Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Happy Happy Day

So they day didn't start out that great. I woke up feeling like warmed up Scooter droppings. I was upset because the school district I follow stuck with their 2 hour delay instead of cancelling (I'm still a kid at heart!). I then made dinner plans with friends, only to remember I already had an appointment. Work was crazy, but then Ayron called. Ok, wait, slow down, don't go, "Oh, mushy, gross, etc."

He had lunch with his parents and they are attempting to find me a rocking chair! Yeah! I found one I really liked at Wal-Mart of all places. Ayron told me they were going to look at furniture stores and I freaked out, "The one I like is on sale at Wal-Mart, don't spend more money! He laughed. I have been looking at glider rockers for the nursery and was waiting to buy one until our tax money comes. Turns out I can put that tax money towards the cool stroller I want instead!

Then to add icing to the cake, Ayron told me that Grandpa Tom (his dad) and Uncle Phil (his brother) will start slowing down at work (they own their own construction business) and that they are willing to make Taylor's cradle. Yeah!!! I'm happy! I want this cradle to be something that can be passed down. What cracks me up is that the cradle will get done long before the coffee table (supposed to be a Christmas present from 2004) or the end tables (wedding present from 2005) will! Oh well, I can't complain. Phil is great at woodworking. For Taylor's first birthday, I'm thinking a rocking giraffe!!

Monday, January 28, 2008

Control

I have a problem letting go of my control. I am not a control freak, I do not crave it. Maybe I should say that I have a hard time delegating the tasks that I do on a daily basis.

I know that I should be slowly teaching my staff how to do certain things. They will be doing these things when I'm gone. Why can't I just show them? Why do I insist on doing them? If I could delegate, maybe I wouldn't be so stressed out. I guess I feel like I'm burdening them when I ask them (or anyone) to do anything for me. Yes, I know it is their job, but I guess I just think, "Oh it will be quicker for me to do it." I need to get over this thinking.

I have gotten better at asking for help outside of work, but for some reason I can't at work.

Friday, January 25, 2008

New Book

I was finally able to make it to the library this week and I found an interesting new book. The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible.

It is by the same gentleman that wrote The Know It All after reading a complete set of encyclopedias. As I stared to read the book I wondered if I should read it.

While I am strong in my faith, my knowledge of the Bible is not as strong as it should be. I cannot quote lots of scripture of the top of my head and I'm not afraid to say, "I'm not sure, let me ask someone who does know."

I have been pulling up the Bible on line to check the context of the verses he has used so far. If nothing else, it should be a good read and it does make me check my lack of knowledge with THE BOOK!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Why Dogs Bite

I took these from a email that was forwarded to me. Scooter would never sit long enough for me to do this to him.


Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Storm

This past weekend at church the sermon really hit home for me. The concept that although we are saved, our lives will not be perfect is hard for some people to swallow. I'm realizing it more and more. My life will not be easy, in fact I could be persecuted for my beliefs. It makes me think of Natalie Grant's song "Held."

Who told us we’d be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We’re asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It’s unfair.

Chorus:
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.
I've recently become addicted to Lifehouse (again). It just seems like their songs put into words experiences that I have gone through or experiences that my friends are going through now. I don't know if they consider themselves a Christian band. I know some people try to label them that way, and that several Christian bookstores in the area sell their songs. I don't know what the story is behind this song but it hit me this week that it could be taken in a religious way. It just keeps playing in my head. While I don't think that I am in a storm, I know several friends who are and I've been there, so I can understand the emotions this song portrays.
How long have I been in this storm?
So overwhelmed by the ocean’s shapeless form
Water's getting harder to tread
With these waves crashing over my head
If I could just see you
Everything would be all right
If I could see you
This darkness would turn to light
And I will walk on water
And you will catch me if I fall
And I will get lost into your eyes
And everything will be all right
And everything will be all right
I know you didn’t bring me out here to drown
So why am I ten feet under and upside down
Barely surviving has become my purpose
Because I’m so used to living underneath the surface
If I could just see you
Everything would be all right
If I could see you
This darkness would turn to light
And I will walk on water
And you will catch me if I fall
And I will get lost into your eyes
And everything will be all right
And everything will be all right
I can visualize someone who is so confused pleading with God to make His plan and purpose known. I think at at times all of us wish we could know His plan for us, but at times He keeps it a mystery. It is at those times that I have felt like I was in the dark and I was pleading with Him to make His plans known. We just have to remember that everything will happen according to His timing, not ours!

Hilarious



Is this the love child of Chris Farley or just a little girl with gas?




And what will you say if your wives are watching the game?



I'm gonna guess his parents used this as an example of what will happen if he doesn't start brushing his teeth.



I'd like my paint stirred, not shaken!



Does this qualify the umpire for a double since his pants AND his underwear have holes?

Monday, January 21, 2008

Oh No, Part II

Last week I posted about my cravings for girl scout cookies. Don't worry, I have tracked down a girl scout and will soon be placing my order.

I was telling my mom about my cravings when she told me about the DeKalb County Cookie Eating Contest. This is done every year to kick off the cooking selling season. Turns out this years winner ate 57 shortbread (they are gonna stop making them!!) cookies in 2 minutes. Congrats Adam on eating that many cookies and not getting sick!

When I questioned Adam about his new title, he responded, "Eating 57 cookies in 2 minutes gives you bad gas!"

I'm guessing that eating 57 anythings in 2 minutes will give you gas!

Thoughts on Hockey

Friday night was fun. We went to a Komets game with J and K. I have been to 3 games before, but never paied attention. I actually watched the game this time. I have come to several conclusions about the sport of hockey and the fans.

1.) It really is a sport for people with anger managment issues. There was only one fight, but it escalated from a scuffle to a fight in the blink of an eye. I can't decide if as a hockey player you have no patience and thats why fights happen or you have a lot of patience and you are the few who don't get into fights? Not sure on that one yet.

2.) The refs must be former figure skaters. I saw the refs do several neat moves to avoid blocking the puck. I also think that if I were a ref, I'd be wearing more than a helmet. I'm talking full pads, face mask, everything!

3.) Drunk fans are funny, maybe, to a point! We had some drunk college age people behind us. I think they spent more time climbing up and down the stairs in their attempts to carry beer back than they did sitting watching the game. Oh, and language. Language doesn't usually bother me. Look at who I work with. But when the only word you can utter is the "f bomb" it's time to shut your cakehole. You just sound stupid! We all know you are drunk (we can do math. 5 beer runs, with 2 beers each equals 10 beers....) there is no need to prove to us you are a stupid drunk!


4.) Fans are also willing to make a fool of themselves playing silly in-between period games sponsered by the local businesses. We saw a taco race, a hockey puck shooting game, etc. Fans, unless you have practice, IF YOU RUN ON THE ICE, YOU WILL FALL!!

Friday, January 18, 2008

Apparently I work too much!

This just in, I work too much! I just got off the phone with my boss. Apparently if I earn any more "comp" time I will get him in trouble. Well, hello! I was storing it up so I still get a paycheck during maternity leave! Apparently I have reached the max and I am not allowed to earn anymore. I will now have to use my vacation, sick and holidays to cover any time off that my "comp" time doesn't.

Here I thought I was being a good teacher and planning everything and taking time at night to plan and individualize the lessons. Apparently I have worked too much and I can no longer put in extra hours.

Telling the Truth

In the past year I have read several baby books. After reading every book the library had, I stumbled across one called Belly Laughs (my italics isn't working right) by Jenny McCarthy. My friend recently bought me her second book called Baby Laughs. I've even read her book about dealing with her sons Autism diagnosis. I must say that her books offer the most honest and real take on pregnancy and child birth. Sure, it's crass, after all it is Jenny McCarthy, but she is so real about the whole process. She tells it like it is, all the pleasants and the not so pleasants. Sure, her language and choice of words at time could offend you, but knowing who the author is ahead of time explains the language.

Take for instance the following paragraph on Baby Poop: "There is nothing in this world like baby poop. The aroma, the ability to defy gravity, the texture, and my favorite...the color. I remember thinking, 'Wow, I've never seen this type of green before.' You hear other moms talk about it. Maybe even get some stories from your own mom. But when you get to experience it firsthand, you'll realize there's nothing like it!"

To anyone who is pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant I urge you to read her books. Not to scare you with her take on the experience, but her books don't sugar coat. You have to be willing to get over the horrible language, but if you can do that, it is refreshing to here someone be so honest about the situation.

Uh Oh, Not Good

I've finally started to have some cravings. Nothing out of the ordinary. I know that it is normal and you can induldge a little bit. That being said.

I was driving to work and listening to the radio. Turns out today is the kick off for the Girl Scout "Cookie" season. I immedietly started going through people in my head. "Who has a daughter that sells them?" I know that B's daughter does. I know that S, my aide at work, has twins that do.......Hm.....wonder how soon I can get my hands on some thin mints....ohh, or the peanut butter ones...oh my....it's gonna be a long 8 weeks.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Sinking Your Own Ship

I have been using this expression a lot this week with my day program kids and I don't know where I got it from. I have three high schoolers that will go back to the high school Thursday. They have known since their first day in the program what they have to accomplish in order to not fail the classes they were placed in. They were all doing great until this week. Why wait till the last two days to start screwing around and messing up a good thing? Maybe it's a high school trait I've forgotten. No, scratch that. I never had that trait. I was the one who wanted to get done ahead of schedule. I had a student wait till today to start working on a class. He has had the work for two weeks, and granted, it's a simple class, but why wait till the last day. I can promise you he won't get the last 7 chapters he needs done completed in the next 30 minutes. It's discouraging. I give these kids all the tools they need and they still choose to sink their boat.

It kills me to watch them frantically try to paddle and bail out water on the last day. I can't throw them any more lifesavers, I'm all out. They are all 16 or older and they knew what they needed to do. It's hard. I am afriad the school will look at me and the students' performances will reflect negativly on me. I tried, I did everything I could, but their boats are still slowly sinking.

I will have 3 new students starting Thursday from the alternative school along with the 1 already enrolled and two middle schoolers. I'm actually looking forward to this bunch. The 4 students from the alternative school are independent workers, they have to be in order to qualify for the alternative program. These students I know I won't have to stand over and watch them every second of every day. I am hoping I can use my time better by planning for maternity leave.

So is this stalling trait something I lack? Did I have it and I simply forgot? I know I stal, but I never did with my school work. Maybe that's why I am a teacher now. Who knows.

Siblings

If you are like me, the youngest child in the family, you remember those days of being picked on and told to "go away." I recently spent the weekend with my sister and it got me thinking, "When did we actually start to get along?"

Is there this magical age that once both parties have crossed that age you suddenly see each other as humans and not a sibling to fight with? We've never had any knock down drag out fights (after all, we're not boys) but I do remember punching her in the stomach once because she wouldn't move.

It's odd to have your older sibling look at you like a human instead of an annoying little sister who only wants to scratch her Monkey's or Beatles records. Or to have her offer her legs (you had to be there) when you fall on your fat prego butt instead of point and laugh. Sure, she laughed later, but I'm sure it was comical site.

I have a friend who has 2 younger siblings. She has always gotten along with her much younger brother, but her sister, not so much. It's funny to see them out and about now and actually getting along. I remember her swearing that after she moved out of her parents house she would never talk to her again. Cracks me up. She doesn't see it, but I do. Some day those two will become friends!

Friday, January 11, 2008

Politicly Correct?

I have recently become claustrophobic in my clothes. I put on a shirt that used to be huge on me and low and behold, it's slowly getting tight. Ahhh!! That is not a good feeling for someone who is already claustrophobic.

Sure, it's to be expected (being 7 months prego and all), but it doesn't help the "waddling duck" feeling I have. Guess it's time to cave and start wearing Ayron's shirts.

I did have someone ask me what the "pc" term was for how I was. I didn't know there was a "pc" term for being "with child." Call me pregnant, I don't care. You're not going to suprise me. I don't like the term "knocked up" which seems to be rising in popularity due to the movie. I think I dispise it because it has some sort of connotation with it. Like I didn't plan to become pregnant. Is there a "pc" term other than pregnant? Am I oblivious to this whole thing because I am not the ideal pregnant woman?

Is there such a thing as an "ideal pregnant woman?" It is no suprise that I do not like being pregnant. I like knowing that I am carrying a child and that I am able to carry a child, but I am not the "glowing ever happy pregnant" woman. Heck, I don't even look pregnant. I just look like I drank one too many beers last night.

This whole experience has been just that, an experience. There are parts I like and parts I'd rather not relive (He just used my bladder as his personal punching bag). Knowing that Taylor will be here with us in 9 weeks is thrilling and terrifying all at once. It's all starting to fall into place and freak me (and Ayron) out.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

That Sucks!

Our vaccuum has been dying a slow death for the past 2 months. Maybe it was the abundance of doggy hair. It could have been the fact that it was a Wal-Mart after Thanksgiving Day special. Who knows. We finally decided to pull the plug on it last night.

Ayron swept the house using the old vaccuum before I got home from work, but could tell it wasn't doing anything. We've been though this before. We emptied the canister, replaced the filter, checked for clogs, etc. Nothing. We gave up and took a trip to Wal-Mart to buy a new one.

We ended up buying a new Bissell. Out of curiosity, we swept the same parts that Ayron had with the old vaccuum earlier. We were able to suck up a full canister of things that the old vaccuum missed. It was gross. All along we thought our carpet was cleaned, but once we swept it with a better vaccuum, we learned otherwise.

I Love It!!

I Love This! I agree with this mom 100%.

'Meanest mom on planet' sells son's car

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Jane Hambleton has dubbed herself the "meanest mom on the planet."

After finding alcohol in her son's car, she decided to sell the car and share her 19-year-old's misdeed with everyone -- by placing an ad in the local newspaper.

The ad reads: "OLDS 1999 Intrigue. Totally uncool parents who obviously don't love teenage son, selling his car. Only driven for three weeks before snoopy mom who needs to get a life found booze under front seat. $3,700/offer. Call meanest mom on the planet."

Hambleton has heard from people besides interested buyers since recently placing the ad in The Des Moines Register.

The 48-year-old from Fort Dodge says she has fielded more than 70 telephone calls from emergency room technicians, nurses, school counselors and even a Georgia man who wanted to congratulate her.

"The ad cost a fortune, but you know what? I'm telling people what happened here," Hambleton says. "I'm not just gonna put the car for resale when there's nothing wrong with it, except the driver made a dumb decision.

"It's overwhelming the number of calls I've gotten from people saying 'Thank you, it's nice to see a responsible parent.' So far there are no calls from anyone saying, 'You're really strict. You're real overboard, lady."'

The only critic is her son, who Hambleton says is "very, very unhappy" with the ad and claims the alcohol was left by a passenger.

Hambleton believes her son but has decided mercy isn't the best policy in this case. She says she set two rules when she bought the car at Thanksgiving: No booze, and always keep it locked.

The car has been sold, but Hambleton says she will continue the ad for another week -- just for the feedback.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Please Pray

Here is an email I just received from the mom of one of my friends.

"Happy New Year! This year is already proving to be eventful......

It has been an interesting couple of days. You may know that L hasn't been feeling well for nearly a week. She is 7 months pregnant and her doctor thought she had an infection (treatable). Yesterday, not feeling any better, she went back to see the doctor.

She was put in the hospital, just for overnight, still thinking it was an infection. This morning she was told that it was not an infection but she had begun premature labor. She was put on medication to stop the labor and released to go home to complete bed-rest for the remainder of her pregnancy.

The baby is doing great (he kept kicking the monitor patches) but her body is saying enough is enough and wants it to be over with..........hmm....... She is only allowed to be up to use the restroom and a 10 min. shower each day. The rest of the time she is either in bed or laying down on the couch. Her only outing will be once a week to the doctors office. They are shooting for at least one more month before he comes.

L is hoping that you will come visit whenever you can. Within the next day or so she will have a laptop and can access her email. Also, she has her cell phone by her side.

Right now she is in good spirits but I think that may not last long for her or J(her husband).

Your prayers are most appreciated."

After reading it twice, I began to cry. I'm not sure why. But it hit me. That could be me! She is only 2 weeks furthur into her pregnancy than me. It's all becoming a reality now. I'm not scared, but it is an interesting experience to realize all that could happen.

This whole thing has defienatly been a spiritual experience for me. Knowing that my body is helping to create and support a life without me thinking about it. It's amazing. You really begin to comprehend the awesome power of God.

Monday, January 07, 2008

Heat Wave!!

At the end of summer, when the thermometer hits 60 degrees we are freezing. In January when the thermometer hits 60 degrees we call it a HEAT WAVE!!!!!

Friday, January 04, 2008

Insurance and Pay Raises

I finally got my health insurance card today!! I am so excited. It is funny to look at the little plastic card and realize how much it is saving us. I was on Ayron's insurance through his work. Just to insure me we were paying around $100 a month. When I found out I could get the county's health insurance plan through work I was estatic. Better coverage and for the big big price of $1 a year. Yep, I now pay $1 a year! That will change when Taylor is put on my insurance, but it will still be cheaper than adding him to Ayron's work plan. There is a drawback to accpeting the county's insurance though. The employee only pays $1 a year, but the employees office must pick up the rest of the cost.

In order for my program to pick up the rest of the cost, I had to "forefit" a bigger pay raise. I am perfectly fine with that. With my new raise added in my paychecks will have an extra $20 in it each pay period. Doesn't seem like a lot, but with the change insurance and my raise, we will add an extra $140 to our budget each month. We have decided to take that money and put it into savings each month. We are already used to "not having it" so it won't be that big of a deal. If we are consistant and good about depositing it into savings, in a year we can save an extra $1680.

That may not seem like a lot, but in my mind, any little amount you can put back is great. You never know when the car might need repairs or when the washer will die (ours already did). This way we can have a cushion just in case anything happens.

I'm also excited because I am now up to 150 hours in comp time at work. In order to have a paid maternity leave I have to rack up comp time and then use my sick/vacation/personal days. I want to try to leave some of my sick days untouched. By the time Taylor gets here I will have 10 sick days, 5 vacation days, and 5 personal days. With the way the students have been cranking out work, I will have plenty of work to take home at night to grade and add hours to the comp time. Looks like we will be able to afford me being off of work after all.

It's been a great Friday, but I am ready to get out of here. To bad I have to stay late to meet with a family. I did fill out as much as the paperwork as I could so the meeting should hopefully only be 15 minutes and then I'm outta here!!!

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

More Pics

Here are the pics my sister took while she was home for break. Most of them are at my house. I would like to state:

*that Ayron is wrestling with Scooter, not trying to kill him!
*I am not that big in the belly (I was pushing it out for effect.
* Natalee made the naughty cookies
* we are buying Ayron a new belt today!

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