And we're back....

Well this last week has been out of this world crazy!

The squishies started back to school, I began my transition into my new role at work and we of course had to make time to watch SYTYCD...LOL! (No but seriously it is amazing)!

Anyway the squishies went back to school last week. Jase is officially a Freshman and Em is in 3rd grade, but for her this is her first year alone so it was bound to be a tear-filled Monday right? 

-WRONG-

Well at least from their perspectives. They both jumped out of the car and ran up to the school faster than I could say "I hope you have a nice day." *It looked a little something like this...

So I actually was the pathetic one crying in the car because my squishies were excited?! Really!!! In any case I did eventually pull it together and ventured off into the great world of the phased approach to me getting into my role. Only it's not so much a phased approach and instead is more of the "lets see how long her smile lasts when we give here THESE THINGS." 

I will say that from a leadership, motivational and even analytical perspective I am G2G...however from a "brand new to role entering initiatives that are 1/2 to 3/4 of the way underway I cannot help but occasionally feel like...

Typically this would have me frustrated because I need to know everything, I like to solve the puzzle and then be proud that I did because I rock! But this time I have decided it is time to work on developing my "patience" and "great smiles w/ head nods" approach. 

This is working very well by the way - no sarcasm applied.

No migraines and I am actually learning as time progresses that truly sometimes it is not about knowing all the answers but having all of my chess pieces in the right place so I can be sure to have the ice cream first. :)

Outside of that we also went to a few celebrations over the last two weeks (below) and of course watched SYTYCD, since it's back from the Olympic hiatus.

The company picnic (lazy river fun) with mi familia and friends! 

The Luau at the Lakes with my awesome in laws - really awesome in laws. Which isn't it great when you have in laws that you truly love. My father-in-law is one of the most amazing men that I have ever met and I am seriously lucky to call him Dad and Momma Suze...really if you have never met Momma Suze you need to get on a plane and fly here and meet her because once you do you will never want to leave. - I am truly proud to call them my in laws.

The St. Stan's Polish Festival this weekend with family...which was great and delicious...

Bon Appétit and good evening!  

Vacation, Promotion and back to school Commotion!

We have been busy bees around here so I have not had much time to update...

First the summer vacation!

We took an amazing trip though South Dakota! Stops included:

Sioux Falls - Where we went to Falls Park and enjoyed the beautiful falls in the city.

Rapid City - Where we experienced great views at the Badlands, Bear Country, Reptile Garden and stayed at the amazing - Cambria!

Deadwood/Custer - Mount Rushmore, plus the Cosmos and the Beautiful Wonderland Cave

Hot Springs - EVANS PLUNGE!!

It was such a wonderful getaway! Which is always nice when you live in such a busy city and have a soon to be high schooler and soon to be third grader!

...

Now a quick callout...over the last two months I have spent time interviewing for the Lead Manger role in my company and after 4 long and very difficult interviews.....

I WAS OFFERED THE POSITION!

This was great news! Everyone has been so very supportive in my close friends and family circle. With great success comes upsets as well though, as you find those few that are not supportive and instead try to ruin your happiness. I unfortunately have some family that are in the opposing stands for my life. I agree people should have their own opinions but why put down others to support your cause...I will never know. In my book "All you need is love, love. Love is all you need." But that doesn't seem to always be possible with people that always find a way to bully others and be so judgmental - drowning others in hateful words and beliefs. I guess that comes with life though and no matter how old you get you will still have to deal with those not ready to own up to being responsible adults, but really what can you do...

Back on track the last callout of course my husband!! He was and still is my #1 fan, completely supportive and at times I think he truly has more faith in me then I do in myself. It's great when you have that one person who gives you the love and support you need.

So on to back to school commotion!

As mentioned my squishies are going back to school next week..well really it's only 1 day worth of school next week and then they start their "regularly scheduled programs" the week after. So we have been busy with back to school supplies, uniforms and high school planning.

I volunteered last weekend at the high school book sale which was interesting. I thought since this is a private school the volunteer parents would be much more customer service oriented, since you know we're all "buying books" which you do not have to do at public school. Well they were fairly lazy, sitting around talking amongst one another and texting, so me and my partner put them to shame.

I worked "pre-sales" which really translates to get everything organized and ready for checkout...and when I say everything I mean everything. Take the books, cut the slips, count the books and make sure the total matches the number of slips, take the retreat form and cut that and any art forms, write "new" and "used" totals on the back of the last slips, box the books and send the parents on their way to the cashier...I bet you'll never guess what the cashier does....Totals my slips and takes a check.

Next year I need to get in good with the planner.

So now we're back to where we started...vacation, promotion and commotion!