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!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
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.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Jell-O Cookies
Here is a new cookie idea I tried today. They turned out good and Ayron liked them so I think they are a "winner." I did make some "tweeks" that made it easier so I'll incorporate them below.
3 1/2 C. Flour
1 tsp. Baking Powder
3 Sticks butter (softened)
1 C. Sugar
2 pkgs. Jell-O (small packages of your favorite flavors, you could probably "mix and match")
1 Egg
1 tsp. vanilla
Sift the flour and baking powder together in a medium bowl. In a large bowl beat the butter with an electric mixer until fluffy. Slowly mix in the sugar and 1 package of the jello. Beat until incorporated. Mix in the egg and vanilla. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until completely mixed. Place dough in fridge or freezer for a couple of minutes (keeps the mixture from sticking to your hands).
Shape dough into small balls and place 1" apart on cookie sheet (I recommend you line the pans with parchment paper). Then place the cookie sheet in the freezer for another couple of minutes. Use a clean glass to flatten the dough balls into circles (I actually dipped the glass in flour to prevent sticking). Use the 2nd package of Jell-o to "sprinkle" the cookies. Then place in a 400 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
I am assuming you could mix and match your two favorite flavors of Jell-O. I stuck with strawberry and Ayron liked them. I was certain that shaping the balls would dye my hands red, but it didn't. I was surprised!
I discovered that chilling the dough just made the process a lot easier.
3 1/2 C. Flour
1 tsp. Baking Powder
3 Sticks butter (softened)
1 C. Sugar
2 pkgs. Jell-O (small packages of your favorite flavors, you could probably "mix and match")
1 Egg
1 tsp. vanilla
Sift the flour and baking powder together in a medium bowl. In a large bowl beat the butter with an electric mixer until fluffy. Slowly mix in the sugar and 1 package of the jello. Beat until incorporated. Mix in the egg and vanilla. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until completely mixed. Place dough in fridge or freezer for a couple of minutes (keeps the mixture from sticking to your hands).
Shape dough into small balls and place 1" apart on cookie sheet (I recommend you line the pans with parchment paper). Then place the cookie sheet in the freezer for another couple of minutes. Use a clean glass to flatten the dough balls into circles (I actually dipped the glass in flour to prevent sticking). Use the 2nd package of Jell-o to "sprinkle" the cookies. Then place in a 400 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
I am assuming you could mix and match your two favorite flavors of Jell-O. I stuck with strawberry and Ayron liked them. I was certain that shaping the balls would dye my hands red, but it didn't. I was surprised!
I discovered that chilling the dough just made the process a lot easier.
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