The Joy of Passing an Exam

My heart was pounding after I decided to call the Commission of Pharmacy. It’s been 3 weeks since I took the exam. Last time I got a letter in less than 2 weeks, but noticed the date was just 2 days after I took the exam. I figured I either failed and they’re taking their time, or I might have actually passed. I couldn’t not know anymore. I heard my voice shake when I replied with my own, “good afternoon.” I started explaining that I took my exam on 11/24 and was wondering if I missed any mail from them. The woman said, right away, “Catherine? You passed. Didn’t you get something from us?…sent out December 2nd…” I stopped holding my breath. I kept my calm, but holy smokes! Later I found out that I only passed by 4 points after buying a book and studying a little more than the first time. It’s ok, the important thing is: I. Passed. I’m still not over the moment when she said my name because I never told her that piece. Hmmm…

Wacky Wednesday

Our heating oil tank was half empty, and it was decided that it’s time for the dreaded task of making calls to various companies to ask them their price. Yes, you know how much I love making phone calls. If you’re still waiting for a call from me, I’m sorry. I just have this thing about talking on the phone. Anyway, I actually dreamed about doing the research and came to the conclusion that Gault had the lowest price. Well, as I was leaving my driveway to go pick up Mads, a Gault truck was waiting to turn into my driveway. Little did I know that they were coming for us (three of us share the common driveway). I must have contacted them in my dream because when we got back I found a bill attached to my garage door. In the mail was also an invoice for a maintenance plan that I did not request either. I called (gasp! ok, when it deals with ripping me off, I’ll call) and was given the standard, “we automatically do this” to my questions about the plan and the mysterious delivery of heating oil. Unfortunately, WZR was getting restless and I had to end my conversation with her. At least we figured out that the maintenance plan was a mistake since we were still under the same contract set a year ago. The oil will have to be dealt with by the bossman. Then I got a call from the “handyman” saying he couldn’t make it out today, but will come tomorrow afternoon. For some reason, the first guy who came didn’t call us back. Hopefully this guy will help us get some things fixed soon! They’re long overdue. This address is cursed as we couldn’t get the NYT delivered and I had trouble with the Conn Post folks. Hmm… At least the minivan is ready for pick up tomorrow am. I also learned from my husband’s conversations with other folks that I’m not the only one who avoids I-95.

Muddy Monday

The morning started out fine, then it started raining. It pretty much rained all day after that and the roads were pretty muddy, which made driving a bit challenging. I’m back with my first love, the Element, until the minivan gets a new bumper. They estimated 2 days. Ha! The last time I had my sensor fixed by the dealer, it took at least a week for it to arrive and a day to install it. Plus, I had to bring it back because they needed another part. A year ago, the poor car was at the shop for at least 3 months. Ugh! Well, there was a lot more damage and more parts were needed since the airbags went off. Of course, they also found more damage. Hopefully, this time it will be straightforward. No, my husband’s right. We can’t make this a Thanksgiving tradition. Interestingly, he said that there were 3 other guys whose wives also got into accidents and were dropping off cars in the morning. Guess it happens to the best of us.

Sad Saturday

We learned about an uncle’s passing in his sleep today. He was my husband’s ex-uncle (divorced his aunt many years ago), but we would see him at family gatherings for his grandchildren’s birthdays and other celebrations. The few times I had conversations with him, I enjoyed chatting with him, especially since he used to be in pharmaceuticals. He was actually someone very important before he retired. I remember feeling badly one time when he said, “what a waste” after I mentioned that I was staying home with the kids for now. But I also remember how I admired his interactions with each of his eight grandchildren. The last time we saw him in August of this year, we learned that he was really getting into the use of technology. That was uplifting to hear for someone to be so interested at age 63. My parents stopped at opening an email account. He took classes at the Apple store and learned to make movies and organize thousands of pictures. He also recently purchased his dream car. From what I gathered, he lived a full life. That is certainly something to strive for – living a full life, so I am grateful for what I have. I will also not sweat the small stuff. Life is too unpredictable, so take it one day at a time.

Uncle M was someone’s husband, father, grandfather, brother…may he rest in peace.

Mommy Brain – Will I ever be the same?

It doesn’t help that I was absent-minded to begin with. I noticed “mommy brain” kicking in during my first pregnancy when it took longer to complete sentences in my second trimester. I seemed to always be grasping for the simplest of words. Then the memory started giving me a hard time. I had even more trouble finding keys. After delivering Mads, the most forgetful thing I did was leave a load of laundry in the washer for at least 3 weeks. I didn’t realize it until my husband asked me where one of his shirts was. I actually blamed it on the laundromat that we occasionally used. Of course, it wasn’t there. Then it hit me that I was missing my own clothes. So I asked the porter, who didn’t really speak or understand much English, with the help of a neighbor (she actually remembered the load), and a bag of clothes magically appeared. Crazy, huh? I think that had to do with sleep deprivation, too.

Well, I don’t think I noticed “mommy brain” as much with the second pregnancy, or maybe I just adjusted better by plunging full force into work. I was on a lot more committees and even chaired one. I took on extra work for extra money. I was even a course coordinator during the last half of the pregnancy. In fact, I entered course grades until 8:00 pm the night before a 6:30 appointment for a C-section. I felt that good. Then I stopped working altogether and there was minimal intellectual brain stimulation. When I started blogging again, got on facebook, and started tweeting, it was a challenge to me. I got to wear different hats and write in different voices. The best was twitter since I had to express my thoughts in 140 characters. A few of my fb friends complained that I was on fb too much. My blogging took away time from housework sometimes, but through writing, I started to find my old brain again. I started feeling more comfortable multi-tasking (wow, shuffling the kids back and forth to various activities and parties is not easy) and more things are getting done. I was told I need to manage my time better, but I don’t really think that’s the problem. I think I’m burnt out from having to do as many things that I have to do singlehandedly. I know one day I’ll get all of my brain power back. And if I pass the exam that I took today (even by 1 point), then that will be the greatest confidence booster.

Sucker Saturday

We went to a fundraiser for Mads’ preschool today and we enjoyed music by Amy Rogell. I didn’t realize that she is the voice of a few memorable songs that we’ve heard from Miss Joy’s story hour. So, of course, I had to buy her CD’s – 3 for $20 is a bargain! Besides, half of the proceeds goes to the school.

Accepting Responsibility

Mads is almost 4 and surprised me this morning on the way to school. I noticed a huge patch of dried yogurt on her seatbelt. Probably from yesterday’s blueberry go-gurt. I said it was too bad I couldn’t take it off to throw it in the washer. She agreed and said we can’t cut it off either. My reply, “sorry, you’re stuck with the yogurt smell.” “It’s not your fault, mama. I did it.” As soon as I got home, I wiped it off with a wet paper towel. I love that she realized it was her doing and didn’t let me apologize for it. The little things…

How many U-turns can one make in a day?

Needless to say, it was an adventure finding my friend’s house in Westport and revisiting my dentist. At least I no longer panic and just try to find driveways compatible with making turns. I missed Hockanum Road and ended up going to Punch Bowl Drive (that’s such a silly name for a road!). Then I made two U-turns on Bushy Ridge Road because I thought the corner house on Punch Bowl Drive was my destination due to the house number. Nope. So, I made my second U to go back on the road of ascending house numbers. Found it, parked, but had to go back towards Punch Bowl Drive to go to the dentist, so I made a third U. I drove past the lot for the dentist (always do) and made a U to go back. At least the appointment was uneventful. Then I drove back to my friend’s house to pick up the kids and had to make one final U. I guess that’s my record – 5 U-turns in a day.

Social Media Monday

I tweet a lot (manage 5 accounts) and even have over 1000 followers under subumom. I update my Facebook account too frequently. I have to get more acclimated to linkedin. I blog a lot. I am having fun with social media. Anyway, each of these accounts have different reasons for existing. Mostly, I maintain them to reconnect with people (FB and linkedin) and to express my thoughts (twitter and blogs). Twitter is most challenging because you’re only allowed 140 characters per tweet, and I enjoy that because it forces me to be succinct. I have also met a lot of moms, readers, musicians, and foodies through this outlet. Mind you, I do not tell people when I go to the bathroom or anything of that nature. It’s a miniblog for entries that do not warrant paragraphs.

In any case, I sometimes ask for advice on twitter, especially if it’s something my husband would probably roll his eyes about. Once I asked what I should do about the mud on my tires and got a few responses (nothing). Today I asked if anyone had ever used lens.com to order contacts. A company I hadn’t even heard of (Coastal Contacts) responded to my tweet and even told me they would be willing to match the price of lens.com. After looking at their site, I may just order from them when I get a chance. I have to call them and you know how much I like talking on the phone.

Wordless Wednesday

“And you didn’t even say ‘thank you,’” the lady sneered as I walked around her car to get to my trunk. I need a bigger shopping cart. I pack things on the bottom that like to slip out when I slide the cart down the slope. Today I was holding two 8-packs of Bounty and pushing the cart. Of course, the 10-pack of juice boxes decided to slip out. The lady told me that it fell. I remember saying, “Oh” and backtracked. I also remember thinking, “couldn’t you have helped me pick it up?” Unfortunately, I don’t remember if I said, “thank you” or not, because I thought it would have been my natural response when she told me. I answered, “I did.” I was thinking, “of course, I did.” She said she was sorry, but she didn’t hear me. Eventually she drove away, but left me pondering about it all day. Maybe I didn’t? I’m sorry if I was too preoccupied to say, “thank you.” So, it was a wordless Wednesday…