In comparison to what I have heard that some people have been dealing with, we fared pretty well over here in this neck of the woods. We did get water in the basement but it was manageable for the most part.
I decided to venture out today and take pictures of some of the flooding in the area. I ended up going to the Herring Run on 28 and over to the Oliver Mill Park. I got some pretty amazing shots and some video. The poor herring were literally smashing in to the rocks at the run.
Anyway, here is the video:
And here is a link to the album with the pictures.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The Soundtrack of My Life-Repost
So I came up with this fantastic idea... even if it is a dreaded meme-like thing.
"The Soundtrack Of My Life"
(in no particular order)
1. Just Another Day In Paradise by Phil Vassar...because there really is no place I'd rather be!
2. Mountains by Lonestar...because I have finally made it over the top and down the other side!
3. I Made It Through The Rain by Barry Manilow..because, I had to include a song by Barry just on principle and this one seemed to fit!
4. Bitch by Meredith Brooks...because, let's face it...Sometimes being a bitch is all a woman has to hold on to.
5. Unwell by Matchbox 20...because, "I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell."
6. Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benetar...because singing it on the top of my lungs just makes me feel all powerful and stuff.
7. In My Daughter's Eyes by Martina McBride...because the "truth is plain to see, she was (or in my case, "they were") sent to rescue me."
8. Young at Heart by Frank Sinatra...because "it's hard you will find, to be narrrow of mind, when you are young at heart."
9. The Change by Garth Broooks...because "this heart still believes that love and mercy still exist."
10. You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile...because "You're never fully dressed, though you may wear the best, you're never fully dressed without a smile."
Quote
Appropriate quote for today:
Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. ~Anthony J. D'Angelo~
Monday, March 29, 2010
Just Because
I have been reading through my archives a lot lately. I love remembering stories I have told and thoughts I have had. I mentioned recently on Facebook that my blog has on occasion served as a reference. Often, if I am having trouble remembering when something happened, I can go back through the archives and figure it out. Anyway, I thought it would be fun to go back and see what I was thinking or doing roughly a year ago today. Not a lot of blogging happened in March of 2009 but, I did come up with this funny story regarding Emily and her math test.
October of 2010 will mark 9 years of blogging for me...9 years of my life documented here and in other incarnations of My Life In Words. While I have taken some lengthy breaks (I think the longest of which was 4 months) I can't ever imagine not blogging. This truly as been a wonderful outlet, and one I can not imagine my life without.
October of 2010 will mark 9 years of blogging for me...9 years of my life documented here and in other incarnations of My Life In Words. While I have taken some lengthy breaks (I think the longest of which was 4 months) I can't ever imagine not blogging. This truly as been a wonderful outlet, and one I can not imagine my life without.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Over Dinner
Tonight's dinner table conversation -
Katherine (in a joking manner after being silly): What would life be like with out me?
Emily: Normal.
Katherine: Yeah, but normal is boring!
I love my Katherine! : )
Found this in the archives...
...and thought I would re-post just because I think it is so cool! This is my Uncle's retirement video.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Funny
There has been a lot of talk about things of a political nature in this house lately. Between the local political scene (with the override question and selectman's race) to the recent passage of the health care bill (YUCK), we (well, ok I) have had a lot to say. Emily (SHOCKER) has been pretty vocal about the issues as well. The girls and I were having a discussion tonight about what we would do if we were President. Julia was the first to answer and said this: "I would save the world, but only if it was about to end." Very logical to a five year old...if it isn't about to end, what would need to be saved?
Friday, March 26, 2010
Re-Post
The letter I wrote to the editor of the Gazette was published yesterday so I have re-posted it below.
There have been many articles and letters written over the past few weeks regarding the proposed override. Many of these have focused on the numbers. While I do not deny that the numbers are important (especially in this difficult economic time), I feel it necessary to remember another very important piece of this discussion: the children. There are many people with varied opinions regarding this override. Whether one is for or against it, I find it difficult to believe that there is anyone who would want the education of our children to suffer the consequences of this override failing.
Currently, I serve as the President of the Middleborough Elementary PTA. I have also served within the PTA as the Cultural Enrichment Chair, the Fundraising Chair, and Co-Chair of the Mardi Gras Carnival. I am a member of the Memorial Early Childhood Center School Council and a member of the Nichols Middle School PTSA. I am also an active school volunteer at the elementary and middle school level. On the state level, I serve as a member of the Massachusetts PTA Advocacy Team. My children are involved in numerous town and school activities including dance, Girl Scouts, Student Council, basketball, and the Middle School PTSA. As involved members of this community, it is important to my family that the schools maintain the highest level of education possible. One of the first things incoming businesses and families look at when deciding where to locate is the reputation of the schools. With upwards of 40 children in some classrooms, it is hard to imagine anyone would find that desirable.
As adults, we have a voice and a right to vote. It is important to note that while this money is not guaranteed beyond the first year, our vote at town meeting is what determines how the money from an override is allocated. This campaign does not end with the passage of an override. As a town, as a community and as civic minded members of this great country, it is our responsibility to continue to ensure that our children are provided with the best education and as many opportunities as possible, well after the override has passed or failed. One day, my children, and the children of this community will be adults, facing difficult decisions and choices themselves. Let us make sure that they face these decisions regarding our future with an education and experience they can be proud of and utilize in whatever decisions and choices they will make. We must keep in mind that the education provided in Middleboro is the stepping stone to higher education, the military or the work force; let not our students find themselves unprepared for those opportunities.
From food drives for local food pantries, to hat and glove drives for local children, to donations for earthquake ravaged Haiti, the families of this town have given back to the community and the world through school related activities in many ways. As a community I think it is time we step up and support the needs of the families of Middleboro.
There have been many articles and letters written over the past few weeks regarding the proposed override. Many of these have focused on the numbers. While I do not deny that the numbers are important (especially in this difficult economic time), I feel it necessary to remember another very important piece of this discussion: the children. There are many people with varied opinions regarding this override. Whether one is for or against it, I find it difficult to believe that there is anyone who would want the education of our children to suffer the consequences of this override failing.
Currently, I serve as the President of the Middleborough Elementary PTA. I have also served within the PTA as the Cultural Enrichment Chair, the Fundraising Chair, and Co-Chair of the Mardi Gras Carnival. I am a member of the Memorial Early Childhood Center School Council and a member of the Nichols Middle School PTSA. I am also an active school volunteer at the elementary and middle school level. On the state level, I serve as a member of the Massachusetts PTA Advocacy Team. My children are involved in numerous town and school activities including dance, Girl Scouts, Student Council, basketball, and the Middle School PTSA. As involved members of this community, it is important to my family that the schools maintain the highest level of education possible. One of the first things incoming businesses and families look at when deciding where to locate is the reputation of the schools. With upwards of 40 children in some classrooms, it is hard to imagine anyone would find that desirable.
As adults, we have a voice and a right to vote. It is important to note that while this money is not guaranteed beyond the first year, our vote at town meeting is what determines how the money from an override is allocated. This campaign does not end with the passage of an override. As a town, as a community and as civic minded members of this great country, it is our responsibility to continue to ensure that our children are provided with the best education and as many opportunities as possible, well after the override has passed or failed. One day, my children, and the children of this community will be adults, facing difficult decisions and choices themselves. Let us make sure that they face these decisions regarding our future with an education and experience they can be proud of and utilize in whatever decisions and choices they will make. We must keep in mind that the education provided in Middleboro is the stepping stone to higher education, the military or the work force; let not our students find themselves unprepared for those opportunities.
From food drives for local food pantries, to hat and glove drives for local children, to donations for earthquake ravaged Haiti, the families of this town have given back to the community and the world through school related activities in many ways. As a community I think it is time we step up and support the needs of the families of Middleboro.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Lessons Learned At Candidate's Night And Other Political Meetings
1. Political meetings can be very, very frustrating.
2. Some people, no matter how hard you try, will never, ever see reason.
3. Others will refuse to educate themselves about the issues but will speak out as if they know everything.
4. Sometimes people will even tell outright lies as if they were fact.
5. Then there are some, seemingly far and few between, who are upfront, honest, reasonable, and totally worthy of my vote.
2. Some people, no matter how hard you try, will never, ever see reason.
3. Others will refuse to educate themselves about the issues but will speak out as if they know everything.
4. Sometimes people will even tell outright lies as if they were fact.
5. Then there are some, seemingly far and few between, who are upfront, honest, reasonable, and totally worthy of my vote.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Hello Focus? Where Are You?
Ugh. I can't seem to focus on anything that I need to today. I have now wasted the morning and need to be at Kindergarten registration in about an hour. Updating the blog seems like a good use of the time I have left.
I was thinking recently about how busy I have been over the past few weeks and how busy I will be in the coming few. I have said before that the amount of volunteer work I do could be considered a full time job...and the last few weeks have more than confirmed that. Anyway, all of this got me thinking about next school year. My term as President of the PTA will be coming to an end in June. I am more than happy to pass the baton to someone else; not that I haven't enjoyed the past two years. It's just time for me to move on...refocus my attention toward other things. PTA is a cause near and dear to me and I have no intention of ever leaving the group, but I am ready to take on some new tasks.
There have been a number of things I have been thinking about. The first thing I think I will do is really try to gear up the advocacy piece of PTA. As I continue to become more and more involved with child advocacy through the override campaign and the MA State PTA Advocacy Team, I am beginning to realize that this is where my true calling lies. I feel so strongly about the issues and have really gained an appreciation and a fondness for advocating for children. The second is to head up a "Green Team" through the PTA that can actively investigate ways of "greening" the methods in which the school communicates with parents. About a week ago I posted this on my Facebook status and had a number of people comment. There are many schools that communicate through mass emailings, phone calls, and other more green methods. I am planning on finding out more about this and see if I can work with the school department here in Middleboro and get them to follow suit.
I know it is a bit early to be thinking of the next school year already. This year I am feeling like I am being pulled in a million different directions. I think it would be nice to narrow my focus a little, and make a commitment to a few tasks rather than a million.
I was thinking recently about how busy I have been over the past few weeks and how busy I will be in the coming few. I have said before that the amount of volunteer work I do could be considered a full time job...and the last few weeks have more than confirmed that. Anyway, all of this got me thinking about next school year. My term as President of the PTA will be coming to an end in June. I am more than happy to pass the baton to someone else; not that I haven't enjoyed the past two years. It's just time for me to move on...refocus my attention toward other things. PTA is a cause near and dear to me and I have no intention of ever leaving the group, but I am ready to take on some new tasks.
There have been a number of things I have been thinking about. The first thing I think I will do is really try to gear up the advocacy piece of PTA. As I continue to become more and more involved with child advocacy through the override campaign and the MA State PTA Advocacy Team, I am beginning to realize that this is where my true calling lies. I feel so strongly about the issues and have really gained an appreciation and a fondness for advocating for children. The second is to head up a "Green Team" through the PTA that can actively investigate ways of "greening" the methods in which the school communicates with parents. About a week ago I posted this on my Facebook status and had a number of people comment. There are many schools that communicate through mass emailings, phone calls, and other more green methods. I am planning on finding out more about this and see if I can work with the school department here in Middleboro and get them to follow suit.
I know it is a bit early to be thinking of the next school year already. This year I am feeling like I am being pulled in a million different directions. I think it would be nice to narrow my focus a little, and make a commitment to a few tasks rather than a million.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Literal Thinking Etc.
When discussing Dr. Martin Luther King at school a couple of months ago, one of the parent volunteers asked Julia what she thought Dr. King's dream was. Julia pondered the question for a minute and answered, "I bet his dream was that he was white...then he never would have gotten shot."
This is how Julia thinks. Literally, logically and in a very distinct black and white pattern (no pun intended). There is no gray area for her. There are many examples of this...like when she walks down to the art room at the MECC, and refuses to say hi to her old preschool teacher or pop her head into her old classroom. You see preschool is part of her past. That part of her life is over so she has no connection to it any longer. Or the time I told her I was going to kill two birds with one stone while running multiple errands and she thought I was going to kill a bird. Then there was the time at school when she went to the girls room and found the toilet seat up (she must have been the first one in there after they had cleaned or something) and declared (again with the logic) that there must have been a "Daddy" in the building. There is of course the time she told her bus driver that because of Rosa Parks and Dr. King, she could sit wherever she wants on the bus and didn't have to sit in the front anymore.
She also speaks her mind...no matter what it is. Recently at a basketball game there were some young kids playing next to us with no parent close by. They were being a little rambunctious and Julia said to them, "Do you have a mother or what?" clearly trying to tell the kids that their mother (or even just an adult) should be there to tell them to stop being so wild. There was also the time when we were sitting in a restaurant and a gentlemen in the booth across from us took his glasses off to read the paper. She asked him quite loudly why he didn't just put his glasses back on so he could see what he was reading. A couple of weeks ago, a boy in her class had been out sick for a few days, came back to school and was hyper and bouncing off of the walls. She told him if he was going to behave that way then he should have just stayed home. The other day at the playground, a couple of teenage girls brought their younger brother with them and she told them they couldn't play there because the playground was only for little kids and they were too big. These examples aren't all that bad considering her age (5), but she is right at that line though where it goes from being cute and funny to inappropriate and rude. The difference between my other kids at that age is that if Emily and Katherine had said something like any of the examples above at the age of 5, I wouldn't have had any doubt that they would have known they were not being appropriate and would have understood when I explained that to them. Julia does not get it.
Socially, Julia interacts with adults much more frequently and comfortably then she does with her peers. She will play along side peers, but not often with her peers. She doesn't stay on topic unless she is continually reminded to do so and often won't initiate conversations without prompting.
Academically, she is a math whiz. She enjoys math...counting, patterns and sequencing are easy for her to grasp (not surprising considering the logic and literal thinking involved in math). English Language Arts is a bit more difficult for her. She struggles a bit with reading, communicating and retelling stories, and the appropriate use of social language. Considering everything I have just said, this too seems to make sense to me.
Julia also tires very easily...both physically and mentally. Maintaining focus for her isn't just a matter of concentrating harder...some tasks are just too much for her. Physically, she tires a lot easier than other typical kids her age might. Her tone is low so she has to work a lot harder to achieve some of the physical milestones that other children achieve easily or with little effort.
All of this? Is why she is staying back. It is also why I think she will some day soon be diagnosed with Asperger's or some type of "spectrum disorder." It's not like a diagnosis really matters as long as she gets the help and services she needs. I don't know if this makes me sound awful, but sometimes, I think my life and hers might just be easier if we had some sort of "excuse" or "reason" for how she perceives and interacts with the world. One thing I know for sure? I wouldn't change a thing about her. All of this is what makes her so unique and special, and while sometimes, I wish she didn't have such a struggle, I can't imagine the victories being as sweet as they are.
This is how Julia thinks. Literally, logically and in a very distinct black and white pattern (no pun intended). There is no gray area for her. There are many examples of this...like when she walks down to the art room at the MECC, and refuses to say hi to her old preschool teacher or pop her head into her old classroom. You see preschool is part of her past. That part of her life is over so she has no connection to it any longer. Or the time I told her I was going to kill two birds with one stone while running multiple errands and she thought I was going to kill a bird. Then there was the time at school when she went to the girls room and found the toilet seat up (she must have been the first one in there after they had cleaned or something) and declared (again with the logic) that there must have been a "Daddy" in the building. There is of course the time she told her bus driver that because of Rosa Parks and Dr. King, she could sit wherever she wants on the bus and didn't have to sit in the front anymore.
She also speaks her mind...no matter what it is. Recently at a basketball game there were some young kids playing next to us with no parent close by. They were being a little rambunctious and Julia said to them, "Do you have a mother or what?" clearly trying to tell the kids that their mother (or even just an adult) should be there to tell them to stop being so wild. There was also the time when we were sitting in a restaurant and a gentlemen in the booth across from us took his glasses off to read the paper. She asked him quite loudly why he didn't just put his glasses back on so he could see what he was reading. A couple of weeks ago, a boy in her class had been out sick for a few days, came back to school and was hyper and bouncing off of the walls. She told him if he was going to behave that way then he should have just stayed home. The other day at the playground, a couple of teenage girls brought their younger brother with them and she told them they couldn't play there because the playground was only for little kids and they were too big. These examples aren't all that bad considering her age (5), but she is right at that line though where it goes from being cute and funny to inappropriate and rude. The difference between my other kids at that age is that if Emily and Katherine had said something like any of the examples above at the age of 5, I wouldn't have had any doubt that they would have known they were not being appropriate and would have understood when I explained that to them. Julia does not get it.
Socially, Julia interacts with adults much more frequently and comfortably then she does with her peers. She will play along side peers, but not often with her peers. She doesn't stay on topic unless she is continually reminded to do so and often won't initiate conversations without prompting.
Academically, she is a math whiz. She enjoys math...counting, patterns and sequencing are easy for her to grasp (not surprising considering the logic and literal thinking involved in math). English Language Arts is a bit more difficult for her. She struggles a bit with reading, communicating and retelling stories, and the appropriate use of social language. Considering everything I have just said, this too seems to make sense to me.
Julia also tires very easily...both physically and mentally. Maintaining focus for her isn't just a matter of concentrating harder...some tasks are just too much for her. Physically, she tires a lot easier than other typical kids her age might. Her tone is low so she has to work a lot harder to achieve some of the physical milestones that other children achieve easily or with little effort.
All of this? Is why she is staying back. It is also why I think she will some day soon be diagnosed with Asperger's or some type of "spectrum disorder." It's not like a diagnosis really matters as long as she gets the help and services she needs. I don't know if this makes me sound awful, but sometimes, I think my life and hers might just be easier if we had some sort of "excuse" or "reason" for how she perceives and interacts with the world. One thing I know for sure? I wouldn't change a thing about her. All of this is what makes her so unique and special, and while sometimes, I wish she didn't have such a struggle, I can't imagine the victories being as sweet as they are.
So...
...since getting laid off on Thursday, Ryun has been the happiest I have seen him a long time. This doesn't make sense when you look at just the fact that he was laid off but, when you take in to account the fact that he no longer has to go to work in that volatile situation, it makes complete sense. Maybe, just maybe, this being laid off thing will turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
La La La La La La La La La La La
My week so far: Service engine light came on in the van, hurt my finger doing I have no idea what and it's all swollen and black and blue, found out that Julia will be repeating Kindergarten(which is a. not surprising, b. probably the best choice I could have made for her, and c. totally fine but it's still just...hard to explain my feelings around this honestly), found out that unless a miracle of God is performed Ryun will be out of a job, um, tomorrow.
I really have so much to say about this that I don't even know what to say (imagine that...me, speechless). So, instead of crying to you all I am going to share with you the new theme song I am trying to adapt to my life.
Ahh...leave it to an 80's tv show to help make me feel better! : )
I really have so much to say about this that I don't even know what to say (imagine that...me, speechless). So, instead of crying to you all I am going to share with you the new theme song I am trying to adapt to my life.
Ahh...leave it to an 80's tv show to help make me feel better! : )
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Being Mom
Sometimes, I have no idea what I am doing when it comes to raising my (almost) teen aged daughter.
Has anyone else ever looked in the mirror or replayed a conversation in your head and wondered afterward if alien forces had somehow invaded and somehow made you say what you said? Or wondered if alien forces had invaded your child and done the same thing? I seem to be having moments like these more often than not. I can't tell you how many times I have said to myself, "Did that really just happen?"
Someone once told me that ages 12-14 were the worst age bracket in regard to mother/daughter relationships. I am beginning to see why that's true. Clearly, I can't do or say anything right. I am also being nosy and overbearing when offering my help in a situation in which she is clearly struggling (no matter that she said she wanted my help to begin with).
I am having a hard time letting go. She is having a hard time remembering that a little more independence comes with age but, some of that independence must be earned. Why do kids want to grow up so fast? Sometimes, being an adult is not all it's cracked up to be. You can trust me on this.
It's hard, despite the moments of joy that I found in raising my oldest daughter, not to long for the days when I was all she ever needed and, I could do no wrong.
Has anyone else ever looked in the mirror or replayed a conversation in your head and wondered afterward if alien forces had somehow invaded and somehow made you say what you said? Or wondered if alien forces had invaded your child and done the same thing? I seem to be having moments like these more often than not. I can't tell you how many times I have said to myself, "Did that really just happen?"
Someone once told me that ages 12-14 were the worst age bracket in regard to mother/daughter relationships. I am beginning to see why that's true. Clearly, I can't do or say anything right. I am also being nosy and overbearing when offering my help in a situation in which she is clearly struggling (no matter that she said she wanted my help to begin with).
I am having a hard time letting go. She is having a hard time remembering that a little more independence comes with age but, some of that independence must be earned. Why do kids want to grow up so fast? Sometimes, being an adult is not all it's cracked up to be. You can trust me on this.
It's hard, despite the moments of joy that I found in raising my oldest daughter, not to long for the days when I was all she ever needed and, I could do no wrong.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
And I Thought Last Week Was Busy...
Monday: Work in the morning, volunteer in the afternoon, dance for Emily at 6, FINCOM meeting at 7.
Tuesday: Work in the morning, hold signs near MECC at 5:30, Julia's PT conference at 7, then to an override meeting immediately afterward.
Wednesday: Happy St Patrick's Day! Work in the morning, Em staying after school for student/faculty bball game, conference call at 7.
Thursday: Work in the morning, Show at the MECC in the afternoon, Ryun's on call, Dance for Katherine, Olympics meeting at 7.
Friday: Work in the morning, dinner at my parents at night.
Saturday: Dance for Julia, holding signs for the morning.
Tuesday: Work in the morning, hold signs near MECC at 5:30, Julia's PT conference at 7, then to an override meeting immediately afterward.
Wednesday: Happy St Patrick's Day! Work in the morning, Em staying after school for student/faculty bball game, conference call at 7.
Thursday: Work in the morning, Show at the MECC in the afternoon, Ryun's on call, Dance for Katherine, Olympics meeting at 7.
Friday: Work in the morning, dinner at my parents at night.
Saturday: Dance for Julia, holding signs for the morning.
Monday, March 8, 2010
My Thoughts On Supporting Public Education...
...conveniently written by someone else here. This could not describe my feelings regarding the support of public education any better than if I had written it by myself.
My Thoughts On MCAS
The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is a statewide standardized test administered to students beginning in third grade. Students, in varying grades are tested in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Technology/Engineering, History and Social Sciences. Students are required to pass grade 10 MCAS test in English Language Arts and Mathematics, and, beginning with the class of 2010, one high school test in Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics or Technology/Engineering in order to graduate high school and be awarded a diploma. There are many different kinds of questions on the MCAS including open response, short answer and multiple choices.
I believe MCAS is a good tool for measuring progress, seeing what areas of student learning need improvement, and assessing individual needs of various student groups. I also believe open response questions, which ask the students to write their response for a question in a paragraph and, to defend their response with material from a text, provide the opportunity to develop much needed critical thinking skills.
I firmly believe that no single test should be the determining factor in whether or not a student earns a high school diploma. No student’s knowledge and skills can or should be summed up by one single test score. There are students that may not test well, but can, in other ways (such as a portfolio of their work) demonstrate appropriate knowledge of a subject. Students in schools that have higher class sizes, limited or no access to educational resources, and fewer qualified teachers will also suffer due to circumstances out of their control.
MCAS should continue to be used as an assessment tool. Accountability is needed and schools and students need to be held responsible. However, denying a student their right to a high school diploma based on a single test score is not appropriate. Other measures, including portfolios of student work should be considered.
I believe MCAS is a good tool for measuring progress, seeing what areas of student learning need improvement, and assessing individual needs of various student groups. I also believe open response questions, which ask the students to write their response for a question in a paragraph and, to defend their response with material from a text, provide the opportunity to develop much needed critical thinking skills.
I firmly believe that no single test should be the determining factor in whether or not a student earns a high school diploma. No student’s knowledge and skills can or should be summed up by one single test score. There are students that may not test well, but can, in other ways (such as a portfolio of their work) demonstrate appropriate knowledge of a subject. Students in schools that have higher class sizes, limited or no access to educational resources, and fewer qualified teachers will also suffer due to circumstances out of their control.
MCAS should continue to be used as an assessment tool. Accountability is needed and schools and students need to be held responsible. However, denying a student their right to a high school diploma based on a single test score is not appropriate. Other measures, including portfolios of student work should be considered.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Busy Week
Monday: Tiger Trails and Dance for Emily
Tuesday: Scouts for Kate, Budget forum meeting at Nichols
Wednesday: MECC School Council, PTA
Thursday: PTO Today Expo during the day, Reconfiguration Focus Group meeting at 3:30, Dance for Kate, Scouts for Emily, PT Conferences at Nichols.
Friday: Crop at the Mitchell Club
Saturday: holding signs for the override
Tuesday: Scouts for Kate, Budget forum meeting at Nichols
Wednesday: MECC School Council, PTA
Thursday: PTO Today Expo during the day, Reconfiguration Focus Group meeting at 3:30, Dance for Kate, Scouts for Emily, PT Conferences at Nichols.
Friday: Crop at the Mitchell Club
Saturday: holding signs for the override
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Gotta Keep Reading!
Someone I went to high school with teaches at a middle school in FL where they really get the kids excited about reading. They are filming for Oprah tomorrow. How cool is that? Check out the amazing video!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Letter To Julia
I wrote this to Julia just before she started Kindergarten this year. I don't remember if I shared it here or not, although I know I posted it on FB. I dug this up in preparation for a scrapbooking project I am involved with. The prompt for last week was, "My Hero". In many ways, Julia is that to me. Reading this letter has made me realize how far Julia has come this year. Anyway, here is the letter.
Dear Julia:
In a little over a week, you will begin kindergarten. Many things have been said about how I will feel next week. What I do know is this; from the moment the bus pulls away from the curb and down the road, you will crowd my thoughts. “Is she ok?” Is she happy?” “Did she eat her lunch?” Has she met a new friend?”
The hardest part for me in releasing you in to this whole new world is doing so knowing that it is a far from perfect world that waits. You will experience happiness, sadness, grief, joy and every emotion in between. Other people outside of our family will be influencing you and the choices you make. Some level of innocence will be lost. It’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming, sending you off on your way.
The first day of school is a fall rite of passage. For a family with children of special needs, the first day of school also represents hard-won success.
From the moment you first graced our lives, you have exhibited a spirit of survival that astounds me. We've endured too many moments of grief to let learning with disabilities become a roadblock. What I remember most is your first smile and giggle, your first word and your success at a preschool.
Today, we celebrate school and a powerful lesson in letting go.
Today, our family is no different.
The ground we tread is fresh; this will be a year of new challenges. I pray that others in this new world take time to discover how gifted and talented you really are.
When your bus disappears from sight, I know I will be a wreck. Are you ready? Am I ready? You will grin at me through the tinted bus window and I will know, you are more ready than I am.
The bright, yellow school bus will disappear from sight, as it did with your sisters many memories ago, and I will be overcome with emotion. Safely inside, I will release the tears of unconditional love for the child who has been my greatest life teacher.
As you begin this new journey, Julia you must grow in independence. Do so knowing that Dad and I will always be beside you to champion your dreams.
Thank you for coming into my life and teaching me more than I ever thought I had to learn.
With much love,
Mom
P.S. Have a wonderful first day in kindergarten!!
Dear Julia:
In a little over a week, you will begin kindergarten. Many things have been said about how I will feel next week. What I do know is this; from the moment the bus pulls away from the curb and down the road, you will crowd my thoughts. “Is she ok?” Is she happy?” “Did she eat her lunch?” Has she met a new friend?”
The hardest part for me in releasing you in to this whole new world is doing so knowing that it is a far from perfect world that waits. You will experience happiness, sadness, grief, joy and every emotion in between. Other people outside of our family will be influencing you and the choices you make. Some level of innocence will be lost. It’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming, sending you off on your way.
The first day of school is a fall rite of passage. For a family with children of special needs, the first day of school also represents hard-won success.
From the moment you first graced our lives, you have exhibited a spirit of survival that astounds me. We've endured too many moments of grief to let learning with disabilities become a roadblock. What I remember most is your first smile and giggle, your first word and your success at a preschool.
Today, we celebrate school and a powerful lesson in letting go.
Today, our family is no different.
The ground we tread is fresh; this will be a year of new challenges. I pray that others in this new world take time to discover how gifted and talented you really are.
When your bus disappears from sight, I know I will be a wreck. Are you ready? Am I ready? You will grin at me through the tinted bus window and I will know, you are more ready than I am.
The bright, yellow school bus will disappear from sight, as it did with your sisters many memories ago, and I will be overcome with emotion. Safely inside, I will release the tears of unconditional love for the child who has been my greatest life teacher.
As you begin this new journey, Julia you must grow in independence. Do so knowing that Dad and I will always be beside you to champion your dreams.
Thank you for coming into my life and teaching me more than I ever thought I had to learn.
With much love,
Mom
P.S. Have a wonderful first day in kindergarten!!
Announcement
Happy Birthday to my father, who turns 60 years old today! Also, Happy First Date Anniversary to my parents, who had their first date 42 years ago today!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
This Is No Joke
So not funny it's almost funny: One of Ryun's blood pressure meds is about to run out. So we have the choice...pay for it out of pocket or stop taking it. Somehow not taking it seems like a VERY BAD idea given his current work situation. The other so not funny it's almost funny part? Ryun has not gotten a full pay check in weeks and we have to pay for our meds out of pocket.
Seriously though? If we don't laugh just a little at the irony of this all? We might just cry instead. Or kill someone. Laughing seems like the best plan.
This was a FB status update. I thought it made a good blog post as well. A lot of my FB updates are like that. Weird.
Seriously though? If we don't laugh just a little at the irony of this all? We might just cry instead. Or kill someone. Laughing seems like the best plan.
This was a FB status update. I thought it made a good blog post as well. A lot of my FB updates are like that. Weird.
Photography...
...is one of my favorite hobbies; it may in fact be my favorite. Landscape and scenic photography particularly interest me and I am constantly seeking out new and beautiful places to photograph. It so happens that every scenic picture I have ever taken has been in New England.
This is why when Ryun suggested that we just do our annual beach vacation to Chapin (Dennis, MA) and not our usual camping in the White Mountains of NH trip (which would have been in addition to the beach), I literally felt like part of my soul was being ripped from my body. The beach vacation provides just as much beauty and at least as many opportunities to take pictures but there is something about the mountains that speaks to me on a different level. It doesn't have to be the White Mountains either. Another one of my favorite places is in Stowe, VT at the Trapp Family Lodge.
I understood his reasoning of course, with his job situation being so shaky. The beach vacation has been planned for a while but it hardly makes sense to plan another vacation with things as they are right now.
Then, another thought occurred. What if I went by myself, for a long weekend over the summer? It would certainly save a ton of money. I could stay somewhere extremely inexpensive and small. I wouldn't have to spend a lot of money on food either and could in fact pack some of my own. I can see it. Really I can...just me, my camera, and the great outdoors. No time frame, no working around schedules, no need to worry about anything other than my camera and myself. I could pay for it with the money I earn from my job which at this point doesn't contribute to the family finances (it basically just takes care of the extras). This is something I have talked about with my counselor before and she thought me time, completely free of all obligations etc. would be a wonderful thing. I just may look in to this.
In the meantime, feel free to check out some of the pictures I have taken all over New England, and many from both Chapin Beach and the White Mountains Region of NH.
Click here to go to the album.
This is why when Ryun suggested that we just do our annual beach vacation to Chapin (Dennis, MA) and not our usual camping in the White Mountains of NH trip (which would have been in addition to the beach), I literally felt like part of my soul was being ripped from my body. The beach vacation provides just as much beauty and at least as many opportunities to take pictures but there is something about the mountains that speaks to me on a different level. It doesn't have to be the White Mountains either. Another one of my favorite places is in Stowe, VT at the Trapp Family Lodge.
I understood his reasoning of course, with his job situation being so shaky. The beach vacation has been planned for a while but it hardly makes sense to plan another vacation with things as they are right now.
Then, another thought occurred. What if I went by myself, for a long weekend over the summer? It would certainly save a ton of money. I could stay somewhere extremely inexpensive and small. I wouldn't have to spend a lot of money on food either and could in fact pack some of my own. I can see it. Really I can...just me, my camera, and the great outdoors. No time frame, no working around schedules, no need to worry about anything other than my camera and myself. I could pay for it with the money I earn from my job which at this point doesn't contribute to the family finances (it basically just takes care of the extras). This is something I have talked about with my counselor before and she thought me time, completely free of all obligations etc. would be a wonderful thing. I just may look in to this.
In the meantime, feel free to check out some of the pictures I have taken all over New England, and many from both Chapin Beach and the White Mountains Region of NH.
Click here to go to the album.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Money and Green Beans
How are the two related? Why in one of my dreams of course. This is the first dream in a very long time that actually translates in to something good...so a big yay for that!
The dream was of me going to a farm and buying, for a very large sum of money, fresh green beans. The amount purchased was the equivalent of maybe three regular sized cans. The amount of money I paid for that quantity? $78.38. The man who sold them to me was a very elderly, wise sort of man. The impression was that he was very knowledgeable about many things. I have looked up the meaning of every key part of this dream; the money, the numbers, the farm, the old man, the color green and the beans.
To see or win money in your dream, indicates that success and prosperity is within your reach.
To see or eat beans in your dream, signifies your connection to your roots and to humanity. Consider what binds you to your community. Alternatively, beans are symbolic of the soul and of immortality. They also relate to fertility.
Green signifies a positive change, good health, growth, fertility, healing, hope, vigor, vitality, peace, and serenity. Green is also symbolic of your strive to gain recognition and establish your independence.
To see an old man in your dream, represents wisdom or forgiveness.
To see or live on a farm in your dream, suggests that you are ready for growth.
Seven signifies mental perfection, healing, completion, music and attainment of high spirituality.
Eight stands for power of authority, success, karma, material gains, regeneration, and wealth. When the number eight appears in your dream, trust your instincts and intuition.
Three signifies life, vitality, inner strength, completion, imagination, creativity, energy, and self-exploration.
If the symbols in this dream are at all indicative of real life, virtually every dream or feeling I have ever had or wanted for myself will have come to fruition. Anyone who knows me is aware already of how strongly I feel dreams reflect one's waking life. Here's to hoping in this specific case, my beliefs are right on.
The dream was of me going to a farm and buying, for a very large sum of money, fresh green beans. The amount purchased was the equivalent of maybe three regular sized cans. The amount of money I paid for that quantity? $78.38. The man who sold them to me was a very elderly, wise sort of man. The impression was that he was very knowledgeable about many things. I have looked up the meaning of every key part of this dream; the money, the numbers, the farm, the old man, the color green and the beans.
To see or win money in your dream, indicates that success and prosperity is within your reach.
To see or eat beans in your dream, signifies your connection to your roots and to humanity. Consider what binds you to your community. Alternatively, beans are symbolic of the soul and of immortality. They also relate to fertility.
Green signifies a positive change, good health, growth, fertility, healing, hope, vigor, vitality, peace, and serenity. Green is also symbolic of your strive to gain recognition and establish your independence.
To see an old man in your dream, represents wisdom or forgiveness.
To see or live on a farm in your dream, suggests that you are ready for growth.
Seven signifies mental perfection, healing, completion, music and attainment of high spirituality.
Eight stands for power of authority, success, karma, material gains, regeneration, and wealth. When the number eight appears in your dream, trust your instincts and intuition.
Three signifies life, vitality, inner strength, completion, imagination, creativity, energy, and self-exploration.
If the symbols in this dream are at all indicative of real life, virtually every dream or feeling I have ever had or wanted for myself will have come to fruition. Anyone who knows me is aware already of how strongly I feel dreams reflect one's waking life. Here's to hoping in this specific case, my beliefs are right on.
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