Thursday, August 27, 2009

Another school year

It's that time again.

I find that I have absolutely no motivation to even think about starting school this year. I haven't even ordered the books we need, although I do have them all saved to a wish list. I keep finding excuses not to order. I figure at this point I might as well wait a few more weeks because everyone has already placed their orders and the place I buy from is usually really backed up at this time of year.

Not wanting to start school seems to be a reoccurring thing for me. Maybe I just enjoy all the extra free time I have when we aren't actually doing school. When the kids were little and we first started doing this I really looked forward to the new school year. I wish I could find that same enthusiasm now!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Back update

I had my first check up for my back since I left the hospital.

Unfortunately my fractures aren't healing as quickly as they would like so I have to wear the brace for another 6 weeks. The good news is that I can start weaning off of the brace at night. Last night was the first night without it and I slept so much better! I'm a bit sore this morning but nothing too bad so 2 nights from now I get to sleep without it again! I know it doesn't sound like that big of a deal but it is for me.

Paul has been looking for a second job since right before I got hurt. He's had 2 interviews at Target with a third one scheduled for tomorrow. We attribute much of his success at getting called back to the way he has dressed. The store is interviewing for all positions since it's a new store, so there are lots of people there having interviews. He was amazed to see people in t-shirts and shorts with most men dressed in jeans. We were taught that you show up to any interview, regardless of the type of job, in business clothes. Paul was the only one in a shirt and tie when he was there. Many of the women were dressed in slacks and nice blouses but most of the men showed up in less than professional attire. With the economy the way it is and the lack of jobs out there I would think you would want to give the best impression possible, jeans and shorts just don't do that.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Lower taxes?

Most people would rejoice if they received the notice we received in the mail. Our county has lowered the value on our house by $52,000 for tax purposes. Wow! Lower taxes and we didn't even have to ask. But I wonder what this means for us as we are trying to sell our house. I don't think it's anything good.

In case anyone was wondering how the whole trying to sell in this market is going... it's not. We haven't had even one showing. I guess there were initially a few calls but nothing since. We've even tried lowering the price but to no avail. So I guess we will be living here indefinitely. This is a very depressing thought! At least we won't have to pay so much in taxes each year!

Saturday, August 08, 2009

Wholesale and stuff

I don't have a whole lot to report other than I received my first wholesale order!

I'm really excited, the order was for 60 items and they will be going to a UK store. Of course with my back it's taking me longer than I'd like to get things made up. I never realized all the things I use my back for like cutting, tracing, sewing. I can only sit for an hour or so at a time before I have to get up and do something else.

The heat wave broke so we are finally enjoying some cooler weather. Lorna has started practices for the Jr Queen competition that will take place the first weekend in September. She has sold all of the required tickets in order to compete and has continued to sell more in hopes that she will win the bit for the most ticket sales. Amigo did great at his first practice and he seemed to enjoy himself.

I can tell that summer is almost over since our calendar is starting to fill up with activities again. Gymkhana starts up again next month, which I'm sure the kids are happy about. There seems to be a lack of horse activities in the middle of summer because of the heat.

Malachi has discovered the joys of reading for pleasure. We are now having to take his books away in order for him to get anything done! I was wondering if this was ever going to happen. The rest of us all read voraciously but up until now Malachi couldn't care less whether he had a book to read or not. He enjoyed reading once in awhile but not like the rest of us. Now we can all be seen sitting around the dinner table engrossed in our books and we frequently have to remind Malachi to go to bed because he's so busy reading.

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Generational

I learned something last night, humor is generational.

The Sweet Adeline's chapter Lorna and I belong to does a yearly ice cream social. Last year was the first time I saw or was a part of the show. It was based around a larger show that was taking place later in the fall. The mini show was sort of corny but not too bad.

This year's show is downright slapstick. I just don't find it funny and my 13 year old finds it downright stupid. Think "I Love Lucy" kind of slapstick. Talking it over with Paul we've come to the conclusion that humor can be generational. I think it can also be regional. We don't find this stuff funny because we grew up with dark, dry humor.

If I had seen this type of show prior to joining this group I would have never attended my first rehearsal. I want to sing. I enjoy the performances where we get up in front of a group of people and focus on singing well and performing choreography that adds to the music not stuff that detracts. But as I was told last night, that's not entertaining enough and people don't want to come to hear us sing. I find that funny since we are supposed to be a chorus!