Easter weekend was really good. We did some work in the yard on Saturday and Monday, but mostly just enjoyed the holiday. Kaelyn went on her first Easter egg hung on Thursday afternoon. Roger took her to our neighbor’s daycare. She quickly understood the concept…at least, to pick up egg-like objects and put them in her bag. She got one or two eggs on her own, several egg-sized and shaped rocks, and a small colorful bouncy ball. She did not understand why we made her put the rocks and ball back, but was at least easily distracted by the colorful eggs the other kids shared with her.
Sunday morning, we did another egg hunt in our backyard. We didn’t really hide the eggs, but instead scattered them around. I held the basket for her while she ran around picking up all the eggs and dropping them in. She had a great time and we got some excellent pictures out of it. That morning, when she woke up, I put her in her Easter dress and then let her walk into the dining room to discover her basket. It was priceless. She went straight for what is now her favorite toy (an egg shaped globe that lights up with spinning led-lights) and didn’t pay attention to anything else.
That afternoon, we went to Vickie’s house to have Easter dinner. Kaelyn got another bag of goodies from Vickie’s mother and had fun running around with the other kids. We enjoyed our meal and I managed to stay away from all the carbs and sugar (lost another 10 lbs so far). Roger did pretty good too. He passed up the dinner rolls in favor of eating dessert…a lemon cake. We brought the chocolate covered Easter eggs (rice krispies and peanut butter) home and are hoping they keep for another week when we’re going to allow ourselves to indulge a little bit.
I was supposed to be off Monday, but did have to go in for a meeting in the morning. Then, we went to look at some stone for our front patio, and took two trips to Home Depot to get the supplies we need to finish out our vegetable garden. Roger is off today so he and Kaelyn are at home working on it now.
That’s about all I have to report. Things are just so busy right now. It’s hard to find the time to write anything down (at least anything of any meaning), even though there is so much swimming in my head.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Plenty of Sunshine and a Funk
I had a three day weekend…which was much needed and appreciated. But, it didn’t really feel too much like I had Friday off since I monitored my blackberry all day in case something disastrous happened at work (it didn’t). We had a nice weekend. But it fell short of my expectations…as most things do these days. I don’t know why.
I imagined that I would sleep in for three days straight. We’d hang out with friends and go shopping. Do some yard work. Spend time relaxing. For the most part, we did all that. Except that sleeping in for me is waking up at 6am. I mentioned last week that we have officially started our front porch project. Roger had been talking to a contractor that was going to install a composite wood deck in the front and side of our house. The price was pretty good for what we were getting, but there was a lot of miscommunication about the type/size of pergola we wanted. And that caused them to feel like they had to do more research and re-do the quote. All of that was good and fine, until it started taking way too long. Roger called them back mid-week and told them to forget the pergola. If they could contract with us to build the deck, we’d work out the details of the pergola later. That conversation led them to want to re-write the quote for us to sign (instead of just crossing off the pergola and initialing). They wanted to get back with us in “a couple of days”.
Well, the couple of days ended Friday and when they hadn’t called back by lunch time, I was frustrated. I’m impatient by nature, but especially impatient when it comes to contractors. I feel like if they can’t even pay attention to what I’m asking for and return calls when they say they will, then how can I expect them to follow through with the project the right way? I wanted Roger to call them and tell them that they needed to present the new quote that day or we’d go with someone else. He wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt because he’s just a nicer person than me. But, I was reminded that they’ve been slow with everything. Just getting the original quote to us took three weeks, then when they finally got it to us, they didn’t break the work out like we had asked, and specked the wrong pergola. Roger didn’t see it as bad as I did. He wanted me to be just a little more patient and wait until the next day for him to call.
I had none of it. Instead, I contacted the contractor I hired to landscape the backyard when I first moved into the house. He was reasonable and reliable. And the product was beautiful. He was able to come over Saturday morning and give us a quote for a stamped concrete porch with a stone wall/bench all the way around. More what we were picturing when we first started the project. It’s a little more money than the other guy had quoted, but he’s also doing more work (pulling out the roots, regarding the property, and extending the driveway). Roger agreed with me that we’d be better off going with this guy, so we signed with him. He starts in two weeks!
But, even though in the end, Roger said that it made more sense to use the second contractor and that what we’re getting will look nicer with our current architecture, etc, I sensed that he was frustrated that I didn’t just let him work things out with the other guy. I can see where I was wrong to just lose all my patience and take over. It’s a bad habit…one, I’m not sure I’ll ever have the strength to break.
And I think that set us up for the rest of the weekend. Not that it was bad, it just wasn’t great.
We went over to Vickie’s house on Friday so that Roger could move her AC unit (she’s having landscaping work done too). We had a small barbeque. Kaelyn ran around the backyard, and we stayed and watched a movie. We had planned to do some grocery shopping that afternoon, but didn’t leave Vickie’s until after 8pm. Kaelyn was sleeping, so I ended up going by myself, late at night, tired and frustrated.
Saturday, we had a camping expo to attend. Roger was a host. I pictured this being a few hours in the early afternoon and relaxing. I hate to admit it, but it was none of those. We both wanted to leave almost as soon as we got there. The idea itself was nice. Host a barbeque where people interested in camping/hiking events could come, browse at the displays, and meet the people that host the events. Since we do the rafting/camping trip every year, and that is coming up in a month, Roger was there to sell that trip. But, I think for people that maybe have never done anything with our group before, it was uncomfortable. The event was held in a member’s home, and I don’t think a lot of people felt at ease showing up to a stranger’s house. But, despite the low turnout, there was a good group of people there and we did have an ok time catching up with friends but I spent more time than anything chasing Kaelyn around…totally expected when you’re out with a toddler. The backyard had a pool, and open gate to the street, and a fire going…so all I saw is “danger, your daughter will die here!”. I was happy to finally leave and get her home safely.
Sunday, did turn out to be the day I had pictured. We made a trip to the dump to get rid of the trimmings from the bushes and trees we cut down last weekend, then back to the grocery store to pick up everything I had forgotten (which was a lot) on Friday night. We did some work in the backyard, grilled chicken and vegetables for a healthy dinner, and watched half of the latest Harry Potter movie.
Looking back, we had a good weekend. We enjoyed the nice weather and plenty of family time. But, I still couldn’t get my mood elevated enough to fully enjoy it. I sure hope I’m out of my funk soon. Maybe when things slow down at work…
I imagined that I would sleep in for three days straight. We’d hang out with friends and go shopping. Do some yard work. Spend time relaxing. For the most part, we did all that. Except that sleeping in for me is waking up at 6am. I mentioned last week that we have officially started our front porch project. Roger had been talking to a contractor that was going to install a composite wood deck in the front and side of our house. The price was pretty good for what we were getting, but there was a lot of miscommunication about the type/size of pergola we wanted. And that caused them to feel like they had to do more research and re-do the quote. All of that was good and fine, until it started taking way too long. Roger called them back mid-week and told them to forget the pergola. If they could contract with us to build the deck, we’d work out the details of the pergola later. That conversation led them to want to re-write the quote for us to sign (instead of just crossing off the pergola and initialing). They wanted to get back with us in “a couple of days”.
Well, the couple of days ended Friday and when they hadn’t called back by lunch time, I was frustrated. I’m impatient by nature, but especially impatient when it comes to contractors. I feel like if they can’t even pay attention to what I’m asking for and return calls when they say they will, then how can I expect them to follow through with the project the right way? I wanted Roger to call them and tell them that they needed to present the new quote that day or we’d go with someone else. He wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt because he’s just a nicer person than me. But, I was reminded that they’ve been slow with everything. Just getting the original quote to us took three weeks, then when they finally got it to us, they didn’t break the work out like we had asked, and specked the wrong pergola. Roger didn’t see it as bad as I did. He wanted me to be just a little more patient and wait until the next day for him to call.
I had none of it. Instead, I contacted the contractor I hired to landscape the backyard when I first moved into the house. He was reasonable and reliable. And the product was beautiful. He was able to come over Saturday morning and give us a quote for a stamped concrete porch with a stone wall/bench all the way around. More what we were picturing when we first started the project. It’s a little more money than the other guy had quoted, but he’s also doing more work (pulling out the roots, regarding the property, and extending the driveway). Roger agreed with me that we’d be better off going with this guy, so we signed with him. He starts in two weeks!
But, even though in the end, Roger said that it made more sense to use the second contractor and that what we’re getting will look nicer with our current architecture, etc, I sensed that he was frustrated that I didn’t just let him work things out with the other guy. I can see where I was wrong to just lose all my patience and take over. It’s a bad habit…one, I’m not sure I’ll ever have the strength to break.
And I think that set us up for the rest of the weekend. Not that it was bad, it just wasn’t great.
We went over to Vickie’s house on Friday so that Roger could move her AC unit (she’s having landscaping work done too). We had a small barbeque. Kaelyn ran around the backyard, and we stayed and watched a movie. We had planned to do some grocery shopping that afternoon, but didn’t leave Vickie’s until after 8pm. Kaelyn was sleeping, so I ended up going by myself, late at night, tired and frustrated.
Saturday, we had a camping expo to attend. Roger was a host. I pictured this being a few hours in the early afternoon and relaxing. I hate to admit it, but it was none of those. We both wanted to leave almost as soon as we got there. The idea itself was nice. Host a barbeque where people interested in camping/hiking events could come, browse at the displays, and meet the people that host the events. Since we do the rafting/camping trip every year, and that is coming up in a month, Roger was there to sell that trip. But, I think for people that maybe have never done anything with our group before, it was uncomfortable. The event was held in a member’s home, and I don’t think a lot of people felt at ease showing up to a stranger’s house. But, despite the low turnout, there was a good group of people there and we did have an ok time catching up with friends but I spent more time than anything chasing Kaelyn around…totally expected when you’re out with a toddler. The backyard had a pool, and open gate to the street, and a fire going…so all I saw is “danger, your daughter will die here!”. I was happy to finally leave and get her home safely.
Sunday, did turn out to be the day I had pictured. We made a trip to the dump to get rid of the trimmings from the bushes and trees we cut down last weekend, then back to the grocery store to pick up everything I had forgotten (which was a lot) on Friday night. We did some work in the backyard, grilled chicken and vegetables for a healthy dinner, and watched half of the latest Harry Potter movie.
Looking back, we had a good weekend. We enjoyed the nice weather and plenty of family time. But, I still couldn’t get my mood elevated enough to fully enjoy it. I sure hope I’m out of my funk soon. Maybe when things slow down at work…
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Bad Blogger
It seems that the more I have to write about, the less motivated I am to write. Needless to say, things have been crazy and finding the time and the energy to sit down and write it all down, has been difficult at best.
I’m working a lot. Even with the threat of Government shutdown and budget shortfalls, it seems that my projects remain top priority. There is still more work to do than time to do it. Coming home exhausted is no fun either. Physically, I just want to lie down and chill out, but mentally my mind is still racing with work problems, and I crave playing with Kaelyn and hanging out with Roger. I feel like I’m being pulled in a million and one directions. Honestly, I’m surprised I haven’t broken down yet.
But, aside from all that, things are pretty great. We have officially started our front deck/porch project. Just cutting down the overgrown bushes from the front and side of the house has made a huge difference. I’m not sure when the contractors will get in to start building; but hopefully, we can get them scheduled soon. Kaelyn continues to grow and amaze us every day. She is now trying to do summersaults. She’s not very good at them, but does get down into the right position and begs me to push her over. She’s talking more and more. Well, she’s always talked, but more and more we’re able to understand her. We’ve planted some vegetables and even have an herb garden. Everything is growing. The flowers are blooming. The weather is nice.
There are probably a thousand things I could write about. I know a lot has been happening, but truthfully, I can’t think of anything right now. I’m tired and have to get to work, so that’s what I’ll do. Hopefully, I’ll become a better blogger again soon.
I’m working a lot. Even with the threat of Government shutdown and budget shortfalls, it seems that my projects remain top priority. There is still more work to do than time to do it. Coming home exhausted is no fun either. Physically, I just want to lie down and chill out, but mentally my mind is still racing with work problems, and I crave playing with Kaelyn and hanging out with Roger. I feel like I’m being pulled in a million and one directions. Honestly, I’m surprised I haven’t broken down yet.
But, aside from all that, things are pretty great. We have officially started our front deck/porch project. Just cutting down the overgrown bushes from the front and side of the house has made a huge difference. I’m not sure when the contractors will get in to start building; but hopefully, we can get them scheduled soon. Kaelyn continues to grow and amaze us every day. She is now trying to do summersaults. She’s not very good at them, but does get down into the right position and begs me to push her over. She’s talking more and more. Well, she’s always talked, but more and more we’re able to understand her. We’ve planted some vegetables and even have an herb garden. Everything is growing. The flowers are blooming. The weather is nice.
There are probably a thousand things I could write about. I know a lot has been happening, but truthfully, I can’t think of anything right now. I’m tired and have to get to work, so that’s what I’ll do. Hopefully, I’ll become a better blogger again soon.
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