I get a total pass for pulling off this week on little sleep and STILL getting something done. A typical very busy week at school and home. Here are the highlights of productivity under extreme stress these days.
Picked up plants using coupons and bargining (gotta love the state farmers market). Next up is planting. I picked up a special pink flower for Ben to grow.
Enough NHS Induction stuff to make me seriously consider giving this up next school year. I would but would get stuck on some horrid committee that planned athletic events. I would SO make a table arrangement of jock straps in protest if this happened!
Grading, Grading, Grading... wish I could say some students didn't want to burn me in effigy this week.
Started ordering IVF meds/made real progress for being in Cambridge, MA in July and setting up daily injections... posted on this yesterday but this was a huge accomplishment to get the ball rolling. It's starting to hit me that I am less than 30 days out starting all this hormonal craziness. Feel Free to vacate the state for the month of June.
Fun weekend ahead of a birthday party and trip to the zoo on Sunday if the weather is nice. Looking forward to some positive family time.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
I'll take your Audible account and raise you my Cleaners
Good news!!!!
Yesterday, I straightened out the giant mess of NHS induction stuff all for 25.00 to rush the order and some outright begging.
Second, I ordered the first of 14 ivf meds and have contacted several other mail order pharmacies. For some reason I thought they were all coming from the same place. I needed to repeat all my insurance info so many times that I'm going to star in Memento 2 and just tattoo it on my forehead.
Third, I got in touch with the hospital clinic for my progesterone injections while in Cambridge, MA in July. This is a huge component to being able to keep my spot. Still alot to coordinate but it's been through the kindness of strangers that this is working out. Fingers crossed that I will NEED to be taking them!
One of the things we are doing since the lay off is talking over what expenses we can cut. Some decisions like not going to a concert or taking a summer cooking class are no-brainers. Others like listing what is most important to pay for medical wise since our flex med account just ran out and we have some staggering bills to come in the next months are much harder.
In usual fashion the decision making involved a list of most to least important.
Going- my cleaners, hiring someone to powerwash our deck/porch, cut plants for summer beds by 1/2, Audible, HBO come June 1st, eating out more than once on the weekends (and setting a dollar amount), a week at the beach for family vacation, thought of doing Disney with Ben in December, Ben in daycare partime over the summer, family/Ben 3 year studio pictures.
Staying- Ben's birthday party (although I am doing a joint party with another parent to spilt the cost), seeing the acupuncturist related to the ivf cycle (I asked if she could cut some visits/reduce fee), Bill getting together once a week for lunch with friends/a summer movie release, going to Destin to see family sometime before summer is out.
I'm sure there's more, but this list is of no real importance than to us. We are trying hard to look at both being home for the summer as time to be a family, time to recuperate from the pending medical procedures, and to re-evaluate what we spend money on if I am to be home in the future longer term.
Some decisions are hard calls on scaling back. As a coupon queen who will cut unused postage off and stick on a birthday card, this feels like an opportunity to make lasting changes that will pay off somewhere in the future. Time as a family is more important than the stuff we buy.
Yesterday, I straightened out the giant mess of NHS induction stuff all for 25.00 to rush the order and some outright begging.
Second, I ordered the first of 14 ivf meds and have contacted several other mail order pharmacies. For some reason I thought they were all coming from the same place. I needed to repeat all my insurance info so many times that I'm going to star in Memento 2 and just tattoo it on my forehead.
Third, I got in touch with the hospital clinic for my progesterone injections while in Cambridge, MA in July. This is a huge component to being able to keep my spot. Still alot to coordinate but it's been through the kindness of strangers that this is working out. Fingers crossed that I will NEED to be taking them!
One of the things we are doing since the lay off is talking over what expenses we can cut. Some decisions like not going to a concert or taking a summer cooking class are no-brainers. Others like listing what is most important to pay for medical wise since our flex med account just ran out and we have some staggering bills to come in the next months are much harder.
In usual fashion the decision making involved a list of most to least important.
Going- my cleaners, hiring someone to powerwash our deck/porch, cut plants for summer beds by 1/2, Audible, HBO come June 1st, eating out more than once on the weekends (and setting a dollar amount), a week at the beach for family vacation, thought of doing Disney with Ben in December, Ben in daycare partime over the summer, family/Ben 3 year studio pictures.
Staying- Ben's birthday party (although I am doing a joint party with another parent to spilt the cost), seeing the acupuncturist related to the ivf cycle (I asked if she could cut some visits/reduce fee), Bill getting together once a week for lunch with friends/a summer movie release, going to Destin to see family sometime before summer is out.
I'm sure there's more, but this list is of no real importance than to us. We are trying hard to look at both being home for the summer as time to be a family, time to recuperate from the pending medical procedures, and to re-evaluate what we spend money on if I am to be home in the future longer term.
Some decisions are hard calls on scaling back. As a coupon queen who will cut unused postage off and stick on a birthday card, this feels like an opportunity to make lasting changes that will pay off somewhere in the future. Time as a family is more important than the stuff we buy.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Quick... think of a 6 letter word that rhymes with creepy!
Did you guess S-L-E-E-P-Y??? Then you are faster than me after pulling a 3:30am to 10:30 day without stopping yesterday. You might ask, are you trying to get some lame masochistic award for fewest hours slept while still trying to be a functional adult? It seems that stress = interrupted sleep for the past week as I am waking up multiple times every night. Even in Vegas I was up at all times of the night and it wasn't to gamble!
Yesterday's marathon day started with getting up with Ben crying in the night. It continued as a day in which I didn't just put our fires, but large out of control the house is burning down situations all day. I would list them all, but I am frankly way to tired. Needless to say my life mantra of "I would rather do it my way, 'cause I know it will be just get done, somehow" was reinforced over and over all day.
The sad thing is it continued once I got home and instead of being grateful that at least 1/2 of the yard was mowed I lost it that I now had to finish something else too. It looked ever worse than the prior "we need a goat" look with the mower parked in the yard like Custer's Last Stand of lawnmowers. When both your spouse and your NHS president watch you loose it over something trivial somethings gotta give.
Yesterday it was sleep, as I am already exhausted from little sleep from the weekend plus 12 hours of driving. I totally get why my brother has been popping caffeine pills like candy and living in the hospital coffee shop between shifts. If I wasn't trying to get my body in good pre-ivf condition I too would be praying to the caffeine gods too!
I am hoping today will be a better day. After all, today I am spending my lunch trying to fix getting our NHS induction stuff straightened out by driving over to the vendor themselves. Then, spending whatever time is left trying to get my IVF meds ordered (this is the definition of paperwork hoops) as well coordinating shipping part of the meds to a clinic in Cambridge, MA for a summer institute that I am attending during my 107 day of shots. I am confident that I will achieve something more than sheer frustration today.
Send me sleep, glorious sleep where no one can find, pester me, or make me fix a gigantic mess for at least 24 hours.. deal?
Yesterday's marathon day started with getting up with Ben crying in the night. It continued as a day in which I didn't just put our fires, but large out of control the house is burning down situations all day. I would list them all, but I am frankly way to tired. Needless to say my life mantra of "I would rather do it my way, 'cause I know it will be just get done, somehow" was reinforced over and over all day.
The sad thing is it continued once I got home and instead of being grateful that at least 1/2 of the yard was mowed I lost it that I now had to finish something else too. It looked ever worse than the prior "we need a goat" look with the mower parked in the yard like Custer's Last Stand of lawnmowers. When both your spouse and your NHS president watch you loose it over something trivial somethings gotta give.
Yesterday it was sleep, as I am already exhausted from little sleep from the weekend plus 12 hours of driving. I totally get why my brother has been popping caffeine pills like candy and living in the hospital coffee shop between shifts. If I wasn't trying to get my body in good pre-ivf condition I too would be praying to the caffeine gods too!
I am hoping today will be a better day. After all, today I am spending my lunch trying to fix getting our NHS induction stuff straightened out by driving over to the vendor themselves. Then, spending whatever time is left trying to get my IVF meds ordered (this is the definition of paperwork hoops) as well coordinating shipping part of the meds to a clinic in Cambridge, MA for a summer institute that I am attending during my 107 day of shots. I am confident that I will achieve something more than sheer frustration today.
Send me sleep, glorious sleep where no one can find, pester me, or make me fix a gigantic mess for at least 24 hours.. deal?
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tales from the Little Potty-Vol 6
Bill should technically be the author of this latest edition since it is written retelling weekend events. But... the trend has continued! It is a Poop Rising! All weekend Ben used the potty with few accidents. He initiated most of his sitting including multiple times to sit to poop. Yesterday we were playing in the backyard and he announced loudly... "Mommy I gotta got NOW and took off running inside the house" When he returned he proudly announced I peed in the potty, want to come see?
He came home sick with a fever Monday from school and looked just about pathetic laying on the couch with his dog covered up by a blanket watching tv. When I kissed him good night he told me, I sick mommy but you make me better. Melt my heart and while you are at it I'm proud of you for more (baby) steps towards diaper independence day!
He came home sick with a fever Monday from school and looked just about pathetic laying on the couch with his dog covered up by a blanket watching tv. When I kissed him good night he told me, I sick mommy but you make me better. Melt my heart and while you are at it I'm proud of you for more (baby) steps towards diaper independence day!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day '09 w/ a Little '78 Action
It has been a long but also good weekend spent mostly at the hospital with my mom. I think Brian and I ate our weight in crackers and little juices smuggled from the nurse's station. Luckily she is in the hospital where my brother works so everyone was super nice to us...especially since we are 20 years younger than the average people who seem to be there as caregivers and family. I am really thankful for his nursing background on so many levels. We will know more this week about what the next steps are as far as her care. We spent serious time walking the corridors when she was asleep discussing our options.
For Mother's Day 2009 Bill surprised me with an Apple i-photo book of Ben. He's been working on the pictures and design for a few months. He also got one for both grandmoms. It was a really beautiful gift especially knowing the time spent to create was a gift in itself.
But best of all he took Ben for the weekend without hesitation to give me time to help with my mom. This was the best gift of all, knowing that given his hesitation in me heading down, accepted it and tried to make it the best situation for me. I was greeted to pizza with lots of big hugs when I got home.
I found the older pic and included it in card to my mom. I am Ben's age in the photo from May 1978 with the prerequisite mother's day plant. Little did I know I would get the same photo for posterity with my sweet son tonight.
I hope he knows how much he was wanted and loved on a daily basis. I hope I show Ben not only in words but by demonstrating love through action and deed even when it's not easy. Happy Mother's Day to my mom Marilyn, my mother in law Pam, and to Ben for making me a mom
Thursday, May 7, 2009
It Feels Unsaid
When I read my earlier post this week about our trip to Vegas I think what a putz I am and really should delete it. But I'm going to let it stand as a testament that there are opportunities that you should take when given the chance and I don't regret at all that we had a good time before the storm hit.
Less than 24 hours after returning we were hit with double bad news. Bill's job eliminated most of his office and as of tomorrow all but around 10 folks are laid off. My mom's surgery had the worst possible outcome to me. I will let Bill decide how much he wants to tell about the lay off on his own blog/IRL friends, it's his news to tell in his own way.
We've been here before with layoff plus family stress, but never with so much other stuff going on or feeling like major decisions have to be be made before our health insurance runs out. Moving is out of the question even with the company as with my mom's situation I am tied to being here to serve as caregiver and to relieve to my brother as many weekends that I can drive down. Luckily school is ending soon so I will have more time and have some stress off my plate for the summer.
Bill is taking this news much better than me and is hoping to use the time we still have medical insurance to make some major decisions and decide what he want to do. I see this as my choices/options about IVF and my job situation were sealed with news of the layoff.
As far as my mom goes I found out the night before we were leaving on the trip that she had fallen and broken her femur. I decided not to ruin the trip so I didn't tell Bill until we got home. Actually I was a big coward and wanted to wait until after the job news thinking that there was no way they would dissolve the whole branch just a likely 10% cut and he was safe. What wound up happening was that within a matter of hours he heard both news which was even harder.
My mom's health is compromised at best as this will mark another major surgery and as a dialysis dependent patient, making rehab options hard. I am going down this weekend to help my brother and give him some much needed time off and also for us to discuss where to go with her care. This is almost an idential situation we faced with my dad in his final months. It's hard, icky, and frankly feels unbearably unfair to be faced with this all again.
If you knew me in 2001 you know I didn't deal with the stress well and it has taken a really, really long time to work through alot of the damage I did to myself, to my marriage, and to my family. I feel armed with a much bigger network of support as well as making myself go to therapy I'm determined to not stay in the deep end of the pool this time.
I mentioned to a friend the other night that I know I can do hard. Been there, done that, stronger than I have ever realized on the other side of it all. But there has to be some limit. I'm there and based on the past really, really don't want to be there again.
Send the collective group of family both here and in SC good thoughts. I am hoping this time out that I will actually ask for and let people help me. I have a major issue when it comes to admitting I can't do something alone. I am stubborn and would much rather be seen as strong/stoic and not a vortex of negativity to anyone or even worse be pitied.
I just want to be on the other side of what's to come, whatever that is.
Less than 24 hours after returning we were hit with double bad news. Bill's job eliminated most of his office and as of tomorrow all but around 10 folks are laid off. My mom's surgery had the worst possible outcome to me. I will let Bill decide how much he wants to tell about the lay off on his own blog/IRL friends, it's his news to tell in his own way.
We've been here before with layoff plus family stress, but never with so much other stuff going on or feeling like major decisions have to be be made before our health insurance runs out. Moving is out of the question even with the company as with my mom's situation I am tied to being here to serve as caregiver and to relieve to my brother as many weekends that I can drive down. Luckily school is ending soon so I will have more time and have some stress off my plate for the summer.
Bill is taking this news much better than me and is hoping to use the time we still have medical insurance to make some major decisions and decide what he want to do. I see this as my choices/options about IVF and my job situation were sealed with news of the layoff.
As far as my mom goes I found out the night before we were leaving on the trip that she had fallen and broken her femur. I decided not to ruin the trip so I didn't tell Bill until we got home. Actually I was a big coward and wanted to wait until after the job news thinking that there was no way they would dissolve the whole branch just a likely 10% cut and he was safe. What wound up happening was that within a matter of hours he heard both news which was even harder.
My mom's health is compromised at best as this will mark another major surgery and as a dialysis dependent patient, making rehab options hard. I am going down this weekend to help my brother and give him some much needed time off and also for us to discuss where to go with her care. This is almost an idential situation we faced with my dad in his final months. It's hard, icky, and frankly feels unbearably unfair to be faced with this all again.
If you knew me in 2001 you know I didn't deal with the stress well and it has taken a really, really long time to work through alot of the damage I did to myself, to my marriage, and to my family. I feel armed with a much bigger network of support as well as making myself go to therapy I'm determined to not stay in the deep end of the pool this time.
I mentioned to a friend the other night that I know I can do hard. Been there, done that, stronger than I have ever realized on the other side of it all. But there has to be some limit. I'm there and based on the past really, really don't want to be there again.
Send the collective group of family both here and in SC good thoughts. I am hoping this time out that I will actually ask for and let people help me. I have a major issue when it comes to admitting I can't do something alone. I am stubborn and would much rather be seen as strong/stoic and not a vortex of negativity to anyone or even worse be pitied.
I just want to be on the other side of what's to come, whatever that is.
Monday, May 4, 2009
What Happens in Vegas...
is fodder for a blog post! We had a really great, relaxing, adult time over the long weekend. Instead of a boring day by day here's my random thoughts that occurred at some point of the weekend. 1. How can 4 adults booking tickets NOT realize there was going to be a fight night the VERY night we were there with tickets to a Cirque show.
2. How many Brits wearing Union Jack flags as outfits and cursing at everyone until you want to remind them WE won the War?
3. Are cab drivers required to let on their biases about said Brits in town as being pansy-assed +(insert your choice of homosexual slam here)
4. Maybe spending all of Sunday drinking by the pool wasn't a good idea. I burned my boobs as it was the one place I didn't put sunscreen
5. One can fall asleep in a Casino. I did Sat night around 1 am at Caesars waiting on the group to quit loosing money.
6. Back to #5 the WORST way to wake up in a casino is to a wall size TV advertising Cher and Bette Midler's shows. I have seen Hell and it involves lots of wigs and sequins (and in Cher's case, lack of clothing)
7. Why is that tranny hooker holding an orange? No really, I want to know is something really disturbing about to happen?
8. Winner of "Is She or Isn't She" it's a TIE!!!! Lady wearing a dress everyone in the bathroom did a 180 to gawk at VERSUS the lady who was wearing only a bra and panty set on the street complete with CFM heels. Classy ladies... Pick up your prize of a year's worth of waxing to bare all so shamelessly.
9. Watching the Belligo fountains at sunset over a a great meal with good friends is an awesome way to end a great trip.
I can't wait to read Bill's trip recap. Going to In and Out Burger was his highlight. Seriously, he bought our son a shirt.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Outta Here!
In 12 hours I hope to be sitting by the pools at the MGM hotel in Las Vegas. Actually I hope to be getting ready for a night out at the tables and a nice dinner. We had a amazing chance to join our friends for a long weekend as they have a free condo for sat/Sun nights. Since we only had to pay affair and it's been 3 years since we last went... we are going!
On our last trip I was 5 months preg with Ben and surprised Bill by getting remarried on the strip under the "welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign". We went with friends so it was a great last trip before parenthood.
We have tickets to the only Cirque show we haven't seen, KA tomorrow night. Reservations at our favorite restaurant, Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Hotel to watch the sunset over the strip. It's accross from the Bellagio fountains so entertainment outside of people watching. Bill and I have this game we play called, Is She or Isn't She (hooker...stripper...escort). As the night rolls on the game becomes more fun and the bets become crazier!
We really need this trip. It's been a stressful few weeks... ok who am I fooling, few months with both work stress and stress over starting IVF. When we get home are are essentially one month from starting all the process involves and I have a rather lengthy list of related stuff to do that I am dreading.
But for the next 4 days I will be in total artificial bliss!
A BIG, huge thanks to the Case family for being a triplet family and offering to take Ben to make this trip possible. There are friends, and then there are friends who will take your kid... Thank you!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Life's a Bitch and I'm going to be it's Pimp!
Thanks to my cousin for this rockin' quote and how appropriate given I crammed WAY to much into a 4 day workweek. First off I found out yesterday that one of my former students at my old school won an Emmy, yes Bill, a real Emmy through the Student Division of of Television Excellence. He was great student and to hear this years later makes me smile! His poster on Texas V. Johnson made my Best in Show wall of Artwork to this day!
SO this student made me think of my old teaching partner who on my last day gave me the book 50 jobs Worst than Yours. I knew I would love teaching with her when on our first meeting at Cary Lazy Days she was reading Nora Ephron. She is the kind of teacher that kicks your ass she is so hard but one day you will bow at her alter for making you work that hard. So in her honor that her book was foreshadowing for my future here is my top 10 Worst Jobs... including one I added for fun!
1. Maggot Wrangler
2. Nursing Home Entertainer
3. Sadam Hussein Stand In... no longer valid
4. TUSH magazine makeup artist
5. Walking Menu
6. Little Boy Hand Model
7. ratemyvomit.com editor
8. Tiruwka (a eastern European highway sex escort)
9. Midget Tossing Tossee
10. and my favorite... A 10th High School Reunion Stand In. Read the story and tell me you aren't laughing!
SO this student made me think of my old teaching partner who on my last day gave me the book 50 jobs Worst than Yours. I knew I would love teaching with her when on our first meeting at Cary Lazy Days she was reading Nora Ephron. She is the kind of teacher that kicks your ass she is so hard but one day you will bow at her alter for making you work that hard. So in her honor that her book was foreshadowing for my future here is my top 10 Worst Jobs... including one I added for fun!
1. Maggot Wrangler
2. Nursing Home Entertainer
3. Sadam Hussein Stand In... no longer valid
4. TUSH magazine makeup artist
5. Walking Menu
6. Little Boy Hand Model
7. ratemyvomit.com editor
8. Tiruwka (a eastern European highway sex escort)
9. Midget Tossing Tossee
10. and my favorite... A 10th High School Reunion Stand In. Read the story and tell me you aren't laughing!
Standing my Ground in Parenthood
Yesterday was another "teacher waiting at the door" to speak to me days. Ben even told me as he came to hug me that he had been a bad boy and and hurt his friend.
BUT... that's not the end of Monday Misbehavin'. He also bit a child who messed up his perfectly laid out cards and even worse hit and kicked his teachers when they tried to get him down repeatedly for nap.
NOT ACCEPTABLE!
Over the last few weeks Ben has started talking back to us telling us, "you be quiet, quit talking" for which he goes to time out for after a warning for not using nice words. If he hits, kicks, or bites us or our dog it is immediate time out. If he gets a bad report from school, no TV for the night.
Bill has started having him repeat this daily mantra in the car just before drop off of "no hitting, no kicking, put on my listening ears". Most days I repeat it on the way home and ask he listened at school and was nice to his friends.
I also asked the director yesterday if he is acting up at nap and obviously keeping others from sleeping if he can come down to her office for a time out before returning. She agreed and we both think this may help more as a scare tactic.
Discipline is one of my biggest downfalls as a parent. Bill and I come from extremes of little/no discipline to physical discipline carried out on routine basis. We have really worked to be a united front and find a happy medium between the extremes.
I didn't give in when we got home (minus our air being out and it being 86 in the house when I got home). We stuck to no TV and instead too the dog for a walk and picked up leaves and sticks along the way and made a picture with them on the deck.
Parenthood kicks my butt in so many ways with discipline being the top of the list. Send me some good thoughts at daycare pick up today. We all need it!
BUT... that's not the end of Monday Misbehavin'. He also bit a child who messed up his perfectly laid out cards and even worse hit and kicked his teachers when they tried to get him down repeatedly for nap.
NOT ACCEPTABLE!
Over the last few weeks Ben has started talking back to us telling us, "you be quiet, quit talking" for which he goes to time out for after a warning for not using nice words. If he hits, kicks, or bites us or our dog it is immediate time out. If he gets a bad report from school, no TV for the night.
Bill has started having him repeat this daily mantra in the car just before drop off of "no hitting, no kicking, put on my listening ears". Most days I repeat it on the way home and ask he listened at school and was nice to his friends.
I also asked the director yesterday if he is acting up at nap and obviously keeping others from sleeping if he can come down to her office for a time out before returning. She agreed and we both think this may help more as a scare tactic.
Discipline is one of my biggest downfalls as a parent. Bill and I come from extremes of little/no discipline to physical discipline carried out on routine basis. We have really worked to be a united front and find a happy medium between the extremes.
I didn't give in when we got home (minus our air being out and it being 86 in the house when I got home). We stuck to no TV and instead too the dog for a walk and picked up leaves and sticks along the way and made a picture with them on the deck.
Parenthood kicks my butt in so many ways with discipline being the top of the list. Send me some good thoughts at daycare pick up today. We all need it!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Ed Lover called and wants his shirt back...
Do you remember a time when wearing a yellow and red unitard with your giant feathered hair completed with a whole can of Aqua Net, big ass earnings, and neon green shoes would be the height of fashion? Is your first name Heather, Amber, Melissa, Michelle, Laura, or Jennifer? Can you sing the Facts of Life Theme song and dreamed of living with Jo, Natalie, Tootie, and Blair? Other than a Salt and Peppa Video circa 1987 you would be laughed out of town to wear any of the choice outfits that were paraded satursday night at the big 80s 35th birthday celebration. This was my chance to remember that every day I used to come home and watch forbidden Yo MTV RAPS staring Dr. Dre and Ed Lover.
What a awesome party filled with good food, yummy cocktails (much better than the Mad Dog/Gatorade combo that was my drink of choice in high school), 80s movies, a round of I Never that resulted in some telling secrets of girls gone wild, and best of all the worst picture contest.
I proudly submitted my Kindergarten photo of my mom's attempt to mix Little House on the Prairie with Princess Lea Hair, my 5th grade girl Scout photo with Senator Strom Thurmond, and my prize-winning "Yes I am A Jeopardy Freak from my High School
yearbook". While I didn't win, and as a friend pointed out you really are still a quiz bowl freak in your own way circa 2009, I am happy to say that it was good fun and loved that everyone looks MUCH better today.Happy Birthday 35th Laura and Jen! I don't know what we will be doing for your 70th but I hope to be around and find out what outrageous parties the nursing home will let us throw without breaking a hip!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Finished For Friday- Awesome Weekend Ahead Edition!
I have been a little MIA from my weekly "what have I gotten done" Friday roundup. Good reason, first spring break, then NCCAT and leaving again next weekend . So given that I have gotten alot done when actually home here's the short list:
1. NHS new member stuff. 110 interested, 67 applications, 29 new members
2. Planted a lettuce bowl and installed a swing for Ben on our glider swing
3. Picked up a play house from my neighbor and put it back together. I helped screw the inside stuff in and filled it with play food and a lounge chair. Looks like a little man lives here.. one that love to slide after a hard day at school.
4. Over 30 items on my school to do list marked off. I'm totally in the VinsonZone as I push to the end of the year with totally checked out kids minus air conditioning. I think the heat is making me manic!
This weekend first on the list is to mow the grass. If not I am going to have to get a goat. Next up is the spring festival at a local park and then the highlight of my weekend.... A 80s themed 35th birthday party for 2 friends Saturday night.
I am so getting my Girls Just Want to Have Fun Vibe on. Not only was this a song my self mantra at age 13 but the BEST slumber party ever movie. What else could my dorky junior high self want: SJP in her post Square Pegs breakout movie debut, a dance contest, great clothes, Helen Hunt as the bad girl best friend, a bitchy rich girl who eats it in the end... and defying your parents.
Believe it or not, I don't own this movie, so I will have to sooth my soul with a tackiest picture contest, Ouija board magic, OTHER bad 80s movies, party games, and oh yes... alcohol.
I am starting a dance contest even if I am alone in this adventure... Let's hear it for anything from Prince's 1984 Purple Rain album or the Best of Kajagoogoo.
Going to be totally groovox, so very, and I better motor if I plan to get all my jelly bracelets and parachute pants on in time.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Confession of a Confessions Junkie
So I could confess to many, many things like my my love of barbecue pork rinds that I only let myself eat on vacation or that I have NEVER seen an episode of Friends.
No, instead my confession is that I think I have a growing obsession with other's train wreck lives as brought to me on TV and in books. Case in point the last 3 books I have read: Magical Thinking and Possible Side Effects both by Augusten Burroughs and Look Me in the Eye by his brother John Elder Robinson. Couple this with the fact I just saw David Sedaris again live and I think I am proving my own point.
I really didn't plan to read these 3 books back to back but I had put them in my queue at the library and all of them came in just before spring break. The thing is that I can read both Burroughs or Sedaris really quickly as most stories are in short story format, perfect for someone like me who can change topics in a conversation like a schizophrenic on a day pass. Both authors are classified satire or more suitably "trashy memoir writers."
So back to why I would push little kids out of the way at Barnes and Noble at the next book release for either author's next collection of the absurd? At times reading their achingly funny work is like watching The Office or Curb Your Enthusiasm. It's hard not to cringe at the level of intense personal memories, even if embellished.
I cannot imagine writing about stopping up a toilet at a party and then being caught throwing the evidence out a window(Sedaris). I about ran off the road laughing at a Burroughs story about a character names Druggie Debbie that kept poster sized hard core pornographic images superimposed with safe driving messages in her back seat and used them whenever she was cut off. But, his next story about giving his dog away to the ASPCA as he could barley function as an alcoholic much less a pet owner was tragic and deplorable.
In either case the mix of hytariclly funny stories paired with stories that reveal dysfunctional families, addiction, struggles to accept sexual orientation make for some addictive reading on my part.
So in that vain... Hi My Name is Heather and I am a Confessions Junkie. Don't let me near a TV with Celebrity Rehab on or I won't be leaving the house for a while.
No, instead my confession is that I think I have a growing obsession with other's train wreck lives as brought to me on TV and in books. Case in point the last 3 books I have read: Magical Thinking and Possible Side Effects both by Augusten Burroughs and Look Me in the Eye by his brother John Elder Robinson. Couple this with the fact I just saw David Sedaris again live and I think I am proving my own point.
I really didn't plan to read these 3 books back to back but I had put them in my queue at the library and all of them came in just before spring break. The thing is that I can read both Burroughs or Sedaris really quickly as most stories are in short story format, perfect for someone like me who can change topics in a conversation like a schizophrenic on a day pass. Both authors are classified satire or more suitably "trashy memoir writers."
So back to why I would push little kids out of the way at Barnes and Noble at the next book release for either author's next collection of the absurd? At times reading their achingly funny work is like watching The Office or Curb Your Enthusiasm. It's hard not to cringe at the level of intense personal memories, even if embellished.
I cannot imagine writing about stopping up a toilet at a party and then being caught throwing the evidence out a window(Sedaris). I about ran off the road laughing at a Burroughs story about a character names Druggie Debbie that kept poster sized hard core pornographic images superimposed with safe driving messages in her back seat and used them whenever she was cut off. But, his next story about giving his dog away to the ASPCA as he could barley function as an alcoholic much less a pet owner was tragic and deplorable.
In either case the mix of hytariclly funny stories paired with stories that reveal dysfunctional families, addiction, struggles to accept sexual orientation make for some addictive reading on my part.
So in that vain... Hi My Name is Heather and I am a Confessions Junkie. Don't let me near a TV with Celebrity Rehab on or I won't be leaving the house for a while.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
File this under, Going to wish I hadn't let him do this
I should have just gone on home as I was the last parent picking up their child yesterday after racing home from Chapel Hill appointment in 5 o'clock traffic.
BUT... I decided to pick up a couple of items from the store. This turned into a full on grocery run as I was half way to getting the last week of my gas card giveaway within 10 minutes into the store. Ben was begging to ride on the end of the cart and I CAVED and let him. He actually did well and stayed on most of the time until he decided that riding under the cart was more fun. I let him put all the items in the cart as we counted them to keep him happy along with free samples.
I couldn't help but remember a zillion times going to the grocery with my mom and brother and fighting over who would get the choice spot hanging off the cart to the 2nd place under the cart with legs hanging off dragging the floor. I can't believe my mom even let us go and typically bribed us with the horrible nasty cookies that looked like crap in the deli. Needless to say we NEVER were good enough by the end of the trip to get cookies, but now I'm a parent I understand the merits of bribery. Yesterday it was a trip to the library in exchange for sitting on the potty.
On a super, awesome positive note I have saved almost 450.00 with a local loyalty program at the grocery and another 125.00 in CVS bucks. Way more than enough to buy a refurbished i-phone!!! Bill didn't even have to talk me into it, I was sold the first time I used his! The 1st application I am going to get is a grocery list reminder.
BUT... I decided to pick up a couple of items from the store. This turned into a full on grocery run as I was half way to getting the last week of my gas card giveaway within 10 minutes into the store. Ben was begging to ride on the end of the cart and I CAVED and let him. He actually did well and stayed on most of the time until he decided that riding under the cart was more fun. I let him put all the items in the cart as we counted them to keep him happy along with free samples.
I couldn't help but remember a zillion times going to the grocery with my mom and brother and fighting over who would get the choice spot hanging off the cart to the 2nd place under the cart with legs hanging off dragging the floor. I can't believe my mom even let us go and typically bribed us with the horrible nasty cookies that looked like crap in the deli. Needless to say we NEVER were good enough by the end of the trip to get cookies, but now I'm a parent I understand the merits of bribery. Yesterday it was a trip to the library in exchange for sitting on the potty.
On a super, awesome positive note I have saved almost 450.00 with a local loyalty program at the grocery and another 125.00 in CVS bucks. Way more than enough to buy a refurbished i-phone!!! Bill didn't even have to talk me into it, I was sold the first time I used his! The 1st application I am going to get is a grocery list reminder.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Open Mouth... Insert Whole Lower Half of Body
If I have a history of anything, it's finding myself in embarrassing situations.
Like on my first date with Bill when I fell into a bush as he walked me back to my sorority house (no drinking involved on this night) and he had to pull me out.
Or, that I fell down on the way to the same class and walked in soaking wet. Once from an unfortunate incident with a mop and the other I fell and rolled, yes rolled down a hill in the commuter lot.
Why would you still go the class one might ask? I was in the Dr.Shepard Fan club and would have attended class with appendages hanging. Plus as I was footing the bill I knew the cost per class.
I digress, but I add yesterday's unfortunate incident to the running tally. As I walked back to find one of the guidance counselors I literally ran into my old Principal (who is now high up in the school food chain). He opens the door from my current principa's office and I walk directly into him. Realizing he knows me and always gives these grandma-like hugs, he proceeds to exclaim my name and hug me. As he pulls away, my shirt catches on his cuff link and starts to pull my sleeve halfway down exposing a huge chunk of bra.
In typical Vinson fashion I throw out some stupid comment and try to change the subject... "So would you believe Ben is almost 3" as I grab my nametag to show him the back side with Ben's photo. "He looks so much like you"... he comments to which I not thinking reply, "really, most people think he looks like his dad"... I continue going and add, "I mean he could be the postman's son he so doesn't look like me."
Not the best of comments as the meaning could be interpreted SO many horrible ways. I attempt to slop some southern sugar and fawn on about how good it is to see him... while dying a thousand deaths.
As I walk back up the stairs I replay the whole thing and wish the floor would swallow me up... but alas the day is not over and I trip and fall in my last class landing into two students. One is a football player but the other some little girl who weights no more 100lbs. I think I may have hurt her, and will HAVE to read her next essay with an open mind in repayment.
I'm taking bets if tomorrow I can top today by dropping the F Bomb while teaching. Maybe if I am lucky I can flash someone while doing lunch duty!
Like on my first date with Bill when I fell into a bush as he walked me back to my sorority house (no drinking involved on this night) and he had to pull me out.
Or, that I fell down on the way to the same class and walked in soaking wet. Once from an unfortunate incident with a mop and the other I fell and rolled, yes rolled down a hill in the commuter lot.
Why would you still go the class one might ask? I was in the Dr.Shepard Fan club and would have attended class with appendages hanging. Plus as I was footing the bill I knew the cost per class.
I digress, but I add yesterday's unfortunate incident to the running tally. As I walked back to find one of the guidance counselors I literally ran into my old Principal (who is now high up in the school food chain). He opens the door from my current principa's office and I walk directly into him. Realizing he knows me and always gives these grandma-like hugs, he proceeds to exclaim my name and hug me. As he pulls away, my shirt catches on his cuff link and starts to pull my sleeve halfway down exposing a huge chunk of bra.
In typical Vinson fashion I throw out some stupid comment and try to change the subject... "So would you believe Ben is almost 3" as I grab my nametag to show him the back side with Ben's photo. "He looks so much like you"... he comments to which I not thinking reply, "really, most people think he looks like his dad"... I continue going and add, "I mean he could be the postman's son he so doesn't look like me."
Not the best of comments as the meaning could be interpreted SO many horrible ways. I attempt to slop some southern sugar and fawn on about how good it is to see him... while dying a thousand deaths.
As I walk back up the stairs I replay the whole thing and wish the floor would swallow me up... but alas the day is not over and I trip and fall in my last class landing into two students. One is a football player but the other some little girl who weights no more 100lbs. I think I may have hurt her, and will HAVE to read her next essay with an open mind in repayment.
I'm taking bets if tomorrow I can top today by dropping the F Bomb while teaching. Maybe if I am lucky I can flash someone while doing lunch duty!
Monday, April 20, 2009
10 Years of Triangle Livin'
Happy "we moved here 10 years ago" today. While I don't think Hallmark makes a card for this (although I have some freaky obsession with all the orphan cards.. like the one card they have in Sanskrit), it goes without saying that our move to the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area 10 years ago has seen many events and the longest place we have lived together. Bill and I were talking last night about the highs and lows... here's a snapshot.1999- Bill moves up on 4/20/99, I follow Memorial Day weekend since I stay behind to help with my mom's knee surgery and recoop. Bill takes a transfer with his job to Greensboro contract and I take a temp job that turns into a permanent job at UNC-Chapel Hill Hospitals We have an apartment in Cary. We spend most of the rest of the year learning a new place and working. Y2K madness!
2000- Bill moves off the Greensboro contract and onto to one at RTP. I leave my job and start a Masters program at UNC School of Education. Finally feel were are settling in making friends and learning the area. Still getting confused on the inner-outer beltline!
2001- A REALLY HARD YEAR! Finish Masters, PCOS diagnosis, 1st year teaching posit on 45 minutes away in a rural school district, Bill layoff in Oct, my dad is in the hospital more days that at home in 2001 so I am constantly on the road and passes away on New Years Eve. Ready for a New Year!
2002- My mom has more surgery due to a broken femur and hip so the early part of the year is again spent on the road many a weekend. Bill starts at a small start up in July where he makes friends with people we still know now, we buy our 1st house and get a dog. MUCH better year by mid-year and are very thankful.
2003- My mom goes into the ICU on my birthday in January and is in the hospital until March... lots of time on the road again, move to a new school district and new school that opens up alot of opportunities that fall, Bill moves up quickly in his job and we go to VEGAS for the first time and plan many a return trip!
2004- Year of many changes! Gastric Bypass in June, Bill laid off two weeks later but finds a contracting job same month so his time off is with my recoop. Feel like the whole year was pre-opp and post-opp related visits to Duke.
2005- CRAZY YEAR! We both turn 30 and make the decision to start trying for a baby once I am close to one year out from surgery, get pregnant in Vegas but miscarry in July, get pregnant again with Ben in Sept!!! Bill moves to another IT company sometime that year and I am working on National Boards, writing curriculum for the state and then presenting it at conferences within the state.
2006-A Year of Anticipation- Announce we are pregnant at a New Year's Eve party we host for friends, get remarried for our 10th wedding anniversary in Vegas in Feb, finish National Boards, interview and get my current position to help open a new high school in August that is 5 minutes away from our home, BEN arrives on June 9th!!! New baby bliss and fuzziness for the rest of the year!
2007- Really hard year juggling work and parenthood no major events other than loving our new family of 3! Frankly I don't remember much of this year!
2008- Really good year filled with many family trips, a growing and bounding boy, we make the decision over the summer to starting not trying/trying for a 2nd baby
2009- OBAMA inauguration on my birthday weekend to kick off the year, decisions about babies and jobs seem to be dominating the current landscape. We are both hoping that the year will end as well as it began.
Happy 10 years in one place and all that will happen in the next 10!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Bittersweet
Made the trip to NCCAT in the usual long 5 hours, but wow-o-wow what a beautiful day to drive with the sunroof open and yet another audiobook. I have been saving this one for this trip. Post definitely coming next week... already have the title, "Confession of a Confessions Junkie".
So this is really hard to know that as of August this cohort of teachers are breaking up. What was suppose to be a 2 year commitment is ending a year early due to state budget cuts.
The Director of the whole program came down to talk to us and address some of the very heated comments that have been exchanged. The prognosis for the whole program is not good and may be cut completely and the property sold to Western Carolina University. This hurts. I know and can vouch for how much being here first for a full week in 2007 and now as part of a close group of teachers has validated me as a teacher and encouraged me to take time to write and create art (if you want to call it that!) Both are something I love to do but never take time to do.
Our opening session always starts with a general check in. You can imagine the amount of lay-offs and negative impact the economy is having, but to hear it from person after person was really hard to hear.
I am not the most, "hey I don't really know you so let me tell you about my life"... Some people are in this group are, and for their openess I respect them. Every time I have come here I am asked to serve on someone's "clearness committee". Basically, got something pressing and want an independent take by other group members? I don't know what this says that I keep getting asked by others to participate, but just as being empathetic to my students this falls under the same reason why I think I do this job. Teaching can be a lonely and isolating job and if you have never thought yourself a fraud.. then you surely are not the real thing.
My late-night art partner Kim is not here this trip, but I feel a second wind coming on and will likely work until at least midnight on some open projects. Give me a room of art supplies and I'll show you a happy Heather....
So this is really hard to know that as of August this cohort of teachers are breaking up. What was suppose to be a 2 year commitment is ending a year early due to state budget cuts.
The Director of the whole program came down to talk to us and address some of the very heated comments that have been exchanged. The prognosis for the whole program is not good and may be cut completely and the property sold to Western Carolina University. This hurts. I know and can vouch for how much being here first for a full week in 2007 and now as part of a close group of teachers has validated me as a teacher and encouraged me to take time to write and create art (if you want to call it that!) Both are something I love to do but never take time to do.
Our opening session always starts with a general check in. You can imagine the amount of lay-offs and negative impact the economy is having, but to hear it from person after person was really hard to hear.
I am not the most, "hey I don't really know you so let me tell you about my life"... Some people are in this group are, and for their openess I respect them. Every time I have come here I am asked to serve on someone's "clearness committee". Basically, got something pressing and want an independent take by other group members? I don't know what this says that I keep getting asked by others to participate, but just as being empathetic to my students this falls under the same reason why I think I do this job. Teaching can be a lonely and isolating job and if you have never thought yourself a fraud.. then you surely are not the real thing.
My late-night art partner Kim is not here this trip, but I feel a second wind coming on and will likely work until at least midnight on some open projects. Give me a room of art supplies and I'll show you a happy Heather....
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Backseat Funny...
and a NOT so fun week of behavior from Ben.
funny...
Ben: I like firetrucks...look daddy 2 firetrucks... they my favorite...
Bill: I like firetrucks too, Ben
Ben: Firetrucks are my swishy pants... they my favorite. I go see mommy.
not so funny...
Ben: I hit you mommy... I hitting you with my shoes.
Heather: Ouch! that hurt as I am pelted in the back of the head while driving with his shoes as he is laughing. I swerve and pull off.
I get out and open his door. I am so mad I really want to smack him, but I don't. I close the door and stand there for what feels like 5 minutes trying to pull it together.
Heather: Grabbing flailing arms and kicking legs. Ben you hurt mommy. You NEVER hurt mommy. We DO NOT throw anything at mommy in the care... of EVER! Are you sorry?
Ben: laughing.. NO.. I hit you... laugh, laugh, laugh
Heather: You are in time out in the car and no TV when we get home.
Ben: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I want Kai-Lan... I want Ho-Ho I not like you mommy
Heather: Gets back in the car and gets home pulling the silent treatment to a screaming Ben about missing freakin' Ho-Ho.
Bedtime is another showdown now including Bill. Try to give him a big bear hug to control the kicking and hiding under his bed.. no such luck to get him to listen
Bill: Get in the bed.. we are done for the night.
Bill and Heather almost simultaneously once out of the room: How much do we really, really want to do this again..
Checking on Ben before I go to bed to Bill: Worth it, even for days like these
funny...
Ben: I like firetrucks...look daddy 2 firetrucks... they my favorite...
Bill: I like firetrucks too, Ben
Ben: Firetrucks are my swishy pants... they my favorite. I go see mommy.
not so funny...
Ben: I hit you mommy... I hitting you with my shoes.
Heather: Ouch! that hurt as I am pelted in the back of the head while driving with his shoes as he is laughing. I swerve and pull off.
I get out and open his door. I am so mad I really want to smack him, but I don't. I close the door and stand there for what feels like 5 minutes trying to pull it together.
Heather: Grabbing flailing arms and kicking legs. Ben you hurt mommy. You NEVER hurt mommy. We DO NOT throw anything at mommy in the care... of EVER! Are you sorry?
Ben: laughing.. NO.. I hit you... laugh, laugh, laugh
Heather: You are in time out in the car and no TV when we get home.
Ben: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I want Kai-Lan... I want Ho-Ho I not like you mommy
Heather: Gets back in the car and gets home pulling the silent treatment to a screaming Ben about missing freakin' Ho-Ho.
Bedtime is another showdown now including Bill. Try to give him a big bear hug to control the kicking and hiding under his bed.. no such luck to get him to listen
Bill: Get in the bed.. we are done for the night.
Bill and Heather almost simultaneously once out of the room: How much do we really, really want to do this again..
Checking on Ben before I go to bed to Bill: Worth it, even for days like these
What Ya Doing at 4:45am?
I have started working out at this ungodly hour! So the backstory for this madness is that my 5 year surgery anniversary is coming up on June 30th and I really want to be as close as I can to my original goal to celebrate. Plus we are starting IVF in June and the injectables are notorious for adding swelling and weight. There's a "starting IVF post" rolling around in my head, but it just hasn't found it's way to being published yet.
While on vacation in Florida I drank and ate foods I shouldn't and REALLY felt it with spiked insulin levels. I physically feel bad and after seeing some of the pics, and needed a catalyst to motivate me. Plus, I'm super vain that I have tons of cute spring skirts I want to be able to wear.
So..I am reverting back to the main way I took off weight before mega amounts of exercise and cutting out as much simple sugar as I can. As always I set up rules to keep myself on track:
1. Any day I know I can't get to the Gym, workout on the elliptical at 4:45-5:30
2. Change up what I do at the gym and work with the trainer for some new weight lifting exercises plus try to add one class
3. Take the stairs all the time at school. No excuses even if I have stuff to carry. 87 steps to my room and I estimate I take them at least 3-4 times a day.
4. Walk the dog once Ben is in bed, no matter how tired I am.
Waking up at 4:45 is giving me a major burst of energy to start the day. Since starting on Monday I had time to eat bfast at home AND made it to school on time!
Wish me luck... I am one determined chica and this is a positive way to channel my energy and nervousness about starting IVF.
While on vacation in Florida I drank and ate foods I shouldn't and REALLY felt it with spiked insulin levels. I physically feel bad and after seeing some of the pics, and needed a catalyst to motivate me. Plus, I'm super vain that I have tons of cute spring skirts I want to be able to wear.
So..I am reverting back to the main way I took off weight before mega amounts of exercise and cutting out as much simple sugar as I can. As always I set up rules to keep myself on track:
1. Any day I know I can't get to the Gym, workout on the elliptical at 4:45-5:30
2. Change up what I do at the gym and work with the trainer for some new weight lifting exercises plus try to add one class
3. Take the stairs all the time at school. No excuses even if I have stuff to carry. 87 steps to my room and I estimate I take them at least 3-4 times a day.
4. Walk the dog once Ben is in bed, no matter how tired I am.
Waking up at 4:45 is giving me a major burst of energy to start the day. Since starting on Monday I had time to eat bfast at home AND made it to school on time!
Wish me luck... I am one determined chica and this is a positive way to channel my energy and nervousness about starting IVF.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Silver Lining on Tax Day
Aside from today being a day we kiss our hard earned $$$ away, today is also National Financial Literacy Day. Financial literacy should be a high school graduation requirement, and I could not be more pleased to have had the chance to develop curriculum for FL that is used throughout my state. It was/is a highlight as my time as a teacher and validation to do this job day after day.
I am really excited that I have managed to add an extra week to my economics unit that starts Monday. My kids participate in a "mock life" unit in which my kids have to 40 economic tasks like filing taxes with dummy W-2s and schedules, live on a budget, getting a loan all on the national average national salary of 36k.
This year I am also having the kids download the now Peabody award winning TAL episode "Giant Pool of Money" as well as a choice of recent Plant Money podcasts as part of the assignment. Yesterday they posted a great piece about the impact of budget cuts on schools and how teens are being pushed out of the job market due to the influx of older adults also looking for work.
Can I tell you how excited I am to hopefully be bringing them into the fold and teaching some real life skills to transcend graduation. This is so worth getting out of bed for in the morning!
I am really excited that I have managed to add an extra week to my economics unit that starts Monday. My kids participate in a "mock life" unit in which my kids have to 40 economic tasks like filing taxes with dummy W-2s and schedules, live on a budget, getting a loan all on the national average national salary of 36k.
This year I am also having the kids download the now Peabody award winning TAL episode "Giant Pool of Money" as well as a choice of recent Plant Money podcasts as part of the assignment. Yesterday they posted a great piece about the impact of budget cuts on schools and how teens are being pushed out of the job market due to the influx of older adults also looking for work.
Can I tell you how excited I am to hopefully be bringing them into the fold and teaching some real life skills to transcend graduation. This is so worth getting out of bed for in the morning!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
McDonalds Musings
On our way home from Florida last week we had 2 outstanding lunch options. I really didn't want to stop in the multitude of one blinker light towns like OZARK, LUVERN, and ARAB, but I needed gas and Ben needed to be out of the car.
Since the choice was between fast food and a local barbeque joint called The Big H Chicken Buffet that advertised "best butt in town." I am hoping this referred to barbeque! Thinking this was a choice of the lesser or 2 evils I went with McDonald's. This place was old... I mean they still had the Hamburgler... complete with a missing face and only one stripe on his shirt on the equipment and a big Grimace punch out doll that I am sure had been crying in the corner of the playground before our arrival.
We got lunch and sat outside to eat and play. As we were leaving and Ben was getting in the car this lady comes up and says, "how's that hope and change workin' for you girl?" WHAT? Come again... I think your bias might be showing LADY I thought. "Yeah... where you get that Obama shirt your little one is wearing?"
I was stunned and didn't really know what to say. So I replied, "I got his shirt at the inauguration and yes I support our President if that's what you were asking."
Could I have said more... oh yes... by why? It wasn't like it would change her mind. I was more offended that throughout the entire conversation she was blowing smoke in the faces of the kids in tow with her.
The reality is that in Obama's first 100 days he has shown that he has taken action and is trying to deliver to the American public. Personally I find his take on closing GITMO, attempts to restart the economy, and his reversal of a 8 year policy on stem cell research in line with my vote.
Anyone thinking that come Jan 21st all would be solved was surely mistaken. Who in their right mind would want his job? Look at it this way, if midterms is the barometer on Presidential approval, here's your chance to voice your opinion. I would think it would be much more effective that accosting some stranger in a parking lot in rural Alabama.
Since the choice was between fast food and a local barbeque joint called The Big H Chicken Buffet that advertised "best butt in town." I am hoping this referred to barbeque! Thinking this was a choice of the lesser or 2 evils I went with McDonald's. This place was old... I mean they still had the Hamburgler... complete with a missing face and only one stripe on his shirt on the equipment and a big Grimace punch out doll that I am sure had been crying in the corner of the playground before our arrival.
We got lunch and sat outside to eat and play. As we were leaving and Ben was getting in the car this lady comes up and says, "how's that hope and change workin' for you girl?" WHAT? Come again... I think your bias might be showing LADY I thought. "Yeah... where you get that Obama shirt your little one is wearing?"
I was stunned and didn't really know what to say. So I replied, "I got his shirt at the inauguration and yes I support our President if that's what you were asking."
Could I have said more... oh yes... by why? It wasn't like it would change her mind. I was more offended that throughout the entire conversation she was blowing smoke in the faces of the kids in tow with her.
The reality is that in Obama's first 100 days he has shown that he has taken action and is trying to deliver to the American public. Personally I find his take on closing GITMO, attempts to restart the economy, and his reversal of a 8 year policy on stem cell research in line with my vote.
Anyone thinking that come Jan 21st all would be solved was surely mistaken. Who in their right mind would want his job? Look at it this way, if midterms is the barometer on Presidential approval, here's your chance to voice your opinion. I would think it would be much more effective that accosting some stranger in a parking lot in rural Alabama.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Bunny Cake and Inappropriate Easter Behavior
For some reason having egg hunts not only in Florida multiple times, one in our hotel room (I was desperate for Ben to leave the room alone while I unpacked), and several more yesterday... Easter is not the same without BUNNY CAKE!!!
I totally played it up all morning once I got home from church, over brunch at Mimi's Cafe, in the grocery store and finally to get Ben to agree to a nap.
Ben helped mix and pour the batter. Mommy cut out the ears and bow tie and frosted the monster bunny while he napped and then Ben helped pour (and smash) Jelly Beans all over. I forgot to get writing frosting so we went with Plan B... Jelly Beans.
We shared our cake yesterday with a friend that came over to hide eggs and plan to take the rest to school tomorrow for our class to enjoy because what do preschoolers on picture day need but MORE SUGAR!!!
Ben has told everyone... I mean everyone... from the pharmacy tech to my principal today that he made a bunny cake. Yeah... he is going to be the king of the class tomorrow!
So while I did uphold my Lent promise to attend church weekly. I think I blew any and ALL potential favor with God last night by watching SexDrive with Bill. If you are thinking... porn on Easter... for shame... it wasn't porn, but rather one of the worst movies I've seen in a long time. By worst, I mean I am ashamed to say how much I laughed at this American Pie/Road Trip/Harold and Kumar knock off.
Think of the much not-seen Dane Cook movie Waiting if you want to compare to another jem of cinamatic biss. I'll top you to say the Vinson's OWN and have watched it multiple times. Bill has been talking about SexDrive since he "missed" it when it came out. I think it was only in theaters about a week before being canned to DVD. You know I LOVE Bill when I turn down watching a new episode of In Treatment so I can watch a talking doughnut.
So... in honor of the risen Lord I hope he can find time to forvige me once again for sinking to a new low on Easter. At least I didn't gorge myself on bunny cake while wathcing.
Friday, April 10, 2009
I think I listened to enough NPR to sponsor my own pledge drive!
After 8 hours of driving in heavy rain today plus a flat tire... we are HOME! We had a awesome trip, even today in the rain Ben was quite the traveler even without a nap today. His sad little voice kept saying, "mommy... I want to go home and see my daddy." Me too, honey.
Here's our journey in pictures of our week long adventure.
Friday-Meet up for a late dinner on the road with Brian and my mom
Sat- Marathon driving day. Met up with old college roommates along the way. What should have been 8 hours turned into 13 due to wrecks, Atlanta traffic, and the Eufala, AL Old South Promenade (since traffic was at a standstill I snapped this pic out the window) Will the South just let me by before it rises again?
Sunday- Overcast and cold in FL... hit the outlets for the motherload of "swishy" wind pants, Ann Taylor, and Stride Rite. Hit the Alys Beach Playground with Uncle Jamie (mini Bill)
Monday/Tuesday- Uncle RG and Lyn came down to join us. Big cook out by the pool. Easter egg hunt, lots of tricycle riding, fun day with inflatables and riding the train, mommy escapes a couple of hours alone at the beach both days
Wed- Played goofy golf at the same course Grandmommy Pam and daddy did years ago. Ice cream galore and flew a kite. We are SO playing put put again as Ben loved swinging his club and chasing all the balls (including some other patrons) Afternoon at the pool and mommy escaped for one last afternoon of alone bliss!
Thurs- Start the drive home. Beautiful sunny day, sat in the sun for lunch, and finally made it to Atlanta. Spent the night with family. Nothing like 2 boys under 3 and a 3rd on it's way to make for a wild little penis-filled night!
TODAY- Make it the rest of the way home. Met up with an old high school friend for lunch. Wish I had a picture but you can imagine trying to get 3 kids all looking the same way!
By the Numbers.... 1643 miles, 2 visits to cracker barrel, 2 1/2 books finished... totally cheated on my 22 hour audiobook of The Corrections and listened to the last 2disks to hear how it ended, 2 inches of goldfish and crayons in the floorboard, 1 rotten preschooler brain from hours of watching the dvd... think he wanted to watch anything but Kai-Lan... hell no... I swear I could repeat ho ho's lines by the Alabama state line.
All in all great trip and so ready to head back in August.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Ben's Perfect Vacation Day vs. Mommy's
Greeting from sunny Florida. After a marathon 13 hour trip down on Sat we are livin' large with the in-laws at their home in Destin. A big picture post is coming once we get home, but I couldn't resist a check-in post. Plus I promised Bill tonight I would share some photos from our super, awesome day. Today HAS to be Ben's perfect vacation day:
Trip to the Alys beach playground
Breakfast by the pool
Local shopping center had a bunch of inflatables,carousel, and a train operating for spring break (do drunken teens really WANT a rock wall I pondered)
Lunch of 5 guys burgers and fries, and ice cream for dessert
Got a monster truck from uncle jamie
Had an easter egg hunt in the front yard
Ate a chocolate truck for dessert
Played with mommy's car flashlight (bribery to stay in my sleeping bag)
By comparison, Mommy's perfect day was not similar in ANY way except one...she got to spend it with Ben! While he was taking a nap she escaped to Rosemary Beach to this little wine/cheese bar she discovered the last day here in August and swore to return to... alone.
Mommy had her favorite meal in the world... a cheese plate and a glass of Riesling while she read yet another book by Augusten Burroughs. Too bad no one could fully appreciate her laughing out loud at his recount of attending Barbazon School of Modeling. She then took a really long walk on the beach and then drove home with music blaring out of her car with all the windows down. She is about to get in the hot tub with a drink and a box of girl scout cookies.
It's official folks, we are on vacation....
Friday, April 3, 2009
Finished for Friday- Spring Break Edition!
I showed up this morning to work with no school bag, just lunch, wearing flip flops 2minutes before the bell. That my friends is "phoning it in to the extreme." In typical fashion I over scheduled myself to the point this week that I actually fell asleep in class yesterday. So on that note, I am happy I got alot done, but NOT happy to be starting this trip already exhausted.
This week I got the following done:
1. General Trip Readiness! Thank God for DVD players! Bill picked up Ben's new favorite show Kai Lan so I can enjoy Ho Ho and his beat box mixes for 17 hours. I even made brownies for Bill's night of video gaming with friends. I told him that they needed to clean up any evidence if the hookers come over!
2. Met with the Harris Lake park ranger to plan our last NHS fundraiser in May.
3. Intake of new member NHS applications. 66 potential new members. Much more to come, but these 10 page a piece applications are NOT going with me to Florida. I am finishing 2 books, not letters of service and leadership by the pool.
4. Tons of grading of midterm exams and finishing quarter grades. I just love our school's late policy. Kids have essentially the entire quarter to turn in late work and I get one week to grade it all. Seem fair?
On that note, PLEASE 2:30 pm get here so I can get in the car and get rolling towards Destin, Florida! I hope by 6 pm tomorrow night to be sitting by the pool with drink in hand!
This week I got the following done:
1. General Trip Readiness! Thank God for DVD players! Bill picked up Ben's new favorite show Kai Lan so I can enjoy Ho Ho and his beat box mixes for 17 hours. I even made brownies for Bill's night of video gaming with friends. I told him that they needed to clean up any evidence if the hookers come over!
2. Met with the Harris Lake park ranger to plan our last NHS fundraiser in May.
3. Intake of new member NHS applications. 66 potential new members. Much more to come, but these 10 page a piece applications are NOT going with me to Florida. I am finishing 2 books, not letters of service and leadership by the pool.
4. Tons of grading of midterm exams and finishing quarter grades. I just love our school's late policy. Kids have essentially the entire quarter to turn in late work and I get one week to grade it all. Seem fair?
On that note, PLEASE 2:30 pm get here so I can get in the car and get rolling towards Destin, Florida! I hope by 6 pm tomorrow night to be sitting by the pool with drink in hand!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Yeah.. I Get You Star
While I was at the nail place yesterday I noticed that Oprah was on. I HATE Oprah for the most part and agree with Bill she is a media whore always looking for a shameless self promotion outlet. Today she had on celebrity weight loss stories and most of the hour was interviewing Star Jones.
I really don't like Star either, nor do I watch/like the View. But, as a fellow sister in the gastric bypass journey I felt compelled to watch and by the end I was about to scream at the TV (I didn't as the owner of the salon I'm sure would have sent me away)... "YES honey I so understand your need for privacy and why you didn't tell anyone how you lost your weight".
Did she/I sell out our authentic selves by not being totally honest as we both lost well over 100 lbs within a year time frame. I guess if you want to pass judgement, it's your call. But I would ask you to live my life as someone who was not someone who needed to loose a little weight, but someone who was morbidly obese and whose life quality was slipping away.
I could have written her script on why she didn't feel the need to be the poster child for a surgery that many people feel is an easy fix. Personally I had almost a year of pre-surgery consultations, icky testing, and evaluations to see if I could truly make a major life change. Only 4 people knew what was going pre/post surgery and I choose not to tell our families until well after.
It seemed one of those times I really didn't want or need someone all in my business. I am very grateful to my program that didn't just drop me off at the door after the surgery but required me to keep coming back, even when the last place I wanted to be was surrounded by fellow fatties.
June 2009 will mark 5 years since I had surgery and I would do it over again without question. Even with a long, hard recovery and pregnancy complications I am not the same person I was before. The last thing Star said today was, ""Do I regret not being strong enough to share everything right away? Yes," "But would I take it back? No, because I'm healthy here today. I got emotionally strong while I got physically strong."
Well said from someone who has been there.
I really don't like Star either, nor do I watch/like the View. But, as a fellow sister in the gastric bypass journey I felt compelled to watch and by the end I was about to scream at the TV (I didn't as the owner of the salon I'm sure would have sent me away)... "YES honey I so understand your need for privacy and why you didn't tell anyone how you lost your weight".
Did she/I sell out our authentic selves by not being totally honest as we both lost well over 100 lbs within a year time frame. I guess if you want to pass judgement, it's your call. But I would ask you to live my life as someone who was not someone who needed to loose a little weight, but someone who was morbidly obese and whose life quality was slipping away.
I could have written her script on why she didn't feel the need to be the poster child for a surgery that many people feel is an easy fix. Personally I had almost a year of pre-surgery consultations, icky testing, and evaluations to see if I could truly make a major life change. Only 4 people knew what was going pre/post surgery and I choose not to tell our families until well after.
It seemed one of those times I really didn't want or need someone all in my business. I am very grateful to my program that didn't just drop me off at the door after the surgery but required me to keep coming back, even when the last place I wanted to be was surrounded by fellow fatties.
June 2009 will mark 5 years since I had surgery and I would do it over again without question. Even with a long, hard recovery and pregnancy complications I am not the same person I was before. The last thing Star said today was, ""Do I regret not being strong enough to share everything right away? Yes," "But would I take it back? No, because I'm healthy here today. I got emotionally strong while I got physically strong."
Well said from someone who has been there.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Ben's Bridge To Nowhere!
Bill sent me this picture of Ben's bed. It appears my OCD son told Bill when he woke up, "I build bridge daddy". Better than an earlier announcement, "I want to be a princess". Yes, my almost 3 year old son is still in a crib and yes I know that likely I am doing some type of psychological damage to him. I admit it I have just been really lazy on this one. Ben sleeps upstairs and our master is down. The idea of a sleepy preschooler roaming the upstairs in search of mischief had not been in the cards. We are moving him over the summer and our upcoming trip to Florida is a trial run for sleeping in a big boy bed. On a super-duper note Ben pooped in the school potty yesterday!
I am also super excited about the new outdoor play stuff we got from a neighbor that is moving. We now have a basketball goal and playhouse for the summer. If you listen closely you can hear me squealing in excitement for Ben's sake as well as mine!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Are you ready to ROCK... maybe not
Ok folks do you need another reason to love Rainn Wilson? Dwight is my alltime favorite character on The Office for being the most ridiculous, intense worst co-woker ever. He was also all too good in season 4 of Six Feet Under as the creepy mortician Arthur. So I was dancing the happy dance when The Rocker arrived Monday from Netflix.
I had high hopes for this over the top 80s metal band parody staring some of my favorites from recent sitcoms: Will Arnett (Arrested Development), Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm), even Howard Hessman from WKRP was in this movie!
Aside from the many dick and fart jokes and the over the top outfits that always seemed to be the most unflattering, channeling Will Ferrel's mojo found the movie was a bit of a letdown. We wound up watching Jim Gaffigan's latest standup we had Tivoed afterwards and THAT was way too funny so the night was not a total loss.
My favorite line referencing why people go to Waffle House, "it's 2 am, but it's not too late to make one more major mistake tonight... the sign with it's burned out letters looks like a ransom note". HOTPOCKET!!!!
I had high hopes for this over the top 80s metal band parody staring some of my favorites from recent sitcoms: Will Arnett (Arrested Development), Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm), even Howard Hessman from WKRP was in this movie!
Aside from the many dick and fart jokes and the over the top outfits that always seemed to be the most unflattering, channeling Will Ferrel's mojo found the movie was a bit of a letdown. We wound up watching Jim Gaffigan's latest standup we had Tivoed afterwards and THAT was way too funny so the night was not a total loss.
My favorite line referencing why people go to Waffle House, "it's 2 am, but it's not too late to make one more major mistake tonight... the sign with it's burned out letters looks like a ransom note". HOTPOCKET!!!!
Monday, March 30, 2009
"though much is taken, much abides"
This was the subject line in a email from Friday. Really, could the week ended on a worst note? It started with a 6:45 am Monday emergency faculty meeting to announce the suicide of a student over the weekend. Throughout the week it seemed making it to Friday or even Saturday would never happen.. and then to find out that my 2 year NCCAT seminar was ending with our August session (going fly fishing, so a nice send off).
While I totally understand that in an era of cutting back teaching positions, that paying for a teacher retreat doesn't make economic sense, but ending this opportunity and possibly NCCAT all together breaks my heart. All day Friday our cohort of 25 members emailed each other, state reps to beg for it to be spared. I saw frequently misdirected anger-filled emails to the incredible staff of NCCAT who had made the decision to cut the program (as well as others).
So after some thought I drafted a letter to all and cc the facilitators as well as the executive director of NCCAT. I felt that someone should voice that, "this decision was not made lightly, and that while disappointed I understood". Here's a small piece of that email that unwittingly set off even more discussion.
I cannot express how much being part of this group has meant to me professionally and personally. I know that the relationships we have made will continue on even without the physical meetings. If given the choice of ending Heart of Teaching or allowing the 21 teachers that are loosing their jobs at my school, I would choose to keep quality teachers where they can do the most good... especially after a week where many of us have played mothers and counselors to our kids. I know this decision was not made in haste as NCCAT keeps us in these roles.
I start this week with hopes of a less stressful and angst filled week. I am leaving for Destin, FL to visit family as of 2:30 on Friday. If I have ever needed a few days away from my daily reality, it's now. Here's to the 120 hour countdown 'till I can roll our of town with preschooler in tow.
While I totally understand that in an era of cutting back teaching positions, that paying for a teacher retreat doesn't make economic sense, but ending this opportunity and possibly NCCAT all together breaks my heart. All day Friday our cohort of 25 members emailed each other, state reps to beg for it to be spared. I saw frequently misdirected anger-filled emails to the incredible staff of NCCAT who had made the decision to cut the program (as well as others).
So after some thought I drafted a letter to all and cc the facilitators as well as the executive director of NCCAT. I felt that someone should voice that, "this decision was not made lightly, and that while disappointed I understood". Here's a small piece of that email that unwittingly set off even more discussion.
I cannot express how much being part of this group has meant to me professionally and personally. I know that the relationships we have made will continue on even without the physical meetings. If given the choice of ending Heart of Teaching or allowing the 21 teachers that are loosing their jobs at my school, I would choose to keep quality teachers where they can do the most good... especially after a week where many of us have played mothers and counselors to our kids. I know this decision was not made in haste as NCCAT keeps us in these roles.
I start this week with hopes of a less stressful and angst filled week. I am leaving for Destin, FL to visit family as of 2:30 on Friday. If I have ever needed a few days away from my daily reality, it's now. Here's to the 120 hour countdown 'till I can roll our of town with preschooler in tow.
Friday, March 27, 2009
What's Your Theme Song?
I often play all these lame ice breaker games on the first day of class and among them is to determine what is YOUR themesong. You know, the soundtrack of your life...what music motivates you to action.
Since my friend LauraC is running a half marathon tomorrow I thought I would leave her my personal playlist of what's always on my IPod at the gym. She once told me some her her running music and I had to laugh at the excess of 80s classics. What Up Rock me Amadeus! I especially the ones that are sing-long.
Happy Birthday and Half Marathon! May the heavens open up and not rain for the 2+ hours you are kicking ALL our butts! Here you go.. enjoy!
Get Up On It Like This- Chemical Brothers
Spitfire-Prodigy
High and Dry- Radiohead
Only-NIN
Behind the Wheel- Depeche Mode
Battleflag-Lo Fidelity AllStars
And my secret push it to the extreme song- Public Enemy's Fight the Power
Since my friend LauraC is running a half marathon tomorrow I thought I would leave her my personal playlist of what's always on my IPod at the gym. She once told me some her her running music and I had to laugh at the excess of 80s classics. What Up Rock me Amadeus! I especially the ones that are sing-long.
Happy Birthday and Half Marathon! May the heavens open up and not rain for the 2+ hours you are kicking ALL our butts! Here you go.. enjoy!
Get Up On It Like This- Chemical Brothers
Spitfire-Prodigy
High and Dry- Radiohead
Only-NIN
Behind the Wheel- Depeche Mode
Battleflag-Lo Fidelity AllStars
And my secret push it to the extreme song- Public Enemy's Fight the Power
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Total Random and yet Funny Thoughts...
I texted Bill to find out if our son had worn shoes to school today. It appeared he had engaged in a mad dash through the house this morning trying to find ONE non-pee soaked pair. Yes, he had found hand me down shoes that look like Ben is going to give Enemim a run for his money to star in 8 Mile-Part 2
Nextflix movies that arrived today: Wow Wow Wubzy and The House Bunny. I don't know which I would consider more torture to watch.
Bill has definitely gone to the dark side. Check out this t-shirt he got Ben for the summer. The 1994 Bill I knew would have NEVER, EVER betrayed Steve Jobs like this... for shame!
In the Family Fun magazine I was reading tonight, found a super idea to make a Passport for Errands. The Goal being teaching how the world works in a fun way and reduce whining on routine errand trips. Check! Included are pages dedicated to "sights to see at the supermarket" and "clearing customs" with stickers from the cashiers. File this under Future Fun in my Big Binder of Cool Kids ideas (yes it exists...did you even have to wonder)?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Be Cooler IRL than you are Online!
This has typically been my moto as to why am I the last person to get on Facebook. I have heard what a addictive, time-sucking activity it can become and figured I didn't need in. I now understand why I have gotten the hard sell from old high school, college, sorority friends to get my butt on FB. This is like a little daily mini-reunion with all the people who used to know you "back in the day".
The friends that know crazy stories about you or can vouch that you weren't always a super-cool savvy adult but a fatty, braces-wearing, frizzy-permed 8th grader waiting for life to happen.
Since I was home all day with Ben on Friday I took advantage of an extra long nap to set up my page and upload photos. I had to wonder how much info to put on my info page as in many ways you wouldn't recognize the mature, 2009 version, but in lots of ways I am the same ol' "making bad comments on the back row of class", crazy Heather that convinced you to to ridiculous stuff. I just now have to make sure I have a babysitter first.
I have gotten lots of messages back and most have a theme:
1. You have a kid? He so looks like Bill!
2. You are a teacher? Really... no one from my HS believes this without laughing!
3. You look nothing like I remember! This last one makes me smile as I will take that a code for my hard work and improved lifestyle has returned dividends.
It has make me happy to know where people that I spent way to much time with at some point in life are in 2009. How did the life they were waiting to happen play out? Are they married/single/divorced in a few cases? Who has kids and how many? Who still is living like it's last call at the Florabama (the BEST dive bar ever BTW). How has religion and politics changed them in ways I wouldn't have guessed.
My old DZ little sister had the BEST job description (she is a teacher too) and commented that she bet kids loved my class... THANKS... with her permission I had to use it to describe my job!
Teaching classes, monitoring halls, handing out belts, drying tears, breaking up fights, redirecting misdirected anger, aggression, etc., extinguishing fires, and generally raising children up in the way that they should go!
I'll take that sentiment and totally accurate description! For those who know me now as well as then that I'm glad our paths crossed!
The friends that know crazy stories about you or can vouch that you weren't always a super-cool savvy adult but a fatty, braces-wearing, frizzy-permed 8th grader waiting for life to happen.
Since I was home all day with Ben on Friday I took advantage of an extra long nap to set up my page and upload photos. I had to wonder how much info to put on my info page as in many ways you wouldn't recognize the mature, 2009 version, but in lots of ways I am the same ol' "making bad comments on the back row of class", crazy Heather that convinced you to to ridiculous stuff. I just now have to make sure I have a babysitter first.
I have gotten lots of messages back and most have a theme:
1. You have a kid? He so looks like Bill!
2. You are a teacher? Really... no one from my HS believes this without laughing!
3. You look nothing like I remember! This last one makes me smile as I will take that a code for my hard work and improved lifestyle has returned dividends.
It has make me happy to know where people that I spent way to much time with at some point in life are in 2009. How did the life they were waiting to happen play out? Are they married/single/divorced in a few cases? Who has kids and how many? Who still is living like it's last call at the Florabama (the BEST dive bar ever BTW). How has religion and politics changed them in ways I wouldn't have guessed.
My old DZ little sister had the BEST job description (she is a teacher too) and commented that she bet kids loved my class... THANKS... with her permission I had to use it to describe my job!
Teaching classes, monitoring halls, handing out belts, drying tears, breaking up fights, redirecting misdirected anger, aggression, etc., extinguishing fires, and generally raising children up in the way that they should go!
I'll take that sentiment and totally accurate description! For those who know me now as well as then that I'm glad our paths crossed!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Operation Tidy Up
I had to laugh as the comments on my post detailing weekend endeavors, "you had me at THEN I cleaned out the outside storage closet" Am I that predictable folks!?!I think I have some rare disorder in which it gives me great joy to clean up/organize what I perceive to be chaotic/messy situations. Productivity is fruit of the Gods and gives me some whacked sense of worth.
At any one time I seem to be running in about 10 different directions or planning something 5 steps out. A friend at school mentioned having a conversation with me is like talking to a schizophrenic as I jump topics multiple times in a conversation.
Just to make you laugh, here is a picture of my desk at school. This is the way it ALWAYS looks (minus the flowers from Bill a month ago). Very neat and organized. I keep all these crazy rules about how I work, when I work, ok... for most life components in general.
Since I have this overwhelming desire to have control over mess my rules keep me sane and functioning, even if others think I am completely nuts. I bet you were wondering anyone who keeps a Mr.T picture on their desk has a few loose screws anyway, and you would be right.
One of my biggest concerns is that I am passing this behavior on to Ben. He is like me and picks up to the last detail willingly, even takes other toys from kids to "put them away". He recently told a friend her floor was dirty. Oh brother am I turning him into me?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Weekend, What Weekend?
I think you can say I overdid it this weekend. It's now almost 10:30 on Sunday night and I'm finally finished with a full list of tasks to get ready for a insanely busy week. So here's what I got done in the last 48 hours.
Ben is MUCH better after using shameless bribery to get his to take his meds. We canned the Zoo today as he still has some cough. We DID go on a long walk to the playground and played in the yard most of Sat afternoon.
Sat- Up with Ben in the am, chores, yoga class at the gym, got lunch together and then worked outside for the next 4 hours (mowed grass, weeded and tilled all beds front and back, weed eater and blew off the driveway). THEN I organized the entire tool shed as I was putting stuff back. More laundry, picked up dinner, more laundry, mopped the hardwoods, watched Harold and Kumar and answered Facebook messages, read until I fell asleep
Sun- went to church (Instead of giving up something for Lent, trying to add something +), more laundry and chores, went out for lunch to use up expiring coupons, went to the gym to swim laps, got Ben up and went for a walk, started dinner and made a grocery list, went to HT and CVS, unloaded groceries, more laundry, steam cleaned carpet and stairs (Bill helped with this) and now ready to collapse.
So what did I NOT do in my spare time: grade paperwork, sleep over 6 hours any night, file insurance stuff, watch much TV or listen to TAL :-( (yet). Bill was a big help in entertaining Ben and getting him to bed both nights!
I am proud of getting alot done including finally setting up my FB page. Post coming later this week, but I will say as finding out that had I not met Bill in the Fall of 1994, I could have wound up a preacher's wife made me laugh out loud. Going to bed.. oh wait have to put laundry in the dryer and start the dishwasher again!
Friday, March 20, 2009
NOT Finished for Friday
I had really good intentions for this week to get alot done. My major item accomplished was the fruition of a long planned fundraiser at Chick fillet that raised another 250.00 for our club charity! Bring it on balloon animals and spinning the wheel of free food. I glad handed the crowd like a politician 8 points down going into election day. I have NO shame and will approach anyone much to my students amazement.
The rest of the week has been spent in multiple Dr offices (3 total involving all 3 Vinsons at some point this week) as well as putting out unexpected fires at school.
So my goals for the weekend are as follows:
1. Help Ben feel better!!! Poor little guy has bronchitis. Home today in hopes he will be better by Sunday. Camp Mommy to the rescue!
2. Steam clean all carpet in house as part of multi-week spring cleaning
3. File more insurance claims to the bureaucracy Gods
4. Till some compost and soil additives into my annual beds
5. Finally, I mean I am the last person on Earth, set up a Facebook account. I keep getting total crap from old friends asking if I live in this century? I doubt I will be on all day as my school blocks the site, but then I would have never expected to have kept up this blog. So here's to being "10 minutes ago" with technology.
If and only if, Ben is MUCH better we were planning a trip to the Zoo on Sunday. We'll see if he's better although looking at next week commitments, I don't want to tempt fate.
The rest of the week has been spent in multiple Dr offices (3 total involving all 3 Vinsons at some point this week) as well as putting out unexpected fires at school.
So my goals for the weekend are as follows:
1. Help Ben feel better!!! Poor little guy has bronchitis. Home today in hopes he will be better by Sunday. Camp Mommy to the rescue!
2. Steam clean all carpet in house as part of multi-week spring cleaning
3. File more insurance claims to the bureaucracy Gods
4. Till some compost and soil additives into my annual beds
5. Finally, I mean I am the last person on Earth, set up a Facebook account. I keep getting total crap from old friends asking if I live in this century? I doubt I will be on all day as my school blocks the site, but then I would have never expected to have kept up this blog. So here's to being "10 minutes ago" with technology.
If and only if, Ben is MUCH better we were planning a trip to the Zoo on Sunday. We'll see if he's better although looking at next week commitments, I don't want to tempt fate.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
1 Beginning, 150 Endings!
I just finished Pretty Little Mistakes by Heather Mcelhatton. The author is definitely a Veronica and NOT at Heather (Chandler, McNamara, or Duke) to disseminate this level of creativity!
The tag line for this book is, "Choose Carefully. Change Everything" This is a do over novel that allows you to follow what is a funny, bittersweet, outrageous story all within the span of a 10 page saga of your life playing out.
I couldn't wait to start over as in my first life I dropped out of college, traveled with a cult to LA, decided to sleep my way into an acting career only to die in a freak random shooting in the drive through line at In and Out Burger.
Yeah baby... what else you got for me!
Since most of last weekend was spend inside with the cold rain outside, I indulged in hours of reading. In totally uncharacteristic nature I finished all 502 pages in one weekend.
I loved the show Six Feet Under for the same reason I really loved this book. Every life has value and meaning and sometimes it takes not knowing until the minute you die to figure it all out. A must read again!
The tag line for this book is, "Choose Carefully. Change Everything" This is a do over novel that allows you to follow what is a funny, bittersweet, outrageous story all within the span of a 10 page saga of your life playing out.
I couldn't wait to start over as in my first life I dropped out of college, traveled with a cult to LA, decided to sleep my way into an acting career only to die in a freak random shooting in the drive through line at In and Out Burger.
Yeah baby... what else you got for me!
Since most of last weekend was spend inside with the cold rain outside, I indulged in hours of reading. In totally uncharacteristic nature I finished all 502 pages in one weekend.
I loved the show Six Feet Under for the same reason I really loved this book. Every life has value and meaning and sometimes it takes not knowing until the minute you die to figure it all out. A must read again!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tales From the Little Potty-Volume 5
This is the SHOUT-OUT version... Welcome to the club Nate! We are proud of YOU!
Last night while I was getting dinner ready Ben proceeded to strip down and start dancing in the kitchen. All to a get down on it mix of Marketplace and Tad from his Leapfrog fridge animal matching game. I'm so going to cut a record of this fabulous mix as there is nothing like Kai Ryssdal interspersed with moos and clucking.
He went over and sat on the potty and started talking about pooping. He started naming all the people that he knows and if they had pooped. Seeing this is still a major hurdle and I am really tired of poopy underwear, I asked if he wanted me to sit on the floor with him and read a book. YES, Mommy! So we sat, and sat, and sat. and then....
POOP! A big potty dance and stickers all around. He refused to put his pants or undies back on so he went commando the rest of the night. Ben so earned it, even it is wasn't the most pleasurable dinner entertainment!
Last night while I was getting dinner ready Ben proceeded to strip down and start dancing in the kitchen. All to a get down on it mix of Marketplace and Tad from his Leapfrog fridge animal matching game. I'm so going to cut a record of this fabulous mix as there is nothing like Kai Ryssdal interspersed with moos and clucking.
He went over and sat on the potty and started talking about pooping. He started naming all the people that he knows and if they had pooped. Seeing this is still a major hurdle and I am really tired of poopy underwear, I asked if he wanted me to sit on the floor with him and read a book. YES, Mommy! So we sat, and sat, and sat. and then....
POOP! A big potty dance and stickers all around. He refused to put his pants or undies back on so he went commando the rest of the night. Ben so earned it, even it is wasn't the most pleasurable dinner entertainment!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
My Student was Published on NPR!
About two months ago I submitted an AP Gov student's essay to This I Believe, a weekly segment on the show All Things Considered. It had been our closing activity for the course. I figured it would be a total long shot to be accepted and that likely our class would be the only forum ever to hear their work. Guess not!
My student was contacted that her essay was published in it's entirety on the NPR site. While they are not going to read it on the air, I am proud that of the essays submitted to this national NPR show they picked hers to publish. Check out her essay titled Is Mac n'Cheese Yellow Better than Pink Flamingo?
Before I even knew this awesome news, as I was sitting at church Sunday I thought about this class of Seniors about to graduate. I had just heard that St. Francis will be the site of my school baccalaureate services in June and there was a call for church members to provide the reception.
Of the over 1000 kids that have passed through my doors I will miss a select group from this class more than any other. I feel through teaching and knowing so many from NHS for the past 3 years that I have watched them mature from gangly 15 year olds to seniors about to embark of a great new chapter of life.
Students like Eileen are rare so when you get the chance to know them, it makes your day, semester, and career.
My student was contacted that her essay was published in it's entirety on the NPR site. While they are not going to read it on the air, I am proud that of the essays submitted to this national NPR show they picked hers to publish. Check out her essay titled Is Mac n'Cheese Yellow Better than Pink Flamingo?
Before I even knew this awesome news, as I was sitting at church Sunday I thought about this class of Seniors about to graduate. I had just heard that St. Francis will be the site of my school baccalaureate services in June and there was a call for church members to provide the reception.
Of the over 1000 kids that have passed through my doors I will miss a select group from this class more than any other. I feel through teaching and knowing so many from NHS for the past 3 years that I have watched them mature from gangly 15 year olds to seniors about to embark of a great new chapter of life.
Students like Eileen are rare so when you get the chance to know them, it makes your day, semester, and career.
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Best Export from SC Since Stephen Colbert?
I admit that my love of early bird cafeteria food as well as watching 60 minutes every week puts me in the dorky column of my age group. 60 minutes almost always has a good interview or expose story. I trust their fact checking and was very grateful that they were reporting on the Bush Administration and Iraq when most of the media had turned their head. This little seen movie The Insider is a personal favorite for superior acting as well as commentary on how 60 minutes in a rare incident let CBS Corporate dictate refusal to air a controversial story exposing a Big Tobacco whistle blower.
Last night they aired first interview that current Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke has ever given. The interview is front page news this morning as he talks about when he thinks the recession will end and signals for recovery. He also talks of mistakes the Fed has made in the bailouts (AIG in particular) and how the Fed works in general. I often say when teaching Monetary policy in class that the Fed chairman has as much power as the President and yet he is an unelected little-known position.
Bernanke is from rural Dillion, SC. SOUTH CAROLINA! WHAT??? In the interview they reveal that his own childhood home has been foreclosed on by later owners. His is truly an Outliers story as he went on to Harvard and MIT from humble beginnings.
The funniest part of this story (if there was a funny part) was Bernanke's recount of working at South of the Border in high school. You know South of the Border, the tacky tourist attraction along the SC/NC boarder that you literally see billboards every 2 miles for starting in Maine along the interstate.
It is a really good interview and gave me a much better understanding of one of the most powerful people in the US. check it out here
Last night they aired first interview that current Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke has ever given. The interview is front page news this morning as he talks about when he thinks the recession will end and signals for recovery. He also talks of mistakes the Fed has made in the bailouts (AIG in particular) and how the Fed works in general. I often say when teaching Monetary policy in class that the Fed chairman has as much power as the President and yet he is an unelected little-known position.
Bernanke is from rural Dillion, SC. SOUTH CAROLINA! WHAT??? In the interview they reveal that his own childhood home has been foreclosed on by later owners. His is truly an Outliers story as he went on to Harvard and MIT from humble beginnings.
The funniest part of this story (if there was a funny part) was Bernanke's recount of working at South of the Border in high school. You know South of the Border, the tacky tourist attraction along the SC/NC boarder that you literally see billboards every 2 miles for starting in Maine along the interstate.
It is a really good interview and gave me a much better understanding of one of the most powerful people in the US. check it out here
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Believe it or Not... A Kids Movie Review
One of the things that drives Bill nuts is my lack of interest in most kids programming. For what it's worth when you don't grow up watching lots of cartoons and movies it's a little hard to suddenly start in your 30s. Luckily Bill LOVES and has already planned movies for Ben's entire childhood. He picked up Pinocchio earlier this week and I (yes I) suggested we watch it with Ben tonight.
For the most part Ben watched and was into the story. He was a little wide-eyed at the whale but quickly started talking about all the fish. Bill and I kept a running tally of all the items featured in this classic from 1940 that would never fly today: kids smoking cigars, parents spanking their children, handling an axe, boys turned into animals.
Bill and I were talking about all the other Disney classics (most that we own) and what was scary then and how it compares today. Bill does a really good job and screening and picking appropriate media for Ben. For that I'm glad I married someone who truly is a kid at heart.
For the most part Ben watched and was into the story. He was a little wide-eyed at the whale but quickly started talking about all the fish. Bill and I kept a running tally of all the items featured in this classic from 1940 that would never fly today: kids smoking cigars, parents spanking their children, handling an axe, boys turned into animals.
Bill and I were talking about all the other Disney classics (most that we own) and what was scary then and how it compares today. Bill does a really good job and screening and picking appropriate media for Ben. For that I'm glad I married someone who truly is a kid at heart.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Channeling Tim on Comedy Central
Friday night is typically catch up night for the Daily Show and Colbert Report. The accusal of CNBC of being asleep at the wheel is about as close as I have ever seen the Daily Show pushing an agenda, even more so that at ANY point of the Bush years.
Wow to watch as Stewart openly accused CNBC of contributing to the financial mess. Over the last week he has even hinted that some at the network have benefited financially while thier viewers lost billions taking thier advice to heart.
We anxiously watched this week's Daily Shows with the pinnacle being the Cramer vs. Stewart showdown. The fact that All Things Considered did a piece today on the feud says volumes. To me this was the best comment of the night by Stewart as a Principal chastising Cramer his naughty student:
" this is like Sherman's march through their companies financed by our 401k"
I also liked the taped piece revealing a much calmer, rational Cramer being a total hypocrite for doing the very things (selling short and recommending ways to artificially deflate stock) that he called out companies for doing.
When Stewart said, "I need Mad Money Cramer to protect me from, like you in that video, the one who knew in the ins and the outs of the business Cramer", I had to cheer.
Cramer also mentioned he is working with Congress... WTF? You are a freakin' TV personality with a series 7 license, regulatory powers you DO NOT have. What's next, Nancy Grace giving advice to the Attorney General or Wolf Blitzer entrenched in the Dept of Defense because his show is called "The Situation Room?"
I don't watch any of the above "kicking a** and taking names shows" for the very reason that they entertainment, not news worthy.
Bill thinks Cramer was sent out to clean up CNBC's very public mess and to serve as their whipping boy. The best thing for CNBC is by Monday for this feud to be out of the news cycle. Cramer's mea culpa was totally for show and staged to boot (as well as Stewart's obvious rehearsed condemnations.)
Thank you Stewart for pulling a Russert for old times sake. We are all better for a "fake" news network reporting what the real one missed.
Finished for Friday- Obama Version
Greetings from a state where it was a sunny 83 on Wed and 38 and raining today.
Since my school is attempting in save money by not turning on the air today is the polar extreme to wishing I had been teaching in a tank top on Wednesday.
I'm all for budget cuts but keeping the heat and air on should rank somewhere ahead of keeping an electiveson Feudal Japan with 6 kids (true from my old school).
Ok... gotten some kick butt stuff done this week so I can play this weekend.
1. Obama corner up in my classroom! I tried SO hard during the election to play both sides, but now he's the real deal it's natural to keep a shrine dedicated the current President, Right? Most proud of my authentic Washington Post dated 1/20/09
2. Organized and ran the NHS new member interest meeting on Wednesday. I planned for 75 interested kids. I stopped counting at 110. It's going to be alot of work this spring to read applications, essays, and recommendation letters. Think I'm old school? The application is 10 pages long and has a how to sheet attached. Either I have really high standards or I'm just a freakin' masochist to read all that.
3. Finished off plans for NHS Chick Fillet fundraiser on Monday night. Bring it on balloon animals and a big spin the wheel of free food we are doing!
4. Taxes DONE... but painful, have calls to make to avoid a 2009 repeat.
5. Set up more Dr appointments, checking on insurance coverage and certifications. Have I ever listened to SO much bad elevator music!
BIG HUGE Accomplishment- Decided and enrolled Ben for fall preschool. Post about the finalists earlier this week. I feel awesome that this is off the 2009 table.
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