Today... more snow. Ugh !!! I like snow, don't misunderstand. But last year here, there were days you could wear a short sleeved shirt and be comfy. These days, I can't get up the driveway due to the ice and snow.... and lack of 4 wheeled drive.
Speaking of that, my irritation level shot through the roof once again due to the residential situation. Maybe I need to push up my move out date? The last 2 or 3 snowfalls, I have done most of the shoveling. Not a big deal, since I am the one that likes to go out and it's ok exercise. Today, I felt like being a little bit rebellious. After making sure that the bathrooms were in good shape, dishes and the laundry done, I was a little lazy. Sure the garbage can needed to be emptied, but I am not the only adult living in the house. I asked if he would take care of it, and he said he would. I left mid afternoon... well, around 1:45 for my performance. I knew I should have touched up the driveway, but like I said, I opted not too.
At about 5, I met the family ( his family and Christian) at a pizza parlor for dinner. Afterwards I drove Ken and I home. ( note that his dad drove them all there... in his 4x4 Highlander.... man I like that car)
As I started slipping like crazy
I said aloud, "I might have a little trouble getting to work tomorrow"
His reply "Man, I'm not looking forward to shoveling tomorrow".
Thinking he might be shoveling in the early am and I could help,
Me: " What time to you go to work tomorrow?"
Him, " I don't"
Me: "Guess I should have shoveled today, but I'm getting a little sick of shovelling. Might have a little trouble since the car gets stuck easy" ( honesty mixed with a passive aggressive complaint)
Him: ( this from the guy who had read the paper and watched football ALL day) "No big deal. Don't worry about getting out. It's mostly the powder stuff. I'll get to it later tomorrow"
(I interpreted that as...."Yup. Didn't shovel today cause I didn't need to. And I don't have to because you getting out safely or smoothly to work couldn't concern me less)
So as I attempt to get up the driveway... no luck. I got stuck 1/2 way. After trying a few more times to make it and growing more irritated with every try, I slam the car into gear and throw the break up, shut down the car and, probably a little too loud, announce, "Looks like a great time to shovel" His dad offered to get my car in the garage which both insulted and torked me as I just wanted to reply, "Nope. I can actually pull a car into a garage when the driveway is semi-clear. But _I_ didn't take care of that. Why don't you ask your son why he didn't? And why are YOU asking to pull my car in? That'd be a nice gesture, oh, from him. Why don't you just tell your boy to get off his MF ass and DO SOMETHING!!!!"
So, I head into the house, still steaming, to change from my concert shoes filled with snow from the driveway to change into my boots. My mother in law asked me to retrieve one of Christian's lunchboxes and hats for their house. Sure, whatever I can do to serve. Still steaming, I go into the house. Refusing to untie one boot, I attempt to shove my foot into it. Wasn't going so well. And, perhaps you have a similar experience when your fuse is fried and yet something else isn't proceeding as desired. I start lightly cursing, knowing Christian is outside and that I will have a fit of rage if something doesn't get out. And then, not yet 1 minute after asking, but most likely innocuously enough (but my feathers were way too ruffled to not infer) my current mother in law (a women who won't drive 10 miles at night and had NEVER touched a shovel in her life) follows me into the house checking on whether I got the lunchbox and hat. I said I would, and I will. I gave her the stuff and they proceeded home...thank goodness. The saddest/ greatest part is when Christian ( 6 YEAR OLD CHRISTIAN) gets his little shovel and starts to clear the driveway. I am so greatful for our little boy. But emotionally, the damage had been done. I wanted to beat the snot out of "the bum" of the house.... or run away.
I have to get out of this house. All of Ken's traits that anger or irritate me have transcended the house, and the way I feel about them I project onto other people. I can't handle getting blown off a little bit, have a hard time with judgmental people, and am just plain on edge with everything. Besides that, I can't juggle all the things work, home and child related AND try to cover the things I didn't think I needed to handle - like a cable bill in MY name that goes unpaid because I was told someone else would handle it. I guess that's like the garbage that is still in the kitchen because I asked someone else to take it out. I hope a change in environment will help.... Either that or I need a whole freaking pool of Calgon.
On a little bit of an upper, the gig went ok. I made it through without any noticeable splats and had a semblance of face at the end. It was with a new group, so it's always good to make a favorable impression. Yeah.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Thursday.....
Highlights of today? ..... Don't know :-)
Here's is a little of what happened though.
Best news of today - Christian is one day down with no hair pulling. This is BIG news. I was so happy for him and proud of him I treated him to his own Starbucks. ( who gives a 6 year old Starbucks? Uh, that would be me. Besides, I am amused when he orders himself a kids decaf mocha with no whipped cream. Give him keys and a briefcase and he's ready for the work force) Today, he agreed that he and I would share a drink and he requested a piece of pumpkin loaf in exchange. Fair enough.
This is much better after yesterday, which was a day of trauma for him. I had given him the "rice ball" to play with in class, but had not notified his teacher about it.It's not good to send a child with something that resembles a plaything and not let a teacher know what it's function is or why he has it in class. Well, this rice ball was enjoyed by several in the class including 2 girls. One of these girls ( account according to Christian) said that the ball was hers and that she made it. Christian contested, but he is not the confrontational type. Then when "Susie II" chimed in agreeing with her friend, Christian surrendered.
Later on that day, I happened to bump into his class in a main corridor. They were headed to gym and I was on the way back from yet another meeting. I saw his eyebrow was all red. We spoke and he told me he had pulled again. I asked why and he started to ball. He then shared the "rice ball incident". After calming down a little, he headed to PE and I headed to his teacher to give him the low down on the current situation and explain the rice ball. Teacher was very understanding ( he's a great guy for 1st graders). Last night, I made another rice ball and put his name on it. So, for today victory in round 1. One day at a time.
Work was fine. Nothing much to note...... no pun intended.
Home - ok, there is this game that we have on the PC called Loco. ( short for locomotive) In this low tech game, you have to shoot colored objects into the matching spots of a moving train. It sounds easy but it's a little bit of a pisser for me. I think there are 15 levels. It has taken me 5 darn days to get from 13-14. This is why I am scared to discover all this WII or PS2 -3 - whatever business. I just don't have that much time to play a game. And heaven forbid I actually like it. A student offered to have me listen to a soundtrack from one of his handheld PS something machines. The music to the closing credits was certainly impressive, but not so much as the graphics. What the hell? It was like watching a mini movie. I must sound like I am from the stone ages, but these gaming systems absolutely amaze me. And then when I actually try to play them.... I miss Pong :-).
The future - I am supposed to play a performance on Sunday. This is after taking almost 3 weeks off my instrument. For those unfamiliar, that's like running a marathon after vegging on a cruise for a month and residing close to the buffet. I am a little nervous about this one.:-) That and there is BUNKO tomorrow night. Fun game - plus there are drinks/food and a chance to win a little moolah. Never hurts.
Happy Friday.
Here's is a little of what happened though.
Best news of today - Christian is one day down with no hair pulling. This is BIG news. I was so happy for him and proud of him I treated him to his own Starbucks. ( who gives a 6 year old Starbucks? Uh, that would be me. Besides, I am amused when he orders himself a kids decaf mocha with no whipped cream. Give him keys and a briefcase and he's ready for the work force) Today, he agreed that he and I would share a drink and he requested a piece of pumpkin loaf in exchange. Fair enough.
This is much better after yesterday, which was a day of trauma for him. I had given him the "rice ball" to play with in class, but had not notified his teacher about it.It's not good to send a child with something that resembles a plaything and not let a teacher know what it's function is or why he has it in class. Well, this rice ball was enjoyed by several in the class including 2 girls. One of these girls ( account according to Christian) said that the ball was hers and that she made it. Christian contested, but he is not the confrontational type. Then when "Susie II" chimed in agreeing with her friend, Christian surrendered.
Later on that day, I happened to bump into his class in a main corridor. They were headed to gym and I was on the way back from yet another meeting. I saw his eyebrow was all red. We spoke and he told me he had pulled again. I asked why and he started to ball. He then shared the "rice ball incident". After calming down a little, he headed to PE and I headed to his teacher to give him the low down on the current situation and explain the rice ball. Teacher was very understanding ( he's a great guy for 1st graders). Last night, I made another rice ball and put his name on it. So, for today victory in round 1. One day at a time.
Work was fine. Nothing much to note...... no pun intended.
Home - ok, there is this game that we have on the PC called Loco. ( short for locomotive) In this low tech game, you have to shoot colored objects into the matching spots of a moving train. It sounds easy but it's a little bit of a pisser for me. I think there are 15 levels. It has taken me 5 darn days to get from 13-14. This is why I am scared to discover all this WII or PS2 -3 - whatever business. I just don't have that much time to play a game. And heaven forbid I actually like it. A student offered to have me listen to a soundtrack from one of his handheld PS something machines. The music to the closing credits was certainly impressive, but not so much as the graphics. What the hell? It was like watching a mini movie. I must sound like I am from the stone ages, but these gaming systems absolutely amaze me. And then when I actually try to play them.... I miss Pong :-).
The future - I am supposed to play a performance on Sunday. This is after taking almost 3 weeks off my instrument. For those unfamiliar, that's like running a marathon after vegging on a cruise for a month and residing close to the buffet. I am a little nervous about this one.:-) That and there is BUNKO tomorrow night. Fun game - plus there are drinks/food and a chance to win a little moolah. Never hurts.
Happy Friday.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Ahh, a Tuesday that feels like a Monday
Nah, it wasn't really all that bad.
Meeting with several superiors and finding out all the things that have to be done and are being done with and without my knowledge that wasn't so great. This week is becoming the week o' meeting. Great.
Being this is finals week, the masses were in pretty good spirits for "band" class. I guess to them at least they weren't drilling for some major final. Well, some of them actually are as we have to do a scale profeciency test - can you play the scales we've learned in class. In order to accomplish this with a little fun (maybe) I have twisted the "Deal or No Deal" game to serve my purposes. Although I caught guff for it at first, I think we have all come to like it.
There is a tack board with 16 briefcases (note cards) on it. In these briefcases there is the letter name of a scale they have to play. They must play a total of 2 scales. To begin, the students get to choose 2 and I choose one. They open their first case and decide if they want to keep it. If no, they can trade for mine. If yes, they keep it then open case 2 and decide if they want to keep that one or trade. We then see if the have made a good deal. To add a little spice, there are 3 "no scale" cards on the board. If a student draws one of these, they get full credit on a scale without playing it. These have been the coveted cards.... I mean briefcases.
All in all not a bad instructional day. I think the worst of it came as I needed to stand out in this subartic weather for afternoon carpool. It's not terrible. Most people are fairly nice and most have created a staggered time of when to pick up their children avoiding most of the car traffic onslaught. Only one or two whiny, mouthy folks today. I'll take freezing temps over mean people any day.
Other than that, Christian is still pulling out his hair. It's a little at a time, but still worrisome. My sister used to roll paper into balls with her fingers as a nervous past time. Christian seem to prefer the route of hair removal. I took him to the doctor for this. The summary - he is anxious by nature and more than likely, with the divorce, that isn't going to improve. I have to try and modify his behavior so that his first line of attack isn't his hair. Instead his attention will be directed to a "ball" I made of balloons and rice...a stress ball if you will. Hopefully this can engage his nervous energy rather than his eyelashes and eyebrows.If this worsens or goes into other areas like aggression or withdrawal, I will take him to a child therapist and last resort, medication for anxiety. I am hoping and praying this doesn't head in that direction.
Tomorrow begins the rounds of meetings at 7:15 am. Can't wait. Thank goodness this is only a four day work week. :-)
Number next.....
Meeting with several superiors and finding out all the things that have to be done and are being done with and without my knowledge that wasn't so great. This week is becoming the week o' meeting. Great.
Being this is finals week, the masses were in pretty good spirits for "band" class. I guess to them at least they weren't drilling for some major final. Well, some of them actually are as we have to do a scale profeciency test - can you play the scales we've learned in class. In order to accomplish this with a little fun (maybe) I have twisted the "Deal or No Deal" game to serve my purposes. Although I caught guff for it at first, I think we have all come to like it.
There is a tack board with 16 briefcases (note cards) on it. In these briefcases there is the letter name of a scale they have to play. They must play a total of 2 scales. To begin, the students get to choose 2 and I choose one. They open their first case and decide if they want to keep it. If no, they can trade for mine. If yes, they keep it then open case 2 and decide if they want to keep that one or trade. We then see if the have made a good deal. To add a little spice, there are 3 "no scale" cards on the board. If a student draws one of these, they get full credit on a scale without playing it. These have been the coveted cards.... I mean briefcases.
All in all not a bad instructional day. I think the worst of it came as I needed to stand out in this subartic weather for afternoon carpool. It's not terrible. Most people are fairly nice and most have created a staggered time of when to pick up their children avoiding most of the car traffic onslaught. Only one or two whiny, mouthy folks today. I'll take freezing temps over mean people any day.
Other than that, Christian is still pulling out his hair. It's a little at a time, but still worrisome. My sister used to roll paper into balls with her fingers as a nervous past time. Christian seem to prefer the route of hair removal. I took him to the doctor for this. The summary - he is anxious by nature and more than likely, with the divorce, that isn't going to improve. I have to try and modify his behavior so that his first line of attack isn't his hair. Instead his attention will be directed to a "ball" I made of balloons and rice...a stress ball if you will. Hopefully this can engage his nervous energy rather than his eyelashes and eyebrows.If this worsens or goes into other areas like aggression or withdrawal, I will take him to a child therapist and last resort, medication for anxiety. I am hoping and praying this doesn't head in that direction.
Tomorrow begins the rounds of meetings at 7:15 am. Can't wait. Thank goodness this is only a four day work week. :-)
Number next.....
Rescind
If anyone reads this other than me, I deleted a previous post because it was more of a diary entry anyway. If this were like a mass publication read by readers who were totally autonomous from me, then it might be ok to share somethings. But, considering the potential viewing pool, some things need to stay on the "down low" :-)
Besides, sometimes I think feelings are shared when they've reached a boiling/ freezing point - the cause not always being able to be pinpointed to one specific event or person. And although the event referred to may have been part if the ignition, but was not the sole cause and should not have been put in the place I had it. Special days need to stay special....even in retrospect. My own rule :-)
Today, is jazz band. 7am in the freakin' morning jazz band. But, my students make it ok. We are working on the Stevie Wonder tune Superstition. Man is it hard, but they are doing a great job with it. The trombones are on high Z sharp and the saxes have these crazy hard rhythms. But then we do Satin Doll and all complain that it's a little lame. Tough crowd. We've worn out the Queen medley and Funkytown though :-)
Looking forward to a "long" day at work and a morning Starbucks. Thank goodness for Starbucks.
Besides, sometimes I think feelings are shared when they've reached a boiling/ freezing point - the cause not always being able to be pinpointed to one specific event or person. And although the event referred to may have been part if the ignition, but was not the sole cause and should not have been put in the place I had it. Special days need to stay special....even in retrospect. My own rule :-)
Today, is jazz band. 7am in the freakin' morning jazz band. But, my students make it ok. We are working on the Stevie Wonder tune Superstition. Man is it hard, but they are doing a great job with it. The trombones are on high Z sharp and the saxes have these crazy hard rhythms. But then we do Satin Doll and all complain that it's a little lame. Tough crowd. We've worn out the Queen medley and Funkytown though :-)
Looking forward to a "long" day at work and a morning Starbucks. Thank goodness for Starbucks.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
First girl traumas
This has been one the hardest things to witness in my son's growing up.
He, in first grade, already has this thing for having female admirers, sometimes called girlfriends. They aren't girlfriends in the 13 year old and up sense, but girlfriends none the less. His father says Christian takes after him. The humor of that is stifling.
I think he's a good catch because he's a little more gentle and sensitive than the other boys. I don't know how that bodes for the future, but all the same. He's not a rough and tumble guy. Not a fan of dodge ball or 'war' games. Likes board games and his computer. Because he actually checks to see if people are ok and yells at kids who push, he's a little different mold for a 6 year old. Fart jokes and potty humor still apply, but after meeting a few more 6 year olds, I see that's programmed for the age.
He started his dating career with Morgan, a girl from his after school daycare that keeps trying to kiss him. Ugh !!! Where am I sending this kid? And here his dad is telling him to "get some". What class!!! :-(. Christian, much to my relief, says that kisses are gross, but hugs are ok. Thank God!!!! At what age does that perception change from guys?? ( or does it depend on the girl ;-) )
Then, this past Saturday, we went to one of his classmate's birthday parties where many of the students from his class were. One of these students was Holly, a very cute little blond headed girl. Christian and she paled around for most of the party. At the end of the party, he asked for her number. Where does he get this stuff ??? Her mom was there and thought it was cute, so I didn't stop it. Christian asked when he could call and mom replied late afternoon as they went to church and wouldn't be home until then.
Today, he played computer and watched the phone. Every half hour he asked what time it was although he can read time perfectly well himself. So, the time came to call and he did. (I wish I had those guts.Have you ever just tried to figure out what you'd say only to mess it all up when you called anyway? He seemed to have none of that anxiety) Her big sister was home and reported that everyone else was out. Uh-oh. He waited a few hours and called again and still, they were not home.
Christian was upset merely for the fact that he had promised to call and felt that he had not fulfilled his promise by not talking to her. My heart was in my throat thinking that here he was getting blown off. Now, _this_ would be following in his dad's footsteps. Sorry if that sounds cruel, but even he wouldn't deny it. Heck, I'll throw my footsteps in the gene pool too.
I do realize that being a first grader, provided he was getting blown off, this "whatever" will resolve itself in a matter of weeks if not days. I know that, but I can't help but being a little sad. He, on the other hand, is oblivious. This may be part of the problem, but is very good for this first grader and will most likely be his saving grace too. Understanding too much too soon.... baaaaddd.
I think everyone has an idea of what dads think when their girls become involved in mixed gender relationships, but I had no clue what a mom feels like for a son. I think my son is the cat's meow ( not to say that I'm not fully aware he has faults) AND I know nothing in first grade is leading to the alter (or I sure hope not). But seeing my very tender hearted boy even possibly get hurt by this is crushing. Even in first grade. Crap. What is going to happen in 4th, 7th, 9th and 11th grades? Maybe he won't be so tender hearted and go into these things for other reasons. (Ok. Not thinking like that.) But to see your son actually get hurt or potentially get hurt in these matters is..... heartwrenching.
I guess dads go into these things with baseball bats and moms go in with tissues and reasons to tell the girl of the hour to eat dirt for hurting her son. The verbiage gets stronger with more advanced ages mind you.
This could get complicated. Thank goodness it's only first grade and the only things at stake are invitations to birthday parties and play dates. Perhaps we can pass all this and call them play "casual get togethers"? Too much, I know.
May they all just eat Play-Do, pop heads off of figurines, and push each other down on the way to the swing forever. Handholding?? Only if you are arm wrestling.
He, in first grade, already has this thing for having female admirers, sometimes called girlfriends. They aren't girlfriends in the 13 year old and up sense, but girlfriends none the less. His father says Christian takes after him. The humor of that is stifling.
I think he's a good catch because he's a little more gentle and sensitive than the other boys. I don't know how that bodes for the future, but all the same. He's not a rough and tumble guy. Not a fan of dodge ball or 'war' games. Likes board games and his computer. Because he actually checks to see if people are ok and yells at kids who push, he's a little different mold for a 6 year old. Fart jokes and potty humor still apply, but after meeting a few more 6 year olds, I see that's programmed for the age.
He started his dating career with Morgan, a girl from his after school daycare that keeps trying to kiss him. Ugh !!! Where am I sending this kid? And here his dad is telling him to "get some". What class!!! :-(. Christian, much to my relief, says that kisses are gross, but hugs are ok. Thank God!!!! At what age does that perception change from guys?? ( or does it depend on the girl ;-) )
Then, this past Saturday, we went to one of his classmate's birthday parties where many of the students from his class were. One of these students was Holly, a very cute little blond headed girl. Christian and she paled around for most of the party. At the end of the party, he asked for her number. Where does he get this stuff ??? Her mom was there and thought it was cute, so I didn't stop it. Christian asked when he could call and mom replied late afternoon as they went to church and wouldn't be home until then.
Today, he played computer and watched the phone. Every half hour he asked what time it was although he can read time perfectly well himself. So, the time came to call and he did. (I wish I had those guts.Have you ever just tried to figure out what you'd say only to mess it all up when you called anyway? He seemed to have none of that anxiety) Her big sister was home and reported that everyone else was out. Uh-oh. He waited a few hours and called again and still, they were not home.
Christian was upset merely for the fact that he had promised to call and felt that he had not fulfilled his promise by not talking to her. My heart was in my throat thinking that here he was getting blown off. Now, _this_ would be following in his dad's footsteps. Sorry if that sounds cruel, but even he wouldn't deny it. Heck, I'll throw my footsteps in the gene pool too.
I do realize that being a first grader, provided he was getting blown off, this "whatever" will resolve itself in a matter of weeks if not days. I know that, but I can't help but being a little sad. He, on the other hand, is oblivious. This may be part of the problem, but is very good for this first grader and will most likely be his saving grace too. Understanding too much too soon.... baaaaddd.
I think everyone has an idea of what dads think when their girls become involved in mixed gender relationships, but I had no clue what a mom feels like for a son. I think my son is the cat's meow ( not to say that I'm not fully aware he has faults) AND I know nothing in first grade is leading to the alter (or I sure hope not). But seeing my very tender hearted boy even possibly get hurt by this is crushing. Even in first grade. Crap. What is going to happen in 4th, 7th, 9th and 11th grades? Maybe he won't be so tender hearted and go into these things for other reasons. (Ok. Not thinking like that.) But to see your son actually get hurt or potentially get hurt in these matters is..... heartwrenching.
I guess dads go into these things with baseball bats and moms go in with tissues and reasons to tell the girl of the hour to eat dirt for hurting her son. The verbiage gets stronger with more advanced ages mind you.
This could get complicated. Thank goodness it's only first grade and the only things at stake are invitations to birthday parties and play dates. Perhaps we can pass all this and call them play "casual get togethers"? Too much, I know.
May they all just eat Play-Do, pop heads off of figurines, and push each other down on the way to the swing forever. Handholding?? Only if you are arm wrestling.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Must sleep, but don't want to.
I type this as I should be going to bed, since tomorrow is my first day back to work since before Christmas. With all the snow and family excitement, it hasn't been all that a relaxing break, but I guess I am ready to go back and meet my adolescent prisoners and beat them into submission. More accurately, they may beat me to declare defeat, but I digress. :-)
One of the many things that I learned or remembered over this break is that I am a night owl by nature. (another is that I am strongly inclined to procrastinate, but I'll share those revelations another time.) I do love a good sunrise and the beauty of the early morning, it's the getting out of bed part I'm not all that fond of. - not to mention the shock of the freezing air. The alarm clock knows it has a minimum of 3 rings before I have any significant response. My preference ( as I got to explore over break) is to sleep in until around 10 ( or later if the little guy is camping out with his grandparents) noodle around for an hour or so and then get moving in attempts to be productive - or at least appear to be. Then I can keep cranking until about 12-2, especially if something has caught my interest.
So here am at 11:15pm, fully aware of the fact that I need to wake up around 5:30 for a grandiose school day and I am in no way sleepy. Great :-(
I used to have the ability go to sleep at 1 and get up at 6 and be okay for the day. I could do that for at least a week. Those days, sadly, have passed. I can still do it on the short term when necessary, but only if I can guarantee a period of hibernation shortly after and with no guarantee of being anything close to sociable. I know - what a charmer.
So there are my sleep whoas being used to help me procrastinate actually getting into bed to attempt to sleep. It's truly a vicious cycle. :-)
One of the many things that I learned or remembered over this break is that I am a night owl by nature. (another is that I am strongly inclined to procrastinate, but I'll share those revelations another time.) I do love a good sunrise and the beauty of the early morning, it's the getting out of bed part I'm not all that fond of. - not to mention the shock of the freezing air. The alarm clock knows it has a minimum of 3 rings before I have any significant response. My preference ( as I got to explore over break) is to sleep in until around 10 ( or later if the little guy is camping out with his grandparents) noodle around for an hour or so and then get moving in attempts to be productive - or at least appear to be. Then I can keep cranking until about 12-2, especially if something has caught my interest.
So here am at 11:15pm, fully aware of the fact that I need to wake up around 5:30 for a grandiose school day and I am in no way sleepy. Great :-(
I used to have the ability go to sleep at 1 and get up at 6 and be okay for the day. I could do that for at least a week. Those days, sadly, have passed. I can still do it on the short term when necessary, but only if I can guarantee a period of hibernation shortly after and with no guarantee of being anything close to sociable. I know - what a charmer.
So there are my sleep whoas being used to help me procrastinate actually getting into bed to attempt to sleep. It's truly a vicious cycle. :-)
Thursday, December 28, 2006
What a White Christmas
Well, once again the restful holiday break is a misnomer. That isn't stated to imply that it is bad, just not necessarily restful.
Christmas Eve was negotiated to be spent here at the house, since it is most likely the last time that Christian will wake up in a house with both his mom and dad present. That is a little sad, huh? Well, we were up in Castle Rock spending time with my parents and sister when snow began to fall...again. Not a terrible fall, but enough to make the roads a little slippery for night driving. We ended up staying in CR. Since no one in my immediate family had finished wrapping presents ( good to know where my procrastination tendencies originate), everyone over 7 was up until at least midnight wrapping gifts. Mom and Dad were quite tired since they had just arrived in CO earlier that day.
Christmas morning came and everyone watched as Christian opened his gizillion gifts. If you've ever seen "The Christmas Story", the present opening scene was relieved in my sister's living room. Once the loot had been revealed, it was time to prepare to go to Christian's "other" grandparent's for a traditional Italian Christmas meal ( which means like 12 courses of food in a 5-6 hour window... slightly exaggerated)
What could have been a highly awkward time turned out to be fairly enjoyable. By the time the gathering was at full swing there were about 12 folks present. Again, Christian received far too many presents for a child hoping to be well adjusted. We ate, and ate and , ate. My parents occassionally snuck out of the "in-laws" house as big gatherings aren't there speed. That and they needed their nicotine fix. But there were no terrible awkward moments of silence or sideways glances. Just a bunch of people with sorted pasts and presents in a house eating together. Could have been much worse.
That day was followed by taking the folks out to sight see. Being a late rising crew by nature, we actually didn't get out to do anything until about 2:30. Then the activities roared with excitement as we stopped at Kohl's for a Pyrex set that was on sale that I needed to get, a pass through Michael's ( Dad's idea) and a gourmet meal at Subway.... with Starbuck's coffee. It's nice to have my parents here. Other's might simply think us strange.... or cheap:-). In all honesty though, I was hoping to eat at a restaurant, but Mom was hungry for a veggie sub. That, and once the idea Subway was uttered, Christian couldn't be persuaded from a ham sandwich.... unless someone had mentioned pizza. It was a good choice.
After all that, we headed to the zoo to see the lighted spectacular thing that they do there every year. I have heard of it, but never been. Although rather cold, it was a fun time. The greater part of the zoo is done up with lights and some of the animals were able to be seen. We even got to feed the giraffes. If you ever want to witness the art of tongue motion, check out a giraffe. But be warned, they have a minor saliva issue. I know there's a great perverted joke waiting to be told.... unfortuately I'm not thinking of it correctly. Something to the affect of dating and french kissing, but perhaps I should just leave it alone.
Wednesday, I picked up my folks so that they could go to little "C's" swim lesson. Ryan, if you read this, I read your present, or at least part of it during this time. Eh, it's ok. I'll get around to mailing it sometime before 2010. We then headed to the grocery store to prepared for the next deluge of snow. Note: when you have the option, "do not" do large shopping orders with your parents....... or at least your mothers. I love my mom, but she can drive me bonkers. Her attention span can get so fragmented it's like a person with short term memory loss. A conversation can go like, " Do you need milk?" "No" "Sure?" "Yes" "Look, paper towels are on sale" "Neat" "I need some bacon" "Do you want me to get it for you?" "Sure, and I'll pick up your milk" "I don't need any milk""Ok, well did you finish your laundry?" Ugh !!!!! My future is bleak if daughters truly become their mothers. Maybe it's just the price of over multi-tasking?
Then comes today. More freaking snow. I think the latest tally is 20+ inches. Great. So I drive into my neighborhood as the snowfall commences and slide right past my street. Wheee!!! I got home and then decide I should try to get a shovel before I can no longer get out of the neighborhood. I get to Home Depot to be told every darn Home Depot around here sold out of shovels by 5pm yesterday. Bastards !!! So I ended up buying some of that de-icer for driveways and sidewalks stuff. We'll see how it works.
I decided not to wait until the driveway is recoated with almost 2 feet of snow before I shovel, so I attacked it every 2-3 hours until about 9pm. My mom called and asked why my husband wasn't doing that. Some explanations aren't worth dwelling on, so I just said he had some important things to do..... like watch TV. Besides, it was my idea anyway. I just want to be able to get out of the driveway sometime this weekend. With him, he'll do it when the snow stops, get 1/2 way down and say he'll do the rest later ( which may or may not happen within a 2 day window). They way I see it, hopefully I saved myself a little work, although with the wind, it may have been in vain.
Right now, I 'm not dreaming of a white Christmas. A white sanded beach maybe, but nothing snow.... unless there's a log cabin, fire place, and maybe a hot tub involved. If that's the case, I 'll renegotiate.
This entry's a little random, but I'm going to blame that on the lateness of the hour and heredity :-)
Christmas Eve was negotiated to be spent here at the house, since it is most likely the last time that Christian will wake up in a house with both his mom and dad present. That is a little sad, huh? Well, we were up in Castle Rock spending time with my parents and sister when snow began to fall...again. Not a terrible fall, but enough to make the roads a little slippery for night driving. We ended up staying in CR. Since no one in my immediate family had finished wrapping presents ( good to know where my procrastination tendencies originate), everyone over 7 was up until at least midnight wrapping gifts. Mom and Dad were quite tired since they had just arrived in CO earlier that day.
Christmas morning came and everyone watched as Christian opened his gizillion gifts. If you've ever seen "The Christmas Story", the present opening scene was relieved in my sister's living room. Once the loot had been revealed, it was time to prepare to go to Christian's "other" grandparent's for a traditional Italian Christmas meal ( which means like 12 courses of food in a 5-6 hour window... slightly exaggerated)
What could have been a highly awkward time turned out to be fairly enjoyable. By the time the gathering was at full swing there were about 12 folks present. Again, Christian received far too many presents for a child hoping to be well adjusted. We ate, and ate and , ate. My parents occassionally snuck out of the "in-laws" house as big gatherings aren't there speed. That and they needed their nicotine fix. But there were no terrible awkward moments of silence or sideways glances. Just a bunch of people with sorted pasts and presents in a house eating together. Could have been much worse.
That day was followed by taking the folks out to sight see. Being a late rising crew by nature, we actually didn't get out to do anything until about 2:30. Then the activities roared with excitement as we stopped at Kohl's for a Pyrex set that was on sale that I needed to get, a pass through Michael's ( Dad's idea) and a gourmet meal at Subway.... with Starbuck's coffee. It's nice to have my parents here. Other's might simply think us strange.... or cheap:-). In all honesty though, I was hoping to eat at a restaurant, but Mom was hungry for a veggie sub. That, and once the idea Subway was uttered, Christian couldn't be persuaded from a ham sandwich.... unless someone had mentioned pizza. It was a good choice.
After all that, we headed to the zoo to see the lighted spectacular thing that they do there every year. I have heard of it, but never been. Although rather cold, it was a fun time. The greater part of the zoo is done up with lights and some of the animals were able to be seen. We even got to feed the giraffes. If you ever want to witness the art of tongue motion, check out a giraffe. But be warned, they have a minor saliva issue. I know there's a great perverted joke waiting to be told.... unfortuately I'm not thinking of it correctly. Something to the affect of dating and french kissing, but perhaps I should just leave it alone.
Wednesday, I picked up my folks so that they could go to little "C's" swim lesson. Ryan, if you read this, I read your present, or at least part of it during this time. Eh, it's ok. I'll get around to mailing it sometime before 2010. We then headed to the grocery store to prepared for the next deluge of snow. Note: when you have the option, "do not" do large shopping orders with your parents....... or at least your mothers. I love my mom, but she can drive me bonkers. Her attention span can get so fragmented it's like a person with short term memory loss. A conversation can go like, " Do you need milk?" "No" "Sure?" "Yes" "Look, paper towels are on sale" "Neat" "I need some bacon" "Do you want me to get it for you?" "Sure, and I'll pick up your milk" "I don't need any milk""Ok, well did you finish your laundry?" Ugh !!!!! My future is bleak if daughters truly become their mothers. Maybe it's just the price of over multi-tasking?
Then comes today. More freaking snow. I think the latest tally is 20+ inches. Great. So I drive into my neighborhood as the snowfall commences and slide right past my street. Wheee!!! I got home and then decide I should try to get a shovel before I can no longer get out of the neighborhood. I get to Home Depot to be told every darn Home Depot around here sold out of shovels by 5pm yesterday. Bastards !!! So I ended up buying some of that de-icer for driveways and sidewalks stuff. We'll see how it works.
I decided not to wait until the driveway is recoated with almost 2 feet of snow before I shovel, so I attacked it every 2-3 hours until about 9pm. My mom called and asked why my husband wasn't doing that. Some explanations aren't worth dwelling on, so I just said he had some important things to do..... like watch TV. Besides, it was my idea anyway. I just want to be able to get out of the driveway sometime this weekend. With him, he'll do it when the snow stops, get 1/2 way down and say he'll do the rest later ( which may or may not happen within a 2 day window). They way I see it, hopefully I saved myself a little work, although with the wind, it may have been in vain.
Right now, I 'm not dreaming of a white Christmas. A white sanded beach maybe, but nothing snow.... unless there's a log cabin, fire place, and maybe a hot tub involved. If that's the case, I 'll renegotiate.
This entry's a little random, but I'm going to blame that on the lateness of the hour and heredity :-)
Friday, December 22, 2006
What gives
Let me preface by saying I am so grateful for the generosity of others.
So here we sit in the house still slightly barricaded by about 2.5 feet of snow extending from the base of the driveway out past the middle of the street, not to mention the 5 foot walls that I created on either side of the driveway from shoveling.
Father in law offers to come and help shovel. I gratefully accept knowing that the snow will be heavier today after the sunshine.
Co worker who lives in town offers to help hearing that Ken is out of town. He says there was no snow downtown and the highway is pretty freaking clear. Ok, so here we have downtown barely touched by the snow and drivable main roads, yet I live on the road that you either need a bobcat or a Hummer to travel. Ok, that's slightly exaggerated but all the same. I can't get anywhere by my own means.
Christian's grandad and great-grandad help shovel out the remaining part of the driveway so that perhaps Saturday I might be able to emerge from my neighborhood using my own vehicle. Grandad also volunteered to take us to the grocery store so that we might get out of the house for a bit. Boy, that was exciting!!! And I'm not joking.
Upon re-entering the development, we saw 2 snow plows go by. Oh my, we might actually get plowed out. Yeah - no. The plows are only used on the larger development roads that surround us. None of the interior ones got touched. Guess our
taxes don't cover such perks. Not even a drop of sand has touched our street. Those SOB's !!!!!
But, on the cheerier side, we saw people, got help shoveling, and also now have syrup for pancakes. Perhaps I 'll make them tonight. I only pray that I can get out of here for a small trip to the mall and/or Wal-Mart tomorrow..... or Santa might be looking pretty cheap this year ;-).
So here we sit in the house still slightly barricaded by about 2.5 feet of snow extending from the base of the driveway out past the middle of the street, not to mention the 5 foot walls that I created on either side of the driveway from shoveling.
Father in law offers to come and help shovel. I gratefully accept knowing that the snow will be heavier today after the sunshine.
Co worker who lives in town offers to help hearing that Ken is out of town. He says there was no snow downtown and the highway is pretty freaking clear. Ok, so here we have downtown barely touched by the snow and drivable main roads, yet I live on the road that you either need a bobcat or a Hummer to travel. Ok, that's slightly exaggerated but all the same. I can't get anywhere by my own means.
Christian's grandad and great-grandad help shovel out the remaining part of the driveway so that perhaps Saturday I might be able to emerge from my neighborhood using my own vehicle. Grandad also volunteered to take us to the grocery store so that we might get out of the house for a bit. Boy, that was exciting!!! And I'm not joking.
Upon re-entering the development, we saw 2 snow plows go by. Oh my, we might actually get plowed out. Yeah - no. The plows are only used on the larger development roads that surround us. None of the interior ones got touched. Guess our
taxes don't cover such perks. Not even a drop of sand has touched our street. Those SOB's !!!!!
But, on the cheerier side, we saw people, got help shoveling, and also now have syrup for pancakes. Perhaps I 'll make them tonight. I only pray that I can get out of here for a small trip to the mall and/or Wal-Mart tomorrow..... or Santa might be looking pretty cheap this year ;-).
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Let it snow...
Here in Colorado we have been bombarded with snow. Even living here, I don't know what the total snowfall level was, but I know that there was... and is at least 3 feet of snow from the garage door to and into the road. Traffic here has been minimal at best. Although, watching the handfuls of 4 wheel drive Jeeps and 4 wheelers go by, I'm really wishing I had purchased the 4x4 version of my car. Note to self - when purchasing your next home either find one with a homeowners association OR save a couple dollars and purchase a snow blower. If this happens again next year, I may go ahead and turn in my leased car and go for the 4x4 variety.
My son and I spent a little over 2 hours outside attempting to clear the driveway. Well, I shoveled and he made his valiant efforts between throwing snow and jumping into the 3+ foot snow drifts. The other male of the house is currently in Chicago. What a bum.
Due to this weather excitement, my parents, who were scheduled to arrive here yesterday, are forced to remain on the east coast until the morning of the 24th. It took many various phone calls of patience, understanding, persuasion and manipulation to accomplish the feats of getting them to maintain their will to come out and to get the airlines to make the necessary changes to allow them to. All in all, what needed to get done got done and the plans that once stood have all been rearranged. Joy. But I am thinking it was worth the aggravation as it will probably be the best present my son and possibly my parents could get (delays withstanding)
Since there really isn't a great deal to do here in the house and no chance of going out anywhere else, Christian and I are forced to find various means of entertainment. Christian has discovered the Disney and Orbitz website games and has been enjoying them greatly. For a six year old, I am amazed at how eptly he navigates a computer. Yeah, he whines when something doesn't work, but say refresh and he knows where to go. He knows how to type in an address in the top line and of course he can use Google to find a website he doesn't know the address for. My own little computer geek. The irony of that is choking.(But I guess Ken has an inclination in that direction as he majored in comp sci for a few years in college.) I practically have to ration his time or pull him off the computer. I guess coloring a coloring book or a board game doesn't always compete. Guess I better figure out how to use these PS3 or XBox thingys just to maintain the ability to relate.
I have been cleaning and packing odds and ends for my inevitable relocation. I'm actually getting pretty excited about all that. I've also been forced to cook. Eh, it's not so bad. Besides, I can make a mean fish stick meal with mac and cheese and peas. Delectable. The beef tenderloin will have to wait.
Breakfast is my preference, but we are out of syrup. Pisser. No pancakes or French toast until I can get to the store. Christian enjoys raisin toast and bacon so all is not lost. Can sometimes sneak in some eggs. Besides, when all else fails, there is always the boxed miracle known as cereal.
We have also taken to watching a Christmas movie every night. We have seen "A Christmas Story" at least 3 times. A personal favorite of my own, it's pretty cool that my son likes it too. I too ingested a good amount of soap as a child. We have also seen "A Charlie Brown Christmas", " A Muppet Christmas Movie" and " Santa Claus". It's actually been kind of fun. I think I may make it a tradition starting the week Christmas break starts. And we'll have hot chocolate and cookies or some sort of snack with the movies. I hope Christian could withstand such an activity for a few years before it becomes totally "lame".
Tonight, we are watching the movie with the house lit by candlelight. I personally adore candlelight. Can't explain it totally, it just feels warm and peaceful with candlelight. Romantic stuffs aside, even Christmas decorations look better with candlelight and not to mention the house smells pretty great.... the candles being Yankee Candles :-).
So, even though we are essentially trapped by the elements, it's not so terrible. I am sorry all the complications it has caused for my family and friends, not to mention countless others. My preference would have been that it could have happened during the school year, but at least it might be a white Christmas. Besides, in my case, sometimes things need to keep you home so that you can actually enjoy home... and a six year old who likes fart jokes. The six year old's ok. The fart jokes wear a little thin though. ;-)
My son and I spent a little over 2 hours outside attempting to clear the driveway. Well, I shoveled and he made his valiant efforts between throwing snow and jumping into the 3+ foot snow drifts. The other male of the house is currently in Chicago. What a bum.
Due to this weather excitement, my parents, who were scheduled to arrive here yesterday, are forced to remain on the east coast until the morning of the 24th. It took many various phone calls of patience, understanding, persuasion and manipulation to accomplish the feats of getting them to maintain their will to come out and to get the airlines to make the necessary changes to allow them to. All in all, what needed to get done got done and the plans that once stood have all been rearranged. Joy. But I am thinking it was worth the aggravation as it will probably be the best present my son and possibly my parents could get (delays withstanding)
Since there really isn't a great deal to do here in the house and no chance of going out anywhere else, Christian and I are forced to find various means of entertainment. Christian has discovered the Disney and Orbitz website games and has been enjoying them greatly. For a six year old, I am amazed at how eptly he navigates a computer. Yeah, he whines when something doesn't work, but say refresh and he knows where to go. He knows how to type in an address in the top line and of course he can use Google to find a website he doesn't know the address for. My own little computer geek. The irony of that is choking.(But I guess Ken has an inclination in that direction as he majored in comp sci for a few years in college.) I practically have to ration his time or pull him off the computer. I guess coloring a coloring book or a board game doesn't always compete. Guess I better figure out how to use these PS3 or XBox thingys just to maintain the ability to relate.
I have been cleaning and packing odds and ends for my inevitable relocation. I'm actually getting pretty excited about all that. I've also been forced to cook. Eh, it's not so bad. Besides, I can make a mean fish stick meal with mac and cheese and peas. Delectable. The beef tenderloin will have to wait.
Breakfast is my preference, but we are out of syrup. Pisser. No pancakes or French toast until I can get to the store. Christian enjoys raisin toast and bacon so all is not lost. Can sometimes sneak in some eggs. Besides, when all else fails, there is always the boxed miracle known as cereal.
We have also taken to watching a Christmas movie every night. We have seen "A Christmas Story" at least 3 times. A personal favorite of my own, it's pretty cool that my son likes it too. I too ingested a good amount of soap as a child. We have also seen "A Charlie Brown Christmas", " A Muppet Christmas Movie" and " Santa Claus". It's actually been kind of fun. I think I may make it a tradition starting the week Christmas break starts. And we'll have hot chocolate and cookies or some sort of snack with the movies. I hope Christian could withstand such an activity for a few years before it becomes totally "lame".
Tonight, we are watching the movie with the house lit by candlelight. I personally adore candlelight. Can't explain it totally, it just feels warm and peaceful with candlelight. Romantic stuffs aside, even Christmas decorations look better with candlelight and not to mention the house smells pretty great.... the candles being Yankee Candles :-).
So, even though we are essentially trapped by the elements, it's not so terrible. I am sorry all the complications it has caused for my family and friends, not to mention countless others. My preference would have been that it could have happened during the school year, but at least it might be a white Christmas. Besides, in my case, sometimes things need to keep you home so that you can actually enjoy home... and a six year old who likes fart jokes. The six year old's ok. The fart jokes wear a little thin though. ;-)
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Sorry to complain
Ugh. Things are crazy, but were going alright until my considerate, tactful, soon to be ex-husband opens his mouth.
For an understanding of the week, I have been working usual school hours 7-4:30 and then playing rehearsals in the evenings from 6:30- 9:30 or 10 pm. "He" had to go on tour with his work, from Sunday through Wednesday. So we've both had taxing weeks. He, however, had a much needed 2 day break by having OFF WORK Thursday and Friday. We both had a performances on Thursday and Friday nights from 7-10pm.
I had to head to a rehearsal this morning at 11. We both played a performance at 3. I then had to head to a different performance at 7 while he also had one at 7.
Craziness, but this is a musicians time of year to earn some money.
In all this, I have had no time to do laundry. Ok. So, in passing I said that I would try and wake up so that I could do it this morning. And he said he would do his on Sunday. Yes, we do our laundry separate, but that explanation would be another post. No big deal. I tried, but couldn't manage to get myself out of bed at 7:30 to do 2 loads of laundry and then proceed to get ready for the rehearsal. Feeling a little under the weather didn't help that, but it was my wanting to sleep that kept me in bed.
I leave at 10:20 telling him that I didn't wake up in time to start any laundry,so he could use the machines if he wanted. ( At this point, I must mention that he had OFF Thursday and Friday)
I arrive home from my last gig at 9:20ish and say hello. He is sitting in the Lazy Boy watching TV. During my break, I had managed to visit with my son ( whom I haven't seen very much of this past week. He's staying w/ his grandparents) and do some Christmas shopping. I tell my husband what I had gotten and we recapped out performances. As I am heading up to my room to get changed he asks me if I got my laundry done. Uh, yeah, I did it while my ass was seated in various performance halls. No, I wasn't home. He says that I said I was going to do it today. Yup, that's what I said, but that didn't happen. He says that he MUST use the machines tomorrow for his stuff. I say fine, yet he presses the point that he is inconvenienced at the fact the my laundry isn't done. Uh, I do my son's and my own stuff. He does his. I said he could use the machines. WHAT'S THE FREAKING INCONVENIENCE!!!! It would seem the inconvenience is mine. So, in order to have concert black to wear for tomorrow's 7:30 am performance, I am washing darks NOW at 11:30 pm. He is going to wear his stinky clothing from today. Good thing I don't sit next to him. So as I prepare to move the darks to the dryer he is sleeping Aw, poor baby. He's had a tough day. Me? I obviously didn't do jack.
This is the shit that reminds me why divorce can be a good thing.
This man can NEVER put someone else first. EVER. Yet he insists on all acknowledging his great feats in living life of, oh, working and breathing. I wanted so bad to ask why he chose not to do some laundry on Thursday or Friday when he had the machines, and the whole freaking house to himself, but what would that prove. I think he just wanted to rub in my face that I didn't do something I said I would, even though I myself had addressed it this morning saying I preferred and maybe even needed to sleep. Doesn't matter. I have inconvenienced him. How? I have no clue. More than likely, he won't even do his laundry tomorrow, which may get under my skin even more.
The thing that pisses me off the most is that a quarrel over laundry can make me so mad. A new low.
For an understanding of the week, I have been working usual school hours 7-4:30 and then playing rehearsals in the evenings from 6:30- 9:30 or 10 pm. "He" had to go on tour with his work, from Sunday through Wednesday. So we've both had taxing weeks. He, however, had a much needed 2 day break by having OFF WORK Thursday and Friday. We both had a performances on Thursday and Friday nights from 7-10pm.
I had to head to a rehearsal this morning at 11. We both played a performance at 3. I then had to head to a different performance at 7 while he also had one at 7.
Craziness, but this is a musicians time of year to earn some money.
In all this, I have had no time to do laundry. Ok. So, in passing I said that I would try and wake up so that I could do it this morning. And he said he would do his on Sunday. Yes, we do our laundry separate, but that explanation would be another post. No big deal. I tried, but couldn't manage to get myself out of bed at 7:30 to do 2 loads of laundry and then proceed to get ready for the rehearsal. Feeling a little under the weather didn't help that, but it was my wanting to sleep that kept me in bed.
I leave at 10:20 telling him that I didn't wake up in time to start any laundry,so he could use the machines if he wanted. ( At this point, I must mention that he had OFF Thursday and Friday)
I arrive home from my last gig at 9:20ish and say hello. He is sitting in the Lazy Boy watching TV. During my break, I had managed to visit with my son ( whom I haven't seen very much of this past week. He's staying w/ his grandparents) and do some Christmas shopping. I tell my husband what I had gotten and we recapped out performances. As I am heading up to my room to get changed he asks me if I got my laundry done. Uh, yeah, I did it while my ass was seated in various performance halls. No, I wasn't home. He says that I said I was going to do it today. Yup, that's what I said, but that didn't happen. He says that he MUST use the machines tomorrow for his stuff. I say fine, yet he presses the point that he is inconvenienced at the fact the my laundry isn't done. Uh, I do my son's and my own stuff. He does his. I said he could use the machines. WHAT'S THE FREAKING INCONVENIENCE!!!! It would seem the inconvenience is mine. So, in order to have concert black to wear for tomorrow's 7:30 am performance, I am washing darks NOW at 11:30 pm. He is going to wear his stinky clothing from today. Good thing I don't sit next to him. So as I prepare to move the darks to the dryer he is sleeping Aw, poor baby. He's had a tough day. Me? I obviously didn't do jack.
This is the shit that reminds me why divorce can be a good thing.
This man can NEVER put someone else first. EVER. Yet he insists on all acknowledging his great feats in living life of, oh, working and breathing. I wanted so bad to ask why he chose not to do some laundry on Thursday or Friday when he had the machines, and the whole freaking house to himself, but what would that prove. I think he just wanted to rub in my face that I didn't do something I said I would, even though I myself had addressed it this morning saying I preferred and maybe even needed to sleep. Doesn't matter. I have inconvenienced him. How? I have no clue. More than likely, he won't even do his laundry tomorrow, which may get under my skin even more.
The thing that pisses me off the most is that a quarrel over laundry can make me so mad. A new low.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
When laughing hurts
My sister came for a visit this weekend. Always a good thing to have family around, sure, but sometimes, we just have a way of cracking each other up. It typically begins with one of us cracking ourself up first and then it goes from there. We went shopping at a Safeway and the parking lot was a little snow and ice covered in some places... especially the route I had chosen to walk. She cracked a smart ass comment ( which is the way we communicate in our family) which was then followed by the comment, "Ooooh, I feel an insurance claim coming on". Probably not that funny to most people, but that line carried through the rest of the night. It later was followed by, "Here's my card" referring to an insurance card.
It's terrible that as I type this, I have totally forgotten what had us laughing so hard in the car that my stomach hurt and my cheeks ache. I do remember a reference to it being so cold "in" the car, that our bodies could cough up ice cubes. It was made more humorous that we were laughing so hard, it got us both coughing so that we sounded like people with emphysema.
But, I guess the greatest thing is when there are people who can make you laugh so hard, you hurt. It's even better when that person, on occasion is yourself.
I share a saying jokingly with some folks that goes, "We're the funniest people we know" talking about ourselves. I guess that's not always a real impressive feat when one is easily amused.
All the same, I defer to this little poster I have that says, " Blessed are we who can laugh at ourselves for we shall never cease to be amused." I guess some just offer more material than others ;-).
It's terrible that as I type this, I have totally forgotten what had us laughing so hard in the car that my stomach hurt and my cheeks ache. I do remember a reference to it being so cold "in" the car, that our bodies could cough up ice cubes. It was made more humorous that we were laughing so hard, it got us both coughing so that we sounded like people with emphysema.
But, I guess the greatest thing is when there are people who can make you laugh so hard, you hurt. It's even better when that person, on occasion is yourself.
I share a saying jokingly with some folks that goes, "We're the funniest people we know" talking about ourselves. I guess that's not always a real impressive feat when one is easily amused.
All the same, I defer to this little poster I have that says, " Blessed are we who can laugh at ourselves for we shall never cease to be amused." I guess some just offer more material than others ;-).
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Today
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Halloween in the arctic
My son, my sister and I headed out for a little " trick or treating" tonight. Before doing so, we had to prepare with our gloves, hats, long johns, handwarmers, etc because it was around 30 degrees. Here, it seems tradition to be pretty darn cold on Halloween. 3 years ago, there was a thin layer of ice on the ground which made walking from house to house somewhat of a scary experience itself. These are the time I miss East coast Octobers...... and wish we had a fireplace.
The little boy went as the RED ranger from the Power Rangers. Being the slackers we are, my sister wore an old Fed Ex uniform and I wore one of her old lab coats, a stethoscope, and a ball cap. Nobody was sure if I was going for a doctor or a butcher, but I wanted the ball cap for warmth.
The folks in this neighborhood are awesome about this time of year. Scores of homes were participating and many had decorated their homes with either Halloween or fall decor.
2 of the houses we visited had a scary scene set up. In one, they had their garage open, draped with black sheets and things glowing due to a black light. 2 witches were there and were rather friendly. They didn't scare the little guy at all. Sitting in a chair was a scarecrow with his head bent over and a bowl of candy in his lap. The witches told the kids to get the candy from the bowl. As they reached into it, the 'scarecrow' came alive. He lifted his head to show his pale lined face and grabbed the kids arms. Oh my. That sure took my guy by surprise. He wasn't even sure how to react - whether to scream or cry. It didn't help that his aunt and myself were cracking up hysterically. I don't think he ever put the "trick" part into the equation. He recovered fairly quickly. I hope he'll get the hang of the whole "scary" theme as we go on. He's not currently a big fan of either pranks or the blood and guts thing.
Another highlight was one of the adult costumes. There was a guy in a "real" storm trooper costume - white everything - and even a voice changer. That costume was impressive. There was a gentleman at one of the houses we stopped at that was joking saying that the adults get into more than the kids. He then commented on what the storm trooper's outfit might have cost. Funny where adult minds go. Regardless, it was awesome.
After about an hour of freezing our butts off and then possessing a plastic pumpkin very full with candy, the Red ranger decided to call it a night. It's much nicer when your kid says he's had enough than to cut them off.
We returned home where he then proceeded to give out candy to tricker treaters who stopped by. All in all, a good night. Totally worth a little frost bite. :-)
The little boy went as the RED ranger from the Power Rangers. Being the slackers we are, my sister wore an old Fed Ex uniform and I wore one of her old lab coats, a stethoscope, and a ball cap. Nobody was sure if I was going for a doctor or a butcher, but I wanted the ball cap for warmth.
The folks in this neighborhood are awesome about this time of year. Scores of homes were participating and many had decorated their homes with either Halloween or fall decor.
2 of the houses we visited had a scary scene set up. In one, they had their garage open, draped with black sheets and things glowing due to a black light. 2 witches were there and were rather friendly. They didn't scare the little guy at all. Sitting in a chair was a scarecrow with his head bent over and a bowl of candy in his lap. The witches told the kids to get the candy from the bowl. As they reached into it, the 'scarecrow' came alive. He lifted his head to show his pale lined face and grabbed the kids arms. Oh my. That sure took my guy by surprise. He wasn't even sure how to react - whether to scream or cry. It didn't help that his aunt and myself were cracking up hysterically. I don't think he ever put the "trick" part into the equation. He recovered fairly quickly. I hope he'll get the hang of the whole "scary" theme as we go on. He's not currently a big fan of either pranks or the blood and guts thing.
Another highlight was one of the adult costumes. There was a guy in a "real" storm trooper costume - white everything - and even a voice changer. That costume was impressive. There was a gentleman at one of the houses we stopped at that was joking saying that the adults get into more than the kids. He then commented on what the storm trooper's outfit might have cost. Funny where adult minds go. Regardless, it was awesome.
After about an hour of freezing our butts off and then possessing a plastic pumpkin very full with candy, the Red ranger decided to call it a night. It's much nicer when your kid says he's had enough than to cut them off.
We returned home where he then proceeded to give out candy to tricker treaters who stopped by. All in all, a good night. Totally worth a little frost bite. :-)
Monday, October 30, 2006
So tell me what you want, what you really,really want
I want to go to my happy place. Sad thing is, I think I have misplaced the map... along with my briefcase :-(
The prospect of divorce makes one, me at least, over analyze every relationship you have or have had, looking for flaws or ones to emerge. Looking for what is bad and seeing if you are to blame for it. I've read that children go through this. I didn't know adults did as well. Even when the best of situations, it encourages thoughts of self doubt. I hope the journey proves to be worthwhile and not detrimental.
I can't help but think this may go back to reflect on the "narcissistic" side of me, but I'm going to rationalize that it is important for people to know what they want. Again, my wants go to relationships.
I just read a blog where a wife tells roughly ten things that she adores about her husband. Although a little cheesy :-), I think that is great. And by the sounds of it, I am fairly positive that the husband could return the favor.
My experience has not mirrored that. At one point, after marriage, my spouse and I tried to share what we wanted from a "partner". He said, ""physical relations no less than once a week and a hot meal on the table" I think he meant this to reflect he did not have tremendous expectation, but my reaction to it was insult. I want more than that. He says that is being selfish. His expectations are supposedly easy to meet and will show that one cares.
Uh.... I want to be more to someone than that and I don't consider what I want to be icing. I almost feel them compulsory. Whether what I want is real or attainable or not, that I still have to learn, but these are some things that I want from another (a friend or other) and that I want to be able to provide to others.
#1 - Someone who makes you want to be a better person. (boy that sounds super cheesy) You know, someone who inspires you to try harder, be better, think harder.
#2 - A helper - Someone who wants to be a help or who offers aid. I want to help others, but, for fear of interfering, I usually wait until asked. I also love people who actively want to help when they are able or when "they notice" it is greatly needed.
#3 - Reliable & trustworthy - When they say something will be done, it gets done or they acknowledge why it wasn't. Everyone drops a ball here and there. But sometimes, you do something because it's your integrity that is being defined or you apologize and explain why something wasn't done and make amends. The "blow off" kinda makes me angry.
#4 - Values people - this, I think, can be shown be the way people treat and talk about others. Sometimes I feel this can be pretty hard, especially when you get the impression that you are valueless to someone else.
#5 - Has the ability to be compassionate and understanding - Not a total "all about me" person - i.e. the one who always has a one up story or can not demonstrate sympathy/empathy for another.
#6 - Not overly judgmental or at least moderately so -
#7 - Has a sense of humor - a necessity. Anyone who can make someone laugh already touches them... as long as the laughter isn't in total ridicule. Besides, everyone should be able to laugh at themselves every once in a while. And anyone who knows me needs to know that what I speak can only be taken seriously or literally about 50% of the time... depending on the day.
#8 - A picker-upper - I say this feeling a bit in Debbie Downer mode myself, but someone who helps to see the better things or the good things rather than "always" pointing out the negative. One of those little things today was, on the way to work, I enjoyed playing "hit the tumbleweed" What fun !!!
#9 - Respectable - takes care of themselves ( without going crazy) and shows common courtesies when appropriate.
#10 - Able and willing to communicate - someone who can or will try to express their thoughts, opinions, and feelings on things.
#11 - Patience and Forgiveness - :-). Hmmm. Another definite necessity and a trait I struggle with myself.
# 12 - Able to admit they have erred. - harder than it sounds
#13 - Just enjoy the company of. - You can't prescribe this one. You do, or you don't.
I'm glad I have listed these things as it reminds me of things I need to do to improve myself as well. You can't ask people in your life to be everything you aren't. Give to get. Show to be shown. Do onto others.... you know how it goes.
It's a big order,huh? Although still probably incomplete. I'll just send it to "Friends and More R US" so that I can get this puppy filled. Ah, a puppy!!! Perhaps that is the solution.
Whatever the case, for me and these matters of relationships, it's time to lay low and regroup. I told an acquaintance of mine that I have a tendency to beat my head against walls until they either break down or until it hurts too much. ("recalcitrant" I think is a fancy word for it.) In these matters, my head is broken and bleeding and the walls still stand. It may be best to let these walls alone and survey for some pasture instead, while I mend what..... needs to be mended.
Regardless, I'm gonna give this wish list to Santa. ;-) Preferably a hot one. Can't hurt to hope a little.
The prospect of divorce makes one, me at least, over analyze every relationship you have or have had, looking for flaws or ones to emerge. Looking for what is bad and seeing if you are to blame for it. I've read that children go through this. I didn't know adults did as well. Even when the best of situations, it encourages thoughts of self doubt. I hope the journey proves to be worthwhile and not detrimental.
I can't help but think this may go back to reflect on the "narcissistic" side of me, but I'm going to rationalize that it is important for people to know what they want. Again, my wants go to relationships.
I just read a blog where a wife tells roughly ten things that she adores about her husband. Although a little cheesy :-), I think that is great. And by the sounds of it, I am fairly positive that the husband could return the favor.
My experience has not mirrored that. At one point, after marriage, my spouse and I tried to share what we wanted from a "partner". He said, ""physical relations no less than once a week and a hot meal on the table" I think he meant this to reflect he did not have tremendous expectation, but my reaction to it was insult. I want more than that. He says that is being selfish. His expectations are supposedly easy to meet and will show that one cares.
Uh.... I want to be more to someone than that and I don't consider what I want to be icing. I almost feel them compulsory. Whether what I want is real or attainable or not, that I still have to learn, but these are some things that I want from another (a friend or other) and that I want to be able to provide to others.
#1 - Someone who makes you want to be a better person. (boy that sounds super cheesy) You know, someone who inspires you to try harder, be better, think harder.
#2 - A helper - Someone who wants to be a help or who offers aid. I want to help others, but, for fear of interfering, I usually wait until asked. I also love people who actively want to help when they are able or when "they notice" it is greatly needed.
#3 - Reliable & trustworthy - When they say something will be done, it gets done or they acknowledge why it wasn't. Everyone drops a ball here and there. But sometimes, you do something because it's your integrity that is being defined or you apologize and explain why something wasn't done and make amends. The "blow off" kinda makes me angry.
#4 - Values people - this, I think, can be shown be the way people treat and talk about others. Sometimes I feel this can be pretty hard, especially when you get the impression that you are valueless to someone else.
#5 - Has the ability to be compassionate and understanding - Not a total "all about me" person - i.e. the one who always has a one up story or can not demonstrate sympathy/empathy for another.
#6 - Not overly judgmental or at least moderately so -
#7 - Has a sense of humor - a necessity. Anyone who can make someone laugh already touches them... as long as the laughter isn't in total ridicule. Besides, everyone should be able to laugh at themselves every once in a while. And anyone who knows me needs to know that what I speak can only be taken seriously or literally about 50% of the time... depending on the day.
#8 - A picker-upper - I say this feeling a bit in Debbie Downer mode myself, but someone who helps to see the better things or the good things rather than "always" pointing out the negative. One of those little things today was, on the way to work, I enjoyed playing "hit the tumbleweed" What fun !!!
#9 - Respectable - takes care of themselves ( without going crazy) and shows common courtesies when appropriate.
#10 - Able and willing to communicate - someone who can or will try to express their thoughts, opinions, and feelings on things.
#11 - Patience and Forgiveness - :-). Hmmm. Another definite necessity and a trait I struggle with myself.
# 12 - Able to admit they have erred. - harder than it sounds
#13 - Just enjoy the company of. - You can't prescribe this one. You do, or you don't.
I'm glad I have listed these things as it reminds me of things I need to do to improve myself as well. You can't ask people in your life to be everything you aren't. Give to get. Show to be shown. Do onto others.... you know how it goes.
It's a big order,huh? Although still probably incomplete. I'll just send it to "Friends and More R US" so that I can get this puppy filled. Ah, a puppy!!! Perhaps that is the solution.
Whatever the case, for me and these matters of relationships, it's time to lay low and regroup. I told an acquaintance of mine that I have a tendency to beat my head against walls until they either break down or until it hurts too much. ("recalcitrant" I think is a fancy word for it.) In these matters, my head is broken and bleeding and the walls still stand. It may be best to let these walls alone and survey for some pasture instead, while I mend what..... needs to be mended.
Regardless, I'm gonna give this wish list to Santa. ;-) Preferably a hot one. Can't hurt to hope a little.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Other blogs of interest
There is this one blog that I love entitled "mad meyers". He has some very clever sayings and links to interesting things.
Here is one he had on his blog that is awesome for you "mechanically inclined" types. This at a party would be hilarious.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/84221353@N00/281833134/in/pool-make/
Here is one he had on his blog that is awesome for you "mechanically inclined" types. This at a party would be hilarious.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/84221353@N00/281833134/in/pool-make/
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