A reminder that Life is hard sometimes

Having a blue Monday in Majuro today. Maybe its the rain or maybe its the hormones, but either way.....i need to crawl up in a ball and get out of my own head. Counting down the days until I can spend a day without children screaming in a language I don't understand.
But I am stuck thinking ...
Thinking about the holidays and how it doesn't feel like Christmas this year. After the break in and James' memorial and the non-stop-ness of December.... its hard to think that its actually Christmas time. I miss the snow, the Christmas decorations, the Christmas cookies, the silly Christmas sweaters, family.. family.... family.... i miss it all. I'm trying to find out what I did with that Osmond Family Xmas Cd - that always puts me in the Holiday Spirit.
But the big question in my head today is... Where will I be next year? Thinking about me.. me and Provan.... and how we are going to work it out and be happy... cuz in the end I guess thats all I really want. To be happy. Some new ideas are coming up..... Kelly, tell me about nursing school........

I think I can. I think I can.

Reflections on a day: I need to get a nursing job. I will get a fabulous nursing job. I love being a nurse. I can run three miles without stopping. I ran offroad and uphill some of the way. In the dark. It was amazing. Only ten more miles and I have the half marathon. I think I can. I think I can.
I am trying to stay sane. I am trying hard not to cry about closing doors and saying goodbye to all of the great things about Austin and Kris and Kayla. (Boo-hoo Kayla). Maybe they will let me take Kayla? We are going to be surrounded by people who love us. It will be amazing to have holidays surrounded by people and to make green bean casserole and have people actually eat it. I think I can. I think I can.
I applied for two jobs today. My kids are beautiful and funny and loving. They won't eat vegetables. Maybe Mom can help with that? I think I can. I think I can. (I can.) Love-Kelly

Onto The Next Season of Life

Well, yesterday we took down the awning  That's a sad day for me because I love our awning and having the patio so much.  We also probably took our last motorcycle adventure and will probably put bigboy to rest for the winter. Getting too cold for that!! We have now officially turned the corner into the world of planting bulbs, raking leaves, and trying to figure out what the heck I wore last winter.  An excuse to buy a few new things.  But this winter brings a new light to my life- the arrival of Kelly, Larry, Owen and Delaney.  The question is

       Are They Ready for the LOVE!!!



 Mom

the silver lining of badly behaved students

SOOOOOO yesterday was a bad day at school for me. The kids were crazy and I was sooooo mad. I sat down in my desk for my first break of the day fuming and literally wanting to throw myself out my classroom window. The anger persisted until I spotted something strange in the corner of my classroom... I have one of those body models with removable organs that sits on top of a lab table... its really a nice addition to my classroom and the kids like to take all the organs out and put them back together- great learning device right?.. WELL, there the model sat in the corner of my classroom. Quietly and innocently. All the organs were in place and it was standing where it always stood. But today, it had thick black pubic hair drawn in its crotch. As pissed as I should have been, all I could do was laugh b/c I thought, well at least the troublemakers are artistic. hahahaha

Missing Wallet..

It does seem to be true that my brain has officially turned into swiss cheese. My wallet is missing...totally gone. It hasn't been as big of a pain in the butt as I thought....but still.
Could it be that I am totally 1.Stressed? 2. Exhasuted? 3.Desperately in need of some rest and psychotherapy?
I want my Mommy!!!!  I hope everyone had a better week:) Love-Kelly

MY mama was BORN today!

Happy Birthday MOMMMMM!!!!!!! Hope your day was wonderful and full of HUGE SMILES. Miss you like WOAH. love youuuuuuu, VAL

Berlin

This past weekend I took a trip to Berlin! It was so much fun! I got to see the Sabres play and meet up with from friends from the team! I did a really long post on my blog. Blazickas.blogspot.com

I am so happy that the Bills are rocking it this year! The best part is being able to watch the games from over here. I wish I could watch hockey over here but all the games would be playing at 1 am here.

I am officially coming home for a month to visit! I will be back Feb 11th-March 9th! I am so excited to see Kelly, Larry and the kids!! :)

Val as much fun as Hawaii or Colorado would be I think I will be fresh out of money next summer! I will try to save up to come for a visit though! I hope everything is going well in paradise! I wish I was somewhere nice and warm! The weather here is very similar to Buffalo.

Well I have to head to a meeting for a project. Just thought I would write a quick post! Hope to hear from you all soon!

Love, Brit

VACATION PLANS

Hey my beautiful ladies,
I am [already] thinking about next summer and what everyone's travel plans are. It looks like I will probably be teaching here through next year as well and I'm not positive about where I will be traveling this coming summer .... SO, I was thinking, are we trying to bring the family together anywhere? I was thinking Colorado, or maybe Hawaii??? Any ideas? I really enjoy planning mini vacations :)
P.S. To MY Buffalo bills - Love your work

Newth/ Firkins Fort

 Thought I would post these!  Too cute!!

My Awesome Ladies!

So, I know that I haven't posted in quite some time and it took me a good half hour to read all of your posts from the past couple of weeks and I have a few comments about the AWESOME ladies in my life:

Elise: You are uber duber awesome for having a backbone and sticking up for your passion!! I wish I could be more like you in that way!
Kelly: Your brain is NOT gone!  Maybe Laney just flushed it down the toilet!  You are super smart and awesome as usual!
Brit: I'm very jealous that you get to go to Germany! What an amazing experience!  I especially loved the picture of you in between the Beethovens....either you are very little or beethoven was a stud!! 
Val: I'm super jealous of where you are...you know that!  I'm so proud of you and the path that you have decided to take!  Following your heart sometimes works out the best in the end <3
Mom: you are a huge part of why all the women mentioned above are SO awesome!  Plus, you are such a huge football fan now...that's even better!  I really think that you just like to see them in their tight pants (;

Love you all and wish I could see all your pretty faces!!
love kris

MY LIFE

Always being silly....

Lagoon side Eneko Island, Provan, Me and the paddleboard

If I Only Had a Brain......

This idiot typed in the wrong address for the delivery of her new running shoes. Now I have to leave a note for these strangers telling them I need my tennies. Here is some other evidence of my brainlessness: I did the same thing with a pay check once, I recently lost my keys in the parking garage, I had to charge the battery in my car last week because a light was left on....Do I have Alzheimer's? I can't use baby brain as an excuse any more. The saddest part is that Larry does not even flinch.
Wish me luck on my spy mission to get my new kicks in the morning. :0
Love love love- Kelly

Pink wigs and Fantasy football on MAJURO

OH MY IT'S BEEN TOOOO LONG. I apologize for my short disappearance, life has been crazy getting settled here in Majuro. (And I think I still get confused on how to post on this thing.. lets hope it works). Firstly, I'd like to say HELLL YEAAAA to my BUFFALO BILLS!!! I was soo excited when I saw that we beat the Pats! I was posting pictures of Tom Brady crying on all the walls of my friends from Mass. Awesomeness. Keep it up boys.
Congrats to Elise for growing the courage to leave Linnie. I'm so happy for you. Seems like you've got a lot goin for you (wheatgrass and all). Keep Rockin SIS.
SO much has been happening here in Majuro - school is amazing and I'm ecstatic to have Provan back. Things are really looking up for this year and I'm excited to get everything rolling. I'll be sporting a Scooter around majuro pretty soon and hopefully getting my own paddle board so prov and I can take long paddles is the lagoon. Both new vehicles a great bonus for being on salary this year! Also Provan is planning a Christmas trip for us to Pohnpei and Kosrae, Micronesia to visit friends and surf and hike....so stoked.... does santa go to Micronesia? And also in the Spring I'm potentially going to Australia with Provan for a friend's wedding (getting the ball rolling with this meeting friends and family thing... haha). Lots of fun plans in action. :)
But the big question is What am I going to be for Halloween??? All I know is that a long pink wig will be arriving for me via US Postage next week. I'm taking suggestions for what to do with it.......
Miss you all very very much.

Love
Val "Pretty in Pink" Lazickas

Let's Go Buffalo!

SO, today I found myself longing for a crisp breeze, a light jacket, and a romp in some freshly raked leaves... BUT I'm here, in the drought. No rain in sight. I think the weathermen have just given up sounding hopeful and are hiding their extra dry faces in shame. It's pretty entertaining that Texans act like 95 degrees in reasonably temperate and 70 degrees is just plain freezing. (meanwhile, a good Buffalonian knows that 70 degrees is precisely the right temp to bring out the Willy waterbug (remember??! awwww...) sprinkler and open the pool. Jeesh. I guess you do what you know. Here's what I will love most about living in Buffalo:

• My family...(insert collective awwws)
• Good pizza..and that's no joke
• Enjoying the seasons and relearning to ski (eeek!!!?)
• Bonding time with Elise
• Going back to church with the Mom
• Christmas with the kids at home
• A million things I miss annually with friends..examples: Mustache Pageant,Poconos Trip,Caroling Party
• Driving in the snow (not so much)
• Sabres..and knowing people who have the tickets. Brian Chamberlain...I'm coming for you.

I know there's a zillion more things but it's 2:12 am and my brain doesn't function that well in the middle of the night. If you want to get in the Buffalo mood, check out Natalieeatsbuffalo.com . Think: cute Clarence girl writes food reviews and such. She's also Mike Kreher's cousin, and he was my friend in H.S (Yes, the egg guy). Anyhow, have a fabulous weekend, Y'all, and pray for some rain down here. xoxo Kelly

An old door has closed, so I can go find another FINE HANDCRAFTED DOUBLE DOOR to open.

So, today I start my new Part time job at O3....a raw juicebar and bistro on elmwood Ave. CHeck it!
http://www.buffalorising.com/2011/06/o3-an-oasis-for-organic-food-lovers.html

If any of you girls don't already know...I mutually left my old job at New Buffalo Shirt because of many reasons....

First off, I felt that I had absorbed everything from the job possible, I just was not learning from the job anymore. I was working as the owner's wife's assistant,for years now, and when I approached the company to ask about joining their art department, they told me it was a closed door in their art department, and it wouldn't be opening for me. This made me very sad, and I felt mislead completly by the company. Apparently, they only saw me as an assistant, or a manufacturing manager(blah).

As much as I love the women ( infamous Linnie) I had been working for, I couldn't believe she had told me this; for she is also an artist, so I felt she understood my intentions with New Buffalo. Apparently NOT. After discussing this all with both the owners( Linnie and her husband) I decided to get a new job while I finish school. I left with the future thought of coming back to the company when I can dedicate myself full-time to them. They told me that they would love me back, just not as a student. Who knows if this is true or just an easy way for them to get me to leave. Whatever.

I think I've learned a lot about myself from working at New Buffalo. I learned that my goal in my career is to work for a Music Merchandise Company, because in this field I can fulfill my artistic needs through business in music. Both of my passions mingling together.  New Buffalo manufactured T-shirts FOR merchandise companies(Live Nation, Redstarr, ect) and after working for them I made a few key connections with owners of these companies, and discovered THAT is what I want to do. Or possibly even owning my own merchandise company! I have put a lot of thought into my own Merch company. I have named it "Gallery Rags" and I am currently getting rights to a band's name to do a limited edition T-shirt run for them(I am getting the shirts printed at New Buffalo) I recently met with the Merchandiser for pearl jam, and she gave me some awesome advice and direction for Gallery Rags.  Gallery Rags really deserves its own post, so I'll be writing a Gallery Rags post soon enough.

Anyways- I think that door has closed so I can go find another FINE HANDCRAFTED DOUBLE DOOR to open. haha :)

Hey, atleast with this job I can be all healthy and drink organic wheatgrass and stuff...mom- I'll finally be getting all those vitamins and minerals I have been depriving myself of. YAY! Gotta go make juice now. PEACE LADIES.  Love you.

Yours Truly,
Elise

I'm proud to be a Buffalonian today. The Bills looked amazing. It must be the new uniforms. I almost didn't recognize them. The sad thing is--I didn't win any money on my football pools. It was a great day anyways. Woke up at Chatauqua Lake-went to a touching Mass in a cute little church in Bemus Point, Eggs Benedict paid for by friends, Bills won, killed weeds on my patio, motorcycle ride with my honey and New York style pizza at Gianni's Mazias. God is shining on me today. Love, Mom

By Mary Lazickas on Sunday, Sunday on 9/11/11

Sunday, Sunday

Hi Everyone!  I really liked talking to Brit this AM on facebook. Kris and I are going to send your a care package! Yay! Now where is that Valerie?
Oh yeah, and Elise and Mom?
So, today we met Kris and Kayla at the playground. In the middle of this HUGE fort-like playground is a tiny sandbox. All of the kids spent most of their time digging and rolling around in this sandbox...it actually should be called an ash pit. They were so filthy. They looked like they had come out of a war zone. Wish I had a pic to post of the mess:).
If you are wondering, my face has mostly recovered from the waxing incident.
Love to everyone!!! Kelly

Getting adjusted

Hello all,

Today is a gross rainy day in Germany! I have done pretty much nothing all day. I feel extremely lazy! I just got back from the gas station across the street. I went over to buy beer because tonight I am going to a friends house to watch the Bills game! I am beyond excited that they get the channel and we are able to watch it! I am all decked out in my Bills gear.

This week was busy with intro seminars and getting to know a lot of new people. I haven't met anyone who will be in my classes because they don't have to come to intro seminars. Classes start tomorrow but I don't have Monday classes yet so I start Tuesday. I am ready to start!

I was talking to Kelly this morning and I was telling her that I miss being able to have snacks! They don't really have chips and snack type foods here. I miss it because the big meal here is lunch and I will eat lunch but then I get hungry before dinner! ha. She suggested I make a wish list of what I miss so here it goes: Goldfish, cheetos, cheez-its, swedish fish, chips ahoy cookies, hersey bars ( I know that they make fantastic chocolate over here but I still love my hersey chocolate!), animal crackers, fritos. Just stupid junk food is what I miss. I think mostly because I miss home and get upset sometimes and I like to snack when that happens and I don't have anything to snack on!

Everyone has to go look at my facebook pictures from this week. I will post a few on here but want you to see all of them!

Hope to talk to you all soon!

Love,

Brittany

p.s.- here is my address
Brittany Lazickas
Linzer Str. 19 B Apt. 14
International University of Applied Sciences- Bad Honnef
53604 Bad Honnef, Germany

 
                                             Cathedral

                                                      Beethoven Festival

Oh, here's Kayla too....

Thanks to Kel....

Well, thanks to kelly I am now part of the blog!! Yay!  Now I can post weird comments and thoughts about being a teacher in 2011...boohoo:)  Not the best occupation to have in this economy!  Why is it that education is attacked and their budgets are cut?  Which then results in my job being on the line!  It frustrates me...doesn't anyone care about the education of the next generation??  I DO! 
Although...I don't have much to complain about this year at Georgetown ISD.  17 kids in my 1st grade class and they are all awesome!!  Lots of parent involvement = haven't had to cut out any construction paper yet:) 
Talk to you all soon:)
Love, Kris

P.S.: if you forgot what I looked like all the way over here in Texas, here is a picture of me with some Mrs. Potato head accessories!!

Facial Waxing Update....

Ummm...I seem to be breaking out over my lip, people. NOT attractive. I think this may have been a mistake. I retract my recommendation. However, I do think everyone should play Words with Friends with me on Facebook. :)
Love love love-Kelly

YAY

Brit and I have accomplished the impossible. We can now check in to our own gmail accounts in order to post on the Mom and Chics blog! Very exciting news. My computer was all confused b/c we were all signing in from different locations, it was not happy with me. YAYYYY love from the Marshalls! Iakwe Eok, val
p.s. I find out today if my suitcase made it from Honolulu!

DAMN CIRCADIAN RYTHYMS

Iakwe Aolep :)
WHelp, I have arrived to Majuro in one piece. And I say one piece but I do not mean in the least bit "normal". I have never felt so jetlagged.

If you look up the definition on "jet lag" on the world wide web you will come across the following breakdown of classic symptoms.
1) FATIGUE AND DISORIENTATION
I can honestly say that my first night in Majuro was exactly this. Provan and I went to dinner an Won Hei Shen and met up with friends. But as the night went on I felt like I turned into a crazy person - felt intoxicated, had trouble forming words correctly, almost fell off my chair at one point. Though all I imbibed was 2 waters and an orange Fanta. (Yes, we have Fanta) VERY STRANGE

2)INTERRUPTED SLEEP
I know the Marshall Islands is not known for their lush sleeping arrangements, but compared to most people's houses, Provan's place is the Holiday Inn. I should be sleeping beautifully. Not the case. However not anything a good few Tylenol PMs can't fix. Slept from 5 am to 3 pm today :)

3) CONFUSION AND FUZZINESS
Forgot to double check in Honolulu that my suitcase was going to be put on my plane. I assumed Continental had everything figured out. My luggage should have been checked all the way through... should have. Must survive until Sunday with a pair of jeans and 2 tshirts in this 90 degree heat - damn u continental.

other symptoms include....
4)GETTING UPTIGHT - apparently "losing it is another symptom reported by flight crews".. only when you forget my luggage people, only when you forget my luggage.
5)DEHYDRATION -"irritated nostrils and headache" .... my nostrils only irritated b/c of the woman with the smelly breath you sat me next to.
6)SWOLLEN LIMBS ? wat&gt;??? have me arms and legs gotten bigger?

Glad to say that today I am feeling much better ... and enjoying being back in paradise. This weekend is Dri-Jerbal MArshallese holiday (Labor Day) and the Billfish Club hosts the All-Micronesia Fishing Tournament. Should be fun seeing everyone again. On Monday I sign my contract with Marshall Islands High School to teach Biology. School has already started so I expect to be thrown right in. Haha lets just hope my suitcase comes by then. I can't teach 18 year old boys in bejeweled jeans can I?

Change in schedule

I was supposed to fly out today however once I arrived at the airport I was told my flight was delayed and I would not make my connecting flight. They rescheduled me to leave at 12:36 tomorrow. Lets hope this flight is not delayed!

I hope everyone else had a great Wednesday! I will continue to update you as I travel!

Love you all!

Brittany

Waxed Face Forward

Hey gals! Just wanted to inform you that I now have a completely smooth face....as in no hair. I went to get my brows done and since my Vietnamese leaves something to be desired, I walked out looking like hairless lobster. And to tell you the truth, I LOVE IT. Those baby fine hairs over my lip are GONE and those Elvis-like mutton chops I have been sporting and GONE as well. Makeup is now covering my angry skin that must hate me, because it's still tingling. Highly recommend! xoxo Kelly  P.S. I still have eyebrow, fear not. Hope your days are spectacular!

OHIO

Morning morning my ladies. In Cleveland now... rode the tiniest plane ever ( I think less than 50 ppl were on it) for 37 minutes from Buffalo and now have a 5 hour layover. doesn't make much sense does it? But I felt better when I got to sit at Brueggers Bagels next to Albert Einstein reincarnated. Seriously this guy WAS Einstein. Same hair, glasses, funky smelling suitcoat.. the works. Also, got to take a very relaxing and satisfying poo in a nicely cleaned Cleveland lavatory. Journey so far, worthwhile.        Over and Out for now xoxo, val

Chicks in Flight

Only a mother knows the ache she feels when she says goodbye to a child not knowing when you'll see them again. Driving Val to the airport this morning at 4:45 just about ripped my heart out.  I think she took a part of me with her.  Just give me a few hours.
On the other hand, "Go out and get 'em girl".  I know whatever job she decides to take in the Marshall's she will give it her all and more.  That's our Val.  Go find love and adventure and know that you are always loved at home. May God Bless and keep you.

I love you all!!!!

Put Me to Bed or Lose Me Forever

Hi People!  I thought I would kick this thing off talking about how I feel about night shift work. Here are the things I like : the nurses are a lot more chill and act like family, it's not as hectic and scary, I get to tuck patients in and use my compassion skills to the fullest, I don't have to see doctors or therapists or family members for the most part. Here is what really sucks: the absolute loss of sleep no matter how you cut it..I am never caught up, patients peeing the bed all night, missing out on free food from executives or families, talking to the doctors in person instead of waking them up (most of them are NOT happy to be woken up at 3 A.M., unless someone is close to death), Oh, and I think you lose ten years of your life on average..at least that's what Carlos is telling me. Ta ta, my loves. I will call you all today and give you the info so you can post at your leisure!!!! xoxo Kelly

Val and I thought that we all may enjoy keeping touch through a blog.  The website is http://momandchicks.blogspot.com/ !