On my J-O-B

I have a job.

Like many, it's not glamourous, it's not really all that exciting but it covers our mortgage, groceries and a mani-pedi ever now and again. It doesnt bring the personal rewards that J recieves over at pancakes and french fries, watching her cherub children discover new things and grow. My job is also not like R's who was walking through the front lobby of her company and ran into the Foo Fighters, she also met Justin Timberlake (OK, the encounter with JT didnt happen at work but I had to throw him in, I have an itty bitty crush on the cutie pie). I have days at work, like everyone, where I want to gouge my eyes with the letter opener and sometimes wonder how long we could live off of our 457 (b) and 401(a) accounts. OK, maybe not everyone does or feels these things, but lets not forget I'm in "transition" of changing careers.

Yesterday was different, I had a really meaningful experience and have to share. I work for the County I reside in at our central office known as the C.A.C. (County Administration Center). Our county is the 2nd largest (in square miles) in the country and one of the fastest growing in the nation, for more info visit County of Riverside.

I work in Human Resources, in the Benefits division on the retirement team and I help people retire. Sometimes it's challenging usually it's rewarding but today I felt like a really made a difference. I had an oppourtunity to help a retiree/grandmother who is trying to access retirement funds for her daughter in-law who is 5 months pregnant and close to delivering. This is not rocket science, it is just way to early to deliver a baby at 5 months. This money she is waiting for will pay for medication that will help the baby develop quicker and is not covered by her insurance company, who is probably run by the devil, himself. Long story short, she used the wrong form, we didnt catch it, mom to be needs meds ASAP. The Mom -in law really poured her heart out and was crying as she shared this with me, it was really all I could do to pull back the tears and gave me a huge hug at the end.

Later in the day, I got to phone the Mom-in law and tell her that a check will be fed-ex'd tomorrow from Houston and she should recieve it on Friday afternoon at the latest. As we ended our conversation on the phone, she was in tears and said she will always remember me and pray for me. I thought, wow, with all she has on our plate, she is going to remember me.

I was given an oppourtunity to make a difference and I ran with it. I think I will always remember her, as well.

New toy

My mom is as cool as a cucumber. She not only brought a super yummy salad to sis-in -laws b-day party at our house last night but brought me a little present from Rogers Gardens. I've promised to share it with her. We are cupcake lovers, currently addicted to Sprinkles and the little cakes looked so cute placed atop this little nick-knack. I love it, I will have it forever though I will use it occasionally.

What I absolutely love about this piece (besides the great orange/red that totally matches my Le Creuset) is that it conveniently folds up and looks just as cute folded as it does extended.

If you are a lover of little cakes, like myself, check out quirky cupcake.

What's your favorite cupcake/icing combo?

Mail

There is an odd pleasure I receive from arriving home and finding a piece of mail that comes unexpected with my name on it. Since I was little, I LOVED to see what kind of surprise that scalding metal box held ( Let's not forget, I reside on the surface of the sun from May till October).

I treasure the snail mail from friends and family, all who have unique and beautiful penmanship and share a love for stationary that is reciprocated. I LOVE MAIL.

Today, like every day, I asked D the magic question - ANY MAIL FOR ME. There was a stack, oh yeah - come to mama. First piece is an envelope containing AIG VALIC investment statement for our accounts, Progressive auto insurance ad, letter from Old University telling me to complete some silly survey and then a letter from the school I'm about to start attending. HMMMMM, I wondered aloud, thinking oh, it must be more orientation material for next week.

Nope, it was a letter that started with "Congratulations on your admission as a degree seeking student with post-baccalaureate status at _______University. Your application to the MA/Credential Mild to Moderate L1TA program has been approved for regular admission standing for the GR Spring 1 2008 term.

Ok , well, that is good news because um, well, I've registered for classes, signed up for money to be sent to you on my behalf (that I will be paying off until I'm medicare eligible) and oh yeah - TOLD THE FREAKIN WORLD I was starting school in this program in 2 weeks. A little late but I guess better late than never.

Looking forward to seeing what arrives in the mail tomorrow.

Froggy and Monkey

Are these place settings cute or what? I was walking down the housewares aisle at Tarjay and fell in love. Immediately, I rationalized - in speed demon fashion- I need these because both my niece and nephew will be over this weekend for sis-in-law's b-day party we are throwing and they need their own place setting. Our forks are just to big...........

I loved the froggy and monkey both - it was all I could do to not

purchase the ladybug that was also part of this set.

Too cute for words.

Ouch!!!

I was doing some light housework yesterday and did *something* to my back. The thing is, I have only had a back problem one other time in my life and I was on the couch for three days. It happened quickly, one minute I was sweeping the dog hair off the tile and the next I was having a problem breathing. Yes, I jacked up my back so bad that whatever I pulled is pressed against my lungs and causing me difficulty to take a deep breath. OUCH!!!

I was in denial about it yesterday and determined to work through the pain, not letting it affect my Saturday. I painfully sat through 27 dresses (highly reccomended for anyone who has been in a wedding) and a de-lish dinner at Taps in Corona. Today is a different story, the pain has left, it is easier to breathe but now it's just really sore.

I've currently taken up residence on our recliner with the heating pad. Oh sweet recliner, how I love you so.........

It's official - I'm a Graduate student

I had a successful meeting with the Dean of Azusa Pacific University, provided my writing sample and have been told that I'm accepted. As my counselor, "E", reminded me - this process of being accepted was not very exciting and indeed anti-climactic. I discovered I was accepted when I was told to register for my classes and my registration was accepted. Hold on to your hats, this is exciting stuff folks.

"E" stated that acceptance into Graduate school is not nearly as exciting as getting into an Undergrad program. Because I spent way too much time at our local community college I did a very "boring" transfer to University of Redlands. I shouldn't say it was boring being accepted to a great school like University of Redlands, I still have the acceptance letter and treasure it - there weren't many fireworks though.

The exciting part is that I'm a Graduate student going to Graduate school pursuing a Graduate degree. Now that is exciting. Class starts February 4th and I'm relishing my last few days of freedom while simultaneously counting down the days till school starts.

Birthday girl

Here is another great photo from the birthday celebration. The birthday princess and her Grandma Sherrie.

Happy Birthday Ella!

Our neice turned One year this week and we celebrated yesterday. She is just absolutely adorable and we love her to pieces. Here are some photos from her celebration.

School Interview

Tomorrow, I will interview with the Dean of the school I will be attending and receive my Master's in Special Education and credential in teaching. I called today to confirm the appointment and the make sure all materials from the main campus have been sent to the satellite campus, where I will be attending. After much confusion and many phone calls (during work- urghhhh) I came to the conclusion that the main campus was not going to be able to fax my file over in time for the appointment, originally scheduled for 6:00 PM this evening. They couldn't even find my file........ A few minutes later I received a frantic call stating that I should call and reschedule for tomorrow and my counselor would personally fax it over to the Dean.

Was that so hard, really? It's called customer service folks - buy a book, read all about it.

After this disappointing discovery I phoned my campus to let them know that I would need to reschedule and the Dean was happy to accommodate, given the circumstance. During this discussion, I asked if this would be a formal interview and to give me an idea of what I should be prepared for. She explained it was not a traditional interview - no need to put on the pantyhose of death though I will be asked to provide a writing sample. I love to write, am I good at it - that is debate-able (not even sure that is a word). I enjoy writing, I like to write for pleasure. An interview is already a tense situation and now I have to write something. YIKES....... I'm sure the topic will be education related, maybe, maybe not.

We'll see.

A Game Called Tag

I've just been tagged by Jules to offer seven odd facts about myself, here it goes:

1. My pinky toes are not shaped like a "normal" toe and instead look like they could be cone-head characters on SNL.
2. Before I was 7 years old I had broken both my leg and arm, not that I was an athletic child - just super klutzy.
3. I thought for sure I would grow up and be a "Solid Gold Dancer". Anyone remember that show?
4. I'm a HUGE fan of the 80's New Wave band Duran Duran and have had the pleasure of meeting them in person.
5. I registered at age 18 and voted in every election, except one. This is my PSA- Remember- Every Vote counts - GET OUT AND VOTE!
6. I can sing the alphabet backwards.
7. My cousin can trace her family lineage to being 14th cousins twice removed from Prince Harry and Prince William, on her father's side. I'm related to her on her mother's side which makes me not related to the royal family.

Another New Pot

Most days I feel lucky, I mean really lucky. Good health, great friends, supportive and humorous family and I have a really great husband. He is one of those people who is truly gifted at giving gifts, puts special thought and consideration to come up with very meaningful gifts. He listens to my constant rambling around the holidays which this year sounded something like this.... " Oh, the I- phone, no too expensive and just too much technology. Five minutes later, oh you know what would be great - plan a trip somewhere for us and surprise me- no we have every weekend booked for the next 3-6 months (unfortunately not exaggerating). A few minutes later, Ok - I got it, I would love a gift certificate to a month worth of Yoga classes." I know what he is thinking - too impersonal. And while most pots and pans arent meaningful, this one holds special meaning as it has been on my *dream* things to purchase list that aren't in the budget yet remains practical.

Fortunately, he picked up on my enthusiasm and envy while wrapping a Le Creuset dish we were giving my Dad this year and then decided to pick up this darling new pot. Knowing that I love all, well, most things French, this was very exciting and while I'm not into collecting anything, I did mention to my husband that there is a Le Creuset outlet store in Cabazon, on the way to his parents new home.

As for this beautiful pot - I love it, the shape, the color and most importantly that my husband picked it out.

So far, I've made Chicken Noodle soup and it turned out really well.