Rain Rain Go Away

There it is again. Rain. Taking over the job of watering my plants and trees. How dare it. The nerve of Mother Nature.

I have to say, though, that it makes a lovely sound in the morning. Waking up to a gentle rain is kind of soothing. And for all the good it will do the lawn and everything else, I really don't feel like dealing with it today. Out comes the umbrella for my short walk across the street from the parking garage to work. At least it's not pouring (yet) and it isn't windy and blowing the rain sideways (yet).

The girls were supposed to start helping GD paint her fence today. A sight I was most interested in seeing. Perhaps the rain is a sign that it's not the right job for them. GD thought it would be fun for them. I'm seeing a disaster in the making. As long as Olivia doesn't try to drink it, we should be ok I guess.

Failure to Blog

I must apologize, dear little blog. You have been neglected. Left alone. Flapping in the breeze. Brushed aside like a well played with toy who is soon forgotten. It is all my fault.

Time slips away so much faster these days and I find that it becomes harder to carve out a dedicated time each day, or even every couple of days, to tend to your needs. You need more attention than I can give right now. You deserve someone who will update you and post pictures and take care of your design.

Well, too bad for you that you are stuck with me.
(Look at how she feels)

Like the regular chores around the house, you too will suffer.

So sorry. It's a painful lot in life, I know.

On the flip side of things, Emma is eagerly awaiting the return of school and all that it brings. I am fearing the afternoon pickup with a few hundred other parents, most who will undoubtedly believe that it is most imperative for them to make it out before anyone else because they are much more important. Olivia is blissfully unaware that come that first week of school, she will be joining daycare for two partial days of the week. Her life will get a mini-makeover and only time will tell what the outcome will be. At least she has the 'I'm so cute and innocent' look going for her. Although, it doesn't get her very far when the two-year old monster that resides inside of her suddenly escapes from her mouth.

Work is plodding along for me. I felt like this week I actually did some 'real' work and that I had 'real' responsibilities. I don't know how well it will keep my attention in the long run, but I am grateful for having a job again - finally! MI is in such a crappy place right now and with the highest unemployment rate in the nation, I am thankful that it only took me two years of looking to finally find a part-time job in my field.

Today's post is brought to you by crappy weather. It has forced us to be hermits inside. Taking refuge in the downstairs playroom so that we can't see the clouds and feel the sub-par temperatures we are suffering in late August.

Voices

Hard to believe I am wrapping up week three on my new job. It's gone by quickly, at times. I am still struggling with leaving the girls behind. Just yesterday I sat in the grocery store parking lot on my way to work thinking of all the things I'd rather be doing. I had an amazingly strong urge to not go in. Play hookey. Just quit.

But then, some stupid little voice in my head, the one that NEVER shuts up, said, you can't do that. That's not responsible. How selfish and immature.

Stupid little voice.

Can't get a moments peace around here with it.

Needless to say, I listened to the voice, very much against my will and the other voices. But, the one that speaks the loudest usually wins. Let that be a lesson to the rest of you. If you can pool your resources and gang up on that stupid little voice, all of you could be enjoying a victory some time soon.

Busy

I didn't realize how much time I wouldn't have to do things once I went back to work. As soon as I get home, I would much rather spend my time with the girls than vacuum or dust or do dishes or post to this blog. I feel like any spare moment I have should be spent with them. My guilt is taking hold and I fear it won't let go without a fight.

Burning River 100

I must give a quick and HUGE congrats to my big brother, Dirt Dawg, for running and completing the Burning River 100 Mile Endurance Race this weekend. He finished this morning at 8:27 am after twenty-seven hours and twenty-seven minutes. He was 56th out of a field of 101 - there were more, but not all who started crossed that finish line.

This has been a long time coming for him. I am immensely proud of him. It was such a lofty goal, but one that I knew he would make. I am filled with so much pride and admiration right now. I am hoping that he gets lots of much needed sleep, along with my brave SIL who was right there with him as a major inspiration and crew member. I know a lot of people were involved in him getting there and completing the race, but when it's all said and done, his two legs, grit and good ole' Croy mentality did it.