How do you spell "relief"? Not that kind of relief! The relief of having your yearly review at work and you ended up doing awesome! Yep! I had mine today and I did better than expected. I got the raise I requested and was told that if I kept up the great work I would be getting bonuses! Yay!

I have worked at jobs that I love but I have worked with the meanest people around. I have always worked really hard and that upsets people because they think I am sucking up when in fact, I simply learned a good work ethic from my mom and dad. Several times in the interview they told me how much my efforts and input was appreciated. They told me that my suggestions have been valued and to keep them coming!

All I can say is WHEW!

You all know I lead the most boring life around. Like watching grass grow. Like sitting in line at the drop-in clinic during flu season. Boring!
However, as boring as my life in three things of note happened today.

• I got called into work on my day off because some epidemic hit my workplace and there was nobody to fill in. Working on a day off. Not fun.
• My daughter has been having trouble seeing the board at school so I made an eye appointment for her. I figured since I was taking her I might as well get my son's eyes tested too. Turns out they both need glasses and my son should have had them a while back. Can you say "neglectful parent"? Can you also say $$$?
• My son managed to talk me into allowing him to keep 2 tree frogs he found at school. How is it two tree frogs that you can find outside for free can end up costing more than $20.00 for a new aquarium and crickets?

That is all! (I may now go back to my normally scheduled boring life.)

I am a daddy's girl. But I wasn't always. I was born into a home by a man that didn't know how to be a dad. I have since made amends with my father and I love him dearly. But my dad? Who is he? My mom had been a single mom and met my (step) dad when I was 7. I have adored this man from the beginning. He took on a role that didn't belong to him. He stepped in and became my daddy. He has taught me more about life than anyone. From changing the brakes in my car to making the perfect spaghetti sauce. He has been my shoulder to cry on and a listening ear. He is always there for me. Always. He has never judged me for my many, many messes I have got myself into. In fact, he helped me out of them. He has been there when I call him up at 7:00 a.m. because my car won't start and I need a ride to work. (And while I am at work he fixes my car.) He has been there late at night when I call him because I am crying and need someone to listen.

He took on a job that was not his own. He has never once made a statement declaring me any less than a flesh and blood daughter. He became a daddy to a little girl that so desperately needed one.

My dryer broke last week and I will be wearing my wedding dress to work soon if I don't get it fixed. The other option is the laundromat but I don't happen to carry 60 quarters around with me. I also don't like the weirdos that hang out there to watch my underwear tumble around. It is far too familiar. There should be a dryer just for things you don't want others to see.
Why are there always so many weirdos at the laundromat? Have they gone off the deep end because of always having to haul their laundry around? Is it from having laundry pile up until you have 36 loads? Is it from walking around with $45.00 in change in your pockets? (Ka-ching, ka-ching no matter how quiet you try to be.) Or do you just go to the laundromat when you are a weirdo? Moreover, am I a weirdo for going? (Please click on my weirdo collage then click on the maximize icon. I made it special.)

I have just crawled out of bed after being sick since Sunday. Stubborn me didn't think she needed to go to the doctor. I finally went yesterday and have a bacterial infection in my lungs. Most people go to the doctor before they cough up a part of what once was a perfectly good lung. In my defense I am trying to get off all unnecessary prescriptions like the Pill and my antidepressants. I have been feeling really good until all this happened. Bah!

And I keep thinking about Corey. I guess I am waiting for a sign from the Universe but nothing is saying go for it!

Regarding Corey. (That was his name.) It has been 20 years! We were just kids when we met. We both fell in love hard and fast. I just can't seem to work up the courage to contact him. I have tried telling men that I like them in the past and have been burned. The main thing that keeps me from contacting him is he lives on the mainland and I live on the Island. A relationship would never work anyway. Part of me wants to at least see him again but there are two possibilities. One, he is not interested and I would feel devastated. Two, he is interested and it can't work because of location. Either way it is going to feel terrible.
I guess I am just safe with keeping this very intense and emotional memory. But I will think about what you all have said. Maybe.