No Summer For Us

I absolutely LOVE that it is now officially summer... at least according to the calendar. 


The temperatures have FINALLY risen around here, and we're expecting a high of 93 degrees today.


But there is still no summer for our household. 


School is still in session. 


I still work 40 hours a week... 5 days a week. 


And truth is, this is the way it'll be until Little Man graduates high school. 


Because I work full time and we have no nearby family members to care for Drew, he goes to a year round private school. He's there 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year... unless we're sick or have a random vacation day. 


Right now his school is "off track" which means there's no actual school work going on for the next 2 weeks. But their still open all day and the kids are kept busy with structured learning activities. 


Technically their school year doesn't even END until August 12th (at which point he'll have 3 weeks off track before the next school year begins).


Because I was raised having a traditional summer (for the most part), this is a little tough for me. I feel awful that my kid is stuck at school all day while other kids are at the beach or even at home playing video games. He doesn't get a long break... ever. 


We're planning a little vacation for 3 days in August... but that's about all he gets. I have more vacation time available through work, but I like to keep some of it for the inevitable sick days or personal emergencies that are bound to occur. 


It's times like this that I really wish I could change things. I wish so badly that I didn't have to work full time and that I was available more to be a MOM... so that Drew could have more free time to be a KID.

Why I Love My Job

-40 hours a week I have an obligation and responsibility.
-I absolutely dread a ringing phone from 7:30 - 4:00 five days a week.
-I'm expected to be somewhere at 7:30am.
-My paycheck is never large enough.
-When it's nice and sunny outside, I'm stuck inside where I can't even open a window to get fresh air.
-I get bored VERY quickly at work.
-I do not enjoy the daily tasks of my job.
-Worrying about what to bring for lunch each day, or if I have enough money to buy lunch, is exhausting.


These things actually suck... but despite all of it, here are the reasons I LOVE my job:


-I have never missed a single practice or game of my son's, no matter what sport he's played.
-I am able to take my son to every doctors appointment... scheduled or not.
-Every other week there is a decent enough amount of money directly deposited into my bank account.
-I can bring my son to work with me if necessary.
-I have a great benefits package that allows me to stress less about health and dental issues, money for my future, and vacation, sick and personal time that I can take whenever I want to.
-I work with 9 men... and no women (no drama).
-Making it to parent-teacher conferences, awards assemblies, and Christmas performances on time is never an issue. 
-During my interview for this job I made it a point to explain that my son is my priority and the only reason I wanted this job was for the paycheck... and they hired me anyway... and because of that (they said it showed I had a reason to be there everyday).
-I get to spend my day watching movies, reading books and shopping online since there's no actual "work" to be done.
-I can afford to put my son in private school, chess lessons and any sport his heart desires.
-I am home every night in time to have dinner with my son, do his homework with him, play endless rounds of Boogle, and tuck him into bed (next to me).... EVERY night.


I certainly do not enjoy the daily tasks of my job... but I am beyond thankful for the mother that my job allows me to be. 


Some people go to school for years... spend endless time studying.. to pursue a career that fulfills them, a career where they can use their talents and spend their days doing what they love. 


I am so lucky and thankful to have a job that allows me to be Drew's Mom. 

Another Year Older

I thought I'd have issues with turning 29.. turns out I don't. Maybe I'll really feel old at 30. Sure hope not. 


Yesterday was my birthday.. and in true ME style, we hit the beach. 


At first I refused to go. The temperature was only supposed to be 66 degrees.. and I had no desire to freeze on the beach. I hate being cold. But since my family had already scheduled their whole day around it, I gave in and we went. 

It was kind of cold in the morning, but it warmed up nice enough that we really enjoyed our day. 

Drew had a great time playing with his cousins. Usually it's just Drew and I, so any time he can play with the boys he's in heaven. I can't believe these crazy boys actually went into the freezing water.

My mom has made me the same birthday cake for as long as I can remember... Strawberry cake, Cool-Whip frosting, and fresh strawberries... and this year she even brought it to the beach for me. 

It was too windy for candles... but I loved having my favorite people and my favorite cake all at my favorite place.

As always, my favorite part of any day... especially my birthday.. is being with my baby boy, and seeing him smile. 

So here's to the last year of my 20's.... let's hope it's a great one!

Dear Mother Nature

Dear Mother Nature,


I am aware that it is still "technically" Spring. However, I am also aware that in Southern California, Spring is usually over in April. A typical So Cal Summer starts in May (with a few random spring-ish days scattered in).


I hate to be a complainer.... but this year our weather SUCKS. I am a Summer person. I NEED temperatures in the 80's (at least). There's a reason I have sworn to never move from Southern California. If I wanted cool weather, I'd live elsewhere.. not sure where.. but some cool place. 


We've had about 4 days in 2011 that may classify as "hot"... other than that, it's been freakin' cold here. 


For example, this is the weather prediction for the BEACH for the next 5 days. 

TODAY	TOMORROW	SUN	MON	TUE	6-10 DAY
Mostly Sunny	AM Clouds/PM Sun	Mostly Sunny	Partly Cloudy	Sunny	Extended Forecast
High: 69° Low: 55°	High: 68° Low: 55°	High: 67° Low: 56°	High: 64° Low: 55°	High: 65° Low: 57

It's JUNE.. and I know Summer doesn't officially start for another 18 days, but COME ON.. you're killing me here. This girl needs sunshine.. with HEAT. It's very hard to tan when it's freezing out there. 


Oh, and one last thing.... my birthday is next week and I have every intention of spending the day on the beach.... so if you could PLEASE, pretty please, bring the temps up ASAP, I'd really appreciate it. 


Sincerely,
Freezing in So Cal