A Fog Has Been Lifted...

For the last few months/years, I have been in such a...funk...I guess you could call it. Stressed, anxious, tense, and just intensely worried about everything. Unfortunately, the kids bore the brunt of that with a distinct lack of patience--something I am short of in the first place. I don't know if it's because of a change of meds or my taking control of my situation that has helped me, but I am finally feeling more normal than I have in 3 years let alone the last few months. As you all know, I started working, again, last week and I had virtually no anxiety over it, whatsoever--which for me is UNHEARD of. I obsess and over-think everything to the point of feeling sick and I didn't get that way at all this week. I am just so grateful that I have the family I do and the friends that I have made because the decision to go back to work was made that much easier for me because of them.

How it went...

My first day back to work could not have gone better. It went very smoothly and I felt so comfortable that it was like I had never left. I don't know if it's just a honeymoon phase, but I really enjoyed it and think it's going to go well. I had a few old patients that came in and that called and they were all excited to hear I was back so, that added to the feeling that I was in the right place.

LC also did just fine. Too fine, in fact. I met my girlfriend at the kids' school to grab LC before pick-up time and LC pushed me away, started crying and stated that she wanted to stay with Cal--my girlfriend's son who is her age and in her class. Although I was a little shocked at her not being ecstatic to see me, I was so happy to know that she had a good time. Obviously her adjustment to my working will go quicker for her than it will for me.

D-Day is tomorrow.

At about 4:30amCST, I will be dragging my butt out of bed to get ready for my foray back into the workplace. Bernard's office hours start at 7:00am, so, I need to be there by 6:30. It is one of two things I am not looking forward to. The other one is the commute. But, it will be good for me and the family for me to get back out there and help earn some extra money to get us through this horrific economy. Todd will get the kids to school and to LC's babysitter and I will pick them all up after I get off. Let's hope that things go smoothly for everyone.

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho...

It's off to work, I go. It was a very difficult decision to be made but I have decided to go back to work part-time at the doctor's office that I used to practice at. I am excited about the money but sad that time will have to be sacrificed from the family. Thankfully the hours are flexible and will only be Fridays, Saturdays, and every other Wednesdays. I'll still be able to volunteer at the kids' school and still have time to get other things done, but Todd will have to take over swim lesson duty on Saturdays.LOL

On a personal note...Heather, I want to thank you for gearing me up and giving me a pep talk this morning. You'll never know how much it helped me. You made me realize that I am doing something that really is for the good of myself and my family and that's all that counts. Thank you, little sis.<3

Busy, Busy Weekend

Well, the Summer has unofficially come to a close this weekend and we were on the go. Saturday was my cousin Joey's weekend and we had a babysitter all lined up for a night out. Joey is the last of my 19 cousins on my dad's side to get married and it promised to be a good time with many of my other cousins and all of my aunts and uncles being there. I had appts. for a pedicure and an up-do hairstyle to be done , so, I couldn't wait to get pampered. To top it all off, I came home to a clean house. Todd and the kids cleaned while I was gone! Could this day get any better?

The wedding was very short--15 mins.--and the reception started right after. Here is a pic of all of my Aunts, Uncles and parents. It's not the best picture but is the only one I have:

A picture of my cousin Suzanne and I:

Todd and I:

Today, we went to Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. What a great Zoo! We usually go to The Milwaukee Zoo but with economic times the way they are, we decided to go the cheap and free route. The kids loved being in the city and liked exploring this new zoo. At the Ape house, one was lying right up next to the glass and was face to face with LC. While lying there, it decided to smack the glass right at LC's face level. to say it freaked her and the kid next to her out is an understatement. LOL

The kids and I on the bridge right outside the entrance to the Zoo:

The boys petting a snake (LC would have nothing to do with it).:


The kids in front of the fountain in the gardens outside another entrance to the zoo:


And now, the kids are all tucked into their beds waiting for the boys' first dress uniform day and LC's first day at school all by herself and her classmates.