Slow start

This morning was terrible. Every morning at 6:45, my alarm goes off. I get up and start my routine which includes important things like making coffee and lunches. At 7:00, Gavin's alarm goes off. This morning it didn't wake him up, which shocks me because it is LOUD!! So I go in his room and tell him to get up (nicely) and rub his back or head, whatever I can reach since he is on the top bunk.
This morning, after telling him to get up, I walked into the kitchen and got his food on the table and sat and waited. He didn't get to the table until 7:20 since he fell back asleep and had to stretch 1400 times. Finally he gets to the table and sits and complains. About everything in the universe. Nothing is right! I told him to suck it up and that I didn't want to hear it. I get so irritated when he is so negative! It drives me crazy!! It got so bad that I had to start taking away minutes from his video game that he gets at the end of the week. Then he starts his "Momma, your mean". Oh, if he only knew what mean was and trust me, I almost showed him.
His meal took 40 minutes to eat. I cup of milk and a Quaker bar. 40 MINUTES!!! I sent him to his room to get dressed, which he has to do under the covers because it's cold. That takes another chunk of time instead of just standing and putting his clothes on in 3 minutes. He brushed his teeth, combed his hair and put on lotion. I was so done that I threw his coat at him and told him to get in the car. I wasn't going to let him even look in his playroom.
We drove to school and I dropped him off and told him to take a reading test before going to class. Sometimes taking your kids to school is the best break you can have. I couldn't handle another minute of attitude and complaining. When I pick him up at 4:30 I will have had enough time to gather my bearings and tolerate him for part two of the drama.

Cosmetologist...Finally!

It has been a rough week. I have been really stressed, to the point of rapid heartbeat and insomnia. Maybe this is normal for other people and it use to be my norm, but I have finally become relaxed and settled in my life.
So back to the source of the stress. It was time to retake my State Board test. I have been dreading this test after the last time I took it and failed. Unlike some people who can handle failing things okay, I am especially hard on myself and beat myself up over it. I am talking crying for days and depression....yea all that.
So my test was scheduled for November 30. My model informed me that she had to participate in the Visalia parade the night before. No big deal, I was not going to let that both me. I played it all down in my head as to not make this whole situation worse. I knew I had to have Audrey with me and regardless of the plans the night before, she was going!
The whole week before the test I was unable to sleep. I would go to bed around 10 and wake up at 4, at which point I would toss and turn and think about procedures that I would have to preform. I would get up in the morning, watch videos and reply the procedures in my mind. Stressing the whole time. It was constant and never ending.
So November 29 came and Audrey got to my house at 9:54 pm. Time to drive to Fairfield. That was the easy part. Audrey and I talked the whole time. We always have stuff to talk about and can entertain each other for hours. We got the hotel at 1 am. I took a shower and got in bed. Lights out by 1:45. I remember watching the clock, minute by minute. I was able to get in a 15 minute nap in between, but that was about it. Although the alarm was scheduled for 5, I was up at 4:15, getting ready for the day. 5 am hit and I was dragging Audrey out of bed. We were able to grab Starbucks before going to pick up my kit and head to the State Board Test Facility at 6:45.
By 7:30, we were at out stations and getting instructions as to how the test would be conducted. At 7:45 the test started. I opened my book to see my first appointment and my biggest blessing came true. I had the same appointments on this test that I did the last time. I started with a facial scrub and had a razor haircut. This was perfect. I remember thinking to myself when I was studying that if I just had the same bookings, I would be fine because I now knew what I did wrong. Prefect!!
I finished my test and felt confident!! Excited even, although I didn't get my hope up too high just in case.
Audrey and I went and grabbed In and Out Burger before I took her back to hotel. I went back to the State Board place at 1 pm to get my picture taken and waited until 1:45 to get my results.
At 1:40 I walked into the room where my stress would turn into a result. "Melissa" the lady called from the window. I walked up and she was carrying 1 paper!! I almost started to cry but I held it in! I signed my name and she congratulated me.
I walked outside and into my car. I tried calling David but my fingers didn't work. Finally I got thru. I cried because of happiness and the release of built up stress that had been building for months! It was a happy call that is for sure because he has been the one on he emotion roller coaster with me.
I drove back to the hotel to tell Audrey. As I walked to the hallway Audrey walked around it. She looked at me and I told her, "I'm licensed!". She grabbed and hugged me! We were jumping up and down yelling and acting wild. I was crying again. Then I looked up and noticed a room full of people, separated by a glass wall, watching us. They all had huge smiles on their faces. They looked like they wanted to cheer too!! What a happy moment that was!
So we checked out of the hotel, after calling my Dad and headed home. What a wonderful day! I have been working so hard for 2 years to get to this point. Now it has happened. I am finally able to contribute financially to my family and offer something to them. I can work outside of the house and be productive in other ways than cleaning and cooking.
Thank you to all of you who have been encouraging to me over the years and have let me practice on you. I have really appreciated it all!

Super Bargain Shopper

I had a great day yesterday, shopping wise that is. I loaded up on coupons from my newspaper and fliers and headed to Macy's. Quinten didn't put up a fight, even got ready on his own. I may have said something about a Happy Meal reward, but I can't say for sure.
So I got to Macy's Kids and although I was taken aback by the three hard core gang bangers I passed, I focused my attention on the racks full of sale merchandise. It was heavenly. I got a couple things for my niece, my adopted niece and a goofy little hat for Quinten, which he hasn't takne off for two days.
I know I should have stopped at the children's department, but I decided to go try the women's area also. I like to go to the second floor....I think they call the department "Impluse". Anyway, since the clearance was additional 50% off I started to look around. Quinten helped by pointing out every bright colored item off the racks and telling me how great I would look in it. I refrained from telling him that his Momma doesn't want to look like a giant watercolor painting. I agreed and told him to find me things that have an "L" on the tag or were black. He didn't catch on. I looked past the distraction and focused because there was a point to this stop.
Anyone who knows me, knows I am a brand whore. This is no secret and I will never deny it. What I will deny and with good reason, is that I pay a lot for my clothing. My first item, a black dress, sleeveless to the knee. Conservative, the way I like it now. Original price $155. Purchase price $7.50. Yes, you did read that correctly! Second item was a pair of True Religion jeans. I have tried them on many times, but have always put them back due to price. I even put them back at Nordstroms Rack, where they are marked way down. Yes, we are on a budget in the Lomeli house. Original price $315. Purchase price $44.82. The heavens opened and light shone down on me. It was awesome! And last but not least. A black BCBG tunic style dress, that I will wear as a shirt because I could never pull that off. Original price $148. Purchase price $19.90.
Yes folks, I think I have mastered the art of sale shopping! Maybe I should rethink being a hairdresser after all and look into personal shopping!

Yosemite

I heard last week that on Thursday, Yosemite was having a "free entrance" day for Veteran's Day. I thought, what a perfect way to go to the park without paying the $20 to get in. So I got all packed on Wednesday and we were ready to leave when David got up in the morning.

On Thursday morning, I made a big breakfast, sack lunches and got the boys in their warm clothes.

The drive was okay, until we got into the park itself. There was road construction so that held us up another 30 minutes, so the boys were super anxious to get out of the car. We made it to our first destination at 1:15.

After our first hike, we had a picnic lunch on some broken tree branches and we were off again. We walked around the little corner store and looked at nik-naks and hikes some more. We had so much fun! The boys weren't excited about having to hike the "easy" trails, but we will wait to hit the more exciting ones for a couple years and when our pending medical bills are paid off.

All in all it was a great trip. On our walk back to the car, we saw some deer walking and eating just off the path. It was amazing. The boys were in awe of the wild animals that they have only seen on TV. Will we do this again? Yes. Will we try to spend the night next time? Yes. it was a really long drive!

Math has never been my strong point. Ever! I started having problems with it in elementary school and it has become worse the older I have got. I was always in the low group in school and never felt confident with my math scales. Although, I can figure out discounts and sales in a jiffy! I am the person to take with you if you ever need to figure out what you would get off that shirt you've been checking out.
So tonight I was doing math homework with Gavin. Poor thing is me but miniature. He is having the hardest time. He worked on a single page of math homeowrk for 45 minutes. It was 6 questions! I caught myself talking louder to "help" him unerstand and finally just reverted to leaving him at the table to figure it out. I had to walk away...several times. I even sent him to his room to clear his head. After the ordeal I have poured myself a glass of wine. I am sitting and enjoying it too.
The only thing I could figure out to do, is to write his teacher a note letting her know just how much help he needs to catch up to the other kids in his class. I hope I did the right thing. He tries but I can't help him how he needs. I don't have any expertise in math, in fact, I didn't get a four year degree for that reason. I failed elementary algebra in J.C. Horrible...I know.

Discipline

I have been having the hardest time with my boys in the area of discipline. Spanking works for one, the other with time outs. I hate having to do things different for each kid and was looking for something that works for both.
So I developed a new plan. I give each boy 60 minutes worth of a video game for the week starting on Sunday. The minutes are written on a whiteboard and displayed in the kitchen. Each time they do something "naughty" I take away five minutes. If it is really bad, I take away 10 minutes. But, get this, I also reward the boys by gifting them 5 minutes. Gavin was given 10 minutes from David last week because he did really well on his tests throughout the week. It worked so well that I wish I had thought about this two years ago! So on Saturday's the boys redeem their minutes for the video game of their choice. GENIUS!

Funny quote

This morning my boys let me sleep in. They play rather loud in their playroom and I was trying to ignore them, but I could keep my eyes closed until 8 o'clock, which is sleeping in for me. So I get up and make my coffee and they continue playing. All of a sudden I hear this horrible noise. I don't know if it was Gavin trying to make a gun noise or what but it was loud and made my skin crawl. I walked in the room and ask the boys to keep it down because Daddy is sleeping. Quinten turns to me and says, "Thank you for letting me know Momma. I was going to get really, really loud so it was nice of you to ask me to be quieter". Really? I didn't even know what to say to that!

School...finally!

School has started and the boys and I are almost used to it. We have been at it for two weeks now and although Quinten has adjusted well, Gavin has been having a difficult time.

Quinten loves going to afternoon Kindergarten. He gets to hang out all morning, play and watch cartoons. Then after having lunch he hangs out with his friends for a couple hours at school. Quinten has aways enjoyed learning and growing up to be just like his brother.

Gavin has been a challenge. He whines every morning and tells me how much he hates school, which translates to "I want to stay home and play with my toys". So after a good 45 minute argument, he figures he isn't going to win and gets his act together. I won't tell you the warm feelings that run thru my body every morning when he acts up, or is it the heated blood running thru my veins? Either way it is painful and obnoxious beyond words. I have given him a big responsibility daily. He is assigned to Quinten pick-up duty. He gets out of school and runs to Quinten's room to wait for us. He loves doing it!

A good thing this year is that parents are actually talking to me. David tells me I am unapproachable because I look like a snobby bitch, but I think it's because I usually don't look very excited to be standing in the hot sun. Either way, people have felt more comfortable to talk to me. I wish this would have happened two years ago when Gavin was in Kindergarten. I have made an effort to smile more and make more eye contact. It is a lot of work to make friends, that's for sure.

So hopefully my boys continue to look forward to school, or slowly get used to the new routine. I love to see them come home and show me what they have learned and tell me about what they played. I love school!

Summer

We didn't do a lot this summer but we had some fun.....




We dressed Klyde up in a K-9 costume....he hated it!

We went to the beach for a couple days and played in the sand.

Gavin last his 1st tooth. As I write this, he is working on his second. I told him it needs to come out before Monday!

The boys have enjoyed playing with Daddy and tinkering with the motorcycle.

Vacation

I am really excited about my husband going on his vacation this week. He is off thru the beginning of September. He is able to come with me to take the boys to their first day of school, soccer practice and get a lot done around the house. I love that part!
Along with all the positive, his vacation includes a trip to Las Vegas with his friends for a bachelor party. Now this is fine...kind of. I wouldn't be worried if he was going with a bunch of married guys with good morals, but he is going with a bunch of cops. I know, sounds weird, huh? Cops are big drinkers, who typically love the ladies. This means David may get tagged along to the strip clubs and forced to do shots of tequila. I am hoping that he is able to maintain his will power and fulfill his promise to his wife about being the self appointed "babysitter". I am hoping he will cut his friends off after too much alcohol, remove their beer goggles with the ladies and keep them from making a pit stop at the local jailhouse.
I have to admit that I am jealous about his trip. A couple months ago there was a huge air show in Las Vegas that my friends were going to and when I brought it up to him he said, "No". Not even gave me a chance to plea my case....if fact he didn't even listen to what I wanted to say about it. He just said, "No". Now I will admit I have been known to be a bit of a loose cannon in the past, but come on it's been how many years?! So I have reminded him that if he gets to go, so do I. I love Las Vegas. I am in awe of the lights and the fun....and the people! I could sit and people watch all day.
So I am hoping that this vacation is good, for both of us. There aren't any mishaps that will require any bail money or collect calls. Do I have to bring it up or are we all thinking of The Hangover.

North Side Drivers

I have an addiction to Sonic. The real fruit slush with strawberry to be exact. So today I was going to take the boys to get our usual.
On my way to Sonic, I was driving south on Willow from Copper. Anyone who has driven on this street knows that this is a two lane road with a double yellow line. Well, it never fails a young, teenager gets behind me and tailgates me like no ones business. Now normally, for the sake of my kids, I get over into another lane or speed up a little to appease the idiot who doesn't know how to drive. Today, this young girl was in no such luck. I was behind several other cars that wanted to drive under the speed limit. Apparently this girl was very irritated that this was happening to her so she rode my donkey. For every stoplight I watched in my rear view mirror to make sure she noticed that my brake lights were lighting up. But she didn't get it, she continued to drive on my bumper. Now, don't get me wrong....I have been known a time or two to slam on my brakes for the "big, black dog" that runs across the street in front of me. And let me tell you, that dog runs right in front of me and I have to slam those brakes on real hard. This "big, black dog" has been lucky so far and has escaped every time. And most people that have had a problem respecting my back end, have got the hint. I was happy when my turn off came and I could get away from this girl, who is in need of a driver re-exam at the DMV.
It made me feel better when I was paying for my Sonic and noticed a Clovis Police Officer behind me in the drive thru. I asked to pay or their drink as well, knowing that they have to deal with idiots such as the teenage driver all day long. It's the little things that can change your attitude and make another person feel appreciated all in one shot.

Undecover Boss

I am sitting on my couch watching Under Cover Boss and the company being represented is Roto-Rooter. I am very impressed with the CEO of that company. After working in his employees shoes and seeing what they go thru on a daily basis, he truly rewarded them. He saw that he had people working for him that really represent his company and are positive while doing so. It is because of those people that he has become successful. I wish more employers would do what he did. People need to be recognized for their hard work and dedication.
I have watched this show before, but it was the Hooters episode. Not nearly as good of company to work for. I guess anyone could have guessed that though. How much of a reward can you give anyone who would wear that outfit?

State Board Take 1

I have been working for 18 months and it all comes down to one day....State Board. During the 18 months of school I have found that I truly enjoy doing hair, primarily haircutting and coloring. It was going to come to the finale on Thursday morning in Glendale, when I took the only test that mattered.
On Wednesday , I picked up Audrey and we headed to Glendale. Our trip that was originally going to start casually, got sped up due to there being a demonstration for the practical exam at 1 o'clock. So we sped there, got checked into our hotel and went and got something to eat.
I got to the kit demonstration at 12:45 and was happy with what the rental place showed me and tips they gave me. I checked the kit, got extra stuff and went back to the hotel. I was able to study for a while and Audrey read her Twilight book.
After about 2 hours, we decided to hit the Glendale mall which was across the street. It was quite a place. We really enjoyed going and walking around, shopping, hitting happy hour and getting cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory.
We went back to the hotel and studied some more. Finally it was too late to stay up. We shut the TV off and I crashed. I had been a ball full of nerves all day and my body had had it!
Well, the sleep was short lived because I woke up at 3:45 in the morning and hit the books again. Audrey woke up too because even through she wasn't testing, she was totally supportive and wanted to get me thru this time.
We were at Starbucks at 5:45 and at the rental kit company at 6:35. Then we ran over to the State Board testing facility which opened at 6:50. I felt comfortable....well, as comfortable as I could feel, being that was taking a huge test! I felt ready because I had studied and studied.....I am talking hours and hours people! They let us in the building and it all started.
We started taking the actual test at 7:45. When the test started I started feeling the stress. I started sweating like no one's business. I was dripping in sweat. I don't think I could explain it any better than that! It was gross. It was so bad in fact, that my mascara started running and my head was itching. It was the most horrible memory! After I got into the swing of things, I relaxed a bit. Although I was still forgetting little things and not doing the most perfect job, I was on a mission to pass this freaking test!
It was finally over at noon. I was relieved, but kept replaying everything in my head. All the things I didn't do right...and on and on. At 12:25, I took my written test. That was even worse. I had taken so many tests online and was so comfortable with those, but these questions were nothing like that! I was stumped the whole time, but was comforted in the fact that I could re-take the test in Fresno if I needed to. When I walked outta there I was almost in tears. At that point I felt like a failure!
So Audrey was my little cheerleader and told me not to worry. We walked around, had some lunch and waited because the results of the test weren't available until 3:00. So what a terrible 2 hours that was. I called David a hundred times to ask him if he would still love me if I didn't pass, I was stressed and overwhelmed and my body was done!
At 3:00 I went into the waiting room and the results were there. I was the second name called. It was what I expected, three pages of information. When you pass you get your license which is one page, when you have three pages you failed! I looked at the first page and I could feel tears come to my eyes. I couldn't even look at it. I walked into the hall, where Audrey was waiting for me. I handed her the results and walked straight to the bathroom to release some tears. When I came out she gave me a big hug and told me that she was proud of me regardless of my passing or not.
We walked to the car, where I eventually broke down. I felt like I had let my family down and that I had worked so hard for nothing. Audrey made me feel better with encouraging words and my leftover cheesecake. We drove home and by the end of the trip it wasn't so bad. I guess I will have to try again and this time I have the upper hand because I know what to expect. I wish I didn't have to go thru the stress again, but sometimes you have to do things, not because you want to, but because you want to get somewhere in life. I just hope that this time, the results are positive and I can do some celebrating afterward!

Busy day

Today was quite a day. David worked the last half of the graveyard shift, so he came home at 7:30 this morning. Right then, the boys got up and that means I have to as well. I let the boys jump on the trampoline for a half hour to get some of their energy out before the heat came and before David tucked himself in bed for a couple hours of sleep.
After breakfast, we got ready and headed out to get the car washed and go to Costco, which was crazy busy. I thought that since the 4th was two days out it wouldn't be that crazy....I was wrong. I needed gas, but judging by the line it would be a 40 minute wait. Forget it. We got our business done and we were outta there.
After dropping the groceries off at home and eating lunch, we went to the Dollar Tree. All I really needed was a balloon bouquet for the hostess of the 4th of July party we are going to, but of course you have to look around....everything is only $1. After paying for the bouquet and waiting for 30 minutes, the cashier tells me that they have run out of helium and the selection I have chosen they cannot do. So I go rummaging thru the balloons they already have. When I say rummaging, I mean I got out their stepping stool and broom and batted thru the balloons until I got the ones I wanted. I think the boys were embarrassed because Gavin kept asking me it I was allowed to do what I was doing. It's the Dollar Tree who cares if I was acting ghetto.
So we get home and my Mom had called and told me to come get her so we can go to the golf course and go swimming. We arrive at that golf course and start our swimming when some of Gavin's school friends come in. That is great, but the Mom's are snobs and have some issue with me which makes no sense to me since I have never talked to them! That is a whole other story that I will not get into. So we swim and hang out for a couple hours. We no sooner get in the car when David calls and says that he is coming home from work and is taking the day off. Really? I have nothing ready for dinner and I have to clean the house. So I get home, change, vacuum, mop and scrub the boys bathroom. When he gets home I am full on sweaty and foul. What a welcome he got.
So after our wonderful dinner of leftovers, I sit on the couch and itch from the terrible heat rash I got somewhere along the way. I will be happy when tomorrow comes.

looking forward...

Today hasn't been my favorite. Gavin has had a smart mouth and has been arguing about everything, all day long! I am surprised at myself that I haven't completely lost it yet, although I did yell (loudly) after dinner. I didn't open the door when the police came...just kidding.
Quinten told me that Daddy was his favorite and that I could be his "second". Whatever. See if he doesn't get kicked outta the house after his high school graduation.
Then I go and get my mail and there is a letter in there that tells me that my tenants in our Visalia house are moving out in a month. Crap! That means a lot of work. Gotta go in there to clean, clean, clean. So in a month we are going to be having a situation. At least it is after my State Board date so it's one less thing to worry about.
But on a lighter note. For the next two mornings, I am going to be going back to Federico's and practicing for my State Board test.
Then tomorrow night I am going on date with my husband, which hasn't happened for almost a year. We have had breakfast dates, but not dinner dates, which for some reason are counted and the others are not. So to make sure my husband knows how important it is, I have left an anonymous letter on the office door telling him that this is a date. I defined a date as a man trying to impress a woman. Hopefully he will get the subtle hint.
Saturday, my best friend is coming over and I am cutting her hair into a funky A-line cut with a boring twist. I had to throw the boring part in there because her motto is "Boring is good". It is going to look great, but I know she is going to have a close eye on what I am doing.
So in order to get over all the bad news and bad attitudes, I have to look forward to this weekend and at least that will distract me for a short while.

Camping

I am not one that typically goes out of her comfort zone, so camping for me was a little daring for me. I did it because I want my boys to be able to enjoy things, even though it isn't my favorite.
So my best friend, Audrey, and her family went to the mountains to camp for the weekend. We went up Thursday morning and the drive wasn't as bad as I expected. I have memories driving up to Hartland and throwing up everywhere. Another reason I was a little nervous about the trip. So the boys did good. We listened to Tim McGraw Indian Outlaw for about 45 minutes straight.
We got to the camp site and started relaxing. Driving to the camp site in a lowered truck....not so fun, but I won't go there.
We had a good dinner and relaxed with some wine while the kids played. It was fun to sit by the camp fire and catch up with Audrey, who I don't get to see as often as I would like.
The night was horrible. No one slept. The kids were constantly waking up and crying or talking or something. I think I got about 4 hours of sleep.
The morning came and we all got up. The boys were excited to get outside and explore some more. Mike took all the kids to Hume to go fishing and Audrey and I stayed back at the trailer and made home made cinnamon rolls. When we met up with Mike and the kids, we decided to get ice cream from the Hume Lake store and go back to camp. I was on the road back to Fresno by 3 and home by 5. What happened to the boys somewhere on the way home is yet to be determined. Let's just say they were sent to bed at 6:30.
Like I said, I like camping, but I like the camp sites that have showers and toilets. One night was just enough. I will be the first to admit that I am a city girl. Hello....have you seen my hair?

1st week of summer

I don't even know where to start. I have been so bored the last couple days, but what is funny is that I have been non-stop. I have had the boys going so they are tired by bedtime and so that I don't sit around and eat.
I have been taking daily walks with the boys every morning. We shower up and out to do errands or go swimming at the golf course with my Mom.
Today I did all the floors and baseboards and David helped me move the bed so we could clean under there and all that good stuff. It is amazing what builds up after a year. I was very proud of my boys who joined in the cleaning party and swiffered and dusted. I knew they had ulterior motives when they wanted to play a video game, but they were granted their wish because they were such good helpers.
So now I am sitting in my air conditioning and typing on my computer, thinking about the next couple days and looking forward to the camping trip with my friends and my hair appointments tomorrow.
I hope that my kids aren't totally bored this summer and I can do a couple things with them that makes it all worth it for them. I am hoping for a trip somewhere and maybe a day at Wild Water Adventures.

Graduation

Friday was a big day or Quinten! He graduated from Pre-School. He has been such a good boy at school and I have been so proud of him. During his review the teacher, Mrs. Low, told me that he is a very good listener and that she can always count on him to tell the talkers in class to be quiet so he can learn. I do admit that waking him up in the morning hasn't been easy, but he has been a good sport and proven that he is ready to be a big Kindergarten student.
Quinten told me this week that he is never going to move out because when he grow up he is going to marry me. He then preceded to ask David for his wedding ring and told him that he needed it so we could be married. He warms my heart that kid! David didn't think it was as cute as I did, but I did tell him that he is welcome to live with me as long as he likes. I am sure when Quinten get to be a little older this will all change, but right now it makes me smile.





After he received his diploma, he was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. He answered that he wants to be a police officer. I am such a proud Mom!

Prices for hair

Recommended Price List

Haircut/Style $25

Highlight (partial) $60

Highlight (full head) $80

Wet set $15

Color (virgin) $40

Color (roots only) $25

Perm $50

Manicure $10

Pedicure $20

Rock Star Toes (acrylic) $35

Wax (eyebrow) $10

Wax (upper lip) $10



Cash only

Neighbor with Warrants

So I have been asked by several people lately what is up with the crazy neighbor. Well everyone...I got something.
David was doing the lawn this week (I know, he actually did it all by himself) when he was approached by two Fresno PD Officers. He recognized them and they started to talk about a wanted subject. Turns out the wanted subject was crazy neighbor. Apparently she had an outstanding felony warrant for stealing cars. NICE! So David told them he hadn't seen her for awhile and that her neighbor to the west might know where she is. I guess the neighbor told them that she would be picking her kids up at school so the Officers went and "sat up" (parked and watched her car) from a nearby location. When she drove into her driveway, they were right behind her. She got out of the car and was placed in handcuffs. She was taken to the jail but released after processing. Since the jail is so overcrowded and over budget they release all kinds of dirt bags that really need to stay, but what can I do about that? Nothing so it's not worth wasting my breath. Anyway, she's out and driving around already. I can't believe we have a bone-a-fid car thief living three houses down from me. North Fresno with a splash of South Central!

Donations?

So I have started thinking about school and graduating and doing some hair out of my house. I know it's not the most comfortable and it's not classy, but I still want to be able to cut and color over the summer when the boys are out of school.
Since I am not yet "licensed" I am not considered a true Cosmotologist so I can't market myself yet. Also, I can't charge for services. I can request donations, but setting a price for the labor isn't an option. I will, however have to charge for product, like color, so I don't lose money.
Anyone reading this...give me some ideas so I don't come off like a witch when people schedule appointments with me.

Icky!

How do I start? How about by just saying it....I am grouchy! There is no real reason why. There wasn't a huge event that put me in a bad mood, I just hate the world. I am normally an outgoing, fun person, but for some reason I want to crawl in bed and go back to sleep. I am talking sleep for days here people.
Could it be that everything I have become accustom to is about to change? Graduation is tentatively set for May 21st. Is it that I am thinking about being home with two young boys for summer break? Is it the fact that my unemployment insurance ran out and I know that we will have some difficulty paying all our bills? I could go on and on.
This is a weird feeling because I always try to see the bright side of things. Even last night after cutting a really cute haircut on someone I couldn't smile.....Maybe I should go out and feel productive by mowing the lawn or going on a walk with Quinten. Shopping anyone? Maybe I need a good meal...that doesn't fill my soul, but I will do wonders on my stomach. I dunno, but I need something!

Tadpoles

My parents were nice enough to bring the boys some tadpoles from the golf course. The boys played with the slimy little buggers for an hour and a half, taking them out of their container and transporting them around the backyard. Apparently Quinten was so excited about them that he was actually kissing them....I know, I made the same face. So now they sit in our backyard, in the ice cream bucket, half of them belly up. All I can say is the more that are dead the better.

Update

This has been a busy week, but happy week as well. I have had appointments all week and have been accelerating (going into school 2 hours early) everyday. I have had more clients this week than any other time ever! I feel drained, but somehow I have the energy to get everything done.
I realize that I have only 5 weeks left of school. I have a State Board date and a tenative gradution date. Both of these things make me nervous. I have never been a good test taker, however I have been a good bull-pooper and think I can fake my knowledge of the procedure portion of my testing. The written? Who knows!
I am excited because a really good friend of mine, Victoria, is starting beauty school this Tuesday. She has wanted to do this for a long time, but hasn't been able to. She finally made up her mind and is goona do it. I am so proud of her! I am happy also that she enrolled in the evening class so I can help her and be her support for my remaining time at Federico's.
My David has been very supportive with school and the extra hours I have been putting in. I know that he gets frustrated with the boys and their homework, temper tantrums and attitudes. All I have to say is.....better him than me! It's good for both parties to have this "special" time. I realize that school is a sacrifice for all of us. Oh, did I forget to mention his new motorcycle? Yea, I guess he got a little payback.
I have been optimistic for the last month or so, and am getting jazzed to be able to get on with my life and put to use the last 17 months of schooling.

busy weekend!

This weekend was busy. Saturday I was at school all day....finishing mock board and taking clients during the afternoon. In the evening, we headed to my Uncle's house in Reedley to visit with family and have a delicious meal. We left around 8:30 and about half way home I realized that I had forgot my purse in their hallway. Back to Reedley we went. At least the boys were able to fall asleep in the car.
Sunday we went to church in the morning and the headed to Visalia to visit David's family. We got there at 1:30 and hung out there until 8:30. What a long day. David's Mom had got a ticket during the week in Exeter and we went over the ticket with her, even driving to the location to see the "scene of the crime". The ticket had been written by one of my friends from a long time ago, but David doesn't like the guy so he went above and beyond to show them how to fight the ticket. I dunno, but the guy is a Lieutenant....the chances of winning that ticket are slim!
Monday we had planned to go to the coast for the day, but we were so tired from the last two days we didn't end up going. We slept in, did yard work and took the boys to Toys-R-Us for a reward for all their hard work. I was really surprised at how much work they did. Even Quinten who hates to help or assist with any project we want to do worked his little booty off. That night I made Verenika. It was really late by the time they were done and the boys hated them. David and I pigged out so it wasn't a complete waste.
Monday we went to the zoo with one of Gavin's little friends from school, and his parents. It was raining, but what little boy doesn't like the rain? We saw the reptiles and the bear....and on and on and on. It was nice to walk around and check it all out.
Now back to the work week. I am guessing that there will be a lot of people coming in for Easter makeovers. Last night I found out my State Board date...yikes! I only have a little over 2 months to go.

Motorcycle story #1

I was not very comfortable when David told me this morning that he was going to take out his motorcycle. For one, he hasn't rode a motorcycle in, oh, 3 1/2 years. And secondly, he was going riding with experienced riders....who drive fast.
So he leaves this morning at about 9:45 and to take my mind off of things, I went to Costco. When I get back about an hour later, I thought he would be home. Nope. He was still gone.
He called at about 11:15 to tell me he would be home shortly. I was happy he was still alive and nthat othing bad had happened.
When he came home he pulled into the garage and parked the motorcycle in it's place. He got off his motorcycle and let go of it...only he forgot to put the kick stand down. CRASH. There was this expensive piece of equipment laying on our garage floor. I can't believe it. Off came the rear view mirror and here came some brand new scratches! Seriously David? It isn't even out of our garage!! What a lame way to get scratches on a bike. At least he is safe though and wasn't hurt during his ride. I see this "hobby" being a little more costly then originally estimated.

Getting closer

On Saturday I advised my teacher, while preparing for my mock board test, that I was past my 1200 hour mark, making me eligible for applying for my State Baord exam. She told me that I needed to apply today and that I had to contact the administration department to get the ball rolling. Like I didn't have enough going on. She also told me that it was my responsibilty to do it and that I could be penalized for not applying sooner. Great!
So I finished my test with 30 minutes to spare and was able to talk to a girl in admin. I was given all the forms and gave them all necassary information to send to Sac and hopefully get my date soon.
Although this has been going on for so long it seems like it has become my job. Everday I go to the same place, with the same people, preforming the same services. It will be wierd graduting and moving on. I am excited and nervous and all kinds of other emotions.

That freaking neighbor!

Yes...it was going too smoothly at the Lomeli house. Yesterday about 4:30 we get a ring at the front door. David looks out the peep hole and turns to me and asks, "Is that crazy neighbor". I check and "Yes, it is". GREAT.
So he opens the door and she is on her best behavior. "Hello Sir, can I ask you a favor". David replies, "No". He lets her know that she is not welcome on our property and that she needed to leave. She points out to David that we have security cameras and she wanted to know if they were working. David replied, "No". Of course the freaking cameras are working, we spent $400 on those sucker to protect our family from her!
Anyway, after David repeatedly telling her to get off our property and that she was not welcome at our house, she finally left. We saved the incident on a zip drive so we can refer to it if need be.
All thru dinner David was deep in thought. He tells me that he wishes he had said more to her while she was over. He would have liked to remind her that she has threatened me numerous times, she has ranted and raved about how she was going to beat me up, thrown stuff in our front yard and been a devil of a neighbor. He didn't and it was probably a better choice.
I was expecting something to happen last night to our house or property, but amazingly, nothing happened. I guess she is saving up to get us next time.

UGH

I picked up Gavin today and since that time my house has been chaotic. He no sooner got in the car and it started. He has whined for the last half hour. He won't share or play with his brother. He is acting like a little a brat!
I am so irritated I could scream. He has been sitting in his bed for the last 5 minutes and even then he is yelling from his top bunk, "Momma, Quinten told me...." or "Momma, Quinten just...". Ugh!
So now Quinten is screaming in his bed because he retaliated with violence and he was placed there, luckily without force because I would have used the amount of force necassary to affect my achieved goal, which in this case is peace. I would not have been peaceful. Duck tape sounds like a logical amount of force.
There are some days when school is a place I don't want to be, but today I would like to go early please!

Different hair

Saturday was a different experience. I came to school and immediately noticed that a lot of people were gone. See, on Saturday's, all day and evening students attend during the same times. This is good and bad. The good is that there are more people to share clients with. The bad is that there are more personality conflicts.
So I am tucked away in the back of class sitting with my friend Tin and the guy that was recently released off of parole, who had obviously spent many a year locked in the "pen" (as he refers to it). Yeah, I know, for some reason I attract people who have had criminal backgrounds. Maybe law enforcement was my calling...ha ha!
I loved sitting in the front of the school because I could usually have my pick of clients. When your in beauty school this is important because it is a pool of nasty, dirty people who come where the prices are cheap, no appointment is necessary and physical cleanliness isn't a must. So I would attack my teacher in hopes of getting the best clients....most of the time.
Well, Saturday was busy. It was winter formal for several schools and all I could think about was having to perform an up-do. I have never really had long hair and don't know what to do with it other than cut it off. Just kidding. I can trim it, color it and dry it. Other then that I am S.O.L.
As I look around I see that every other student in the class has a client but me and Lorissa. Tonya, the instructor, comes over to us and has a pow wow. We find that a family of black people, two of which have dread locks, need a hair wash, marcel iron and haircut. We are at a loss for words. Lorissa goes and gets the young girl, who thankfully is dread lock-less. She sits down and stares at us. I break the ice and asked her if she had ever had two white girls work on her hair. She laughed and replied "No". She was visibly nervous.
Lorissa washed her hair and I prepped for the rest. She sat down and we started working. We blow dried her hair and got it straight enough to only have to use a flat iron on high. If any of you have ever seen or used a marcel iron, you know the dangers of it, for the client as well as the hairdresser. Those things are crazy dangerous!
We got her hair very straight and she was now put at ease. I was the the designated hair cutter and asked her to look at magazines for ideas. She opted for a shoulder length do with long layers and bangs. I cut her hair, which was very different than cutting what I am used to. My scissors had a little but of a temper tantrum on me and didn't allow me to cut the quantity of hair that I have become accustom to.
End result was a 9th grade girl with a sassy new cut and straight hair. She was so happy in fact that she was walking by all the mirrors and checking herself out with a huge smile on her face. Her Mom was happy to see her daughter happy and generously gave me $2 for my time. It did take us 3 hours to do, but who's counting, right? I split the tip with Lorissa and chalked one up in my beauty school accomplishments. I am more comfortable with trying new things and know that I can do the impossible!