Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Out of the Blogging Loop

After my back-to-back trips to Florida and Chicago, and then my week-plus bout with a sinus/ear infection and bronchitis, I'm feeling out of the blogging loop. I really want to get back into the swing of things and start posting but so far, it has been slow going. So, today, I will share a few things that have been going on around here:


*My oldest (he is 16) got his driver's permit. It's freaking me out. I'm really not ready for my child to be behind the wheel of a car. And, I think I talked about this recently, but, many of his friends are getting their driver's licenses. I'm REALLY not ready for my child to get into a car with one of his friends behind the wheel. It's stressful! Seriously, I'm having major anxiety and control issues with this one. Any advice?

*Monday was our 18th wedding anniversary. We both forgot. Ooops! I'm even embarrassed to say that. Of course, we knew it was coming up, but we didn't have any plans. On the day of, I was at the mall buying my daughter school shoes, when I signed the receipt, I noticed the date. I called hubby and said "Happy Anniversary that we both forgot"....


*I have completed all my required continuing education courses that I need in order to reinstate my RN license. YAH for me! Because I haven't worked for eleven years, I got lazy and didn't keep up with the requirements to keep my license active. Luckily, it wasn't too much trouble to reinstate - I had to do 42 continuing education hours and a refresher course. But, I'm proud to once again be a licensed Kentucky registered nurse. I have started to look for a job. I'll keep you posted on my progress as I begin this (scary) new chapter in my life of returning to the work force.


*My parents live about 10 minutes from my house. It's nice having them so close; they are always a big help to us. They have a beautiful big house with a huge basement, gorgeous sun room, big yard and vegetable garden and flower garden....I love being at their house. This past weekend, they put their home up for sale and decided to move into a patio home. On one hand, this is great. I know they are tired of the upkeep of the big home and they would feel better about downsizing at this point in their life. And, did I mention...the patio home is in the front of MY neighborhood! My kids could literally walk or ride their bike to visit Grandma and Grandpa. The patio home is far enough up the street that we can't see each other, so I wouldn't feel like my space was being invaded. But, on the other hand, it really makes me sad. I'm sad to see them give up their home (which is where we always gather for holidays and such). And, it makes me sad to realize that they are getting older. They are both 72, and while they are in very good health and still get around fine, I can definitely see that they have aged in the past few years. It's a hard thing to face, your parents getting old. It makes me sad.


*School starts for our kids in two weeks. This summer has really flown by. Our kids are in the following grades: 3rd, 6th, 8th, and 11th. So, once again, we have three different school schedules to keep up with. This will definitely be interesting, especially if I return to work.

18 comments:

Kari (GrannySkywalker) said...

I only have one left in school...Jacob, my 17 year old. He'll be a senior this year. And, while he's been driving for awhile now, it still totally freaks me out everytime I know he's on the road. I've just now gotten almost comfortable with Kaleb driving (he'll be 19 right after Christmas)! I wish I could wrap them in airbags everytime they go anywhere, believe me.

It is sad to realize that our parents are getting old. My mom won't have anything to do with me (she kind of went a little around the bend when it comes to me a few years ago and no one knows why) and I'm always wondering what it'll feel like when she's gone, knowing these last years have been as they are. I keep hoping she'll decide to speak to me again, one of these days soon. It would be nice to have a relationship with her.
But I do speak with my dad (they're divorced) and it breaks my heart to see him aging. Dad used to be so vibrant, so funny and oh so witty. It hurts to see him fade a little more with each passing year. But I guess that's the cycle of life. Knowing that doesn't mean I have to like it, though. :(

And hey, by the way, HAPPY BELATED ANNIVERSARY! It's so funny that you both forgot. My husband makes a big deal out of it and, bless his heart, it's all I can do to remember the date. lol In fact, for about the first 16 or 17 years of our marriage, I always got the date wrong (hey, just by one lousy day, though - it's not like I got the month wrong or something!). lol

Congrats on getting your nursing license reinstated! I'm so impressed!!! I know what hard work it must have been to get that license to begin with!

Kari

Heather said...

Happy Belated Anniversary. 18 years! What an accomplishment in this day. :) Don't feel too bad about forgetting I thought this year was 5 for us and it was only 4. We all make mistakes.

My step-daughter turned 15 in April and has just finished driver's training and drives with us when ever she can this summer. It's scary! That's all there is to say about it.

I am once again reminded how lucky I am that we don't go back to school until after Labor Day! Michigan as a new 'rule/law' that all schools can't start until Sept. 8. I love it.

It's good to see you back around.

The Redhead Riter said...

Congrats on you both for making your marriage work, but too sad that you didn't think about celebrating the love you have for one another.

My daughter has her learner's permit and it is TERRIFYING to know that she is so grown up. She drives really good, but I would like to lock her in the attic or the basement.

Sad that your parents are going to move out, but is the home big enough for you all to live in it so you can help take care of them and still not give up the house?

The Redhead Riter said...

Oh, and BIG CONGRATS on your nursing license. It is a different world than 11 years ago. Take it nice and slow.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on both your anniversary and your license!

Jen said...

I just applied to Grad school this afternoon so I can get re-certified and go back to teaching. I am totally freaking out about it! Good luck with your job search!

Pina said...

I am so glad for you that things worked out so well! Congratulations on your anniversary and of course, on your license! Good luck!

black eyed susans kitchen said...

Wow, Kari, you have been busy. You need to choose a night and go out with your hubby! Even if it is fast food and a movie. Having your parents so close by must be wonderful. Ours are in different states, making the logistics of visiting them pretty difficult. My parents are also moving to an age appropriate place this year...change is never easy. Congrats on the nursing thing.
♥, Susan

septembermom said...

Kari, congrats on your anniversary and getting your license! That's terrific:) I have 3 different school schedules around my house too. We don't go back until September. It's really nice that the kids can go to their grandparents' house so easily.

Daddy Forever said...

Happy anniversary! I can't you both forgot.

Jenners said...

Wow...you have a lot of big stuff going on in your life.

It terrifies me to think of my son ever driving ... I know he is only 4 now but I'm already dreading it. Good luck!

And my husband and I don't make a big deal out of our wedding anniversary either so I totally understand forgetting about it -- especially after 18 years!

And congrats on being an official RN again! It will be weird to go back to work, I suspect. I will be in the boat soon enough.

And that is bittersweet about your parents. But at least they'll be close by and convenient (without being too close by).

The Redhead Riter said...

for you...

http://theredheadriter.blogspot.com/2009/08/secrets-friends-and-sharing.html

Lifeofkaylen said...

I'm with you on the teenage driving! My son got his license a few months ago and already rejects any of my driving advice, or directions because "I can read road signs!" I haven't had to worry too much about him being in other kids cars, but it is VERY scary. They can't even throw away trash at home--how can they operate a moving vehicle at high speeds with friends in the car and the radio up loud?? :(

It will be great to have your parents close, though it is sad to lose the large house to go to. But your parents will probably be much happier with less upkeep.

Happy SITS Saturday sharefest!!

jennie.newland said...

Thanks for dropping by my blog. I am in nursing school right now, and will hopefully be done in August 2010 so I know what an accomplishment it is to renew your lisence! Congrats on that!

Dawna said...

A person thinks they might die of worry, when their kids are small. But, it is way scarier, to have them out of your sight, driving, working, dating, etc... I understand completely.

Donna Gotlib said...

Congratulations on completing your reqs for your license. You are so smart to go back and get current. Good luck. Also good luck with the driving issue. You'll have to keep us posted.

Regarding the patio home - When I moved 1000 miles north to remarry, I moved my Mother and nephew with me. I purchased a townhouse that was walking distance from our house for the two of them. I'm so thankful that we did this. She was 76 at the time. She passed away three months ago at age 83. What fun we had before she became ill. Yes, I missed the beautiful home where I grew up but it was even more fun having her so close by. I will never regret that. My nephew is still there. I love having him so close.

Now you have the opportunity to make many new memories that will be different with your parents so close by.

Finally, happy anniversary.

Donna - first time visitor.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on getting your license reinstated. That's a big accomplishment!


I know what you mean about your oldest son driving. My oldest daughter just got her drivers license this summer- it's been a nail biter for me. Eeek!

stephanie said...

I grew up across the driveway from my grandparents and *loved* it so; your kids are lucky. Although right now I might not adore the idea of my parents that close, it is nice that we're not across the country.

Hurray for your RN reinstatement, and good luck with the driver ;D