Phew... it's Friday...

[mae0111]

How was the week? What's up this weekend?

[rere]

Working from home today with a lunch meeting nearby, so a good day.

We have a volleyball fundraiser for a local young family whose baby was born with several serious health conditions. I need to put together a wine basket for the raffle and make some finger foods, and I'm excited to play. It has been a while.

Saturday, I need to make a big pot of soup for a soup cook-off Sunday. This is a fundraiser for a new hall at church. I have to be there at 9am Sunday because I got volunteered for set up somehow. I'm making taco soup and cornbread. It's not a winner, but I really just want to make it for me and keep a bowl out. It's my favorite and I never make it because no one else likes it.

[mae0111]

It was a weird week because the kids were off Mon and Tues, I was off Mon, and DH worked all week with travel starting Wednesday. He's supposed to come back at around dinner time tonight, but we have a little bit of weather/fog. I'm hoping he gets in.

Tonight DD1 is having a couple of friends from her old school sleep over. One left the old school and started at the new school this year as well, the other is still there, and both are a grade below DD1. She just seems to do better with younger kids, which has me worried about next year when she moves into the high school.

Tomorrow the DD1 and guests are talking about going to watch a couple of basketball games in the morning. Then nothing until DD2 plays indoor soccer at 7pm. I'm coaching this week... I use the term "coaching" lightly, as I'm really just timing shifts and keeping law and order on the bench.

Sunday is DH's birthday. I've made a dinner reservation at a nice Italian bistro, but I have a feeling we will cancel and just take the kids to a local pub-grub type place. I'll probably get cupcakes for after.

I am going to spend the weekend thinking about what's next for me workwise. I'm feeling more and more lately that my current main client is not the best fit for me. I get very little feedback, and when I do, 90% of the time it's negative... often because I've worked without guidance because no one will respond to me. I even receive negative feedback on tasks that I no longer perform. Yesterday there was a big meeting over something that I used to do, but passed off to someone else at my boss' direction, and then he passed it off, and the person responsible screwed up... I STILL kind of got dressed down in a meeting over it. The person responsible even stepped in and said, "First of all, this was not Mae's screw up, it was mine," and continued to explain what she did wrong and why... and my boss STILL turned to me and drilled me about it.

It's slowly creeping into all aspects of my life. And quite frankly, I'm not making enough money to be so bothered all the time.

[twinmomma]

It's a weird Friday for me. I feel like I have a bunch of little work projects I could be catching up on, but nothing is super pressing and I'm kind of just in limbo waiting for feedback on a lot of things, so I may end up just getting my homework out of the way at some point.

The kids kick off winter break this weekend. We'll head down to visit MIL and hang out in the city tomorrow. We may go to the board game bar that's near us on Sunday. It's not really a "bar" they just serve snacks and drinks and coffee while you're playing board games.

[mommyatty]

DD had a really hard week, and she handled it with a lot of grace. Her bff was found to be harming herself. I think she was cutting herself, and I don’t know if this has been going on a long time or not. She’s always in baggy clothes that cover every possible inch when I see her, but she’s a heavier girl so I always thought her clothes were because she was self conscious about her weight. Then DD found out this week her other best friend isn’t coming back to their school next year. She’s going to public school instead. This friend is clearly on the spectrum (her mom has been referred for diagnosis by the girl’s therapist, but I don’t think has bothered doing it). DD is concerned because this girl has no ability to meet new kids. Like until DD came back after Covid, this girl never talked to anyone at their school. DD befriended her and spent almost three years getting her comfortable enough to join another table with DD to sit with other kids. Her social anxiety is so incredibly high.

So DD has had a lot on her mind, worrying about her friends. Luckily we really talked toward the end of last year and over the summer about branching out and not letting the other girl’s anxiety limit DD’s friendships. We did this in part because the little girl’s mom has been threatening to pull her out of school pretty much since I’ve known her. She thinks paying for private school is stupid. She’s also from Massachusetts where public schools are significantly better than schools in Texas. Hell, if I were in the Northeast I would probably use the public school system too.

[sdlaura]

Today is our school Jogathon - of course the 3 kids all run at different times. But luckily we live super close to the school so I can pop back and forth to cheer them on, and it’s a gorgeous day here.

I finally really cleaned up the house and got organized last night after two weeks of work travel and our snow weekend - I got all the snowboarding stuff and laundry washed and put away. So that makes me happy.

Both older boys have their first baseball games of the season this afternoon and tomorrow morning. This afternoon DD has softball practice then a flag football game this evening. Tomorrow DS2 has arena soccer and then it’s opening day for DD’s softball league. I have to finish putting together a gift basket for the raffle fundraiser today. Then more softball with the competitive team Sunday for DD. Looks like our rain is finally done for now and my parents are in town to come watch stuff too so it should be a nice weekend!

[dglvrk2]

Feb 23, 2024 8:57:29 GMT -5 rere said:

Working from home today with a lunch meeting nearby, so a good day.

We have a volleyball fundraiser for a local young family whose baby was born with several serious health conditions. I need to put together a wine basket for the raffle and make some finger foods, and I'm excited to play. It has been a while.

Saturday, I need to make a big pot of soup for a soup cook-off Sunday. This is a fundraiser for a new hall at church. I have to be there at 9am Sunday because I got volunteered for set up somehow. I'm making taco soup and cornbread. It's not a winner, but I really just want to make it for me and keep a bowl out. It's my favorite and I never make it because no one else likes it.

Who doesn't like taco soup??

[rere]

Feb 23, 2024 12:08:31 GMT -5 dglvrk2 said:

Feb 23, 2024 8:57:29 GMT -5 rere said:

Working from home today with a lunch meeting nearby, so a good day.

We have a volleyball fundraiser for a local young family whose baby was born with several serious health conditions. I need to put together a wine basket for the raffle and make some finger foods, and I'm excited to play. It has been a while.

Saturday, I need to make a big pot of soup for a soup cook-off Sunday. This is a fundraiser for a new hall at church. I have to be there at 9am Sunday because I got volunteered for set up somehow. I'm making taco soup and cornbread. It's not a winner, but I really just want to make it for me and keep a bowl out. It's my favorite and I never make it because no one else likes it.

Who doesn't like taco soup??

My picky eater kids who I was assured they'd grow out of it and my gastrointestinally challenged Dh.

[k3am]

Feb 23, 2024 12:08:31 GMT -5 dglvrk2 said:

Feb 23, 2024 8:57:29 GMT -5 rere said:

Working from home today with a lunch meeting nearby, so a good day.

We have a volleyball fundraiser for a local young family whose baby was born with several serious health conditions. I need to put together a wine basket for the raffle and make some finger foods, and I'm excited to play. It has been a while.

Saturday, I need to make a big pot of soup for a soup cook-off Sunday. This is a fundraiser for a new hall at church. I have to be there at 9am Sunday because I got volunteered for set up somehow. I'm making taco soup and cornbread. It's not a winner, but I really just want to make it for me and keep a bowl out. It's my favorite and I never make it because no one else likes it.

Who doesn't like taco soup??

Neither of the kids in my house would eat it either. rere, I take every excuse to make the things that I really like but never get to have because the rest of the family doesn't like it. Enjoy your soup. Cornbread with or without honey butter??

[mae0111]

Feb 23, 2024 12:15:45 GMT -5 rere said:

Feb 23, 2024 12:08:31 GMT -5 dglvrk2 said:

Who doesn't like taco soup??

My picky eater kids who I was assured they'd grow out of it and my gastrointestinally challenged Dh.

My kids eat almost nothing, so I'm with you.  And I love taco soup!

Have you tried skinnytaste chicken taco chili?  It's my favorite!

[k3am]

We're wrapping up camp week. In addition to the wonky schedule, working from home, and having the kids home for half the day with me, I have been slammed at work. The change in structure has thrown DD for a loop and last night was disaster of epic proportions. I pulled a total mom move on the way to skating - gave her two warnings then turned the car around. And then about 30 seconds later, told her to get out and walk the rest of the way. If I'd driven the additional 20 minutes with her to the rink, it wouldn't have ended well.

This morning she is still on edge, but seems to have calmed down. My work calendar for the day is managable, and I'm hoping to sign off a little early so I can make her birthday cupcakes for her sleepover. There is definitely a bottle of wine with my name on it.

We also met with the designer today to go over finishes for the first floor remodel.. first round picks had some winners and some total misses. She REALLY leaned in when I told her I love navy as a neutral. But I meant for a background color that ends up offset with tons of bright and light colors, if that makes sense. It would be so helpful if I could tell her what my style is and what I like vs. just being able to point out what I don't like. She and DH both pointed out that we chose this designer because we didn't want and wouldn't be satisfied a basic cookie design, and they're right. So I'm good with something bold, but not bold and not my style.

I've been compiling wallpaper and backsplash samples to send her so she gets a better idea of our tastes... but I'm excited and terrified to be one step closer.

[dglvrk2]

mommyatty, I'm so sorry your DD is going through this. Thank goodness you are well aware of her friend's situation and are there to guide her.

My week was good. I took most of it off to be with my family. The Ds had this entire week off school. I really don't like this week off of school as it interrupts learning, extends the school year by a week and creates challenges for working parents without means to do much with their children. We are making the best of it. We got out of town for a few days. It's been really nice! We are heading home tonight. We have friends from our old city visiting us this weekend, which will be great.

[186momx]

It has been a long week. After work I'm taking the dog to pet smart to find a reusable doggy diaper for the car only. She is having anxiety/stress poops and I just can't clean my car cover all the time. She had 3 this week but only in my car. She is having a string of bad days and at almost 15 she gets a break but between work, DD, doggy issues, and DH being useless I'm feeling so overwhelmed. I've been tempted to take one of the dogs alprazolam pills. It also doesn't help that I'm not eating very great because of everything else.

DD competes bright and early tomorrow about an hour south of us. It will be an early morning and a long day. Head coach that she does private lessons with says she is improving more and more each day so hopefully her scores reflect that this weekend.

[sdlaura]

Re: soup, my kids will eat tomato soup if there's grilled cheese involved. Is that an option?

[supertrooper1]

I had to take the morning off to take DS to the doctor for pink eye. I'm back at work catching up on emails that weren't sent to my coworker that was covering for me.

I'm not sure what we're doing this weekend. The forecast is rain and possible snow Sunday, so that rules out riding. Beau was on a recent spending spree and said he doesn't want to do anything expensive this weekend since it seems like every time we step out the door we spend $100+. Maybe I'll leave him home to game while I go clothes shopping at the outlet mall since I haven't been spending beyond my budget lately.

[rere]

Feb 23, 2024 12:29:44 GMT -5 k3am said:

Feb 23, 2024 12:08:31 GMT -5 dglvrk2 said:

Who doesn't like taco soup??

Neither of the kids in my house would eat it either. rere, I take every excuse to make the things that I really like but never get to have because the rest of the family doesn't like it. Enjoy your soup. Cornbread with or without honey butter??

More of a Mexican cornbread.

[k3am]

Feb 23, 2024 16:48:26 GMT -5 rere said:

Feb 23, 2024 12:29:44 GMT -5 k3am said:

Neither of the kids in my house would eat it either. rere , I take every excuse to make the things that I really like but never get to have because the rest of the family doesn't like it. Enjoy your soup. Cornbread with or without honey butter??

More of a Mexican cornbread.

That would not stop me from honey butter. But. yeah, I mostly view cornbread as a honey butter delivery device. >.<

[186momx]

I've never heard of honey butter and now that I know what it is I want some now.

Work vent: client bought a bar & grill for his DS and it is under his corporate name but only to start with (client expects son to buy him out within 6 months) (eyerolling me). We do the corporate (books/payroll/taxes) and I'm about ready to fire them. They don't want to report any tips, give me daily sales, can't pick a pay period and when I ask for clarification I'm getting ignored or they send me a response that leaves me more puzzled. Client has no background in the restaurant business; he owns a liquor retail store. Son also has no restaurant experience and has been a short drive trucker for his entire adult life. I'm beating my head against the wall!

TGIF for real and I'm going to lock the doors and work with the lights off this weekend to avoid any and all people.

[k3am]

186momx I never really cared for cornbread until DH’s family introduced me to honey butter… which is amusing, since I don’t generally like honey. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[k3am]

Doggo got his first immunotherapy injection today and we got practice injecting saline into a towel. We’re on the lookout for any allergic reaction, and Tuesday I’ll go and be the injector at the vet while they supervise. Not looking forward to it.

[campermom]

I was going to come in with my own Randoms…but my youngest child just came home from visitation with his head shaved.

I have taken care of haircuts since separation 3.5 years ago. He had an appt scheduled for this Wed, she comes to the house and we pay per cut.

This was an attempt for interaction and engagement.
But my son is upset. He has a mood disorder and doesn’t do well socially, and he’s already expressed concern about school tomorrow.

I thought this is probably worth paying the hourly rate and asking my lawyer what to do, if anything, right? Ask her if I should respond and if so, what should I say. That way I have a record for the next litigation he brings?

[dglvrk2]

Feb 25, 2024 16:45:01 GMT -5 campermom said:

I was going to come in with my own Randoms…but my youngest child just came home from visitation with his head shaved.

I have taken care of haircuts since separation 3.5 years ago. He had an appt scheduled for this Wed, she comes to the house and we pay per cut.

This was an attempt for interaction and engagement.
But my son is upset. He has a mood disorder and doesn’t do well socially, and he’s already expressed concern about school tomorrow.

I thought this is probably worth paying the hourly rate and asking my lawyer what to do, if anything, right? Ask her if I should respond and if so, what should I say. That way I have a record for the next litigation he brings?

I would consult with your attorney.

I'm so sorry for your DS.

[waverly]

So my mom and sister had this great idea to go to South America. You can see where this is going.
My mom has altitude sickness and my sister can’t get her home. Yet another S.A. extraction. Not by me which is great.

But my BIL decided to be controlling and tell me that my text asking if they want me to meet them at the US airport was “too much”. In a way he was right because my sister is having a mental breakdown apparently. But it’s just par for his controlling/ aggressive personality and I didn’t really need to be lectured about a 2 sentence text via phone call with you are so great, don’t do that, you are great sandwich.

So now I have zero inclination to help. Good luck with your dumb choices family. You knew dad had issues in South America and chose to go anyway. You knew the altitude was a problem and chose to go anyway. Feel free to lecture me about texting to offer help though. Also my texts will go to her and not be group texts anymore if you are planning to critique them.

Also they got kicked off the plane for medical issues and not allowed to fly and I am pretty sure it is because she said something she wasn’t supposed to, to the flight attendant about the medical condition. If sister didn’t want to fly then why do all that? Why get on the plane and then say, but my mom has a medical condition….

If the M.O. is to lecture then I’m out. My BIL has been a jerk since I met him. I just tend to ignore and never talk to him which is because he knows better than anyone else about everything. Except he isn’t there helping is he?

[waverly]

Oh and apparently they can’t leave tomorrow because they think she has a disease caused by the high altitude and sleep apnea. Why didn’t she do the sleep study that I mentioned 6 months ago? She’s had problems sleeping for 40 years and never bothered doing a sleep study. Boomers, I tell you. And why did she have to pick the highest location to go on a trip.

[campermom]

Oh waverly what a mess! I’m sorry.

I had altitude sickness in Breckenridge about a month ago-vomiting, headache, low oxygen. Is she on an oxygen tank? That’s the cure (and getting to lower altitude)

[mommyatty]

campermom- I’m not sure your attorney will be able to do anything if haircuts aren’t covered in the parenting plan, but I would go ahead and ask what to do. Do you mean like he has a buzz cut? Or truly a shaved bald head? Did your DS agree to it? I think context is really going to matter here.

[waverly]

Feb 25, 2024 21:50:11 GMT -5 campermom said:

Oh waverly what a mess! I’m sorry.

I had altitude sickness in Breckenridge about a month ago-vomiting, headache, low oxygen. Is she on an oxygen tank? That’s the cure (and getting to lower altitude)

So she was not discharged from the hospital with oxygen. I asked my sister but it was not done. Then they went to the airport and tried to board and were thrown off the airplane because my sister asked about oxygen. The airline decided that she needed to fly with the oxygen.

It’s a mess. If she could board the airplane it would be pressurized to 6000 feet and they are currently at 13,000. They could have gotten to a lower altitude when they land. But they can’t get out and sister needs her in the hospital and is afraid to fly. Now hospital is saying they can’t fly tomorrow and want to do more tests. This is 3 hours after they released her to fly. Because they decided it might be this additional condition. I honestly think they should have just gone for it if she was doing well because it would be more oxygen.

After BIL was a turd then now he’s trying to make bad jokes that no one is responding to. So obviously he is the superior communicator lol.

[campermom]

It was shaved but it looks like not on the lowest setting. It’s not the worst haircut in the world but it’s very drastic. He went ahead and asked little DS if he wanted him to cut his hair, which he hasn’t done for 3.5 years, and DS said sure. I think in his mind he would have a trim like he normally does. His siblings saw it, reacted, and he got upset. He told me he was afraid he’d be bullied at school and he wanted me to get permission for him to wear a hat. I touched base w staff to let them know.

Today at drop off he refused to take his coat off and put his hood up. The school counselor has already intervened w some peer issues and at that point he has been in school for 1 hour. She escorted him from before care to the classroom and eventually got him to remove his hood. She’s keeping me updated. No referrals so far.

My lawyer already responded that there is absolutely nothing that I could do about this, even if little DS disagreed w getting his haircut. She said little ds is going to have to take it up w his dad. So I am not interacting w ExH about it. I kept documentation of it, but as I have learned-even when a kid expressed something it’s simply hearsay and holds no meaning.