Visiting the past

I thought that instead of going over my day's events this morning, that I'd bring back some memories. Here are a few pictures I pulled off one of our old computers. Enjoy the trip down memory lane.

Jr. testing for his next belt in Tae Kwan Do. That seems like so long ago!

Jr. and some of his cousins on his first hunting trip.

Sr. & I in Vegas a couple of years ago. We had a fantastic time and can't wait to go back.

One of my first attempts at picture editing. Sr, Jr, and 2 of my Brothers-in-law. It was the first time they'd all been together in MANY years.

Jr. & Mini-me didn't take too kindly to me trying to snuggle them in the middle of an amusement park. I'll have to say - I enjoyed it thoroughly. It was one of the hi-lights of my vacation that year.

One of the hardest things.....

Lets start with the good.

I had a great time seeing my Dad yesterday. We had some mexican food and walked around the mall, enjoying each other's conversation. And... although the little girl inside me wanted to pull on his pantleg a few times and beg for something sparkly from the window, I didn't. :-) Sometimes its hard to curb ones behavior, and I think I'm learning pretty well about excess spending; whether its my money or someone elses. What made the time spent with my Dad even better is that Sr didn't fuss -- Not even for a minute.

After filling up on Daddy hugs, I went home and enjoyed an evening of doing NOTHING. It was nice. I sat on the couch beside Sr and watched television. I think I might actually begin to like the fact that he's found World of Warcraft. While he's busy playing his game on the laptop, he actually lets me hold the remote. I watched the first episode of the season of one of my favorite shows (Top Chef), and a little bit of a show I could care less about, before I fell asleep on the couch with my husband at my feet and my dog, Sam, cuddled under my arm.

This morning, I woke to the sound of pouring rain. All that does is make me want to stay in bed. Alas, that's not the way it works around here.

I got up, took Jr to school, got some work done, all the while putting off something I'd been dreading doing for a couple of weeks now.

The hardest part about being a business owner (aside from taxes) is having to let someone go. Today Sr & I had to sit down with our Administrative Assistant and let her know that there just isn't enough business for us to continue to pay her. There is just so little work coming in that paying her becomes a burden on us that we can't keep harboring. When it comes down to it, we've held on to her position longer than we should have and if I have to chose between feeding my kid or feeding her, I chose the kid everytime!

We let her know today around 4. It went better than I expected, but still wasn't easy. I care about her on a personal level, and I think that's what makes it so difficult. I know she'll get through this. She's young and has a lot to offer. It won't be long before she's in another job. I'm not sure if she'll ever find one as cushy as this one has been over the past couple of months, but I certainly wish her all the best.

Now, I'm looking at this pile of paperwork on my desk that I need to tackle, I smell Fried Chicken, Macaroni & Cheese and Squash cooking in the kitchen. I can't wait to turn off the light in my office for the day and go try to salvage the rest of my evening.

Wishing you all, good food, good friend and the time to enjoy them all....

Laurie

Another busy day in my life

Let's see.....

At about 1 AM this morning, I realized I was supposed to give a presentation about our business at 8:30 AM. I've known for weeks that I was going to have to do this, but in my usual fashion, I procrastinated once again. So I was left with the delima - go to bed and get up early to prepare the speech or stay up even later than I already had and get it done. I opted for getting up early (another procrastination, looking back). So I snuggled into bed with my honey, after having set the alarm for 5 AM.

5 AM comes and I roll over and hit the snooze... not even thinking about the morning's events. After many more rolls, I told my husband I thought I would bail on my speech this morning. He does what he usually does and encourages me to go ahead and get out of bed and get it taken care of. After all, it's for the betterment of our livelihood, right?

So, this time I roll over and place my feet firmly on the ground to get moving. I prepared my speech, got dressed and scrambled to get out the door on time.

The meeting went well, and my speech was well received. Thank God! I was given many compliments on it and told about how much more prepared I'd seemed this time than the last. Funny thing is, I'd prepared weeks in advance last time.

After the meeting, off to the bank. This time, no holiday and ID in hand. Paid the bill and headed back home.

Sr's in Richmond today at a class so things around the office were QUIET. Not much activity to speak of. Except.....

One of our guys has been MIA since yesterday afternoon. I'd tried to call him and text him multiple times, as had Sr. After calling around town for him, we finally found him. He'd left his phone somewhere and was surprised that we'd begun to worry. I guess its just my nature.

Picked Jr up from school and took him out for a treat or two. Its amazing sometimes how much he opens up and talks. Other times, he's a brooding teenaged boy and he barely speaks two words. Today, however, he seemed in good spirits and I revelled in it.

Jr had an appointment and while waiting, heard from my Dad. He's coming to town! It's always nice to get a big warm Daddy hug. Doesn't matter what's plaguing me, that always seems to heal it.... even if its just for a moment. I'll get to see him tomorrow and I can't wait.

Later in the evening I found out that one of my neices is having some issues. I pray for her. I remember what it was like to be 17 and feel like the world was crumbling around you. She'll make it through this.... that much I'm sure of. She's got loving parents and sisters who, I'm sure she'll find, are ready to catch her when she stumbles.

Now, it's dark in my house and I can hear the gentle hum of my son's fan. It really makes me reminisce about how things have changed over the past several years. He's growing into such an amazing person and I can't wait to be a part of the life he's only beginning to build. Sometimes I wish I could freeze time. Then he'd never grow taller than me, he'd continue to like being cuddled up on the couch and he'd always be my little man.

Blessings,

Laurie

Finishing the Day

Its been a pretty productive day, altogether.

I accomplished most of what I set out to do today. Although I wasn't thinking straight earlier. I got all the way to the bank before I realized, 1 - I didn't have my ID and 2- Its a banking holiday. So I guess 1 really didn't matter afterall.

Other than that, I sold 2 of the old desks (6 more to go) and was able to fit in all sorts of other things. Got some work done, helped a neighbor with their new computer, snuggled a couple of babies and had some really good conversation with my son.

Tomorrow is another day and I'm excited for all the new opportunities coming my way.

I have a lot planned again (as always). Lets see if I can keep the momentum moving in a forward direction.

Laurie

Hopefully A First of Many

Good Morning All......

Today is slam packed with activity. So much to do, so little time to do it.

First, off to the bank. Gotta take care of business, right? Then off to sell an old desk or two. Next back home to work and manage the day.

Jr's off school today for Veteran's Day. Good luck getting him to get his nose out of the computer long enough to enjoy such a beautiful day. Little does he know, he'll be finishing up yard work before the day's out.

Sr's got a speaking engagement. Another Real Estate Company that wants him to come talk about how the market's changing. Quite frankly, if they don't know how its changing, they probably aren't paying attention. Just my two cents worth.

Dinner tonight is May's BBQ sandwiches. YUM! Can't wait for those. But in the mean time, I'd probably better get something in my tummy.

Hope to keep this up! I enjoy blogging and hope you enjoy reading them.

Blessings,

Laurie