Little Bit of This, Little Bit of That

Good gravy, this year has seemed like such a whirl of activity. I'm finally, finally feeling like I maybe don't have to be everywhere at every moment, and things have calmed down here and there a bit.

1. Work has been SO MUCH BETTER since we got shifted over to the new manager. She is very, very smart and extremely fast-paced, but it's not overwhelming at all because she listens to us, has made a point to be very open and up-front with us about changes (whether or not they impact us) in the department we're now a part of, and is making another point to learn WHY we do things the way we do.

She's expressed to me that she values me and what I do so highly that, should layoffs come around again and our area is under the microscope, she will fight tooth and nail to keep me. That's a big load off my shoulders, believe me.

The only bad thing, really, is that we still have nine months to go before Mr. Useless retires his ass out of here for good. At this point, it's just about waiting him out, and occasionally bitching out frustrations as needed. *rolls eyes*

2. Boychild "graduated" from sixth grade on June 8, and with the best report card we've seen in a while. Reading every week really paid off for him, much as he hates it, so one of the few rules we placed on him for the summer is that he must read one chapter and summarize it every single day. He just finished The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe yesterday, and is starting Prince Caspian today.

He is trying very, very hard not to admit it, but he really did enjoy the book. ♥

His other rule for the summer is that he must learn to ride the bike his Oma picked up for him. He is twelve, and it is high time. He is fighting it with every breath in him - he has got some kind of mental block about putting his feet on those pedals. We made sure the bike was of a size that the seat could be lowered enough to keep his feet flat on the ground, because that gives a modicum of control to him in terms of not falling over. But while we can get him on it and he can walk himself along and even get up a bit of speed and balance enough to coast ten and fifteen feet, the idea of actually putting his feet on the pedals - even though they can touch the ground any time he wants! - sends him into panic mode. I do not get it. Thoughts? Suggestions?

3. Chapter is Dark! WOOT. This means I have two months ahead of me in which all I have to do is print out labels for a grand officer reception and collect mail. Steph took charge of the newsletter, so now all I have to do with it is check her editing and item placement, and she does all the rest. YAY!

4. I finished my hp_porninthesun piece, and am so pleased with it. That's the second fest I've participated in, and it's definitely fun being a writer. I've forgotten - both times - that there is someone else writing something for me, too! I get so excited to see what people think of what I wrote that it doesn't even register that I'll get my own gift. And I love that.

Speaking of writing, I've been wanting to post my fanfic on my journal. BUT-. I don't want to force anyone to read it, so I've been toying with the idea of setting up a filter so people can opt out if they want. Much as I'd love it, not everyone is into Harry, and even those who are seem to have moved beyond it into other fandoms sometimes, so-. You know.

5. I have pictures of my plants! ... On my phone. Once I figure out how to get them OFF my phone, I'll post them. I finally have tiny tomatoes growing! And my green beans are sprouting! YAY!

That's all I can think of for now, especially as it's go-home time. Hopefully I'll get back into the swing of posting regularly - I miss it.

It's Monday once again, which means my lovely weekend is over. Boo.

( Three Boys Is A Lot )

( I Am Amused )

( We Make Damn Fine Food )

( How My Garden Grows )

And that wraps it up, I guess. Now it's back to the grind for another five days. And this year's state fair starts on Thursday; we're going on Saturday, which we're looking forward to doing. Mike's already hoping to win another giant, stuffed toy. ;)