Weekly Preview and Review

Saturday - Writing and grocery shopping and chores
Sunday - Visit a church, look at cars, write
Monday - WORK 4-5 hrs, Lessons, Gymnastics, Write
Tuesday - WORK, Lessons, Write, NANOWRIMO ENDS!
Wednesday - WORK, James turns 11!, Art Class, NO lessons at the request of JPW
Thursday - WORK, Work meeting, Lessons?
Friday - WORK, Co-op, David to a friend
Saturday - James' Gym & Swim party
Sunday - Visit a church?, Nutcracker Ballet with Suzy

Scrapbooking last Saturday was a BLAST! Twelve hours with friends, yummy food, and scrapping photos.

That night, I got sick, though. The sickest I've been in about ten years. Thankfully it was only 8 hours in duration, but I was wiped out for all of Sunday, since I really didn't sleep at all during the night. Monday I was still feeling rather shaky, but I'm now back up to snuff.

Gymnastics Day was Monday. James and Suzy went and Emily opted out. I wasn't feeling up to arguing, so I left her home. She probably thinks she doesn't have to go anymore, but I'm not convinced that's a good plan.

Wednesday Bob wasn't feeling too well, but he went to work anyway. But he called and let me know that he wasn't feeling like he ought to travel to Grand Rapids for Thanksgiving. Too queasy for a long car ride and a big dinner. So, the kids and I left early and headed to my parents' house as soon as my work hours were done for the day. Roads were dry about half of the trip and then the rain started pouring. The older I get, the less I like driving in the dark and the rain does not help.

Thanksgiving was such a nice time! Mom had everything really well planned and the day was pleasant and not stressful. The cousins played well. We missed Debbie and Denise - I'm still not convinced this separation thing is the best way to handle the family holidays, though I don't have a more workable solution right now. More rain on the way home made for a white-knuckle drive.

A couple trips to the store recently made me realize I am not much of a shopper. Crowded stores and too many choices stress me out, especially with limited funding. Going to be ordering online as much as possible.Which means I really need to get to it!

My non-disclosure agreement for my work means I can't tell you a lot about what I do. That sounds awfully mysterious, doesn't it? It's really quite mundane, but the client doesn't want specific details about the project spread around. There are at least two slightly different projects I can be working on currently. Basically I have to look at search engine queries and categorize them. Thousands of them. One project is more about the query terms and the other project is more about the results. So there you have it. Or not, as the case may be. LOL

I've been writing a lot and I am about 2000 words from the 50,000! David is less than 20% from the end. I am sure we will both finish. The other kids have all met their goals.

File cabinets - yes, I have two; actually three if you count the lateral file cabinet. They are filled with books and folders and folders and folders of stuff I've saved through the years from teaching. I have come to realize I almost never take anything OUT of a folder and use it once I put it in. And 20 years ago when I started "foldering", there was no internet. Now I usually just google when I want a worksheet or a picture or an activity. So, I'm sorting slowly through my file cabinets - tossing some things (old weekly readers?? lol), using some papers for scrap paper for the kids, making a pile that I think others might find useful, and keeping only a little of it. I am hoping to get down to just one of the file cabinets, mainly for books. If I can get everything in the lateral file cabinet, I'd just be thrilled.

Emily and I both need Regency gowns for the ball in March. And yes, I am considering sewing them. ACK. Such a savings! I don't even have a sewing machine anymore, though. So, I'm looking at sales and craigslist. I need one that can sew denim for another project I've been wanting to do. And David's outfit is going to be even more challenging! Think Mr. Darcy mixed with Phileas Fogg and add a dash of Sherlock Holmes.

OK, clicking "publish" because I am bored with posting. lol

Wednesday Whining

OK, not really WHINING, but still....

Got a rejection today for my Egyptian short story. I was really expecting that story to sell. So, I am kind of frustrated about that. I know it's part of being a writer, but it's discouraging all the same. More so, because I have a time limit here.

And no, we still have not heard anything about Bob's disability hearing. So much hinges on that.

James was sick yesterday, but never did throw up - just stomach cramps and gas. Today he seems fine. David has been moping about, but he didn't really get sick either. So maybe the bug has weakened as it moves along. I haven't felt right since Sunday, but I never had any real symptoms, just general ickiness.

Bob went tonight to an alternative pain relief seminar with his mom and brother. It's quite a drive, so he won't be back til later. I will be going to church tonight without him.

Went to the grocery store and saw about 7 people I knew! Odd! LOL Got brown and serve rolls for 25 cents a pack! You can freeze them, you know. Stocked up on a few other things too. Pantry is full to the top. Nice feeling!

We should be getting the check for our totaled car soon, so we've been browsing Craigslist for just the right vehicle.

Thanksgiving was an awesome time! I really enjoyed the time with my siblings especially. I didn't get to spend too much time with Mom and Dad despite staying at their house! What time we did have was nice, though. Seeing my kids playing so well with their cousins is also such a blessing! And being at Sarah's dedication was awesome! If you want specifics of what went on, click on Denise's blog - she did a great recap. My other sisters also wrote some about it.

Make a joyful noise...

I wanted to post this before we left for the holiday, but didn't get to it. So, here it is now.

Psalm 100 (King James Version)

1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.