Read the Directions

This is what happens to your eye when you try to put in contacts with a solution that clearly says on the label: "DO NOT PUT SOLUTION DIRECTLY IN YOUR EYE. THIS SOLUTION WILL BURN YOUR EYES."


This is me feeling really stupid and my eye killing for the next several hours after I put the solution DIRECTLY IN MY EYE.

Sisters

Happy Mother's Day

My kids filled out surveys with their teachers at Church yesterday for Mother's Day. Here's what they said about me:

Joseph:

My Mom's name is Shannon.
She is 38 years old and weighs 20lbs.
She has red hair and blue eyes.
Her favorite food is spaghetti.
She likes to sleep.
My favorite thing about her is she is very, very nice.
I love her because she spoils me.

Olivia:

My Mom's name is Shannon.
She is I don't know how many years old and weighs....it's a secret.
She has blond & black hair and blue eyes.
Her favorite food is I don't know.
She likes to do Family Home Evening.
My favorite thing about her is she is the bestest mom and a great cooker.
I love her because she is really great.


So those were funny and cute and we had a few good hours together. But, the second Neal told the kids to behave and be nice to Mommy because it's her special day, all hell broke loose. My kids were seriously little turds yesterday. They were obnoxious, loud, emotional, grouchy, disobedient and downright frustrating. I don't send them to their rooms often, but yesterday they were sent to their rooms twice!

I told my Mom about it when I called her and she said we always did the same for her on Mother's Day. One year her Mother's day gift was getting to leave us for the day. She said it was the best gift she could have asked for!

Even when being a mommy is hard, I know I must be doing okay. As much as my kids drove me crazy yesterday, I was thrilled to hear their little voices calling for me this morning when they woke up. There really is no better sound in the world!

Not Putting Up With It

I got a phone call last week from an HR rep at my office. I was surprised, but then remembered that I had made a complaint about a girl I work with who is very unprofessional. She frequently talks about sex, or makes sexual references or even asks people sexual questions. I had complained about her once before a few months ago, and assumed they talked to her about it. She seemed a little better for a while and then she moved teams and we didn't sit on the same row anymore. I was so relieved.

Two weeks ago she suddenly sat on my row again and in the first 10 minutes I heard her ask a newly married kid how the sex was on his honeymoon. He responded quickly and then rushed away embarrassed. There were a few other things she mentioned in those few minutes that made me really uncomfortable, so I reported it.

Come to find out, when I should have had privacy and been protected by my company, she guessed it was me and the HR rep said that whoever talked to her didn't deny or confirm it was me. What does that mean? I think it means they didn't protect me! She is now saying that I am targeting her and that I sat by her on purpose to get her in trouble.

The HR rep asked why, if I had a problem with her, didn't I move desks so I wouldn't have to sit by her. I work once a week, and other than those encounters with her, never thought about her at all. I complained, assumed they would talk to her about it,hoping she would engage in more professional behavior. As far as continuing to sit where I did, it's because that is where I am comfortable! It honestly never occurred to me to move and anyway I shouldn't have to move where I sit once a week because some girl can't be professional and keep her thoughts to herself! She created this hostile environment, I didn't.

This experience has been mortifying. The HR rep mentioned they have to check into my background to see if this a regular problem I have....complaining about people. I realize this is just HR protocol, but I feel stupid and embarrassed. I have worked for my company for 15 years. I have had a great experience there and they have treated me well. I don't have any serious issues to my knowledge and I try really hard to be a good employee. But this girl is more powerful than me. I have a voice, but she has a stronger one and I am not good at fighting against that. I doubted myself the morning I got that call, wondering if I did the right thing. But, the more I think about it, I know I did the right thing. What she does is offensive and I don't want to listen to it. I think others might feel the same way, but are afraid to say so.

It is going to be awkward going to work for awhile. I actually called in sick Monday because I was afraid. I should have been protected with anonymity, but since I don't think I was, I guess I will deal with it the best I can. All I know is, I get enough negative influence from the rest of the world, I don't need it at work too. I AM NOT PUTTING UP WITH IT!!!

Missing

Whoever thought I would miss these darn cats? I had a love/hate relationship with them, but now that they are gone, I do miss them! I sincerely hope they are happy with their new home. Now maybe we will get a dog....

You know you're a parent when......

*You use the words "excited" & "coupons" in the same sentence.

*You are driving down the street and see a black mini van you covet and have to have the next time you buy a car.

*Your child throws up, you don't get grossed out and you think the chunks aren't so bad.

*You can have a perfectly normal conversation with someone despite all the screaming and running around in the background.

*You have been talking to little kids all day and when someone calls your house you can't stop talking to them.

*Your kid has called you fat for the millionth time and you don't cry anymore.

Reflection

I just found out that a friend of mine lost his brother yesterday and it took me back to almost 2 years ago when Erin died. It was one of the hardest times of my life and I see how deeply it has affected me today. I still struggle with bad habits, like over eating when I feel sad or feeling extreme guilt for not doing things better.

But now that it is close to 2 years since I lost Erin, I can see the progress I have made. I feel peaceful and I know that Erin is in the right place. I don't worry about her anymore and I know she is helping me get through my struggles on earth. I often think how fortunate I am to have Erin on the other side to guide me along. I am trying to live a better life and follow her example of compassion and service.

Erin's roommate Jennifer told me that she loved her cooking so much and asked her once how she made it so good. Erin told her that she took a little love from the air and threw it into everything she made. I have tried that a few times and it sure does something! Oh, it makes me miss her!

I hope my friend will be able to get through this difficult time. We all handle death differently. Some of us haven't experienced it yet. It is not easy, but thank goodness for a loving Heavenly Father who helps us through it and who understands our sorrow.