mom and Dad are bringing up beef and noodles for lunch :-) I have got to remember my camera so I can take pictures of the kids! I hope everyone is having a good weekend so far! I think my stomach is ready for food again so I'd better go find some :-)

Almost Friday!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been so tired lately I haven't even felt like writing! Don't know if its the weather or what, I even took a catnap today when I got home and I NEVER do that! Whatever, almost the weekend!
Work is still going well. This is pretty much my last week of shadowing. I got my first referral today and I have some IFSP meetings next week that I'll be running. Another worker is going to be there with me for a couple of them, but after that I'll be on my own!
I worked the Monday night teen group on this week. I don't want to give that job up because it doesn't take a lot of time and I'll sometimes get to see some of the girls I left behind. I did quit my other job at Chestnut though! Tuesday night I went to a partylite party at Annie's (owed her from coming to mine!) and then Jeremy and I went out to Shooters for awhile, we had a good time; haven't been out with him for ages!
Taking it easy tonight. Tomorrow I have to go to Danville (next week I'll start just going on Wednesdays) and then I'm going to try to stop by Karla's to make sure she's settled at home okay. No plans so far for this weekend and we're keeping it that way!!! I think Mom and Dad are going up to Jeremy's on Sunday and I will go out to see everyone for awhile. Rachel is going to put the kids in their halloween costumes and I want to take some pictures. I won't get to see them trick-or-treating this year :-( because we're going to Tennessee next weekend to see Julie and Brian (we are very excited about that!). I've never seen their kids dressed up for halloween and we're going to take them trick-or-treating. Should be fun!
The couch is calling me again so I'll sign off. I hope everyone is having a good night!

I've been so lazy today its ridiculous! Still recovering from yesterday! I helped Roy at work in the morning and his truck wouldn't start. We got it push started after several attempts (from which I'm still sore...........so freakin' out of shape!) and called Mom and Dad to see if we could bring it down so Dad could look at it and see what was wrong. They said it was fine so we headed down!
Dad and Roy ended up getting it started and we had a good time at their house. They made a huge dinner (chicken on the grill, green beans, twice baked potatoes..........yummy!). While they were working on the truck Mom and I ran over to Grandma and Grandpa's and got to visit with them and little Zach. I use the term "little" loosely, he is the tallest little man I've ever seen! Absolutely adorable. It was really nice to get to see everyone! We were so tired when we got home though. We tried to watch a movie but both ended up falling asleep! I haven't left the house or my pajamas all day. I just baked an apple pie, I'm not sure how well it set up but I think it'll taste okay. Never made one before so I thought I'd give it a shot! Obviously, I don't have a lot happening today to discuss so I'd better go check the pie. Have a good night!

I got home so early today, cannot believe!!!!!! Training is finally done for now (woo hoo!!!!!!!!!!). I've decided to go ahead and make a trip to Danville tomorrow to get some more copies made, pick up my file cabinet etc. Hopefully I won't be there too long. I finally have the rest of my partylite stuff delivered! I stopped by the Children's Foundation to deliver to a couple people there and yesterday I stopped by Kristi's and got to play with some of her neighborhood kitties for a couple minutes. They were so cute!
Not a lot planned for this weekend, good weekend just to rent movies and make a bed on the couch! I just took Tatum outside so she could potty...........drama that surpasses even the bathing nightmare! She hates getting wet anyway, especially when its so cold. I have to go outside with her and force her to stay in the grass. She stands, blinking like she's having a seizure because of the rain with her tail so far between her legs I can't even see it anymore. She gets down to business though once she realizes she's not coming in until she goes!
Happy belated birthday Brenda!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your card is on its way!!!! She's got an anniversary coming up next month as well, can't believe its been two years already!
At the training this week we had a mix of therapists, service coordinators (me!), translators and parent liaisons. One of the translators brought in some homemade salsa this afternoon and it was delicious! I love authentic Mexican food! One of my friends in college always made homemade Mexican meals for me, she even made tortillas from scratch! Making me hungry and I have nothing for dinner yet! Better go try to find something. Have a good night and stay warm everyone!

Nothing too exciting to write about tonight! We are just relaxing in front of our friend the television (what else is new right?) :-) Roy is playing his new guitar! He just got an acoustic, he's been wanting one for years and finally got one! Hope everyone is having a good night!

RAINY DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Busy weekend! I've been too exhausted to write anything in awhile! I was in Danville all day Friday and then Friday night my friends and I had dinner at Pam's house and then we young ones went to Shooters afterwards. I just stayed up and went into work with Roy that night. We went to Denny's on the way home and I ended up staying awake until about 5:30 in the morning. Yes, I was a little sleepy :-)
Saturday Mom, Dad, Jeremy and Rachel and the kids stopped by for a while. We had a good time with them and then Roy and I went shopping. They actually paid me back pay like they were supposed to so we had some extra money and I was finally able to buy some clothes! We ended up being gone forever and after a stop at La Bamba's (so excited they have one in the mall now!) we came home and vegged on the couch.
Sunday we got up and headed out to my Uncle John's house in the country outside of Clinton for a wiener roast. It was a gorgeous day for it even though it was a little windy. I finally had the s'mores that I've been craving forever! Uncle John and Roger just went in together and bought a motorcycle so Dad took me out for a ride. So much fun! We had a good time visiting with everyone but we were exhausted when we got home!
Yesterday I shadowed another worker and got to meet some more of the families I'll be working with. It'll take me awhile to get used to the area I'll be working in, but at least I have a couple of people I can call to get directions. Today it was training all day again, but at least I don't have an hour drive afterwards. I might be going out to karaoke with Jeremy tonight. Other than that, not a whole lot is going on! I'm glad Bonnie is having a good time with her family and I hope she has a safe trip home! Take care everyone!

Short one tonight, my brain is overloaded! I'm finally done with my drives to Springfield! Tomorrow I have to go to Danville to meet with the HR lady and my boss. I should get off a little earlier though! Tomorrow night Pam is making dinner for me, Kelly, Annie and hopefully Anissa (very fun lady from the Children's Foundation) for mine and Kelly's birthdays, then we're going out afterwards. Should be fun! Alright, I'm going to eat some ice cream (been craving it like crazy! guess what time of the month it is!). Have a good night everyone!

FROST on my car this morning!

Today is my birthday! I am barreling towards 30 like a speeding bullet! Crazy!
I spent my birthday in Springfield in training all day. It went fine but my brain is oatmeal now and I still have two weeks left to go! Ahhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!! I learn so much better when I actually get to do the job so its hard for me to sit and listen while they describe it. But, I am trying to pay attention, that's all I can do! Yesterday I shadowed Annie and she also showed me a lot of the paperwork and computer nonsense which was helpful for today because a lot of the stuff looked more familiar.
Ran to Wal-Mart when I got in town for some supplies. Its funny how I can drive from Springfield to Bloomington in an hour, but it takes me 40 minutes to get my wal-mart essentials and drive home. It takes forever to get around town sometimes! Especially when people are driving around looking like they rode the short bus to school. I swear, some people do not need to have licenses! One of my biggest road rage triggers is when people are driving on my @#$ when I am behind a semi. Perhaps they are under the impression that I can drive through, under or over the semi if they tail me hard enough, but I don't want to die at 24 and I don't think Geiko would be thrilled with me either.
Okie dokie, I am having a hard time paying attention to my blog and LCS at the same time so I am going to sign off. To everyone in my family experiencing difficulty: I love you all so much and you are on my mind constantly. This is a hard time but it will get better! Take care of yourselves everyone.

Lazy Sunday...........

I love being lazy on weekends! I haven't left the house (or my pajamas) since yesterday morning! I went to help Roy at work early Saturday morning and it was COLD outside! Fall is finally here! We came home, showered, and ran out to get groceries and movies for the weekend. When we got home he worked on homework and I napped on the futon. Later that night we watched movies, ate food and relaxed. We didn't do too well on our movie choices this time. We rented "Walking Tall", "Ladykillers" and "Envy". Walking Tall was actually my favorite out of the group and it was the one I was most disinterested in when we rented it. It was actually very good. Didn't finish Ladykillers, I think I would like it but I wasn't in the mood for that type of movie since it was getting late and I was really tired. I might try to finish it this afternoon in between my hubby's football games. Envy was not good at all, it wasn't as funny as I thought it would be and it seemed to drag on forever. Very disappointed, especially since Christopher Walken was in it and I love him to pieces! Oh well.
Well, these next couple of weeks are going to be full of non-stop training. Tomorrow is my first day at work and I'm excited because I get to shadow my friend Annie all day! I'm meeting her at her apartment in the morning and she's going to show me the paperwork system, etc., take me to meet some of the therapists at SPICE and Easter Seals, and take me on some of her visits. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I have training in Springfield all day. Friday I have to be in Danville to meet with the HR chica for orientation, and then meet with my boss. Next week I have training again on Tuesday-Thursday, but it is thankfully in town. I'll be shadowing either Annie or another worker on either Monday or Friday and I assume I'll probably have to go to Danville on one of those days as well. Its nice to actually know what I'll be doing from day to day. My boss is also seemingly on the ball, she has kept in contact with me very well and sends me detailed information about my trainings on time. Very excited to begin!
I know a lot of people are aware (even if vaguely), about the situation with one of my family members. I appreciate very much everyone who has mentioned that they are thinking about and praying for him. That's the best and most important thing we can do. Hopefully there will come a change after this experience and everyone will come out of it a little bit stronger.
Alright, Tatum is trying to take my attention away from the computer (spoiled little brat :-) I hope everyone has been having a good weekend!!! Take care!

Done at last!!!!!!!!!!!!

Loooooong last day at work! I was there after everyone left finishing things up, but I don't care cause...........I IS DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel bad that I didn't get to see a lot of my girls for last visits, but I sent letters and called as many as I could. Everything has been so hectic and there has been a lot on my mind. I had two visits scheduled yesterday afternoon (after a ton of drop-bys I did in the morning) but I had to cancel them because I had to run out to someone's house. She called me right when I walked in from lunch and she was HYSTERICAL. DCFS was out at her house because she had been hotlined. She would not let them start interviewing her until I got out there (all my girls do that, but DCFS isn't going to ask me questions in front of them, I pretty much sit there and try to get her calmed down). I think it will be unfounded. It was a valid concern, but I think it was a one time occurance and so did they. So, I think she'll be okay.
Not a lot planned for this weekend, Roy has a lot of studying to do and I might run out to Pam's for a little bit. I hope everyone has a good and safe weekend. Take care.