Hanging by a string

Okay, I admit it, I give. Right now, I can't seem to keep up with everything. I feel as if I am drowning in to-do lists and can't quite get ahead. I am very bad at saying I need help or can't handle everything, but the last month has put my overachieving personality to the test.

I have been VERY busy at work, working 12+ hours for the last 1 1/2 weeks - not so easy for a normal human who has a spouse who does not work outside the home as well (and is not in school taking 5 classes), but for me, with D's schedule and 3 little cherubs who deserve me to be the best mommy that I can be, which is to say BEING HOME, this has been tough. The problem is that I truly enjoy my work, even love it sometimes and I am given these tough projects because I can usually handle the pressure and even thrive on it. I can handle the more challenging projects - which is to say the more challenging personalities sometimes, and I feel like I am valuable to the project. Fortunately, these challenging projects don't come up that often, so it is tolerable. I must admit that my mom has been there for me with my schedule over the last week in a big way, something I have never asked of her in all the time that I have been a mom. It has been humbling and yet good that I know she has been here for me when I truly needed her to be.

Now, on to the basement and weather. We have received one of the insurance checks and are waiting on the second. I will be glad when it is all over! The house is still not 100% back to normal, but it is getting close. Now for the weather, I live in the Midwest and we have had the worst weather that we have had in several years today - closing all schools, leaving me with my urgent work project trying to continue work on from home...w/ aforementioned 3 cherubs. D has been home as well, which is helpful, but still not ideal working conditions if you know what I mean. School is already closed for tomorrow.

The NFP - I feel like there are always about 12 items that I am behind on with my NFP. Since we are all-volunteer and want to remain that way so the money goes where it is needed, this weighs heavily on my conscience. It seems the minute I feel completely caught up, someone emails me about something random, then 5 more checks arrive, each requiring special communication and on and on.

Now on to the family front, my Great-grandma, who I have written about before, is not doing well again. She has been in the nursing home since this summer and been stable, but she seems to be taking a turn for the worse again. I have not been able to visit her nearly enough over the past 2 months and that weighs on my conscience as well. Finally, my Uncle G passed away yesterday morning. It is so very sad but good in that he is no longer suffering. I feel as if I was able to say goodbye to him and the last thing I said to him as I left their house Thursday evening was "I love you" and he replied likewise. I have peace in that he knew of my feelings and admiration for him but sad in that he is gone from this world. When explaining it to my Meesta, and asking if he was sad, he said "no". I was a bit taken aback at first, but he went on to say that Uncle G was with God and that was a good thing. Precious words from a child that went straight to my heart.

Finally, on to the fat front. Oh internet, it is not looking good for our little bet. I have not forgotten this bet though and as soon as something else gives, I will be back to the fight - but right now, as in other times which have obviously led me to this point - I am STRESS EATING! I will update the weight, all progress has been eliminated...but I will get back to it, I promise!

I miss blogging and am still faithfully reading others' in my spare moments, so keep it up my friends in cyberspace!

Hanging by a proverbial thread...

CC

Butt Races and Random Bits

Heard while I was coming down the stairs "come one, we are having a butt race!" Wow, living with young ones is never boring. They have a knack for saying the most unusual things.

Now, I don't know about the rest of you, but my husband, you know, the good looking one - yes, him, he has this unique talent that has excelled out of practice and is urged on by my utter disgust at this talent. What is this ever so unique skill? Could it earn us extra money? Could it alone get us out of debt, send our kids to college? Well, um, no. He has developed the uncanny ability to take ANYTHING that is said, and truly I mean anything, and somehow turn it into a sexual reference. I am forever rolling my eyes at him and doing the deep sigh thing that shows true exasperation, but it only fuels his fire. You can tell by this alone that he was not an only child and did everything in his power to irritate his 3 sisters. Am I alone? Is this uncommon? I am guessing not, but would love some reinforcement here.

On to paid employment, there are times where I truly feel like I am plopped right in the middle of a Dilbert comic. I would love to further elaborate, but not worth the risk;)...I read Dooce afterall:) I truly wonder how many layers of process and decision-making could be stripped down to create utmost efficiency and financial well-being. I compare this to the running of our not-for-profit which operates on a volunteer-only basis. We have managed to raise over $300,000 since June 2003 - I know the difference is personal passion and everyone can't work for free...but I feel like I could seriously minimize the "layers" and work would still be completed...oh well. Another day, another dollar.

I have been eating well still, will exercise once the kidlets go to bed. D just went for a run in our local little park. He only has until Thursday morning to get to his goal weight and he is still about 5 pounds away. He did inform me though that if he does not meet the weight, they will then do a body fat calculation and he might slide in that way. Only time will tell.

The next 2 weeks are going to be WAY busy for him, so I need to strap on my extra patience and remember that this too shall pass. The kids pretty much won't see him from bedtime tonight until Thursday evening. Sucks.

Okay, all for now.

CC