Please don't get your hopes up. Even though I didn't get to Miscellaneous Thoughts last week, I don't have too much insight this week either.
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Happy Friday the 13th!
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I've fallen behind on my self portrait/photos and my Photo Fridays. I have to break out the camera and really get busy some time this weekend. I should be able to squeeze in a few shots between the APL mall grand-reopening, shopping and lunch with mom, my soon-to-be-sister-in-law's baby shower, and an APL meeting of the Board of Directors. The last time I had a weekend this busy planned, I got the flu. I hope that doesn't happen this time, since Steve's been sick this week with it.
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Myles need shoes in order to move up to the toddler room at daycare. There are so many things about this that I am just not ready for, not the least of which is the fact that I had no idea there were so many cute shoe choices for babies! Sam had one pair of shoes when he was that age...and only because I wanted him to wear them in a portrait (yes, I know, my motivations are all weird). We tried that pair on Myles since they are practically new...and they are already too small! So I must find him a new pair (or a decent pair on ebay). Not that I mind shopping, of course. And really...little baby shoes with dinosaurs on them...how freaking cute is that?!?!
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I wonder why people post things like, "We have to finish our conversation," or, "See you at 3pm," on Facebook. Is it a status thing? To let the rest of us know that you are a closer friend than we are? Are you establishing an internal ranking of friend status? Well...stop it. It annoys me.
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While I'm talking to people who annoy me...
Dear well-built man in a nice warm winter coat and boots getting out of a big Ford truck parked in the spot right near the grocery door...thank you for taking the last close parking space and insuring that I would have to hike...in my impractical heels...from halfway across the parking lot...in the freezing rain...carrying a wiggly toddler in my arms. You must be related to the other guy that does the same thing at my older son's elementary school every.single.day. Who says chivalry is dead?
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Friday, March 13, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Telephone tree
Good news! Word is that Steve's mom's heart cath went well and she should be able to go home tomorrow.
Oh my!
On the heels of my last school post, I get this note today...
No...it's not a joke. This is the actual note (with the name blocked out to protect the not-so-innocent).
I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried!
No...it's not a joke. This is the actual note (with the name blocked out to protect the not-so-innocent).
I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried!
It's elementary
I thought I was nuts. Making a mountain out of a mole-hill, as my dad might say. But Sam brought home his report card yesterday and I'm just so confused that I think it's pointless to even worry about it anymore.
In the notes section, it says, "Thank you for attending parent conferences. There has been a marked improvement in Sam's behavior." In the columns specifically concerning behavior, where Sam received check marks last time (indicating "needs improvement"), he now received check minuses with "better" noted beside the check minuses. Huh? If a check mark indicates "needs improvement" what does a check minus indicate? and what does a check minus with a "better" next to it mean?
I swear...I never thought first grade would be so difficult...for me. lol!
Somebody please pass the secret decoder ring. Thanks!
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Along the same storyline...I have to tell you about a conversation I had the other day shortly after the parent conference that concerned me so much.
I was talking about my concerns with one of the secretaries in the criminal office (who I consider a friend) when one of the other secretaries who sits behind her said, "It's not Ms. C----, by any chance is it?"
I said, "Uh...(hesitating)...yes it is...why?"
This other secretary rolls her eyes as she says, "Oh, she's just a b****!"
"Why do you say that?" I asked (of COURSE I asked...unsolicited strong comments like this always make me ask!).
The other secretary starts with, "She should NOT be teaching little kids. She has absolutely no skills for dealing with them." But that wasn't all...she went on to tick off three additional points on the fingers of her right hand, "My three little cousins were in her class and learned next to nothing. She has no control over the class and she has no idea how to relate to little kids. She should be teaching fifth grade or older, for sure."
At least I know I'm not totally crazy.
In the notes section, it says, "Thank you for attending parent conferences. There has been a marked improvement in Sam's behavior." In the columns specifically concerning behavior, where Sam received check marks last time (indicating "needs improvement"), he now received check minuses with "better" noted beside the check minuses. Huh? If a check mark indicates "needs improvement" what does a check minus indicate? and what does a check minus with a "better" next to it mean?
I swear...I never thought first grade would be so difficult...for me. lol!
Somebody please pass the secret decoder ring. Thanks!
--------------------------------------
Along the same storyline...I have to tell you about a conversation I had the other day shortly after the parent conference that concerned me so much.
I was talking about my concerns with one of the secretaries in the criminal office (who I consider a friend) when one of the other secretaries who sits behind her said, "It's not Ms. C----, by any chance is it?"
I said, "Uh...(hesitating)...yes it is...why?"
This other secretary rolls her eyes as she says, "Oh, she's just a b****!"
"Why do you say that?" I asked (of COURSE I asked...unsolicited strong comments like this always make me ask!).
The other secretary starts with, "She should NOT be teaching little kids. She has absolutely no skills for dealing with them." But that wasn't all...she went on to tick off three additional points on the fingers of her right hand, "My three little cousins were in her class and learned next to nothing. She has no control over the class and she has no idea how to relate to little kids. She should be teaching fifth grade or older, for sure."
At least I know I'm not totally crazy.
news from the phone tree
Steve's mom had abdominal surgery two weeks ago and followed it up Tuesday night with a heart attack. She is now in the hospital for a heart catheterization, which will take place today at 3pm.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Thank you Catherine!
You are awesome! And I will gladly be your dysfunctional yarn codependent!
Seriously...thank you! I will let you know how I do with the hook.
Welcome to the world Baby Eli!
At 9:07am, Choofy Mama posted the sweetest words...
Eli
Safe and sound
Congratulations to the entire family!
Eli
Safe and sound
Congratulations to the entire family!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Yay Lucy!
I know a bunch of us were waiting for the news...and it came...Lucy did great!
I know Rachel is waiting to breathe her sigh of relief for when the rough part of recovery is over. She has always been an awesome mama to Lucy and I know she will get through this part with her typical Rachel style and grace. But if you could please keep her in your thoughts and prayers...I know it would mean a lot.
Yay Lucy!
I know Rachel is waiting to breathe her sigh of relief for when the rough part of recovery is over. She has always been an awesome mama to Lucy and I know she will get through this part with her typical Rachel style and grace. But if you could please keep her in your thoughts and prayers...I know it would mean a lot.
Yay Lucy!
Identity crisis
After seeing myself tagged as "the grumpy one" on a facebook wall photo, I'm having a bit of an identity crisis. Is that how people see me? grumpy?
I'll be the first to admit I'm no Mary Sunshine. And I do have my grandmother's and mother's quick Polish temper. But for some reason I hate the idea that I'm considered grumpy. And so I've been finding it hard to write here.
I know I often share online when there is (or I perceive there is) no other outlet. So this place has become my mental dumping ground. I am most prolific here when I have something I need to work out...some emotion I need to process. When I'm quiet, it means things are going well and I'm happy. I guess that doesn't do much for my image, does it?
I promise...I smile and laugh...and I'm reasonably loveable.
I swear. :o) <---do cheesy emotes help my image?
***Totally editing this to TRY to fix my obvious failings at communication (and quite possibly friendship).***
I am not, nor was I offended by the tagging. I love this person dearly (as much as you can love someone you've never actually met in person). And I do not think she is rude or wrong or anything nasty. It was intended in jest and I took it that way. But for some reason, I just started to think about it (you know what they say...every joke has a nugget of truth to it). This was an honest thought-provoking moment for me. My brain took the train of thought and ran with it. I don't want any hurt feelings over this. Mine certainly weren't hurt...I actually came up with a pretty good smart-a$$ retort that I was oddly proud of (I usually think of good comebacks way too late to be effective). But I digress...
I am resetting the comments here now because I obviously gave the wrong impression with my original post.
And I know why I don't want people to characterize me as grumpy. Daddy issues. Don't need expensive therapy to figure that out. Sadly, I just needed a little reassurance from strangers (since so few people I actually know in real life seem to read here). Yeah...I know...I've got more than just Daddy issues. blah!
I'll be the first to admit I'm no Mary Sunshine. And I do have my grandmother's and mother's quick Polish temper. But for some reason I hate the idea that I'm considered grumpy. And so I've been finding it hard to write here.
I know I often share online when there is (or I perceive there is) no other outlet. So this place has become my mental dumping ground. I am most prolific here when I have something I need to work out...some emotion I need to process. When I'm quiet, it means things are going well and I'm happy. I guess that doesn't do much for my image, does it?
I promise...I smile and laugh...and I'm reasonably loveable.
I swear. :o) <---do cheesy emotes help my image?
***Totally editing this to TRY to fix my obvious failings at communication (and quite possibly friendship).***
I am not, nor was I offended by the tagging. I love this person dearly (as much as you can love someone you've never actually met in person). And I do not think she is rude or wrong or anything nasty. It was intended in jest and I took it that way. But for some reason, I just started to think about it (you know what they say...every joke has a nugget of truth to it). This was an honest thought-provoking moment for me. My brain took the train of thought and ran with it. I don't want any hurt feelings over this. Mine certainly weren't hurt...I actually came up with a pretty good smart-a$$ retort that I was oddly proud of (I usually think of good comebacks way too late to be effective). But I digress...
I am resetting the comments here now because I obviously gave the wrong impression with my original post.
And I know why I don't want people to characterize me as grumpy. Daddy issues. Don't need expensive therapy to figure that out. Sadly, I just needed a little reassurance from strangers (since so few people I actually know in real life seem to read here). Yeah...I know...I've got more than just Daddy issues. blah!
Monday, March 09, 2009
Remembering Thomas
I can not wish a happy birthday to a little boy today who should be four years old.
Instead, I can only look at his picture and just keep wishing, "Just breathe...just move...just cry. Your mama is so amazing and I know it would make her so happy."
But I know the ending to this story was already written four years ago. "Once upon a time" and "the end" tied together in a knot that can not be untied by any force in this life.
So I hope there is peace wherever he is. Because his absence (and the absence of so many others) leaves little peace for us...
...mothers who look at photos and long for the impossible.
Instead, I can only look at his picture and just keep wishing, "Just breathe...just move...just cry. Your mama is so amazing and I know it would make her so happy."
But I know the ending to this story was already written four years ago. "Once upon a time" and "the end" tied together in a knot that can not be untied by any force in this life.
So I hope there is peace wherever he is. Because his absence (and the absence of so many others) leaves little peace for us...
...mothers who look at photos and long for the impossible.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
#10 way to change the world
This week I was involved in the pre-construction meeting for the development of a bike trail between two nice park areas along the Lake Erie shore. It will be a very nice project when completed that I will personally use. So along those lines, this week's charity is the Trust for Public Land.
Click here to explore ways to support TPL.
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national, nonprofit, land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, community gardens, historic sites, rural lands, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come.
Click here to explore ways to support TPL.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Today's revelation
It has taken me four years to figure out why I always feel depressed after my birthday. At first I thought it was just seasonal...lack of sun...too much cold...etc. But today it hit me that my birthday is the end of our family's very long holiday season. I make it all the way through Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, and then my birthday in a relatively good mood. But after my birthday, the only thing looming on the calendar to "look forward to" is May 8th. And then May 11th (I'm not so much about Easter because the whole re-birth theme just makes me queasy and irritable.).
Maybe I'd do better if I made more out of St. Patrick's Day in March and then Earth Day in April?
I just don't know.
Maybe I'd do better if I made more out of St. Patrick's Day in March and then Earth Day in April?
I just don't know.
ANOTHER favor
This one is EASY.
Help Joe Frazz win his dream photographic assignment and help the animals at the same time!
Help Joe Frazz win his dream photographic assignment and help the animals at the same time!
CLICK HERE (Edit: Revised Easier Link)
Sign up
Log in
Click the Pic It box to the left of the description/entry by Joe.
This is the most important step, other than registering:
If you don't click the: Pic It box, it will not register & be counted.
Malley's Easter chocolates
Sam is selling Malley's Easter chocolates for a school fundraiser. If you would like to look at his personal webpage (and possibly order so he can meet his $150 goal to earn a ticket to Cedar Point Amusement Park), drop me an email. Provided I know who you are, I will send you the link.
Sale goes until April 6th.
Shipping is probably not available out of the USA, but I don't know for sure.
Sale goes until April 6th.
Shipping is probably not available out of the USA, but I don't know for sure.
Entertainment Tonight
Him: "You know what's so great about the octo-mom story?"
Me: "Uh...(do I really want to ask?)...no...(ok...I just have to know)...what?"
Him: "At least now Entertainment Tonight isn't harping on fat people anymore."
Me: "Uh...(do I really want to ask?)...no...(ok...I just have to know)...what?"
Him: "At least now Entertainment Tonight isn't harping on fat people anymore."
Need your help
I need help coming up with a catchy/funny/semi-interesting team name for my fantasy baseball team.
Yes...it is true...I participate in fantasy baseball. Though, honestly, "participate" is a word used very loosely...since my team generally ends up somewhere in the neighborhood of last place.
Yes...it is true...I participate in fantasy baseball. Though, honestly, "participate" is a word used very loosely...since my team generally ends up somewhere in the neighborhood of last place.
Did you see it?
Texas NILMDTS Photographer, Amber Augustin, was featured on the 3/1/09 episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition.
I missed it so hopefully I can watch it online sometime this week.
I missed it so hopefully I can watch it online sometime this week.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Miscellaneous thoughts
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I'm a little late with Miscellaneous Thoughts for last week for all kinds of crazy reasons, not the least of which is the 24+ hour flu bug I caught...just in time for my Pampered Chef party Friday night. I hostessed from the next room so as not to infect any of my guests. Hey...I'm just THAT classy.
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I appreciate all your kind comments to my vent about Sam's teacher. I promise I'm not going to hurt her or anything.
I guess I'm feeling particularly fragile as signs of spring start to show up and I know what's around the corner emotionally for me. I guess I'm just not equipped to deal particularly well with stress right now.
The teacher found the form for day 2 of the great communication experiment. Yay her!
Sam did well on Day 2. Yay Sam!
When I picked Sam up on Day 3, he took one look at me and burst into tears. This is NOT what I was going for. And no, I don't give a rat's ass how good it may be for Sam's future Ivy League education.
I hugged him and just asked, "Not a good day, huh?" Between the sobs, I was able to decipher the story...the math pages were so hard he was only able to get one half done...and he didn't even get to start his other worksheets. But he was not put out into the hall for talking. So I assume (which he confirms) that he tried his best but just had a hard time with the lesson that day.
The thing that bothers me is that he came home with the half-completed math page and one un-started math page and two un-started english/writing pages. If the teacher is teaching to the middle of the road...if she is teaching to the LOW side of the road...why was my kid left floundering on the first page? and what is going on in that class that multiple lessons (in different subjects) pile up while my kid is floundering on the first page? Should he have finally qualified for her attention when it was clear he was stumped? These are just some questions I have.
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My husband heard a noise "dragging under his car." He drove to McDonald's anyway (and back home). His right rear tire was flat. Luckily, no bent rims...and he needed new tires on the back anyway.
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When Steve and I were briefly considering international adoption, we were strangely attracted to European Adoption Consultants. Then we ran into their Memorial Weekend at the zoo while there for Sam's birthday...two years running. It's as if...I just can't say it because it makes me laugh anymore...but you know...the universe was sending us a sign or something. (insert hysterical laughter here) But anyway, we've always been attracted to this particular agency for some reason. If we were ever to adopt internationally, I'm sure this is who we would go through.
Imagine my surprise Sunday morning to find this article on the front page of our local paper. And then checking out the website and seeing the hope themed video.
I KNOW! Please tell the universe I'm listening...I'm just not sure exactly what the message is supposed to be other than odd coincidence. Adoption? Crafting like Margaret Cole's mother? Donating for the babies in the New Hope orphanage?
But I do know that at this point I want to highlight that I will be using EAC as one of my causes this year. So many adoption agencies closed up shop in Guatemala when it became impossible to operate there. But not Margaret Cole and EAC. I am so impressed by her committment to the children that I want to help in any way I can. And hey...she's a hometown gal too! Keep an eye out for more information on this worthy cause probably as the #10 way to change the world.
----------------------------------------
My hand healed after I finished the afghan project. Definitely need to find non-metal crochet hooks now. *sigh* This getting old business is weird.
So hookers...what kind of hooks do you like that aren't metal (or plastic...I hate plastic)...that won't put me in the poorhouse?
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Gotta go do some work so I don't have to take a full sick day off!
----------------------------------------
I'm a little late with Miscellaneous Thoughts for last week for all kinds of crazy reasons, not the least of which is the 24+ hour flu bug I caught...just in time for my Pampered Chef party Friday night. I hostessed from the next room so as not to infect any of my guests. Hey...I'm just THAT classy.
----------------------------------------
I appreciate all your kind comments to my vent about Sam's teacher. I promise I'm not going to hurt her or anything.
I guess I'm feeling particularly fragile as signs of spring start to show up and I know what's around the corner emotionally for me. I guess I'm just not equipped to deal particularly well with stress right now.
The teacher found the form for day 2 of the great communication experiment. Yay her!
Sam did well on Day 2. Yay Sam!
When I picked Sam up on Day 3, he took one look at me and burst into tears. This is NOT what I was going for. And no, I don't give a rat's ass how good it may be for Sam's future Ivy League education.
I hugged him and just asked, "Not a good day, huh?" Between the sobs, I was able to decipher the story...the math pages were so hard he was only able to get one half done...and he didn't even get to start his other worksheets. But he was not put out into the hall for talking. So I assume (which he confirms) that he tried his best but just had a hard time with the lesson that day.
The thing that bothers me is that he came home with the half-completed math page and one un-started math page and two un-started english/writing pages. If the teacher is teaching to the middle of the road...if she is teaching to the LOW side of the road...why was my kid left floundering on the first page? and what is going on in that class that multiple lessons (in different subjects) pile up while my kid is floundering on the first page? Should he have finally qualified for her attention when it was clear he was stumped? These are just some questions I have.
----------------------------------------
My husband heard a noise "dragging under his car." He drove to McDonald's anyway (and back home). His right rear tire was flat. Luckily, no bent rims...and he needed new tires on the back anyway.
----------------------------------------
When Steve and I were briefly considering international adoption, we were strangely attracted to European Adoption Consultants. Then we ran into their Memorial Weekend at the zoo while there for Sam's birthday...two years running. It's as if...I just can't say it because it makes me laugh anymore...but you know...the universe was sending us a sign or something. (insert hysterical laughter here) But anyway, we've always been attracted to this particular agency for some reason. If we were ever to adopt internationally, I'm sure this is who we would go through.
Imagine my surprise Sunday morning to find this article on the front page of our local paper. And then checking out the website and seeing the hope themed video.
I KNOW! Please tell the universe I'm listening...I'm just not sure exactly what the message is supposed to be other than odd coincidence. Adoption? Crafting like Margaret Cole's mother? Donating for the babies in the New Hope orphanage?
But I do know that at this point I want to highlight that I will be using EAC as one of my causes this year. So many adoption agencies closed up shop in Guatemala when it became impossible to operate there. But not Margaret Cole and EAC. I am so impressed by her committment to the children that I want to help in any way I can. And hey...she's a hometown gal too! Keep an eye out for more information on this worthy cause probably as the #10 way to change the world.
----------------------------------------
My hand healed after I finished the afghan project. Definitely need to find non-metal crochet hooks now. *sigh* This getting old business is weird.
So hookers...what kind of hooks do you like that aren't metal (or plastic...I hate plastic)...that won't put me in the poorhouse?
----------------------------------------
Gotta go do some work so I don't have to take a full sick day off!
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Sunday, March 01, 2009
Thank you Meg!
The lovely Meg revealed herself as my Secret Pal for the SP13 swap with this fabulous package! I can not wait to try my hand at some crocheted socks (I dare not even attempt knitted socks...can you just imagine?)!
Thank you so much Meg! You were an awesome pal and I can't thank you enough for all the delicious goodies!
Thank you so much Meg! You were an awesome pal and I can't thank you enough for all the delicious goodies!
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