Life and other random thoughts...

"Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, a touch that never hurts." Charles Dickens


It's really cold here again. 
Every time I hear the heater go on, I think of all the money I already owe PG&E, ugh...


There is a boy at my school who is leaving. 
He's going to live with a new foster family. 
It is breaking my heart. 
He is the cutest little guy. 
A sweet little second grader.
He likes the "panacakes" at McDonald's. That's not a typo-that's how he says pancakes :)
How could his mother not want him?
Life is so unfair sometimes.
How could I ever complain of anything, ever again?
I have even considered becoming a foster parent, just so he could come live with me and my girls. 
It's a big decision. 
I'm not sure if it's the right time in my life, but someday I think I might like to do this. 
I love kids. 
Everyday they make me smile at work.


Tonight I'm spending the evening chaperoning my daughter's high school yearbook class. 
It's one of their deadlines, and they work til 10pm getting their pages done once a month or so.
Their advisor/teacher is out of town and they needed a parent chaperone. 
I'm really just here playing around on the computer and reading. 
I enjoy it though. 
They are good company.
They play good music.
The kids are totally self-sufficient.
I baked them chocolate chip pan cookies and popped them some popcorn. 
They are so appreciative.
They even bought me Starbucks :)
I love being a mom.


I miss my big girl. 
I am so proud of her, it makes my heart swell.
I can't imagine what it will be like when my baby girl will be away at college too.
I would never hold them back. 
As hard as it is for me, I encourage them to spread their wings and fly...
I want them to do everything in life I was too afraid to do.
I think that's what we all want as parents.
I am raising smart, independent girls. 
I learn from them everday.
I love them so much.

Tomorrow is Saturday and I will be working job #2.
Then some fun times with the gang at job #1, pizza and bowling.
The weekend is going to fly by.
But life seems to fly by, doesn't it?
All we can do is hold on and make it the very best we can.

Happy Thoughts,
Lisa

Little Blessings

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." -Thomas A Edison

I've missed blogging the past few weeks, but there just hasn't been enough time in the day. 

These past weeks I am thankful for the little blessings in my life.  As you know, I've been trying to find a second job.  Life always seems to offer opportunities when you least expect it. 

After work one Friday, I stopped by to visit a dear friend of mine from high school.   She happens to own her own tuxedo rental/prom dress business, in fact, the most popular one around.  This visit turned out to be just one of those little opportunities.  My friend, G, has always been a supportive, giving person.  Even if we go months without talking, I know it won't make a difference in our friendship.  We had many fun and crazy days in high school, there was never a dull moment with this girl around.  Some of my best and most vivid memories involve G. 

 When I casually mentioned I am still looking for a second job, she immediately asks if I'm available to work on weekends, now is her  busiest time of the year, as it is officially "prom season", so she is even open Sundays.  She lets me know she will get back to me,  I had not been home 15 minutes before she called and asked if I could come in the following day.  Her shop is right down the street, so the convenience could not be more perfect.  The gals she has working are a fun group of ladies and the atmosphere is always upbeat.

So at least during prom season, my Saturdays will be spent helping young girls select just the perfect dress for one of the best high school memories they will hopefully have.

Working 6 days a week does not come without sacrifice, of course missing time with my daughter is the biggest.   Trying to get all the errands and chores I usually spend my weekened doing, will be a little more challenging to accomplish.  The past two weekends I have been lucky enough to have Monday off due to the President's Day holidays, so the real test in organization has not yet been passed.

In addition to my work away from home, I also recently completed a little project for my boss and friend at the school I work at.  I loved doing this for her, I feel blessed to work with such a wonderful lady.  She threw a shower for her sister who is having her first baby, so I was honored to be asked to be a part of her special day, by designing some candy bars and a banner.  I can't wait to hear how it all turned out, and hope her sister will know how special she wanted to make her baby shower.

A fun banner welcoming baby Noah!

Little placecards to set at each plate for the guests' selected entree.

Love the color combo!

I hope your life is filled with wonderful little opportunities as well! 

Happy Thoughts,

Lisa

Sharing the Love...

“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.”-Robert Heinlein

I was planning on writing a post today about what I've been up to the past week or so, since my last post.   I will fill you in briefly, but now, in just the last few minutes, my direction has changed a bit.

Rebecca, from Walnut & Vine, left me a comment suggesting I check out another blog, called Blondie'N'SC.  I was intrigued, and clicked on the link.  I was so moved by her post, her words were emotional, honest, and from the heart.  I related to so much of what she wrote about, it brought me to tears.

So first, I want to thank Rebecca, and I want to suggest you check out both of these wonderful blogs.  There are so many amazing women out there in this world, I am constantly thrilled and surprised by them.

This past week and half, I have had such a tremendous load off my mind since the trial, but also the burden of trying to make up for another huge cut to my income.  A couple  friends paid me to make cupcakes for them, I took a small order for Valentine Candy bars from an old friend from high school, and I even worked at buying gold this past weekend with a friend.  None of it has proven to be super lucrative, but every extra dollar or two helps.   I also got my taxes done earlier than I ever have, and the small return coming will definitely help.

I love being creative, so the candy bars fill my creative soul more than my pocket book.  Valentine's day has kind of snuck up on me, so here I am at the last minute making up inexpensive little care packages for my sweet nieces and daughter.  I love the idea of them getting a mail delivery with little surprises from me, letting them know I am thinking of them.

Thank you Traci, hope your kiddos have fun handing them out!

This coming weekend, I wish you a Valentine's Day filled with love, whether it be from your husband, boyfriend, children, parents, or friends...just sweet, simple LOVE.

Happy Thoughts and Warm Hearts,

Lisa