I have to wonder if I am a "freak" or a "minority" compared to my peers. Here are my "reasons."
1. I was a virgin until my wedding night. So was my husband. We had the chance but decided to never take it.
2. I have never been drunk. There was a time in Spain, but it wasn't on purpose and in my defense, those Spainards know how to mix drinks!
3. I have never smoked a cigarette. Never even wanted to smoke.
4. I have never smoked weed. Never even had the desire.
5. I have never taken an illegal drug.
6. I don't spend my weekends playing beer pong or doing stupid things....I guess this could go with #2.
7. I have never broken a bone in my body. Until recently I had never had stitched. Gallbladder surgery and childbirth ruined that for me.
8. I don't have a tattoo. Doesn't mean I don't want one, I just currently don't have one.
9. I'd much rather spend a quiet night at home with my husband and son than a noisy night at a bar.
10. Until about a month ago I had never been inside of Crickets. I have had a Cricket burger and YUMMO!
11. I can't, and therefore I don't, dance. Kind of odd and random, but oh well.
12. I lost 30lbs. when I was pregnant. It was great! I was buying smaller sized jeans instead of bigger!
13. I have traveled outside the USA 3 times. Once to Canada (we were in Detroit and my Uncle wanted me to be able to say that I had left the country) and twice to Europe. I guess that makes me fortunate, not weird, but it's still uncommon.
14. I ran away from Auburn (freshman year of college) and then came running back. The "running back" is the odd part. Not many people do. Ever been to Auburn? (I really do like it, I just crack a lot of jokes about the lack of things to do).
15. I have only been pulled over once. The expiration sticker on the license plate was on the wrong side. Thanks Dad! It was my senior year in high school and it was the DARE officer that pulled me over, so I don't think it really counts.
16. I never skipped school (in high school). In fact, I actually got caught sneaking into school. I was out with pneumonia and was supposed to be at home resting, but you can only watch so many videos on VH1 before becoming bored.
17. I never was called to the principals office or kicked out of class. Never "earned" a detention or Saturday school.
18. I didn't plan my wedding, Ayron did! The spring semester of 2005 was very difficult for me (course load wise) and I told him that if he wanted to get married that summer he'd have to plan it all and I would show up. He planned it all and I showed up.
That's all I can think of for now. I am sure there are more, but does this list make me "odd?"
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Cancer
I have a lot of thoughts swirling in my head and I'm not sure how to compose them, so forgive me if this post isn't very organized.
Cancer sucks. This weekend we lost a family friend to the disease. The disease stripped her of her former self and broke bones. It just seems so unfair. Now her husband and young child must pick up the pieces and carry on.
Last week my Uncle's father was diagnosed with cancer. That family already dealt with this horror before when my Uncle's mother had the disease.
Another family friend, who has been horribly ill, is going to see a specialist on Tuesday. One doctor thinks it could be Chron's disease. Another doctor says that colon cancer often has the same symptoms as Chron's disease and he wants to do a scope.
It seems like the stupid thing is running ramped these days. I am honestly surprised cancer isn't the #1 killer of humans. I am sure we all know someone (if not a family member) who has dealt with the disease. Heck, my grandmother died due to cancer and her sister battled breast cancer (2x if I am not mistaken).
So how do we beat this stupid thing? Is there one thing we can do to prevent it? It seems like every week some study says, "If you eat lots of item 'X' you can prevent cancer." The following week another study says, "Eating too much of item 'X' can cause cancer." Can we not make up our minds? Do we really even know?
Thinking about how ramped the disease runs I have to wonder if I will be forced to deal with the disease. My grandmother had ovarian cancer and my great aunt successfully kicked breast cancer, so am I going to have to fight the same battles they did? It seems a bit unfair to be 25 and wondering if cancer will effect me, but I can't help it.
Cancer sucks. This weekend we lost a family friend to the disease. The disease stripped her of her former self and broke bones. It just seems so unfair. Now her husband and young child must pick up the pieces and carry on.
Last week my Uncle's father was diagnosed with cancer. That family already dealt with this horror before when my Uncle's mother had the disease.
Another family friend, who has been horribly ill, is going to see a specialist on Tuesday. One doctor thinks it could be Chron's disease. Another doctor says that colon cancer often has the same symptoms as Chron's disease and he wants to do a scope.
It seems like the stupid thing is running ramped these days. I am honestly surprised cancer isn't the #1 killer of humans. I am sure we all know someone (if not a family member) who has dealt with the disease. Heck, my grandmother died due to cancer and her sister battled breast cancer (2x if I am not mistaken).
So how do we beat this stupid thing? Is there one thing we can do to prevent it? It seems like every week some study says, "If you eat lots of item 'X' you can prevent cancer." The following week another study says, "Eating too much of item 'X' can cause cancer." Can we not make up our minds? Do we really even know?
Thinking about how ramped the disease runs I have to wonder if I will be forced to deal with the disease. My grandmother had ovarian cancer and my great aunt successfully kicked breast cancer, so am I going to have to fight the same battles they did? It seems a bit unfair to be 25 and wondering if cancer will effect me, but I can't help it.
School Bus Rant
This morning I got stuck behind a school bus. I had dropped TJ off at the sitter and was driving thru the housing addition I grew up in. The school bus stopped every other driveway. What's the point? Are these kids not capable of walking?
(Crack out the cane and dentures for the following paragraph)
Back in my day, we walked to the bus stop. The bus didn't stop at the end of our driveway? If you were lucky, the bus stop was in some one's driveway. If you were really lucky, the owner of that house had a porch they'd let you use when it was raining. Back when I went to school there were only 4 bus stops in my addition. One at each corner. Are the kids to lazy to walk to the end of the street? It's not that big of an addition. A little exercise won't kill them. Is there some sort of new safety hazard I don't know about? One that warrants the students being picked up at their door? Come on now, we walked to a bus stop and we all survived!
Ok, rant done.
(Crack out the cane and dentures for the following paragraph)
Back in my day, we walked to the bus stop. The bus didn't stop at the end of our driveway? If you were lucky, the bus stop was in some one's driveway. If you were really lucky, the owner of that house had a porch they'd let you use when it was raining. Back when I went to school there were only 4 bus stops in my addition. One at each corner. Are the kids to lazy to walk to the end of the street? It's not that big of an addition. A little exercise won't kill them. Is there some sort of new safety hazard I don't know about? One that warrants the students being picked up at their door? Come on now, we walked to a bus stop and we all survived!
Ok, rant done.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Funny From Today
I was talking with a student this morning when he told me he was to walk to the hospital (two blocks away) after school. When I asked why he was being picked up at the hospital he said, "My mom is getting neutered today."
Monday, April 13, 2009
New bed, but sleep cannot be found
Friday morning we picked up our new king sized bed. I was so excited to sleep in a big new bed. Friday night, I did not sleep. Our niece spent the night and slept in Taylor's room. I would rush in every time Taylor coughed in hopes of silencing him before he woke our niece up. Saturday was a busy day of shopping and hanging out with our niece. I thought for sure that I would sleep well......NOPE. I was exhausted last night and wanted so badly to sleep. Due to Ayron's continues nose and throat concert (I didn't buy a ticket, but was serenaded anyways), I failed to sleep again last night.
I am beginning to wonder if it is the bed. Maybe I need new pillows? A visit to the chiropractor perhaps? I'm not overly tired but I'm not full of energy either. I have to wonder if I don't sleep well because Ayron is so far away from me. That would be ironic, we bought the bigger bed to have more space and now I can't sleep because he is too far away from me.
I attempted to wake Ayron up 10 times last night. His "concert" was very loud and very annoying. Several rib pokes and "roll over" later, a nice sock to the gut did nothing to shut him up. I even smacked him upside the head in an attempt to wake him up. He sat up and looked at me, I told him, "Shut up! If you are going to insist on snoring GO TO THE COUCH." His response, "I don't wanna and you can't make me." He magically didn't remember that conversation this morning. He has offered to sleep on the couch tonight in an effort to see if I can actually sleep! I'm thinking, and hoping, a shot of Nyquil will help me sleep.
I am beginning to wonder if it is the bed. Maybe I need new pillows? A visit to the chiropractor perhaps? I'm not overly tired but I'm not full of energy either. I have to wonder if I don't sleep well because Ayron is so far away from me. That would be ironic, we bought the bigger bed to have more space and now I can't sleep because he is too far away from me.
I attempted to wake Ayron up 10 times last night. His "concert" was very loud and very annoying. Several rib pokes and "roll over" later, a nice sock to the gut did nothing to shut him up. I even smacked him upside the head in an attempt to wake him up. He sat up and looked at me, I told him, "Shut up! If you are going to insist on snoring GO TO THE COUCH." His response, "I don't wanna and you can't make me." He magically didn't remember that conversation this morning. He has offered to sleep on the couch tonight in an effort to see if I can actually sleep! I'm thinking, and hoping, a shot of Nyquil will help me sleep.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Upgrade
I haven't blogged in awhile because nothing that exciting has happened. I actually like it that way. Life is good and we are enjoying the weather, when it is nice!
We have been saving our tax refund money and have a couple of ideas on how to spend it. Last Friday we decided to spend some on ourselves. We bought a bed.
I know what you're thinking, "Big deal, so you bought a bed." Ayron and I have been sleeping in a Queen sized bed. In case you don't know my husband, he is 6'10" and not a skinny guy (I think he would look silly skinny!). I am 5'10" on a good day and I am no super skinny model either. So to cram both of us in a Queen is a tight fit. Now, add in two body pillows and there is no room to roll over.
We tried out several models last Friday night and found one we both agreed on so we bought it. We came home and crawled into our queen and decided that we had made a good choice in buying a new bed. Now our old bed seems lumpy and really small. We get our new bed on Friday and I can't wait!
We have been saving our tax refund money and have a couple of ideas on how to spend it. Last Friday we decided to spend some on ourselves. We bought a bed.
I know what you're thinking, "Big deal, so you bought a bed." Ayron and I have been sleeping in a Queen sized bed. In case you don't know my husband, he is 6'10" and not a skinny guy (I think he would look silly skinny!). I am 5'10" on a good day and I am no super skinny model either. So to cram both of us in a Queen is a tight fit. Now, add in two body pillows and there is no room to roll over.
We tried out several models last Friday night and found one we both agreed on so we bought it. We came home and crawled into our queen and decided that we had made a good choice in buying a new bed. Now our old bed seems lumpy and really small. We get our new bed on Friday and I can't wait!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Blurry Pictures
I recently used a website to print pictures to a local store. I was in a hurry when I picked the pictures up and didn't look at them. Later I discovered they were blurry and Taylor was green in several shots. I contacted (via email) the customer care associate and I was told I could take them back to the store.
On attempt #1 to return the prints we were told we couldn't because their scanner couldn't read our receipt. Seriously? You can clearly read the numbers so why not punch the numbers in by hand. I even printed out the email correspondence from the customer care associate and my order form from the on-line photo website. While we were in there, another disgruntled customer had just printed pictures from the instant kiosk. The manager couldn't figure out why the lady was mad. The lady explained, "The baby in these pictures is black." The manager didn't understand. The lady asked, "Why did it print the baby in black?" The manager replied, "Well because the baby IS black." The lady was getting really upset and said, "That child is my newborn grandchild and the baby is not black, she is white, so why did it print her face with black ink?" The manager asked her, "Are you sure the baby is white?" Come on now! Seriously? I wanted to slap the manager! I was so disgusted, I walked out.
On attempt #2 the pictures were returned easily and all was made well.
I have to wonder what possessed the manager to ask the lady, "Are you sure the baby is white?"
**I prefer the term "African American" but I caught a glimpse of the pictures and the baby surely was printed using black ink.
On attempt #1 to return the prints we were told we couldn't because their scanner couldn't read our receipt. Seriously? You can clearly read the numbers so why not punch the numbers in by hand. I even printed out the email correspondence from the customer care associate and my order form from the on-line photo website. While we were in there, another disgruntled customer had just printed pictures from the instant kiosk. The manager couldn't figure out why the lady was mad. The lady explained, "The baby in these pictures is black." The manager didn't understand. The lady asked, "Why did it print the baby in black?" The manager replied, "Well because the baby IS black." The lady was getting really upset and said, "That child is my newborn grandchild and the baby is not black, she is white, so why did it print her face with black ink?" The manager asked her, "Are you sure the baby is white?" Come on now! Seriously? I wanted to slap the manager! I was so disgusted, I walked out.
On attempt #2 the pictures were returned easily and all was made well.
I have to wonder what possessed the manager to ask the lady, "Are you sure the baby is white?"
**I prefer the term "African American" but I caught a glimpse of the pictures and the baby surely was printed using black ink.
Should Have Known Better
Yesterday I was playing with Taylor and I was thinking about when would be a good time to have a second child. My sister and I are 7 1/2 years apart and in my mind, that is waaayyy to long of a span. I want them close in age, yet I want Taylor to be more independent than he is now. Thinking about all those things, I changed my facebook status to say, "Carma is thinking about #2." Of course, some people thought I was talking about poo...but eventually they figured it out.
Then at 6:30 last night we got a phone call from my mother-in-law asking why I was at the doctors all afternoon. Ayron explained that Taylor had his one year check up and shots. JoEllen said, "Oh, so Carma saw the doctor too." Ayron was confused so he asked his mom, "Um, no. Why?"
Come to find out, someone had read my status, automatically assumed we were either pregnant or trying again, and decided to tell my in-laws.
Seriously...if I was pregnant, don't you think I'd tell my family first instead of posting it on facebook? Just because we are thinking about #2, doesn't mean we are trying or even ready for #2. Why do people jump to these conclusions?
Then at 6:30 last night we got a phone call from my mother-in-law asking why I was at the doctors all afternoon. Ayron explained that Taylor had his one year check up and shots. JoEllen said, "Oh, so Carma saw the doctor too." Ayron was confused so he asked his mom, "Um, no. Why?"
Come to find out, someone had read my status, automatically assumed we were either pregnant or trying again, and decided to tell my in-laws.
Seriously...if I was pregnant, don't you think I'd tell my family first instead of posting it on facebook? Just because we are thinking about #2, doesn't mean we are trying or even ready for #2. Why do people jump to these conclusions?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Yumm...Cake!
We took the top off of his giant cupcake in hopes that he would dig into the cake....he kinda did!Thursday, March 26, 2009
What A Year
I know that I sound like a dork, but this year went fast!
I don't think he even looks like the same kid!
I don't think he even looks like the same kid!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Unfair Pillow Fight
It's kind of an unfair fight when you are only 1 and your daddy is 6'9"
Notice how is hands and feet NEVER STOP MOVING!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Sincerity
I am beginning to wonder if sincerity is a lost emotion among our youth. Heck, sometimes I wonder if it a lost emotion among adults.
I recently had a student who said some awful things about a teacher and thus was removed from school and sent to me. Part of his "curriculum" with me was to write a sincere apology letter to every staff member (he came from the alternative school so he needed to write 5 letters). We talked about what it means to be truly sincere. He then sat down to write his letters. One stated, "I know you feel what I did was wrong, but I don't. I'm sorry anyways." Yeah, really sincerity there!
He was then upset when I told him he needed to write a letter to "R." He was mad because he had never had "R" as a teacher and he didn't feel he needed to apologize to "R." I explained how the EOC is a small pond. When someone throws a stone into their pond, the ripples effect everyone, therefore he needs to apologize to everyone. His letter to "R" read, "Even though you are not my teacher and you won't be my teacher, I was told I still have to apologize to you. So, I guess I'm sorry." Give me a break?!
I took his 5 letters down to the school. The secretary and I had a good laugh over the student's "sincerity." The student council read the student's letters and came to the conclusion that the student was not sorry for what he did, and thus would not be let back in. His lack of sincerity cost him his education. He has burned his bridges with the other school districts and will not be let back in. His lack of sincerity cost him his high school diploma. He decided to go for his GED.
I think the adult world has lost the true meaning of sincerity as well. I think we sometimes are good at acting sincere, but I often wonder if it is truly sincerity or just an act.
We have some inner office drama. My office is 7 women and 1 man. I am often excluded from this drama because my personal office isn't in the same building as everyone else. I am grateful for this! It seems that the women can act like bratty middle school girls. They gossip and can be catty. Well, we recently adopted a new office policy in hopes of eliminating hurt feelings, etc. One person decided to call me this morning and try to make amends. She has never hurt me emotionally (or physically for that matter). I have to wonder if she really did want to touch base with me or if she wanted to make herself look good. I am often the one female my male boss will come to when there is catty drama. Since I am not physically in that office, I am often called to be the impartial 3 party who gets to handle the drama. I have to wonder if she was calling to truly touch base or to just make herself look better in my eyes since the most recent drama revolved around her.
So how do we restore sincerity in our youth? Our kids? As a parent, I want Taylor to truly be sorry for whatever transgressions he may acquire in his life. How do I instill sincerity within him? I know it starts by me being truly sincere in my life. I must be a role model for him, but in a day and age when sincerity about anything seems to be flying out the window, he is bound to know insincere individuals. We can surround him as much as possible with good people, but in the end, we can't force him to be sincere. Who knew raising well rounded kids (that won't end up in my program!) could be so hard! :)
I recently had a student who said some awful things about a teacher and thus was removed from school and sent to me. Part of his "curriculum" with me was to write a sincere apology letter to every staff member (he came from the alternative school so he needed to write 5 letters). We talked about what it means to be truly sincere. He then sat down to write his letters. One stated, "I know you feel what I did was wrong, but I don't. I'm sorry anyways." Yeah, really sincerity there!
He was then upset when I told him he needed to write a letter to "R." He was mad because he had never had "R" as a teacher and he didn't feel he needed to apologize to "R." I explained how the EOC is a small pond. When someone throws a stone into their pond, the ripples effect everyone, therefore he needs to apologize to everyone. His letter to "R" read, "Even though you are not my teacher and you won't be my teacher, I was told I still have to apologize to you. So, I guess I'm sorry." Give me a break?!
I took his 5 letters down to the school. The secretary and I had a good laugh over the student's "sincerity." The student council read the student's letters and came to the conclusion that the student was not sorry for what he did, and thus would not be let back in. His lack of sincerity cost him his education. He has burned his bridges with the other school districts and will not be let back in. His lack of sincerity cost him his high school diploma. He decided to go for his GED.
I think the adult world has lost the true meaning of sincerity as well. I think we sometimes are good at acting sincere, but I often wonder if it is truly sincerity or just an act.
We have some inner office drama. My office is 7 women and 1 man. I am often excluded from this drama because my personal office isn't in the same building as everyone else. I am grateful for this! It seems that the women can act like bratty middle school girls. They gossip and can be catty. Well, we recently adopted a new office policy in hopes of eliminating hurt feelings, etc. One person decided to call me this morning and try to make amends. She has never hurt me emotionally (or physically for that matter). I have to wonder if she really did want to touch base with me or if she wanted to make herself look good. I am often the one female my male boss will come to when there is catty drama. Since I am not physically in that office, I am often called to be the impartial 3 party who gets to handle the drama. I have to wonder if she was calling to truly touch base or to just make herself look better in my eyes since the most recent drama revolved around her.
So how do we restore sincerity in our youth? Our kids? As a parent, I want Taylor to truly be sorry for whatever transgressions he may acquire in his life. How do I instill sincerity within him? I know it starts by me being truly sincere in my life. I must be a role model for him, but in a day and age when sincerity about anything seems to be flying out the window, he is bound to know insincere individuals. We can surround him as much as possible with good people, but in the end, we can't force him to be sincere. Who knew raising well rounded kids (that won't end up in my program!) could be so hard! :)
Monday, March 16, 2009
Again? Really? Come on now!
For the second time in 2 years at DeKalb teacher/coach has had an innapropriate relationship with a female student.
Come on people! The girl is 17, the guy is 56. Doesn't that gross out anyone other than me?
It seems like lately there have been so many news stories about inappropriate relationships between teachers and students. Really? I student taught in a public high school and HECK NO! I don't see what teachers see (romantically) in their students.
It makes me want to develop some type of screening test for potential teachers. Some type of psychological screening that would alert authorities to someone who might have a predisposition to romantic feelings towards students.
I just don't get it. It is people like those teachers who tarnish the name of good teachers. Those who try to help our students, not kiss our students!
Come on people! The girl is 17, the guy is 56. Doesn't that gross out anyone other than me?
It seems like lately there have been so many news stories about inappropriate relationships between teachers and students. Really? I student taught in a public high school and HECK NO! I don't see what teachers see (romantically) in their students.
It makes me want to develop some type of screening test for potential teachers. Some type of psychological screening that would alert authorities to someone who might have a predisposition to romantic feelings towards students.
I just don't get it. It is people like those teachers who tarnish the name of good teachers. Those who try to help our students, not kiss our students!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Scattergories
Ayron is working an auction today and my other two boys (TJ and Scooter) are asleep and I am bored! Thus this post is born.
Scattergories
Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real . . . nothing made up!
1. What is your name: Carma
2. A four Letter Word: Coat
3. A boy's Name: Chase
4. A girl's Name: Claire
5. An occupation: Color Consultant
6. A color: Cream
7. Something you wear: Clothes
8. A food: Carrots
9. Something found in the bathroom: Charmin
10. A place: Charleston
11. A reason for being late: Car Collision
12. Something you shout: Crap!
13. A movie title: Cars
14. Something you drink: Cranberry Juice
Scattergories
Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real . . . nothing made up!
1. What is your name: Carma
2. A four Letter Word: Coat
3. A boy's Name: Chase
4. A girl's Name: Claire
5. An occupation: Color Consultant
6. A color: Cream
7. Something you wear: Clothes
8. A food: Carrots
9. Something found in the bathroom: Charmin
10. A place: Charleston
11. A reason for being late: Car Collision
12. Something you shout: Crap!
13. A movie title: Cars
14. Something you drink: Cranberry Juice
Friday, March 13, 2009
Flooding
Do you ever wonder what Noah felt like? I can only imagine the ridicule and criticism he took during the building of the arc. There was not a cloud in the sky, yet here he was buidling a massive floating farm. I am first to admit that had I lived back then, I probably would have thought he was a tid bit off his rocker (I'm thinking about Evan Almighty as I write this). We are lucky that the flooding was minor (in comparison to Noah's time).
I know several people in Auburn and Waterloo (The 'Loo as I shall now call it, thanks Steve S!) who have been effected by this flood and it is horriable the things they now have to deal with. I am greatful that He did not decide to flood the earth again and hoping that He makes his rainbow known to those who are dealing with the aftermath of this flooding.
Anyone want to go golfing? This is a shot of Bridgewater Golf Course. 
The fairgrounds. The people that live in the Depot across the street were boating to their house (read it in the paper).Draining Attitude
I have another new student in my program and his negative outlook (on any and everything) is starting to have an adverse effect on my other two students. It is amazing how one person can be in the program for all of 2 days and corrupt my other two students. I am beginning to understand why he was kicked out of his new school after only 3 days of attendance!
I even find myself getting sucked into his negative world. I try to separate myself from his negativity, but it is very difficult when we are in such close quarters. So how do I separate myself from his negativity while still doing my job? How can I make sure his attitude and outlook on life doesn't permanently rub off on my other two students? Thoughts? Ideas?
I even find myself getting sucked into his negative world. I try to separate myself from his negativity, but it is very difficult when we are in such close quarters. So how do I separate myself from his negativity while still doing my job? How can I make sure his attitude and outlook on life doesn't permanently rub off on my other two students? Thoughts? Ideas?
Monday, March 09, 2009
More Pictures
Ok, so I can't say enough about Stephani Lynn Photography!!! 
The fact that he is throwing a fit makes this picture perfect!!
Who knew that a dress shirt and tie without pants would be so cute!!
Taylor and Otis.
This pic turned out great!! Especially since the sweater is way to big!!
Steph had a milisecond to snap this pic before Taylor started eating the letters!
Happy Easter!!! The eggs started flying once he got his hands on them!
Seriously? Doesn't this make your heart melt?!
Forget the cake, I can touch the balloons!!
Whatcha gonna do 'bout it?!
Yummy cake!!!
The fact that he is throwing a fit makes this picture perfect!!
Who knew that a dress shirt and tie without pants would be so cute!!
Taylor and Otis.
This pic turned out great!! Especially since the sweater is way to big!!
Steph had a milisecond to snap this pic before Taylor started eating the letters!
Happy Easter!!! The eggs started flying once he got his hands on them!
Seriously? Doesn't this make your heart melt?!
Forget the cake, I can touch the balloons!!
Whatcha gonna do 'bout it?!
Yummy cake!!!Road Trippin to TN
Ayron and I took a road trip to TN this past weekend. We went down to meet with a family and photograph their wonderful collection of cars. It was an experience. Here are the highlights.
Ayron missed our exit because we were too busy trying to wave to the bus of Canterbury School basketball players on their way to state.
I managed to stay awake the whole way down. This is an accomplishment for me!
I do not like Kentucky. I got major motion sickness. Seriously, straight roads people.
I love downtown Nashville!
We were able to just walk right it and be seated at HardRock.
Here are the links to the facebook photo albums.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=96147&id=790068782&l=83d78
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=96162&id=790068782&l=b1a13
Keep in mind that the pics I took of the cars were just pics I took. I have no where near the amount of pics that Ayron took for work. This truly was a very awesome collection to see!
Ayron missed our exit because we were too busy trying to wave to the bus of Canterbury School basketball players on their way to state.
I managed to stay awake the whole way down. This is an accomplishment for me!
I do not like Kentucky. I got major motion sickness. Seriously, straight roads people.
I love downtown Nashville!
We were able to just walk right it and be seated at HardRock.
Here are the links to the facebook photo albums.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=96147&id=790068782&l=83d78
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=96162&id=790068782&l=b1a13
Keep in mind that the pics I took of the cars were just pics I took. I have no where near the amount of pics that Ayron took for work. This truly was a very awesome collection to see!
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Pat on the back
Ok, first a bit of a back story. The way my program (my job) has been funded in the past has changed, thanks to House Bill 1001 (don't get me started). I was allowed (if you call it a privilege) to write a huge grant basically begging and pleading, "Please keep funding my program."
Tuesday my boss called to tell me that my grant was approved and that I had a 40 page document to read. I sat down and attempted to read the document yesterday. I was so confused. I thought it was just all legal jargon I didn't understand since I am not a criminal justice person. Turns out it confused the judge too (so I don't feel so bad now!).
We met with the judge about the grant and we decided to say "Thanks but no thanks." There were so many hoops to jump through, it just wouldn't be worth it. The judge then proceeded to tell me, "I do not want to lose this program or Carma, what do I need to do to keep the doors open." I informed him that I am waiting to hear back on another grant I wrote, etc. My boss and the judge talked and we discovered there is some unused money in the judges budget for juveniles. Guess what? I get it!! This ensures that my doors will stay open thru at least next school year. That means, I have a job!!! I was nervous for a while and I was praying for guidance and strength. Right now this job is perfect. It is semi-flexible and I am able to do what I need to do in order to be a wife and mother and still have a successful program.
It was nice to get that "pat" on the back from the judge. So often I wonder if I am even doing things correctly. My job deals a lot with criminal justice and the courts, and that is not my background. I do education and I just kind of guess on the criminal justice stuff and hope no one calls me out on it. I admitted that to the judge and he said, "Well, you had me fooled! I thought you knew a lot of criminal justice stuff." I told him that I am learning and I am very interested in going back to school (during the summer of course) to learn more (scoring some brownie points with the judge and my boss!!) about the criminal justice system. That seemed to really please him.
I see this as an answer to a prayer. In an economy where people are struggling to maintain or even find a job, I just found out that mine is safe for another year.
Thank you Lord for allowing me the opportunity to stay employed and the opportunity to hopefully reach this students the school labels as "lost causes." I pray that you continue to guide me and bless me with patience as I struggle to connect with these students. Amen.
Tuesday my boss called to tell me that my grant was approved and that I had a 40 page document to read. I sat down and attempted to read the document yesterday. I was so confused. I thought it was just all legal jargon I didn't understand since I am not a criminal justice person. Turns out it confused the judge too (so I don't feel so bad now!).
We met with the judge about the grant and we decided to say "Thanks but no thanks." There were so many hoops to jump through, it just wouldn't be worth it. The judge then proceeded to tell me, "I do not want to lose this program or Carma, what do I need to do to keep the doors open." I informed him that I am waiting to hear back on another grant I wrote, etc. My boss and the judge talked and we discovered there is some unused money in the judges budget for juveniles. Guess what? I get it!! This ensures that my doors will stay open thru at least next school year. That means, I have a job!!! I was nervous for a while and I was praying for guidance and strength. Right now this job is perfect. It is semi-flexible and I am able to do what I need to do in order to be a wife and mother and still have a successful program.
It was nice to get that "pat" on the back from the judge. So often I wonder if I am even doing things correctly. My job deals a lot with criminal justice and the courts, and that is not my background. I do education and I just kind of guess on the criminal justice stuff and hope no one calls me out on it. I admitted that to the judge and he said, "Well, you had me fooled! I thought you knew a lot of criminal justice stuff." I told him that I am learning and I am very interested in going back to school (during the summer of course) to learn more (scoring some brownie points with the judge and my boss!!) about the criminal justice system. That seemed to really please him.
I see this as an answer to a prayer. In an economy where people are struggling to maintain or even find a job, I just found out that mine is safe for another year.
Thank you Lord for allowing me the opportunity to stay employed and the opportunity to hopefully reach this students the school labels as "lost causes." I pray that you continue to guide me and bless me with patience as I struggle to connect with these students. Amen.
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