So much to catch up on!

I haven’t had a chance to sit down and write in a while, not because I don’t have a lot to say, I just haven’t had a lot of time – the little free time that I have had I would much rather spend doing something else. So instead of posting several different posts, I’m just going to put it all into one large one, so please bare with me! Here we go….
Mom’s out of the country again. She and Doug went up to Canada to visit some friends. She’ll only be gone for about a week, so I should be great full that it’s just a short trip. But I miss talking to her. It’s generally a daily occurrence, so I feel a little lonely when I want to hear her voice, but can’t. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so happy for her (as well as a little envious) that she now has the opportunity to travel and do all the things that probably seemed unimaginable to her for so long. I just miss her so much when she’s abroad.
I’ll be switching to my new hours on Monday. I’m excited and sad at the same time. With the exception of one person, I really like my team, and the thought that I will only be sitting with them for one more day really makes me sad. It’s not as though I won’t see these people with my new shift, but I won’t be working closely with them, and I know the bonds that we have formed will eventually disappear. But I'm excited to go back to the evening shift. The hours suit me better – you know how I hate mornings! Also, the hours actually allow me to make appointments and get things done that I either couldn’t, or would have to schedule time off for because the 9-5 shift doesn’t leave much lee-way to do things to go to the bank, go to the doctor, etc. because they are only open during the hours I’m stuck at work. I’m a little apprehensive about taking on a new team, but I’m sure we will all get used to each other.
My new part-time job has thus far cost me more than I have earned. I get my first check tomorrow, which will be pretty small since it only has about 16 hours on it, plus they will be deducting the cost of my pretty green Harmons shirt I have to wear. Other than that expense, I had to order a special "invisible" nose ring that I can keep in while I’m working, since they have a no-facial piercing policy, and it just hurts too much to take it out and put it back in again. The price wasn’t bad for that – I think I actually spent more for express shipping than I did for the jewelry. But the thing that really hurt was the shoes. I have two pairs of really comfortable shoes; a pair of white New Balance runners, and a pair of brown Sketchers. Unfortunately, the dress code requires black shoes – and I own no comfortable black shoes – at least not ones that are comfortable enough to make it through 8 hours of being on your feet. So I went on a quest to find a good pair of shoes. Went to four different stores. Everything that I found that I liked weren’t available in my size. The things that I did find in my size were either really ugly of didn’t have enough support. So I broke down and went to REI – they had the shoes I wanted, and in my size. Unfortunately they were $70 more than I had, but I ended up getting them (that’s what overdraft is for, right?). And they’re worth it – they are the most comfortable things I’ve ever worn, plus they’re real leather, and the brand is famous for its comfort and durability. Still, it freaks me out because I’ve never spent that much on a pair of shoes!
We finally got some rain! It had been over a month since we’ve had any precipitation. I was so excited last night when it started to pour that I ran outside and just stood there getting soaked. Then I got cold and came back in. Probably wasn’t the best idea since they had been announcing sever thunderstorm warnings and advising everyone to stay inside. But it felt wonderful!
Well, I think I should post what I have written so far, and finish up later...