Pleasant Surprise

We got our tax refund today, the incentive one, woo hoo!

I thought it was going to be months yet, having it based on the last two digits of BigCat's social, we were set for sometime in July. Hello mid-May!

Oh, and apparently I actually made it to the gym 8 times in April, that's another twenty in my pocket!

Gotta love the extra funds. Now I can fill up my gas guzzler. :o)

Beauty Mark

As I was running the razor over my dry, winterized leg today, I glimpsed at the vein on the back of my right leg. It brought to mind a time I asked my mom what hers was from. In the years after she explained to me that it happens with time, babies and crossing your legs, I realized that it was a trait my grandma (and some aunties) shared as well. It seems to be a common theme that these are unwanted. I hear plenty of commercials offering to remove them (I realize they cause problems and maybe aren't good in large quantities), but for me this one has taken on a different meaning. I looked at it and thought of how it's a display of womanhood and a mark of beauty.

Ugh!

This is day #2 this week of no daycare for Peanut, which means I have to miss work. I was okay with yesterday, although I would rather use my time off otherwise, but now today, I'd much rather be at work. Mainly because it's going to be a busy day there and because I'm going to be cutting my time awful close for the more important July 4th vacation. And then it also complicates things for me tomorrow, my normal day off. I'd be more than willing to work if daycare is open, but we have an appointment for Peanut (just pics) and plans to go meet a friend's baby. Ugh!

I do hope my daycare lady's son is okay, I know he's extremely sick, but I hope his recovery comes much sooner than later.

For now, I tend to Peanut.

Happy Hump Day

Here we are, already half-way through yet another week. Today was a lovely day off, spending time with Peanut, enjoying the beautiful weather. We went and did some grocery shopping, he really enjoys looking around at everyone and everything. It's absolutely incredible to me who talks to him the most... men. Anywhere from middle aged to "I have 3 granddaughters". Grown men turn on their soft, baby voices and chat with Peanut like no one else is around. I love seeing the gentle side of guys, even if they are complete strangers.

I estimate I haven't actually run, say a mile, in probably 10 years plus, and even back then it was tough. Well, I'm very slowly working my way up. I figure I probably ran anywhere from a quarter to half mile today on my walk (I realize that sounds like nothing to some people, but I never felt as though my body was made for running). Although I don't mind the elliptical in the cold, stark gym, it feels so good to be outside, looking at the scenery and breathing the fresh air... til I can hardly breathe. :) It sure feels good.

Waiting... Listening...

For Peanut to make a peep, or more so hoped for, for him to sleep. Poor lil' guy is sick again. He and I have been a vicious cycle of colds this winter, and being winter seems to have lasted forever, so have the colds. When he's under the weather, it's usually about a 3-night run of wakings. Last night is was midnight-thirty, tonight already the last hour has been spent consoling, rocking, talking, singing... For now, it's quiet.

I understand now, more than ever, why mother's have one day devoted to them a year (although maybe it should be more). I already know what one of the all-time greatest gifts of motherhood is... being able to quiet your sick baby to sleep, in the sweetest, most natural way... being a mom.

Case of the Mundays

There's nothing like starting out the day to total back-up on your way to work. Keep in mind, this is something I normally do not come by staying north of the cities. However, this morning it took me approximately 35 minutes to travel abou 3 miles or so. Yuk. So, I got to use a half an hour of my precious FTO (Flexible Time Off) because of some random traffic quirk.

On top of that, I'm sick again. I spoke too soon last week about finally recovering. I made it through the weekend staying fairly low key which helped some, hopefully. We did however have lots of company... Saturday the Larsen family came over. They got their Peanut fix, grilled some burgers and dogs and played my all time fave Catch Phrase. Good times! Sunday my rents came over to get their Peanut fix, and that they did.

Now on with the work week...

Dragonfly Friday

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I wasn't entirely sure how this day was going to go. Yesterday was a rough one at work for numerous reasons and today started out with a ginormous spider on the run in the kitchen. Wasn't lookin' good.

I'm happy to report that it hasn't been what I was first anticipating. Not only has work gone really well thus far (my month-end balanced without touching a thing) but I had a special delivery from a co-worker. She dropped off a string of the cutest dragonfly lights. I've hung them in my cube. It's a happier place now. She is making every effort to let the people in her life how much she appreciates them. This is something I wish I was better at, I need to make a real effort. It's so good to be reminded that wonderful, good-hearted people do exist.

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Thank you SE, you have made my day!!!