Amanda

10th Birthday & 4th of July

2007-07-05T12:30:00.000-05:00

I took Tuesday off of work to celebrate Matthew's birthday. It was his birthday wish that I take the day off. We did some running around: grocery shopping, trip to Blockbuster, and the library to renew his Harry Potter book.

Matthew decided to have a Snicker's cake instead of an everyday birthday cake. We accidentally bought trick candles. My house was filled with smoke after the second time he attempted to blow them out. He was determined to blow them all out and tried four times. After that, we had to open the front door. Trying to let the smoke out, we let the rain in. Sigh. It's over. Here are some pictures:

Then to celebrate 4th of July, we participated in a parade, and did sparklers at home. Here are some photos of the sparklers:

PS - Mom, if you read this, I've been trying to email you - but they keep getting returned as undeliverable. How did the Father's Day cups work out?

Closing Ceremonies

2007-06-26T08:14:00.001-05:00

Matthew's closing ceremonies for baseball happened over the weekend. Regrettably, the ceremonies were postponed 5 or 6 different times. The coach was out of town, and the assistants failed to notify the parents. I was really iritated that the assistant coaches didn't even show up. Only four kids were there. I have attached the photos. One of the other parents stepped in and acted as assistant coach, and I accepted the trophies on behalf of the other kids. Now it's my responsibility to make sure the actual coach gets them, and he's not returning my calls. I thought it was the heat and humidity that was making this situation more aggrivating. I would hate to think that the coaches just dropped the kids at the end of the season.

4th of July / Birthday Preparations

2007-06-26T07:53:00.001-05:00

I was recently given a George Foreman grill. I have got to say - it's one of the neatest things I've used in a long time. It comes on it's own stand and all. Looks like a regular outdoor grill.

I started thinking - what a great item to have since hurricane season is here. After setting it up, I then realized.... it's electric. I couldn't help but to laugh.

Yesterday, I was talking to Matthew. We were talking about what he would like for his birthday. He said to me "I would like for you to take a day off of work." I told him that I could make that happen. Just before dinner, he asked me if I actually took the day off. I replied that I had. He said to me "I was just making sure, since you have short term memory loss."
Out of the mouths of babes.

4th of July is quickly approaching. I was going through some boxes I packed about a year ago and came across 25 boxes of sparklers and about 8 boxes of pop-it things. Since we are not a big fan of fireworks, these will do just fine. I think we may just sit outside on the porch to watch the sky around us.

I hope you all enjoy a fantastic 4th.

Sitting Still....

2007-06-14T08:59:00.000-05:00

Last night, I told Matthew that he needed a hair cut. Since I am the only one who cuts Matthew's hair, he knows the rules... sit still.

As an example to all of those children who choose to cry, complain and fuss about getting a hair cut, this is what the end result is:

Just kidding. He actually wanted it like this. Said he wanted to be like his Uncle John. I told him that if this was the way he wanted it done, he could probably cut it himself. LOL

Happy Thursday everyone!

What I Found...

2007-06-13T08:56:00.000-05:00

Two days ago, I came home to find Matthew in the bathroom with the door closed. This was no surprise as I find him in the same assumed position every other day. So I call out "How long are you going to be in there?"
He replies "I don't know".
"Well, how long do you think you will be in there?"
"I don't know."
"Why don't you know?"
"Because I don't, why don't you come in?"
"Did you light a candle or strike a match?" (laughing at this point)
"No, just come in."

Hesitant, I opened the door. And this is what I found:

He had decided to change the toilet seat all on his own. He took out all 10 screws out. When I told him that he should have just taken apart the two plastic ones, he gave up. LOL

A quick hello...

2007-05-30T12:11:00.000-05:00

I was reminded again this morning that I need to update this thing again. I don't have much time as I don't have internet access at home - and I'm not getting any work done while I do this at work.

Here are some new photos that were recently taken.... Hope you enjoy them. They are labeled as follows:

1. Mother's Day Luncheon on the Triumph

2. Tacky Tourist Day at work

I remembered!

2007-04-04T08:58:00.000-05:00

I rememberd that I had to post something new on my way in to work. How about that?! And here I thought I had Alzheimer's. LOL

Nevertheless, I'm super busy at work. But I sent an email to mom requesting status on Uncle Duane. I sent a get well card, but didn't hear anything on how he is doing. Anyone have any news on this? I hope all is okay with him.

Matthew's team (the Oriole's) won last night's game... 9 to 7. For the first three innings they were down by 6, but then I guess the White Sox's pitcher's arm was starting to wear out... our guys walked in for about 7 points. Either way - a win is a win.

Attached is a picture of Matthew's 4th grade class. I presented on behalf of Carnival for Career Day. The kids had a blast.

Have a great day everyone.

Alzheimer's...

2007-03-30T13:29:00.000-05:00

Okay, okay - it's aparent that I have Alzheimer's. I need constant reminder that I should update my blog.

I apologize again to everyone as I have forgotten about the blogger site. I seem to be consumed with work and not enough 'down time'.

Matthew is also here at work with me. He is currently on spring break.

Recently, he has taken up a liking for baseball and joined the team in Palm Springs North. I have attached some photos for you.

He also had a major volcano project due. His volcano name is "Arenal". Arenal is located in Costa Rica.

I also thought this picture of my nephew should be added. This is John and Tracy's son, Tyler. He know's how to really jam on a guitar. I could only imagine how the neighbors reacted. LOL

Gotta go for now - work is yelling my name. I hope you enjoy the photos, and that you have a great weekend.

It's been a while...

2007-02-23T15:58:00.000-05:00

I apologize to all of those that have been asking about me posting another blog. I had forgotten about this website to be honest with you. After having been reminded by my mom, I realized then that I had also forgotten about my user name and password. (Sigh) - so I hope this blog posts when I save it.

I have recently gotten out of healthcare and joined Carnival Cruise Line. It's a really good company to work for, with benefits that even surprise me.

I know there was a comment or two about my friend's wedding (from a year ago) - I am still very sorry that it's taken me this long to reply. The wedding was beautiful. Since then, four other friends of mine got married. All weddings were amazing.

I guess to really show my lateness - I just sent Tyler (my nephew's) Christmas gift yesterday. I guess it will be like Christmas all over again. In my defense, John still hasn't sent Matthew's. LOL

Matthew recently did the fundraiser for Jump Rope for Heart. He was the top producer for his class. I also asked the P.E. teacher to postpone the due date for him as I learned after the due date that additional funds were scheduled to arrive. The P.E. teacher granted him a few extra days and asked me to thank everyone for contributing.

Since I'm at work now, I might as well get back to business. I will try to keep up with this more frequently. Regrettably, my internet access at home has been having issues and refuses to work for me.

- Amanda -

Bridal Shower Follow-Up

2006-01-22T23:30:00.000-05:00

Matthew and I just got home from Daytona Beach a few hours ago. What a busy weekend! Stephanie (the bride, and my best friend of 20 years) had no idea I was on my way to see her. She was quite surprised when I showed up on her door step. Her fiancee (Christian), whom I've never met before, is a really great guy. Intelligent, charming, and charismatic are the top three words I would chose to describe him. This was the first time I had met him.

Christian and I had been on the phone on and off throughout the last couple weeks trying to get my visit arranged. I filled him in on the planning and scheduling of the spa, and dinner reservations. He had agreed to watch Matthew while the girls 'hung out at the spa'. So while the girls were having their 'girls day out', the boys were having a 'men's day together' (ha ha ha) - I thought that was cute. Stephanie and Christian have a five year old (Stephen) whom Matthew got a long famously with. The two boys were practically inseparable the entire weekend. They played in the pool together at the hotel, and video games together while they were at Christian's house just to name a few of their many activities.

Saturday morning started out a little rough around the edges. There are three brides-maids, one maid of honor, and the bride. Between the five of us, four were supposed to go to the spa together. Everyone received an invitation, with only one declination (an out of town brides-maid). Come Saturday morning, we had the bride, and myself... but two of the brides-maids hadn't arrived by the specified meeting time. Stephanie wasn't aware of what the agenda was... and had no idea what was about to happen. Once the limousine pulled up to the house (right on schedule), of course she was shocked, but we had to start making phone calls... quickly. The other two weren't anywhere to be found. So we asked the driver if he was able to wait just a few more minutes to allow the other girls a chance to arrive. He agreed and we all stood around socializing. About three minutes later, Angie (one of the brides-maids) arrived. She was supposed to pick up Kimberly (the other brides-maid), but arrived alone. Apparently, Kimberly wasn't aware she was supposed to be going with us to the spa and decided to make other arrangements the night before - so she wasn't home when Angie went to pick her up. The three of us left in the limousine. Christian made some phone calls, finally found out where she was and then drove an hour to go pick her up to bring her to the spa so that she could join us. We all had a wonderful, relaxing afternoon. Its a good thing he was able to help out. After that, we went to see how the boys were doing. Each had four limbs and had been fed - so we figured the three of them were doing pretty good. They were all happy. They had been to the pool and though Christian was wore out - the boys still had some energy left so they went into Stephen's room and played with some toys. At 6:30, the girls left for the restaurant. Ocean Deck is Stephanie's favorite place to go... so that's where the reservations were made. After arriving, I realized that its not the type of place you really make reservations. It's a very casual, no shoes, no shirt required kind of place. Karaoke night. A lot of great talent ended up on stage while we waited for the manager. I wasn't sure where we would be seated exactly. Vernon, the manager, showed us to an outside private deck area. It worked out nicely because the weather just happened to be cooperating with us. It was a cool 75 or so outside with a slight breeze. We posted decorations and waited for everyone else to arrive. Ironically, the girl with the exotic dancer idea didn't show up. In attendance was: Vicki (the Mother of the Bride), Sandy (the aunt of the bride), Jennifer (Stephanie's brother's girlfriend), Angie, Kimberly, Stephanie, and myself. Small, but quaint. Sandy is a recovering alcoholic on many different psych meds. Needless to say, she had one Bahama-Mama and felt sick. She had a 'brilliant' idea to go lay down in the mini-van. Unfortuantely, the parking lot of the restaurant is two blocks away, on the opposite side of A1A (not in the best of neighborhoods). Obviously we couldn't allow her to do that, we chose to finish eating and call it a night. Which invaded our plans to go downstairs and join karaoke night. Oh well. Viki, Sandy, Jennifer, and Angie left together because they all car-pooled. Kimberly, Stephanie and I went back to the hotel. The plan then was for us to put our suits on and go down to the jacuzzi. Which was a great plan. It's nice to listen to the waves crashing against the shore while sitting in the warm water with your back up against one of the jets. It was around 10:45 when we got back to the hotel. I ended up with a pretty bad headache so I opted to stay behind and rest - seeing that I had quite a drive ahead of me for the next day. I gave them the room key and wished them a good time. I'm glad they were understanding. I think I fell asleep before I hit the pillow. I wasn't sure what time they came back up to the room, but I heard them giggling about Little Foot. Little Foot is my 8 month old rabbit. He was hopping up and down at the side of the bed where Kimberly had laid down. They (Stephanie and Kimberly) thought he was looking for his 'mama' (me). I think sleep paralysis had taken a hold of me again when all of that was going on... not able to move, or speak. I was completely exhausted. All-in-all, it was a great day.

Sunday morning, we all woke up, went to eat, and said our goodbye's. It's hard to imagine We get to do most of this all over again in two weeks for the wedding. Sigh.... it was a great weekend.
******************************************************
After reading some of the responses to my last post....

I'm glad to hear I have Pizza Hut supporters (ha ha ha). Matthew and I are doing very well.

Despite the slight financial, and mental drain - I don't mind doing any of this. Stephanie has been one of my best friends, through good times and bad, for the last twenty years. It is nice to know that we have someone to count on when we need someone to lean on. I have leaned quite hard on her in the past - and now it's her turn. We have supported each other, even when we thought we couldn't. She is part of my family and I love her.

I'm not too sure who "EZ" is. By the view of the posted picture, I am absolutly sure it is a relative. That is the face of Grandma Pat all the way. But I'm not quite sure it is her. Please send a message to me with who you are. In the meantime, the color 'latte' reminds me of a cup of dark coffee with one tsp. of milk. Its sort of creamy, but I still think its too dark for a February wedding at the same time. The exact dress is located on this web page: David's Bridal - Bridesmaids, Dress Detail Please feel free to view the exact dress and comment on your thoughts. I am always interested to hear (read about) what other opinions are.

I hope this blog finds everyone in good hopes and spirits for the upcoming week.

It's quickly coming to an end...

2006-01-17T17:08:00.000-05:00

My friend's wedding plans are coming to gether very nicely. I'm still not impressed with her color scheme... latte and ivory (for a February wedding?!?!) The dresses for the bridal party are designed beautifully. It is very elegant... and well... I paid an arm and a leg for it. I was just hoping to be able to wear it more than once. I'm half tempted to wear it to the movies, the beach... Pizza Hut (just because I'd like to get my money's worth) - and though it just might be hillarious if I did.... it would be tacky at the same time.

The 'pre-bridal event' is coming along just nicely. An ex-co worker of the bride somehow got ideas that there were going to be male dancers at this gathering. I don't know... to me, having that type of entertainment is just low class. In a way, I wanted to exclude this particular person because of this (and a few other ideas) that she had. And even though a 'cat-fight' might be a little interesting, I'm not going to pay it any attention. I feel that everyone should be able to have a great time together, but in a comfortable setting.

I wanted to at least get in a good pedicure before the wedding... so - I found a spa that can tend to the bridal party (just the girls) at the same time. It took a lot of searching because I don't live in Daytona Beach - I had to start by searching on the internet, and then making a lot of phone calls. We will spend a half day at the spa with facials, manicures, pedicures, and massage just the four of us.

Knowing that I still should include some of Stephanie's (the bride) other friends, I figured to set up reservations at her favorite restaurant: Ocean Deck. That way, everyone can enjoy each other's company in a comfortable setting. This couldn't have worked out any better. Everyone will be included, I won't go broke, and its all in casual setting.

Sometimes its the great ideas that come to you at the last moment.

Sigh of relief.... we leave on Friday night for Daytona Beach. I hope everything works out as planned.

Wedding Bliss...

2005-12-20T09:11:00.000-05:00

I've tried Uncle Tim's suggestion to bow out gracefully as maid of honor... and I was told I wasn't getting off the hook that easily so close to the wedding date. It was said in more of a joking way... but I still heard the disappointment in her voice. So instead of changing plans so abruptly, I am still the maid of honor. The dress and shoes have already been bought. As far as the bridal shower goes, I am thinking just to have only the brides maids attend and we can all get our nails done, along with facials. I figured after our 'de-tox' time, we can always invite others to join us for dinner. I thought this would be a better idea. This eliviates the requirement for party favors, centerpieces, elongated party planning, and games. The only thing now, is that I am waiting on one of the 'local' brides maids to get back to me with the addresses of the brides maids (so I can send invitations), and possibly some salon names.

Short and simple. What do you think?

On another note: Today we have a lot planned. We are doing 'winter' cleaning.... getting out all of the clothes that we haven't worn in the last 3 weeks, things that don't 'fit just right', and what-not. Spring cleaning in the winter time. Since Matthew is out of school for the next 2 weeks, he will be able to help. You can bet I will be putting his assistance to good use.

If I don't back it back to blogging before Christmas, I hope you all have a safe and wonderful holiday season.

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Merry

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Christmas

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I'm starting to miss this...

2005-12-11T21:26:00.000-05:00

I don't know why it seems so difficult for me to find the time to come and visit this part of the internet. I kind of miss coming here to complain about life's little annoyances. LOL. It's not like I'm too busy at work lately (since last week I was cancelled more times than not). This past week, I was only able to work 16 of a normal 36-40 hour week. There is a trend that I have been noticing from past weeks: cancellations are becoming more frequent. Needless to say, I'm looking for another job. Even though the need will eventually arise where they will actually require overtime, it just hasn't been working out in the past month, and chances are, things will stay this way until March. The holidays are coming, and I'd rather not use my vacation pay because I'm forced to substitute it for cancellation days.

More bad news, looks like my much needed vacation will need to be postponed yet again. This would be due to the lack of vacation time I have left due to these cancellations. What has the world come to - when you are actually forced to use your vacation time? Sigh...

Time for happy news now.... A friend of mine is graduating from college, and his girlfriend is having her birthday... a bunch of friends of mine are throwing them simultaneous parties. It just might be the first ever Birthday/Graduation bash. I'm happy for both of them.

More good news: one of my best friends (a girl I grew up with) is getting married in February. I am the maid-of-honor. Which is exciting - I've never been the maid-of-honor. She lives in a city outside of Orlando (four and a half hours away), and I am planning to throw her a Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party. Only problem I'm running into is where to have it. I don't know too much about the area she lives in... and chances are it will be kind of cold outside. I've never been maid-of-honor before. I'm not too sure exactly what to do or expect either. So many questions... and not enough answers. For example: I plan to have a nice get together, nothing nasty like a strip club... so if we have it at a restaurant, would I be expected to be financially responsible for everyone's meal along with decorations, party favors, and whatnot? I'm sure it wouldn't be right to have Matthew included in this, but as a single parent, driving so far to do this, what would I be expected to do with him?? He certainly can't stay in a hotel room alone.

LOL - I feel the anxiety building and it isn't even my wedding. I'm just going to take it one thing at a time... but - if anyone has any suggestions - please post any and all ideas.

Anyway - I hope you all had a great weekend, and I hope the week ahead brings much joy and happiness to you.

Amanda

It's Time for a Vacation

2005-11-29T09:35:00.000-05:00

Well, I've come to realize that it's time for a much needed vacation. We kind of need something short and sweet - but on the other hand, we also need a vacation that we would need a vacation from. Looking to possibly go between the end of December to February. I was thinking a short 3 or 4 night cruise. We have cruised before... and thoroughly enjoyed it. Seeing that I used to work for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity - it is nothing new to us. My second thought was to take him to a resort at Disney (you know - actually stay on the property and enjoy Disney to it's fullest). Though we've been to Disney half a dozen times together (and I've been more times than I'd like to count), we've never stayed at the resorts on the property. Trying to narrow it down... I started comparing the above ideas. If we go on a cruise: we can see more that one city in the same vacation, the food is unbelievable, and we can lay around and do nothing if we so choose. If we go to Disney: I could get a massage while Matthew orders room service (ha ha ha), and we would pretty much have each day planned because we would want to get in as much 'park hopping' as possible. Decisions, decisions....

Any one have any suggestions or ideas?

Happy Thanksgiving

2005-11-24T18:29:00.000-05:00

Thought I'd say a quick hello and wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

For the first time, I made Thanksgiving lunch/dinner. It was my first time doing it from start to finish... all by myself (well - I had a little help from Matthew).

We got up around 09:00 and started with the turkey (even before breakfast). Matthew's job was to rub the turkey with butter/oil, take the bag out of the center, and assist with the cutting of the mashed potatoes.

I, on the other hand, had everything else to do. Turkey went in the oven at 09:30. I started out using the butter and oil recommended by the Butterball Company. But then decided to throw in my own ingredients. (LOL) - you could only imagine, right? It wasn't that bad... I used a Wish Bone salad dressing: Southern Country Italian to baste the turkey. It made the turkey happy. However, no matter what I did to this turkey, I couldn't get it to brown - like in the commercials. I wanted a really crispy skin. It was a task I just couldn't seem to accomplish. On the other hand, when I went to 'carve' the turkey, we then realized that there was more than one bag of turkey parts in the center of the bird. Needless to say we were grossed out and laughing at the same time. The meat was tender - fell right off the bone. I don't know if that was due to the fact that it was a Butterball, or if it was due to the salad dressing I used, or because we left turkey parts in the center. Whatever the reason - it was a very tasty bird. Matthew complained that the mashed potatoes were too 'soft'. How it's possible for mashed potatoes to be too 'soft', I'll never know.

All in all - it was a good afternoon. Our Christmas tree is already up and decorated - we will do the outside lights over the weekend. I have to work tonight and tomorrow.... so I'd better get going.

We wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving.

* Amanda & Matthew *

Just A Short Hello To Everyone...

2005-11-21T15:56:00.000-05:00

It seems as though every time I sign on to this site, they have added new fonts. Maybe it's just me... or maybe I don't sign on that often to figure out what updates are going on??? I'm thinking the latter of the two, unfortunately.

Sean - I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to talk with you earlier online. I was on the phone with Tracy (John's wife) and she was updating me with things that are going on with her and Tyler out in California and things that are going on with John while he is TDY.

Aunt Paulette and Adrienne, thank you for posting. I'm glad to see that our family members are reading, and adding to these posts. I'm sorry that I haven't posted much lately. Our power had gone out again (only for about 24 hours), but I hesitate turning the computer on only to have it continually shut down on me.

Yikes, it's 4:05 - I have to go pick Matthew up from Chess Club by 4:15. With T.S. Gamma out of the way.... lets hope the power stays on and our horrific hurricane season is over.

Amanda

Back Up And Running...

2005-11-17T02:41:00.000-05:00

Today is the first day I get back online in I don't know how long. I'm very sorry for the delay with responding to you all. For my family that worried about us... we are doing fine now. Thank you for thinking about us; and keeping us in your prayers. I appreciate that you sent email to us expressing your concern. Unfortunately our power was out for a few weeks and it's kind of hard to check email with a power outage. I had to work the night the hurricane hit. They gave me the option to stay and work a double shift, or try to make it home in the middle of it all to be with my family. Of course my nurse manager discouraged the fact that I wanted to leave to be with Matthew. I'm sure many of you would agree with my manager as well. You should know though that I did get home safely. It was a difficult drive home though. Living approximately 8 miles from the hospital, I decided to leave at 6 a.m. and I started out at about 10 miles per hour. The streets were dark... with the exception of the ocassional transformer that was blown out. It's rather wierd to see the sky light up in neon greens and blues when its so dark outside. All of the power was out on the way home... there weren't any street lights or signs that were lit up. And of course, I took all back streets home. I would never trust my SUV on the highway with 100+ mile an hour winds. I eventually got up to about 30 mph. It scared me to drive at that speed because I could feel my car start to lift. So I dropped it back down to 10 / 15 mph. I could see that a lot of the traffic signals had crashed to the street, some of the light posts had fallen. We were supposed to get the worst part of the storm at around 10 a.m. To think that all this was going on before the worst part was rather scary. I had pulled my car up between our house and the neighbors house (he wasn't home - he never is during a hurricane). The houses are close enough together to protect my car from any major damage, but far enough apart that debris still managed to lodge itself under and surrounding it. In any case, I was running to get inside the house - holding on to my glasses (I'm sure I would have lost them otherwise). Just as I get to the front of the house, the tree across the street comes crashing down from the south side of the street to the north side - blocking the roadway. Thank goodness I made it home when I did! After working all night, I went inside, showered, and went to bed. I was so exhausted I slept through the major part of the storm. When I woke up - it was quiet. It was a rather eerie quiet. The thought of tip-toeing though the house just to see what happened outside crossed my mind. The neighborhood was quiet. No cars, no airplanes, no rescue, no city noise... nothing. And then I noticed the damage. No damage to the house (thank goodness!). But trees, branches, cable and power lines, pieces of roof, unidentified metal pieces... everything down. Everything - everywhere. Destruction like I've never seen it before. Later in the afternoon, clean up began. Generators started running. Chain saws started up. People were moving about - primarily to survey damage. I guess they were comparing who had it worse. We ended up with a power line down in the backyard. And we heard on the radio that power was to be restored by Nov. 22 at the latest. So we began taking each day at a time. It started out as Cheetos for breakfast, and then we just munched thoughout the day on whatever snack foods were bought. Unfortuantely, I'm not all that great with picking out hurricane food. I started bringing ice home from the hospital - and when they allowed us to, I eventually was able to bring home a hot breakfast for Matthew to eat. I would charge his DVD player at work, so at least he could get one movie in per day. Boredom and depression set in for him. He missed his friends and really wanted to get back to school. Two weeks later, the school opened, four days after that, our power was restored. We still have a power line in the back yard. My first hot shower and the first time I used my hair dryer... ah - what a relief. My hair must have thought it would never see electricity again... when I dried my hair - it stood on end. I looked like the Lion King. Amusing, yes. Fun to deal with.... ah, no. Such is life.

We hope you are all doing well.

I'm off to bed now. Good night everyone, and thank you again.

Going to be a short one...

2005-10-23T17:54:00.000-05:00

Hurricane Wilma is set to be a category 2 or 3 by the time it hits Florida. Thank God it won't be a cat. 4/5 like originally planned. We are going to get the strong side of the storm (the wind); as opposed to the North side (the rain). I have to work tonight (how fortunate for me - to have to work during the last two hurricanes). It's been noted that if you so chose to call in 'sick' or 'not able to make it', you will be terminated. I'm sure there is a law about that somewhere... however, Florida is a no-fault state and they can release you of your duties without reason. Oh well. Just like Hurricane Katrina - I will drive carefully and do my best to get there without difficulty.

I'm going to be extremely busy at work tonight - they open the maternity center as a shelter for pregnancies greater than 37 weeks. We anticipate an above average number of babies will be born tonight/tomorrow. So in the event you happen to read this and have a need to call me, please leave a voice mail for me and I will check it once I get a moment (if I get a moment). Feel free to use the instant message/text message feature if an urgent message is necessary. Please only use this feature for tonight only.

I need to power down now... sky is getting dark - and winds are picking up. Tornadoes are expected tonight between Miami and Palm Beach. From what I'm listening to on the radio - this is going to be a douzie... um... a double douzie.

Will post pictures when its all over with.

** Amanda **

Positive Thinking...

2005-10-22T18:43:00.000-05:00

Trying to 'stay afloat' just doesn't cut it sometimes. For the last year and a half, I have gone to school, gone to work, and thrived at being a single parent. It wasn't until I caught a really bad cold, that put me out of commission for five weeks, that I began to realize I may be taking on too much at once. Since then, I have withdrawn from my classes (due to fear of failing), and have dedicated one extra half hour a day to myself. Even though that extra half hour for myself comes out of my sleeping time. Being totally honest with myself though - I think working the night shift is what's wearing me out. Now that I've been transfered to Mother/Baby - I have found a lot of happiness in my job. It keeps me busy, and I love what I do. On the other hand, I'm also sad that I had to withdraw from my schooling. I kept a high GPA, and tried my best. I'm just having doubts that going to school is the right thing... for now. I feel like I have been striving for excellence, in everything I do, for what seems to be an eternity (even though it really hasn't been). Unfortunately, I have found myself on that rat wheel that just about everyone finds themselves on... you know - that never ending circle. Most people reference it to getting a job. They can't get a job, because they don't have a car. They can't get a car because they don't have a job. In my situation, Matthew is my priority, and then working, and then school (to really put it into perspective). For me to supply everything he needs, I need a job. For me to have a job, I have to find time to work. For me to find time to work, I need to be healthy enough, and have ample rest. Which leads me back to square one: Matthew is my priority. School I think would be more of a 'side job' (not quite recreational activity). The only issue with that is that the schooling will pay off in a big way years from now... and only a fraction in the here and now. I am contemplating postponing college until Matthew is possibly in middle school or high school.

It's only 19:37 - and I'm exhausted... can't seem to keep my eyes open any longer. Now that I think about it - we've been going to bed earlier and earlier as the days pass.

Hurricane Wilma is still (supposedly) on her way...

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

- Aristotle

Wow - it's been a while, huh?

2005-10-20T15:01:00.000-05:00

Wow, it's been a while, huh? A lot has been going on. Matthew had a Cub Scout Meeting on Tuesday - which lasted longer than I had planned. This month's theme is "To the Rescue". At their Den Meeting, the boys made footprints with their shoes in some sand and then filled it in with a cement like substance. They also used ink and put their fingerprints in their handbooks. These things will be taken to the Police Station at their next Den Meeting. Matthew also has a car wash fundraiser event that he will be selling tickets for (which should have been tonight), but it was cancelled due to inclement weather. The car was was postponed from this weekend to November 12. Anyone wishing to support his Cub Scout Pack by making a donation for a car wash voucher, please feel free to contact him. The car wash event will be taking place at Grace Lutheran Church in Miami Springs from 09:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Because the theme this month is "To the Rescue", we will have some very special guests at the next Pack Meeting. The Dade County Venom Team will be in attendance. The boys don't know this yet - but will be very surprised when they arrive. The boys will also learn basic first aid. On October 29th, the Pack will be getting together for an activity in the Redlands. They will be learning about horses and how to care for them. They will be going horseback riding, grooming, feeding, and cleaning up after the horses. On December 2, 3, and 4 the Pack is going camping. Matthew's never been camping before - but is very excited about all of the upcoming events.

In other news: My transfer request from Telemetry was granted. Thank goodness! I put in a request to transfer to a hospital closer to the house... but I was transfered to our Mother/Baby Unit instead. The hospital I am currently at is a little short staffed in the Mother/Baby Unit because one of our employees needed surgery. So I agreed to fill in for a little while. If it becomes permanent - I don't think I'd mind. I really like it there. And, another bonus - it will keep me busy. I will be floating from Mother/Baby, to the NICU, to Labor and Delivery, to Pediatrics.

As I mentioned earlier, we are in the midst of inclement weather. Most of you are aware, a category 4/5 hurricane is comming our way. I think I will shut down my system on Friday night, maybe Saturday... depending on how things look. As for now, we need to get going - have to get batteries, new flashlights, and what-not.

I hope to touch base with everyone again soon. Moreover, I hope our power doesn't go out for a week like it did with hurricane Katrina. Thinking about it though... Katrina was a category 1. If Wilma is as bad as the news crews say she is.... (sigh)... - I'd rather not finish that statement.

Signing off for now.

Somewhat Peaceful Sunday

2005-10-09T19:04:00.000-05:00

Today, we went to GameWorks. Matthew was able to play video games for who knows how many hours. He also managed to get in a bowling video game (which had all ten frames, believe it or not). He played twice (of course). Best part about that was that bowling shoes are not required. The Dolphin game was on, so it was rather loud there. We came home around 6:30 so we could feed Little Foot. But all-in-all, it was a good day.

Tomorrow is Columbus Day. The only thing on the adgenda is for me to find a professional photo studio. I need to get some old photos copied. It's amazing, I was going through a hat box of my grandmother's, it contained photos from when she was in 8th grade. Some family members expressed interest in having copies of them, so my mission is to find a photo place that is able to make copies without having negatives. CVS and Walgreens can only make standard copies (which is something I can do here at home).

It's funny (ironic), for all of the plans that I had wanted to make with Matthew, we did very little. Maybe the next time I have a weekend off he will want to do more... one can only hope though. As for now, I will sign off - we are getting ready to watch back-to-back films - Big (with Tom Hanks), and Lemony Snickets' A Series of Unfortunate Events. Have a wonderful night everyone.

The Wonderful Weekend Ahead

2005-10-08T08:24:00.000-05:00

I just got home from work... and I've decided that I'm going to request a transfer from Telemetry to Pediatrics. It's difficult to work with people who would rather not work as a team. And not to mention that it's quite difficult to be one of the very few individuals that is willing to 'go the extra mile'. I'm in hopes that Peds. will not be nearly as miserable.

As you can see, I have titled my post "The Wonderful Weekend Ahead". So you're probably wondering why it is so wonderful... well - that's because I'm off work. (ha ha ha) It's actually because I've got a lot of things planned for Matthew and I. We have a movie or two to get in, he may want to go to his Chess Club (see pic. below), maybe a bowling game, but I'd definetly like to take him to the Miami Children's Museum. They have special activities going on there this weekend. If he opts out, I'm thinking maybe to take him to the Museum of Science. I was very sick for about five weeks, and just two days after I started feeling better, we had a death in the family (my father's side). So all-in- all, we just need to get out of the house and spend some quality time together.

But - all of this comes after I get up from a nap. Midnight shifts are long - and I'm quite tired. Will post more later. This blogger thing is pretty cool. I'm glad I was introduced to it. Have a happy Saturday everyone!

Just Getting Started

2005-10-07T13:22:00.000-05:00

I think this will be my 'test' entry. It's about time I checked this craze out, and finally started posting.

This is a photo of my son and I from May 2004.
Welcome all who enter here.