The Kassel Family Project Life 365

Laura has finally learned to tie her shoes!  She has been frustrated with this for a while now, but she finally figured it out.  She’s very proud!

My work days are difficult these days.  I spend most of my work days actually working maybe an hour a day.  The rest is spent watching television shows on YouTube – I wrapped up Season One of “Criminal Minds” today – or working on photo books on Shutterfly.  Most people would say I have it easy and I should enjoy it.  The truth is that it sucks.  I hate it.  For the record, I *would* rather be watching television shows than being complained to by angry customers (and there are plenty of those), but I feel completely useless and worthless.  I haven’t been much fun to be around these days.  I know it and I admit it.  I try to control it, but it’s hard.  It’s easier when I’m at home because of Andy and the kids, but then I have to get up and go to work.  I’ve applied for several jobs, but there isn’t much out there right now.  It’s extremely angering and frustrating.  I feel like I have been hung out to dry and that fifteen years worth of knowledge is crap now.  On more than one occasion, varying people have said, “How do YOU know that?”  What I really want to say is, “I’ve worked here for 15 years, you stupid idiot.  Maybe if you shut your damn mouth and listened and then ACTED, I would still have a job.  Of course, I know these things.  I’ve worked here 15 YEARS!”  Instead, I do all that I can to help.  I want to stay at the University and I can’t afford to burn my bridges.  It’s so hard and the stress of it all is wearing me down.  I hate feeling useless and worthless.  I hate it.

So, the kids love Chicken-flavored Ramen Noodles.  At every meal where they are given the chance to choose their food, Ramen Noodles are in there somewhere.  Those two would eat Ramen at every meal if we let them.  Because of this, I buy two cases (24 packages) of Ramen Noodles a month from Aldi, which is only $4 total by the way.  Tonight, I asked the kids what they wanted to eat since Andy was at a meeting and he and I were eating dinner later in the evening.  Their response was, of course, Ramen!  Oh, they both also had sandwiches….at least I got a little nutrition in there somewhere.

Laura’s teacher, Mrs. Hanney, sent home a project for the kids.  Many of the kids are getting stuck and can’t think of things to write about during writing time.  On the project paper, the kids write down their ideas based on trips, fun events, family traditions, etc.  Then, they take the paper back to school to refer to during writing time whenever they are stuck.  Today, Laura said, “I wrote about Uncle Scot’s wedding!”  I get home this evening and check her project paper (she’ll return it to school tomorrow) and at the top of the list is Uncle Scot’s wedding.  🙂

Laura decided that she and Daddy needed to work on some puzzles from Puzzle Buzz magazine by Highlights.  Today was the first time that John joined in a bit.  Apparently, it’s a big hit with the Kassel kids!

We bought Laura a “special” headband to wear for St. Patrick’s Day.  Little did we know that John would insist on wearing it for a bit!

For an early dinner, we went to Flat Branch Pub and Brewing with Jeremy and the Lowerys.  This has become a tradition for us as their Corned Beef and Cabbage is mighty tasty and the beer is amazing – Oil Change Stout for me and Irish Red for the boys (Rachel had water as beer is not something she enjoys)!

Most years, Andy and I take the afternoon off and enjoy lunch and beer at Flat Branch.  Since St. Patty’s Day is on a Saturday this year, it was a bit different, but still great!  We sat outside and it was a beautiful afternoon.  We had to have two tables on Flat Branch’s patio, so the kids had their own table!  Laura wore her leprechaun headband and the kids enjoyed their burgers, dino chicken nuggets, french fries, and Tiger Stripe Ice Cream!

The adults enjoyed some great beer, food, and conversation!  Thanks to the Lowerys and Jeremy for a fun early evening at Flat Branch!  Happy St. Patty’s Day to all!

Back in January, Andy sent his iPod Nano back to Apple for a recall.  Today, it was finally returned to us.  Upon opening the package, Andy discovered a brand new iPod Nano because Apple no longer had replacements for his original.  *Insert sarcastic voice here.*  I GUESS we’ll take the brand new iPod Nano since we don’t have any other choice.  *End sarcastic voice here.*  Thanks Apple!