Since the last time I wrote, we had Valentine's Day, a few rodeo concerts and some excitement at school. So, here it goes:
Valentine's Day was a total bummer. It didn't help that I was in meetings all day and kids were crazy sugar hyped so I was exhausted when I got home. The worst part about the day/night was having a husband that was upset and angry all night and wouldn't listen to me. Leland found out earlier in the day that University Hospital decided to contract out the job that he was thinking he was going to get and he still had not heard from MD Anderson. I tried to salvage the night by telling him that we both have to look on the bright side. Yeah, it hoovers that the University job fell through, but there are still opportunities out there. We may not have heard from MD yet, but we will soon. If we don't hear from them there are other jobs out there. Those jobs may be in Ohio and New York, but at least their jobs, right? The love of my life did not want to hear that. All he wanted to do was sulk and be Negative Ned. His mom then called (boy do I love that woman!) and talked to him for a while. She told him the same basic things I told him. After that he was a little better. By that time though, I was so upset because I was dealing with a down and out husband, a rough day at work, and a biting dog that I didn't care about anything else. I tried to calm down the dog by taking him for a walk, but that didn't work. So, I was in a terrible mood all night. Not the way I wanted to spend my Valentine's Day. I was hoping for a nice relaxing evening at home with my husband watching our favorite shows and playing with the dog. That's all I wanted for Valentine's. To me that's the best way to show love. Time with my family. I don't care about the traditional romantic stuff. I just want to relax and have fun. There was one salvageable part of the night, Leland got me my favorite M&M's (peanut butter) and the silicone cupcake cups that I have been wanting from Williams Sonoma. That brought a smile to my face. I love Leland. Sure he drives me nuts every once and while, but what married couple doesn't drive each other nuts. It's how you handle going nuts that will keep you together or tear you apart. Some things you have just got to let slide.
Rodeo concerts were amazing! The first concert we went to was Keith Urban. He was amazing! He sounds the same live as he does recorded. He did the coolest thing at the end. During his last song he jumped off the stage and went into the crowd where there were a bunch of people holding posters. This is the point when Leland and I decided to leave to beat the traffic. What happened after we left was heartwarming. Keith Urban took the guitar he was playing and gave it to a little girl who was sitting on her daddy's shoulders. That will be one concert she will never forget. I love when these big stars do little gestures like that. Totally amazing.
The next concert we went to was Lady Antebellum. They were a fun group to watch. Again, sounded great live. They put on a pretty darn good show too. They had little stories they were share about their songs and they have great chemistry on stage.
The third concert was Miranda Lambert. I love her songs. She's a good ole Texas girl with that East Texas twang. Her music always makes me laugh a little. She is a strong, independent woman and writes music for that. She also has a lot of good, angry, break-up songs. She was a little tipsy, was getting dizzy on the spinning stage, and is really hard to understand because her band drowns her out a little. Other than that it was a fun, light-hearted concert.
The final concert we went to was Alan Jackson. It was weird seeing him without a mustache and 90's haircut. He has really aged. Again, he was great live. He played a couple of newer songs that I hadn't heard before as well as all his number one classics. It was a good time to reminisce. The best part of the evening. . . Leland was shushed by an elderly man! A video clip came on that reminded Leland of a time when he was on student government at UVSC and they were going to do a "White Trash Bash" (sounds bad, I know) and the president of the college found out and came in cancelled the whole thing. He is telling me this story and the elderly guy in front of us looks back a little places his finger to his mouth and shushes Leland! I thought that was AWESOME! How often is anyone shushed at a rodeo concert? I just had to laugh at that one. I could understand if we were talking during a movie, symphony, play, or other theater showing, but a rodeo concert? HA!
We still have not heard form MD Anderson. Leland e-mailed the program director guy to find out what was going on and if he knew anything yet because it's been almost a month and they said he would know in about two weeks and he needed to know what was going on because his wife was nagging him and so on. Okay, so he didn't put it in those terms but I told him he should have so maybe the guy would have a little more sympathy and maybe give him a little more info. The guy replied with, "Patience. You should hear something next week." What kind of answer is that?! It makes me wonder if Leland got the position, but they can't actually say anything and he has to wait for a letter. Crossing the fingers at this point.
Yesterday was an interesting day at school. Mostly because a kid collapsed before school and we had to call an ambulance. We thought he was high on something or got a bad batch of something. A few kids saw him walking behind the building where the students park and so they kept an eye on him since he looked a little out of it. He was walked to a tree that is behind the building and sat down. A guy from the neighboring apartment complex saw him. Another student came to see what was going on and the guy said "He did something bad". The student there knew the kid so was asking him questions. The kid tried to talk but couldn't and a few seconds later collapsed and started having a seizure. A couple of seniors went over and got some help. I received a phone call that I was needed at the back so went out there expecting to find something totally different. I ran to the front office to have our secretary call his parents and someone else was calling 911. When I got back outside another faculty person was out there and she said with what he looked like, he was definitely on something. He was unresponsive. After a couple of minutes he started to come to again so the other teacher and I tried to ask him a few questions and keep him on the ground until EMS arrived. By this time he was trying to push us away and get up. EMS finally arrived and took the kid. A few hours later the kid was back at school fine as can be ready to go back to class. I called the dad to find out what the doctors said, dad was very curt with me and said the doctors found nothing wrong and no drugs were in his system. The funny thing, when I spoke with dad earlier that day I never mentioned anything about drugs or drug use, so why would dad say that unless he suspected his kid was using drugs? It's a cover up I tell you, a cover up! At least the kid's okay and that's all that really matters, right? At least I was able to get a good 30 minute interval training in ;)
Outside of that, not much else. Just the same ole same and trying to keep above water. There are many days that I know I am not above water, but if I keep thinking I am, then one day I will be. =0)
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Ok, So. . .
I'm a horrible blogger. I would love to write everyday, but by time I get home I don't want to be around a computer. Right now I feel super lazy. I have to be at school every Saturday for Saturday Detention (I should rename it "Breakfast Club"). That's three hours of things I could be doing in my office. Today, I don't feel like doing jack squat. I played on Pinterest for a little while getting ideas for dinners and healthy snacks. Then I started reading some blogs and realize, I'm a horrible blogger. I have a couple of friends that blog everyday and post pictures and do all that jazz. I am one boring person. I have some blogs with pictures but not many. Probably because the only time I ever blog is when I'm at work and don't have my camera up and running. If I could figure out how to get the pictures from my camera directly to my blog, then I would be set. I guess it's the whole gotta plug the phone into the computer to download pictures that makes me not want to do it.
Ok, so, I should probably have a goal to be a more positive person this year. I have noticed I am always such a "Debbie Downer". I look back and try to figure out when all of this started and I realize, it was when I became an assistant principal. I love being in admin and teaching, but it's the position I am in that is making me such a downer. I only see the problems with everything and it's draining. Rarely do I get to mingle with kids who care and are doing positive things. I find myself searching for those kids everyday. I am tired of always having negative energy around me. I need to get back to the positive. I need happy things and people in my life right now. It doesn't help that I work 12-14 hours a day and by time I get home I am exhausted and can't do much but hit the couch. If only I could figure out how to not work so many hours. I could come in later in the morning, but then no one would pick up the slack. Unfortunately, my counterparts on the academic side don't do much during the school day so that leaves it up to me. While I am talking about other admins, why do we have three, THREE people in the Academic Dean position at this school and only one, ONE, Discipline Dean? I understand there is a lot to do academically and that is what school is all about, but if there is an academic dean for middle school and one for high school, then why can't there be a discipline dean for middle school and a discipline dean for high school? We have five admins on this campus, surely, somehow the duties can be more equally broken up. I better get off this soapbox before I really become a downer.
Ok, so I am one of the Activity Days leaders at church now. Activity Days is for girls ages 8 - 11 and it is set-up to help teach these girls the doctrines and principles of the gospel in order for them to build their own testimonies and become closer to Heavenly Father. I went into this totally freaking out because I don't do well with the littles. I feel much more comfortable with the older kids. The past two times we have had activities, I have loved them! These girls are sassy and sweet. They haven't caught on to smart alleck remarks talking back to adults yet so they are absolutely adorable. I am having so much fun with them. I am excited to be a part of this amazing group of girls. I am also starting to get in touch with the little girl in me. Last night I went to Hobby Lobby and all these things caught my eye that have never caught my eye before. Feathers, beads, jewelry stuff, pretty paper, markers, paints, masks, etc. These things have not been on my shopping list for ages, but now they are the center of my world when I go to Hobby Lobby. It's really nice dealing with kids who don't have to argue or talk back all the time. It's really nice to not have to deal with the attitudes. Who knows, maybe these little girls can change my mind about what I want for kids. I think three kids is a perfect number, but I have never wanted a girl, always wanted boys. I'm a girl (duh), so I know what girls are like. I don't want any of my daughters going through all that drama. I tried to stay out of it, but how do I teach someone else how to stay out of it and not let it get to them? I know these are fears, but they are legitimate fears. Boys, on the other hand, don't fall into all that drama. I don't know. It's going to be a really long time before I have any kids, so I don't know why I am fretting over these things now.
Leland had his interview in Houston last week. Everything seemed to go okay. We haven't heard anything yet, but hopefully we hear something soon. So far things in SA aren't working out. There is too much uncertainty. The more I think about it, the more I am coming to terms with the fact that we may not be in SA much longer. When every open opportunity all of sudden closes just as Leland finishes school and graduates, and others are not meeting deadlines needed so he can get the job he wants, then you really start to think, "is this where we are to be right now?" The Lord has a plan and we have to be really patient right now. Things will fall into place when they fall into place. I would like them to fall into place sooner rather than later, but it's not by my time table. Over the past few years I have learned a lot about the Lord's timing and having faith in Him. I can only do so much, Leland can only do so much, but, if we stay righteous and continue to do those things we need to do, there will be comfort, joy, and the answer we need when we need it. Trust. Trust that the Lord knows you and what you need right now. I know He knows me and what I need right now. I know He loves me and continues to bless me with what I need. I know He lives! I know my Heavenly Father has a plan for me. All I have to do is trust in Him and not let my ambitions and my will get in the way. Good things are coming, good things are coming.
Ok, so, I should probably have a goal to be a more positive person this year. I have noticed I am always such a "Debbie Downer". I look back and try to figure out when all of this started and I realize, it was when I became an assistant principal. I love being in admin and teaching, but it's the position I am in that is making me such a downer. I only see the problems with everything and it's draining. Rarely do I get to mingle with kids who care and are doing positive things. I find myself searching for those kids everyday. I am tired of always having negative energy around me. I need to get back to the positive. I need happy things and people in my life right now. It doesn't help that I work 12-14 hours a day and by time I get home I am exhausted and can't do much but hit the couch. If only I could figure out how to not work so many hours. I could come in later in the morning, but then no one would pick up the slack. Unfortunately, my counterparts on the academic side don't do much during the school day so that leaves it up to me. While I am talking about other admins, why do we have three, THREE people in the Academic Dean position at this school and only one, ONE, Discipline Dean? I understand there is a lot to do academically and that is what school is all about, but if there is an academic dean for middle school and one for high school, then why can't there be a discipline dean for middle school and a discipline dean for high school? We have five admins on this campus, surely, somehow the duties can be more equally broken up. I better get off this soapbox before I really become a downer.
Ok, so I am one of the Activity Days leaders at church now. Activity Days is for girls ages 8 - 11 and it is set-up to help teach these girls the doctrines and principles of the gospel in order for them to build their own testimonies and become closer to Heavenly Father. I went into this totally freaking out because I don't do well with the littles. I feel much more comfortable with the older kids. The past two times we have had activities, I have loved them! These girls are sassy and sweet. They haven't caught on to smart alleck remarks talking back to adults yet so they are absolutely adorable. I am having so much fun with them. I am excited to be a part of this amazing group of girls. I am also starting to get in touch with the little girl in me. Last night I went to Hobby Lobby and all these things caught my eye that have never caught my eye before. Feathers, beads, jewelry stuff, pretty paper, markers, paints, masks, etc. These things have not been on my shopping list for ages, but now they are the center of my world when I go to Hobby Lobby. It's really nice dealing with kids who don't have to argue or talk back all the time. It's really nice to not have to deal with the attitudes. Who knows, maybe these little girls can change my mind about what I want for kids. I think three kids is a perfect number, but I have never wanted a girl, always wanted boys. I'm a girl (duh), so I know what girls are like. I don't want any of my daughters going through all that drama. I tried to stay out of it, but how do I teach someone else how to stay out of it and not let it get to them? I know these are fears, but they are legitimate fears. Boys, on the other hand, don't fall into all that drama. I don't know. It's going to be a really long time before I have any kids, so I don't know why I am fretting over these things now.
Leland had his interview in Houston last week. Everything seemed to go okay. We haven't heard anything yet, but hopefully we hear something soon. So far things in SA aren't working out. There is too much uncertainty. The more I think about it, the more I am coming to terms with the fact that we may not be in SA much longer. When every open opportunity all of sudden closes just as Leland finishes school and graduates, and others are not meeting deadlines needed so he can get the job he wants, then you really start to think, "is this where we are to be right now?" The Lord has a plan and we have to be really patient right now. Things will fall into place when they fall into place. I would like them to fall into place sooner rather than later, but it's not by my time table. Over the past few years I have learned a lot about the Lord's timing and having faith in Him. I can only do so much, Leland can only do so much, but, if we stay righteous and continue to do those things we need to do, there will be comfort, joy, and the answer we need when we need it. Trust. Trust that the Lord knows you and what you need right now. I know He knows me and what I need right now. I know He loves me and continues to bless me with what I need. I know He lives! I know my Heavenly Father has a plan for me. All I have to do is trust in Him and not let my ambitions and my will get in the way. Good things are coming, good things are coming.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Year in Review
2011 is gone and it is now 2012! Let's take a look as to what happened in 2011 (or at least try to remember)
January: Leland went to the SPIE conference in San Fransisco to present his research and entered a drawing for an Apple iTouch.
February: Went to plenty of Rodeo events and concerts. Just the break I needed for the middle of the month. Leland received notice that he had won the drawing for the free iTouch. SA closed down for a day of sleeted snow.
March (the greatest month ever!): I celebrated my 29th birthday and realized that I only had one more year until I was no longer in my 20's, eek! An amazing surprise happened. Leland was planning on getting me a netbook for my birthday, but when his iTouch arrived he opened the box and it was an iPad. No netbook for me, but I got an iPad that we affectionately call the Prize Pad. Best part, he didn't have to spend a thing on my birthday gift! We also went to Utah for Spring Break and I discovered I never want to fly without Leland again. I also found out that walking around the Phoenix airport with a 20lb backpack on your back for three hours is quite the workout. Six hour layovers are no fun.
April: Mom came to visit for her birthday and Easter. I also started thinking my mono had come back. Trying to get the energy to do anything was ridiculously hard. Started looking for a new apartment to move into in July.
May: Found a new place to live and started packing for a July move. Still no energy. Graduation ceremonies for the 8th graders and Senior class of 2011. First graduation ceremony that I participated in. Ended my first year as an assistant principal.
June: Energy continues to wane and other help issues start popping up. Continue packing and taking several trips to Goodwill to drop off all the junk we have accumulated. Gosh, we have a ton of junk.
July: One of my best friends from college got married and another one had her second baby, a girl. Leland spent 4th of July with his family and surprised his mom with the visit. I spent the 4th with my family. Drought conditions in TX get worse by the day and temperatures continue to rise. We move into out new apartment. I go to the doctor and after three blood tests I find out all my health issues are related to tumors on my parathyroid glands.
August: Meet the new principal and from the start I do not like him or his attitude. Funniest quote of the month, "If you do not have control of your bathrooms, you do not have control of your school". Have surgery to have tumors and parathyroid glands removed. Energy is through the roof! A new school year begins.
September: Still don't like new principal or how he likes to run things. Learn that this year's kids are a total mess and have more behavior issues thane ever. Staff is already counting down the days to Thanksgiving. Worst school year start ever!
October: Didn't dress up for Halloween. We were both way too tired and stayed home from all parties. Leland counts down the days until reffing ends and is sad. Tyson Page (the family dog) entered our lives. It's been craziness ever since, but we love it!
November: Thanksgiving in SA was cancelled due to my dad having back surgery. Leland and I did our first Thanksgiving together. Very nice and cozy. Finally a good relaxing break from all the craziness of work.
December: Things at work are getting more stressful, no support from parents, teachers, or principal. First fight in four years occurs and both parents want to file assault charges. Discipline Committee makes a decision for both kids, both parents appeal the decision. Appeals Committee makes another decision (that I do not agree with and the after hearing the discipline committee decision, appeals does not agree with it either). Principal is MIA and of no help to me. Kids never receive consequences before school lets out for Christmas Break. LELAND DEFENDS HIS DISSERTATION AND IS OFFICIALLY DR. PAGE! Sigh of relief. Job hunt starts, MD Anderson contacts Leland after one of his professors contacts them. Time with family is amazing. Anniversary was fantastic! Alamo Bowl rocked.
All in all, a pretty good year. 2o11 had it's ups and downs, but through it all I grew as a person and my relationship with my husband became closer. I am grateful for all the opportunities I have had to learn, grow, and experience the things I have. I have been so blessed and am grateful for all the Lord has given me. Bring it on 2012!
January: Leland went to the SPIE conference in San Fransisco to present his research and entered a drawing for an Apple iTouch.
February: Went to plenty of Rodeo events and concerts. Just the break I needed for the middle of the month. Leland received notice that he had won the drawing for the free iTouch. SA closed down for a day of sleeted snow.
March (the greatest month ever!): I celebrated my 29th birthday and realized that I only had one more year until I was no longer in my 20's, eek! An amazing surprise happened. Leland was planning on getting me a netbook for my birthday, but when his iTouch arrived he opened the box and it was an iPad. No netbook for me, but I got an iPad that we affectionately call the Prize Pad. Best part, he didn't have to spend a thing on my birthday gift! We also went to Utah for Spring Break and I discovered I never want to fly without Leland again. I also found out that walking around the Phoenix airport with a 20lb backpack on your back for three hours is quite the workout. Six hour layovers are no fun.
April: Mom came to visit for her birthday and Easter. I also started thinking my mono had come back. Trying to get the energy to do anything was ridiculously hard. Started looking for a new apartment to move into in July.
May: Found a new place to live and started packing for a July move. Still no energy. Graduation ceremonies for the 8th graders and Senior class of 2011. First graduation ceremony that I participated in. Ended my first year as an assistant principal.
June: Energy continues to wane and other help issues start popping up. Continue packing and taking several trips to Goodwill to drop off all the junk we have accumulated. Gosh, we have a ton of junk.
July: One of my best friends from college got married and another one had her second baby, a girl. Leland spent 4th of July with his family and surprised his mom with the visit. I spent the 4th with my family. Drought conditions in TX get worse by the day and temperatures continue to rise. We move into out new apartment. I go to the doctor and after three blood tests I find out all my health issues are related to tumors on my parathyroid glands.
August: Meet the new principal and from the start I do not like him or his attitude. Funniest quote of the month, "If you do not have control of your bathrooms, you do not have control of your school". Have surgery to have tumors and parathyroid glands removed. Energy is through the roof! A new school year begins.
September: Still don't like new principal or how he likes to run things. Learn that this year's kids are a total mess and have more behavior issues thane ever. Staff is already counting down the days to Thanksgiving. Worst school year start ever!
October: Didn't dress up for Halloween. We were both way too tired and stayed home from all parties. Leland counts down the days until reffing ends and is sad. Tyson Page (the family dog) entered our lives. It's been craziness ever since, but we love it!
November: Thanksgiving in SA was cancelled due to my dad having back surgery. Leland and I did our first Thanksgiving together. Very nice and cozy. Finally a good relaxing break from all the craziness of work.
December: Things at work are getting more stressful, no support from parents, teachers, or principal. First fight in four years occurs and both parents want to file assault charges. Discipline Committee makes a decision for both kids, both parents appeal the decision. Appeals Committee makes another decision (that I do not agree with and the after hearing the discipline committee decision, appeals does not agree with it either). Principal is MIA and of no help to me. Kids never receive consequences before school lets out for Christmas Break. LELAND DEFENDS HIS DISSERTATION AND IS OFFICIALLY DR. PAGE! Sigh of relief. Job hunt starts, MD Anderson contacts Leland after one of his professors contacts them. Time with family is amazing. Anniversary was fantastic! Alamo Bowl rocked.
All in all, a pretty good year. 2o11 had it's ups and downs, but through it all I grew as a person and my relationship with my husband became closer. I am grateful for all the opportunities I have had to learn, grow, and experience the things I have. I have been so blessed and am grateful for all the Lord has given me. Bring it on 2012!
Out Like A Lion
It's been a really long time since I last posted anything. Sorry for the wait for all my religious followers out there. Things haven't been what I would call "smooth" around here. First, for the good news:
December 14, 2011: Plain old Leland Page became Dr. Leland Page! Yes folks, Leland finally finished his doctorate! I took a whole day off from work (which for those who know me, is the hardest thing for me to do) and went to listen and not understand a word coming from my amazing husband's mouth as defended his dissertation on opto-acoustic imaging. I understood words like MRI, CT Scan, wood, plastic, glass and, well, that's really about all I understood. The whole time I was texting my MIL and giving her updates. I think she was crying the whole time I was texting her. I love her, she's amazing and the cutest thing ever! It was fun watching Leland present and seeing the people in the room get into what he was talking about. I am so proud of him! I love you!
Christmas! We went my parent's place in EP for Christmas this year. I was so upset the day after we got there. Why? It snowed! I live in south Texas because it doesn't get that cold and we don't have snow. It is quite perfect weather for me. The only good part about the snow was watching Tyson run around in it not knowing what to do. It was pretty funny. That day the entire west side of EP closed down. In the valley where my parents live the snow was not that bad. It wasn't really sticking to anything but cars and roofs. Up on the mountain though it was almost blizzard conditions. We left the valley to take my dad's car to get the repairs it needed. Thankfully it was the Grand Prix that need the repairs and the Santa Fe was okay because that is what got us through the snow and crazy drivers. That and a husband who grew up in Utah and snow. I now understand why the city shut down. No one knows how to drive in snow in EP. People were gunning the gas to get going and spinning out. Others were trying to go as fast as possible to get out of the snow and others were skidding because of the ice on the road. It was not the best of times. Thankfully I was able to hand the keys to Leland and have him get us home safely. Other than the snow, Christmas was great! It was the relaxation I needed. Thanks Mom and Dad for all the fun!
December 29, Our Anniversary! Crazy it's been two years since I was sealed to Leland for eternity. I am grateful for that blessing in my life. The time has gone by so quickly! We had a fun anniversary. We went to Cheesecake factory at La Cantera for lunch then it was off to work the Alamo Bowl. We volunteered at the Fan Zone and had so much fun watching all the fans and families from the schools play and have a great time. We were suppose to have a break during our time there but over half the people that were suppose to show, didn't. We ended up working the five hours straight. I don't mind because it was so much fun! After we were finished with the volunteer work, we went to the game. It was a great game! Baylor, and the Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III (RG3), and Washington were the teams playing. It was a back and forth battle, but Baylor ended up victorious. I love that a Texas team won the Bowl. I also toyed with the idea about making a sign for the game saying "I have the greatest wife ever! It's our anniversary and she let me go to a football game." for Leland to hold, but I didn't. Oh well, there will be other years. You have to admit, Leland does have the greatest wife ever ;) For me, that is the best way to spend an anniversary, doing activities that allow us to spend the entire day together, because it's more about the time we spend together than the romanticism and gifts.
New Year's was, meh. We spent the evening with a couple of friends. The older I get the less I care about New Year's activities because I am so tired that all I want to do is sleep. I made it, I stayed awake until we got home then I crashed. Happy New Year to all!
The day after New Year's I got some good news. We have a new principal on my campus. I have no idea what happened to the other one, but the new one is awesome! I love working with him. He helps come up with solutions to problems rather than making everyone else come up with them then throwing them away. He is talking to the students and teachers to get their thoughts on what would make the school better and what they would like to see happen in the future. He is actually talking to people and getting them more motivated to do their work. It has been a refreshing change.
The other evening we went to an Alamo Bowl volunteer thank you dinner and Leland was surprised with a "Distinguished Volunteer Award". I was wondering when he was going to get the recognition he deserves. I know it's volunteer and you shouldn't want recognition, but after five years of him working every event possible and always asking where he is needed all the time while working on his doctorate and all the other things he does, it's nice to have a "Thank you" from the organization.
Now, for the not so good (but could be good in the long run):
Back in October I said something about having great news that I couldn't share at the time. Well, the news was that Leland was going to have a job in SA when he finished with school. well, that news is no longer great. Since there have been budget cuts all over the place, the job he was going to get when the original person left was cut. The company is not going to hire anyone else for that position. On the other hand, Leland was recommended for a residency position at MD Anderson in Houston. The position was suppose to be filled at the beginning of January but it is still open and he has his interviews this week. I think I am more nervous about all this he is. Here is the dilemma in my mind: I love SA and don't want to leave, but I feel like it's time for a change. I have one more year until my 6th grade babies graduate and I would love to be with them until they graduate in 2013. On the other hand, I can always come back and still be a part of their graduation. Neither of us want to live in Houston, but there is nothing around SA and Leland is going crazy not having a job. The other night he even talked about working at a pizza place again. I quashed that idea very quickly. If we moved to Houston, there is no guarantee that I will be able to find work and we don't know how much the residency position will pay. I told Leland that if that is to be an option he has to be making more money than me or the same amount as me. If he does get this position, it is a great career started. Doing any type of program through MD Anderson puts you in the spotlight. You can go anywhere in the world and get whatever job you want in the medical field if you do anything at MD Anderson. There are so many mixed feelings about this. I just have to trust in the Lord and where he wants us is where we will go. Even if he does get this position at MD Anderson, it's only a two year stint, so we could always end up back in SA. Right now, it's just the thought of not knowing what's going on that's killing me. I just hope I know in early February what is happening.
That's the look into my world since the last post. Mostly good things have happened. The end of the year was busy and crazy, but when is my life ever not busy and crazy, right?
December 14, 2011: Plain old Leland Page became Dr. Leland Page! Yes folks, Leland finally finished his doctorate! I took a whole day off from work (which for those who know me, is the hardest thing for me to do) and went to listen and not understand a word coming from my amazing husband's mouth as defended his dissertation on opto-acoustic imaging. I understood words like MRI, CT Scan, wood, plastic, glass and, well, that's really about all I understood. The whole time I was texting my MIL and giving her updates. I think she was crying the whole time I was texting her. I love her, she's amazing and the cutest thing ever! It was fun watching Leland present and seeing the people in the room get into what he was talking about. I am so proud of him! I love you!
Christmas! We went my parent's place in EP for Christmas this year. I was so upset the day after we got there. Why? It snowed! I live in south Texas because it doesn't get that cold and we don't have snow. It is quite perfect weather for me. The only good part about the snow was watching Tyson run around in it not knowing what to do. It was pretty funny. That day the entire west side of EP closed down. In the valley where my parents live the snow was not that bad. It wasn't really sticking to anything but cars and roofs. Up on the mountain though it was almost blizzard conditions. We left the valley to take my dad's car to get the repairs it needed. Thankfully it was the Grand Prix that need the repairs and the Santa Fe was okay because that is what got us through the snow and crazy drivers. That and a husband who grew up in Utah and snow. I now understand why the city shut down. No one knows how to drive in snow in EP. People were gunning the gas to get going and spinning out. Others were trying to go as fast as possible to get out of the snow and others were skidding because of the ice on the road. It was not the best of times. Thankfully I was able to hand the keys to Leland and have him get us home safely. Other than the snow, Christmas was great! It was the relaxation I needed. Thanks Mom and Dad for all the fun!
December 29, Our Anniversary! Crazy it's been two years since I was sealed to Leland for eternity. I am grateful for that blessing in my life. The time has gone by so quickly! We had a fun anniversary. We went to Cheesecake factory at La Cantera for lunch then it was off to work the Alamo Bowl. We volunteered at the Fan Zone and had so much fun watching all the fans and families from the schools play and have a great time. We were suppose to have a break during our time there but over half the people that were suppose to show, didn't. We ended up working the five hours straight. I don't mind because it was so much fun! After we were finished with the volunteer work, we went to the game. It was a great game! Baylor, and the Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III (RG3), and Washington were the teams playing. It was a back and forth battle, but Baylor ended up victorious. I love that a Texas team won the Bowl. I also toyed with the idea about making a sign for the game saying "I have the greatest wife ever! It's our anniversary and she let me go to a football game." for Leland to hold, but I didn't. Oh well, there will be other years. You have to admit, Leland does have the greatest wife ever ;) For me, that is the best way to spend an anniversary, doing activities that allow us to spend the entire day together, because it's more about the time we spend together than the romanticism and gifts.
New Year's was, meh. We spent the evening with a couple of friends. The older I get the less I care about New Year's activities because I am so tired that all I want to do is sleep. I made it, I stayed awake until we got home then I crashed. Happy New Year to all!
The day after New Year's I got some good news. We have a new principal on my campus. I have no idea what happened to the other one, but the new one is awesome! I love working with him. He helps come up with solutions to problems rather than making everyone else come up with them then throwing them away. He is talking to the students and teachers to get their thoughts on what would make the school better and what they would like to see happen in the future. He is actually talking to people and getting them more motivated to do their work. It has been a refreshing change.
The other evening we went to an Alamo Bowl volunteer thank you dinner and Leland was surprised with a "Distinguished Volunteer Award". I was wondering when he was going to get the recognition he deserves. I know it's volunteer and you shouldn't want recognition, but after five years of him working every event possible and always asking where he is needed all the time while working on his doctorate and all the other things he does, it's nice to have a "Thank you" from the organization.
Now, for the not so good (but could be good in the long run):
Back in October I said something about having great news that I couldn't share at the time. Well, the news was that Leland was going to have a job in SA when he finished with school. well, that news is no longer great. Since there have been budget cuts all over the place, the job he was going to get when the original person left was cut. The company is not going to hire anyone else for that position. On the other hand, Leland was recommended for a residency position at MD Anderson in Houston. The position was suppose to be filled at the beginning of January but it is still open and he has his interviews this week. I think I am more nervous about all this he is. Here is the dilemma in my mind: I love SA and don't want to leave, but I feel like it's time for a change. I have one more year until my 6th grade babies graduate and I would love to be with them until they graduate in 2013. On the other hand, I can always come back and still be a part of their graduation. Neither of us want to live in Houston, but there is nothing around SA and Leland is going crazy not having a job. The other night he even talked about working at a pizza place again. I quashed that idea very quickly. If we moved to Houston, there is no guarantee that I will be able to find work and we don't know how much the residency position will pay. I told Leland that if that is to be an option he has to be making more money than me or the same amount as me. If he does get this position, it is a great career started. Doing any type of program through MD Anderson puts you in the spotlight. You can go anywhere in the world and get whatever job you want in the medical field if you do anything at MD Anderson. There are so many mixed feelings about this. I just have to trust in the Lord and where he wants us is where we will go. Even if he does get this position at MD Anderson, it's only a two year stint, so we could always end up back in SA. Right now, it's just the thought of not knowing what's going on that's killing me. I just hope I know in early February what is happening.
That's the look into my world since the last post. Mostly good things have happened. The end of the year was busy and crazy, but when is my life ever not busy and crazy, right?
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Good Stuff Happening
We have had Tyson now for two months. He has proven to be a handful. Terrible twos? Try terrible 11 months! He is experiencing the world through his mouth right now and four pairs of our shoes have been the victims. My favorite heels, chewed. Both of Leland's pairs of dress shoes, goners. My casual Nikes, no more. It would be one thing if he would just chew, but he rips apart and chews. His favorite activity is ripping things apart with his mouth. If he could rip off my arm he probably would do it. When he's not ripping things apart he's a total sweetheart. On Firday I came home after one of the worst days of my life. The first thing he does is make me laugh. My arms were full of stuff from work and I had brough home some extra bananas. As I was standing, letting Leland hug me as I broke down into tears, Tyson jumps on the chair, stands on the arm and grabs a banana from arms. It lightened my mood for a few minutes. The rest of the evening he sat on my lap and let me pet him. It was the first night in a few weeks that he did not try to bite me or act all crazy. Dogs really can tell when you are feeling down. He really made my night and weekend that much better. He is also a whopping 26 lbs now! He is still trim, but boy did he put on the muscle! He is one strong pup. He hasn't grown a whole lot, but hs stout. I guess he really does fit in with the family. The only issue we have right now is his baldness. Last time we went to the vet he had a little bald spot on his head around the temple area. The doc said there was hair starting to grow in, but to keep a look out for any more hair loss on other parts of the boy. This past weekend, we started noticing hair loss on his shoulder, more on his face and his back. I am really hoping it's not mainge. We go to the doggy doc tomorrow to find out what is going.
The best thing, LELAND IS DEFENDING HIS DISSERTATION TOMORROW, EEEEEK! SO EXCITED! HE WILL FINALLY BE FINISHED AND HE CAN BE CALLED DR. PAGE! Can you tell I'm more than a little excited? Five years of this stuff for him, two years for me. School will be over and he can finally get a job. Can't wait for that to happen. As soon as he get a job, he gets the rent payment. I will still cover everything else, but he gets the rent. I am actually going to take the day off of work tomorrow to go watch him present. I will have no clue what he is talking about, but I wil be there to support him. I love that man and all the hard work he has done. YAY!
The best thing, LELAND IS DEFENDING HIS DISSERTATION TOMORROW, EEEEEK! SO EXCITED! HE WILL FINALLY BE FINISHED AND HE CAN BE CALLED DR. PAGE! Can you tell I'm more than a little excited? Five years of this stuff for him, two years for me. School will be over and he can finally get a job. Can't wait for that to happen. As soon as he get a job, he gets the rent payment. I will still cover everything else, but he gets the rent. I am actually going to take the day off of work tomorrow to go watch him present. I will have no clue what he is talking about, but I wil be there to support him. I love that man and all the hard work he has done. YAY!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Wait a Minute Hold the Phone
Did I hear that correctly? Did he really say I am doing a good job? I have finally been told I am doing a good job. It only took nine weeks. I was finally in an admin meeting where I wasn't being chewed out or pointed out for something. Kinda nice when that happens. Things at work have been absolutely crazy! I have never felt so much like quitting than what I feel like now. I am not a quitter though, so I will work it out. I will make it through the toil and strife of this dang blasted job.
On the great side there is good news to share, but I can't share it yet. I have to wait until everything is official and the name has been signed on the dotted line. So you must wait as patiently as I before I can share. Let's just say I will finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief when the news goes public. When I heard it last night I almost cried.
Tyson is doing well. When we got him about a month ago he weighted 11 pounds. As of last week, he weighed 16 pounds. He seems to still be growing and the weight he has put on does not show, so I think it has been muscle becasue he is finally getting the nourishment and most of the exercise he needs. He is still a handful. he has come to the conclusion that Leland is the alpha in the group (we all know I am the true alpha of the family, but I gotta give something to Leland right ;) ) and I am the chew toy. He always so happy and excited to see mw when I get home that now jumps about two feet in the air when I walk through the door. Last night I went down to pet him and he jumped a the same time and my hand smacked his head and went falling, hard. Like a little trooper he got back up and did the same thing as though nothing had happened. He's so much fun and he has been a great heater as the the temperatures have been dropping.
On the great side there is good news to share, but I can't share it yet. I have to wait until everything is official and the name has been signed on the dotted line. So you must wait as patiently as I before I can share. Let's just say I will finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief when the news goes public. When I heard it last night I almost cried.
Tyson is doing well. When we got him about a month ago he weighted 11 pounds. As of last week, he weighed 16 pounds. He seems to still be growing and the weight he has put on does not show, so I think it has been muscle becasue he is finally getting the nourishment and most of the exercise he needs. He is still a handful. he has come to the conclusion that Leland is the alpha in the group (we all know I am the true alpha of the family, but I gotta give something to Leland right ;) ) and I am the chew toy. He always so happy and excited to see mw when I get home that now jumps about two feet in the air when I walk through the door. Last night I went down to pet him and he jumped a the same time and my hand smacked his head and went falling, hard. Like a little trooper he got back up and did the same thing as though nothing had happened. He's so much fun and he has been a great heater as the the temperatures have been dropping.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
The Page Family is Growing!
I know what you are thinking and I am not preggers! Last week Leland and I adopted the cutest little puppy ever! He is a weimeraner mix. We think he is mixed with pit bull. He is eight months old (almost 9) and a total sweetheart. We found him at the Animal Defense League. I actually had my mind set on a little Boston terrier/beagle mix, but that dog wasn't there when we showed up. We started looking around and went to the small/medium dog habitats. The first little face I saw was Varick (that was his name until we changed it). The other dogs were running around barking and howling and being unruly. Varick was sitting at the fence calmly and sweetly looking up at those who walked by. There was another group that was looking in the same area and they saws Varick as well. My heart completely melted when I saw this guy. I had no intention of getting a dog under 1 1/2 years old. I didn't want to go through all the puppy stages with a dog. But this little guy was all I could think about even after taking another stroll around the complex. Leland knew I was not going to back down, so he gave in and we started the adoption process. We weren't able to take him home right away because it was nearing the end of the evening and the apartment complex had already closed it's doors for the day so the ADL could not get in touch with them. That's okay, because it gave us some time to think of a name for him. Varick was just weird, to say the least. It took us all night then Leland said, "Tyson". I agreed and now we have Tyson Page.
The past week has been full of little surprises on the floor and learning how smart this little guy really is. Leland has been teaching him to climb up on the couch and the bed. Thankfully, he hasn't learned to get on the bed yet. Due to his climbing training he learned to climb over his kennel and take over the whole apartment. We had bought a kennel for Tyson for night time and help him potty train. Since he is so young and we don't know who long he can hold his bodily functions we decided to block him into the laundry room with his kennel door open to his food and water and a wood floor in case there were any accidents. I came home on Wednesday evening and was going to change before letting him out of his enclosure. I walk in and a bunch of Leland's shoes and a a belt in the living room. I knew he was out reffing a game and he would not leave his belt, runners or one dress shoe in the living room. Just as I was looking over to the kennel, Tyson comes running from the bedroom. He has learned to climb his kennel and get out of the enclosure. Right about that time I also saw a nice little present in the middle of the hall too. He is one smart cookie. Now, we keep him in the bathroom where he has room to stretch out and potty on the potty pad if need be.
Tyson is a lot of fun and has a great personality. We love the little dude! He has brought more happiness and smiles to the home and for right now, the family feels complete. I tell people that if we can do a good job with a dog, then we can do an okay job with a kid :) It's great having a fur kid around the apartment. He really does make my day better. Tyson, welcome to the Page family!
PS: I don't know how to upload a photo from my phone, but as soon as I figure it out, I will get a picture up here of him.
The past week has been full of little surprises on the floor and learning how smart this little guy really is. Leland has been teaching him to climb up on the couch and the bed. Thankfully, he hasn't learned to get on the bed yet. Due to his climbing training he learned to climb over his kennel and take over the whole apartment. We had bought a kennel for Tyson for night time and help him potty train. Since he is so young and we don't know who long he can hold his bodily functions we decided to block him into the laundry room with his kennel door open to his food and water and a wood floor in case there were any accidents. I came home on Wednesday evening and was going to change before letting him out of his enclosure. I walk in and a bunch of Leland's shoes and a a belt in the living room. I knew he was out reffing a game and he would not leave his belt, runners or one dress shoe in the living room. Just as I was looking over to the kennel, Tyson comes running from the bedroom. He has learned to climb his kennel and get out of the enclosure. Right about that time I also saw a nice little present in the middle of the hall too. He is one smart cookie. Now, we keep him in the bathroom where he has room to stretch out and potty on the potty pad if need be.
Tyson is a lot of fun and has a great personality. We love the little dude! He has brought more happiness and smiles to the home and for right now, the family feels complete. I tell people that if we can do a good job with a dog, then we can do an okay job with a kid :) It's great having a fur kid around the apartment. He really does make my day better. Tyson, welcome to the Page family!
PS: I don't know how to upload a photo from my phone, but as soon as I figure it out, I will get a picture up here of him.
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