So little time...

I was under some illusion that life would get easier as my kids got older, well...haven't seen that yet. Although, our stessors have changed, they definitely haven't gotten easier.  School-work loads are getting more intense, outside activities (the few they participate in) take away from homework time.  Even my first grader will be starting weekly spelling tests soon. That is more work, not just for him, but Mies and I too.  We need to instill good study habits for our boys...how do we do that with so little time?
It seems we get home from work, the boys work on homework, we work on dinner (even if it's a crockpot meal...still some effort has to go into this), dinner is over, a few more whiles for homework, then bed. Day in, day out.  I feel like I'm on complete survival mode and not living...image what the kids' feel like...

Weekend in Chicago!

I'm completely stoked! Mies and I have a weekend to ourselves in Chicago! It's a Christmas/Anniversary gift all rolled into one!

Before we go to see Eddie Izzard at the United Center Friday Night, we must make a side trip, on Thursday, to the In-Laws to drop off the boys and the doggies. Then very early Friday morning, we head out...should take about 7.5 hours from Garden, MI to Chicago. YAY!! (cheap accommodations...we're on a budget!)

Saturday we're going to some museums and having lunch with a fellow graduate school alumni, William Forgette. Then, another great thing, we're having dinner with Rebecca (Duff) Campbell, her hubs and Ms. June! YAY (again)!!

Did I say I was stoked??? Ok, yes, I don't get out of the UP much, it's true! Hell, going to Detroit is an exciting trip for me. Who am I kidding, going to Marquette is an thrill of a life time. So, CHICAGO, is like heaven on earth!

Speaking of Marquette, after we get back from our weekend escape, I have to turn around and head to Northern Michigan University for two days of library related training sessions. I get to meet other academic librarians, besides the staff at Michigan Tech, and introduce myself as the "new Head Librarian for Finlandia University." (or as Mies says, The University's Librarian--not to say I'm the only librarian here, but I'm the University Librarian...eck...not really used to this whole concept, yet. I hate drawing attention to myself and downplay the significance of me being in this position, but I have great plans for this library! Just don't tell anyone, okay?!?)

Survived

So, I'm back from my weekend trip.

• On Friday I had a great afternoon with my Dad! We just talked for hours. Then Mom and I went shopping, that was fun too. Lastly, ended the day with Paul, Celeste, Luisa, Jake & Miranda (plus Bomparents) at El Charro's. Yummy! Oh yes, and watched movie with Bomps, Paul and Jake.
  
• Saturday, awoke to hear from Mies that Aidan had a fever and was instructed not to worry; like that's gonna happen. (Called several times) Got my nails done, hair trimmed, spent time w/ my Aunt Kathy, then more shopping with Momsy, and got ready to G-O, go. Was picked up by the Decker's, headed to the Tin Fish, then to Partridge Creek Hall for an interesting experience; interesting because many people were fascinated with my being a librarian. I was flattered, but...okay, they're right, it IS the coolest job EVER!! Plus, many of the gents were impressed with us residing the Upper Peninsula. It's not that exciting, fellas, trust me. Then the "after" party at the Red Ox. By that time my feet were KILLING ME! Why did I buy heals that high??? Oh and everyone loved my Mom's coat, I got many hugs wearing it. ;) And was truly grateful for Mr. Jerry Decker and his being our "DD" for the evening. Deanna married a gem and a gent, in one person.
  
• Sunday, awoke early w/ lovely headache, called to check-in on Aidan, talked to parents about the night. S-L-O-W-L-Y got myself packed and moving. Had a great lunch with Barry/Scavo crew (bummed not to see Cristina, but hey, she's a popular teenager). Sat in the sunshine for 15 minutes or so. Then hopped in the "Bomps" mobile (a.k.a. Clifford the big-red-van) and headed to the airport. To find out that my flight was delayed, then after finally boarding, waiting for 20 minutes before take off, then circled Eu Claire, WI for 20 minutes only to taxi in MIN/SP for another 20 minutes. Fortunately, I had some time before the flight to Hancock, so I was good. Talked to Mies on the phone for 'while only to find out that Andrew had a fever, too. Then got on the puddle jumper (?? thought they were discontinuing that service and going with DC9's??) and headed home.
• Had a hard time getting out of bed this morning. Still dehydrated. But got to work, drank tons 'o water.

Now back to reality and to start getting ready for Halloween gathering. :)