For Posterity: Conversations With Murray
Murray: Where did we get that? (referring to a dresser)
Me: From Grandma Kathy (clearly I meant our storage unit that houses her things)
Murray: Did she drop it?
Murray: Mama, you're SO BEAUTIFUL (I'm not making this up and I may have already blogged about this but it's my favorite)
Murray: Mom, could I have my own? (while sharing popcorn)
Me: Yes, I'll get you a bowl.
Murray: No, I mean stop eating it, please. (so much for sharing)
Murray: Please show me what time it is. (while looking at a clock)
Me: Well, this is the big hand and that means hours, and this is the little hand and that means minutes, and each number stand for five minutes, and then you count by fives so the number one means it's five after the hour and the number two means it's ten after the hour... (insert Charlie Brown's teacher)
Murray: Great, Mom, but what time are we going to Grandma Mary's house?
Craig: Murray, have a good day.
Murray: Dad, have fun at work and have a GREAT DAY. (agreed)
Murray: Dad, when are we going out west? (to see Grandpa Doug)
Craig: Not sure, but probably in a few weeks.
Murray: How many sleeps is that?
Murray: Mom, they won't let you work anymore because they can't give you money? (right on, son)
Murray: I love my Rudy and Nala and Grandma Mary and Grandpa Dennis and Grandpa Doug and Grandma Kathy in heaven and Maggie and Grandma Kate and Grandpa Jack and...well, I forgot who else.
Me: Well, all of those people love you too.
Murray: Do they?
Of course we do, dear boy. You are a gem.
P.S. Grandpa Doug is on his way.
-MM
The World is My. . . Crab
Craig is hanging in there, but the pain and boredom are wearing on him. He did four loads of laundry today(leaving him exhausted and in pain). Since he can't lift, I brought the clean baskets to him and he did the folding. I'm getting a pretty good laundry deal out of this mess.
Murray is, well, Murray. I miss him with these long hours, but I manage to find special moments with him in the morning and the evening. Things will settle down work-wise when the students go on break, so it won't be so many late nights until after Christmas break. I know it's for the best, and the best is all I can do.
On a final note, H family and YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE, Craig almost fell off the couch and broke another vertebrae when he received your "Get Better Sioux" card. That said, I laughed, and I laughed, and then I laughed some more. I'm framing the card. Murray hasn't opened his present yet, but you will be hearing from him when he does. Lastly, H family (because I know MH, you are reading), we love your card, we love you, and we wish you the very best in the weeks ahead. Thanks for the super picture. You are in our prayers.
That's all I have for now. My couch is calling (because my bed is hosting an injured, snoring man). Until next time. . .
"They Keep Moving the Cheese"
The title to this post is taken from a an excerpt in the book, "Who Moved My Cheese?", an inspirational and phenomenal look at change in the workplace.
Today was my first day at the Foundation. Kim (whose job I will assume) is an amazing woman and an excellent trainer. I met some of the students that I will be supervising and am looking forward to meeting the others on Wednesday evening. I spoke with my soon-to-be boss today, and she and I will work on my job description as the month progresses. My initial responsibilities include coordinating the annual Phone-A-Thon and the Campus Campaign. Event planning is in the near future and I'm thrilled already at my new position. The staff at the Foundation is fantastic and I'm thrilled to be a part of the team. That said, I will miss my bosses and supervisors in the President's Office, but this is an amazing opportunity. The chips landed in such a way that I just know that God is with me (not to mention all of those who went to bat for me).
Craig had his first outing today. I drove Miss Daisy to his office and to Human Resources to complete some paperwork. I think he had fun getting out, but I know he was pretty sore and tired when I deposited him back at home. I feel so helpless; I'd rather it was me than him.
I didn't get to spend more than ten minutes with Murray tonight, but every second was precious. When I walked in the door tonight, he shouted, "Mama, you came back! You done with work? I missed you!" Words can't describe how my heart swelled. I am an incredibly lucky woman.
Thanks to Jon and Troy for providing food and company for Murray and Craig tonight while I was away. Everyone who has volunteered to help us out means a great deal, and don't be surprised if we take you up on your offers. The meals and help with Murray are a real blessing, especially with my work transition.
Many, many thanks to all.
Blessings,
M
P.S. Did you know that I despise, detest, and loathe winter?
Dragon Pride
I Got It and He Did It!
Yes, I got the job. Wait - let me back up. Since mid-March, I've been temping as a sales assistant for Great Plains Integrated Marketing (a local radio group owned by the Hennen family), while their permanent s.a. is on maternity leave. I fell in love with the people (several I had worked with in the past, several new to me), the company, the ideals and standards they live and work by, and of course, the position itself. I knew when I started training that I wouldn't want to leave. God smiled on me today; they decided to hire me on a part-time basis. The opportunities for growth are fantastic, and I couldn't be happier. While I was devastated when I was terminated from my last job, it just goes to show that when God closes a window, He opens a door. I've had jobs that I've been happy at, but never have I looked forward to going to work until now. Anyway, I'm thrilled and proud to be a member of the GPIM family.
Speaking of new endeavors, I have an exciting writing project that I am going to be working on beginning Monday. I don't want to go into details yet, but stay tuned. I'll need a lot of advice from my professional writer friends (yes, you, Rox and Sherri), but I think with patience and perseverance, I can get the job done.
One more piece of good news: Murray has successfully used the potty every day this week. He got one sticker on Monday, and 2 stickers (he gets one each time he goes) the rest of the week. I swear Lynsay is magic. I am so excited to be nearing the end of the diapers. Go Murray!I'd give today an A+.
Curlers and Connundrums
Tonight I am sitting here in my pink foam curlers, praying for awesome hair tomorrow. I don't have my 6-week cut and color until Tuesday, so I'm improvising. I can't stand it when my hair is out of whack. Besides, wearing these silly foam contraptions reminds me of my mom. And even though she always got good results, time will tell what will happen when it was me, not her that rolled up my damp hair. If Craig makes fun of me one more time, I may put curlers in his hair while he is sleeping.
With that; good night, and if you see Craig with a 'fro, (or maybe bald?) it wasn't me!
Eye-YI-YI
I am completely out of the loop, too tired to think, much less write, so please bear with me.
Quick catch up: Overtime, strep throat (me last week), more overtime, Murray sick (last week), Craig misses work and volunteer activities due to Murray being sick, I work overtime on the weekend, all is well. So we think. Murray gets sick again yesterday, I'm still working my tail off so Craig can't work, now Craig is sick and I feel like a lot of dirt has hit the fan. There are a hundred other things that I am praying for and worrying about, but it's hard to get out of the box when all I can do is run, take care of sicklings, including me; run, run, work, work, and never mind anything to do with our home chores. Honestly, "Little Miss Picky" has done a complete one-eighty - I can't keep up and if you come to our house, well, so be it if it's a huge mess.
Now that I have THAT off my chest, I will tell you that I am quite happy. I love, love, love my job - although it's bad timing for me to be working so much - but some things I can do at home (said things I'm doing now, but have taken a break to post). I'm still hoping that this will turn into something permanant. GPIM is just that fantastic. I love what we do, who we do it for, and even the everyday "drudgery".
That said, I'm off to see if DH needs more ibufrofen, water or cough drops. After that, I will check Murray's temp, give myself another dose of antibiotics and ibuprofen, finish a bit more work and FINALLY, hit the hay. Tomorrow begins our billing cycle, so the more I accomplish at home, the less stressed I will be in the morning (one can dream, but still, I love it).
Please, keep reading. I promise to post more when I can. Thanks for your loyalty.
God Bless you this Easter/Passover,
Marie
Crash!
Last Saturday, Murray and I were driving home from Story Time at Barnes and Noble when we were in a car accident. Thankfully, all parties involved are fine. It happened right on our street with a neighbor (who was driving the other car).The streets were a slick layer of snow and ice, and the snow banks were so high that we didn't see each other. Anyway, the Grand Am is totaled but the insurance company has been wonderful. We'll pick up our rental today, and then plan to take our time looking for a new or used car. We have the Durango, and since I'm unemployed, we're not in too much of a hurry to find a second vehicle. We have grown accustomed to not having a car payment, so we'll take advantage of that as long as we can. I want an Accord or another Grand Am, but Craig refuses to buy foreign, so I'm guessing we'll find a Chevy or Pontiac that will suit us.
In the mean time, I've picked up a temporary position at a local radio group. I will be filling in for the sales assistant while she is on maternity leave. The gig should last about eleven weeks, and I start on Monday. I'm thrilled to be working with so many friends that I've worked with in the past; it will be a fun way to pass the rest of this miserable winter.
Murray went back to daycare this week, and I thought he would be sad, but I thought wrong. As soon as we walked in, he whipped off his winter clothes, ran up the stairs to hug Lyn, kissed baby Caitlen, and ran off with a quick "bye mama". Turned out I was the one who was sad. He's growing up before our very eyes. Everyday, it's something new. Yesterday, Craig had to volunteer at SAL after work, so we told Murray that daddy had to go back to work. Murray tearfully replied, "No work, Daddy, no work". We all felt terrible, but Murray and I painted to cheer him up. This morning when his sunshine night light came on, we heard a hearty "MORNING!" Honestly, where does he come up with these new words? I just love that he's beginning to put short sentences together. Watching him transform is one of the most amazing, joyous and bittersweet things I've ever witnessed.
I think that's the update; we are just trying to get through winter without going crazy. I've been so forgetful lately - I'm chalking it up to winter dementia. For example, I stocked up on books on Saturday during the Barnes and Noble outing, put them away when I got home and now I have no idea where they are. Our house is tiny, so I just can't figure out where the heck I stashed them! Anyway, I'm off to do some housework, so with a prayer to St. Francis, maybe they'll turn up.
It's A Process
On a good note, Murray and I had the whole day together. We made Valentine's cards for his friends (and a huge mess), went to lunch with Mags, took a long nap together, and then played outside for over an hour. Craig is home now, and we're conversing about our day over a cocktail. Does it get any better?
Next week I will have Murray at home again, while our care provider is on a well-deserved vacation. In the mean time, I'm thrilled to have him home. Some of you might be thinking that I should keep him home while I'm unemployed, but I have two reasons for sending him to daycare: One, we pay for it anyway and we absolutely don't want to lose our spot (all three of us just LOVE Lyn, and Murray is always asking for his friends); two, I like to keep him in a routine because I will be going back to work (hopefully sooner than later) and I don't want to upset his schedule. Some may think that this makes me an unfit or unloving mother, but it's the opposite. Our goal is Murray's ultimate happiness.
I'm off to visit with DH - he gets a bit annoyed when I blog - I've missed him today. Whatever your Super Bowl plans may be, have a safe and fun weekend.
M
Weekend Getaway
Craig has meetings tomorrow, so Murray and I will meet up with family for breakfast and a pool day. I'm hoping my Aunt and cousins can make it over as well. I also have a good friend that I will try to meet up with sometime during our stay.
Craig and Murray are leaving on Saturday, and Roxane will arrive. We are attending a celebration of the late Emilie Lemmon's life (it would have been her birthday). The fun part about the adventure is that all of us who have connected through Emilie will get the chance to meet in person. On Sunday Roxane and I plan to attend Mass at the St. Paul Cathedral (I've always wanted to experience Mass there) and then have brunch. I am relaxed, happy and looking forward to the next few days with family and friends.
The interview went well, but my enthusiasm may have been a bit over the top. When asked what one of my short term goals is, I replied, "to secure this position". Laughter all around. I'm hoping I didn't botch it. Anyway, the interview lasted almost three hours and consisted of meeting with several different committees and departments. There are eight finalists so the competition is pretty stiff. I'm relying on God and his plan and if it doesn't work out then I'm certain He has a different idea in mind.
I just tried to take a picture of Murray eating room service (walleye fingers) on his tray in the big chair, but of course, the batteries in the camera are shot and I forgot to bring fresh. I'll have to pick some up tomorrow. You'd be surprised; I'm learning the city and with the help of Tom Tom, can generally get where I need to be. I'm definately not ready to navigate the interstates, but I can at least manage the suburbs without an anxiety attack. I'm making progress.
It's almost Murray's bed time, so I will say goodnight now. Sweet dreams all; more tomorrow.
M
Playing Catch (Up)
Tomorrow is the big day; my on-site interview. I am so excited and Craig has been drilling me with questions such as, "If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?" or, "if you were an animal, what animal would you be?" He's also coached me on several other questions of which I had answers to (he approved). I'm feeling nervous, though nervousness is a good thing; a cocky attitude doesn't generally get a person where one wants to be. Right now, it's all in the hands of God.
From Msgr. Mike Foltz in our weekly bulletin: "It might interest you to know that we are a young parish community. Seventy-three percent of our parishioners are 49 years old or younger. This puts your pastor in the older crowd and the minority. Now you know why you hear a lot of child like noises at some of our Masses. Praise God for the sound of life. Parents, please keep bringing your (God' s) children to Jesus!" Enough said.
We celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday on Sunday; then braved the wind and went to the pond so Murray could skate. Once again it was a huge hit. . .
I've only been back to work for three days. I can't believe the difference it makes in my daily life, especially going from part time to full time. I've always been a person who hates to stand around at a job, so I've been asking a ton of questions (especially regarding the new software in the bookstore) and am learning a lot. I'm probably driving everone nuts, but I am eager to learn. My favorite duty though, is helping a student help find his/her books. I love scanning the aisles and matching the book with the class and professor. Every time I pick up a book, I want to read it (especially the grammer and English texts), so I've written down several titles that I plan to pick up for myself. I just hope I don't make a huge mistake - I'm learning so much so fast - but if I doubt myself, I always ask; better to follow protocol than to confuse everyone. And I do have to say, the student workers and the bosses are incredibly patient and helpful. It's wonderful to come home at night and feel that I've helped someone.
Prayers for G. You know who you are. Sweet dreams.
Back at it, at Least, Temporarily
The other good news I have is that I must have passed the phone interview because I was called today for an on-site interview. I'm thrilled. They are interviewing four candidates, including myself. If it doesn't work out, I'll know that God has other plans, but I'm still praying.
If you have travel plans this weekend, please make sure you have emergency kits in your cars. When DH traveled a few weeks ago, I asked if I should put together some safety items for his trip. Here's how the conversation went:
Me: Do you want me to pack some candles, matches, a flash light and batteries etc?
Craig: No thanks, I have a blanket in the car and I always stop and get a candy bar when I get gas.
Me: Hysterical laughter.
Does he really think that a blanket and a Hershey bar will save his life? Sheesh. Anyway, on my to-do list this weekend is to assemble a real emergency kit, candy bars and all.
I'm off to start the weekend. More tomorrow. Tomorrow or Sunday we plan to take Murray to open skate (indoor arena), so I will post some pictures. As for the moment, snuggle in; it's only going to get colder!
Blessings,
M







