Belated Happy Birthday Wishes...

...to my sister Heather, who turned a whopping 27 years old yesterday!

I will be getting together with her today to do...something. Maybe go out to lunch or something along those lines.

Poor Neglected Blog

SO I could tell y'all how busy I've been and what a slacker I have been here but really? Lets just say the biggest and most time consuming part of my "volunteer" life? Ended with a hugely successful event today, which was both enormously fun and tiring, and, as pleased as I am with the outcome, I am equally as pleased that it's over.

Ended of course, until next year, when we all do it again.

Anyway, off to bed with me. Regularly scheduled blogging should resume shortly.

Is anyone else watching...

...Eli Stone? I am loving that show more and more each week!

I gave in and watched New Amsterdam too, which I am also loving.

Inquiring Minds Want To Know

Ok, so it's just my inquiring mind!

Are you listed as an organ donor? Why or why not?

Updated Concert List

Added to the original list we have the following:

Kenny Chesney
Rascal Flatts
Air Supply
Fleetwood Mac
Brooks and Dunn
Barry Manilow (already seen him, but really can one ever get enough Barry?)
Hall and Oates
Aerosmith (seen them too, but would LOVE to go again)
Jimmy Buffet (see what I said about Barry)

And, in the category of "lets go re-live my early teen years", the NKOTB reunion tour (they are reuniting and I am just assuming there will be a tour).

Topping the list betwwen the last one and this most recent one?

1. Josh Groban
2. Kenny Chesney
3. Hall and Oates
4. Garth Brooks
5. Neil Diamond

Does anyone know...

...if there is a "expiration date" on un-filled prescriptions? I never did get the Vicodin filled from the ER visit regarding the wrist a few weeks back. I figure (actually I know) it can be a good thing to have on hand when OD'ing on the Ibuprofen just doesn't do the trick. I am assuming I have plenty of time, but it's one of those things that I keep forgetting to do.

TMI...But Funny

Lately, there has been a lot of talk around here about puberty. The other day Emily asked me if you had to get you period. I said, "Yes, it's part of being a woman and you have to get it if someday you want to have babies."

Her answer?

"Oh, so if you want to adopt you can't opt out?"

Baseball

For some unexplained reason (other than it being the Red Sox and who wouldn't be excited about them, Yankees fans notwithstanding) I am beyond excited about baseball season. It's such a spring/summer thing, baseball, and I really come to enjoy it over the past few years. I have always liked it, I just don't think I have ever liked it as much. Winning the World Series helps of course, even if I did lose massive amounts of sleep during the playoffs and series last year. Something about baseball brings me one step closer to summer and that is always a good thing. Because after all, saying bye bye to winter? What could be possibly be better than that?

Email Fixed

After Verizon resolved their problems I still couldn't send email so I ended up changing some antivirus and spyware settings and now all is right with the world. Antivirus and spyware are great, but I often wonder if they are more of a pain in the butt then anything else.

In other technology related news, my cell phone, which has been in dire need of replacement finally came up for a upgrade. I just ordered a Motorola Razr, black in color. It looks like a good phone and I know a couple of people who have had it and liked it. Best of all, it was free so really I can't complain. It should arrive here by Friday.

I forgot to announce...

...that I had posted over at Adventures In Education yesterday.

Going Green At School

Emily and Katherine came home today with three of the exact same notices. One was a reminder about Mardi Gras, one was a notice about a fundraiser sponsored by the high school Key Club, and another was about football registration. I have often thought that this was a waste. I don't need more than one copy of any single notice and, with the supply shortage in full effect, it would make sense that the notices come home to one student in the elementary school system, as opposed to all. The above mentioned notices may have been printed and copied by the involving parties, but, there have been plenty of notices from the school directly that have come home with both kids.

It might be involved, but it would seem to me that there would be a way of distributing notices to only one student in the system. Perhaps it would be the older student. It just seems like such a waste of paper and time and if a system was put in place, it could save both.

Blah

I am having a ..."I just want to go to bed and not wake up til tomorrow and hope that it's a better day" kind of day. These kinds of days? They suck.

Conversation

Me (to Emily who was reading in my office when I was fooling around with the new computer yesterday): "Em, you might want to leave now, because I am about to be a total geek (this after discovering that I can plug my camera card directly in to both my computer and printer)."

Emily: "I am so outta here."

Everything on my to do list is...

...done. Well, everything on the list I blogged about yesterday any way.

Appointment for the van is made.

Offic 07 is installed on new computer.

Printer has been tested...all features work.

Mardi Gras stuff is done.

Kids

One of the major side effects of having them (at least for me)? Hair loss.

Seriously, I used to have really thick, coarse hair, to the point that people would atually marvel at it. Now? Well, I wouldn't consider it really thin, but over the past 10 years? It's gone from thick and coarse to relatively thin and fine. It's annoying, and also one of those "weird, makes no sense to me" types of side effects.

On The Agenda For Tomorrow

-Call Central Dodge to make appointment. Van is having issues with "bucking" at low speeds. We have a 7 year, 70,000 mile warranty, which is why we are going to a dealership, rather than our "regular" mechanic (who we harldy ever use because Ryun can fix most things).

-Install Office 2007 on the computer.

-test the new printer and all options (scanning, picture printing, copying etc.)

-PTA Mardi Gras related stuff (emails, paperwork etc.).

Happy Easter!

I am happy to say that even though Emily and Katherine got DS's yesterday, they were still appropriately excited about the Easter Bunny fanfare this morning. Julia though? She was the most excited, opening each egg, and being all amazed with what she found inside. Blogger is being silly, otherwise I'd let you see the pictures I took. Oh well, maybe later.

Anyway, Happy Easter!

Summer Plans

I read somewhere that one way out of the winter blues, is to plan for the upcoming summer. While I suspect that my recent "feeling better" has a lot to do with just the promise of spring and summer coming, I figured it couldn't hurt to plan as well.Confirmed summer plans are as follows:

Girl Scout Camp for Emily and Katherine, July14th-18th.

Camping here which is where we went last summer and LOVED it. We will be renting the small cabin again. We will be going at the end of July.

Return engagement at one of my favorite places on earth,and the scene of one of the best family vacations ever. We will be staying for a week in the beginning of August.

And, just for the heck of it, I will tell you what we are going to do next summer. We're going to Disney World!

Sister Bonding Really Happens, And I have Proof!

Julia gets a head start on learning her fifth grade spelling words.

Julia loves snuggling with Emily.

Katherine is Julia's favorite person to play silly games with. Here they were pretending to set up a train with the chairs.

*Julia, BTW, is going through a "Clothes are too constricting so I'm gonna run around in my underwear" stage.*

Daylight Savings Time

It sucks for many reasons, but one reason that it totally rocks? It's just after six o'clock right now, and the sun is still out and shining bright. YAY!

Luck

Basically, I have never had it, well except the bad kind. Because of this, I don't often do things like play the lottery. The chances of me winning may in fact be less than the predicted odds of winning because that's just the way my luck runs. Today though, for some reason I decided to really splurge and buy a $10 ticket. I didn't scratch it right away because I had other things to do but when I did, I won $100. Sweet! I decided to cash it in and really press my luck and get another $10 ticket. I almost had a heart attack when I scratched it and won another $100! I told Ryun this and he thinks I should go play Mega Millions. Third time's the charm, right?

I don't know what I am going to do with the money. My first thought was to go out and buy the kids more spring/summer clothes but, I have already gotten them a good amount with some of our tax return and really? How often do I have that kind of money to actually spend on myself in any way I want? Never, or at least not very often. I will probably end up using it to get a few books that I have on my Amazon Wish List, and then who knows what.

No matter what though? I am psyched. Maybe this means my luck is turning around?

Glasses

So the other day, Emily and I sat down to watch Extreme Makeover:Home Edition. This is how our conversation went.

Me: "What's wrong with the tv?"

Em: "Uh, nothing."

Me: "Oh crap."

The tv was "fuzzy" looking to me, for the first time ever. I have had reading glasses for about 10 years or so I think, but, only recently started wearing them regularly when at the computer or reading. I have never needed them for anything else. So I am wondering if wearing the glasses has in fact made my eye sight worse for things that I have never had a problem with? I was hoping it was a one time thing but the tv still isn't looking as sharp as it should. Darn it.

FYI

Confessions Of A Stay At Home Mom has been updated.

Re-joining

For some reasons which may be obvious, and some which may not, I have been thinking a lot lately about re-joining the workforce, even perhaps sooner then when I had originally planned on it (when Julia is in kindergarten). Obviously money is always a factor. I mean we are fortunate to be able to afford to live (with an occasional extra thrown in here and there) on Ryun's pay check but let's face it, the next 18-20 years? They're going to be expensive. We have all kinds of things to consider, not the least of which is the fact that it seems that everything, even the basic necessities of life like clothing, get more and more expensive the older the children get. This doesn't account for any of the extra things, like what extra-curricular costs there may be should the kids decide they want to pursue any outside interests, or cars when they are old enough to drive, proms, graduation parties, and any other thing that might come up. And, let's not forget about college. I can't even fathom how expensive that will be if the kids decide to go. Oh and did I mention that we have three girls? Three girls=three potential weddings. Yikes. I fully expect that they themselves will be contributing to some of these things by getting a job when they are able. I had to and really, I don't think there is any good lesson learned in giving them everything they want, even if we could. To me the underlying message sent when everything is handed to them on a silver platter is that they aren't capable of "getting" for themselves. That though, is a whole other entry.

Beyond the obvious factor of more money being a good thing? I think I am having some sort of identity crisis. I feel like my brain, in the 9 or so years of my "stay-at-home-momhood" has been, well, largely unused. That is not to say that a great amount of brain power is not used when deciding things like who should get the one orange crayon in the bunch, or when negotiating with a wannabe teenager, or when your three year old has one of those "needy days" that leaves literally no time for anyone or anything else. I can tell you first-hand, massive amounts of brain power are needed, if not not just to maintain a level head. And? As difficult as this may be to admit? I'm getting bored. Like seriously bored. God knows how much I love her, but conversations with a three year old...as funny and cute and adorable they can be at times, there are also times where explaining the same thing over and over again gets monotonous, and annoying for that matter. The poor kid is getting the short end of the stick by default. Being the third child means that I have already done this twice, and have been doing it for nine plus years (I worked full time for the first year of Emily's life). As much as I love being home, I am getting to the point of hating it equally as much. I feel horrible and guilty for even saying that.

I doubt that I will decide to go back to anything before kindergarten starts for Julia. Financially speaking, it really doesn't make any sense to pay for day care, and, I am not sure that would be an environment that I would want her in anyway (not knocking anyone who goes that route by choice or need it's just not something I feel would work in to our lives). And after all I just said? I don't think I am emotionally ready to leave her yet, because as hard as this can be sometimes? I just love that kid to pieces.

Annoyed

So, the hand surgeon the hospital recommended? Up and moved his practice to the other side of the state. Alrighty then. Time to update the files I'd say.

I decided to go to the BCBS website and find an in network provider, so all possible associated costs would be either cheaper, or completely covered. The closest doctor specializing in hand surgery? In Dartmouth. For someone like me, the liklihood of me going at all is that of a snowball's chance in hell, let alone if I actually have to drive to a town I am only very vaguely familiar with, if at all. I know how to get to The Texas Roadhouse and that about covers it. There are others of course, heading in the opposite direction (Plymouth and points further north) and while I am more likely to be familiar with towns in that area, the drive time is longer. So it's a no win situation. While this may seem like a silly concern to some, remember that this is me we are talking about. I don't do unfamiliar driving. And when unfamiliar driving is combined with some unexplained and irrational fear of doctors? It's probably not going to end well.

And, in all honesty? The fear might be neither unexplained or irrational. For a good two years or so, every time I went to the doctor, it was bad news... not for me per se but for one of the kids, mostly Emily. It's not by any means a conscious thing, but I think that history is playing a part here.

In The "This Could Be Dangerous" Department we have...

...the following stores opening (or in some cases already opened) a mere 9 minutes (not that I have ever timed it or anything) away from home...

Michaels.

Best Buy.

Borders.

Target.

Old Navy.

Red Robin (the best burgers ever).

Staples.

...and a few others I can't think of. But yeah...Michaels and Borders especially fit in to the dangerous category.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

We celebrated last night with a boiled dinner that was delicious, thanks mainly to Ryun, who peeled and chopped all the veggies (wrist is better but I have a tough time cutting turnip even when it's 100 %). My parents, both of mainly Irish decent(with a little French Canadian thrown in for good measure), came over to eat with us.

Anyway, enjoy the day!


An Irish Prayer
May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

FYI

Confessions Of A Stay At Home Mom has been updated.

Life Lessons...

...or things I want my daughters to know (inspired in part by a book of the same title, by Alexandra Stoddard). Some of these things I am still learning myself.

It is easier to get in to things than to get out of them. *Still Learning*

To get the most out of life, look not for the best "later" but the good "now." *Still Learning*

"The world in which you live is not primarily determined by outward conditions and circumstances but by the thoughts that habitually occupy your mind." ~Norman Vincent Peale~ *Almost have this one down pat*

Be grateful but don't expect gratitude. When we expect others to be grateful for everything we do we set our selves up for disappointment. *Trying really hard to learn this one.*

Pain is inevitable. Suffering is a choice. *I pretty much have this one down. Basically, accept what can not be changed and move on.*

Stock up on experiences, not just things. *Makes total sense. This world is way too materialistic if you ask me.*

Don't assume anything. * Self explanatory I think, and yes, I have got this one down to a science.*

Overlook things. *This has been a tough one for me. Finding a happy balance between what I do and what I chose not to, can be hard.*

"The most important thing about getting somewhere is starting right where we are. " ~Bruce Barton~ *Do your homework, do your research, don't jump in blind. Makes sense to me.*

Don't save the best for last. *Do what you want to do now. "Now" is the only thing you are sure of, tomorrow may never come. I am working hard to wrap my head around this but it sounds right to me.*

Don't see people for what you want them to be, but as they really are. *Exactly right. I have this one down pat.*

There is no security except within us. *Don't count on security from someone or something else. Find it within yourself. This one took a while but, I think I am finally getting it.*

Practice the vocabulary of thanks and appreciation. *Check.*

When you've made your point, sit down. *Have faith that when you say something concisely, people will get the message. I have basically always known this.*

That's it. If I can teach these things to my girls, and in some cases myself, I think our lives will be better for it.

Too Early

To be awake that is. I woke up while Ryun was getting ready to leave for work (5am) and my mind went in to racing mode, so I decided rather than lie in bed, not being able to sleep, I may as well get up and be productive. I managed to have just enough time to run out and get a coffee (note to self: buy cream when you go out today) before Ryun left for the day.

Anyway, I have plans to go out to the store today (Michael's perhaps) to buy gimp for Emily. Yesterday, during a "moment" of "my hormones are in that oh so fun preteen/puberty out of control stage", she said, "I wish I had gimp. Working with my hands helps calm me down." To which I responded, "Really? Maybe I will run out and get some tomorrow (no sarcasm there people, because at this point? I might do just about anything)." Katherine, not one to let this "Mommy said she'd buy Emily something because it helps her calm down, so let's work this to my angle and tell her what helps me calm down" moment pass her by, chimed in with, "Books really help me calm down." So, could they be pulling a fast one? Perhaps. I don't think so though because, there was a real honesty behind what Emily said and, with the frame of mind she was in? I don't think she could have had the reasoning skills in place to concoct a plan to get me to buy it for her (although, with Emily, I wouldn't be surprised by anything). Gimp is at least doable. It's not like she said, "I really wish I had a brand new Nintendo DS. That really helps me calm down." Because that? It isn't just a "run out to the store and grab one for her" kind of thing. As for Katherine, I think I can manage a book while I'm at it, even if it's just because of her own cleverness in taking advantage of the moment at hand. I also need to run to the grocery store for the aforementioned cream, as well as a few lunch type things for tomorrow (yay for finally making a plan to scrap with friends that so far actually seems like it's going to work out).

Other things need to get done too. I would like to read another chapter or two of my new book(Shooting and Selling Your Photos by Jim Zuckerman). I also need to watch chapter two of the Oprah and Eckhart class because tonight is chapter three and I am hoping to watch that live this time around. In an attempt to at least try and keep up with the laundry, I am going to do some of that too. It feels indescribably nice to have only one load waiting to be put in, and to have all the clean clothes folded and put away. I have serious doubts about the prospect of it staying that way for any period of time, but, we'll see. Of course there will be blog reading and perhaps blog updating as well. Oh, I also need to call the hand surgeon dude. The wrist has been ok (except for a random flare up on Friday night, it's been just a mild, annoying kind of pain) but, I figure if it was bad enough at one point to render my hand useless, it should probably be a priority.

Quote Of The Week Take 2

"That's because you are an old man and have short term memory loss."

~Emily to my father who said he couldn't remember something~

Little does she know, his being old has nothing to do with it (Hi Dad!).

Quote Of The Week

"Mom, Julia's cuteness level is off the charts."

~Emily~

Not having the use of my right hand...

...really put a damper on laundry and housework. So, my newly re-arranged office is currently covered in clean clothing, just begging to be folded and put away. Fun. At least I have the couch I can sit on, a nice hot cup of tea to drink and a tv to watch while I do it.

DVR's Etc.

The next new inventions need to be these:

-A way to watch a show whenever you want. Like, if Extreme Makeover Home Edition is on Sunday, but you suddenly find the time to watch it on a random Saturday afternoon, you can. This will probably never happen due to advertising etc. but it would be cool.

-a way to set recordings up in categories. Like a folder for Sharon's recordings, a folder for Ryun's, etc.

That's all.

Conversation

Emily asked me what it was about her Focalin that would make her stay on track better and really clean her room rather than get distracted. I told her it was something in the drug that communicated with her brain that told her to stay focussed. So she said, "Are you saying drugs are good?" I explained that prescription drugs taken appropriately by the people that they are prescribed to can be good, but that illegal drugs are not. Then she asked me which drugs were illegal. I mentioned a couple and then was struck with the thought that apparently, it's time to have the "Just Say No" talk.

She's only 10 (almost 11) and I keep thinking, did I even know what drugs were then? It's a different world for sure.

Julia...

...just came in and said, "Mama, can I have some bread and fish?" It was funny in the sense that she saw her sister Katherine eating a sandwich and pretzel gold fish but my immediate thought was, "Hey, how does she know about the Bible story of how Jesus fed thousands of people with just a few loaves of bread and fish?" It was weird because, well, I haven't thought of the Bible in, I can't even remember how long and that was the first thing to come in to my head.

Maybe it's a sign of something. Who knows.

Question

Last night, while re-organizing the office I paused to read through Emily's Seizure Journal. Basically it consists of every blog entry I have ever written about her seizures (form the first one to the last known one, updates on every visit with her neurologist, all of her medicines and dosages, copies of her neuro-psych report, and any other related materials. I haven't read or updated it in MONTHS which is a good thing I suppose because it means that there is nothing to report.

I read the very first entry I ever wrote about the whole situation. It was still as hard to read as it has ever been(you can read it here if you want).

Anyway, the question is how well do you do in an emergency? Do you freeze? Do you know exactly what to do? Are you the picture of calm and reasonable? Do you freak out? Or are you like me who freaks out, but in a methodical, robotic kind of way? Logic takes over(I know what I need to do and how I need to do it) but my stomach goes in to flip flops and my voice gets all shrill and loud.

Homonyms

I am having the worst time with them lately. Typing too when I mean to, there when I mean their, here when I mean hear. I have no idea what the heck is going on, especially since English, spelling, and proper grammar have always been my best academic skills. It's actually to the point of being slightly alarming, almost as if my fingers are not communicating with my brain or something.

Anyway, it's strange.

***UPDATE*** Or are they actually called, homophones? See what I mean? I don't even know what to call the words I am having trouble with!!!!

I would LOVE to record today's weather...

...and replay it forever. Sixty (ish) degrees and sunny everyday (with just a touch of rain here and there to keep things green)? I could so handle that (although just a tad warmer would be even better (65-70 or so). Everything is better when the sun is out and the air is warm. Everything.

Wrist...Again

Briefly...

Went to the ER, walked right in, was xrayed immediately and was out of there in under an hour! YAY!

Bump on the wrist is not a cyst (YAY again) but just a little inflamed due to...

Serious Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

No YAY on that one.

Left with...

Directions to wear a splint 24/7 (again with the no YAY), a recommendation that I see a hand surgeon, like, yesterday, and a prescription for Vicodin (Big freakin HELL YEAH on that one).

So yeah, that's it.

Bedtime.

You know you live in the country when...

...you find random animal skulls in your back yard.

Here's the most recent find, courtesy of Emily the Archaeologist:







So hazard your best guess. What is (or was) that?

Update on The Wrist

Because you are all dying to know, I'm Sure.

What I really think it is? This. I have the bump too prove it, in the right spot, all of the other symptoms and it just seems to fit. I made an appointment but it isn't for two weeks (Can't wait that long for goodness sake)so I think I am going to go to the ER. At least I will get an x-ray right then and there, diagnosis, and seriously, most important? Drugs. Heavy duty shit like Vicodan sounds like heaven right now (funky "I'm in la la land" side effects notwithstanding). Ibuprofen does the job for the most part (at least brings is down to a dull ache that is at least manageable) but I need the real thing.

So anyway, after I go watch "the movie" at school tonight (parent preview) I think I'll head on over to the hospital. Hopefully, I will get home you know, at a normal hour.

Haunted Hall

A couple of weeks ago, the Paranormal Institute of New England (aka PINE)investigated claims that the Middleboro Town Hall was haunted, particularly in the Grand Hall. Foot steps have been heard, pictures have shown orbs and other unexplained things, and several town officials have had an "uneasy" feeling in various locations of the building, including the old jail cells in the basement. After their investigation, they presented their findings to the selectmen at this weeks meeting.

Here is an article, detailing their findings. I think Marsha Brunelle is on to something by the way. Offering tours of the haunted town hall could bring some much needed cash to the budget.

Below is a video of NECN coverage, in which the voice recording is played.

Emily's P/T Conference

The post will have to wait until...sometime.

Ahh, life.

So...

...I am sitting here doing my thing, and it suddenly occurs to me that my wrist doesn't hurt as much and I get all excited and happy about it.

A few minutes later? I remember that I took 4 Ibuprofen. Right. I am guessing that might have had something to do with it.

Coming Up

Today I hope.

Details regarding Emily's parent teacher conference (same as usual but with the added concern of middle school thrown in for good measure).

Ugh.

My wrist has actually gotten to the point of interfering with my life in ways that just aren't ok with me (for example last night at my meeting, writing more than a sentence hurt unbearably and (this was the kicker) I had to reach over with my left hand to move the shifter handle in the car because I didn't have the strength or pain management skills to do it with my right).

So, I, of all people am actually considering going to the doctors. Me. But really? As much as I am fortunate to be able to do most things equally well with my left as I am my right, I can't have my right hand not available.

Oddly, typing doesn't seem to bother it much (mild pain compared to other things) and thank God for that. Imagine how awful it would be typing with one hand or not at all? I'd rather not, thanks.

Wristy Business

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome? It sucks. I have had it for quite some time, mostly in my right hand, but, also in my left. I had been dealing mostly with numbness and tingling, especially at night but at various points during the day as well. Gradually, it has gotten worse and more pronounced, and more recently the pain has gone from mild to major. I have woken up at night with my entire right arm sore, and it has continued to bother me during the day. I have a wrist support thing which helps at night but during the day? The wrist support is almost as annoying as the pain itself. I have also noticed generalized muscle weakness and while the support helps, well support and stabilize the wrist, it still screams with pain when I do anything with it that requires some strength (like picking Julia up for instance). I have to pick her up using my forearm rather than my hand itself, and even that hurts.

All of this brings me to this question: If money, health insurance and scheduling were of no concern, how long would you wait before consulting a physician about non-life threatening injuries/health problems?

Me? Forever, or maybe even never. And I don't have insurance or monetary concerns (I always have scheduling concerns but nothing that can't be worked around). I don't really get it to be honest with you. I mean, if my wrist was hanging off of the end of my arm by a thread or something similarly dramatic, there would be no question. I even went to the ER a few months ago when my gut instinct (oh and the chest pressure and not being able to breath) told me that I had more than the common cold (turned out to be pneumonia). When it comes to the non-life threatening things though? I could let it go forever. You?

Inspiration

Earlier today, while checking to see what I had to watch on the DVR, I was flipping through the channel and came to the Ellen Degeneres show. Her guest was Patrick Henry Hughes, the recipient of a recent Extreme Makeover Home, and the subject of my favorite episode ever. Patrick Henry was born without eyes, and, without the ability to extend him limbs. Currently, Patrick Henry is touring the world with his father, telling his inspirational story. You can find out more about him here.

His story is amazing, and the video below brings me to tears every time I watch it (of course Pauly crying brings me to tears every time, regardless of emotional the story is).

Maturity

On the way to voice with Emily today, I handed her the tuition check and told her to make sure to put it in to the payment box when she got in. I usually stick it in an envelope but this time, I didn't. The box is secure and inside the building and the check has all vital information on it anyway, so the staff can figure out who it is for. Anyway, Emily asked how much it was and when she looked at the check, she said, almost disbelievingly, "Eighty three dollars, is how much you pay per month for me to take voice?" I confirmed it and she said, "Wow. I don't think I have ever said anything about this money before, but, thanks."

It was one of the more mature things she has ever said to me and I was quite proud.

FYI

Snapshots By Sharon has been updated.

Don't you just love it when...

...you have a list of things you want, need or have to do and you do everything but?

Yeah, that would be me today.

I really need to write the PTA Fundraising Newsletter by Wednesday, but preferably by tomorrow so that I can copy it while Julia is at school and have it ready to go for Wednesday night. I also need to make a trip to the post office during that time to ship off some things I sold on Ebay (which I would typically do right from home but the size of the items will prevent that from happening).

Other things to be done include the usual laundry (which actually is pretty well caught up considering its usual state), dishes, and figuring out what to cook for dinner on one of those nights in which everyone is going in the opposite direction.

I also finished a book that will inspire an entry over at Confessions of a Stay At Home Mom sometime in the near future.

And, I am sure there is more (because there always is) but that ought to do for now.

FYI

Adventures In Education has been updated, with my take on the expanded learning time initiative.

Extended Learning Time: My Take

I have been researching the expanded school year initiative that seems to be taking form across the country, perhaps with more intensity then a person with just a mild interest would. While all areas of public education are of great interest to me, this particular piece has recently become the cornerstone of my research, due in part to the fact that my town has been awarded a grant to study the possibility of implementing an expanded learning time plan in one of the elementary schools, as well as the middle school.

The reason behind the initiative is simple. It would seem that more time in school would result in more learning and better student performance. What I have learned through my reading is that it is not quite that easy. Other factors, like improving the quality of the instructional time have been shown to be equally beneficial, in particular to certain groups of students (such as low income and others who may have limited time for learning outside of school). Other considerations of course, are the money and politics behind expanding learning time, as well as others (aside from the obvious students, teachers and parents) who may be affected by a change in school time. These people would include employers, and many other industries who are dependent on the traditional school day and year.

As anyone who has paid any attention to the current situation in public education knows, educators face never before seen pressures to raise student achievement. Federal and local mandates are handed down and schools are in effect, "threatened" if the requirements aren't meant. The concern behind the increased pressure is that in today's high tech world, students who are not adequately prepared, will not not succeed in this environment. While there may be some truth behind that in specific cases, it seems to me that one thing is being overlooked. The very people who had a hand in inventing, or at least bringing to the forefront some of the technological advances we see today, were educated on a 6 1/2 hour, 180 day school year. This of course is not true of those in other countries, some of which are in school year round, or for longer periods of time on a day to day basis. Still? We (we being anyone who has been educated in the United States public education sector for the past 100 years or so) are doing ok, aren't we? I mean, I'm getting down to the bare basics here, but isn't part of life, learning as you go? We didn't know how to, for example use the Internet when we were in school because, for most of us, it may have been "invented" but it wasn't as mainstream as it is today. There certainly weren't any classes we could take to learn the ins and outs of the Internet, email, or even computers in general. We just learned as we went. And, some of us, on perhaps a broader level, had a hand in pioneering some of these things, even though we were only educated for 6 1/2 hours per day. So why, I ask, is this extended day necessary? Is the current generation incapable of doing just what we did as the world continues to advance?

That being said, if such things are a concern on a national level, more focus should be on those who actually need the extended time. While this could open all kinds of doors for lawsuits and discrimination claims (speaking of current trends), it seems unfair for a student who is successful in this age of high stakes testing to be forced in to an extended day or year. It stands to reason that these tests are a reflection of what students are expected to know in order to succeed in the world. Moreover, while it seems true that a more affluent student may have more access to educational resources outside of school than a poor or minority student, it would be inappropriate to include all poor, minority or even special needs students in the group of students deemed in need of an extended learning day, based on that fact alone (i.e., it should not be assumed that all poor, minority or special needs students will not succeed without the extended time because, some, in fact will, and some more affluent students will not). Each decision should be on a case by case basis, and, in the best possible scenario, it should be a student's (with the help of a parent in the case of younger students) choice to participate in such a program.

I have long thought that homework was a waste of time, but, if this extended learning time plan is implemented, it should be eliminated completely from the curriculum. The idea behind homework is to torture the parent and child reinforce what was taught during the day. Extending the day really should provide more time to "reinforce" while there, with hands on learning, field trips, and other "reinforcing" type activities. Taking in to consideration also, everything else that needs to be done when school is out (extra curricular activities, dinner, showers, quality time with the family), extending the day and including homework, would not only seem like overkill, but also not in any way beneficial. The whole thing would be rushed and just done in a manner reflective of getting to the next thing on the list, which truthfully, in this house is how it gets done now, without the added pressure of a longer day.

When it comes down to it, what matters most is those moments, which seem far and few between right now, in which students are engaged in activities that are adequately challenging, and at the same time, allow them to experience success. It seems to me that this type of learning could be achieved without the consequence of adding hours or days to the existing school year. It would be behoove those "in charge" to prepare a study in which the current way time is used in schools is studied intensely, improved upon within the current structure, and further evaluated after, to see if in fact, extending the day is the way to go.

Julia

My mad photography skills+Julia's natural cuteness=awesome pictures!

Girls

Loved Amanda.

Hated Kristy Lee.

Wasn't thrilled with Ramiele.

The rest...shrug.

During a commerical break...

...I may as well comment on the boys last night.

In a nutshell, "the Davids" get my vote (Hernandez, Cook and Archuleta).

More on the girls later!

Yesterday...

...Emily came home with two things that made me feel old.

A permission slip to watch "The Movie" in school.

a course selection sheet and Program of Studies package from the middle school.

I jokingly said to Ryun that the administrators should know that these things should be spread out over the course of a few weeks, so as to not send parents in to a deep depression when they realize that their "baby" is growing up (and all too fast if you ask me).

Anyway, more on all of that coming up in the post that may end up being titled, "Why I Am Freaking Out About Emily Going To Middle School."

Things I Need To Do

...compose an email that needs to get done, that I am feeling oddly uneasy about, but know, that as soon as I do it, I will feel better.

...make the "visual displays" I need to make after my first Oprah/Eckhart class, which will entail scrapping a little so it should be fun. It may involve a slideshow here too, if I can figure out how to make it a little bigger and more visible ( Yes, I need constant reminders and visual ones are just wonderful for me).

...read the report, "Re-Thinking The Way Schools Use Time," and post my thoughts at the Adventures in Education blog.

...post about why I think Emily's ADHD may have in fact passed down from me (and why I feel I have "adult onset ADHD if there is such a thing).

...post about Emily, middle school, puberty and how she needs to stop growing up, like right now.

...learn how to prioritize, live in the now, and "get out of my head."

The Biggest Loser

Bernie went home. Darn it...I really liked him.

Also, is anyone else living in a fog? I had NO IDEA how many calories were in some of the things they had to eat in last night's temptation. It was alarming.

I have been thinking a lot about this lately, as part of my "quest for total wellness." After last night's episode, I decided to see how many calories I would need to take in to lose weight. According to a couple of calculators, in order to maintain my current weight I should be eating only 1400 calories per day. Yikes. Based on what I saw last night, I am quite sure I am taking in more than that on a daily basis. That was even more alarming then seeing how many calories were in certain foods. So, it stands to reason that, in order to lose weight I would need to decrease my caloric intake from the maintain my weight number. Less than 1400 per day? What? That seems close to impossible. I know it's not but wow. Part of this could be reduced by burning calories off through exercise. To lose 1 pound per week, I would need to cut back on 500 calories. It could be a half and half thing...250 calories less through eating and burning 250 exercising.

The whole thing is quite overwhelming if I am being honest. I know I don't eat right and I know I should be making healthier choices for myself and my family but you know what? It's hard, and quite frankly, more expensive and time consuming. I mean grabbing a pre-made food (whether it be a snack or actual meal) is just easier than slicing a cucumber or even making a sandwich. As far as the money is concerned, it's disconcerting how much it costs to shop the "perimeter" of the store. ( which is where it is said the healthier foods lie). Let's not even mention if I decided to go all organic or, if I decided to try all of the diets out there that are supposed to help with things like ADHD (gluten and casein free are what come to mind). For someone like me who generally hates to cook, loves the quick and easy food prep (or better yet no food prep) and who isn't independently wealthy, going on a diet isn't as easy thing.

And besides, it's just one more thing to worry about. I have enough on my proverbial plate right now, enough that I am finding it hard to figure out prioritizing it all. I really need to elaborate further of course, which I will do in a not to distant future entry.

Julia...

...has such a well developed imagination that, if I am being honest here, could be considered, borderline genius.

There are many examples which I could point out but one today struck me as quite remarkable. She was in the living room, pretending it was a beach. She does this quite frequently, although it is not always the beach. Sometimes it's the park, sometimes it's the Jungle Gym (a local kids gym where Emily and Katherine took gymnastics). When it's the beach, she (or we) usually sit on the floor, digging in the sand (which doubles as a rug). She will point out other items and pretend they are something else. Pointing to a ball, she will say, "Look at that seashell!" When it's the park, we sit in our rocking chairs and pretend they are swings, or she will sit on the couch and slide off, pretending it is a slide. When it's the Jungle Gym, she sets up an obstacle course and literally walks around giving directions ("First step on the pillow, then walk around the table"etc.).

Anyway, today she was playing beach. She had all of her stuffed animals out there with her and was pretending they were at the beach with her. I was busy in the office trying to get some things done when she walked in and said gravely, "Mom, we have a problem in the water." When I asked her what the problem was she said, "My friends want to dance slow in the water like this (picture her slowly shaking her hips) and I want to dance in the water fast like this (cue to fast hip shaking)." I played along and said, "Well, what do you think we should do?" She paused, contemplated for a moment and said, "I know, how about we take turns!" I told her that I thought that would be a great idea.

Then tonight, while she was chilling with Ryun on the recliner, she was using his two pointer fingers as puppets, completely of her own accord. Not only was she moving his fingers around, but she was going back and forth talking, making it sound like a conversation.

I love how she can use her imagination so vividly, and so dramatically that she can even make up problems and come up with ideas and ways to solve them. It's a fascinating thing to watch. Emily was world famous for her imagination as a toddler (well not world famous but you get the point). I think Julia is going to take the cake on this one though. The above examples are just a few of many. She truly is remarkable.

Where In The World

Jay posted an interesting question in this post.

"Where would you move, if you felt free to do so?"

I commented on the entry, and here is what I said.

New Hampshire Or Vermont. This based only on the states I have visited. I am a very visual person, and it would be hard for me to say that I’d like to live, in say, Indiana, having never been there. Taxes, schools, health insurance etc, issues aside, NH and VT are two places that I have visited on numerous occasions, and fallen more and more in love with every time. It may seem trivial but, it’s the scenery mostly (again with the visual thing). I just find it hard to imagine not waking every day in awe of the beauty. I have always felt at peace in both places, and, that’s important.

How about you?

FYI

I have officially added a link to the new blog, and even updated it today!

Reccomendations

We are thinking of getting a new computer. I figure that the kids are going to start needing one better than what is upstairs soon enough, and, we should think about getting them online up there as well (with of course, parental blocks in place as necessary). It's the 21st century afterall, a life and school and everything is bound to get more technical.

Anyway, the plan is to give the kids our computer (a Dell Dimension 2400 which is four years old, I think). It runs on XP and has sufficient memory etc. for what I think they will need.

I had every intention of buying another Dell, because well, why not? We haven't had any major problems with it, and the one time I ever had to call tech support they were helpful (although it would have helped if the rep spoke English). Other than that though, no problems. Oh, and did I mention how inexpensive Dell's are? Like dirt cheap in comparison to other systems.

I just figured I would ask though. Maybe someone has other ideas and experiences they would like to share. Have at it!

On The Agenda For Today

...customizing and linking from here the new blog.



...reading more of Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth," in preparation for this .



...laundry. Ugh.



...hopefully, continued reorganization of the office.

Weekend

We had a busy one. On Saturday Ryun and I had a wedding to go to. Not surprisingly, it was a great time (because getting together with old friends from the neighborhood always means a great time). Yesterday we took the kids to the mall where they were having a kids expo. We saw a clown show, got some free toys and trinkets and Emily and Katherine got their hair done fancy by a local salon that was there. After that we went over to my parents for a family dinner in honor of my father's 58th birthday, which is today (Happy Birthday, Dad!). For whatever reason the weekend wiped me out so I came home and after getting the kids settled in bed, went to bed myself. I had plans to have a nice heartwarming night of television watching Extreme Home Makeover: Home Edition and Oprah's new show called Oprah's Big Give. Instead I watched it this morning over breakfast. I LOVE Sunday night tv already with just Extreme and after watching The Big Give, I can tell I am going to love it even more. Nothing like getting in a good cry every once in a while!

So...

...I don't know what exactly has come over me, but I have actually been finishing things I have started. Weird, huh?

For me it's weird anyway. My usual MO is to have many projects started, in various stages of being done. This is always more overwhelming than say starting one thing, finishing it, and moving on to the next. Earlier this week I decided to sell of my scrapping supplies. On day one, I organized and sorted what I wanted to sell. Day two I packaged each group together and labeled the packages. Day three, I worked on pricing. And day four (today) I posted them here. Last night, at a night-long crop, I went with an idea in mind, and actually stayed on track and finished (yes, finished) an album.


Anyway, I'm impressed, and, I hope it lasts!

Scrapping Sale

I have posted the list of items over at yet another new blog. Check it out!