Change

Life has been full of change for us lately.

The biggest change happening for us is in Jordan's childcare. He is starting a before and after school program tomorrow, after being at his grandparents' house during that time since the dawning of his life in school. I will drop him off at this program at 6:45 in the morning and then head to work. He will take the bus to school and then back to the program after school, where I will pick him up.

We visited the program site on Friday afternoon so he could check it out and see where he would be going. I think he's going to really like it! They have games, computers, a Wii, blocks, toys and those melty beads that he adores. Of course when the leader asked him, "Do you like to do crafts?" he answered with, "Ehh... so-so." Yeah, whatever! :) He LOVES to do crafts!

I will stay with him for a bit tomorrow to make sure he's comfortable. I think he's going to love it, though. I have several friends and coworkers whose kids go or have gone to the same program and adored it.

Jordan is also getting super excited for summer camp this year. We picked up the camp schedule yesterday and I'm thrilled at all the fun things he gets to do (including a field trip to OMSI and one to a flour mill!). We were at the YMCA last night and ran into the camp leader, who Jordan just fell in love with last year. He asked if Jordan would be back this year and Jordan excitedly informed him that he would be.

We recently had Jordan's IEP meeting with all of his teachers and it went pretty well. There was one thing that really pissed me off and that was when I asked the principle if we could meet the 4th grade teachers and ask them some questions and kind of determine where we would like him placed next year (stemming from the fact that his 3rd grade teacher has NOT been a good match for him). She basically told us no, they will make that decision because they know the whole picture. Which I basically took to mean, "No, we know better than you what is best for your child, so butt out." I was not pleased but Steve told me later that another teacher had been mouthing to him, "I will help you." So I hope that he will be placed in a classroom that is good for him, with a teacher who wants to see him succeed. During the IEP meeting they would bring up a skill and ask if Jordan exhibits that skill in the classroom. His teacher would reply, with a sad look on her face, "No, he can't..."

How about no, he doesn't?? CAN'T is not a word they should be using for a kid who is so far behind grade level. I really feel that his teacher needs to have higher expectations of him so that he is pushed and stretched and made to grow. I can see that Jordan is frustrated being so far behind his peers, and it's almost like his teacher has written him off for the year and is pushing him on to the 4th grade teachers so that he can become their problem.

WRONG!

I am not going to sit back and watch my child be pushed through the system, falling further and further behind each year. He needs a teacher (like he had in 2nd grade) who will make it her personal goal to see him succeed for the year, and strive to help him arrive where he needs to be.

*deep breath*

It is still my dream to be able to quit my job and homeschool him. I believe that's what he really needs.

Which brings me to my next topic: Writing Road to Reading.

It's the program my parents used with my siblings (and a little bit with me, though I taught myself to read when I was 5, so I mostly just remember the parts I picked up from watching my brother and sister use the program) when we were all homeschooled. My mom bought the materials last week and we're really excited to start Jordan on it. It's a curriculum that teaches reading through writing and through using letters phonetically. We loved it and it was easy for us so I hope this is the breakthrough answer we need and that Jordan will be reading like a champ soon.

On top of all of these things (a lot to deal with at once!) I've been sick for three weeks with bronchitis and my car died! I finally went to the doctor last week and he put me on antibiotics and today I am finally starting to feel better. I'm coughing less, though I'm still stuffed up and can't hear out of one ear.

My car is just making me frustrated at this point. I spent several hundred dollars on it a few months ago, getting a new brake and rotor job. Now the O2 sensors are bad. And it's not firing on all six cylinders. And there is a head gasket leak. Which will cost a couple thousand to fix. It would be less if we had a family friend do it, but even then, I don't have a couple hundred to spend either. I think this is the beginning of the end for my car. I could fix these problems but a few months down the line, we'll just have more problems.

And so begins our search for a new car...

Thursday Thirteen - 13 facts of late

1. Last night's Mama Mia movie night was SO FUN!!! I needed that couple of hours to laugh and relax and be with friends. It was seriously refreshing to my soul.

2. I found out yesterday that one of my coworkers (Caleb's) dad owns two beach houses in Newport. Apparently when he doesn't have paying customers with reservations he lets Caleb and his friends use them for free! AHHHH!!! So on April 17th and 18th eight of us are going away for the weekend and it's going to be SO MUCH FUN! I am stoked for hot tubbing, playing pool, good company, eating my heart out and going for a run on the beach.

3. Tonight is my last night off for 9 days. Maybe. I had thought that it would be but then Heather told me (which I either didn't know or had forgotten) that Natalie is available some weeknights. So I might get an evening off next week. And then Heather comes down next Saturday evening. But this weekend I don't get any time and that's hard.

4. I am finally almost done with this car accident crap. My car is totally fixed (yay!), my ticket is paid and my back is better. Now I'm dealing with the personal injury paperwork and it's a PAIN. I have to have my doctor sign one page, my boss sign another page... Nothing is easy. Luckily I love my insurance company and they've been very easy to deal with.

5. I did my taxes all by myself this year! (And I did them a few weeks ago so now I'm awaiting my returns.) I called my dad with one measly question but otherwise I was able to figure almost everything out on my own and follow the booklet instructions for everything I wasn't sure on. Whoo hoo!

6. I have so loved talking to Stacy more lately. I can't wait until she's home for good and within easy "reach" for ice cream dates and movies and lunch after church. =)

7. I don't get enough sleep. That's all.

8. I am addicted to Scrapblog.com. SUCH a cool site. (Secret: it's where I made all of my new Daily Post headers.) (Another secret: I think Thursday Thirteen is my favorite header. And Wordless Wednesday. I love them both.)

Anyway.

9. I need more good books to read. I *love* a good novel and I just finished one so now I'm looking for another. I'd REALLY like to find one to take to the beach with me. (Like I'll have time to read - I'll be too busy hanging out with my friends!)

10. My sister's dog is seriously some of the best medicine. Sometimes I go over there just to feel the love. Haha. She gets SO excited to see me and she bows and then siiiiings to me and it's so cute!

11. I'm very excited for spring to be here. I like winter and I don't mind the rain but lately my spirit is craving some sun. Seeing the daffodils and cherry trees blooming makes me want it even more. =) Not to mention I live in a house with an AWESOME backyard that I am dying to spend time in. =)

12. I'm tempted to start a Recipe segment on my blog. I tried a new one last night that I found on the blog of an acquaintance and it was quite tasty. =) I'll have to see what I can do about that. (So often Dorothy has "dinner" through her feeding tube and I make something really simple.)

13. Tomorrow is Friday! And Saturday is the Corvallis Juggling Convention show! 7pm folks! LaSalles Stewart Center. Come early for a good seat. It's gonna be awesome.

Thursday Thirteen - 13 updates and such

A different kind of Thursday Thirteen today... I have been thinking all week that I need to post a blog update but by the time evening rolls around and I have a little downtime I would usually rather lay down with a book. Living the current life that I live WITHOUT much downtime, I'm usually inclined to give in to that desire. =) Then today Stacy called me and as we were talking I realized that I really haven't updated on much in awhile and I should do that! So, while Dorothy naps, I will write a Thursday Thirteen update. =)

1. My car was not totaled (as I had hoped it wouldn't be) and "only" had $1,800 worth of damage. I took it in to the body shop on Monday afternoon and they said it would be late Friday afternoon before it was done. A coworker gave me a ride home from work on his motorcycle this afternoon and we drove right past the body shop. I looked over and thought, "Huh, it looks done to me... I wonder what they have left to do.". Conveniently, about 20 minutes after I got home and settled in, they called and said it was ready. =)

2. Dorothy gets her cast off tomorrow! Assuming that everything has healed properly it's coming off at 10:30 in the morning. HOORAY!!! I suppose it's been less of an issue for us as it would be for somebody mobile but it's still a hassle. Extra pillows at night, she's less able to turn on her own... We're very ready (after 8 weeks) for it to come off. =)

3. Jordan is sick. =( The poor guy has a 101 temp and just feels icky. Luckily he is off school today and tomorrow but who wants to spend their days off in bed?? It also sucks because when he and Steve are sick, they can't come over for fear of getting Dorothy sick so I see them much less (Steve was sick for a whole week recently). We would all appreciate prayers for his speedy recovery.

4. Heather (Dorothy's daughter) is coming down this weekend and I get two whole days off! I feel like I haven't had a "real" day off in weeks because I've sort of been "on call" and had to stick close by. This weekend I have a day trip planned to head up to Portland to visit Diana for a few hours. Then in the evening a few coworkers and I have an overdue birthday bash planned (Stephanie's birthday was the 2nd) which includes dinner at a seafood bar and grill and then a few hours at Caleb's, complete with his bartending skills and Wii. A fun time will be had by all.

5. Things have finally settled down enough (and I have finally gotten into the swing of things enough) that I have time to read! For awhile there I was thinking that would never happen. =) A few months ago I read a book that I really enjoyed and the author just came out with a new book a few weeks ago. I had pre-ordered it from the book club I belong to and then forgot about it. When it showed up in the mail I was pleasantly surprised!

6. LOVING American Idol! I never got hooked on that show because I never had cable when it was on but it's Dorothy's major weakness. This week we had to tape it both nights because her busy social life got in the way so I'm not quite up to date on things. I did see a few glimpses that made me wonder why people choose certain songs... The point is to show off your talent, not mosey your way through a song. =) Without having seen this week's show, my top 3 favorites (in no order) are: Allison, Adam (this performance mostly just made me laugh but I do really like him) and Scott (I have a huge respect for him). I also like Alexis, though I don't think she'll get as far as some, and I did really like Jorge but I saw that he didn't make it this week.

7. Apparently I don't actually have 13 exciting/relevant things to report on!

8. The CD player in my car died. =( So it has a nice, shiny, perfect bumper but no CD player. Oh well, I got an FM transmitter this week so at least I can load up my phone (because my iPod sucks, too!!!) and still listen to music.

9. Tomorrow is going to be nuts. Dorothy gets her cast off at 10:30, has acupuncture at 11:30, I have a dentist appointment at 1, she has a speech therapy appointment at 2 and I have a follow-up MVA appointment at 2:45. Yikes! Then my cousin is coming in the evening for a visit (yay!) and Heather is coming for the weekend.

10. Yeah, this is actually a Thursday Ten. I'm off to watch American Idol! =)

(Update: the VCR didn't work right and we are NOT watching American Idol and I am MAD.)

5 for Friday

5 things bouncing around in my head today...

1. Being off work. I love time off but I'm also sick of it. This house is a CONSTANT buzz of activity and it's not exactly relaxing. Caregiving is one of those jobs that has you constantly keeping one ear cocked, even when you're "resting." I usually understand Dorothy when someone else doesn't or know what she means when she makes a certain gesture. There are times when I've had to force myself to go in my room and shut the door and ignore what's going on, telling myself that she and Natalie do fine when I'm at work every other day so they'll be fine if I'm in my room.

2. My car. The people were supposed to come and assess it sometime between Tuesday and Friday (huge window if you ask me) and to the best of my knowledge, they have not done that yet. At least they haven't called to tell me that they have. And I'm getting annoyed because hello, I AM CARLESS (and I am moving tomorrow). They won't pay for a rental and in my opinion that means that they should get their asses out here and look at my car so that I can get it okayed for driving. I'm a little annoyed.

3. Steve and Jordan. I haven't seen Steve since Sunday and I haven't seen Jordan since, like, Friday and I MISS THEM.

4. Getting everything done tomorrow. Gah. A bunch of my cousins and my brother are meeting at my apartment tomorrow to move all my stuff into storage. That shouldn't take long (the last time it only took like 2.5 hours) but then I have to clean the place. =( And it has that not-been-lived-in-for-six-weeks ickiness about it. Ugh.

5. Upcoming trips! I'm working on planning one to Portland for Steve and I for my birthday (which we probably won't actually get to do until May) and another for he and Jordan and I for his birthday in June (which he knows nothing about - it's a total surprise). Yay!

The one where Mikaila feels stupid/lucky/stressed/blessed

Ugggggghhhhhhhh.

Yesterday morning I was having a lot of stomach aches and generally not feeling great and I asked to leave work early. My boss approved my leaving and I headed out. I was barely even off hospital campus when I got in a car accident. And it was my fault.

I was waiting to turn onto the highway and I didn't see anybody coming. I started to go when all of a sudden I DID see a car coming! I have no idea how I didn't see him the first time I looked but all of a sudden he was right there and I was nosed out into traffic. I had stopped the second I saw him but I was sticking out too far and he plowed into the front of my car, taking the bumper clean off.

I'm *hoping* it can be fixed. The hood isn't smashed at all, the lights are still intact... the only thing that needs repairing is the grill and, obviously, a new bumper. I'm hoping all of that isn't too spendy (insurance will cover it but if it's equal to or more than 80% of the car's value they total the car).

Nobody was seriously hurt, although I have a pretty sore back. I'm on pain meds for that and they're making me really dizzy. So having said all that, I'm going to lay down and close my eyes.

Just wanted to let you all know.

The adventures of snow and ice

What a fun day! And by fun I mean crazy!

Last night it started snowing and I thought, ooh, how pretty... I love snow. It's beautiful. I looked outside when I went to bed at 11 and it had stopped but there was probably about an inch already accumulated. Here is the view from my porch:



This morning as soon as I woke up I looked outside to see how much more it had snowed and from my bedroom window (which doesn't overlook much) it looked like it hadn't really snowed any more. I got ready for the day, got all my stuff together, bundled up in my coat and boots and scarf and gloves and headed out the door.

WELL! There was a LOT more snow than I had thought!

I tramped through it to get to my car, went to stick the key in the lock and it wouldn't go in. The lock was completely frozen. Joy. I fiddled with it for a minute and got nowhere. I tramped back inside and set all my stuff down. I got some hot water (I hate using hot water on frozen cars but that lock was STUCK) and tramped back down.

After pouring water on my passenger side lock a little at a time, I was able to get the key to turn. Now to get the DOOR to open! (More pouring of water around the edges...) I climbed through and shoved my driver's side door open. (By now it's 7:10 and I'm way late but I had called my boss twice and she didn't answer so obviously she was late, too!)

I tramped BACK inside, got my stuff, locked my apartment and loaded my car. I started the car, turned on the defrost and started scraping the windows, making sure that I always had at least one door open at all times so I wouldn't get frozen out again!

At about 7:25 I finally rolled out of my driveway. I drove about 15mph all the way to pick Stephanie up (who had called me by then to make sure I wasn't in a ditch).

Steve had told me I shouldn't bother even going in because Hospital Hill was so bad that one of the buses had slid partway down the road. But I go up the side that is much less steep so I wasn't too worried. The only obstacle we had was a semi parked in the middle of the road, debating whether he should continue on. (Obvious answer, if you ask me.)

After work we trudged back out to my car. As I pulled out of my parking space Stephanie asked me if the pavement was slick for driving. I said, "I dunno, let's check." I accelerated to about 6mph and then hit the brakes. We slid about 5 feet. I looked at her and said, "Yep, pretty slick!" She had a look of total horror on her face and said, "I am SO glad you're driving!"

I fishtailed twice after dropping her off, once taking off from a red light and another time on a slight incline. I got home and there was a car slightly smaller than mine trying to get out of our driveway. They tried and tried and kept sliding around. Finally they waiting for a big break in traffic, backed waaay up and then gunned it, fishtailing all the way up to the road. I thought, "Wow, sucks for them" CLEARLY not thinking that I was intending to leave again in about 15 minutes!

Sure enough, I came back out and the same thing happened to me. I gave it about 3 tries and then gave up when I ended up off to the side of the driveway. I realized that it's probably going to be even worse in the morning so I backed into a parking space and got out my chains. (Thank you, honey!!!)

Since I used them once last year I'm a "pro" at putting them on and it only took me about 15 minutes. I tried the driveway again. Piece of cake!

Moral of the story: I love chains.

I'm at my parents' house now but am heading home in about 15 minutes. I offered to pick up another coworker in the morning so that he doesn't have to try to navigate the awful roads. Stephanie is a cat lover and calls me "catbus" because I pick her up every day. After learning that I had chained up she said, "Ooh, tomorrow it will be catbus supreme!"

The wipers on my car go *squeak*squeak*squeak*

I was looong overdue for a new pair of windshield wipers so I headed down to Knecht's where they install them for you! Yay!

They were having a sale and I got both wipers for nine bucks. They told me once the sale is over it's over so to send everyone I know there.

So, people, if you need new wipers, go to Knecht's.

Update

We found a home for Critter. I think that was the thing weighing on me the most this week. She'll probably get lung cancer from the amount of smoke that follows these people around but at least she'll be loved. I'm really trying not to think about it.

I'm still painting. I'm praying that my god awful sore throat this morning is just from paint fumes and that I'm not coming down with something. I'm taking my DaQuil and my sucky candies to work with me today. I keep thinking, "Okay, I'll go to bed early tonight" but that hasn't happened in over a week. And won't until I move. Stacy and I go over to paint tonight and then I'll probably have to paint one more time because I can't sponge the one wall until Brooke fixes the hole around the heater and I don't think that'll get done today.

My house is less than halfway packed. I haven't even started on the kitchen (aside from stripping the fridge of magnets) or the hall closet. At this point I'm trying to decide what I'm storing because THAT stuff has to go in plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes.

I'm taking my car to the mechanic in about 15 minutes for its tune up so after today it should be good to go for 3,000 miles before I have to do anything again. I'm just hoping I can get through this day. Yesterday was nuts and I'm surprised I got everything done. Sure, I didn't take any breaks, but still.

I want to go back to bed.

Oh snap, I have a car!

I GOT IT! I officially have my "second first car."

I love it.

My dad and I changed a headlight and a taillight last night and gave her a quart of oil. Sometime soon (probably next week) I need to take it in for about $600 worth of maintenance (oil change, brake check, 2 new tires, alignment, new this, flush that, etc.) but the mechanic said it's mechanically sound and just needs a good tune up. And my mom told me she and my dad wanted to pay for the mechanic fee, so I came out of there a little richer (and a couple thousand poorer) than I had expected.

Tonight is off to the new house to get my key and measure my room, and tomorrow the painting begins (drum roll please...). If I remember, I'll take before and after pictures. Right now the room is green (ew).

Off to work!

Hmph

Well, I did it. I got sick.

I woke up this morning and felt like CRAP. Sick to my stomach and crampy and a little bit nauseous. I took my shower and still felt lousy when I got out so I called in sick. I feel guilty doing that because I know when I'm not there it's crazy for everyone else (and just last Friday we had a crazy day because somebody had to go home) but I don't think I could have made it through the day. I went back to bed and slept straight through until 12:30. Of course now I feel totally fine so I feel even more guilty about missing work (especially since this means a day without pay for me since I don't have enough PTO to cover all the holidays) but I'm hoping that 15 hours of sleep was what I needed to get me through the next 2 weeks.

On my list for this week:

- Buy my car

- Measure and tape my new room

- Buy paint and start painting

- Start moving boxes over in my car

- Start packing the kitchen

- Organize the chaos in my apartment a little (especially since our manager asked today if we'd be willing to let potential tenants look at the place before we move out)

- Go to bed before 9 every night until I move

And now the pictures I promised. Unfortunately I don't have "before" pictures, but a lot of you have seen my place and those of you who haven't, well, knowing I'm a neat freak you can assume how it should look. =)

Unfortunately this is not the worst my room looked that night.

That empty space is where I was sitting. Sorting, sorting, sorting.

Critter loves to "help"

I'm off to eat something and pack some more, I'm sure. And then go to bed early. Prayers appreciated this week as I actually buy my car (2 days!) and start the moving/painting process at the new place. I got my tax kicker check and the check for the stereo this week so I'm feeling fairly good about bills (which is good because I'll be paying rent in 2 places for about 10 days, plus it costs to get my car checked out).

Thursday Thirteen - 13 reasons things are looking up (because I'm incredibly stressed and I need to think of the positive!)

1. I FOUND A CAR TO BUY! Today was the second time I looked at it (the first being after the Toyota Corolla turned out to be a piece of crap). It's a '99 Chevy Malibu and they're selling it to me for $2,000. I'm having it checked out by a mechanic on Wednesday and if everything comes back ok then I'll have a car by the end of next week! Isn't it a beauty?

2. I'm excited about painting my new room. I ran my color scheme by Brooke and she said it would be fine so I get to paint my room the way I've wanted to for quite some time. =) I've recruited my sister's help, but if anyone wants to join in the painting party... I have no idea when it will be! Brooke said she needs to do some wall repair before I can paint because she just had a new heater put in.

3. I still think I have a home for my cat though I'm waiting for the 100% for sure message.

4. I also may have a truck and trailer to move with. I forgot Steve's brother has a box trailer that he uses to haul music equipment and I'm trying to get him to agree to let us use it. Things would go so much faster! I think we could get it all moved in one trip (especially if we have 2 extra pickups).

5. I'M GONNA HAVE A CAR! (And by the end of the year like I planned, although I also only planned on buying one car this year.)

6. I have most of my Christmas shopping done (it's an easy year). I found Stacy great stuff last night so I'm happy about that. =) Diana had me stumped but I came up with a good idea for her, so pretty much the only person I have left is Tessa! And my new roommates but I have them figured out, I just have to buy for them.

7. I'm going to be out of this apartment in two weeks! I love this location but I don't really like the place itself. It's ok but it's small and there is NO storage. Of course now that I'm moving out I realize all the things I hate about it. lol

8. I'M BUYING A CAR!

9. I bought the new Josh Groban Christmas CD and I love it! I also got an instrumental (piano) Christmas CD in September and I've started listening to that and it's BEAUTIFUL!

10. I get to see my boys tonight!

11. I have a start on my packing. I still have a LONG way to go (yikes), but the living room is pretty much done (I probably have one more box worth) and I got a good start on my closet. I need to get some really big boxes for linens, etc. because they're not heavy. I'm dreading the kitchen, but I'm also anxious to start taking boxes over once I have the car. After I paint. Oy.

12. It's almost Christmas! I'm very excited because I'll be moved, I'll have a car, I'll be with family and because it's Christmas! It's one of my favorite days of the year.

13. Obviously, I'M BUYING A CAR!

This thrills me.

Touching down

I miss blogging every day. Life is CRAZY and I have been getting stomach aches every day from the stress. PMS is making it ten times worse this week.

I am still on the (very frustrating) quest for a car. I have a couple of fairly good leads right now (one is actually really good) so I am HOPING and PRAYING that I am able to buy a car by the end of this week. I have the money and insurance side all squared away so the trick now is just finding something. That will remove SO much stress for me. Plus allow me to start moving 6 or 8 boxes at a time in my car when I make trips to the new place.

I found out that my bedroom at my new place will need painted before I move in (well, it doesn't NEED it but it's green which SO does not match anything I own and if I don't do it before I move in, I'll never do it), so that's been added to my list. As soon as I have a car I'll be buying paint and probably going over on a weekend (with maybe a few evenings thrown in) to get that done before my move-in date on the 22nd.

I *think* Critter has a home and I'm praying that doesn't fall through because I think it would be a good home for her. She adjusted really well when we first got her so I'm hopeful that she'll adjust well again.

Diana is making fun of me because I've already started packing. I have family Christmas parties every weekend between now and moving and I have a ton more crap than she does, so sometimes I feel like I should have started 3 weeks ago! But a few boxes here and there makes a difference. I'm hoping to tackle my room in the next couple of days (which includes going through my closet - a task I hate). The cat thinks moving is the best thing ever because there are so many boxes to play in!

I told Diana, if the weather is like this the weekend we move, I am going to cry. It hasn't stopped raining for 2 days and the wind gusts are impressive.

I'm off to bed. I had to redo a load of laundry tonight because the moron before me apparently did not shake out his clothes before washing them and mine came out completely coated in sand. Lovely.

I'll try to post pictures this week because I have a lot! Speaking of pictures, I have to start working on the end of the year slideshow for my church (which I should have started long ago), which will require actually getting pictures from people for events I wasn't at.

I'm thinking out loud. =) G'night!

My hopes are up!

I'm feeling good today!

My cousin's girlfriend wrote me today and said that her mom as already ok'd taking Critter and now she's working on her dad but she thinks there's a good chance they can take her. YAY! I'm super happy about that because I know they'll take good care of her and I can still see her on occasion.

Also, I have a very good lead on a car. It's a '92 Toyota Corolla. And it turns out, the woman selling it is in Diana's department at work! I asked her how she thought "Xiumei" was pronounced and she goes, "Hey, I know her!" It's a small world.

I'm hoping to be able to test drive the car on Friday and maybe buy it next week! My bank was supposed to get back to me yesterday on how much I can be pre-approved for on a loan and I have yet to hear from them, but assuming I like the car and decide to buy it, I could have a car by the end of next week!

I have found the downside to working in the hospital. At a small clinic you sometimes run into information on people that you know, but it's usually boring information and just goes in one ear and out the other. Working at the main hospital you learn very interesting/detailed things about people and sometimes that's a disadvantage. Today I learned that the victim of a horrible car accident that I read ALL about this morning was a very close friend of one of my relatives. When I found out who it was I wanted to throw up because the accident was that bad. My prayers are with the victim's family and all those involved.

Last night I went to bed at 7:45 and it felt so good. Obviously that's not the case tonight, but I'm on my way to bed. I got our Christmas picture back today and it looks fantastic! I also got my first Christmas card in the mail today - thanks, Nana! It's beautiful. =)

Keep your fingers crossed about the car for me!

Trying for an early bedtime...

I can tell my days are going to seem crazy busy for the next month. I sure am glad I'm not in school right now! I would have no time to study.

I called my credit union after work today and they're checking into a loan (how much I can be approved for) and we have a solution (albeit not a great one, but I don't really have a choice) for me to get $600. At least I'll only owe myself.

I'm still waiting to hear back from my cousin's girlfriend on whether they can take my cat, but she's the least of my worries right now. Yesterday I caught her chewing on my laptop's power cord and right as I went to shoo her away, my computer screen went dim. The stupid animal ruined the cord. Thank GOD I have a spare because I sure can't afford a new cord right now! And as much as I use my laptop, I'd be in some serious trouble if it died. I also got a variation of the Blue Screen of Death the other day (this version had words) which I've never seen before, so I'm PRAYING that my laptop doesn't bite it. That's all I need right now.

The biggest thing still on my plate is finding a car. I had a good lead on a '93 Subaru Legacy tonight (for a thousand bucks and in great condition!), but apparently the lady misunderstood the guy coming to look at it. She thought he wasn't gonna show, but it turns out he was (and is probably there now) and is fairly sure he'll buy the car. So that idea's probably out the window. I lowered my criteria but I'm still sticking to automatic and 4-door. I sent about 6 e-mails with questions about various cars, so we'll see what the next day or two brings.

I'm still trying to decide which weekend to move, but that will probably be decided after I get a car and start packing. I probably won't decide until about the week before because it will just depend on how ready I am to move the closer it gets. Diana and I went and picked up about 20 empty office paper boxes today. We stuffed them ALL in her little Civic. That was a sight to see! So now I can start packing books and movies and knick knacks and things I won't need in the next few weeks. Does anybody have any books/movies that belong to me? I loan things out and then forget about them. And Carrie, I will get Inkheart back to you soon. I may have to borrow it again someday to finish it. =)

I'm off to put stir fry away (lunch for a week!) and head to bed.

Overload

Whew! My brain is so full! I'll start at the beginning.

My roommate told me a couple of months ago (or sometime recently) that she's dropping out of the PhD program at OSU. She's been thinking about it for awhile and is quitting at the end of this term (in just a couple of weeks). She's been working in one of the labs for about a year and a half and one of her professors was going to hire her to work through the end of next summer. Yesterday she found out that she can't be hired after all (something about money) so as of the end of December she'll be jobless.

This leaves her a couple of options. She could either move back home to the Portland area, or she could try to find a job here and stay through next summer when our lease expires. She really has no reason to stay here (other than our lease) so she talked to her parents about it yesterday and I think she's decided to move back home.

This means breaking our lease, which I really have no problem with because I hate our managers and a lot of other things about this place, *except* that it's $1,200 to break the lease.

I have two friends in Albany who have a house (the house belongs to the grandfather of one of them and when he passes away, she inherits the house) and they are looking for a third roommate. The house is available December 1st but they told me that they could cover a third of the rent if I wasn't able to move in until January (it would actually be the very end of December). Rent would be cheaper there than here because it includes utilities, which I have to pay extra for right now. Plus the perks of living in a HOUSE (private backyard, washer and dryer, garage, etc.).

At this point, it looks like I am moving to Albany in less than 6 weeks. That means I have less than 6 weeks to come up with $600 (my half of breaking the lease) and a CAR. I've been checking out craigslist this week and today I e-mailed a couple of people with questions about potential cars. Ironically, the three I am looking at are all very similar in year and make. So I'll probably end up with an early 90's Honda!

The worst part for me is that I was told I can't bring my cat. One of my friends already has a cat and isn't supposed to, so she told me it wouldn't be ok for me to bring Critter. I feel awful about it because we haven't had Critter for THAT long (just since summer) and I'd hate to change her home again. I can't give her to my parents because I already dumped my last cat on them when I moved the first time. Diana can't take her because her mom is deathly allergic and Critter would never survive as a barn cat at Diana's - especially with all the coyotes around there. Steve already has two cats and probably isn't taking them when HE moves. Everybody else I know is either allergic, can't have a cat where they live, or hates cats. It's a predicament. My best shot at this point is to contact the people we got her from. They told me if for some reason she didn't work out, to let them know. I'm sure they meant if she didn't adjust, but I want her to go to a place where I know she'll be well taken care of. She really is a good cat. Anybody want a young, sweet kitty? She'll sleep on your bed at night and keep you laughing with her antics!

I have *possibly* sold my car stereo system. I got an e-mail last night from a woman who said she'd like to buy it and asked for details on it, which I gave her. She told me she lives in Oregon but is on business in Michigan and could I please send her my address so she can mail me payment. She said once I receive the payment then she'll arrange to pick everything up. And she needs all this done by Tuesday next week. I don't think so lady - that sounds too fishy. I never said anything about receiving payment before she picks up the equipment, so I'm not sure why she thinks she needs to do that. Plus, she's seen pictures of the stuff, but not the actual stuff. So I told her that rather than give her my address, I'd like to set up a time next week to meet somewhere (with Steve) and exchange money and equipment all at once. I thought maybe the parking lot of my bank so I can just go right in and deposit the money. Haha. So if that DOES end up working, there's half of my $600. However, after I told her that I didn't get anymore responses, so hopefully it wasn't a shot at a scam. (If it was, go me for not falling for it.)

Anyway, if y'all could pray for me, that would be splendid. Just that everything will fall into place (my managers not being the typical jerks that they are, the house staying available, buying a car...) and that I'll be able to come up with the money. To my guy friends, I'll probably be asking you to help with moving at the end of December! But don't worry, you'll get incentive. I'm a pain in the butt to move.

Also, for those of you who read my Christmas wish list - scratch everything. I want CASH this Christmas. =)

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Thoughts on Wednesday

Let me just say again - I really miss blogging.

Let me also say, I still really love my job. My favorite day of the week is Tuesday, though I'm not really sure why. I think just because it's busy and fairly predictable. I haven't taken advantage of it yet, but they also have a massage therapist that comes in to give the employees massages on Tuesdays. Yeah, it's a rough life. (Apparently it's been proven to cut down on the job injuries so I guess that makes it worth it!)

I went to the doctor last week and found out that I have IBS. That helps explain all the stomach aches I've been getting lately. I also get them from stress, so sometimes it's hard to tell, but I haven't felt stressed much lately, so...

You know those dolls that eat and cry and poop and talk "do" everything else a human baby does? Yeah, well now there's one called the Amazing McKayla. I've always thought those dolls were pretty stupid, so it just thrills me that there is now one with my name.

I get SO irritated with people who start their laundry and then leave it in the washer/dryer. I'm sure I've said this before. Probably recently. One of the dryers is broken so everybody is using one laundry room (two washers doesn't do any good if you only have one dryer). Tonight I went to do a load of laundry and the washer AND dryer were full. The clothes in the dryer weren't even warm, so they'd been there for awhile. Luckily the person left laundry baskets on top of the dryer, so I pulled all their clothes out of the washer to start mine. Half an hour later they finally came and started the dryer, so I'm waiting another hour to be able to finish mine! Grr!

I have to say, The Bee Movie is GOOD. We went to see it a couple of weeks ago and it's an awesome movie. Luckily Jordan was preoccupied during the preview for The Golden Compass. I don't want him to want to watch that movie.

I was supposed to go to Steve's after work today. I was at the library, killing time before catching the bus to his place. He called but I didn't answer because I was on the computer in a quiet section of the library. I texted him that I'd call him in a little while and he said, "No, call now. I'm serious." Freaking out, I logged off the computer and went downstairs to call him back. Apparently Jordan is extremely sick AND their cat died today. Luckily I spotted my mom across the library right then so I went home with her. I really wanted to see my boys tonight because I haven't seen Jordan for almost a week and I really miss him, but he's feeling so crummy. =( Poor guy.

I am super thrilled that I get to see Stacy this weekend! Tomorrow is her birthday so that's exciting. Her sister is taking her out for her 21er this weekend. And I can't wait to give her her presents!

Speaking of presents... I've been thinking about Christmas. It's only a month away! Crazy! I've decided what I'm getting for my immediate family, but people like Steve and Diana are hard to buy for. I'm not the kind of person who gets gifts for everybody I know - my list is very short. I keep it to my immediate family, Steve, Jordan, Diana, Stacy and usually Madre and maybe one or two other friends. But it also started me thinking on what I would like to receive for Christmas... I don't think I have ever made a Christmas list for myself. I have always thought of myself as a fairly easy person to buy for (whether that's true or not, I've thought it). When people ask me what I want, I don't know. But this year I have a handful of ideas. Some I don't expect to receive (they're just on my wish list). So in case you are interested (NOT so that you will buy me stuff), I would like:

• An iPod. Even a small one that doesn't hold 8 billion songs.
• Nursing shoes. I pretty much hate my work shoes. I wear them because they are the only flat shoes I own. Well, work appropriate.
• The newest Mannheim Steamroller CD.
• Books. I love novels. I love Christian fiction and I love romance. Somehow I can always make room for more books on my overly full bookshelves.
• Border's gift cards. You can never have too many of those.
• Cold Stone gift cards. Ditto.
• Gift cards to places like Fred Meyer, Target, etc.
• Cash. Ya can't go wrong.

I can't ask for things like gas cards because, well... I DON'T HAVE A CAR!

Okay, my stomach hurts and I'm hungry, so it's time for a snack and then time to change my laundry. Tomorrow's Thursday and Survivor! I'll be at coffee on Saturday because, yay, I'll get to see Stacy!

Closing quote:

If love were made into colors, a child's day would be filled with rainbows.
~My mom

I want to vomit

This weekend was total high stress and today hasn’t been much better. However, when I’m stressed I clean so my house looks awesome.

Saturday was drama with my neighbors. Shelly is Korean and her parents are VERY strict. She is dating Kyle (who is not Korean) and that all blew up Saturday morning (even though they KNOW about Kyle) when they showed up at the apartment and Shelly was at Kyle’s apartment, not her own (they each live on either side of me). By the middle of the afternoon the police were involved and by the end of the night (after they supposedly “left”) they were driving up and down our street and spying on the apartment. This is all still going on, although to the best of our knowledge her parents are back in Roseburg.

Also on Saturday there was a Beaver game. One the way back to my house Steve unknowingly drove over a broken bottle and when we got out of the car all we heard was “TSSSSSSSSSSS…..” He said, “Oh, please tell me that’s your neighbor’s sprinklers…” My neighbors don’t have sprinklers honey, it’s your tire. Ten minutes later it was flat. So he was stranded at my house with a flat. (Not STRANDED but we didn’t feel like changing a tire in the dark with cars parked on either side, him having never changed a tire and me having helped change a tire when I was like 14.)

Because he was stranded (of course) his sister called him, hysterical because of issues going on in her family. She asked Steve to come up and he asked me to go with him. His parents picked us up on their way home and when we got to Albany Linnea called and said never mind, things calmed down. So now it’s 11pm and I’m in Albany and all I really wanted was to sleep in my own bed (which I did get to do).

I woke up in the middle of the night to an unfamiliar sound, which SOUNDED like someone trying to get in my front door (after Shelly’s lunatic dad had been hanging around all day and let me tell you, he is a very short, scary man). It turned out to be my cat scratching on something. Cats should sleep at night.

Sunday morning Shelly came over and spilled her heart to me. She told me today that she’s scared. Her dad has had her so much under his control since she was small that she now has no way to stand up to him.

This morning Kyle told me that he has termites in his shower. This is awesome, since my shower is 3 windows down from his.

And as if all this wasn’t enough, Jordan’s mom sent Steve a picture of herself via pix message this afternoon with a note that said, “Mommy loves you very much and wants to see you very soon.” Yeah, because you’ve made such an effort to even TALK to him since you made yourself look good on his birthday by bringing him a present TWO MONTHS AGO. WHATEVER!

I want to vomit.

I have a job interview tomorrow and it's looking promising. Thank God because I honestly don't think I could last another month here.

Not too shabby for Mikaila...

The insurance company of the other man in the accident payed for me to have a rental car for 5 days. Why only 5 I have no idea (the 5 days is up and I don't have the check for my car, so that doesn't make much sense, but whatever). The guy behind the counter told me it was a Chevy Impala. Ok, nice car. I get out to it - it's a NICE car. I drive it for a day, look at the keychain and realize it's a 2008 Chevy Impala! No pressure or anything! This car drives like a dream.

It was awesome to have a car for 5 days and be able to get some things done. I also got to see my boys more than I normally would have, which was great for all of us. Today Jordan and I went to the aquatic center for a couple of hours and wore him out so he'll be nice and tired for bed tonight and ready to start school in the morning! (I will post pictures soon!) He loved going off the diving board and spent the majority of his time UNDER the water, not above it. He's a little fish! Due to the unfavorable reaction between water and cameras/phones, I don't have pictures. But I assure you, it was a good time! =) It was a great way to end the summer.

I also got a call about an interview for the job I applied for last week (didn't get the first one I applied for - can't remember if I posted that). I wasn't able to call back until late Friday afternoon and had to leave a message so hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to set up an interview. Someone said it's a high pressure job (and a little bit strict) but I'm actually looking at it as somewhat temporary and I am SO ready for change!

Grab bag

I have been borderline depressed the last week and a half and I am really trying to pull myself out of it. I've been watching a lot of Friends and eating a lot of Stouffer's to avoid cooking. I hate feeling like I'm stuck in a rut.

Steve convinced me to get a rental car until I get the money back on my car. Mostly just because I have the option of having one and because if I can get out and DO things I might be less depressed.

I lost my sunglasses and my favorite (15) CD's in the same day. The next day I found them both.

I drove Hwy 34 the other day for the first time since the accident. Going TO Albany was fine. Coming home was not so fine because it was dark. I was unbelievably tense when I got home.

I really want to deep clean my house but I can't seem to find the motivation. I'm sick of that smell that keeps coming back in the kitchen. We've cleaned everything.

I got so fed up with the dog crap in the backyard last night that I took a plastic bag, picked it all up and deposited it (sans bag) on the dog owner's doorstep. He'll probably find it when he comes back for the next Beaver game because apparently this is just his party house right now.

I also left a (very nice) note on another neighbor's door to let them know that their dog yelps when they're not home. (Yesterday this was for over 3 hours.)

I'm really ready for Tessa to come back for a visit.

I hate it when my little guy is sick. I feel so powerless to do anything when he feels so crummy.

I want it to be October.

I loved the rain yesterday and I'm ready for it to be back to stay! Rain makes me happy.

Yesterday was the first day I didn't wear my wrist brace at all. I'm still icing it and it's a little sore and can't bear more than about 5 pounds of weight, but it's feeling better.

I wish my doctor had prescribed a session or two of massage therapy for my back. I could go for a massage.

I wish every week was a 4 day work week. Who came up with this 5/2 thing? It should totally be 4/3.

I get paid this weekend.

I am so sick of money.

Kyle is awesome. I am SO thankful to have him as a neighbor! And Shelly, too. I'm really glad she's back.

I always keep stamps in my wallet. I have something that has to be mailed TODAY. I have no stamps.

I'm totally unmotivated.

I'm ready for Harvest to have her baby so I can have some baby cuddles. =)

I knew he was weird

I called the towing place yesterday to give them verbal consent to let the insurance company come and take my car.

I identified myself on the phone and he owner goes, "Hi, beautiful!"

I gave the consent and he said, "Yeah, the guy came out with a Catholic Rabbi and they said a prayer over it and called it toast!"

A Catholic Rabbi?

Riiight...