Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Changing Direction
It was my intent, when I started this blog to feature more commentary on the benefits and problems I see with public education. I have kind of strayed from that to a degree, and while the personal stories are fine, I am hoping to change the direction back to the original idea of the whole endeavor.
I subscribe to various educational related websites (most of which are linked on the sidebar) and will be using those, as well as other resources to come up with ideas, as well as comment on articles written at those sites and others.
There will still be stories personal in nature, but expect to see more as well.
I subscribe to various educational related websites (most of which are linked on the sidebar) and will be using those, as well as other resources to come up with ideas, as well as comment on articles written at those sites and others.
There will still be stories personal in nature, but expect to see more as well.
Social Anxiety
Yup, I've got it.
I am quite comfortable with those I know but starting a conversation with a complete stranger? Not gonna happen.
I actually get all panicky and nervous when I am going to have to be in a situation in which I am not familiar with the surroundings or the people involved.
I even get nervous sometimes when I am doing something I have done hundreds of times (for example, driving to Boston tomorrow for Emily's 6 month checkup at Children's). I am not nervous about the appointment really, but I am dying thinking about driving in to Boston.
It's funny, because I don't think anyone would ever know how hard it can be for me to be social sometimes. When I speak in large groups of people (or even in smaller groups like at PTA), my stomach is in knots before my turn comes up. I do fine and even manage to sound confident but it's all an act.
I think this is tied to a lot of other things when it comes to my personality, but, I can't be sure. I know it has to do with my level of confidence, but sometimes I think it is just the way I am.
I am quite comfortable with those I know but starting a conversation with a complete stranger? Not gonna happen.
I actually get all panicky and nervous when I am going to have to be in a situation in which I am not familiar with the surroundings or the people involved.
I even get nervous sometimes when I am doing something I have done hundreds of times (for example, driving to Boston tomorrow for Emily's 6 month checkup at Children's). I am not nervous about the appointment really, but I am dying thinking about driving in to Boston.
It's funny, because I don't think anyone would ever know how hard it can be for me to be social sometimes. When I speak in large groups of people (or even in smaller groups like at PTA), my stomach is in knots before my turn comes up. I do fine and even manage to sound confident but it's all an act.
I think this is tied to a lot of other things when it comes to my personality, but, I can't be sure. I know it has to do with my level of confidence, but sometimes I think it is just the way I am.
Well Damn, I Could Have Told You That
| There's a 65% Chance That You Need Therapy |
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I Know What You're Thinking
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IEP Review/Determination
Julia's will be coming up any day now. The teachers and special service providers (OT, PT and Speech Pathologist) had until October 23rd to complete their evaluations. I am assuming I will get the meeting date in the mail this week or next.
As happy as I am of course, that she is making huge amounts of progress in all areas (most especially speech), I really, really hope she is still eligible. Preschool has done wonderful things for Julia. The social aspect of the whole thing alone has been fantastic for her, and believe me, with parents like Ryun and I, it's amazing to me that we have any kids at all that enjoy being social (hello Emily). Ryun would always prefer to be alone and me? I am sure I have some form of social anxiety disorder...more on that in another entry at the personal blog.
I will update here when the decision has been made.
As happy as I am of course, that she is making huge amounts of progress in all areas (most especially speech), I really, really hope she is still eligible. Preschool has done wonderful things for Julia. The social aspect of the whole thing alone has been fantastic for her, and believe me, with parents like Ryun and I, it's amazing to me that we have any kids at all that enjoy being social (hello Emily). Ryun would always prefer to be alone and me? I am sure I have some form of social anxiety disorder...more on that in another entry at the personal blog.
I will update here when the decision has been made.
Ahhh...
This is where I will be spending my weekend. My Creative Memories Consultant is hosting a weekend long scrap booking retreat which is what I asked for as a birthday gift for my entire family to go in on (parents, sisters, and Ryun and the girls). I am beyond excited. A weekend away, in a hotel by myself, scrapping all day and night? It sounds like heaven to me.
Monday, October 29, 2007
All I Ever Really Needed To Know
It occurs to me that I have never really expressed my views regarding how "unnecessary" school seems to me after a certain point. A somewhat heated conversation regarding educational funding at the Halloween party got me thinking about this again. The argument someone had was, in a nut shell, beyond the early years of learning to read, write, and do basic math, what did you really learn in middle and high school? Not much, or at least not much of relevance to "real life" is my guess.
"Well roundedness", it seems to me is the reason behind some of the classes you are required to take in later years. Foreign Language comes to mind, specifically. Aside from the fact that I have high doubts (and even did at the time) that I will ever use Spanish in my life, from my perspective, taking the class was a waste of 4 years time, given the fact that I barely remember how to say "hello", let alone anything else. While I enjoyed my American History class, aside from maybe being able to answer a few Trivial Pursuit questions that I otherwise might not have, I don't see it's relevance in my day to day life.
What do you think? Just how necessary is school after, say 5th grade?
All I Ever Really Needed to Know
I Learned in Kindergarten"
Robert Fulgham
Most of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in Kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sandbox at nursery school.
These are the things I learned..
Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life.
Learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.
Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the plastic cup? The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the plastic cup - they all die. So do we.
And then remember the book about Dick and Jane and the first word you learned, the biggest word of all: LOOK.
Everything you need to know is in there somewhere.
The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation.
Ecology and politics and sane living.
Think of what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world had cookies and milk about 3 o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankets for a nap. Or if we had a basic policy in our nation and other nations to always put things back where we found them and cleaned up our own messes. And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.
"Well roundedness", it seems to me is the reason behind some of the classes you are required to take in later years. Foreign Language comes to mind, specifically. Aside from the fact that I have high doubts (and even did at the time) that I will ever use Spanish in my life, from my perspective, taking the class was a waste of 4 years time, given the fact that I barely remember how to say "hello", let alone anything else. While I enjoyed my American History class, aside from maybe being able to answer a few Trivial Pursuit questions that I otherwise might not have, I don't see it's relevance in my day to day life.
What do you think? Just how necessary is school after, say 5th grade?
All I Ever Really Needed to Know
I Learned in Kindergarten"
Robert Fulgham
Most of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in Kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sandbox at nursery school.
These are the things I learned..
Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life.
Learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.
Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the plastic cup? The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the plastic cup - they all die. So do we.
And then remember the book about Dick and Jane and the first word you learned, the biggest word of all: LOOK.
Everything you need to know is in there somewhere.
The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation.
Ecology and politics and sane living.
Think of what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world had cookies and milk about 3 o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankets for a nap. Or if we had a basic policy in our nation and other nations to always put things back where we found them and cleaned up our own messes. And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.
World Series
I am so glad, so so glad that the Sox won in 4. I would have been happy if they had won in any amount of games of course, but winning in 4 was especially sweet, because let me tell you, if I had to stay up in to the early hours of the morning for one more night, I might have died. I would have done it of course, impending death or not, but still, I am glad I don't have to!
YAY SOX!
YAY SOX!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Frosting
I set out tonight to make a butter cream frosting for a cake I made for tomorrow nights festivities(The 10th Annual Halloween Party), with the recipe calling for the usual ingredients...confectioner's sugar, milk, vanilla extract and, of course butter. I went to get everything I needed out of the cabinets/refrigerator, only to discover that I had no vanilla extract. Knowing that the purpose of the extract was just to add flavoring, I decided to just use another "extract" I had on hand. I went with orange. Then to be all festive, I colored the frosting orange, and decorated the cake with candy corn. The end result? Frosting that tastes like an orange creamsicle! YUM!
I haven't tasted it mixed with the yellow cake and candy corn, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it will be sinfully good.
I haven't tasted it mixed with the yellow cake and candy corn, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it will be sinfully good.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Being A Parent Volunteer
A couple of weeks ago, I was asked to speak at the volunteer meetings being held at the MECC. I did so eagerly, even if I was asked the first time 5 minutes before the meeting started. I am a fairly confident speaker and how could I possibly be nervous speaking about one of my favorite things in the world?
I did well, at least from my perspective. Talking about being a parent volunteer, my love of the Middleboro School System, and being an active member of the PTA, even off the cuff, is something I never have trouble with.
I focussed mostly on what it meant to me personally, but also pointed out what a positive effect I think it has on the kids. I also discussed how being a parent volunteer keeps you "in the know." I love feeling like I have an inside track on what is going on.
I am always happy to speak on what it means to be a part of the Middleboro Schools family, even if I feel that words can't always adequately describe.
I did well, at least from my perspective. Talking about being a parent volunteer, my love of the Middleboro School System, and being an active member of the PTA, even off the cuff, is something I never have trouble with.
I focussed mostly on what it meant to me personally, but also pointed out what a positive effect I think it has on the kids. I also discussed how being a parent volunteer keeps you "in the know." I love feeling like I have an inside track on what is going on.
I am always happy to speak on what it means to be a part of the Middleboro Schools family, even if I feel that words can't always adequately describe.
Because I have nothing better for you...
...here is a list of the presets on my Sirius:
Starlite (lite pop)
60's Vibrations
Totally 70's
Big 80's
Radio Disney
Kids Stuff
New Country
Prime Country (90's country)
The Roadhouse (classic country)
The Bridge (mellow rock)
Radio Margaritaville (Buffett and others)
E Street Radio (The Boss, of course)
Siriusly Sinatra (no explanation needed)
Broadway's Best
The most listened to(in order from most to least):
New Country ( by a wide margin)
Radio Disney (Kids, what can I tell ya?)
80's
Siriusly Sinatra (it's Frank people, c'mon)
Broadway's Best
Starlite (lite pop)
60's Vibrations
Totally 70's
Big 80's
Radio Disney
Kids Stuff
New Country
Prime Country (90's country)
The Roadhouse (classic country)
The Bridge (mellow rock)
Radio Margaritaville (Buffett and others)
E Street Radio (The Boss, of course)
Siriusly Sinatra (no explanation needed)
Broadway's Best
The most listened to(in order from most to least):
New Country ( by a wide margin)
Radio Disney (Kids, what can I tell ya?)
80's
Siriusly Sinatra (it's Frank people, c'mon)
Broadway's Best
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Homework: Outlawed
You know, I find it contradicting that so much emphasis is put on spending quality family time together when most of that time is spent fighting (or getting aggravated with) your kid about how to do homework. Just how "quality" is that?
While I am on the subject, I was thinking the other day about how much homework Katherine has in 2nd grade. She usually has two papers, one math and one reading, spelling or English paper. On top of that, her teacher sends home a book bag with two to three books in it, which she is expected to read, record and re-read each night. Then, because she is receiving extra help with reading through Title I, she has a book that she brings home each night to read and record. I am a big advocate for literacy and am a big reader myself, but this seems just a little over the top. She gets home at 4, is in bed by 7-7:30 and has to squeeze in dinner and occasionally and extra curricular activity or two, on top of the homework load. Never mind if she wants a little free time to, you know, just be a kid. There have been a number of occasions in which I have gotten her up a little early in the morning to read one of the books, or finish her spelling or math. Thank God she is the "easy" kid when it comes to homework, and the above mentioned fighting really doesn't happen with her.
Anyway....homework...what are your feelings on the subject?
While I am on the subject, I was thinking the other day about how much homework Katherine has in 2nd grade. She usually has two papers, one math and one reading, spelling or English paper. On top of that, her teacher sends home a book bag with two to three books in it, which she is expected to read, record and re-read each night. Then, because she is receiving extra help with reading through Title I, she has a book that she brings home each night to read and record. I am a big advocate for literacy and am a big reader myself, but this seems just a little over the top. She gets home at 4, is in bed by 7-7:30 and has to squeeze in dinner and occasionally and extra curricular activity or two, on top of the homework load. Never mind if she wants a little free time to, you know, just be a kid. There have been a number of occasions in which I have gotten her up a little early in the morning to read one of the books, or finish her spelling or math. Thank God she is the "easy" kid when it comes to homework, and the above mentioned fighting really doesn't happen with her.
Anyway....homework...what are your feelings on the subject?
If I have come to one realization since having school-age children...
...it's this:
Math sucks. Math will always suck.
Can someone please tell me how I will survive high school math if fricking 5th grade math makes my brain hurt?
If someone else can tell me why it has suddenly become necessary for a 5th grader to know square roots, algebra and geometry, that would be great too.
Can we all say federal mandates? Sure we can.
Ugh.
Math sucks. Math will always suck.
Can someone please tell me how I will survive high school math if fricking 5th grade math makes my brain hurt?
If someone else can tell me why it has suddenly become necessary for a 5th grader to know square roots, algebra and geometry, that would be great too.
Can we all say federal mandates? Sure we can.
Ugh.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Why My Kids Rock
For many reasons of course, not the least of which is this:
They are 80's music worshippers like me.
Case-in-point: I was getting Julia off of the potty when she said, "Get me up before you go" followed shortly by, "Wake me up before you go-go."
They are 80's music worshippers like me.
Case-in-point: I was getting Julia off of the potty when she said, "Get me up before you go" followed shortly by, "Wake me up before you go-go."
October In New England
What Eric said. Of course, he says it much better than I ever could, because he's awesome like that. Seriously.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Speaking of tree hugging save the world freaks...
...Ryun went out and invested in those newfangled energy saver light bulbs. I think he was thinking more of saving money as opposed to saving energy of course.
Anyway, the timing behind his decision to do this was a little odd, because it came just after someone at the PTA meeting mentioned selling light bulbs as a fund raiser. I thought this was odd but looked it up online and found a number of references to non-profits selling energy saver light bulbs that were donated by various vendors and/or electric companies, and turning 100 % profit. I also came upon the Energy Star website and their newest campaign, called, "Change a Light Bulb, Save The World." Heroes reference intentional or not, I couldn't help but be drawn in by the catchy tagline. I found an amazing amount of information, ideas and resources, most of which I have printed out for reference. My reading helped generate many of my own ideas, which I really think, with a lot of time and effort on my part could be a part of the week-long Earth Day Celebrations that take place at the Elementary Schools each year. I usually help out in some way or another during that week anyway, and with the Entertainment Book fundraiser well behind me come the new year, I really think I could turn it all in to something fun and educational for the kids.
So we'll see what happens after I formulate an actual plan (as opposed to the millions of ideas running around my head right now).
Anyway, the timing behind his decision to do this was a little odd, because it came just after someone at the PTA meeting mentioned selling light bulbs as a fund raiser. I thought this was odd but looked it up online and found a number of references to non-profits selling energy saver light bulbs that were donated by various vendors and/or electric companies, and turning 100 % profit. I also came upon the Energy Star website and their newest campaign, called, "Change a Light Bulb, Save The World." Heroes reference intentional or not, I couldn't help but be drawn in by the catchy tagline. I found an amazing amount of information, ideas and resources, most of which I have printed out for reference. My reading helped generate many of my own ideas, which I really think, with a lot of time and effort on my part could be a part of the week-long Earth Day Celebrations that take place at the Elementary Schools each year. I usually help out in some way or another during that week anyway, and with the Entertainment Book fundraiser well behind me come the new year, I really think I could turn it all in to something fun and educational for the kids.
So we'll see what happens after I formulate an actual plan (as opposed to the millions of ideas running around my head right now).
Shame
I drove out to "Casino Country" (aka North Middleboro) this morning and took some foliage pictures. If you ask me, it's a damn shame that those woods are going to be town down to build a casino, or to build anything for that matter. It's not that I am a "tree-hugging, save the world freak" or something. It's just so darn pretty.
At the rate this world is going, scenic views are going to go from beautiful fields of green to buildings of architectural beauty. That's not to say that architectural beauty should be discounted, but shouldn't some things just remain...as they are?
At the rate this world is going, scenic views are going to go from beautiful fields of green to buildings of architectural beauty. That's not to say that architectural beauty should be discounted, but shouldn't some things just remain...as they are?
Pictures From Aunty
These were taken by a friend of Suzanne's this weekend. Adorable, aren't they? Oh, and Emily? She has to be one of the most photogenic people I have ever seen.
Katherine
I have Katherine home with me today. She has her typical, "worst cough ever" that she always gets at this time of year. It's a strange thing...she doesn't get any other symptoms of a cold, runny nose, sinus headache or anything else. It's just this horrendous cough, that won't quit, is especially worse at night, and cough medicine won't touch. The poor kid's chest hurts from the intensity of the cough, and her throat is irritated to boot. Propping her up seems to help a bit, but the best thing seems to be the cool mist humidifier which silly mommy didn't think of until late last night, after 2-3 nights of non stop coughing.
This time of year (October-March) seems to be tough on her. She usually winds up with 2-3 bouts of this god-awful cough (lasting for up to two weeks or so). For a number of years it was prime ear infection time for her, mainly her right ear, and to the point one year that surgery was mentioned, and last year it was the never-ending bout of strep throat. I think she had it five times in 2 months! Eventually, some super drug killed it. I am sure this crazy weather this year is not helping. I am not really complaining about the weather...I would actually prefer this over the snow and cold but it just seems wrong in October. That, and I have already put away 99% of our summer clothes.
Anyway, poor Katherine.
This time of year (October-March) seems to be tough on her. She usually winds up with 2-3 bouts of this god-awful cough (lasting for up to two weeks or so). For a number of years it was prime ear infection time for her, mainly her right ear, and to the point one year that surgery was mentioned, and last year it was the never-ending bout of strep throat. I think she had it five times in 2 months! Eventually, some super drug killed it. I am sure this crazy weather this year is not helping. I am not really complaining about the weather...I would actually prefer this over the snow and cold but it just seems wrong in October. That, and I have already put away 99% of our summer clothes.
Anyway, poor Katherine.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Weekend
On a spur of the moment type plan, Ryun and I ended up with one kid this weekend. Heather took the older two Friday night, and will be bringing them up to Suzanne's Saturday, to spend the night there. Julia probably would have gone too, but, transportation home would have been a problem with Suzanne's car, which only seats 5. So instead, Julia's had a nice quiet weekend with Mom and Dad.
She has slept late both mornings...8:15 I think it was which was especially nice for Ryun and I. Emily and Katherine are almost always up by 7, sometimes earlier, and never later than 7:30, so we got a little extra sleep. For me, the timing was perfect, as I was up until almost 2am on Thursday night, and late again last night watching the game. Tonight is bound to be another late one, as the final game of the ALCS is on tonight. GO SOX!
We took Julia out to lunch and to do a little shopping yesterday. She was so well behaved, it was almost frightening. I mean, she is three you know! I think she really enjoyed her time with just Mom and Dad. Dividing your attention between three kids (and one in particular who seems to dominate the need for attention) can be a tough thing so, for her the undivided attention for two whole days was nice.
Today, I am heading over to my parents with Julia to pick up Emily and Katherine. Suzanne was heading down there for dinner anyway, so the sleepover plan worked well.
She has slept late both mornings...8:15 I think it was which was especially nice for Ryun and I. Emily and Katherine are almost always up by 7, sometimes earlier, and never later than 7:30, so we got a little extra sleep. For me, the timing was perfect, as I was up until almost 2am on Thursday night, and late again last night watching the game. Tonight is bound to be another late one, as the final game of the ALCS is on tonight. GO SOX!
We took Julia out to lunch and to do a little shopping yesterday. She was so well behaved, it was almost frightening. I mean, she is three you know! I think she really enjoyed her time with just Mom and Dad. Dividing your attention between three kids (and one in particular who seems to dominate the need for attention) can be a tough thing so, for her the undivided attention for two whole days was nice.
Today, I am heading over to my parents with Julia to pick up Emily and Katherine. Suzanne was heading down there for dinner anyway, so the sleepover plan worked well.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Train
The only good thing about doing the Entertainment books: Julia had fun playing with the empty boxes!
Painted Pumpkins
In order we have Julia's, Katherine's, Emily's and mine. I ended up donating the two small ones we had left to Julia's classroom, but we still have to large ones to carve this weekend.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
So of course...
...I make the trip to CVS to get the pictures on disc, and blogger is having issues with posting images. Such is life, right? Pictures coming...sometime.
You know you go to Dunkin Donuts too much when...
...the woman at the drive thru recognizes my voice, thinks it sounds different and asks me when I get to window, "Are you getting a cold?"
Which by the way, I guess I am. My mother asked me the same question when I spoke with her this morning, to which I answered no. If two people think I am getting one, I must be, right? I certainly am not feeling any of the usual cold-like symptoms, but I suppose it could explain the general feeling or irritability I have about me today. I feel like I do just before that time of month (ready to kill the next person that looks at me the wrong way, for those who were wondering) but, I just got over it, so it can't be that. The other alternative is that there could be absolutely no reason for my feeling this way which would mean something else altogether. So we'll just say it's the apparent onset of a cold, and leave it at that.
Anyway, that is all. I have, as usual, a zillion things to do.
Which by the way, I guess I am. My mother asked me the same question when I spoke with her this morning, to which I answered no. If two people think I am getting one, I must be, right? I certainly am not feeling any of the usual cold-like symptoms, but I suppose it could explain the general feeling or irritability I have about me today. I feel like I do just before that time of month (ready to kill the next person that looks at me the wrong way, for those who were wondering) but, I just got over it, so it can't be that. The other alternative is that there could be absolutely no reason for my feeling this way which would mean something else altogether. So we'll just say it's the apparent onset of a cold, and leave it at that.
Anyway, that is all. I have, as usual, a zillion things to do.
Monday, October 15, 2007
How I Know Hunting Season Has Begun
I woke up this morning to gun shots echoing through the woods. The sound was relatively close actually, but the woods out back are vast, and I am sure the they were further away then they sounded.
When we lived at our old house down the street, we could actually see the hunters, in their bright orange vests with rifles slung over their backs. I was concerned with how close they were at that point and actually called the Fisheries and Wildlife Department to find out what the regulations were regarding hunting that close to a house. If I remember correctly, it was 500 feet. By my guess, they were at least that far away, maybe more.
I am not a big fan of the idea of hunting for "fun" but seriously, does it get anymore "country" then waking up to gunshots in your back yard?
When we lived at our old house down the street, we could actually see the hunters, in their bright orange vests with rifles slung over their backs. I was concerned with how close they were at that point and actually called the Fisheries and Wildlife Department to find out what the regulations were regarding hunting that close to a house. If I remember correctly, it was 500 feet. By my guess, they were at least that far away, maybe more.
I am not a big fan of the idea of hunting for "fun" but seriously, does it get anymore "country" then waking up to gunshots in your back yard?
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Further Commentary On Dinner
In the post before this one, I mentioned cooking a meal that yields not complaints being a feat of some sort. I suppose I should have prefaced that by saying that I am not a bad cook, I just have two picky kids, one in particular.
I've discovered that Julia, despite her troubles early on with food, will pretty much eat, or at least try anything that is put in front of her. She is a big meat eater, even if she does call every type of meat chicken. She always seems to want seconds when it comes to steak especially. Other than that, she really likes corn, and LOVES broccoli. It was kind of funny, when she was first learning the names of foods, she would identify them by their color ("Can I have some more green?" when referring to peas for example).
Emily is not too bad as far as being picky about what she eats, but she has definite dislikes, such as corn (unless it's on the cob) and peas. She prefers beef over poultry, but would probably prefer pork above all else.
Katherine? Last week she LOVED mashed potatoes. This week...she might just die if she has to eat them. "Carrots are my favorite vegetable Mom" turns in to, "I used to like these, but now I don't." Getting her to try something new is akin to asking her to cut her arm off, and enjoy it at that.
So tonight, when I made chicken quesadillas, oddly for the first time ever, and all parties involved were happy, I contemplated making them every night. Of course, making them every night would completely kill their appeal. It was nice to have a meal that involved no complaining though.
I've discovered that Julia, despite her troubles early on with food, will pretty much eat, or at least try anything that is put in front of her. She is a big meat eater, even if she does call every type of meat chicken. She always seems to want seconds when it comes to steak especially. Other than that, she really likes corn, and LOVES broccoli. It was kind of funny, when she was first learning the names of foods, she would identify them by their color ("Can I have some more green?" when referring to peas for example).
Emily is not too bad as far as being picky about what she eats, but she has definite dislikes, such as corn (unless it's on the cob) and peas. She prefers beef over poultry, but would probably prefer pork above all else.
Katherine? Last week she LOVED mashed potatoes. This week...she might just die if she has to eat them. "Carrots are my favorite vegetable Mom" turns in to, "I used to like these, but now I don't." Getting her to try something new is akin to asking her to cut her arm off, and enjoy it at that.
So tonight, when I made chicken quesadillas, oddly for the first time ever, and all parties involved were happy, I contemplated making them every night. Of course, making them every night would completely kill their appeal. It was nice to have a meal that involved no complaining though.
Lazy Sundays...
...are like, the best thing ever. Technically, I wasn't even that lazy considering I got a good chunk of the laundry done and cleaned the kitchen so, I guess a better way of phrasing it would be, "Family Sundays." I love the weekend days which involve hanging around the house all day with the family, leaving only to procure coffee. We painted pumpkins, which I would have pictures to share here if my damn camera wasn't broken (I can take pictures but the place where I plug the cord in to upload is broken). I have a bunch of pictures I need to get off the camera so I really should make the trip to CVS and get them on disc. Smart Mommy decided that since it was a nice day, we would paint them out on the deck, saving the kitchen from the mess that undoubtedly results when three kids and an adult paint. Julia thought is was fun, but was more interested in running around in the back yard than in painting. Katherine showed off some mad skills painting a really scary face on her pumpkin and Emily honored the method of abstract art, painting her whole pumpkin in what appeared to be a random design. I went with stripes, because I am boring, but it ended up looking like one of those painted pumpkins you find in stores (not that I am bragging or anything). We have two pumpkins left to carve, but, in order to prevent them from rotting before Halloween, we decided to hold off and make that next weekends fun fall activity.
Anyway, it was a nice day, ending with what turned out to be a nice dinner (mainly because everyone ate it without complaint). I will post the recipe at some point here but when I manage to cook a meal that yields no complaints from anyone, I feel all accomplished.
Anyway, it was a nice day, ending with what turned out to be a nice dinner (mainly because everyone ate it without complaint). I will post the recipe at some point here but when I manage to cook a meal that yields no complaints from anyone, I feel all accomplished.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
MCAS Weirdness
In 3rd grade, Emily took the MCAS in the classroom, with the distraction of other students and whatever classroom distractions there may have been. She scored Proficient in both English and Math.
This past school year (4th grade), she took the test in a small conference room, with 3-5 other students. This was an accommodation added to her existing 504 plan, per her teacher's request. We just got the 4th grade results and she got "Needs Improvement" in both areas.
So with the Math, I can totally see this being a "true to life" result. I know it's more of a struggle for her (mainly due to the logical, organized way in which Math must be done). With the English though? The girl has an 8th grade spelling level and and a 10th grade reading level (this according to her neuro-psych eval done in January of this year). That aside, my own observations of her skill in this year, combined with her self expressed enjoyment of it, leads me to assume that something was just off on that day. It also makes me wonder if, despite the distractions of a classroom setting, she might do better in that situation.
This also proves, at least to me that passing the MCAS should not be the sole indicator of whether or not a child graduates high school, as Emily seems to indicate that sometimes, you can just have an "off day."
This past school year (4th grade), she took the test in a small conference room, with 3-5 other students. This was an accommodation added to her existing 504 plan, per her teacher's request. We just got the 4th grade results and she got "Needs Improvement" in both areas.
So with the Math, I can totally see this being a "true to life" result. I know it's more of a struggle for her (mainly due to the logical, organized way in which Math must be done). With the English though? The girl has an 8th grade spelling level and and a 10th grade reading level (this according to her neuro-psych eval done in January of this year). That aside, my own observations of her skill in this year, combined with her self expressed enjoyment of it, leads me to assume that something was just off on that day. It also makes me wonder if, despite the distractions of a classroom setting, she might do better in that situation.
This also proves, at least to me that passing the MCAS should not be the sole indicator of whether or not a child graduates high school, as Emily seems to indicate that sometimes, you can just have an "off day."
Thursday, October 11, 2007
New to the list of songs that make me cry...
...every time I hear it we have:
Quite frankly, I'm not sure how he actually sings it with out breaking down himself.
Quite frankly, I'm not sure how he actually sings it with out breaking down himself.
Halloween
Just because I am so darn creative (yeah right), I have decided to make Emily and Katherine's costumes this year. I went online with them and looked at a bunch of different options and they both decided on this:
They had both expressed an interest in being "Diva-like Pop Stars" which I figured wouldn't be too difficult. I found feather boas on Ebay dirt cheap and after some quick thinking realized they already have outfits to wear that will work. At the beginning of the school year I bought them both velour pant suits...Katherine's is black and Emily's red. I am going to use double sided tape to attach the feather boa around the pant legs, and am going to use painted old paper towel rolls with styrofoam balls rolled in glitter for the microphones. I will probably buy some glitter for their face and hair, and have Mimi do their hair all fancy for the day of.
Julia is going to be a "butterfly princess," which was decided the other day in Rite Aid, where I happen to find butterfly wings, a wand and a tiara for a total of $7.99. She has a cute purple dress already and all she will need is some tights.
YAY for being all organized in advance!
They had both expressed an interest in being "Diva-like Pop Stars" which I figured wouldn't be too difficult. I found feather boas on Ebay dirt cheap and after some quick thinking realized they already have outfits to wear that will work. At the beginning of the school year I bought them both velour pant suits...Katherine's is black and Emily's red. I am going to use double sided tape to attach the feather boa around the pant legs, and am going to use painted old paper towel rolls with styrofoam balls rolled in glitter for the microphones. I will probably buy some glitter for their face and hair, and have Mimi do their hair all fancy for the day of.
Julia is going to be a "butterfly princess," which was decided the other day in Rite Aid, where I happen to find butterfly wings, a wand and a tiara for a total of $7.99. She has a cute purple dress already and all she will need is some tights.
YAY for being all organized in advance!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
You Know What's Bad?
When a math problem actually looks logical to me. Emily brought home a paper the other night that required a "process of elimination" type of attack and it was so far beyond her scope that even I was getting aggravated with her inability to "get it."
The basic problems looked like this: Find the two numbers who sum is 548. There was a box with numbers to chose next to it and numbers could only be used once. I immediately eliminated all numbers above 548. It seemed "no-brainer" like to me but Emily just couldn't seem to grasp it. Even after helping her through this part of it, she was having trouble with how to go through and use a "process of elimination" approach to getting the answer (for example taking two high numbers that weren't 548 but say 340 and 432 and just knowing that those two numbers would add up to be well above 548). It's this kind of logical, thinking, these kind of reasoning skills that seem so obvious to me that Emily tends to struggle with. It gets so frustrating sometimes, for her obviously, but for me too. It just seems like she should understand the logic behind the whole thing, and I don't know how to explain it to her in way that will click.
The basic problems looked like this: Find the two numbers who sum is 548. There was a box with numbers to chose next to it and numbers could only be used once. I immediately eliminated all numbers above 548. It seemed "no-brainer" like to me but Emily just couldn't seem to grasp it. Even after helping her through this part of it, she was having trouble with how to go through and use a "process of elimination" approach to getting the answer (for example taking two high numbers that weren't 548 but say 340 and 432 and just knowing that those two numbers would add up to be well above 548). It's this kind of logical, thinking, these kind of reasoning skills that seem so obvious to me that Emily tends to struggle with. It gets so frustrating sometimes, for her obviously, but for me too. It just seems like she should understand the logic behind the whole thing, and I don't know how to explain it to her in way that will click.
If I were going to vote for the next president...
...right now, without any further research, I would probably vote for Fred Thompson, if based on just this statement alone:
A well-educated citizenry is vital to our security, our economy, and our democracy. Despite the tens of billions of dollars spent on education by Washington each year, and the hundreds of federal education programs now in place, our children are still falling behind, particularly in subjects crucial to the global economy in which we live. At a time when America is behind other developed countries in education excellence, the federal role in education is too intrusive and too bureaucratic, and has become part of the problem. State and local governments are closest to the parents, the kids, and the schools, and best situated to implement changes and innovations that best educate children. I am committed to:
• Giving parents more choices in education and schools less bureaucracy.
• Reviewing federal programs for cost-effectiveness, reducing federal mandates, returning education money to the states, and empowering parents by promoting voucher programs, charter schools, and other innovations that enhance education excellence through competition and choice.
• Encouraging students and teachers to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math—fields that are crucial to our security, competitiveness, and prosperity.
• Promoting transparency to assess performance, promote accountability, and share innovations in education at all levels.
Stolen from the Fred 08 Campaign Website.
A well-educated citizenry is vital to our security, our economy, and our democracy. Despite the tens of billions of dollars spent on education by Washington each year, and the hundreds of federal education programs now in place, our children are still falling behind, particularly in subjects crucial to the global economy in which we live. At a time when America is behind other developed countries in education excellence, the federal role in education is too intrusive and too bureaucratic, and has become part of the problem. State and local governments are closest to the parents, the kids, and the schools, and best situated to implement changes and innovations that best educate children. I am committed to:
• Giving parents more choices in education and schools less bureaucracy.
• Reviewing federal programs for cost-effectiveness, reducing federal mandates, returning education money to the states, and empowering parents by promoting voucher programs, charter schools, and other innovations that enhance education excellence through competition and choice.
• Encouraging students and teachers to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math—fields that are crucial to our security, competitiveness, and prosperity.
• Promoting transparency to assess performance, promote accountability, and share innovations in education at all levels.
Stolen from the Fred 08 Campaign Website.
Crocs
I was quite skeptical about them at first to be honest with you. People were ranting and raving about them...how comfortable they were and apparently, how good they were for your feet. I thought they were ugly. I sort of still do, thought they are growing on me. Not wanting to miss out on the craze, I decided to try a pair on, and eventually ended up buying a pair. I think, it would be safe to say, that I am now an addict. I am glad I bought a semi neutral color (khaki) that basically goes with just about anything because at $30 per pair, it's not like I could actually afford to get more than a pair or two. Even better than just crocs? Crocs with socks. The comfort level is something compared to a slipper, and perhaps even more so. I can't wait to try the new mammoths (lined crocs for the winter...yay!).
How seriously...
...do you take your dreams? Do you believe that some dreams are a direct reflection of what's going on in your life or what's to come? Or, do you believe that dreams are random, with no meaning or symbolism behind them at all?
I strongly believe that dreams are a influential indicator of what is going on in my life. I dream, or I should say remember my dreams constantly. It's not often that I have a dream that doesn't have some huge, symbolic meaning. I can honestly tell you that my dreams are one major way of my determining how I feel in my waking life. Dreams that involve teeth, cats, and rape (not all at once mind you) are in most cases directly related to how I am feeling (powerless, violated, anxious etc). Dreams that involve clear, calm water, dolphins, and deer (again, not all at once) mean that I am feeling, in touch with my spiritual self, peaceful and calm. Of course, some dreams are directly related to specific real life situations (for example last night, when I had a dream that involved my sister reeling in pain, rolling around on the floor, after hearing that in real life, she had just spent the day in the ER with what appears to be gallbladder issues).
Lately, my dreams have been very conflicting, not the dreams themselves but conflicting with each other. A few weeks ago, I had a dream that I was raped. While I didn't actually see it happen, it was clear in my dream that it had. I woke up crying, unsure of why at first, and then the dream slowly came back. The next night I had a dream I was swimming in clear and calm water with dolphins. A few nights later, I had a dream that my teeth were crumbling and falling from my mouth. Not too long after that, I had a dream that I was in the woods, watching a deer eat. I have become so good at analyzing my own dreams that I almost don't even need to look them up any more. Alarming as the recent dreams may seem to some, for me, it actually couldn't have been any more connected to my waking life, and really, rather than being alarming, they have been more "realization-like" then anything.
Anyway, how do you feel about dreams?
I strongly believe that dreams are a influential indicator of what is going on in my life. I dream, or I should say remember my dreams constantly. It's not often that I have a dream that doesn't have some huge, symbolic meaning. I can honestly tell you that my dreams are one major way of my determining how I feel in my waking life. Dreams that involve teeth, cats, and rape (not all at once mind you) are in most cases directly related to how I am feeling (powerless, violated, anxious etc). Dreams that involve clear, calm water, dolphins, and deer (again, not all at once) mean that I am feeling, in touch with my spiritual self, peaceful and calm. Of course, some dreams are directly related to specific real life situations (for example last night, when I had a dream that involved my sister reeling in pain, rolling around on the floor, after hearing that in real life, she had just spent the day in the ER with what appears to be gallbladder issues).
Lately, my dreams have been very conflicting, not the dreams themselves but conflicting with each other. A few weeks ago, I had a dream that I was raped. While I didn't actually see it happen, it was clear in my dream that it had. I woke up crying, unsure of why at first, and then the dream slowly came back. The next night I had a dream I was swimming in clear and calm water with dolphins. A few nights later, I had a dream that my teeth were crumbling and falling from my mouth. Not too long after that, I had a dream that I was in the woods, watching a deer eat. I have become so good at analyzing my own dreams that I almost don't even need to look them up any more. Alarming as the recent dreams may seem to some, for me, it actually couldn't have been any more connected to my waking life, and really, rather than being alarming, they have been more "realization-like" then anything.
Anyway, how do you feel about dreams?
Superstar
Julia's classroom has a "Star of the Week." Each week, the teacher will pick a child, and their picture will hang on the "Star of the Week" bulletin board. Parents were asked to design a star of the week paper, that will be laminated and used to hang when their child was picked. This what I came up with.
Scrapbooking skills came in to play nicely for this project.
Scrapbooking skills came in to play nicely for this project.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Reading
If you are a reader, how many books can you (or do you) usually read at once? I usually have at least 2 going at a time, but tend to save any heavy reading (or reading of the "I must remember this" type) for the daylight hours. I read every night before bed, which is when I do my "pleasure reading."
Monday, October 8, 2007
Super Hero
Your results:
You are Wonder Woman
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test
Via Jay.
You are Wonder Woman
| You are a beautiful princess with great strength of character.  |
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test
Via Jay.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Emily...
...is at her first ever sleepover at a friends house. The friends happens to be Ryun's Uncle's wife's sister's kid (two points if you understood that...ha ha ha) so I feel a little less nervous about it then I would normally. It's just weird, not having your kid here and not feeling "safe" knowing that they are at your sister's or parents house. I figure though, if the "Oh my God, what if the world ends and my baby is not with me" mommy cans survive the first one, than the rest of the sleepovers should be easy.
We've had a nice weekend. We spent Saturday morning helping my sister move. It went smoothly, thanks in part to my super strong husband and father who pretty much were the "movers." We left early afternoon and went to a cookout/pumpkin picking party at Ryun's uncle's house. Somehow, we managed to come home with eight pumpkins with only three kids picking them. Hey, I don't know...you do the math. After that, we brought the kids back to my sister's who kept them overnight so Ryun and I could go out to dinner in honor of my birthday. We ended up heading home to shower and clean up, then walked around Plymouth a little while (including a little detour up Burial Hill, in which I was too afraid to disturb the spirits so I stayed at the bottom while Ryun expored) and then finally to the East Bay Grill, where we took advantage of the nice weather and ate outside on the patio.
Tomorrow, after picking Emily up, we will be heading to the Cranberry Festival at Edaville. We try to go every year. It makes for a great family day together, which, with life's busy schedule, seem to be too far and few between.
We've had a nice weekend. We spent Saturday morning helping my sister move. It went smoothly, thanks in part to my super strong husband and father who pretty much were the "movers." We left early afternoon and went to a cookout/pumpkin picking party at Ryun's uncle's house. Somehow, we managed to come home with eight pumpkins with only three kids picking them. Hey, I don't know...you do the math. After that, we brought the kids back to my sister's who kept them overnight so Ryun and I could go out to dinner in honor of my birthday. We ended up heading home to shower and clean up, then walked around Plymouth a little while (including a little detour up Burial Hill, in which I was too afraid to disturb the spirits so I stayed at the bottom while Ryun expored) and then finally to the East Bay Grill, where we took advantage of the nice weather and ate outside on the patio.
Tomorrow, after picking Emily up, we will be heading to the Cranberry Festival at Edaville. We try to go every year. It makes for a great family day together, which, with life's busy schedule, seem to be too far and few between.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Deadlines
How hard is it for you to meet them?
Me...I do much better when someone else passes one down to me than with self imposed ones. If you tell me that you need xyz done by tomorrow, you can bet, barring any life threatening emergency, xyz will be done tomorrow. If I decide though, that I want, say all of the laundry done and put away by Friday, there is pretty much no way it will be, unless the only other option would be leaving the house in the nude. Laundry would be done then.
How about you?
Me...I do much better when someone else passes one down to me than with self imposed ones. If you tell me that you need xyz done by tomorrow, you can bet, barring any life threatening emergency, xyz will be done tomorrow. If I decide though, that I want, say all of the laundry done and put away by Friday, there is pretty much no way it will be, unless the only other option would be leaving the house in the nude. Laundry would be done then.
How about you?
Julia: Apparently, Not A Morning Person
This morning, I heard Julia over the monitor. I could tell I was going to catch her just she was waking, as I could hear her yawning or stretching. So, I walked up to her room, and found her stilled curled up and snuggly in her blankets. When she looked up at me, I got the "I'm an evil three year old" look and, she growled, "I am sleeping in my crib. I don't want to be cute yet."
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Oh God
The other day, Julia had brought some of her toys in my office. She likes to do that when I am in here, as it seems that sometimes, the living room is even too far away for her to be from me. Anyway, I was leaving the office and told her to get her toys and bring them back in to the living room. This is how the conversation went:
Me: "Julia, it's time to leave the office. Please get your toys and bring them back to the livingroom."
Julia: "I don't want to, Mama."
Me: "If you don't bring them back, you are going to be in trouble."
Julia: "Well, then I guess I'll just be in trouble."
She reminded me so much of Ryun and Emily at that moment in time, I can't even explain.
Me: "Julia, it's time to leave the office. Please get your toys and bring them back to the livingroom."
Julia: "I don't want to, Mama."
Me: "If you don't bring them back, you are going to be in trouble."
Julia: "Well, then I guess I'll just be in trouble."
She reminded me so much of Ryun and Emily at that moment in time, I can't even explain.
Photography Update
I am currently in the process of making what I am calling a "demo" book, with samples of many pictures (scenic and otherwise i have taken). I am also in the process of making a list of shots I want to take, including many right here in Middleboro...the Herring Run on 28, the fields over on 105 heading toward Halifax, the woods out behind the train tracks at my old house (not sure of exactly how I am going to go about this yet) and some shots of the downtown area. I have blown up several of my favorite already taken shots to 8x10, and have purchased the mats from Michael's (which was having an incredible sale a few weeks back). I even had business cards printed up and notecards made. I feel like I have made a lot of progress with all of this, but, I still have a lot to do, just the same. At least it's fun "work" though!
Apparently...
...all I need to get some of the Entertainment Books done, is, well, nothing else to do. Emily and Katherine had there combo class at the Jungle Gym yesterday. The class is 1 1/2 hours long, and it's about 20-25 minutes from our house. It seems pointless to drive all of the way back home to spend a short period of time there before having to turn around to go back and get them. So, I usually just stay, or run errands in the general area. Last night, I decided to bring some of the book orders with me and work on them in the birthday room while the kids were in class. I managed to get two pretty big stacks done, and now that I have finally started, am feeling motivated to keep going. YAY! I can not wait to be done with this, if not for just being able to get all of the boxes out of my house! After all is said and done with the order tallying and delivery of the books that were ordered above and beyond the demo book, all that will be left will be prize ordering and delivery and then I will be done. Surprisingly, as much as I have been dreading this, it seems like the bulk of the hard work is over (sorting the books by classroom, delivering them, picking up orders and returned books etc). This part of the job just seems easier for whatever reason.
Anyway, YAY for motivation and getting these books done!
Anyway, YAY for motivation and getting these books done!
Monday, October 1, 2007
Television: What I Am Watching: The Update
I have decided not to watch:
Kid Nation
Gossip Girl
Private Practice
and have added to the list:
Bionic Woman (VERY WELL DONE)
Pushing Daises
I still have to watch the premiere of Life, before any decisions about that show will be made. I am going hang in there with Journeyman for another few weeks and see if reels me in a bit more. It looked like it had some serious potential but didn't move fast enough for me.
Of course, I will be continuing with:
K-Ville
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
LOST
Heroes
Bones
American Idol
Wildfire
ER
October Road
Survivor
The Biggest Loser
Kid Nation
Gossip Girl
Private Practice
and have added to the list:
Bionic Woman (VERY WELL DONE)
Pushing Daises
I still have to watch the premiere of Life, before any decisions about that show will be made. I am going hang in there with Journeyman for another few weeks and see if reels me in a bit more. It looked like it had some serious potential but didn't move fast enough for me.
Of course, I will be continuing with:
K-Ville
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
LOST
Heroes
Bones
American Idol
Wildfire
ER
October Road
Survivor
The Biggest Loser
Grant Writing and PTA Partners
In thinking about the enormity of the Entertainment book project, and the utter lack of enjoyment I am getting from it, I have decided not to do fund raising again next year. It is way too much work, more than I am willing to do (especially when it infringes on my summer) and it's causing me more stress and aggravation then I can rightfully deem as "Ok" considering it is a volunteer position. The way I look at it, volunteering should be fun, or at the very least mildly enjoyable. So, I have decided to re-direct my focus next year on a couple of other "fund raising-like" endeavors, ones however, that may not require less time but are more enjoyable work, at least for me. They are both committees that the PTA has been looking to form, but no one has stepped up to the plate.
The first one is grant writing. While I have no experience with this type of writing specifically, I feel confident that my other experiences (including that of this here blog) will come in to play nicely. It will require a lot of research and a lot of writing and follow-up, all of which I feel very comfortable with. I enjoy researching, love to write and while follow up is not my favorite aspect of the whole thing, it's not actually something I dislike.
The next thing is the implementation of the PTA Partners program. The premise is this: In the beginning of each school year, I would contact various local as well as corporate businesses requesting donations to the PTA. There will be established pledges; i.e. Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze levels. Each company, should they choose to donate, would pick level with which they were comfortable, and make the donation. They would be issued a window decal/sticker type thing that would indicate that they were a "PTA Partner In The Community", as well as a copy of our monthly newsletter, indicating how the funds they donated were used. This would also eliminate having to go, sometimes multiple times to the same place of business, requesting donations when something comes up. This would also require letter writing, in person meetings and follow up, all of which I feel comfortable with.
I haven't quite broken the news to the "powers that be" yet, but I will. I feel bad only giving one year to the fund raising committee but, I can hardly justify continuing a volunteer position that I loathe.
The first one is grant writing. While I have no experience with this type of writing specifically, I feel confident that my other experiences (including that of this here blog) will come in to play nicely. It will require a lot of research and a lot of writing and follow-up, all of which I feel very comfortable with. I enjoy researching, love to write and while follow up is not my favorite aspect of the whole thing, it's not actually something I dislike.
The next thing is the implementation of the PTA Partners program. The premise is this: In the beginning of each school year, I would contact various local as well as corporate businesses requesting donations to the PTA. There will be established pledges; i.e. Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze levels. Each company, should they choose to donate, would pick level with which they were comfortable, and make the donation. They would be issued a window decal/sticker type thing that would indicate that they were a "PTA Partner In The Community", as well as a copy of our monthly newsletter, indicating how the funds they donated were used. This would also eliminate having to go, sometimes multiple times to the same place of business, requesting donations when something comes up. This would also require letter writing, in person meetings and follow up, all of which I feel comfortable with.
I haven't quite broken the news to the "powers that be" yet, but I will. I feel bad only giving one year to the fund raising committee but, I can hardly justify continuing a volunteer position that I loathe.
Sometimes I think I am...
...read this entry and then you fill in the blank. Interactive blogging is so fun!
Anyway, here's the thing. I have been feeling a little off kilter lately. Nothing major mind you(so family, don't get all paranoid and worried about me), just "not right." I have certainly felt this way before as it tends to come and go but, it seems that each time it get increasingly intense, or just more alarming in general.
I am not really sure how to explain it exactly. It's sort of like I have a mind full of these incredible ideas, and I can't implement a single one (or I start to and then don't finish). I also have huge problems with attention and distraction at some points. I will sit down, for example, at my desk with a very clear idea of what it is I want to do, and then go off and do everything but what I had intended. Alternatively, I also seem to go through these fits where I am "high" on motivation and energy (like last week when I, on a whim that struck just 1/2 hour before Emily and Katherine were going to be home, I decided to tear down the computer desk, consolidate everything in to the existing desk, and reconfigure the entire office). The feeling behind doing this is "I have to do this right this very minute" and it was intense. During these fits of energy and motivation, I generally don't use it to my advantage and try to get some of the stuff done that I need to get done; it usually results in some of the wall idea that really isn't a necessity, but again comes with the intense, "I must do this right now feeling." At other times, I feel like the least energetic and motivated person in the world, and save everything for the last minute. "If it weren't for the last minute, nothing would ever get done" seems to be my mantra during these times. Using the Entertainment book project as an example, I have to have them sorted, delivered and ready to go (as well as tallied as far as sales etc) by October 11th, which is the next PTA meeting, or, at the very latest, October 19th, which is when I will be meeting with the Entertainment rep to finalize everything. I have had the books and orders here for days now and haven't touched them. It's an enormous project (there are a total of 1,850 students in the elementary schools) and what will probably end up happening is that, instead of spreading the work out over the next week or two, I will stay up until ungodly hours, finishing it, just in the nick of time. I seem to function this way; but it seems mentally unhealthy as it reduces my sleep intake by drastic amounts and allows for no leeway or mistakes to be made, as there will be no time to correct it. There are of course other things, but, for the sake of well, my sanity remaining intact, I am just not going to talk about them here (and please, for the love of God, don't ask...I am fine really).
I have, what I think is a pretty good idea of what this is but, what do you think? Don't be shy, I won't be mad!
Disclaimer: Please excuse all the side notes regarding family not getting paranoid and not asking. This entry is one reason why I sometimes wish I had anonymity here.
Anyway, here's the thing. I have been feeling a little off kilter lately. Nothing major mind you(so family, don't get all paranoid and worried about me), just "not right." I have certainly felt this way before as it tends to come and go but, it seems that each time it get increasingly intense, or just more alarming in general.
I am not really sure how to explain it exactly. It's sort of like I have a mind full of these incredible ideas, and I can't implement a single one (or I start to and then don't finish). I also have huge problems with attention and distraction at some points. I will sit down, for example, at my desk with a very clear idea of what it is I want to do, and then go off and do everything but what I had intended. Alternatively, I also seem to go through these fits where I am "high" on motivation and energy (like last week when I, on a whim that struck just 1/2 hour before Emily and Katherine were going to be home, I decided to tear down the computer desk, consolidate everything in to the existing desk, and reconfigure the entire office). The feeling behind doing this is "I have to do this right this very minute" and it was intense. During these fits of energy and motivation, I generally don't use it to my advantage and try to get some of the stuff done that I need to get done; it usually results in some of the wall idea that really isn't a necessity, but again comes with the intense, "I must do this right now feeling." At other times, I feel like the least energetic and motivated person in the world, and save everything for the last minute. "If it weren't for the last minute, nothing would ever get done" seems to be my mantra during these times. Using the Entertainment book project as an example, I have to have them sorted, delivered and ready to go (as well as tallied as far as sales etc) by October 11th, which is the next PTA meeting, or, at the very latest, October 19th, which is when I will be meeting with the Entertainment rep to finalize everything. I have had the books and orders here for days now and haven't touched them. It's an enormous project (there are a total of 1,850 students in the elementary schools) and what will probably end up happening is that, instead of spreading the work out over the next week or two, I will stay up until ungodly hours, finishing it, just in the nick of time. I seem to function this way; but it seems mentally unhealthy as it reduces my sleep intake by drastic amounts and allows for no leeway or mistakes to be made, as there will be no time to correct it. There are of course other things, but, for the sake of well, my sanity remaining intact, I am just not going to talk about them here (and please, for the love of God, don't ask...I am fine really).
I have, what I think is a pretty good idea of what this is but, what do you think? Don't be shy, I won't be mad!
Disclaimer: Please excuse all the side notes regarding family not getting paranoid and not asking. This entry is one reason why I sometimes wish I had anonymity here.
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