Thought I’d post a picture of the cake I did this morning. It’s the first cake I’ve decorated in several years and although it’s not one of my best, I like it just the same!

We had a busy, busy weekend and I sure am glad it’s a short school week. I’m SO ready to have all my kids lazing around the house for a while. I can’t wait to get the tree up (should have taken care of that, already), listen to the Christmas music on the radio, and watch all the Christmas shows!

My cousin’s oldest daughter got married on Saturday and my oldest girl was the maid of honor. They’re both seniors in high school and it was a little scary to think that they’re legally old enough to do that now. Well, mine’s not, but she’s so close enough (shudder) that it hurts to think about it. The cousin and her boyfriend have been together for a couple of years and they decided that marriage was what they wanted, so I hope everything turns out good for them. They are SO young. It makes my stomach knot up just thinking about it.

I had a nice little soap order that I worked on, on Friday. That’ll help with a bill. I’ve almost got my web site pages back together and I’ve decided to be open to anything (almost) that will bring in some money. My unemployment money is dwindling down and I’m really trying to make sure there’s enough to take care of the basic bills for as long as possible. My baby shower cake turned out nice and even though it makes me a nervous wreck to do cakes, I figure I’m open to that again too.

We have 2 places to work around here that aren’t fast food or Wal-Mart. One of them just terminated their weekend shift and is supposed to be getting rid of some of their day shift soon. The other place had a big meeting today, but I haven’t heard anything about that yet. I just don’t know what everyone’s going to do.

Today was my H&R Block day and I was looking forward to getting it behind me. It’s surprises me, how much I haven’t learned. I pull into the parking lot at the “mall” and there’s what looks like a bread line running from the door of Block along the front of the building and back inside the mall. Needless to say, I didn’t go in.

So, I go to WalMart to burn some time before heading back and I get a call letting me know about a baby shower happening next Monday. Guess who’s making the cake. So, I go grab a couple of mixes, some Crisco, and powdered sugar, then hit the cake decorating aisle for some naked babies or diaper pins. Nothing! They have absolutely nothing for the top of the cake. Okay, whatever.

Back to the “mall”. Bread line’s still there - no Block for me today. I’m NOT disappointed. I headed to the post office and mailed my transcript request (like I really want to see that again) and then drove home.

I’ve decided I’m going to call the community college advisor tomorrow and see what I can get done on my “going back to school” thing. I’m not supposed to see “the woman” again until the 26th and I’m worried she’s dragging her feet and I’m going to end up screwed out of the program, simply because people don’t get in a hurry here. Anyway, I can qualify for a Pell grant and there’s no reason I can’t go back on my own if something falls through with the program. Now, I just have to figure out what I really want to take.

Because, if you’re not, you don’t know what you’re missing! He’s hilarious! While I do love Walter, I must say, Achmed is my favorite! The new Christmas special is on Comedy Central right now! Go! Turn that TV channel now!

I can’t stand that song.

Today, my oldest daughter went to play in the Regional All-Star Volleyball tournament and I missed it. Her last high school volleyball game ever and I missed it. Around 9:00 this morning, I sliced the heel of my foot open and by the time I got the bleeding stopped, I really didn’t think I could make the 2 hour drive to the game. They won the tournament and she loved playing with girls that really know how to play, so she’s happy! I hope she plays at the college level.

So, because my foot is ouching big time, I did not get my walking in today. I will tomorrow. I really will. I can’t believe 6 months ago I was doing anywhere from 3-8 miles a day, every day, and now I can’t get motivated enough to do a quick mile. The walking I’m doing is the Leslie Sansone “Walking Away the Pounds” DVD’s. It’s not straight walking and it can give you a really good cardio workout depending on which miles you choose to do. I love them and recommend them to everyone! I feel so much better when I’m walking and stretching regularly, I’ve just got to buckle down and get back into the swing of it.

I’ve been taking the girls skating every week and they’re really enjoying it. It gives them a little exercise and gets us all out of the house (together) for a while. I hope they do enough business that they can stay open. We’re not in a good place for small business right now, but there’s absolutely nothing else in this town anymore, so the kids flock there on the weekends. The only thing we did have was the little movie theater, but it closed down a few months ago. My fingers are crossed for the skating rink people!

I’m tired and my foot’s throbbing.

Good night, Irene.

So, it’s been over a month since I posted and now it’s time to get caught up.

• First, let me say, I’m so glad that the majority of Americans knew the correct answer when they stepped into the voting booths! GOBAMA! WOOHOO! There truly is hope now!
• I’m halfway through the H&R Block tax course. I go one day a week and it’s a one on one class, so I’m happy with that. I don’t really see myself working there - maybe in a different town, but not here. It’s something I can do from home if I choose to, so that’s a plus.
• I’m still in the process of getting this school stuff going. I have another meeting right before Thanksgiving and I’m worried the lady is putting everything off for so long that it’ll really be cutting it too close to get everything finished. I need to contact my old high school and get my transcript on it’s way.
• We got through Halloween and I’m happy to say that I’ll never have to go trick-or-treating again! Unless, of course, it’s to watch my future grandbabies!
• I’ve started back on my walking this week - gotta get rid of this extra fat. I hope I can make myself do at least 10 miles a week until I get back into it.

I think that’s it. Now, I can get back into posting!