Life...

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” 
― Dr. Seuss


I'm not sure if there is anyone out there left who has ever read my blog, and if you are, you probably assume I no longer write new posts...

I actually wasn't sure if I ever would again either.  So much going on, every single day.  On days that I do have a little extra down time, I get on the computer and get distracted with reading other people's amazing blogs or oogling over websites or Facebook.

It's not that I don't have things to write about, I really do.  In fact, I'm sure I'll forget a lot of what I wanted to say today, just because there is a bunch to catch up on.

For one, I worked over the summer at my second job.  It was good and not so good.  I've met some nice people, learned some things about weddings and all the work that goes into making them special.  I also learned what very hard work it is, and that I'm getting older and don't bounce back quite as quickly as I used to!

There were a few mornings after I worked the night before (til 11 or 12), that I felt a little like I'd been hit by a bus or a train, something of that caliber ;)  One weekend there were 3 weddings, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and I worked all three.  I thought my feet might fall off by the end of that weekend.  I'm happy to say, they are still attached, if not a little battered.

My sweet little niece India playing with her little friend on the beach. She's the blondie :)

We took the girls to Starbuck's in Cardiff-by-the-Sea to do some homework.  We were the only ones without laptops, we had crayons, markers, and colored pencils instead.  That's my rainbow drawing on the bottom right, you're never too old to color!

My niece who just turned 8 has been learning how to surf, I love this picture of her on the beach!

It felt like my Summer went by very, very quickly this year.  I guess the second job and having less time off from my job as school office secretary made it that way.  Our district's calendar was slightly different this year, so we did not have our usual 6 weeks off.  What I did have, was both my girls home with me all summer.  Although my youngest also got a new job and we were often like passing ships, we still found time to hang out, us three Musketeers.

Because of this, we did not do a whole lot over the summer. We did take our yearly trip to Lake Tahoe, it was so good to get away for a few days.  Our trip there was also a little shorter than usual, but I was still happy we all got to get away together.  It is one of my favorite places, especially in the summer.

A picture my daughter took with her phone in Tahoe, so beautiful there!

I think I chose today to write a post, because I am feeling a little out of sorts, and I thought it might help unravel my brain a bit.  I just returned home from bringing my oldest daughter back to college.  This is always my least favorite trip to Southern CA.  I loved seeing my nieces and sister, that is always a plus and one of the reasons we get to go as often as we do.  Not having to rent a hotel makes all the difference.  I love spending time with those little munchkins, I miss them so much.

So, it is with a heavy heart that I left them...my sister, nieces, and daughter...we had a few great days together.  We had a birthday party at the beach for the little girls, I went for coffee and a long walk on the beach with my sis, and enjoyed a "big girls only" happy hour having sushi, which is something I don't usually eat.  It was yummy and nice to hang out with my sister and daughters! I also managed to get my daughter moved back in to  her on-campus apartment.

Some other recent highlights- my oldest turned 21 on Sept. 18th, can't believe I have a kid that old!!!! My younger daughter made the "top 6" for Homecoming Queen at her high school, so we have lots of activities in the next couple weeks involving that.

There's a lot more to say...but for now this will do.

This is one of the many houses we got to walk by on the beach. It is my new dream neighborhood that happens to be just across the street from my sister's condo...a place called St. Malo, very exclusive and way out of my budget, but I can dream!

Wishing you happy thoughts,
Lisa

It's all about the kids...

Because of my full-time job, I spend a lot of time with children between the ages of 5-12.  It's probably the number one reason why I like my job so much.

I love the adults at work too, I am fortunate to work for a hard-working principal, and a group of dedicated teachers and support staff. 

But the kids are what really make me love my job.  It's not easy being a kid these days, especially if your family life is not so great.  Through my job, everyday I see  the struggles that kids must face, when they really have no control or choice over their own lives.  While I encounter many wonderful parents who clearly put their kids first, I also see a lot who don't.

And it makes me sad.  Part of me wants to take a kid home with me everyday.  Of course I can't, but I see so many childre nwho could wind up so much better off if they were just in a better environment.  Some of these kids might have little or no chance at success in their lives solely because of the people who are raising them. 

And with all the hardship around, the agencies that are here to protect children, must pick and choose when they can intervene. The standards I have and what I think parenting should be, is far higher than what is considered acceptable parenting by child protective services.  

Many times I feel helpless, all I can do is show them kindness, listen to them, and try to make them smile.  I wish I could take them all home and give them every opportunity in the world.

After a busy and stressful week at work, that included a home visit with my boss, and two nights out during the week, I made it a point to find some time this weekend to have a little fun.  Now my fun may seem simple, but anything that lets me relax and makes me smile does the trick for me.

Saturday night, after a long day on my feet selling prom dresses, I de-stressed at Barnes & Noble with my daughter, drinking coffee and browsing through my favorite magazines and cookbooks. 

Today we saw The Lorax, a sweet movie with a beautiful message for kids and adults.  It was just what I needed to round out my weekend.  A homemade dinner and glass of wine has me ready to face another busy week.

Wishing you Peace and Happy thoughts,
Lisa

2012, so far...

Goals are the fuel in the furnace of achievement.
-Brian Tracy

Well, so far, 2012 is turning out to be a pretty decent year.  It's flying by, but it seems as we get older it just does!

My oldest daughter, who is away at college, will be finishing up her third year, and I can't believe it!  My younger daughter, has only one more year of high school and then she'll be off to college too!  This is an important time for her as far as school goes, so much pressure on her to get good grades, taking SAT's, and finding the right college. 

I worry so much for my girls...I want them to have every opportunity in life that they possibly can.  I want them to be HAPPY, and INDEPENDENT, and just do what they LOVE for a living.  That's not asking too much, is it??

Sometimes I just have to stop and BREATHE!!!

The bottom line, though, is that they are good girls, I couldn't be more proud and more pleased with how they are turning out.  I am truly blessed!

For me, it's been a very busy year.  I have a summer job!! Wooo hoooo!  I'm pretending that I'm completely excited about that :)  Which I am, really, but it will be different this summer, working on the weekends, probably every weekend. 

I am at that point in my life, though, that I really don't have a choice.  With one in college, and the other starting college next year, I desperately need the extra money.  I will be working at an event venue, it's outdoors, so I'm happy about that.  The last thing I want is to be stuck inside during the summer.  I will be doing a lot of hard work, setting up tables and chairs, serving and cleaning up during and after weddings and events, and even cleaning bathrooms.  A little hardwork never hurt anyone, right?!?  I am excited to be part of people's important day though, and I love celebrations and parties, so  I think it will be really fun!

My youngest just went to prom Saturday night, and I paid for her dress and all the "accessories" with money from my "other" second job :)  It's just temporary, but I am working for one of my best friends from high school at her Tuxedo Rental and Prom Dress shop.  Perfect, right??  I literally "worked off" my daughter's dress, shoes, & jewelry.

I've discovered this Author and Artist, Karen Salmonsohn, she is so positive and inspirational.

It's funny how life works out when you need it to.  I am by no means out of debt, I still work more than I play, but we do what we have to, and I am lucky enough to get to work with nice people who I enjoy spending time with.  I can't really ask for more than that.

Above all, I firmly believe in the old adage, that hard work pays off.

Someday, maybe I can save enough money to take a real vacation...I dream of Europe, I have always wanted to visit Italy, France, England, Greece....and let's not forget Spain!


Little inexpensive treats I sent to my two sweet nieces, I miss them so much!


But for now, I need a new washer, dryer, oven, and the list goes on!  I guess we are always in need of something, it's what keeps us motivated and working towards a goal.  And I'm ok with that at this point in my life.

Andes Chocolate Mint cupcakes I made for the kids going to Prom.

In my spare time, yes, there's a tiny bit of it....I am still baking and crafting, and just started with all the yard work that comes at this time of year.  I am already dreaming of homegrown tomatoes and evenings on my back patio with a glass of wine and my favorite magazine or book....

Some fun little candy bars I made for St. Patrick's Day

Hoping this year is finding you in a place of peace and happiness.

Wishing you happy thoughts,
Lisa