Today was a Sunday like any other. My son woke up at least an hour before I intended to. He crawled into bed beside me, and, instead of resting quietly as he said he would, he gave me every ten minute update. When I finally decided to claim defeat he then informed me of the days agenda ( all of which I amend mind you. I'm not a complete pushover)
We ate breakfast around 9am ( which is pretty late, for him anyway) I simply reheated some frozen french toast and pancakes I had made earlier in the week and nuked some bacon. After we both cleaned up ( he is VERY helpful with that) I went on to some house stuff while he watched Playhouse Disney.
One of the chores on the dole was to clean the hamster's cage. ( that's not pretty folks) Upon beginning this task, I realized we had no bedding to lay in the bottom, so off to the pet store we go.
We got the "fluff and stuff" ( which I can best describe as resembling what regurgitated cardboard might look like) and were heading to leave when we saw the kitty corral towards the front of the store. He insisted that we go in, so, we did.
So many cats. Some were really adorable too. One reminded me of a calico I had when I was little. (My cat's name was Willow, but for some reason, I couldn't say that so I called him Bee-boo. He was an outdoor cat. Not the friendliest of creatures, but likeable and amusing nonetheless.) There was also a very cute black and brown Himalayan. Very friendly and rather passive. She was about to be adopted. There was a tabby who had one removed due to infection. The caretaker told us her name was "blinky" which I found humorous and mildly cruel at the same time.
We spent over 30 minutes in the 'kitty visiting center', when my son asks, " Can we take one home?" I actually had to think for a minute, but then my answer came rather succinctly; " I'm sorry but no". The "why's" were all truthful and in place for further inquiry:
A) his father can't stand cats and we still all reside together.
TANGENT - But he has been away for the past week, and although there has been more to do, it has been a rather calm existence. This whole split thing might just be a blessing. / TANGENT.
B) I brought no money for a pet adoption
C) I have never maintained a cat on my own. That was always my mom's thing. And when I was old enough to actually help in the caretaking, we had dogs. I'd actually love to have a dog, but I know that I often have to fight to be home to take care of my little boy. I can't imagine leaving a puppy alone in a house, and possibly a cage, for 9-10 hours a day. That's just cruel. Anyway, I'd just like to get some info and do a little research before leaping in and getting a cat.
Perhaps when I get my own place I might consider a feline friend. I also suppose I need to make sure that my son isn't allergic, as I was for a long time after our cat died. I think I still am, but very mildly. Nothing a dose of Benedryl and eye drops can't handle.
We left with our hamster carpet and proceeded to the toy store. We needed to look and see what he wanted to ask Santa to bring for Christmas. This was very good. Santa now feels better informed to make a good decision. I also allowed him to take some money from his piggy for a toy. If the toy he wanted was more expensive than the $$ he brought, I would match up to the amount he had. This worked rather well. And, yes, I did cap the amount of money he could take from the pig.
From there, it was home to clean the cage, noodle for a little bit, and prepare dinner for us and my sister. The night concluded with the usual drone of clean up, pj's, bathroom routine, story time and nightly bedtime negotiations. ( he's going to be lawyer) The better part of the latter half of the night was that my sis came by and I prepared a little dinner for her, as well as some moderately yummy cinnamon buns. Mmmm.
Well, that's it for excitement. Tomorrow begins a full 5 day week of school and a concert on Thursday. Yipppeee.
Better be off to bed.
To any reader - Sorry for the humdrum. Still working on that super exciting, scandalous, riveting story. Did I mention I cleaned the bathrooms? :-) A story for another time, perhaps.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Friday, November 24, 2006
Uninspired
It's been a little while since I have written, so I thought I'd take a brief moment to rectify that. I was truly hoping for some great epiphany or wonderful source of inspiration to befall, but no such luck. Here instead is a brief recap of the daily drone.
This past week has been fair. Monday and Tuesday were in-service days ( days when teachers are bludgeoned with education propaganda and such) I went to the Dr on Monday for the back trauma. The great skilled doctor merely prescribed a ton of meds including a steroid, pain killer and muscle relaxant. Yeah, productive week. I am seeing a different doctor this coming week. The pain has receded, but the source is still unknown.
Wednesday I took my first attempt at making an apple pie. Not being a master of the culinary arts, this was quite a feat. That, plus my mother makes a kick-ass pie herself. That being true, I merely consulted her often. I am happy to report that the product was edible and somewhat pleasantly so.
Today, little C and I went to see Little Feet. Cute. Great animation. Some very funny moments. The story was fair, but I've seen worse from the warm fuzzy movie types.
As for right now, I think I am going to retire to the book I am reading. It's this guys narrative about the time he read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica. I wasn't sure at first, but it's turning out to be a great combo of casual humor and interesting nerdy trivia.
Here's hoping for an epiphany.
Happy Holidays folks !!
This past week has been fair. Monday and Tuesday were in-service days ( days when teachers are bludgeoned with education propaganda and such) I went to the Dr on Monday for the back trauma. The great skilled doctor merely prescribed a ton of meds including a steroid, pain killer and muscle relaxant. Yeah, productive week. I am seeing a different doctor this coming week. The pain has receded, but the source is still unknown.
Wednesday I took my first attempt at making an apple pie. Not being a master of the culinary arts, this was quite a feat. That, plus my mother makes a kick-ass pie herself. That being true, I merely consulted her often. I am happy to report that the product was edible and somewhat pleasantly so.
Today, little C and I went to see Little Feet. Cute. Great animation. Some very funny moments. The story was fair, but I've seen worse from the warm fuzzy movie types.
As for right now, I think I am going to retire to the book I am reading. It's this guys narrative about the time he read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica. I wasn't sure at first, but it's turning out to be a great combo of casual humor and interesting nerdy trivia.
Here's hoping for an epiphany.
Happy Holidays folks !!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Number next
There has so much going on as of late, it's hard to know where to start.
#1 - back issues - Ugh, this is driving me crazy. Several years ago I was diagnosed with a bulging disk (not quite herniated) for which I went to physical therapy. The last few months I've had this sporadic lower back pain that just hurts. This past week, it has come back and it's almost debilitating. I'll sit for 15 minutes, and when I get up, I can't stand straight. My shoulders will go back, but it's like my pelvis won't rotate forward so that the rest of my back will straighten. It's both a little unnerving and highly annoying. I'll see a doctor, as soon as I get a minute to, or if it gets to emergency status. There are 3 more musical theater performances to go and I can't really not be there for them. All I hope is that they can take some little hammer thing to my back and fix whatever the trouble is.
#2 - Margins - Have you ever felt overwhelmed? It seems as if I have lived 3 months of overwhelmed, but I am sure that there are others in much worse situations that me. Anyway, I went to a senior student character seminar where they discussed the idea of keeping "margins" with the students. They defined margin as what you are not obligated to do. For instance, your job and all other commitments are the writing in your life's textbook. The margin is where you collect your thoughts and place what you want to do or maintain free space. The speaker commented on how intimidating a book might appear if it had no margins. Perhaps life is the same. In this session, they had you take the total hours of a week 168 I think it was and subtract what your life takes. Here was mine;
168
12x5=work (during the musical that's 16) 60
4x1 = weekend work 4
2x4 = pers. rehearsal and concerts 8
8x7 = sleep 56
4x2 = housekeeping/laundry 8
3x7 = cooking +eating 21
2x2 = grocery and other shopping 4
161
Hmmm. I guess I could sleep less, but it really doesn't come out to 8 a night. Sometimes it more like 5 on some weekdays and then 10 on a weekend. Besides, I like sleep :-) As for TV, when do I watch tv.... that'd be once a week for a half hour, if I can keep my eyes open. This all goes back to my previous thoughts on free time. I hate the prospect of having nothing to do. The argument to that is, there are times when I can't plan for those things that I need to plan for in order to do, uh, like my classes or reflecting on things done or projecting future goals. ( I say that as I write this while I am listening to jazz tunes for my jazz class tomorrow)
Oh yeah, and I have a kid. Don't see that in that schedule do you? Lucky for me, he actually gets a little of that sleep time ( by giving me the countdown to when I am supposed to get up. That sounds like," What time are you getting up?", "8", "Ok, it is 7:35. You have 25 minutes until you get up", " Thank you". Five minutes later, " You have 20 minutes until you have to get up". "It's 7:45. Only fifteen minutes until you get up"... you get the idea) and combos cleaning and grocery time too. But that 7 hours remaining, as much of that goes to him as it can, which on weekends, is a pretty big chunk. Thank goodness for Mr. Biggs and parks. It's honestly not enough time though and rarely doesn't seem rushed.
But really, margins. There's an idea that might be nice to contemplate. People can't do it all (oh yeah, watch me) Honestly though, what can go in order to get some wiggle room? Which sacrifices are better?
It's all a little overwhelming to even consider.
Lastly, I am in the process of brainstorming a video presentation to present to my senior students. This is the first class of seniors of whom I have taught for all four years. They are remarkable people and I want to offer tribute to them by doing a video presentation. I'll keep piecing that sucker together.
That'll have to come after the concert we have in 2 weeks and the planning for the 2 concerts, and five festivals following that. Sweet !!
As for forward glances, can't wait to see Little Feet. A penguin with a groove. Pretty cool.
That's a glimpse of the now. Who-hoo. Time for bed.
#1 - back issues - Ugh, this is driving me crazy. Several years ago I was diagnosed with a bulging disk (not quite herniated) for which I went to physical therapy. The last few months I've had this sporadic lower back pain that just hurts. This past week, it has come back and it's almost debilitating. I'll sit for 15 minutes, and when I get up, I can't stand straight. My shoulders will go back, but it's like my pelvis won't rotate forward so that the rest of my back will straighten. It's both a little unnerving and highly annoying. I'll see a doctor, as soon as I get a minute to, or if it gets to emergency status. There are 3 more musical theater performances to go and I can't really not be there for them. All I hope is that they can take some little hammer thing to my back and fix whatever the trouble is.
#2 - Margins - Have you ever felt overwhelmed? It seems as if I have lived 3 months of overwhelmed, but I am sure that there are others in much worse situations that me. Anyway, I went to a senior student character seminar where they discussed the idea of keeping "margins" with the students. They defined margin as what you are not obligated to do. For instance, your job and all other commitments are the writing in your life's textbook. The margin is where you collect your thoughts and place what you want to do or maintain free space. The speaker commented on how intimidating a book might appear if it had no margins. Perhaps life is the same. In this session, they had you take the total hours of a week 168 I think it was and subtract what your life takes. Here was mine;
168
12x5=work (during the musical that's 16) 60
4x1 = weekend work 4
2x4 = pers. rehearsal and concerts 8
8x7 = sleep 56
4x2 = housekeeping/laundry 8
3x7 = cooking +eating 21
2x2 = grocery and other shopping 4
161
Hmmm. I guess I could sleep less, but it really doesn't come out to 8 a night. Sometimes it more like 5 on some weekdays and then 10 on a weekend. Besides, I like sleep :-) As for TV, when do I watch tv.... that'd be once a week for a half hour, if I can keep my eyes open. This all goes back to my previous thoughts on free time. I hate the prospect of having nothing to do. The argument to that is, there are times when I can't plan for those things that I need to plan for in order to do, uh, like my classes or reflecting on things done or projecting future goals. ( I say that as I write this while I am listening to jazz tunes for my jazz class tomorrow)
Oh yeah, and I have a kid. Don't see that in that schedule do you? Lucky for me, he actually gets a little of that sleep time ( by giving me the countdown to when I am supposed to get up. That sounds like," What time are you getting up?", "8", "Ok, it is 7:35. You have 25 minutes until you get up", " Thank you". Five minutes later, " You have 20 minutes until you have to get up". "It's 7:45. Only fifteen minutes until you get up"... you get the idea) and combos cleaning and grocery time too. But that 7 hours remaining, as much of that goes to him as it can, which on weekends, is a pretty big chunk. Thank goodness for Mr. Biggs and parks. It's honestly not enough time though and rarely doesn't seem rushed.
But really, margins. There's an idea that might be nice to contemplate. People can't do it all (oh yeah, watch me) Honestly though, what can go in order to get some wiggle room? Which sacrifices are better?
It's all a little overwhelming to even consider.
Lastly, I am in the process of brainstorming a video presentation to present to my senior students. This is the first class of seniors of whom I have taught for all four years. They are remarkable people and I want to offer tribute to them by doing a video presentation. I'll keep piecing that sucker together.
That'll have to come after the concert we have in 2 weeks and the planning for the 2 concerts, and five festivals following that. Sweet !!
As for forward glances, can't wait to see Little Feet. A penguin with a groove. Pretty cool.
That's a glimpse of the now. Who-hoo. Time for bed.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
A little funny
Love my high school students....
Today, we are having a rehearsal and the percussionists are "noodling" (i.e. - playing softly when they are not supposed to be playing at all) on the mallet instruments. A little preoccupied, I say, " Percussion, stop tinkeling" Hmm. One of my senior trumpet players then asks partly in jest and part serious, " Ms.S, do you know that tinkling is a reference to urinating ?".
"Yeah. What's your point?"
Next time I'll say, "So, if I say it sounds like crap right now, will that be misunderstood?" My money sits on the reply will be, "Depends on what section you are talking about."
Pushing the envelope just a little.... and a few sharp wits. These are a few of my favorite things......
Today, we are having a rehearsal and the percussionists are "noodling" (i.e. - playing softly when they are not supposed to be playing at all) on the mallet instruments. A little preoccupied, I say, " Percussion, stop tinkeling" Hmm. One of my senior trumpet players then asks partly in jest and part serious, " Ms.S, do you know that tinkling is a reference to urinating ?".
"Yeah. What's your point?"
Next time I'll say, "So, if I say it sounds like crap right now, will that be misunderstood?" My money sits on the reply will be, "Depends on what section you are talking about."
Pushing the envelope just a little.... and a few sharp wits. These are a few of my favorite things......
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Boys will be boys
I tell myself that I'm ready to raise a little boy....
Then I get things like this over email. (There were also some tremendous pictures, but I don't know how to transfer them here.) These are the things people don't share to expecting parents or ones with super little guys. Wonder why? ;-)
And you also find out interesting things when you have sons, like...
1.) A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft.
house 4 inches deep.
2.) If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with
roller blades, they can ignite.
3.) A 3-year old Boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a
crowded restaurant.
4.) If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not
strong enough to rotate a 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and
a Superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint
can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. room.
5.) You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on.
When using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to th row the ball up a
few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a
long way.
6.) The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a
baseball hit by a ceiling fan.
7.) When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh", it's
already too late.
8.) Brake fluid mixed w ith Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.
9.) A six-year old Boy can start a fire with a flint rock even
though a 36-year old Man says they can only do it in the movies.
10.) Certai n Lego's wi ll pass through the digestive tract of a 4-
year old Boy.
11.) Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same
sentence.
12.) Super glue is forever.
13.) No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you
still can't walk on water.
14.) Pool fi lters d o not like Jell-O.
15.) VCR's do not eject "PB & J" sandwiches even though TV
commercials show they do.
16.) Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.
17.) Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.
18.) You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.
19.) Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys
do not like ovens.
20.) The fire department in Austin, TX has a 5-minute response
time.
21.) The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make
earthworms dizzy.
22.) It will, however, make cats dizzy.
23.) Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.
24.) 80% of Women will pass this on to almost all of their
friends, with or without kids.
25.) 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid.
Hmmmm. Then again, maybe not.
Then I get things like this over email. (There were also some tremendous pictures, but I don't know how to transfer them here.) These are the things people don't share to expecting parents or ones with super little guys. Wonder why? ;-)
And you also find out interesting things when you have sons, like...
1.) A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft.
house 4 inches deep.
2.) If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with
roller blades, they can ignite.
3.) A 3-year old Boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a
crowded restaurant.
4.) If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not
strong enough to rotate a 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and
a Superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint
can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. room.
5.) You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on.
When using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to th row the ball up a
few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a
long way.
6.) The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a
baseball hit by a ceiling fan.
7.) When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh", it's
already too late.
8.) Brake fluid mixed w ith Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.
9.) A six-year old Boy can start a fire with a flint rock even
though a 36-year old Man says they can only do it in the movies.
10.) Certai n Lego's wi ll pass through the digestive tract of a 4-
year old Boy.
11.) Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same
sentence.
12.) Super glue is forever.
13.) No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you
still can't walk on water.
14.) Pool fi lters d o not like Jell-O.
15.) VCR's do not eject "PB & J" sandwiches even though TV
commercials show they do.
16.) Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.
17.) Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.
18.) You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.
19.) Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys
do not like ovens.
20.) The fire department in Austin, TX has a 5-minute response
time.
21.) The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make
earthworms dizzy.
22.) It will, however, make cats dizzy.
23.) Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.
24.) 80% of Women will pass this on to almost all of their
friends, with or without kids.
25.) 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid.
Hmmmm. Then again, maybe not.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
In the reflecting mirror
Well, it's now a 4 day run of being awake from 5:30 am to 11:30pm and working 7-10:30..... except for Halloween of course. As I am a sleeper, fatigue level is very high.
For today's news... Sometimes teaching adolescents gives you a chance to see things in a different light.
As of today, 2 of my students are having "trauma". One is being a little cruel to another and the other is shutting down. I get this information from the one who is pulling away. She states that her friend is being very bossy and rude, insulting her and others. To cut this epic short, I became haunted by that "Dear Margo" email. I don't think the one friend wants to cut off the other, but she doesn't want to confront or address the problem. She's not totally in the right either, but her friend isn't making things easy. The other is very bright, bull headed, self justified and honestly, a little immature. Talk about it? Let it drop and fade? Abandon completely? I advised her to give it a little time and to eventually discuss it. If it blows up, she can end this friendship without feeling totally badly about the decision. As strongly as I felt about that "Margo" entry, now I'm not sure. High maintenance people... who knows one of those ;-). If she doesn't see or experience any positives from being with or around the other person, maybe it is best to bail. Going to school with her everyday may complicate matters though.
After this girl had recounted some of her issues and left, I couldn't help but flash into other thoughts. (Self analyzing? I never do that.;-) ) ;
The danger of sarcasm - people don't know when you are serious or not. I LIVE this one. I have been in several encounters where people don't know that I am being sarcastic OR don't ask if they think I was being cruel. This is very dangerous when one uses sarcasm often..... and has an inclination for a biting tongue. I'm not saying being sarcastic is a good way to be, but, sometimes in moderation, it can make things amusing and sometimes lighten the mood.
People who come off as super critical that don't mean to be and don't think before they speak - (Eh hem) Sometimes people state unsolicited opinions of things timed in such a manner, or about things that another might find critical or offensive. They aren't really meant to be that way, but perhaps more caution should be taken before speaking about something someone holds dear. Hard to do, unless you know what another does value, so perhaps greater attention should be paid to that too. Ever goat someone just to get under someone's skin a little bit and attempt to engage them in a conversation? Not a great technique, but again, it can open some doors when taken as bait for fun banter and debate rather than criticism.
And then there are just the over-reactors.- I think, in general, women have a greater propensity towards this than men. Hormones. :-(. Take a little something and put 20 other meanings and motivations to it. Yeah, I NEVER do that. ( note bolt of lightening and growing nose)
I like to see these situations play out and see what happens. However, if I don't get a little sleep soon, the ability to be as rational as I am able will be greatly diminished. I can see it now. Any ability to listen without judgment or bias will be totally gone and my advice to all will be, "Suck it up or tell 'em to kiss your ass". Yup. That oughta guarantee me a contract and a raise for next year.
Kids.
For today's news... Sometimes teaching adolescents gives you a chance to see things in a different light.
As of today, 2 of my students are having "trauma". One is being a little cruel to another and the other is shutting down. I get this information from the one who is pulling away. She states that her friend is being very bossy and rude, insulting her and others. To cut this epic short, I became haunted by that "Dear Margo" email. I don't think the one friend wants to cut off the other, but she doesn't want to confront or address the problem. She's not totally in the right either, but her friend isn't making things easy. The other is very bright, bull headed, self justified and honestly, a little immature. Talk about it? Let it drop and fade? Abandon completely? I advised her to give it a little time and to eventually discuss it. If it blows up, she can end this friendship without feeling totally badly about the decision. As strongly as I felt about that "Margo" entry, now I'm not sure. High maintenance people... who knows one of those ;-). If she doesn't see or experience any positives from being with or around the other person, maybe it is best to bail. Going to school with her everyday may complicate matters though.
After this girl had recounted some of her issues and left, I couldn't help but flash into other thoughts. (Self analyzing? I never do that.;-) ) ;
The danger of sarcasm - people don't know when you are serious or not. I LIVE this one. I have been in several encounters where people don't know that I am being sarcastic OR don't ask if they think I was being cruel. This is very dangerous when one uses sarcasm often..... and has an inclination for a biting tongue. I'm not saying being sarcastic is a good way to be, but, sometimes in moderation, it can make things amusing and sometimes lighten the mood.
People who come off as super critical that don't mean to be and don't think before they speak - (Eh hem) Sometimes people state unsolicited opinions of things timed in such a manner, or about things that another might find critical or offensive. They aren't really meant to be that way, but perhaps more caution should be taken before speaking about something someone holds dear. Hard to do, unless you know what another does value, so perhaps greater attention should be paid to that too. Ever goat someone just to get under someone's skin a little bit and attempt to engage them in a conversation? Not a great technique, but again, it can open some doors when taken as bait for fun banter and debate rather than criticism.
And then there are just the over-reactors.- I think, in general, women have a greater propensity towards this than men. Hormones. :-(. Take a little something and put 20 other meanings and motivations to it. Yeah, I NEVER do that. ( note bolt of lightening and growing nose)
I like to see these situations play out and see what happens. However, if I don't get a little sleep soon, the ability to be as rational as I am able will be greatly diminished. I can see it now. Any ability to listen without judgment or bias will be totally gone and my advice to all will be, "Suck it up or tell 'em to kiss your ass". Yup. That oughta guarantee me a contract and a raise for next year.
Kids.
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