Last night I decided to clean out our fridge and see what I could make for dinner using what I found. We had some tomatoes that needed to be used, an onion that was about ready to go soft, some pretty wilty basil, a half bottle of dressing that was about to expire, and half a bag of mozzarella cheese. I am not the type who can just throw stuff together, but this turned out well.
I cooked a box of thin spaghetti according to the box. In a separate skillet I slowly heated up the dressing and added the chopped onion and some garlic. Once that was warmed through I added the diced up tomatoes and continued to let the sauce heat up. I combined the cooked pasta with the sauce. Ayron and I each added some mozzarella cheese and basil to our bowls along with some diced grilled chicken. It was a nice light meal, but still managed to fill up Ayron, which says a lot!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Ayron Can Cook!
If you know my husband, you shouldn't be surprised that he can cook. You can hand that man an empty kitchen and he will come up with something tasty! Since he is now working from home, he does a majority of the cooking, and for that I am thankful!
If you know my husband (and his family), you will know that they cannot eat enough chicken wings. I have managed to get them to step back from the messy chicken wings and into the buffalo chicken dip I make (much easier and neater to eat). Ayron decided to combine his love for cooking (although he isn't a big fan of doing the dishes) with his love of chicken wings and this is what he came up with.
He took a 2lb pork roast and put it in the crock pot. He poured 1/8C. of vinegar over the meat and made sure to roll the meat around in the vinegar. He then added about 1/4C. of Franks Red Hot Sauce. He set the crockpot to high for 4 hours and let it go. The meat was actually cooked after about 3, so he pulled the roast out and shredded it. For dinner he made a mix of chunky bleu cheese dressing and mayo and spread it on sandwich buns, topped it with the shredded pork, and ta da! A spicy (but not too hot) pulled pork sandwich with bleu cheese spread. It was actually very tasty! We did both take an antacid pill before we ate though, we didn't want to risk it.
I will admit that I was skeptical at first when he told me what he was making for dinner, but it was very tasty, and we had enough left over for lunch today.
If you know my husband (and his family), you will know that they cannot eat enough chicken wings. I have managed to get them to step back from the messy chicken wings and into the buffalo chicken dip I make (much easier and neater to eat). Ayron decided to combine his love for cooking (although he isn't a big fan of doing the dishes) with his love of chicken wings and this is what he came up with.
He took a 2lb pork roast and put it in the crock pot. He poured 1/8C. of vinegar over the meat and made sure to roll the meat around in the vinegar. He then added about 1/4C. of Franks Red Hot Sauce. He set the crockpot to high for 4 hours and let it go. The meat was actually cooked after about 3, so he pulled the roast out and shredded it. For dinner he made a mix of chunky bleu cheese dressing and mayo and spread it on sandwich buns, topped it with the shredded pork, and ta da! A spicy (but not too hot) pulled pork sandwich with bleu cheese spread. It was actually very tasty! We did both take an antacid pill before we ate though, we didn't want to risk it.
I will admit that I was skeptical at first when he told me what he was making for dinner, but it was very tasty, and we had enough left over for lunch today.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Adventures in Potty Training
We have really begun trying to tackle the issue of potty training with TJ. Some days he is ok with the idea, other days the mention of the potty sends him in to a tail spin.
Yesterday morning we ran some errands and then decided to go to a restaurant for brunch. TJ needed to have his pull up changed so Ayron took him into the men's bathroom. Since the bathroom didn't have a "diaper deck," Ayron stood TJ up on the toilet tank and took of TJ's pull up (Thank you easy velcro sides!) He told TJ to stand still as he bent down to get a new pull up out the diaper bag. He heard TJ say, "Uh oh daddy. I peeing." Ayron looked up and saw that TJ was peeing (while standing on top the toilet tank) down into the toilet bowl. Ayron laughed and told him to just keep going. TJ came back to the table and proudly announced, "I peed!"
I briefly thought about letting him stand on the back of toilet tank at home, but the medicine cabinet on the wall would prevent him from being able to stand up. Hopefully we can get this potty training thing figured out soon!
Yesterday morning we ran some errands and then decided to go to a restaurant for brunch. TJ needed to have his pull up changed so Ayron took him into the men's bathroom. Since the bathroom didn't have a "diaper deck," Ayron stood TJ up on the toilet tank and took of TJ's pull up (Thank you easy velcro sides!) He told TJ to stand still as he bent down to get a new pull up out the diaper bag. He heard TJ say, "Uh oh daddy. I peeing." Ayron looked up and saw that TJ was peeing (while standing on top the toilet tank) down into the toilet bowl. Ayron laughed and told him to just keep going. TJ came back to the table and proudly announced, "I peed!"
I briefly thought about letting him stand on the back of toilet tank at home, but the medicine cabinet on the wall would prevent him from being able to stand up. Hopefully we can get this potty training thing figured out soon!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Teacher's Life
I have been teaching (professionally) for the past 5 1/2 years. In that time span I have been cursed at, yelled at, praised, and torn down.
I have witnessed emotional break downs, mental break downs, physical fights, temper tantrums, fits of rage, fits of jealousy, frustration and elation.
I have seen success and I have witnessed failure.
I have been called every name in the book and bitten my tongue.
I have had to have students arrested, and I have had to testify against them.
I've had students runaway and be found. I have had students run away and not be found. I have stayed up many nights worrying about those students.
I have blown the whistle on child abuse and sexual misconduct.
I have seen students fight, flip tables, destroy books, scream, yell, cry, pass out, destroy my property, and destroy themselves.
I have witnessed students on meth, cocaine, marijuana, and various other prescription medicines.
I have worked with students who refuse to take their mental medications and suffer from the voices in their head.
I have had students cry on my shoulder and then turn around and spit in my face.
I have worked with exhausted parents and guardians.
I have been lied to and deceived.
I have given up personal vacations to work on strengthening my curriculum.
I have spent countless hours rewording my materials and tests so my "LD" students can comprehend their work.
I have done a lot, but the one thing I haven't done....given up on teaching.
I have witnessed emotional break downs, mental break downs, physical fights, temper tantrums, fits of rage, fits of jealousy, frustration and elation.
I have seen success and I have witnessed failure.
I have been called every name in the book and bitten my tongue.
I have had to have students arrested, and I have had to testify against them.
I've had students runaway and be found. I have had students run away and not be found. I have stayed up many nights worrying about those students.
I have blown the whistle on child abuse and sexual misconduct.
I have seen students fight, flip tables, destroy books, scream, yell, cry, pass out, destroy my property, and destroy themselves.
I have witnessed students on meth, cocaine, marijuana, and various other prescription medicines.
I have worked with students who refuse to take their mental medications and suffer from the voices in their head.
I have had students cry on my shoulder and then turn around and spit in my face.
I have worked with exhausted parents and guardians.
I have been lied to and deceived.
I have given up personal vacations to work on strengthening my curriculum.
I have spent countless hours rewording my materials and tests so my "LD" students can comprehend their work.
I have done a lot, but the one thing I haven't done....given up on teaching.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Lexophiles
My sister sent me these (from www.bouldertherapist.com) and they made me giggle. I thought I'd blog them to brighten someone else's day...that I am procrastinating. I should be working on my take home mid-term, but reading these is much more fun.
1. A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.
2. A will is a dead giveaway.
3. Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
4. A backward poet writes inverse.
5. In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count that votes.
6. A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion.
7. If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.
8. With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.
9. Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft and I'll show you A-flat miner.
10. When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.
11. The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.
12. A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France resulted in Linoleum Blownapart.
13. You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.
14. Local Area Network in Australia : The LAN down under.
15. He broke into song because he couldn't find the key.
16. A calendar's days are numbered.
17. A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine.
18. A boiled egg is hard to beat.
19. He had a photographic memory which was never developed.
20. A plateau is a high form of flattery.
21. The short fortuneteller who escaped from prison: a small medium at large.
22. Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.
23. When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.
24. If you jump off a Paris bridge, you are in Seine.
25. When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.
26. Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.
27. Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.
28. Acupuncture: a jab well done.
29. Marathon runners with bad shoes suffer the agony of de feet.
30. The roundest knight at king Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.
31. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.
32. She was only a whisky maker, but he loved her still.
33. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class because it was a weapon of math disruption.
34. The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.
35. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.
36. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.
37. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.
38. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.
39. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
40. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other, 'You stay here, I'll go on a head.'
41. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.
42. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'
43. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was, a nurse said, 'No change yet.'
44. The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.
45. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.
46. Don't join dangerous cults: Practice safe sects.
1. A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.
2. A will is a dead giveaway.
3. Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
4. A backward poet writes inverse.
5. In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count that votes.
6. A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion.
7. If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.
8. With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.
9. Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft and I'll show you A-flat miner.
10. When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.
11. The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.
12. A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France resulted in Linoleum Blownapart.
13. You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.
14. Local Area Network in Australia : The LAN down under.
15. He broke into song because he couldn't find the key.
16. A calendar's days are numbered.
17. A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine.
18. A boiled egg is hard to beat.
19. He had a photographic memory which was never developed.
20. A plateau is a high form of flattery.
21. The short fortuneteller who escaped from prison: a small medium at large.
22. Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.
23. When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.
24. If you jump off a Paris bridge, you are in Seine.
25. When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.
26. Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.
27. Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.
28. Acupuncture: a jab well done.
29. Marathon runners with bad shoes suffer the agony of de feet.
30. The roundest knight at king Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.
31. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.
32. She was only a whisky maker, but he loved her still.
33. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class because it was a weapon of math disruption.
34. The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.
35. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.
36. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.
37. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.
38. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.
39. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
40. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other, 'You stay here, I'll go on a head.'
41. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.
42. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'
43. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was, a nurse said, 'No change yet.'
44. The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.
45. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.
46. Don't join dangerous cults: Practice safe sects.
Friday, October 08, 2010
I Love Ayron
I bet you thought this post would be all mushy and romantic didn't you. Title's can be deceiving. I love Ayron because he cracks me up. The following is a phone conversation I had with him today.
Me: You called?
Ayron (sounding freaked out): There are people raking our yard!
Me: Who are they?
Ayron: I don't know!
Me: Maybe they are supposed to be raking the neighbor lady's yard (she is elderly and has dementia) and have the wrong address?
Ayron: Oh.
Me: Did you think to ask them who they were?
Ayron: No....I'll call you right back.
A minute later
Me: Yeah?
Ayron (still sounding freaked out): It's a group of middle aged ladies and they are in our yard.
Me: Ok....who are they?
Ayron: They said they are from Lakewood Park and are just out and about town today doing community service by raking leaves.
Me: Oh, that's nice! Make sure you tell them thank you. Offer them a banana muffin or brownie.
Ayron: Ok, Oh I gotta go, they are back!
A couple of minutes later
Me: Hello?
Ayron: Ok, they're gone.
Me: So they were just people from the Lakewood Church out raking leaves huh?
Ayron: Well, they had like 2 high school aged girls and 3 older ladies.
Me: Did you tell them thanks and give them a brownie.
Ayron: Yeah. They had to take a picture with me as proof they did rake a yard.
Me: Oh, ok. Well, at least you don't have to rake this weekend!
I think this struck me as funny because he didn't think to go outside and see who the strange group of ladies in our yard were. He seemed freaked out by the fact that strangers were raking our yard. Most people would have been like, "Alright! Cross that chore off my list!" I would like to thank the lovely ladies from Lakewood Park that raked our front and side yard!
Me: You called?
Ayron (sounding freaked out): There are people raking our yard!
Me: Who are they?
Ayron: I don't know!
Me: Maybe they are supposed to be raking the neighbor lady's yard (she is elderly and has dementia) and have the wrong address?
Ayron: Oh.
Me: Did you think to ask them who they were?
Ayron: No....I'll call you right back.
A minute later
Me: Yeah?
Ayron (still sounding freaked out): It's a group of middle aged ladies and they are in our yard.
Me: Ok....who are they?
Ayron: They said they are from Lakewood Park and are just out and about town today doing community service by raking leaves.
Me: Oh, that's nice! Make sure you tell them thank you. Offer them a banana muffin or brownie.
Ayron: Ok, Oh I gotta go, they are back!
A couple of minutes later
Me: Hello?
Ayron: Ok, they're gone.
Me: So they were just people from the Lakewood Church out raking leaves huh?
Ayron: Well, they had like 2 high school aged girls and 3 older ladies.
Me: Did you tell them thanks and give them a brownie.
Ayron: Yeah. They had to take a picture with me as proof they did rake a yard.
Me: Oh, ok. Well, at least you don't have to rake this weekend!
I think this struck me as funny because he didn't think to go outside and see who the strange group of ladies in our yard were. He seemed freaked out by the fact that strangers were raking our yard. Most people would have been like, "Alright! Cross that chore off my list!" I would like to thank the lovely ladies from Lakewood Park that raked our front and side yard!
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
ABC and Baby Update
I hope I am not becoming one of those women who are "LOOK AT ME, I'M PREGNANT! Let's talk about nothing other than me!" I just use blogging as a way to process my thoughts.
We had our 16 week appointment with Stephanie VanderHorst (our mid wife) and all is well. Looks like Baby will be here around March 22. We were able to see the ultrasound and I was hypnotized by the heart beat. Baby is pretty calm and mellow, which is totally different from TJ. TJ was on the go ALL THE TIME. Baby was content to just lay there and let Stephanie try and reposition her. We are pretty sure we are having a girl, but at 16 weeks, it is hard to be certain it is a girl. We will check again at our next appointment on Nov. 2.
I was also able to ask a TON of questions about the ABC (Auburn Birthing Center) and that helped ease my mind. The ABC will be open well before Baby arrives and I really think I want to deliver there. My only concerns are the short length of stay (anywhere from 6 to 23 hours after delivery you are sent home. A nurse does come and do a home check on mommy and baby). I also need to check and see if my Insurance will cover a birthing center.
I thought I was comfortable with the thought of no pain meds, but now I am wondering. She will have several non-drug methods for pain relief and I am really looking forward to the birthing tub (they are now offering the option of actually birthing IN the tub, but that still freaks me out).
I think TJ's birth has be freaked out. I told Stephanie that yesterday and she said, "That was the worst case scenario of any birth I have done. Had you been at the ABC, we would have transferred you and done a c-section, but with TJ he didn't give us the time. I have done 901 births and that was the WORST way to have a baby! That is the only vacuum extraction I have ever done, and it failed. Nothing about his birth was typical. We will just pray that his sister is more cooperative that TJ. I can tell already she is a lot calmer and ok with me positioning her. You have nothing to worry about." That really eased my mind. I said, "He is still here and so am I, so for that we are extremely thankful to you!"
I guess the next step is to call my insurance company and see if they will cover the ABC.
We had our 16 week appointment with Stephanie VanderHorst (our mid wife) and all is well. Looks like Baby will be here around March 22. We were able to see the ultrasound and I was hypnotized by the heart beat. Baby is pretty calm and mellow, which is totally different from TJ. TJ was on the go ALL THE TIME. Baby was content to just lay there and let Stephanie try and reposition her. We are pretty sure we are having a girl, but at 16 weeks, it is hard to be certain it is a girl. We will check again at our next appointment on Nov. 2.
I was also able to ask a TON of questions about the ABC (Auburn Birthing Center) and that helped ease my mind. The ABC will be open well before Baby arrives and I really think I want to deliver there. My only concerns are the short length of stay (anywhere from 6 to 23 hours after delivery you are sent home. A nurse does come and do a home check on mommy and baby). I also need to check and see if my Insurance will cover a birthing center.
I thought I was comfortable with the thought of no pain meds, but now I am wondering. She will have several non-drug methods for pain relief and I am really looking forward to the birthing tub (they are now offering the option of actually birthing IN the tub, but that still freaks me out).
I think TJ's birth has be freaked out. I told Stephanie that yesterday and she said, "That was the worst case scenario of any birth I have done. Had you been at the ABC, we would have transferred you and done a c-section, but with TJ he didn't give us the time. I have done 901 births and that was the WORST way to have a baby! That is the only vacuum extraction I have ever done, and it failed. Nothing about his birth was typical. We will just pray that his sister is more cooperative that TJ. I can tell already she is a lot calmer and ok with me positioning her. You have nothing to worry about." That really eased my mind. I said, "He is still here and so am I, so for that we are extremely thankful to you!"
I guess the next step is to call my insurance company and see if they will cover the ABC.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Teacher Tip # 13
Teacher Tip #13: Take time to talk to your students
I am lucky in my "classroom." I have a lot of educational/instructional freedom. We currently only have two high school students. We spent an hour this morning talking about addictions and methods to help overcome them (a continuation talk that started after their morning session with our counselor).
We then talked about owning your mistakes and how accepting responsibility helps you develop into a responsible adult. A student finally realized how bad his situation could have gotten and since he was finally able to realize the whole situation, he had a break through. We are now comfortable recommending him to the alternative school for his next step the educational journey.
After lunch we spent 30 minutes teaching the students how to complete Sudoku puzzles. The one student loved it! We found a way to reach out to him. I printed out several puzzles from the Internet and struck a deal with him (he isn't the most motivated student in the world). For each assignment that he thoroughly completes, he can take time to do one Sudoku puzzle. He jumped at that offer right away and is diligently chugging away at his work.
Since we were able to take the time to talk with our kids, we were able to help one student have a realization and find a motivation tool for another student. It is amazing what teachers can learn if they just take the time to talk with their students. The key word is "with." Talking down does nothing but berate the students and make them more defiant. This is important in my "school" because we have to develop that trust. Without that trust, it will be an uphill struggle the entire time they are under my care.
I encourage each teacher to take some time each day to just talk to their students. What is going on in their lives? You will be surprised what connections you can make from their personal lives to the curriculum you are hoping to teach. Take the time and talk. It is amazing what you will be able to teach the student and even more amazing what your students will be able to teach you.
I am lucky in my "classroom." I have a lot of educational/instructional freedom. We currently only have two high school students. We spent an hour this morning talking about addictions and methods to help overcome them (a continuation talk that started after their morning session with our counselor).
We then talked about owning your mistakes and how accepting responsibility helps you develop into a responsible adult. A student finally realized how bad his situation could have gotten and since he was finally able to realize the whole situation, he had a break through. We are now comfortable recommending him to the alternative school for his next step the educational journey.
After lunch we spent 30 minutes teaching the students how to complete Sudoku puzzles. The one student loved it! We found a way to reach out to him. I printed out several puzzles from the Internet and struck a deal with him (he isn't the most motivated student in the world). For each assignment that he thoroughly completes, he can take time to do one Sudoku puzzle. He jumped at that offer right away and is diligently chugging away at his work.
Since we were able to take the time to talk with our kids, we were able to help one student have a realization and find a motivation tool for another student. It is amazing what teachers can learn if they just take the time to talk with their students. The key word is "with." Talking down does nothing but berate the students and make them more defiant. This is important in my "school" because we have to develop that trust. Without that trust, it will be an uphill struggle the entire time they are under my care.
I encourage each teacher to take some time each day to just talk to their students. What is going on in their lives? You will be surprised what connections you can make from their personal lives to the curriculum you are hoping to teach. Take the time and talk. It is amazing what you will be able to teach the student and even more amazing what your students will be able to teach you.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Moment of Reflection
Yesterday, shortly at noon, I checked the wane.com website. It's a habit of mine. I don't get time to actually watch the news, so I check the website. I learned of a fatal crash at the DeKalb County / Allen County Line. I had a feeling. I can't even describe the feeling, it was just this feeling.
On the drive home from work I passed the wrecker that was towing the SUV involved in the crash. I had to pull over for a moment. There was nothing left of the SUV. That feeling came back and I actually became physically ill. I started crying and just praying for the family. At that time, the name of the deceased had not been released. I still couldn't shake the feeling, so I just kept praying. I prayed off and on all night. Nothing glamours, just small little, "Lord, be with that family."
Right before dinner I received a text from a friend and I discovered the lady who passed was the daughter in law of my favorite teacher, Mrs. McCurdy. My heart broke. I know Mrs. McCurdy both in and out of school. Her and my father acted together in the Auburn Actors Theater and she often played his wife. She was hysterical and inspired me to become a teacher. My heart broke for her and her son. She lost her daughter in law and her son lost his wife. Their children lost their mother, parents lost their daughter.
I couldn't sleep last night, the sight of the SUV on the back of the wrecker kept haunting me. I finally realized why. We are coming up on the 4 year anniversary of Nikki's accident. I remember driving to the school to pick up my nieces and when we pulled out of the school parking lot, we passed the wrecker towing Nikki's newly compacted car. Thank God my nieces didn't realize that crumple piece of white paper was really their mom's car. I remember having this pit in my stomach. When we got the call, we didn't know if Nikki was alive or dead. We didn't know what to expect when we got to the hospital. It was a nightmare for all involved. We are lucky that four years later we still have our daughter/wife/sister/mother with us.
I don't know what caused Amy to run the stop sign, we may never know. But I am taking her accident as a wake up call to be more alert in the car. To avoid the distractions of texting and ipod surfing. I urge the rest of you to avoid those distractions as well. It's crazy to think that one minute you can be here, and the next your family is mourning.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the McCurdy family during this time. May they find peace and understanding. May the Lord provide them with comfort and words of wisdom.
On the drive home from work I passed the wrecker that was towing the SUV involved in the crash. I had to pull over for a moment. There was nothing left of the SUV. That feeling came back and I actually became physically ill. I started crying and just praying for the family. At that time, the name of the deceased had not been released. I still couldn't shake the feeling, so I just kept praying. I prayed off and on all night. Nothing glamours, just small little, "Lord, be with that family."
Right before dinner I received a text from a friend and I discovered the lady who passed was the daughter in law of my favorite teacher, Mrs. McCurdy. My heart broke. I know Mrs. McCurdy both in and out of school. Her and my father acted together in the Auburn Actors Theater and she often played his wife. She was hysterical and inspired me to become a teacher. My heart broke for her and her son. She lost her daughter in law and her son lost his wife. Their children lost their mother, parents lost their daughter.
I couldn't sleep last night, the sight of the SUV on the back of the wrecker kept haunting me. I finally realized why. We are coming up on the 4 year anniversary of Nikki's accident. I remember driving to the school to pick up my nieces and when we pulled out of the school parking lot, we passed the wrecker towing Nikki's newly compacted car. Thank God my nieces didn't realize that crumple piece of white paper was really their mom's car. I remember having this pit in my stomach. When we got the call, we didn't know if Nikki was alive or dead. We didn't know what to expect when we got to the hospital. It was a nightmare for all involved. We are lucky that four years later we still have our daughter/wife/sister/mother with us.
I don't know what caused Amy to run the stop sign, we may never know. But I am taking her accident as a wake up call to be more alert in the car. To avoid the distractions of texting and ipod surfing. I urge the rest of you to avoid those distractions as well. It's crazy to think that one minute you can be here, and the next your family is mourning.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the McCurdy family during this time. May they find peace and understanding. May the Lord provide them with comfort and words of wisdom.
Touchdown Tuesday
Check out this heartwarming video from a high school football team. If it doesn't make you smile, you have something seriously wrong with you!
http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/blog/prep_rally/post/Down-syndrome-football-player-scores-TD-in-Washi?urn=highschool-272803
http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/blog/prep_rally/post/Down-syndrome-football-player-scores-TD-in-Washi?urn=highschool-272803
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday Morning Funny
My sister posted this video on facebook this morning and it cracked me up. I think Apple should turn it into a commercial and make the grouchy curly haired girl a pc user!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWhUeAy35qc&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWhUeAy35qc&feature=player_embedded
Homework Help
I am currently taking an on line course (Detective and Mystery Literature) through IPFW for my license renewal. Our one big paper has me stumped. Here are the directions from the syllabus.
Monograph 7 contains a “top-ten” listing of books, movies, and TV mysteries that I have selected as among the best mysteries of all time on TV, in books, and in movies. Most items listed are not covered in the semester. The purpose of the list is to provide a reading and viewing list for those who want to sample the best of what is out there. Obviously, there are many outstanding books, movies, and TV shows not represented. I am very much interested in expanding the list to include the best 25 in each category. The purpose of this assignment is to give you a role in determining the list. Here are the steps involved.
1. Read Monograph 7 and the accompanying lists.
2. Pick a movie, TV mystery, or novel that you have seen or read, or one you would like to read or see. Note that if you choose a TV show, you must see at least three episodes. You can not use any book, movie, or TV show already on the list.
3. In a two or three page, non-research paper, argue for the inclusion of your book, movie, or TV show in an expanded best 25 list, or show why your book, movie, or TV show does not belong on the list.
4. You may talk about plot, characters, or devices used that make your selection unique. For example, the movie “Lady in the Lake,” which is included in the top 10 list, is cited for the unique viewpoint (The detective is always behind the camera). You might argue for inclusion of the TV show “Numbers” because of the unique view of mathematics as a crime-fighting tool. If you chose the TV show “Bones,” you might say you liked all the eccentric characters; then list each one with examples of their eccentricities.
5. You should include lots of examples to illustrate your reasons.
6. You may submit this assignment at any time up until the week before final exams. I suggest that it is best to do this paper at a time when assignments for other courses are light. Note that two bonus points are available for completing this assignment by the date listed in the syllabus above. This the date is November 6.
7. Also, submit to the default bulletin board a list of 5 reasons (no examples) for placing your choice on the list or not.
8. To repeat, length of assignment should be about two to three pages. No references other than the show or book itself are needed.
I have read Monograph 7 (written by my professor) and can't come up with any ideas! HELP! All of the topics I had, I don't want to use because my professor uses them as examples in Monograph 7. I don't want to have him think that I couldn't come up with my own topic, but at this moment I can't! I really want to write this paper this weekend and get it out of the way, but I am stumped. The only other mystery thing I can think of is Murder She Wrote and we all know how thrilling that show was!
I just read the line, "does not belong on the list." Hmm... I wonder if that means he wants use to take one of his examples from the list and tell why we think it shouldn't be there, or come up with our own topic then tell why it doesn't fit. The later idea seems a bit silly, so I am going to guess it's the first option.
Keep in mind this is only a 200 level class (why strain my brain to renew my license?) and my professor has told me on more than on occasion that I over think my assignments. I just can't come up with any good ideas!
Monograph 7 contains a “top-ten” listing of books, movies, and TV mysteries that I have selected as among the best mysteries of all time on TV, in books, and in movies. Most items listed are not covered in the semester. The purpose of the list is to provide a reading and viewing list for those who want to sample the best of what is out there. Obviously, there are many outstanding books, movies, and TV shows not represented. I am very much interested in expanding the list to include the best 25 in each category. The purpose of this assignment is to give you a role in determining the list. Here are the steps involved.
1. Read Monograph 7 and the accompanying lists.
2. Pick a movie, TV mystery, or novel that you have seen or read, or one you would like to read or see. Note that if you choose a TV show, you must see at least three episodes. You can not use any book, movie, or TV show already on the list.
3. In a two or three page, non-research paper, argue for the inclusion of your book, movie, or TV show in an expanded best 25 list, or show why your book, movie, or TV show does not belong on the list.
4. You may talk about plot, characters, or devices used that make your selection unique. For example, the movie “Lady in the Lake,” which is included in the top 10 list, is cited for the unique viewpoint (The detective is always behind the camera). You might argue for inclusion of the TV show “Numbers” because of the unique view of mathematics as a crime-fighting tool. If you chose the TV show “Bones,” you might say you liked all the eccentric characters; then list each one with examples of their eccentricities.
5. You should include lots of examples to illustrate your reasons.
6. You may submit this assignment at any time up until the week before final exams. I suggest that it is best to do this paper at a time when assignments for other courses are light. Note that two bonus points are available for completing this assignment by the date listed in the syllabus above. This the date is November 6.
7. Also, submit to the default bulletin board a list of 5 reasons (no examples) for placing your choice on the list or not.
8. To repeat, length of assignment should be about two to three pages. No references other than the show or book itself are needed.
I have read Monograph 7 (written by my professor) and can't come up with any ideas! HELP! All of the topics I had, I don't want to use because my professor uses them as examples in Monograph 7. I don't want to have him think that I couldn't come up with my own topic, but at this moment I can't! I really want to write this paper this weekend and get it out of the way, but I am stumped. The only other mystery thing I can think of is Murder She Wrote and we all know how thrilling that show was!
I just read the line, "does not belong on the list." Hmm... I wonder if that means he wants use to take one of his examples from the list and tell why we think it shouldn't be there, or come up with our own topic then tell why it doesn't fit. The later idea seems a bit silly, so I am going to guess it's the first option.
Keep in mind this is only a 200 level class (why strain my brain to renew my license?) and my professor has told me on more than on occasion that I over think my assignments. I just can't come up with any good ideas!
Monday, September 20, 2010
The ABC
Every morning I pass the construction site for what will become The ABC, The Auburn Birthing Center. The ABC is being built by the Auburn OB GYN which consists of Dr. Chaffee, Dr. Weghorst, Midwife Stephanie Vanderhorst, and Midwife Michelle Hileman. The new "home" is on CR 40A, just past Smith Farms Manor.
I have nothing but love for the medical staff at Auburn OB GYN. I have been utilizing Stephanie Vanderhorst's skills for years. She helped us conceive TJ, and was there for every minute of TJ's crazy birth (If you don't know that story, trust me, he came out sideways, elbow first, umbilical cord in his hand, I stopped breathing, the whole ten yards). Stephanie jokes that TJ caused her to grow her first grey hair. He was birth 565 (or something close to that) and the first one where she used vacuum extraction, and it failed! Dr. Chaffee was called in, and without those two, I would not have been able to deliver TJ. They were able to keep me calm during the whole process, even when they were probably freaking out on the inside. Stephanie has been with us through the conception and first tri-mester of Baby #2. The point being, I thoroughly trust these people!
I was ecstatic to learn that the birthing center will be open long before I am due. So I am faced with a problem....do I deliver at the hospital or at ABC? I know each have their pros and cons, but I think it boils down to the fact that I am scared to give birth again. TJ's delivery was traumatic, to say the least. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful he is here and extremely thankful to all the OB staff (as they were all crowded in my tiny delivery room) at DeKalb, but I am afraid this delivery will be like that last. I know, I know, "every baby is different." So with that in mind, what is to say this birth won't be worse?
I have been weighing the pros and cons of each and I think what it comes down to is fear over two subjects: pain management and after care.
I have very little pain meds with TJ. I started on some through my IV, but had them turn it off after only 30 minutes because I didn't like the feeling. I felt like I wasn't in control of my body and I couldn't feel what my body was doing. I know that is the point of pain meds, but I had studied the Bradley Birthing Method and for my own peace of mind, I needed to feel what my body was doing. I am afraid that this time around, I won't be strong enough to deliver without pain meds. I don't have any grand philosophical thing against pain meds, I will use them if I see necessary. But I also feel that babies who are born without the mother having pain meds are just more alert. TJ came out bright eyed (although he had given himself a lovely shiner) and I didn't have to have a giant needle in my spine! I will also admit that I am a bit afraid of a giant needle in my spine. I know, I know. I have a tattoo that runs along my spine, but that was different. That needle didn't go INTO my vertebra! I have other ways of coping with the pain. Breathing and the blessed birthing tub! (Disclaimer, the staff at Auburn OB GYN does not do underwater births, the tubs are simply there to help with labor pains). I loved the birthing tub with TJ and when asked what I want this time around, I stressed that I want a birthing tub. Luckily for me, The ABC will have tubs.
After care is also something I am curious about. Most birthing centers have you on your way home anywhere from 6 to 24 hours later. I guess not knowing how long their aftercare is, has my mind going. What about the 96 hour test? What if it's a boy? Do we take it to the doctor's office for a circumcision? TJ's jaundice didn't kick in until we got him home 3 days later and even then it was a pain to figure out why he was so sick (he didn't turn really yellow till several days after so we had no physical clue as to what was wrong).
I meet with Stephanie at the beginning of October and boy do I have a long list of questions for her. All of this "weighing of the pros and cons" might end up being a mute point. She might not consider me a good candidate for The ABC. There are just so many unknowns. I know I have a ton of time to plan, but every morning I drive past the construction site on my way to work and it gets my mind going.
I have nothing but love for the medical staff at Auburn OB GYN. I have been utilizing Stephanie Vanderhorst's skills for years. She helped us conceive TJ, and was there for every minute of TJ's crazy birth (If you don't know that story, trust me, he came out sideways, elbow first, umbilical cord in his hand, I stopped breathing, the whole ten yards). Stephanie jokes that TJ caused her to grow her first grey hair. He was birth 565 (or something close to that) and the first one where she used vacuum extraction, and it failed! Dr. Chaffee was called in, and without those two, I would not have been able to deliver TJ. They were able to keep me calm during the whole process, even when they were probably freaking out on the inside. Stephanie has been with us through the conception and first tri-mester of Baby #2. The point being, I thoroughly trust these people!
I was ecstatic to learn that the birthing center will be open long before I am due. So I am faced with a problem....do I deliver at the hospital or at ABC? I know each have their pros and cons, but I think it boils down to the fact that I am scared to give birth again. TJ's delivery was traumatic, to say the least. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful he is here and extremely thankful to all the OB staff (as they were all crowded in my tiny delivery room) at DeKalb, but I am afraid this delivery will be like that last. I know, I know, "every baby is different." So with that in mind, what is to say this birth won't be worse?
I have been weighing the pros and cons of each and I think what it comes down to is fear over two subjects: pain management and after care.
I have very little pain meds with TJ. I started on some through my IV, but had them turn it off after only 30 minutes because I didn't like the feeling. I felt like I wasn't in control of my body and I couldn't feel what my body was doing. I know that is the point of pain meds, but I had studied the Bradley Birthing Method and for my own peace of mind, I needed to feel what my body was doing. I am afraid that this time around, I won't be strong enough to deliver without pain meds. I don't have any grand philosophical thing against pain meds, I will use them if I see necessary. But I also feel that babies who are born without the mother having pain meds are just more alert. TJ came out bright eyed (although he had given himself a lovely shiner) and I didn't have to have a giant needle in my spine! I will also admit that I am a bit afraid of a giant needle in my spine. I know, I know. I have a tattoo that runs along my spine, but that was different. That needle didn't go INTO my vertebra! I have other ways of coping with the pain. Breathing and the blessed birthing tub! (Disclaimer, the staff at Auburn OB GYN does not do underwater births, the tubs are simply there to help with labor pains). I loved the birthing tub with TJ and when asked what I want this time around, I stressed that I want a birthing tub. Luckily for me, The ABC will have tubs.
After care is also something I am curious about. Most birthing centers have you on your way home anywhere from 6 to 24 hours later. I guess not knowing how long their aftercare is, has my mind going. What about the 96 hour test? What if it's a boy? Do we take it to the doctor's office for a circumcision? TJ's jaundice didn't kick in until we got him home 3 days later and even then it was a pain to figure out why he was so sick (he didn't turn really yellow till several days after so we had no physical clue as to what was wrong).
I meet with Stephanie at the beginning of October and boy do I have a long list of questions for her. All of this "weighing of the pros and cons" might end up being a mute point. She might not consider me a good candidate for The ABC. There are just so many unknowns. I know I have a ton of time to plan, but every morning I drive past the construction site on my way to work and it gets my mind going.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
That's Your Defense?
I was watching the news last night and saw this clip. I was disgusted. Really Mr. Brown, your defense of your actions was pathetic. "They are misdemeanors." SO WHAT?! Why should you be trusted with the responsibility of a school districts decisions when you can't even be trusted to have a valid license, registration, current plates, and insurance. Let's not forget you were under the influence of alcohol and driving. What qualifies you to make decent decisions for tomorrows leaders when you can't even be trusted to not drink and drive?
As for the whole, learning from your mistakes, you obviously haven't. You were arrested in 2007 for domestic battery and again in 2001 for OWI. Shouldn't elected officials to such offices as school boards be citizens that students can look up to as role models? You may always represent what your constituents want, but you sir are no role model!
I don't live in FWCS district, nor do I work for that district. I understand that people make mistakes and forgiveness should be given. He obviously hasn't learned from his past (2001 OWI charge) nor does he accept any responsibility for his actions. I might have more respect for him if he had said, "You know what? I screwed up again. I realize I have a problem and I am going to take all the steps necessary to rectify the situation." I will always have more respect for people who own up to their mistakes than those who just say "BS" in an attempt to save their hide.
As for the whole, learning from your mistakes, you obviously haven't. You were arrested in 2007 for domestic battery and again in 2001 for OWI. Shouldn't elected officials to such offices as school boards be citizens that students can look up to as role models? You may always represent what your constituents want, but you sir are no role model!
I don't live in FWCS district, nor do I work for that district. I understand that people make mistakes and forgiveness should be given. He obviously hasn't learned from his past (2001 OWI charge) nor does he accept any responsibility for his actions. I might have more respect for him if he had said, "You know what? I screwed up again. I realize I have a problem and I am going to take all the steps necessary to rectify the situation." I will always have more respect for people who own up to their mistakes than those who just say "BS" in an attempt to save their hide.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Picture Time
I am in the mood to blog, but the lack of precious sleep prevents me from being able to actually write anything. Instead of words, I'll share pictures from the past week. Keep in mind they were taken with my cell phone so the quality is a bit cruddy.
Tj studying a caterpillar we found by Martha's Popcorn Stand.
TJ in the library's "Secret Garden." We were the only ones who came for Saturday morning Mother Goose Story Time.
Rocking out to Guitar Hero at Uncle Phil's. 
First time swinging on a "big boy" swing at J.R. Watson Elementary School. He was a bit freaked out at first (notice the open mouth).Monday, September 13, 2010
Please Don't Compare
This past weekend I was compared to a lady's daughter. Her daughter teaches at a local high school. I had to hear all about how she decorated her classroom, what she is teaching, her extra curricular assignments, etc. I like the person she was talking about, I know her personally. She then looked at me and asked, "How does that compare to what you do?" How do I answer that? I thought about it and then just said, "While we were are both teachers, we couldn't be more opposite during our work day." It hit me, how many people don't really understand what it is I do on a daily basis.
I run a type of alternative school (or "day reporting" for those of you with some criminal justice education) for students in Steuben County. Students who have been suspended or expelled can be referred to my program. This keeps the schools happy because the trouble makers aren't in their building (they are in mine) and the parents stay happy because their child is still working on state approved curriculum and working toward graduation. I also accept referrals from DCS and the courts. Often times my program is used as "last chance" or "first stop out." Juvenile placement costs are ridiculously high. The cost for 1 day of placement runs anywhere between $175 to $200 a day. If the juvenile has medications that need monitored, or they need mental help, the cost jumps close to $300 a day. The Judge likes to avoid paying that much when local resources (Northeastern Center, Cameron Counseling, etc) go unused. In a "last chance" manner, the kids are court ordered into my program. We will work with them, but if they cannot prove they deserve to stay home, we will make a motion for placement. We are their last chance to prove they can/want to change. When it comes to "first stop out" the judge will sentence kids coming out of placement into our program for a period of time. Coming out of a strict placement center into a public high school can be a shock that will cause the kids to revert back to their old ways. By having them make a brief "stop" with us, they can be slowly integrated back into their home and school life.
Our program can take up to 15 students at a time. We work with students in grades 6-12. At one point two years ago, I had a student in every grade doing a different level of Math. It can get crazy having 12 or 13 kids all working on a different class. I think I thrive on the craziness!
I often say that we work with the kids that public schools can't/won't/don't care to work with. But I realize now that may come across wrong. I have been a public school teacher before and I know how hard it is to have 100+ students a day and that one student can just ruin every one's day. We allow those teachers the option to remove those students and know that the "trouble maker" will not fall behind in their education. In most cases, we can not only help a student maintain the proper class standing (credit wise) but allow them to catch up.
Someone once told me, "You work with the worse of the worst." I used to think that, but I don't anymore. We simply get the misunderstood and confused students. Many of our students have had a "moron moment" that got them kicked out of school. They realize they screwed up, and are now taking the proper steps to rectify the situation.
What I do, really can't be compared to a public school teacher. Both jobs have their pros and cons. At times I miss the convocations, pep rally's, and seeing all the players in their uniforms before a big game. I also have to remember that I have a lot of flexibility with my job and if I need to take a day to just talk with a student and help them deal with their home life, I can do that! We can take Friday afternoon's and have "fun days." I get to know another side of these kids that their public school teachers will never get to see. I have made so many connections and love to run into former students when I am out running errands. A former student actually lives across the street from my office. He is working towards his college degree and has a beautiful fiance and two great kids. I find myself watching them play through my office window. Watching those moments, I realize why I do what I do. Had I not been willing to work with that one student, he would have been shipped off to placement till he was 18 and then who knows what his life would be like now.
I run a type of alternative school (or "day reporting" for those of you with some criminal justice education) for students in Steuben County. Students who have been suspended or expelled can be referred to my program. This keeps the schools happy because the trouble makers aren't in their building (they are in mine) and the parents stay happy because their child is still working on state approved curriculum and working toward graduation. I also accept referrals from DCS and the courts. Often times my program is used as "last chance" or "first stop out." Juvenile placement costs are ridiculously high. The cost for 1 day of placement runs anywhere between $175 to $200 a day. If the juvenile has medications that need monitored, or they need mental help, the cost jumps close to $300 a day. The Judge likes to avoid paying that much when local resources (Northeastern Center, Cameron Counseling, etc) go unused. In a "last chance" manner, the kids are court ordered into my program. We will work with them, but if they cannot prove they deserve to stay home, we will make a motion for placement. We are their last chance to prove they can/want to change. When it comes to "first stop out" the judge will sentence kids coming out of placement into our program for a period of time. Coming out of a strict placement center into a public high school can be a shock that will cause the kids to revert back to their old ways. By having them make a brief "stop" with us, they can be slowly integrated back into their home and school life.
Our program can take up to 15 students at a time. We work with students in grades 6-12. At one point two years ago, I had a student in every grade doing a different level of Math. It can get crazy having 12 or 13 kids all working on a different class. I think I thrive on the craziness!
I often say that we work with the kids that public schools can't/won't/don't care to work with. But I realize now that may come across wrong. I have been a public school teacher before and I know how hard it is to have 100+ students a day and that one student can just ruin every one's day. We allow those teachers the option to remove those students and know that the "trouble maker" will not fall behind in their education. In most cases, we can not only help a student maintain the proper class standing (credit wise) but allow them to catch up.
Someone once told me, "You work with the worse of the worst." I used to think that, but I don't anymore. We simply get the misunderstood and confused students. Many of our students have had a "moron moment" that got them kicked out of school. They realize they screwed up, and are now taking the proper steps to rectify the situation.
What I do, really can't be compared to a public school teacher. Both jobs have their pros and cons. At times I miss the convocations, pep rally's, and seeing all the players in their uniforms before a big game. I also have to remember that I have a lot of flexibility with my job and if I need to take a day to just talk with a student and help them deal with their home life, I can do that! We can take Friday afternoon's and have "fun days." I get to know another side of these kids that their public school teachers will never get to see. I have made so many connections and love to run into former students when I am out running errands. A former student actually lives across the street from my office. He is working towards his college degree and has a beautiful fiance and two great kids. I find myself watching them play through my office window. Watching those moments, I realize why I do what I do. Had I not been willing to work with that one student, he would have been shipped off to placement till he was 18 and then who knows what his life would be like now.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Belly Laughs
The following is an excerpt from a weekly email that is sent to me from "The Baby Center" website.
The five best prenatal yoga postures
• The Pringle: Lie on your back with a can of chips balanced on your stomach. See if you can eat them all before you fall asleep.
• The Sneeze: As the sneeze approaches, squeeze your knees together, breathe in and out, and try to remember what it used to feel like to "hold it in." Keep this pose while you hobble to the bathroom to change your underwear.
• The Calf Cramp: Try to stretch around your belly and rub your leg while simultaneously screaming loudly enough to wake everyone in your zip code.
• The Pesto Burp: Bring your chin to your chest and exhale as silently as you can through your closed mouth. Reward yourself with a nice, meditative Fudgesicle.
• The Sleeping Hip: Lie on your side until you lose all feeling. Roll onto your other side and repeat.
Namaste!
The five best prenatal yoga postures
• The Pringle: Lie on your back with a can of chips balanced on your stomach. See if you can eat them all before you fall asleep.
• The Sneeze: As the sneeze approaches, squeeze your knees together, breathe in and out, and try to remember what it used to feel like to "hold it in." Keep this pose while you hobble to the bathroom to change your underwear.
• The Calf Cramp: Try to stretch around your belly and rub your leg while simultaneously screaming loudly enough to wake everyone in your zip code.
• The Pesto Burp: Bring your chin to your chest and exhale as silently as you can through your closed mouth. Reward yourself with a nice, meditative Fudgesicle.
• The Sleeping Hip: Lie on your side until you lose all feeling. Roll onto your other side and repeat.
Namaste!
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Things Educators Won't Tell Parents
I found this article on yahoo this morning and decided to pass it along. My thoughts are in italics.
13 Things Your Child's Teacher Won't Tell You
by Reader's Digest Magazine, on Tue Aug 17, 2010 11:19am
A look inside a teacher's mind could help you understand lesson plans and maybe even guide your child to perform better.
1. If we teach small children, don’t tell us that our jobs are “so cute” and that you wish you could glue and color all day long. God bless elementary educators, I don't have the patience for it!
2. I’m not a marriage counselor. At parent-teacher conferences, let’s stick to Dakota’s progress, not how your husband won’t help you around the house. AMEN! I can reccomend a great therapist/counselor but I really don't care to know how your husband drinks all night and never wants to come to bed. I don't care people!
3. We’re sick of standardized testing and having to “teach to the test.” TOTALLY!
4. Kids used to go out and play after school and resolve problems on their own. Now, with computers and TV, they lack the skills to communicate. They don’t know how to get past hurt feelings without telling the teacher and having her fix it. I get high schoolers that are unable to talk things out. I hate when a 17 year old will "tattle" and say, "Jenny said something mean about me. Can you make her stop?" Really? Can you not go up to Jenny and say, "That hurt my feelings and I would appreciate it if you'd stop." Or, what about just letting it "roll off your back."
5. When I hear a loud belch, I remember that a student’s manners are a reflection of his parents’. Manners people, they will get you far in life.
6. Your child may be the center of your universe, but I have to share mine with 25 others. I sometimes wish the parents I worked with saw their child as the center of their universe.
7. Please help us by turning off the texting feature on your child’s phone during school hours. Don't get mad when I require that your child put their cell phone in a box upon walking in my building. They will get it back at the end of the day, I have my own phone, I don't need to "steal" your child's.
8. Guys who dribble a ball for a couple of hours a game can make up to $20 million a year. We educate future leaders and make about $51,000 a year. I wish I made that much! And as for summers off, I WISH! I work year round, and I hate when teachers complain, "Is it summer yet?"
9. We take on the role of mother, father, psychologist, friend, and adviser every day. Plus, we’re watching for learning disabilities, issues at home, peer pressure, drug abuse, and bullying. Don't forget doctor, teacher, conselor, enemy, etc.
10. Kids dish on your secrets all the time—money, religion, politics, even Dad’s vasectomy. Or even about how they couldn't sleep last night because mom and her boyfriend were making too much noise. Really, kids talk people!
11. Please, no more mugs, frames, or stuffed animals. A gift card to Starbucks or Staples would be more than enough. A thank-you note: even better. I have had over 100 students in 4 years and have only received 3 verbal thank you's.
12. We love snow days and three-day weekends as much as your kid does. I wish I could stay at home on snow days. I still get up and come to work.
13. The students we remember are happy, respectful, and good-hearted, not necessarily the ones with the highest grades. AMEN!
13 Things Your Child's Teacher Won't Tell You
by Reader's Digest Magazine, on Tue Aug 17, 2010 11:19am
A look inside a teacher's mind could help you understand lesson plans and maybe even guide your child to perform better.
1. If we teach small children, don’t tell us that our jobs are “so cute” and that you wish you could glue and color all day long. God bless elementary educators, I don't have the patience for it!
2. I’m not a marriage counselor. At parent-teacher conferences, let’s stick to Dakota’s progress, not how your husband won’t help you around the house. AMEN! I can reccomend a great therapist/counselor but I really don't care to know how your husband drinks all night and never wants to come to bed. I don't care people!
3. We’re sick of standardized testing and having to “teach to the test.” TOTALLY!
4. Kids used to go out and play after school and resolve problems on their own. Now, with computers and TV, they lack the skills to communicate. They don’t know how to get past hurt feelings without telling the teacher and having her fix it. I get high schoolers that are unable to talk things out. I hate when a 17 year old will "tattle" and say, "Jenny said something mean about me. Can you make her stop?" Really? Can you not go up to Jenny and say, "That hurt my feelings and I would appreciate it if you'd stop." Or, what about just letting it "roll off your back."
5. When I hear a loud belch, I remember that a student’s manners are a reflection of his parents’. Manners people, they will get you far in life.
6. Your child may be the center of your universe, but I have to share mine with 25 others. I sometimes wish the parents I worked with saw their child as the center of their universe.
7. Please help us by turning off the texting feature on your child’s phone during school hours. Don't get mad when I require that your child put their cell phone in a box upon walking in my building. They will get it back at the end of the day, I have my own phone, I don't need to "steal" your child's.
8. Guys who dribble a ball for a couple of hours a game can make up to $20 million a year. We educate future leaders and make about $51,000 a year. I wish I made that much! And as for summers off, I WISH! I work year round, and I hate when teachers complain, "Is it summer yet?"
9. We take on the role of mother, father, psychologist, friend, and adviser every day. Plus, we’re watching for learning disabilities, issues at home, peer pressure, drug abuse, and bullying. Don't forget doctor, teacher, conselor, enemy, etc.
10. Kids dish on your secrets all the time—money, religion, politics, even Dad’s vasectomy. Or even about how they couldn't sleep last night because mom and her boyfriend were making too much noise. Really, kids talk people!
11. Please, no more mugs, frames, or stuffed animals. A gift card to Starbucks or Staples would be more than enough. A thank-you note: even better. I have had over 100 students in 4 years and have only received 3 verbal thank you's.
12. We love snow days and three-day weekends as much as your kid does. I wish I could stay at home on snow days. I still get up and come to work.
13. The students we remember are happy, respectful, and good-hearted, not necessarily the ones with the highest grades. AMEN!
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Boy or Girl?
I hate to post about prego things because I know what it's like to be trying to get pregnant and reading peoples blogs about how happy they are, etc. I have several friends who are currently trying to get pregnant or just recently experienced a miscarriage. I hope they know how genuinely concerned I am for them and how badly I want them to conceive. That being said, blogging helps me clear my mind and share information with those far away relatives.
This past weekend I had 3 random people stop me and tell me, "I have this feeling you are having a boy." Two of those people didn't even know I was pregnant! I was wearing a baggy hooded sweatshirt so I didn't look all big and bloated (like I feel). It struck me as odd because I have never had that feeling. When I was pregnant with TJ I never thought, "Yep, I know it's a boy." We had to wait an extra month to find out with TJ was because his long legs were crossed and blocking our view!
I would love to have a boy, but I also would love to have a girl. As long as the child is healthy, we don't care. Heck, even if the child isn't healthy, we will love it anyway. I guess I look at it this way....if we have another boy, we already have all the boy clothes, toys, etc. Since my kids will be almost exactly 3 years apart (probably within 1 week of being exactly 3 years apart) the seasons of the clothes will match up. If it's a girl....she'll be wearing a lot of blue and sports themed sleeper sacks and onesies around the house.
I have a friend who is also pregnant with her second and probably about two weeks behind me. Her first child was a girl and they are hoping for a boy (Come on, we all know that Josh needs a boy to go hunting and do all that stuff with! Not saying that Claire can't do that too. I can just picture Kelly looking out her back window to see two shadows in the tree stand, one of Josh and the other of child #2). We have joked about if she has a boy and I have a girl, that we should just swap all of our clothes, so that would help save a lot of money for us if we do have a girl!
This past weekend I had 3 random people stop me and tell me, "I have this feeling you are having a boy." Two of those people didn't even know I was pregnant! I was wearing a baggy hooded sweatshirt so I didn't look all big and bloated (like I feel). It struck me as odd because I have never had that feeling. When I was pregnant with TJ I never thought, "Yep, I know it's a boy." We had to wait an extra month to find out with TJ was because his long legs were crossed and blocking our view!
I would love to have a boy, but I also would love to have a girl. As long as the child is healthy, we don't care. Heck, even if the child isn't healthy, we will love it anyway. I guess I look at it this way....if we have another boy, we already have all the boy clothes, toys, etc. Since my kids will be almost exactly 3 years apart (probably within 1 week of being exactly 3 years apart) the seasons of the clothes will match up. If it's a girl....she'll be wearing a lot of blue and sports themed sleeper sacks and onesies around the house.
I have a friend who is also pregnant with her second and probably about two weeks behind me. Her first child was a girl and they are hoping for a boy (Come on, we all know that Josh needs a boy to go hunting and do all that stuff with! Not saying that Claire can't do that too. I can just picture Kelly looking out her back window to see two shadows in the tree stand, one of Josh and the other of child #2). We have joked about if she has a boy and I have a girl, that we should just swap all of our clothes, so that would help save a lot of money for us if we do have a girl!
One Down, Many To Go!
Classical Event Auctions had their first car auction this past Labor Day weekend. While Friday and Saturday started off slow, Sunday made it all worth it!
I had the privilege of riding in the Saturday night Cruise-In parade with my brother...the car???ohh...it was just a simple FERRARI!!!! It was cool! We took up the street legal Indy car and 3 Ferrari's! I couldn't talk Phil into goofing around with the Ferrari because, "It isn't mine and I don't want to screw it up!" Oh well! We had fun anyways!
Sunday turned out to be a great day for us. We had several pieces of taxidermy to sell for a family friend who will be starting her second tour of duty over seas next week. She needed to downsize and decided to sell her grandfather's taxidermy. Our full mount polar bear sold for over 6K. At 2pm, Ayron and Ryan Jernigan (he was one of our auctioneers) sold the Dusenberg for $1 million! Ryan was ecstatic because that was the highest he had ever auctioned off a car! Ayron was excited because that sale put Classical Event Auctions on the map. We can proudly say that of the 3 auction companies in DeKalb County last weekend, we sold the most expensive car! We currently have some post sale deals in the works for the Ferrari's and things just keep getting better!
I can say that we learned a lot from this first auction. We are in the middle of discussing how to change things and better promote our company. But we are proud to say that we managed to blow the other two companies out of the water our first year by selling the most expensive car!
I had the privilege of riding in the Saturday night Cruise-In parade with my brother...the car???ohh...it was just a simple FERRARI!!!! It was cool! We took up the street legal Indy car and 3 Ferrari's! I couldn't talk Phil into goofing around with the Ferrari because, "It isn't mine and I don't want to screw it up!" Oh well! We had fun anyways!
Sunday turned out to be a great day for us. We had several pieces of taxidermy to sell for a family friend who will be starting her second tour of duty over seas next week. She needed to downsize and decided to sell her grandfather's taxidermy. Our full mount polar bear sold for over 6K. At 2pm, Ayron and Ryan Jernigan (he was one of our auctioneers) sold the Dusenberg for $1 million! Ryan was ecstatic because that was the highest he had ever auctioned off a car! Ayron was excited because that sale put Classical Event Auctions on the map. We can proudly say that of the 3 auction companies in DeKalb County last weekend, we sold the most expensive car! We currently have some post sale deals in the works for the Ferrari's and things just keep getting better!
I can say that we learned a lot from this first auction. We are in the middle of discussing how to change things and better promote our company. But we are proud to say that we managed to blow the other two companies out of the water our first year by selling the most expensive car!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
The Start of a New Chapter
My sister and I are 7 1/2 years apart. We each had our "only child" moments, and have just recently started getting along and seeing "eye to eye" on things. She is not shy about her struggle with finding a balanced mental health. It seems that mental health issues run in our family and unfortunately, she battles them. I have known for a long time that she needed a change. Not just a little change, but a HUGE change.
Her change has come. She has accepted a job at University of South Carolina (Beaufort). She begins her new job September 7, and while I couldn't be happier for her, part of me is sad. Do you know how far it is from my house to Beaufort, South Carolina? 850+ miles. I am truly happy for her. It also eases my mind to know that she will be in the same city as our Dad and he can help her get acclimated to her new town. Maybe part of my sadness is jealousy.
She has always been a bit of a free spirit, not afraid to move around. Heck, I bought a house 2 miles from where I grew up! Heck, my house is laid out just like my childhood home. Guess I don't do change well. She has lived in California, Indiana, and Michigan. I wish I could be as independent as she is.
I started wondering if Ayron and I could just up and move. He thinks we could, I think it would be a struggle! I would miss too many "silly" things about Auburn.
1.) Pizza King (Tyler and Nat, start drooling now).
2.) DeBrands (Although it is a Ft. Wayne thing, it's still delicious).
3.) Casa Salad (I recently got Nat hooked on it....wait, why are my first 3 things food related?)
4.) Sledding down the big hill at Smith Acres.
5.) Seeing all the classic cars rolling through Auburn around Labor Day.
6.) Seeing Santa's "Chalet" parked by the Auburn Pool during the "off season."
7.) DeKalb County Free Fall Fair
8.) Cricket Burgers
9.) Bread Basket
10.) Running into former teachers who still remember my name
11.) Martha's Popcorn (While it is good the next morning, I'm pretty sure it would get really soggy during shipping.
12.) Hearing the "dueling" church bells on a Sunday morning (I live between the Methodist and Catholic churches).
13.) Screaming at the idiots that can't navigate the "mound" in Angola (yes, I really would miss this).
14.) Silly "Mid-West" festivals (Picklefest, Marshmallow Days, etc).
15.) Snow days (as a teacher, they mean a paid day off! You don't get too many snow days in SC).
Our hometown is "small" in the eyes of most people. Perhaps a bit to conservative for some. I still think I'd miss it if I had the ambition to move away. I wish her the best of luck and hope she gets an apartment big enough for all of us to stay when we come down for vacations!
Her change has come. She has accepted a job at University of South Carolina (Beaufort). She begins her new job September 7, and while I couldn't be happier for her, part of me is sad. Do you know how far it is from my house to Beaufort, South Carolina? 850+ miles. I am truly happy for her. It also eases my mind to know that she will be in the same city as our Dad and he can help her get acclimated to her new town. Maybe part of my sadness is jealousy.
She has always been a bit of a free spirit, not afraid to move around. Heck, I bought a house 2 miles from where I grew up! Heck, my house is laid out just like my childhood home. Guess I don't do change well. She has lived in California, Indiana, and Michigan. I wish I could be as independent as she is.
I started wondering if Ayron and I could just up and move. He thinks we could, I think it would be a struggle! I would miss too many "silly" things about Auburn.
1.) Pizza King (Tyler and Nat, start drooling now).
2.) DeBrands (Although it is a Ft. Wayne thing, it's still delicious).
3.) Casa Salad (I recently got Nat hooked on it....wait, why are my first 3 things food related?)
4.) Sledding down the big hill at Smith Acres.
5.) Seeing all the classic cars rolling through Auburn around Labor Day.
6.) Seeing Santa's "Chalet" parked by the Auburn Pool during the "off season."
7.) DeKalb County Free Fall Fair
8.) Cricket Burgers
9.) Bread Basket
10.) Running into former teachers who still remember my name
11.) Martha's Popcorn (While it is good the next morning, I'm pretty sure it would get really soggy during shipping.
12.) Hearing the "dueling" church bells on a Sunday morning (I live between the Methodist and Catholic churches).
13.) Screaming at the idiots that can't navigate the "mound" in Angola (yes, I really would miss this).
14.) Silly "Mid-West" festivals (Picklefest, Marshmallow Days, etc).
15.) Snow days (as a teacher, they mean a paid day off! You don't get too many snow days in SC).
Our hometown is "small" in the eyes of most people. Perhaps a bit to conservative for some. I still think I'd miss it if I had the ambition to move away. I wish her the best of luck and hope she gets an apartment big enough for all of us to stay when we come down for vacations!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
First Assignment
So I just got an email from my professor (I am taking an online Lit. course) concerning my first assignment. We were to read one of his papers about murder and then list 5 facts. I assumed that the wanted some thought put into our 5 things. I was wrong.
I was scolded for putting too much effort into my assignment and for using examples. The two examples I used were cited straight from the paper he had us read. He told me that while I over thought the assignment, he will give me full credit anyways. Really? Well thanks for giving me credit for actually putting some thought into my work!
I find it hard to believe that he really only wanted me to list five random facts from his paper. Really? I know I am taking the class at an "undergrad" level, but I thought most college professors enjoyed when students put some thought into their work. If I listed five facts back to him, what does that show? My ability to skim his 10 page paper and pick random things to regurgitate back to him? God forbid I respond like the college educated student that I am!
I was not looking forward to interpreting next weeks Poe assignments, but apparently I shouldn't think too hard about it!
I was scolded for putting too much effort into my assignment and for using examples. The two examples I used were cited straight from the paper he had us read. He told me that while I over thought the assignment, he will give me full credit anyways. Really? Well thanks for giving me credit for actually putting some thought into my work!
I find it hard to believe that he really only wanted me to list five random facts from his paper. Really? I know I am taking the class at an "undergrad" level, but I thought most college professors enjoyed when students put some thought into their work. If I listed five facts back to him, what does that show? My ability to skim his 10 page paper and pick random things to regurgitate back to him? God forbid I respond like the college educated student that I am!
I was not looking forward to interpreting next weeks Poe assignments, but apparently I shouldn't think too hard about it!
Come See Chad Beach
Do you know who Chad Beach is? Ever wondered if a blind person could be an auctioneer? The answer is YES!
Classical Event Auctions is proud to announce that Chad Beach will be one of our auctioneers. As far as we know, Chad is the only blind licensed auctioneer. His is awesome at what he does and entertaining as well. Here are two videos put together by Repperts School of Auctioneering from their Spring 2010 class (the class that Ayron graduated with). Check Chad out, and if you look carefully, you will spot Ayron!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3S8pCjP6PY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuhfuey5-sU
Classical Event Auctions is proud to announce that Chad Beach will be one of our auctioneers. As far as we know, Chad is the only blind licensed auctioneer. His is awesome at what he does and entertaining as well. Here are two videos put together by Repperts School of Auctioneering from their Spring 2010 class (the class that Ayron graduated with). Check Chad out, and if you look carefully, you will spot Ayron!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3S8pCjP6PY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuhfuey5-sU
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Classical Event Auctions
That's right folks, another Labor Day Weekend in Auburn Indiana is fast approaching. We invite you to come check out Classical Events "Auburn Classic" auction on September 3, 4, and 5th. We will be located across from DeKalb High School at the CCC. Auburn's very own locally owned and operated AND family friendly auction! Kids get in free (with paid adult admission). Not sure if you want to be a bidder? Sign up anyway, our bidder registration is FREE! We have also partnered with a financial company to insure prompt payment to all our consignors!
In this years auction we have some rare memorabilia as well as rare and classic cars. We have several rare animal mounts and have buyers from all over the United States coming to place their bid on such items like our full body mounted polar bear and Jonas Brothers (no, not the boy band) Cape Buffalo head mount. We also have several rare Jade sculptures and rare paintings up for auction as well.
Our list of cars will please the young and old alike. With such rare cars as the 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda or the 1951 Studebaker Champion. We also have several other Cudas rolling across our auction block. Are you a Corvette lover? We have those too.
Are fast cars more your thing? How about 4 Ferrari's, with 3 of them selling at "no reserve" and the other 2 valued over a million dollars? We will also have an original Duesenberg up for auction.
Duesenberg lovers listen up! Classical Event Auctions is a proud sponsor of the Dusenberg Drag Races. We have worked with the ACD board from the start to arrange this awesome and record breaking one of a kind event. All of the participating Duesenbergs will roll across our block on Friday afternoon. After we inspect and number the cars, our coloring contest winners will be escorted to their Duesenbergs and we will send them on their way to a once in a life time ride in a classic car. Our contest winners, along with Mayor Norm Yoder and Mayor Suzanne Handshoe, will ride in the Duesenberg "Parade" from our auction site to the Kendallville Airport. The Airport will be shut down for the 1st running of the Duesenberg Drag Races. Classical Event Auctions is a proud sponsor of the races and sponsors of a lane! We are closing down our auction on Friday afternoon so that ALL can enjoy this once in a lifetime event.
Check out our website (please keep in mind it is a work in progress). New consignments are being added daily. We are constantly working to update our website and have several cars consigned that are not on the website yet. If you are looking to consign, our website allows you to do it all yourself, or just simply call Ayron Reeves and he can enter it all for you!
Come out and support Auburn's very own locally owned, customer focused, and family friendly auction!!!
In this years auction we have some rare memorabilia as well as rare and classic cars. We have several rare animal mounts and have buyers from all over the United States coming to place their bid on such items like our full body mounted polar bear and Jonas Brothers (no, not the boy band) Cape Buffalo head mount. We also have several rare Jade sculptures and rare paintings up for auction as well.
Our list of cars will please the young and old alike. With such rare cars as the 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda or the 1951 Studebaker Champion. We also have several other Cudas rolling across our auction block. Are you a Corvette lover? We have those too.
Are fast cars more your thing? How about 4 Ferrari's, with 3 of them selling at "no reserve" and the other 2 valued over a million dollars? We will also have an original Duesenberg up for auction.
Duesenberg lovers listen up! Classical Event Auctions is a proud sponsor of the Dusenberg Drag Races. We have worked with the ACD board from the start to arrange this awesome and record breaking one of a kind event. All of the participating Duesenbergs will roll across our block on Friday afternoon. After we inspect and number the cars, our coloring contest winners will be escorted to their Duesenbergs and we will send them on their way to a once in a life time ride in a classic car. Our contest winners, along with Mayor Norm Yoder and Mayor Suzanne Handshoe, will ride in the Duesenberg "Parade" from our auction site to the Kendallville Airport. The Airport will be shut down for the 1st running of the Duesenberg Drag Races. Classical Event Auctions is a proud sponsor of the races and sponsors of a lane! We are closing down our auction on Friday afternoon so that ALL can enjoy this once in a lifetime event.
Check out our website (please keep in mind it is a work in progress). New consignments are being added daily. We are constantly working to update our website and have several cars consigned that are not on the website yet. If you are looking to consign, our website allows you to do it all yourself, or just simply call Ayron Reeves and he can enter it all for you!
Come out and support Auburn's very own locally owned, customer focused, and family friendly auction!!!
Friday, August 20, 2010
10 Years
This fall ABC will be premiering a show called "My Generation." I saw a preview for the show last night and this is what I pulled off of ABC's website.
"What a difference ten years can make. In 2000, a documentary crew follows a disparate group of high schoolers from Greenbelt High School in Austin, TX as they prepare for graduation, then revisits these former classmates ten years later as they return home to rediscover that just because they're not where they planned doesn't mean they're not right where they need to be.
These students couldn't wait to graduate and head out into the real world. But the world they were entering got very real very fast. As these classmates return home to revisit their old hopes for their future, they'll discover that, even if you don't get exactly what you thought you wanted out of life, it's not too late to get what you need."
These students couldn't wait to graduate and head out into the real world. But the world they were entering got very real very fast. As these classmates return home to revisit their old hopes for their future, they'll discover that, even if you don't get exactly what you thought you wanted out of life, it's not too late to get what you need."
I know that it wasn't really a true "documentary." Heck, the site has the cast (there's the magic word) listed with their real names next to the character's (another magic word) names.
It got me thinking. This summer I will have been out of school for 10 years. I can't help but wonder where we all ended up. Sure we are all on each other's facebook "friends list." I think most of us "friend" each other out of curiosity. I know that I am not where I thought I'd be 10 years after graduation! Heck, up until January of my senior year I was planning on NROTC at Purdue. Thought the Navy would give me a chance to see the world. Then I thought I would just travel and see where life took me. I certainly didn't expect to be married, living 1 mile from where I grew up, getting ready for child #2. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my life. I just never thought it would actually happen for me.
The other day I was driving past a cemetery where a classmate was recently buried. I saw another classmate wandering the cemetery obviously looking for our passed classmates grave. I thought to myself, "Odd. I never saw those two ever hang out in high school." 10 years ago, neither one of those people would have predicted that they are where they are now. The one classmate certainly didn't plan to die. I am pretty sure the other one hadn't planned on scouring the cemetery for a dead classmates grave.
10 years seems like such a long and short amount of time. I think a lot of my classmates grew up (by that I mean "matured). But I know that several haven't. I have to wonder when that group will realize that staying out till all hours of the night getting drunk in dark bars is not the true sign of adulthood. Will they ever grow up, who knows. All I know is that I never pictured myself where I am now.
Adventures in Sleepwalking
For the past couple months, TJ has been having nightmares. He will randomly wake up crying and screaming and we have to fight to get him back to sleep.
Last night opened a new chapter in our bedtime drama....sleepwalking. I woke Ayron up at 2:30 because I could hear TJ talking in his room. Ayron went into TJ's bedroom and found him wandering around the room looking lost. Ayron picked him up, and tried to understand what TJ was saying, but couldn't figure it out. TJ began to whimper, so Ayron brought him into our room. When Ayron put him on the bed and told him to crawl over by me, TJ proceeded to crawl into the wall, at least 3 times. Progressively harder each time. He hit his head every time and seemed to grow more frustrated. The last "head met wall" incident caused the dog to stir and bark (he thought someone was outside) and it rattled the pictures hung on the other side of the wall. We had to fight with the sleeping TJ to get him to lay down. I ended up wrapping him in his blanket and then pinning him in between Ayron and I. We kept him in our bed until we realized that he had finally truly woken up and realized he was safe. He easily went back to his bed at that point and slept until 9 this morning.
I am not surprised that he is a sleepwalker. Ayron was, I was too. Heck my sister once left the house and attempted to climb the front tree in her sleep. I always remember my mom asking me if I had to go potty. She would take me into the bathroom, make me sit on the toilet. Then she would tell me to go to bed. They finally linked mine back to caffeine consumption late in the day. Once they stopped that, my sleepwalking diminished. I once read that sleepwalkers are often looking for the bathroom. Seeing as how TJ hates his potty chair, I am assuming that theory doesn't hold true for last nights events.
Ayron once "awoke" in the middle of the night, grabbed my arms and pinned me to the bed and screamed, "WHAT IS YOUR LOT NUMBER?!" This was during a stressful auction at Kruse. I was terrified. What the heck was I gonna do against a sleeping (yet partially awake) man who is a foot taller than me and weighs 340lbs? I quickly said a random number. That seemed to appease the dreaming Ayron and he rolled over and went back to bed. He doesn't remember this incident. I have caught him auctioning in his sleep a couple of times too.
So what do I do with TJ? Isn't there some old rule about "Never waking a sleepwalker"? He was just so determined and it took both of us to pin him down and prevent him from actually denting the wall with his head. I have to wonder if he woke up with a headache this morning. As I think about last evening, he didn't witness anything scary. We had dinner with friends, walked around a car show, had some more friends over, and he went to bed.
What's the best way to handle a sleepwalker who is only 2 1/2 years old?
Last night opened a new chapter in our bedtime drama....sleepwalking. I woke Ayron up at 2:30 because I could hear TJ talking in his room. Ayron went into TJ's bedroom and found him wandering around the room looking lost. Ayron picked him up, and tried to understand what TJ was saying, but couldn't figure it out. TJ began to whimper, so Ayron brought him into our room. When Ayron put him on the bed and told him to crawl over by me, TJ proceeded to crawl into the wall, at least 3 times. Progressively harder each time. He hit his head every time and seemed to grow more frustrated. The last "head met wall" incident caused the dog to stir and bark (he thought someone was outside) and it rattled the pictures hung on the other side of the wall. We had to fight with the sleeping TJ to get him to lay down. I ended up wrapping him in his blanket and then pinning him in between Ayron and I. We kept him in our bed until we realized that he had finally truly woken up and realized he was safe. He easily went back to his bed at that point and slept until 9 this morning.
I am not surprised that he is a sleepwalker. Ayron was, I was too. Heck my sister once left the house and attempted to climb the front tree in her sleep. I always remember my mom asking me if I had to go potty. She would take me into the bathroom, make me sit on the toilet. Then she would tell me to go to bed. They finally linked mine back to caffeine consumption late in the day. Once they stopped that, my sleepwalking diminished. I once read that sleepwalkers are often looking for the bathroom. Seeing as how TJ hates his potty chair, I am assuming that theory doesn't hold true for last nights events.
Ayron once "awoke" in the middle of the night, grabbed my arms and pinned me to the bed and screamed, "WHAT IS YOUR LOT NUMBER?!" This was during a stressful auction at Kruse. I was terrified. What the heck was I gonna do against a sleeping (yet partially awake) man who is a foot taller than me and weighs 340lbs? I quickly said a random number. That seemed to appease the dreaming Ayron and he rolled over and went back to bed. He doesn't remember this incident. I have caught him auctioning in his sleep a couple of times too.
So what do I do with TJ? Isn't there some old rule about "Never waking a sleepwalker"? He was just so determined and it took both of us to pin him down and prevent him from actually denting the wall with his head. I have to wonder if he woke up with a headache this morning. As I think about last evening, he didn't witness anything scary. We had dinner with friends, walked around a car show, had some more friends over, and he went to bed.
What's the best way to handle a sleepwalker who is only 2 1/2 years old?
Working Mom
I have been asked a couple of times now, "Since you are pregnant with number 2, are you going to quit your job?" Um, no! Why should I? I am tired of be made to feel like crap because I have chosen to be a working mom.
What is wrong with being a working mom? My husband is a stay at home father (his current job allows him to work from home 75% of the time), so it's not like my children will be spending 12 hours a day in daycare. When we do need a sitter, it is usually a grandparent or my best friend who will watch them. I grew up in a household with a working Mother. So did my mother. Millions of kids have grown in in homes where the mother worked outside of the homes. Those people are no more "worse off."
If we could financially afford it, I might chose to stay home for awhile, but I like having my own identity aside from being TJ's "Mommy." I was Carma long before TJ came along and I will be Carma long after TJ moves out of the house. I shouldn't have to give up my passion and dreams simply because we chose to start a family.
Don't get me wrong, I love my children dearly. I would do anything for them. That being said, it doesn't mean that I don't need a break from TJ/them (come March) periodically. It is nice to come to work for 8 hours a day and not have to worry about changing diapers or hiding "blankie." After work, I love going home and walking into the house and hearing TJ squeal, "MOOOOMMMMYYYY!"
I appreciate the fact that Ayron is currently able to work from home. That he is so patient and kind with TJ. I also can realize that when I get home, Ayron needs a break from being "TJ's Daddy" so he can just be Ayron.
Do I wish at times that I could stay at home, sure. Think of all the little things I could cross off my "to do" list. The office might finally get cleaned. The closet would get organized. I could scrapbook some of TJ's pictures. We could have more play dates with TJ's friends. But I like having my "adult time" at work. Even if I do work with juvenile delinquents, at least I don't have to change their diaper.
What is wrong with being a working mom? My husband is a stay at home father (his current job allows him to work from home 75% of the time), so it's not like my children will be spending 12 hours a day in daycare. When we do need a sitter, it is usually a grandparent or my best friend who will watch them. I grew up in a household with a working Mother. So did my mother. Millions of kids have grown in in homes where the mother worked outside of the homes. Those people are no more "worse off."
If we could financially afford it, I might chose to stay home for awhile, but I like having my own identity aside from being TJ's "Mommy." I was Carma long before TJ came along and I will be Carma long after TJ moves out of the house. I shouldn't have to give up my passion and dreams simply because we chose to start a family.
Don't get me wrong, I love my children dearly. I would do anything for them. That being said, it doesn't mean that I don't need a break from TJ/them (come March) periodically. It is nice to come to work for 8 hours a day and not have to worry about changing diapers or hiding "blankie." After work, I love going home and walking into the house and hearing TJ squeal, "MOOOOMMMMYYYY!"
I appreciate the fact that Ayron is currently able to work from home. That he is so patient and kind with TJ. I also can realize that when I get home, Ayron needs a break from being "TJ's Daddy" so he can just be Ayron.
Do I wish at times that I could stay at home, sure. Think of all the little things I could cross off my "to do" list. The office might finally get cleaned. The closet would get organized. I could scrapbook some of TJ's pictures. We could have more play dates with TJ's friends. But I like having my "adult time" at work. Even if I do work with juvenile delinquents, at least I don't have to change their diaper.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
What Were They Thinking?
Every looked at a child's artwork and wondered what the heck it was? Ever done it to an adult's craft project? This link was posted on my facebook wall by my sister. It's especially entertaining for me because my Mom is an avid knitter, and yet I can NEVER see her attempting this project.
Check this out! Ok, really? Whose idea was this? Why does the "baby" look like a starving monkey? Who is going to pay $225 for this? I didn't know yarn needed to have a fleshy feel.
This is what really got me: "This uterus has a drawstring cervix to demonstrate dilation, also perfect to show the head crowning and baby passing through." Ok, what child needs to see a demonstration of crowning? My youngest niece was accidentally let into my delivery room as I was crowing and she saw it and ran out of the room traumatized. I am not sure that using this knitted contraption would have lessened her trauma.
The comments left by people are both humorous and crude. It just blows my mind that someone thought to create this pattern AND actually follow through with knitting it. Really? Did you have nothing better to do than stand in the yarn store asking the associate, "Which one of these will look the most like a real fleshy placenta?"
Check this out! Ok, really? Whose idea was this? Why does the "baby" look like a starving monkey? Who is going to pay $225 for this? I didn't know yarn needed to have a fleshy feel.
This is what really got me: "This uterus has a drawstring cervix to demonstrate dilation, also perfect to show the head crowning and baby passing through." Ok, what child needs to see a demonstration of crowning? My youngest niece was accidentally let into my delivery room as I was crowing and she saw it and ran out of the room traumatized. I am not sure that using this knitted contraption would have lessened her trauma.
The comments left by people are both humorous and crude. It just blows my mind that someone thought to create this pattern AND actually follow through with knitting it. Really? Did you have nothing better to do than stand in the yarn store asking the associate, "Which one of these will look the most like a real fleshy placenta?"
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Toddler Truths
If you are a parent of a toddler, check this blog out. It had me laughing out loud. Make sure you read the comments too!!!
http://www.suburbansnapshots.com/2010/06/10-reasons-having-toddler-is-like-being.html
http://www.suburbansnapshots.com/2010/06/10-reasons-having-toddler-is-like-being.html
Friday, July 30, 2010
Names, Part II
My sister and I were chatting last night and after reading my original "Name" post, we got to talking about silly names.
Apparently there was a Fanny Fennel on my mom's side of the family.
After my sister read the "La-a" name, we got pretty silly. Here are some of the names we came up with. Most of the names have a "partner" because my sister has this idea that she'd like me to have twins.
My friend Tyler and I decided that Ampersand would be a good name. Then they could change their name to &. Then, they could go by, "The child formerly known as &."
Nat and I decided that Ctrl, Alt, and Del would make great names for triplets.
We also decided that <, > and ^ were viable names for triplets. Natalee decided that < would have emotional issues due to her name, so we should start a therapy fund now.
I always thought Hey You and Stop That made great names for twins.
We decided that the names Semi Colon and Colon might cause them to get beat up at school.
We also thought that Shift and Tab might work too.
I think our discussion about unique names got a bit out of hand, but we had a fun time being silly. We are all about unique names (see previous blog "Names.") Heck, even Natalee is spelled differently than the normal NataLIE."
Any other odd names out there?
Apparently there was a Fanny Fennel on my mom's side of the family.
After my sister read the "La-a" name, we got pretty silly. Here are some of the names we came up with. Most of the names have a "partner" because my sister has this idea that she'd like me to have twins.
My friend Tyler and I decided that Ampersand would be a good name. Then they could change their name to &. Then, they could go by, "The child formerly known as &."
Nat and I decided that Ctrl, Alt, and Del would make great names for triplets.
We also decided that <, > and ^ were viable names for triplets. Natalee decided that < would have emotional issues due to her name, so we should start a therapy fund now.
I always thought Hey You and Stop That made great names for twins.
We decided that the names Semi Colon and Colon might cause them to get beat up at school.
We also thought that Shift and Tab might work too.
I think our discussion about unique names got a bit out of hand, but we had a fun time being silly. We are all about unique names (see previous blog "Names.") Heck, even Natalee is spelled differently than the normal NataLIE."
Any other odd names out there?
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wish List
As I am preparing to start another school year at the Youth Improvement Program, I am realizing that we are in need of some supplies. Since my budget comes from grants that I write, if I feel we need something for the program, I have to find the money. Please check out my list below and if you have anything that you are willing to donate, please let me know.
If you don't know what I do, I am the coordinator (and lead teacher) of the Steuben County Youth Improvement Program. The Steuben County Youth Improvement Day program was started as collaboration between the Steuben County Circuit Courts, Steuben County Probation Department, Steuben County Community Corrections, and the Steuben County Department of Child and Family Services. The program was created with the goal of providing a suitable alternative to expensive, out-of-home placements for the county’s juvenile offenders. The program provides services for both male and female students between the ages of 12 and 17 from the 9 local secondary schools. Any local secondary school student who is suspended/expelled, may be referred to our program by the Probation Department, County Courts, Department of Child Services, or by their home school administrators.
The program serves as a day treatment/reporting program for both pre- and post adjudicated youth. The program provides an alternative to out-of-home placement for the juveniles who violate their probation orders by violating their home school rules. The program provides supervision as well as an education to the youth who are/have been exhibiting delinquent behavior. Since our creation, the program has saved Steuben County over $1.35 MILLION in placement costs! Our students are not "bad" kids. They have messed up along the way and are working towards correcting those mistakes and getting back into public school. They aren't thugs or gangsters (although many try to pretend that they are).
Our program is run out of a slightly converted ranch style house in Angola. We have a kitchen and the students are able to cook themselves lunch. They have access to the toaster over, fridge, oven, microwave, dishes, etc.
We would be extremely thankful for any donations we were given. Also, if you know anyone who is willing to be a substitute for our program, please let me know. We tend to lean towards someone who has some educational experience or criminal justice experience, but I want to open the doors to anyone! We will need a maternity sub from mid-March through the beginning of May. These kids just need to know that someone cares for them. If you are willing to just donate a day or two of your time to come mentor, we would appreciate that too!
If you don't know what I do, I am the coordinator (and lead teacher) of the Steuben County Youth Improvement Program. The Steuben County Youth Improvement Day program was started as collaboration between the Steuben County Circuit Courts, Steuben County Probation Department, Steuben County Community Corrections, and the Steuben County Department of Child and Family Services. The program was created with the goal of providing a suitable alternative to expensive, out-of-home placements for the county’s juvenile offenders. The program provides services for both male and female students between the ages of 12 and 17 from the 9 local secondary schools. Any local secondary school student who is suspended/expelled, may be referred to our program by the Probation Department, County Courts, Department of Child Services, or by their home school administrators.
The program serves as a day treatment/reporting program for both pre- and post adjudicated youth. The program provides an alternative to out-of-home placement for the juveniles who violate their probation orders by violating their home school rules. The program provides supervision as well as an education to the youth who are/have been exhibiting delinquent behavior. Since our creation, the program has saved Steuben County over $1.35 MILLION in placement costs! Our students are not "bad" kids. They have messed up along the way and are working towards correcting those mistakes and getting back into public school. They aren't thugs or gangsters (although many try to pretend that they are).
Our program is run out of a slightly converted ranch style house in Angola. We have a kitchen and the students are able to cook themselves lunch. They have access to the toaster over, fridge, oven, microwave, dishes, etc.
We would be extremely thankful for any donations we were given. Also, if you know anyone who is willing to be a substitute for our program, please let me know. We tend to lean towards someone who has some educational experience or criminal justice experience, but I want to open the doors to anyone! We will need a maternity sub from mid-March through the beginning of May. These kids just need to know that someone cares for them. If you are willing to just donate a day or two of your time to come mentor, we would appreciate that too!
Wish List
Books: Of any kind. We would love to have a bookcase full of various books for them to read. Many of our students are intelligent and do fly through the work. We like the option of having them have quiet reading time each day.
Textbooks: I know that sometimes students in public schools are allowed to keep their textbooks if the school is "retiring" that set. Anything that is of the 6th grade level and up would be greatly appreciated. Along those lines, any workbooks that haven't been used.
Home schooling materials: I am going to start working with our local libraries to try and touch base with some home schooling circles in our area about providing us with some unused materials.
Furniture: We have a few "mushroom" style chairs, but after 4 school years and 100+ teenagers, they are looking a bit worn. Even a 2, 3, or 4 shelf bookcase.
Basketball Hoop: When the weather is nice, we use outside time as an incentive for good behavior. We often have a program full of teenage males and since we have very little backyard space but plenty of parking lot space.
3 Ring Binders: We assign each student a 3 ring binder to keep all of their course work. They are expected to return them at the end of their stay in our program. After 100+ students, ours are looking very worn. We use every size. The larger ones we use to keep all our course work together.
Silverware: Somehow are are down to 1 spoon and 2 decent forks.
If you have any of these items and are willing to donate them to a good cause, please let me know!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
No More Free T.P.
A&M could 'wipe away' toilet paper
School considers move a way to save money
Updated: Tuesday, 27 Jul 2010, 12:39 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 27 Jul 2010, 12:38 PM EDT
Josh Hinkle
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KXAN) - Toilet paper squares could soon be in high demand at Texas A&M University .
The school’s Department of Student Affairs is amid discussions to rid “free” toilet paper in its residence halls to save money.
School officials said the move could wipe away around $82,000 from the budget. Student Affairs is tasked with eliminating $2.2 million for fiscal year 2012, and this is among $40 million in cost-cutting methods proposed campuswide.
Under the toilet paper plan, the school would provide “a few” free rolls to bathrooms at the start of the semester, which students would then later have to supply on their own.
School officials said larger dorm bathrooms - those meant for at least four students - will most likely keep free toilet paper in stock.
State higher education officials could not say whether this is a move other schools are considering to save money.
*****************************
Ok, I am all for cutting costs, but this will just cost the university more in the end. Students will just flush inappropriate wiping materials, like paper towel. Paper towel will cause the toilet to plug and flood, and then the university will have a real mess on their hands.
As if prepping to go away to college isn't difficult enough, now you have to remember to pack the Charmin too?
School considers move a way to save money
Updated: Tuesday, 27 Jul 2010, 12:39 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 27 Jul 2010, 12:38 PM EDT
Josh Hinkle
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KXAN) - Toilet paper squares could soon be in high demand at Texas A&M University .
The school’s Department of Student Affairs is amid discussions to rid “free” toilet paper in its residence halls to save money.
School officials said the move could wipe away around $82,000 from the budget. Student Affairs is tasked with eliminating $2.2 million for fiscal year 2012, and this is among $40 million in cost-cutting methods proposed campuswide.
Under the toilet paper plan, the school would provide “a few” free rolls to bathrooms at the start of the semester, which students would then later have to supply on their own.
School officials said larger dorm bathrooms - those meant for at least four students - will most likely keep free toilet paper in stock.
State higher education officials could not say whether this is a move other schools are considering to save money.
*****************************
Ok, I am all for cutting costs, but this will just cost the university more in the end. Students will just flush inappropriate wiping materials, like paper towel. Paper towel will cause the toilet to plug and flood, and then the university will have a real mess on their hands.
As if prepping to go away to college isn't difficult enough, now you have to remember to pack the Charmin too?
Names
Ayron and I are currently trying to decide on names. We know we have a loooong time before we have to make a final decision, but it's fun to browse and see what other people view as decent names. Seeing as how Ayron and I both have unique names, at times, we find ourselves shying away from unique names. I could never find any school supplies with "Carma" on them. But at other times, we like the uniqueness of our names.
Ayron got his unique spelling because at the time of his birth, 3 other boys (of all similar weight, length, etc) were born and they were all named Aaron.
I was given my name by my father. During my mom's pregnancy with me, her mother passed away. My father chose to name me after her. You don't find to many Carma's around! I have only ever personally met one other Carma who spelled it the way I spell mine. When I looked up the meaning of the name, I found out it is Hebrew and stands for "garden" or "orchid."
We just knew from the start we were going to name Taylor, Taylor. We actually chose that name regardless of the gender of the baby. Once we knew we were having a boy, I knew I wanted to use my family's name "Josiah" for a middle name. It worked out really well because we call Taylor "TJ" for short. TJ happened to be Ayron's grandfather's name. Grandpa TJ had been at Ayron's house the night he passed away. He just didn't feel right and knew that something was about to happen. He called Ayron and his brother over and hugged and kissed them goodbye. Sadly, TJ passed away as Tom was driving him to the hospital. That memory will stay with Ayron forever. Thus, we just knew that Taylor Josiah was the perfect name for child #1.
I have been browsing through some name banks on line and am amazed at the names people will give their children. Here are some funny ones. Please keep in mind that I find these names odd. If you have one of these names, I am not saying you are odd, heck I probably don't even know you!
La-a: Supposed to be pronounced "Ladasha." I would be the smart alec that would call her "La hyphen a."
Cube: While my mother was doing her OB rotation many years ago, a couple wanted to name their new son after the boy on the Mickey Mouse show. They wanted Cubby, Mom couldn't convince them to change the spelling. So to this day, that boy adult has the name of a 6 sided square.
Nevaeh: Ok, so I know it's "heaven" spelled backwards, but I have this theory. If you name your child anything like Angel, or Nevaeh, they will live up the opposite meaning of their name!
Alf: So not kidding. Found this while searching for boy names. Seeing this name makes me immediately picture a short brown fuzzy alien. It also makes me want to run and hide my cat before he gets eaten.
America: I have to wonder what spawned this choice for the parents. Were they afraid their child would forget the name of our country? Or maybe they have a thing about naming their children after the state they were conceived in. No joke, I know someone who did that.
Bertha: Really? Who in this day and age would name their daughter Bertha? It's one of those old fashioned names, like Betty.
Early: Apparently it is a boy's name. Wouldn't it be ironic if Early took 41 weeks to arrive?
Easter: Do they also have a child named Christmas and Thanksgiving?
Fanny: Makes me think of the joke we have for my mom's side of the family. When you get older, you develop the "Fennell Fanny."
Icy: Really? Someone named their daughter this? Was she born during a blizzard?
Pleasant: I'm willing to bet he is the teacher's worst nightmare.
Ayron got his unique spelling because at the time of his birth, 3 other boys (of all similar weight, length, etc) were born and they were all named Aaron.
I was given my name by my father. During my mom's pregnancy with me, her mother passed away. My father chose to name me after her. You don't find to many Carma's around! I have only ever personally met one other Carma who spelled it the way I spell mine. When I looked up the meaning of the name, I found out it is Hebrew and stands for "garden" or "orchid."
We just knew from the start we were going to name Taylor, Taylor. We actually chose that name regardless of the gender of the baby. Once we knew we were having a boy, I knew I wanted to use my family's name "Josiah" for a middle name. It worked out really well because we call Taylor "TJ" for short. TJ happened to be Ayron's grandfather's name. Grandpa TJ had been at Ayron's house the night he passed away. He just didn't feel right and knew that something was about to happen. He called Ayron and his brother over and hugged and kissed them goodbye. Sadly, TJ passed away as Tom was driving him to the hospital. That memory will stay with Ayron forever. Thus, we just knew that Taylor Josiah was the perfect name for child #1.
I have been browsing through some name banks on line and am amazed at the names people will give their children. Here are some funny ones. Please keep in mind that I find these names odd. If you have one of these names, I am not saying you are odd, heck I probably don't even know you!
La-a: Supposed to be pronounced "Ladasha." I would be the smart alec that would call her "La hyphen a."
Cube: While my mother was doing her OB rotation many years ago, a couple wanted to name their new son after the boy on the Mickey Mouse show. They wanted Cubby, Mom couldn't convince them to change the spelling. So to this day, that boy adult has the name of a 6 sided square.
Nevaeh: Ok, so I know it's "heaven" spelled backwards, but I have this theory. If you name your child anything like Angel, or Nevaeh, they will live up the opposite meaning of their name!
Alf: So not kidding. Found this while searching for boy names. Seeing this name makes me immediately picture a short brown fuzzy alien. It also makes me want to run and hide my cat before he gets eaten.
America: I have to wonder what spawned this choice for the parents. Were they afraid their child would forget the name of our country? Or maybe they have a thing about naming their children after the state they were conceived in. No joke, I know someone who did that.
Bertha: Really? Who in this day and age would name their daughter Bertha? It's one of those old fashioned names, like Betty.
Early: Apparently it is a boy's name. Wouldn't it be ironic if Early took 41 weeks to arrive?
Easter: Do they also have a child named Christmas and Thanksgiving?
Fanny: Makes me think of the joke we have for my mom's side of the family. When you get older, you develop the "Fennell Fanny."
Icy: Really? Someone named their daughter this? Was she born during a blizzard?
Pleasant: I'm willing to bet he is the teacher's worst nightmare.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Outrageous Chocolate Chip Cookies
I haven't blogged in awhile, and for that I am sorry. In recent news, we are pregnant with baby #2 and that pregnancy has caused me to rekindle my urge to bake sweets (although I won't eat them.) I found the following recipe in The Greater Fort Wayne Family Magazine. I would like to caution that this recipe makes A LOT of cookies. I still have 1/4 of the batter left to bake and have close to 74 cookies already.
2 C. Sugar
1 1/2 C. brown sugar
2 C. Margarine
2 C. Peanut Butter
2 tsp. Vanilla
4 Eggs
4 C. Flour
2 C. Oatmeal
4 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. salt
12 oz. Chocolate Chips
Melt margarine and mix with sugars, peanut butter, and eggs. Then add the dry ingredients. Mix until blended. Then add chocolate chips. Roll into balls and bake at 350 for 10 to 15 minutes. Cookies will spread out and have golden edges when done.
As I typed up the recipe I realized that while it lists vanilla in the ingredients, it doesn't mention it in the actual prep of the cookie. I also just realized that I left it out! I am assuming my mistake doesn't matter because Ayron and Tj are happily devouring some warm cookies now. Beware, have a large glass of cold milk handy!
2 C. Sugar
1 1/2 C. brown sugar
2 C. Margarine
2 C. Peanut Butter
2 tsp. Vanilla
4 Eggs
4 C. Flour
2 C. Oatmeal
4 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. salt
12 oz. Chocolate Chips
Melt margarine and mix with sugars, peanut butter, and eggs. Then add the dry ingredients. Mix until blended. Then add chocolate chips. Roll into balls and bake at 350 for 10 to 15 minutes. Cookies will spread out and have golden edges when done.
As I typed up the recipe I realized that while it lists vanilla in the ingredients, it doesn't mention it in the actual prep of the cookie. I also just realized that I left it out! I am assuming my mistake doesn't matter because Ayron and Tj are happily devouring some warm cookies now. Beware, have a large glass of cold milk handy!
Monday, July 12, 2010
What If...
I was lying awake last night (newly developed insomnia) and started to wonder, "what if..."
What if you had chosen right instead of left?
What if you had said "yes" instead of "no?"
What if things were black instead of white?
What if you were judged instead of doing the judging?
What if you listened twice a long as you talked?
What if you took a chance?
What if you trusted someone others wouldn't?
What if you truly followed your dreams?
What if you did someone no one would suspect of you?
What if we all told the truth, regardless of who it would hurt?
What if we actually spoke our minds?
What if we all decided to help a stranger?
What if you had chosen right instead of left?
What if you had said "yes" instead of "no?"
What if things were black instead of white?
What if you were judged instead of doing the judging?
What if you listened twice a long as you talked?
What if you took a chance?
What if you trusted someone others wouldn't?
What if you truly followed your dreams?
What if you did someone no one would suspect of you?
What if we all told the truth, regardless of who it would hurt?
What if we actually spoke our minds?
What if we all decided to help a stranger?
Monday, June 28, 2010
Win a Ride in a Duesenburg!
My husbands new company was instrumental in securing the Duesenburg Drag Races this year during the ACD Festival! If you have a child between the ages of 7 and 17, check this out. It will be an awesome event! Normally only a handful (7 or 8) of Duesenburgs are here for the Labor Day festivities, we already have close to 30 signed up!
http://www.classicaleventauctions.com/index.php
Scroll down to the lower right and click on the link under "Coloring Contest" to download the pdf file.
If you are interested in buying or selling a car at our Labor Day Auction, let me know! We will be holding our auction at the Classic City Center across from DeKalb High School. Our event is a family friendly event with activities for everyone in the whole family!
Come out and see Ayron auction live! We are also in talks to have the world's only blind (and licensed) auctioneer on the podium as well! It will be an awesome time!
http://www.classicaleventauctions.com/index.php
Scroll down to the lower right and click on the link under "Coloring Contest" to download the pdf file.
If you are interested in buying or selling a car at our Labor Day Auction, let me know! We will be holding our auction at the Classic City Center across from DeKalb High School. Our event is a family friendly event with activities for everyone in the whole family!
Come out and see Ayron auction live! We are also in talks to have the world's only blind (and licensed) auctioneer on the podium as well! It will be an awesome time!
Friday, June 18, 2010
I'll take a Nicholas Sparks book and a side of mayo
This one is for my sister (a librarian).
Woman, 74, put mayo in book drop
BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Police in Idaho think they might have solved a yearlong condiment crime spree.
BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Police in Idaho think they might have solved a yearlong condiment crime spree.
Authorities said a 74-year-old Boise woman arrested after pouring mayonnaise in the Ada County library's book drop box is a person of interest in at least 10 other condiment-related crimes.
Joy L. Cassidy was picked up Sunday at the library, moments after police say she pulled through the outside drive-through and dumped a jar of mayo in the box designated for reading materials.
Cassidy was released from jail and faces a misdemeanor charge of malicious injury to property.
Boise police say Cassidy is under investigation for other cases of vandalism that started in May 2009. Library employees have reported finding books in the drop box covered in corn syrup and ketchup.
Cassidy was released from jail and faces a misdemeanor charge of malicious injury to property.
Boise police say Cassidy is under investigation for other cases of vandalism that started in May 2009. Library employees have reported finding books in the drop box covered in corn syrup and ketchup.
I had to laugh. What did the library do that made her soooo mad that she thought, "Hmmm... some mayo in their drop box will teach them not to mess with me!" She has done this at least 10 other times. I have to wonder if she chose Mayo or that nasty impersonator, Miracle Whip. Why did she exclude mustard? All of these thoughts and no answers.
I have tried to edit this so when it posts it's not all smooshed together, but I just can't get it to work....sorry!
My Sick and Twisted Mind
Ok, so I am sitting in Magistrate Court at the moment and I forgot to bring my book with me. I have been surfing news sites for the past hour killing time and came across this article.
First thing that got me was the name of the company. Please tell me I am not the only one who giggled at that!
I am not saying that obesity is an issue to take lightly. I myself could stand to shed some pounds and am currently working on that issue.
After reading the article I then began to wonder, "Where in the world am I going to get a casket for Ayron?" (When the time comes, I love him and don't want him to go anytime soon).
For those of you who don't know who Ayron is, he is my husband. Ok, so no biggie right? Wrong. he is 6'10" and will not fit in the normal casket. I have to wonder if they make a "big and tall" casket store or if the one in the article could custom build something long enough. Heck, where to pro basketball players go to get their caskets?
I know death is a sad thought, but this article has me thinking that maybe cremation is the way to go!
First thing that got me was the name of the company. Please tell me I am not the only one who giggled at that!
I am not saying that obesity is an issue to take lightly. I myself could stand to shed some pounds and am currently working on that issue.
After reading the article I then began to wonder, "Where in the world am I going to get a casket for Ayron?" (When the time comes, I love him and don't want him to go anytime soon).
For those of you who don't know who Ayron is, he is my husband. Ok, so no biggie right? Wrong. he is 6'10" and will not fit in the normal casket. I have to wonder if they make a "big and tall" casket store or if the one in the article could custom build something long enough. Heck, where to pro basketball players go to get their caskets?
I know death is a sad thought, but this article has me thinking that maybe cremation is the way to go!
Monday, June 14, 2010
10 Years.
Saturday night we went to Ayron's ten year high school reunion. I started realizing that if he has been out of high school 10 years, then I have been out 9. It seems like 9 years is a lot of time, but then again, it doesn't.
I was amazed by one of his former peers who now lives in Switzerland. She is married to a gentleman that I went to high school with and while they were living in Boston they both decided they wanted to live overseas. So they up and moved. I can't imagine moving across the state, let alone across the ocean. I can't imagine living in a country were you don't speak the language and your parents aren't close. I admire anyone who has the knowledge and emotional strength to move to a different country. I wouldn't even know where to begin.
I started thinking about what I had managed to accomplish since graduating high school. I earned a BS, got married, bought a house, started a family, got a great job. It may not be a new life in a foreign country, but I'm happy with what I have accomplished. I have strong family ties and a job (although it can be frustrating) that is rewarding and allows me to inspire young minds that would normally be misunderstood in a public high school. No, it's no foreign country, but I will stick with what I have.
I was amazed by one of his former peers who now lives in Switzerland. She is married to a gentleman that I went to high school with and while they were living in Boston they both decided they wanted to live overseas. So they up and moved. I can't imagine moving across the state, let alone across the ocean. I can't imagine living in a country were you don't speak the language and your parents aren't close. I admire anyone who has the knowledge and emotional strength to move to a different country. I wouldn't even know where to begin.
I started thinking about what I had managed to accomplish since graduating high school. I earned a BS, got married, bought a house, started a family, got a great job. It may not be a new life in a foreign country, but I'm happy with what I have accomplished. I have strong family ties and a job (although it can be frustrating) that is rewarding and allows me to inspire young minds that would normally be misunderstood in a public high school. No, it's no foreign country, but I will stick with what I have.
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