Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.~John Lennon
It has been two months and 12 days since I last entered anything on this blog. I look at the calendar and wonder where the time went. The days seem to fly by, summer is almost over, and while I won't miss the heat and humidity, I will miss the fresh vegetables from my garden, the flower beds, and quick trips to Hueston Woods to relax on our pontoon boat. The dogs have accompanied us to the lake, and while McKenzie has thoroughly enjoyed herself in the water, Chance and Layla aren't quite as impressed. To be truthful, I think Layla would prefer we leave her at home in her kennel, especially after falling into the water between the boat and the dock yesterday.
So much has happened this summer. After a month off work recovering from my surgery, I went back to work and without warning found myself to be two staff members short. Luckily I have an outstanding group who carried on without missing a beat, and I have since replaced staff with new colleagues who bring lots of talent to the table. I always have said that things happen for a reason, this is just one step in my staff's quest for excellence.
The Caring Closet continues to grow by leaps and bounds. We are gearing up for the start of school and are very close to submitting our application for our 501(c)3 status. Please remember to send gently used kids clothing our way, along with any donations of soap, shampoo, new socks and underwear of any size.
Perhaps the most exciting news I have is that Heather, Jeff and baby Lela are moving back to the Cincinnati area. In 12 days I will get to hold that precious princess in my arms again. I CAN'T WAIT!!! We hope to have Eric and Silvia home to visit for Christmas, as well as Chris and Kyle. At the risk of sounding like a movie...it's a wonderful life!
My family has intimated that I am spending too much time on my laptop. (Obviously not on my blog!) I try to explain to them that I am on a mission. I have been trying to help round up some things for Heather and Jeff. Logistically it is not practical to ship everything they own from Hawaii. Hence, my addiction to Craigslist. Where else can you furnish an entire room with Arhaus, Pottery Barn and Pier One furniture for under $300.00? And, I feel the need to put in a good word for yard sales. I was able to start an unbelievable collection of Fisher Price toys for Lela for a grand total of $20.00. Of course you have to be picky, but everything I've bought looks brand new, and is super clean.
And, while I am on a thrifty kick, I need to ask...are any of you coupon queens? I am fascinated by the ability to save big using coupons, but I realize it is an art, and I don't know what I am doing. I want to stockpile free shampoo and toothpaste and whatever else I can get my hands on...I just need a teacher!
Preseason football starts tonight, a sure sign that summer is coming to a close. I love watching the Bengals, especially now that I have friends in Pittsburgh to irritate (sorry Lisa and Rashid). T.O. and Ochocinco should be fun to watch, maybe a Superbowl appearance this year??? Time will tell :)
I promise to be better about blogging. Let me know if you've read this, and as always, I am open to suggestions for blog topics.
Love,
C
