Busy, busy day

We don't have those very often around here, so this is newsworthy (blogworthy? whatever).

Damon, Avery, and I began our day today by visiting Avery's new "school." School sounds so much nicer than "daycare," doesn't it? Maybe it makes me feel less guilty if I call it school... so we'll go with that... Avery's going to SCHOOL.

Anyway, we visited her school... met the teachers, took the tour, talked to the director, got all of the necessary papers, wrote a check to secure her spot, etc.

Avery LOVED "school." We were there for a little over an hour, and spent the majority of that time in what will be her classroom, with her classmates, her teacher, and her new toys... uh, I mean learning tools?!?! And, I literally had to DRAG Avery away when it was time to leave. So, yeah, I think she's going to love school and I don't think she'll mind when I drop her off on the first day and leave her there. She might mind when I come to pick her up that afternoon, though.

Avery's first day of SCHOOL is scheduled for September 12th. And, she'll be at school every Wednesday and Friday. Two full days with NO children at home... I seriously won't know what to do with myself. Oh yeah, I'm supposed to WORK while the children are gone. Right. Work.

So, after dragging Avery away from her school and promising that she'd be able to return soon, we took off for Gram's house. We all went to lunch with Gram. Had a nice visit with her, refueled, and moved on.

Next stop was Damon's school (really, it IS a school... see, no guilt! They MAKE me send him there every day!). After several minutes of searching, we found the first-grade pod and Miss Mears' classroom... and, Oh Happy Day! Damon's friend Ian is in his class again this year. NOW, Damon is suddenly excited about starting school next week. Thank goodness for Ian!

On Damon's desk was a little booklet of questions that Miss Mears wanted him to fill out while we were there. "Interviewing" a 6 year old is always interesting, to say the least.

Name? Damon (that was an easy one).

What do you hope to learn in first grade this year? Dear God. Damon immediately responded, "uhhhh, how about... NOTHING." Miss Mears finally got him to admit that he likes sharks, which she helpfully translated to Science. Love Miss Mears.

What is your favorite thing to do at home when you're not watching TV? I am cringing as Damon reads this question, because I KNOW what his answer is going to be... "Video games... my Playstation 2." Miss Mears noticed that I turned ten shades of red and assured me that this was OKAY (yeah right... give me the "Bad Mom" brand now and get it over with).

What is your favorite story book? Cat in the Hat (see, we DO read and do things other than play video games, really).

I found out when we got home later that Damon chose his answers to all of the questions based on words that he knew how to spell: Damon, shark, PS2, Cat, Hat. lol, I thought that was priceless.

So, the kids and I had a busy, productive day. Now they're both looking forward to starting school, which is a huge relief. And tomorrow, we're doing a whole lot of NOTHING... oh, except I'm going to teach Damon to spell "reading the encyclopedia" and "listening to Mozart."

Less than a week...

Before school starts here!

I've been counting the days for nearly the whole summer (because I'm THAT anxious to be rid of my children, lol. Joke. Kidding... well, sort of!).

But now that the first day of school is nearly upon us, I've got this ACK!, tightened chest, panicky thing going on... because we have a lot to do to prepare!

Laundry needs done; kids' clothes need organized (they actually have to WEAR clothes every day now... no more Captain Underpants and his Half-Naked Sidekick); we still need to buy school supplies (ummm, after we FIND the first-grade school supply LIST that was sent home last year... they really expect me to KNOW where it is 3 months later??); we need to stop by Damon's school and check out the class lists that were supposedly posted at some point this summer, so that he has somewhat of a clue where to go on the first day (no orientation for the big first graders, which makes me sad); I need to make sure there are halfway healthy foods in the house to pack for lunches (my least favorite part of the kids being in school); and I still need to enroll Avery in HER new program (hopefully she'll be going to a rockin' daycare/preschool/gym-kinda place two days a week).

So, see, I have lots to do. And doesn't it just figure that I've been chained to the computer working for the past several days? Hopefully I'll get this pesky work out of the way today or tomorrow, and THEN I can focus on being a mom and preparing my children for school (and doing that party dance because I'll have two full days at home with NO kids!!).

Who am I kidding? I'm sure I'll be a blubbering mess Tuesday morning. Yes, this is Damon's third year going off to school, but FIRST GRADE! That sounds so much older than Kindergarten.

And, Avery. Well, I don't even wanna think about how I'm going to feel the first day I leave HER. Luckily, Avery will be strong enough for both of us... the child was BORN ready to go to school and leave her boring old mom behind in the dust! She is extremely excited about going to school, "just like Bubba."

So, 6 more days... lots to do... aaaaahhhhhhh!

ETA: Damon got a letter in the mail TODAY from his first-grade teacher, Miss Mears. We WILL be meeting her tomorrow at the Open House... TOMORROW. Just got the letter TODAY. Ay yi yi. At least I'm not the only one who procrastinates, eh? Add Open House at Damon's school tomorrow afternoon to my list o' things to do. Where's the Xanax??

It's been a GREAT day!

And what a totally random day to be "great"... it's no occasion, no one's birthday (well, it is my ex-boyfriend's birthday---Happy Birthday, Kris---but I don't think that should really affect the quality of MY day, lol). I have no idea why things are going so well on this particular day, but hey, I'll take it!

The best thing that happened today: Nick finally got his CDL!!!!! (That's commercial driver's license, for those of you who don't know... I've been asked this question several times today!). YAY, Yippee, Hip Hip Hoory for my Witschey! It's been a long, frustrating, costly road for him, but today it all paid off.

So, I'm not really sure yet what his newly acquired CDL will mean for him/us. But, he'll definitely have more options now as far as jobs are concerned, which is never a bad thing!

Another good thing that happened today: I got a blasted paycheck! WHEW! I haven't received a check in AGES, and had 7 outstanding invoices... which is a nice chunk o' change. So, Nick and I both breathed a HUGE sigh of relief when the mail came today. Money in the mail is ALWAYS a good thing!

Another good thing: The mailman also brought me a new book from Paperback Swap. I've recently discovered a yummylicious series that I can't get enough of! I ordered the first 2 books from Paperback Swap several weeks ago... halfway through the 1st book, I rushed to my computer and ordered the next FOUR from Amazon. I devoured the first 6 books in no time (and thoroughly enjoyed each and every page). So, today the 7th book in the series arrived in the mail and I'm doing a happy dance! If I didn't have work to do, I'd probably have my nose buried in it right now...

We ended our "great day" by going out to dinner to celebrate Nick's new license. All 4 of us went to one of our favorite local restaurants... we had tasty meals, the kids were both well-behaved (shocking, eh?), and we just enjoyed an evening out together! YAY!

So, it was just an all-around GOOD day for our little family, in our little corner of the world. It's nice to have one of those every once in a while!

Suffering from Post-Mom's Night Out Syndrome

Last night was sooooooo much fun! Eleven wonderful women, ummy yummy food (I had Chicken Chesapeake, mmmm!), birthday cake, alcoholic beverages, tons of laughs, AND karaoke... what more can a stressed out mom in major need of some "down time" ask for??

But, today, I'm mega-depressed. Go figure. It's so nice to get out and let loose a little... and one would THINK that having a night out would leave me feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle the kids, house, dogs, work, etc. again. But it really seems to have the opposite effect on me, sadly enough.

All day I've been looking at pics from last night and chatting with my mom friends about the fun time we had, and I'm so sad because I want to be back there NOW... every night, in fact. lol

(Okay, maybe not EVERY night.)

Mom's Night Out is a little teeny taste of freedom... a reminder of what my social life was like in the days pre-Damon and Avery. And, I'd be lying if I told you that I don't miss those days every now and then. But, lucky for me, the next Mom's Night Out will roll around again before I know it! And I'm already ready! :)

Here's a group shot from last night. Aren't we pretty?


And, I even got up and sang karaoke. It was fun, although I'm sure I sounded dreadful... but I'm always happy to entertain. lol

Mom's Night Out! YAY!

Tonight is Mom's Night Out... for a group of moms, this is equivalent to Christmas. Really. I can count on one hand (or less) the number of times I get away from my kids (not to mention the house, the dogs, the laundry, etc.) in a normal month's time.

I seriously LIVE for Mom's Nights Out, which generally occur once a month for my group. And, I've actually missed the last two, for one reason or another.

Tonight we're meeting for dinner... where we will all enjoy being SERVED instead of doing the cooking, serving, and clean-up that the majority of us do most nights. And then we're moving our party to the bar for some drinks, adult conversation, and karaoke (always entertaining).

I'm downright giddy.

A 3yo's interpretation of Hurricane Dean

My husband has become addicted to The Weather Channel (I thought that happened when men were much older?!?!)... so every evening when he comes home from work, we watch the thrilling weather, which for the past several days has been Hurricane Dean coverage, of course.

Last night, Avery was watching with us... and while viewing the "graphics" of Hurricane Dean's path, she exclaimed: "WOW, that Ocean is a MESS!"

lolol. That's ONE way to put it!

A trip down Memory Lane

I don't usually bore you guys with my scrapbook layouts... but I thought I would today, lol.

I've gotten bored scrapping pics of Damon and Avery (since that's pretty much all I've done for the past 6.5 years!)... and have recently started going through some photos from MY childhood. I'm having a great time scrapping these older pics!

Here are a few new layouts that I've done in the past week. (In the first one, I'm almost the exact same age Avery is now... and Avery thinks all of my "baby" pics are of HER, which is quite entertaining.)

Getting ready for "Back to School"

Step one was getting rid of Damon's shaggy hair! Look, he has ears (BIG ears, lol).

I'm in love with this face...

And on the rare occasions when Avery will LEAVE a barrette in her hair, I can actually SEE it! :)

My cool kids

These two have recently become obsessed with sunglasses.

And, yes, Damon is perched on a basket of dirty laundry. And, no, I have no clue why he chose that particular seat. (I don't really TRY to understand him these days... he's a six-year-old MYSTERY!)

It's official: I'm a geek

I just ordered this, and I'm feeling downright giddy! (Geek is the only explanation I can possibly come up with.)

Even if you click on my nifty little hyperlink, you might still be asking yourself, "What the heck is that??"

Well, it's pretty much "The Bible" for medical writers/editors. Back in the day, when I worked in-house, I had a tattered copy (of a much older edition) sitting on my desk... and, yes, I took it for granted.

I've been freelancing now for almost 8 years without the assistance of this guide at my fingertips. And, although I've managed somehow, I've done a lot of guessing and "ehhh, that looks right!" So, since I've recently decided to become a more conscientious and organized freelance editor, it seemed only right to finally fork over the $55 and put an end to the guesswork.

Just reading the Customer Reviews on Amazon made my heart skip a beat.

Yep, I'm definitely a geek... but a happy geek at least!

(And now, I promise that you won't hear anything else work-related from me for a long time... this blog will return to its regularly scheduled program---The Damon and Avery PicFest. Oh, quit cheering!)

Ready, Set, GO!!

Yesterday was a gorgeous day! We got a little reprieve from the unbearable August heat (it's back today, of course), and the kids enjoyed some outside fun, for a change.

Here are Damon and Avery "racing." Judging from the last picture, Avery thinks she won. She didn't, but you've gotta love her enthusiasm and pride! :)

(And please don't ask about Avery's outfit because I really don't understand it myself. She had her cute little dress on, and looked adorable... then decided those jammie pants were necessary, too. She's very "unique," my Avery.)

Fishy Faces with Miss Trish

Sharing some knowledge

My friend Susan and I chat via our fabulous Yahoo Messenger daily, while we're editing away. I met Susan a million years ago when we both worked in-house as editors for the company that I now freelance for. Now, we're both freelance copyeditors, and thank God we have each other! Otherwise, this job would've made both of us insane by now (well, maybe we ARE insane, but at least we have each other!).

Anyhoo, Susan and I chat constantly while we're working, and we "vent" to each other about common mistakes we see in our papers time and time again... each of us has certain things that really get under our skin.

For example, Susan's no. 1 peeve while editing is when she sees "drug regiment" instead of "drug regimen." Really, it sends her over the edge... luckily, she has me there to talk her through it. She owes her life to me. lol.

Maybe I should stop here and point out that, as a copyeditor... especially a copyeditor who works with electronic files... you EXPECT to correct a type-o every now and then. It happens... to the best of us. But, there are lots of things that Susan and I see on a daily basis, like "drug regiment," that I don't believe are honest typing errors. No, Dr. Whatshisname, PhD, didn't accidentally hit that "t" key. He really THINKS the word is "regiment." This makes a huge difference... to us, anyway.

Today, I realized MY no. 1 editing peeve... and I realize it's something that most people just honestly don't KNOW. So, I'm sharing the knowledge with all of you because I really WANT the world to catch on, and well, you have to start somewhere.

May I present you with the term "Web site." I promise... that really IS correct. It's not "website" or "Website," although I'm betting that 90% of the world thinks it is (just based on how many times I see it written incorrectly in the articles I edit, not to mention in e-mails and on message boards, etc.).

I found this fascinating piece of information in one of my many "style guides" years ago, when I was an in-house editor. I committed it to memory, for some reason, and it's driven me crazy ever since when I've seen it written the wrong way.

If you don't believe me, just go to the Merriam-Webster Web site and type it in their little search box. You can even type the incorrect form (like "website") and it will prove my point... it's Web site. Really. I wouldn't mislead you.

And now that I've shared that bit of knowledge with the world (or, rather, all FIVE of my readers), I will sleep better tonight. Class dismissed.

My hard work paid off!

I blogged (and whined) last week about organizing my work "stuff."

It wasn't a fun task... in fact, it was quite overwhelming and I almost threw in the towel a few times. But, I managed to take 4 folders and 2 binders full of papers and turn them into ONE 1/2-inch, ORGANIZED binder, with everything I need to do my job... and do it well. YAY me!

And, it's already paying off. I'm not only turning work in ON TIME now, but I'm meeting deadlines EARLY even. I don't think that's ever happened before, sadly enough.

And not only THAT, but I'm enjoying the work I'm doing (kinda/sorta) for a change. I feel, for once, like I'm churning out "quality" work because I'm actually taking the time to consult my handy-dandy binder when I have questions, etc. And, honestly, I don't MIND my job when I feel like I have the time to do it well.

Life is good in Freelancer-ville... this week! *wink*

Keeping the Tooth Fairy in Business!

Damon lost his second tooth this weekend!

Well, "lost" is probably not a very accurate verb. Damon spent DAYS desperately tugging on said tooth, which was probably NOT ready to leave his mouth... just yet.

But, it WAS being evicted by the first "big tooth" moving in next door. Between the new big tooth and Damon's sheer determination, the poor little tooth didn't stand a chance! ;)

It seems like every day here lately SOMETHING happens to remind me how my little boy is growing up... very quickly! He's losing teeth, riding his new bike with no training wheels (that skill hasn't been mastered yet, but he's well on his way!), reading and writing stories (and, of course, Mommy helps by editing... poor kid, lol), swimming underwater, sleeping WITHOUT his Teddy (gasp!), etc. I'm sure I could go on and on.

And as he grows, I cling even tighter to my beloved scrapbooks and home videos... the only things I have left of "Little Damon."

With all the changing going on, one thing has remained the same over the years--my love for that little/big guy. I can honestly say that I loved him just as much the day he was born, when he was brand new and tiny, as I do today. There's never been anything like Damon, and my love for him, in my world (except for maybe his little sister!).


(A pic of Damon and me in July '03)

Freelancing is F-U-N

Today, I'm actually "caught up" with my editing work for a change. It doesn't happen often, so I'm enjoying it... for the moment.

And am I taking advantage of it by playing with my kids or cleaning my house or reading for pleasure or scrapbooking? Of course not.

What AM I doing today? (I know you're all dying to know!)

I am taking on the arduous task of ORGANIZING work papers... style guides that I've had for years (and that are about 90% inaccurate), the many handwritten "notes" on those inaccurate style guides (you know, the only small parts of the guides that are actually helpful when I'm working), the different Reference List styles that I have to switch back and forth between (and always trip me up), various "sample" edited files (which are probably only 50% inaccurate), and numerous emails from the in-house crew that contain answers to all of the questions I've had over the years re: style, formatting, etc.

Needless to say, the "materials" that we freelancers are given pretty much suck.

When I worked in-house as an editor, I had nice binders lining my desk which contained frequently UPDATED style guides... and I referenced them quite often. I also had the benefit of being IN the office and being notified of changes as they occurred (which happens on a daily basis in this business). And, of course, I sat two cubes away from my Journal Production Manager, who was available to answer any questions as they came up. I ALMOST felt like I knew what I was doing when I worked IN the office.

Now, I've been freelancing from home for going on 8 years. And I've spent most of that time feeling absolutely clueless and "in the dark." As a freelancer, I'm pretty much at the mercy of the in-house staff that I work with... I count on them to send me the style guides and other supporting materials that I NEED to edit these journals. I also count on them to tell me when styles are updated or changed (although styles change frequently, I'm almost never notified until after the fact, when I've already done something wrong per the old style... go figure).

I love that I work at my dining room table in my pajamas and choose my own hours. I love that I no longer fight bumper-to-bumper traffic commuting to the office. I love that when the editing bores me to tears or my eyes start seeing double from staring at Word documents for hours, I can take a break... whenever I want to. I love that I've been home with my kids since the day they were born, and that I've also been able to bring in an income at the same time. Freelancing DOES have it benefits.

But, as I stare at stacks of unorganized style guides (have I mentioned they're 90% inaccurate?) and beg my in-house co-workers for any additional supporting materials that might be of use, I long for my days in the cube... with my nice, organized, updated binders beside me and the knowledge of my managing editor a few steps away.

Hallelujah! We survived another year...

Nick and I, that is.

Today is our 6th wedding anniversary. Only 6 years, wow. It really feels like it's been at least double that, lol.

A while back, I started a scrapbook of our wedding day... and, well, I'm STILL working on it! It's so funny to look back at those photos... at us 6 years ago. Nick and I were younger, thinner, cuter (and Nick had a lot more hair!). And we look deliriously happy in those photos. But, honestly, I think we're a lot "happier" and more content today.

We've had 6 years since then to love and learn and grow with one another. We've weathered a lot of storms over the past 6 years, but miraculously, we keep surviving them... and I believe that those "wild rides" are what make us a stronger couple with each passing year.

Our day-to-day lives are filled with grueling work schedules, balancing checkbooks, keeping a chaotic house, and attempting to raise two happy, healthy children amid the chaos. So, it's not very often that we take the time to remember HOW and WHERE this all started.

Today, I'm remembering, with a smile on my face. And I know that if I could go back in time to this day in 2001, I'd do it all over again... in a heartbeat.

Happy Anniversary, Witschey. I'm still very fond of you! *wink*

By the way...

I think my dad is a positively wonderful man. Really, I do. Nick should take it as a huge compliment that I find them even remotely similar, in ANY way.

Just thought I'd clarify. *wink*

I officially hate summer

Actually, I don't remember ever claiming to LIKE summer... it's probably my least favorite of the four seasons, for multiple reasons.

But, today, I officially hate summer because it's just plain damn HOT and miserable (and our local extended forecast promises NO relief over the next 7 days, ugh).

The kids and I have been holed up in the house with the a/c all week. I've thought a few different times about taking them somewhere, to do something fun, ya know? But, forget it. They don't even WANT to go out in the heat, and I don't blame them.

And, I think the heat is making my grumpy husband even grumpier (see, they say you marry men like your father, and in that respect, mission accomplished. I am married to a grumpy, grumpy man... just like Grumpy Grampy. Go figure!).

Poor Nick comes home for lunch every day... and he's huffing and puffing and sweating and whining about how HOT he is. I sympathize... I really do. No way would you find me working outside in this weather. No freakin' way. But, then I remember that Nick chose this job, over a nice air-conditioned desk job... and that's where my sympathy ends.

Anyway, it's HOT. Too hot. And it's making us stir crazy and grumpy around here. And I know you were all dying to know that.

Ooops, one more...

Avery insisted that I take a pic of Girl Bear's new hair clips!

I think the transformation from "he" to "she" is now complete! Avery's walking around with her Bear saying "ohhh, you look so CUTE, Girl!" lolol (She doesn't even realize that SHE is the cute one!)

August 1st: Around our House

I realized earlier that I haven't taken any new pics in a while. And, well, we can't have that!

Unfortunately, we're having a pretty lazy day around the house today. It's hot as Hades outside, so the kids (and dogs) and I are just lazing around in our jammies, enjoying the cool air conditioning (and I'm feeling a little sorry for poor Nick, who is out working in the heat... just a little!).

So, here are some snapshots of an uber-exciting (and typical) day around our house!

First, Avery was really excited because she put one of her dresses on Bear. Suddenly, Avery has decided that Bear is actually a girl (she's been calling him a "he" for 3 years now, despite his pink color, lol). So, here is the new female version of Bear, and his... I mean, HER... proud Momma:



Next, Avery and Bear decided to sit on poor Comet:

Comet loves Avery... he really does, despite the annoyed look he seems to be giving her in this pic. But can you blame him? She just SAT on the poor creature. Comet is very tolerant, lol.


Damon (who desperately needs a haircut, YIKES!) is playing video games, but he did break his concentration long enough to smile for me, just once:


And, Lizzie... well, she's doing what she does best:

Is it Labor Day yet??

I love my son. I really do. And that makes me feel half guilty for saying this, but... I'm ready for him to go back to school!!

It was so nice having Damon home at the beginning of summer. No more early mornings, fighting to get him out of bed... no more packing lunches, and praying that he'd actually EAT them... no more waiting for the bus twice a day, and worrying when it showed up late to drop him off in the afternoon... no more bored Avery, wandering around the house like a lost puppy looking for her Bubba.

I know that Avery has thoroughly enjoyed having Damon home this summer, and I know that she's going to miss him terribly in September when he's gone 8 hours a day. But, I can't for the life of me figure out WHY. These two are like Warriors battling each other from sun up until sun down these days. I guess in the back of my mind I've been expecting this since the day Avery was born... the sibling rivalry, the whining and crying, the neverending "Mommmmmmmmmy, he/she touched me!" Yes, I've been expecting it... and at the same time praying that it wouldn't actually happen.

But, alas, it HAS happened. Damon and Avery have a love/hate relationship. One minute, they're playing nicely together... laughing and enjoying each other's presence on Earth. And in the blink of an eye, that all changes... one hits the other, much whining and crying follows, and Damon usually ends up stomping off to his room, locking himself in away from his annoying little sister (and of course his annoying little sister stands at his door absolutely heartbroken), and then there are MORE tears.

Of course, as I type this, the Warriors are cuddled up together, sharing a cushion on the couch, watching a movie. Like two peas in a pod. It's lovely and heartwarming. And I predict it'll last for about 20 minutes, tops. As soon as Damon realizes that Avery dares to breathe HIS air, WWIII will commence.

So, I'm off to take cover and mark another day off on the calendar... one day closer to that glorious yellow school bus arriving to transport Warrior No. 1 to school for 8 peaceful hours.