Giraffe Necking

Trading Places

2009-09-29T19:27:00.002-04:00

On the radio this morning they posed the question: If you could steal anyone's identity for one day, and live as them for 24 hours, who would it be?

I have thought about this for a bit now. I think I'd like to experience what it is like to be Jodi Piccoult. Lately I have been on a huge kick of reading her books. She is such a great story teller that I would love to be in her head for 24 hours. Not to mention maybe I would actually learn a thing or two that would improve my own writing when I became myself again. It would be interesting and exciting to see what it is like to live the life of an author if only for one day.

Don't Facebook Me!

2009-09-29T16:51:00.002-04:00

I am so tired of parents of my students contacting me inappropriate ways and thinking it is ok or the correct way to go about things.

A few years ago I had a parent who lived a few doors down from my mom and dad. She came MORE THAN ONCE to their door looking for me! Mind you that I don't live there. She then went to my boss complaining that she contacted me and that I neglected to contact her back! Nevermind that I hadn't talked to my parents since she'd been there so I had no idea! Nevermind that that was so out of line that I couldn't even begin to tell you the multiple ways that made me feel wronged. I mean seriously!!

Today I get home from a somewhat rough end to the day and do my typical log on to Facebook to catch up with friends and get my Fish World fix (yes it is dumb but I'm addicted). Anyway, my inbox shows I have a message. I assume it is from one of the moms I am friends with at T-man's school. Nope! It is a mom of a student! (Ok I did graduate high school with her but we are NOT friends by ANY means of the word - LONG story for another day). So her son forgot to turn in his homework and is all upset and "what should she tell him" and "what should he do?" (Ok first off he is in MIDDLE school can't he handle this himself? Time to cut the apron strings mom! He has to learn how to deal with his issues/problems himself at some point. Now is as good a time as any!) Why is she contacting me through Facebook? I have a school email!!!! THAT is how you contact a teacher - NOT Facebook! I don't have a "public" page. You aren't my friend. Don't message me. I have a right to a personal life. I have a right to have a Facebook account to contact friends and play games without being accosted by parents.

I told her the answer to her questions and requested politely that in the future it would be best if she contacted me at my work email, gave her the email addy, and assured her that I check it regularly (I even emailed a parent back at 8:00 last night!) I am sure she won't like my request. Will probably go to my principal. But I feel I was polite and have a right to be contacted appropriately. Just because I'm a public employee doesn't mean I am public domain 24-7.

Jury Duty

2009-09-22T18:41:00.002-04:00

It's funny, whenever someone I know gets jury duty they have to seek me out to tell me their story. I guess it is because I was a "professional juror" for about a year and a half a few years ago. Yes, you read right I said PROFESSIONAL juror. I can say that because somehow I was chosen to have the "honor" of serving on a federal grand jury.

Usually when one gets jury duty you serve a couple days and you are done. In fact the first time I had jury duty I never even saw the courtroom - just the waiting room!

However, a federal grand jury works very differently. Grand juries don't simply hear one case and are done as most juries do. Grand juries rather hear the evidence in cases that the federal prosecutors are ready to indict. They don't find the defendent guilty or not guilty. In fact they don't even hear the defenses side of the case. The job of a grand jury is to hear all of the prosecution's evidence in a case and decide whether or not there is probable cause (meaning is it possible that the defendent committed the crime).

Since it takes a while to train a grand jury and you might actually hear the same case over months (while still hearing other cases also) grand juries serve six months actively. For six months you serve 3 days a week for 2 weeks a month. For a total of six days a month. After that you can be recalled up to 4 days a month for the next year!

As you can imagine, this was really quite annoying for many of us. There was 2 other teachers beside myself who had to be out of the classroom constantly. There were people who if they didn't go to work that day didn't get paid for that day. Yes, we received a stipend for the day but let's face it - it was the government it wasn't much!

It is very amusing that anytime a coworker gets jury duty they have to seek me out to commiserate. As if there one or two days (at the most) makes us have a shared experience. When their life is completely taken over by jury duty. When they spend more time there than at work at time. Then they can say we have something in common. Until then they should just be happy they got a short term sentence!

Need for Time!

2009-09-17T16:33:00.003-04:00

Ever since going back to work I have been struggling with finding the time. Finding the time to clean my house. Finding the time to read. Finding the time to do laundry. Finding the time to go for a walk. Finding the time to blog!

I just feel so overwhelmed this year so early on in the school year. I feel like started day one at full on sprint and haven't stopped since.

We are up before the sun. Rush out the door to work/school and then rush home again to grab some food and head off to one of countless night obligations/plans. Everynight there seems to be something! Three times a week hockey, meetings, appointments, etc. Last night we actually had THREE places we had to be all at the same time! All three were things for T-man. I only have one child how can he have three places to be at the same time??? How do people with more than one child do it? I mean I had to call in reinforcements to cover bases with one LOL

I miss my casual summer life. I look forward to visiting with it again in the future. It is so laid back and easy going compared to it's cousin, Real Life. Real Life could learn a thing or two from Summer Life. Wonder if that will ever happen?

Sharing

2009-09-15T19:14:00.002-04:00

It is harder to adjust to having a student teacher than I thought it would be. In theory it is exciting to think of somebody else "doing your job" while you still reap the income. In reality it isn't quite like that.

First off, you have to explain EVERYTHING. Nothing is just routine anymore.

And the talking! Oh the talking... Even on my P&C I don't get a second of silence to just think or relax. Today she actually followed me to the restroom. I was afraid she was going to come in with me! LOL I'm used to turning on my iPod and jamming away at the work. That can't happen when you have a student teacher. Nor can you get a moment to call your husband/mother. In some ways it is like having a toddler!

Although I do have to say she is VERY enthusiastic and has a good rapport so far with the students (not an easy task in middle school). She obviously has some areas to work on but she'll get there. I have loads of faith in her.

I just wish for a quiet moment now and then. And a solo trip to the restroom!

Countries

2009-09-13T14:27:00.004-04:00

Well I did better with countries then colors but still disappointed in myself. These things are addicting though! LOL

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Colors

2009-09-13T14:20:00.001-04:00

Ok so I took this quiz where you are given 5 minutes to name as many colors as you can. I really thought I would have done better! Geesh was it difficult for me for some reason. And time went SO fast!

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Addicted to Blogging?

2009-09-13T14:12:00.001-04:00

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Grandparents Day

2009-09-13T12:58:00.003-04:00

In honor of Grandparents' Day I thought I would share some quotes I've found that I especially like about grandparents.

n honor of Grandparents' Day I thought I would share some quotes I've found that I especially like about grandparents.

A child needs a grandparent, anybody's grandparent, to grow a little more securely into an unfamiliar world. ~Charles and Ann Morse

Being grandparents sufficiently removes us from the responsibilities so that we can be friends. ~Allan Frome

Grandma always made you feel she had been waiting to see just you all day and now the day was complete. ~Marcy DeMaree

Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever. ~Author Unknown

Sometimes our grandmas and grandpas are like grand-angels. ~Lexie Saige

A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart. ~Author Unknown

They say genes skip generations. Maybe that's why grandparents find their grandchildren so likeable. ~Joan McIntosh

My grandkids believe I'm the oldest thing in the world. And after two or three hours with them, I believe it, too. ~Gene Perret

If nothing is going well, call your grandmother. ~Italian Proverb

No cowboy was ever faster on the draw than a grandparent pulling a baby picture out of a wallet. ~Author Unknown

My granddaughter came to spend a few weeks with me, and I decided to teach her to sew. After I had gone through a lengthy explanation of how to thread the machine, she stepped back, put her hands on her hips, and said in disbelief, "You mean you can do all that, but you can't play my Game Boy?" ~Author Unknown

Grandparents are there to help the child get into mischief they haven't thought of yet. ~Gene Perret

One of the most powerful handclasps is that of a new grandbaby around the finger of a grandfather. ~Joy Hargrove

MomDot - Small Talk Six - Chocolate!

2009-09-12T14:05:00.002-04:00

Today's topic is to list 6 things that would taste better with chocolate on it.

Here's my six:

1.) Strawberries

2.) Pretzels

3.) Cherries

4.) peanut butter

5.) desert pizza

6.) nuts

Does Administration = Head Up Your A$$?

2009-09-10T17:08:00.003-04:00

I do NOT understand the administration of my school district. Yes, I realize that they have a job to balance the budget. However, how do they think that cutting ALL sports, cutting all of the arts, and privatizing all of the services are the answer?

Tonight the school board is meeting and on the agenda is cutting almost all sports - all as of the winter season, cutting elementary band, music, art and gym. Also, plans to cut all technology courses at the elementary level. How does that help our students? How does that make them able to compete against others later in life? for college? for jobs?

They also hauled away our heavy duty copy machines today! Hello? How are we supposed to make copies? This might not be as detrimental for subjects like math, social studies, or science where they have a textbook they can teach from. They just won't be able to supplement with worsheets/handouts. However, I teach English! I DO NOT HAVE A TEXTBOOK!!!! My course IS handouts/worksheets! How the heck am I supposed to do my job????

Of course the big whigs all got raises last year. Ones that "can't be gone back on". Yet somehow we can make all these cuts. Not to mention our salaries (which did NOT receive raises!) can be gone back on obviously as they want to give us a 9% pay cut!! Did I mention WE have NOT had a raise of ANY kind in years? And that THEY have?

Ugh! Schmucks. It does NOT feel like they remember what the basis of our profession is.

I have never been as dissatisfied with my job as I am right now this early (first week) in the school year! Usually I am only this frustrated in about June!

blah blah blah

2009-09-09T20:28:00.002-04:00

I am so tired of politicians and the smoke they try to blow up our asses! Do they really think that they are the only intelligent people on the earth? Do they really think that they are all that? They screw us all with a smile and expect us to smile back while thanking them. grrrrrrrrr

Melrose

2009-09-09T20:00:00.002-04:00

Ok I admit it. I recorded Melrose Place that was on last night and watched it today after work. I used to watch the old version years ago with my college roommates so I was intrigued enough to check out the new show. It honestly wasn't that bad! I don't know how long I'll actually watch but I might DVR next week too. I was especially pleased to see the guy who was Josh Madden on All My Children! I was so sad when they killed him off of there - talk about nice eye candy! ;-D

Exhausting

2009-09-08T18:48:00.003-04:00

Well I forgot how exhausting work could be. After not working since the middle of June tday was my first day back and I am spent! I was up before the sun and on the road as it rose in the sky. The funny thing is I didn't even have students today! What's going to happen tomorrow when there are kids in the seats in my room? Or the next day when they are actually there for the whole day!?!? I'm going to be a complete zombie by this coming weekend LOL! I'm too old for this stuff...

The Time Has Come

2009-09-08T06:46:00.002-04:00

Well that day I have been in denial about has finally come. It's back to school day. Which for me means back to work as I am a teacher. No longer can I sleep in til 8 or 9 and then lie around reading for an hour or so until I get up. (For those of you with small children there does come a day when they are able to get their own breakfast! Just thought you might need a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel.) No longer can I read blogs or Facebook during lunch or between (I mean instead of) household chores. No longer can I stay up as long as I wish or in my jammies til noon. Those pleasures will need to be put away for the next nine months.

Now I get to get up early, keep on the boy to make sure he is doing as he should, drive in crazy traffice 35 minutes to work, and teach precious children.

Life is good. And I need to leave, better get going. I wouldn't want to be late on the first day :)

(oh! and instead of my usual night before going back to work nightmares of problem students from the past this year I had nightmares of the problem parents! LOL)

Successful Socializing

2009-09-05T10:07:00.002-04:00

So if you have read my previous post (Anxiety) you know that I suffer from anxiety in relation to social situations. The idea of it makes me sick. Literally at times.

Well yesterday was a very successful day for me. At lunch time I took T-man and we went to the local Pizza Hut where we met two moms of kids in his grade. After lunch one of the moms and I took our kids on to bowling. Where they bowled three games. LOTS of socializing. I was fine. I didn't get nervous and I had a great time!

Then yesterday evening T-man had hockey. Usually I wouldn't go since it was just a practice. I take that as my alone time and watch things the guys don't like (chick flicks, Army Wives, etc.) while having a glass of wine. But last night I decided to go instead. I knew that Friday nights is a busy night at the rink and their would be a lot of people there that I "know". (I put it in quotes because while I know them and am friendly with them it isn't like have been really close or what have you with them.)

I didn't even take my book! That's my security. That or my camera. If all else fails or I get overwhelmed or need to hide behind something I will either stick my nose in a book or hide behind my camera. That way I don't feel bad when I don't put myself out there to talk to people and well it just makes me feel safe for some reason.

So last night I didn't take it. Instead I watched a little of practice and when I couldn't take anymore of the control freak, doesn't know anything but I am going to act like I do, nasally manager of son's team anymore ventured into the bar area to see if anyone I knew was in there.

Two mom's from T-man's team last year was and I sat and visited with them. Mind you I had to go up to them since they were already there and were playing cards. (I know it sounds dumb but that was major for me and I am oh so PROUD of myself!) I sat and visited with them for a long while then. Other moms/dads came in as other practices finished and that is where the Hubby found me to collect me to leave.

Sounds silly to many I'm sure but yesterday was a very fun day. Not only that but it really showed progress for me!

Why?

2009-09-03T07:34:00.002-04:00

Why is everyone paying so much attention to Levi Johnston and what he says about Sarah Palin? Yes, I know that probably she is different that what we see. So is everyone else who is in the public eye! We don't really know those people! Don't you act somewhat differently when out in public? When with strangers then you do when you are with family who you know loves you - faults and all?

But why? WHY? are we giving this spoiled brat, angry, out to see what he can get TEENAGER so much clout? Why is everyone believing him? He's angry! Which he probably has some right to be. His relationship ended. Most of us aren't great friends with out exes. That's part of the reason they became an ex for goodness sake! To top it off his ex has his son! That as many of us know makes hard feelings and tense relationships even more so!

I'm just so darn sick of hearing him given so much publicity and credit from the media. Doesn't anyone think that he might feel he has to keep topping the last thing that he said to keep the media coming back for more? To keep eyes and attention on him? I mean look at the pay off for him! GQ spread and interview, modeling gigs (he isn't even that good looking IMHO), he gets to go to award shows with celebrities, he gets countless national interviews, among other things. Hmmmm wonder why he might find more and more stuff to say?

2009-08-31T17:03:00.001-04:00

Twitter Moms: The Influential Moms Network

Anxiety

2009-08-31T09:40:00.003-04:00

I have always been an introvert. It has never been easy for me to put myself out there. To meet new people. To speak up. To have attention on me. (I don't even like when every sings "Happy Birthday" and that is family!)

In the years since my first marriage and having my son things have gotten worse. I have full out anxiety. I don't have anxiety attacks per se (I save those for times I don't know where my son is!) but my IBS will flare up, my stomach will hurt, and I'll have to run for the restroom (TMI I know sorry). I think it started with my first marriage due to all of the mean things he would say to me. I already was introverted and unsure of myself and he just played off of that to control me. He'd tell me how unworthy I was (as a wife, mom, and human being) over and over again. He'd tell me how no one else would want me (funny I met hubby who wanted me and is a GREAT guy just months after finally kicking him to the curb and I was the one who stuck by our son and he never came around again!).

Even though I know he was just an abuser. Even though I know I am a good person. When I get into a situation where I have to put myself out there. Situations where I have never been the most comfortable I "hear" him still.

Take for example tonight. I am supposed to go to dinner with a bunch of moms from T-man's school. Of the dozen or so I do know 2. The others I have never met. Just thinking about it makes my stomach hurt. I know in my mind it will be fine. That I will even have a good time. But yet my anxiety level keeps escalating. I keep worrying what they will think.

Deep breath. It will all be ok. Right?

The Suite Life!

2009-08-30T09:35:00.002-04:00

Since my dad has retired his morning routine is to login to his computer and enter contests - LOTS of contests. And he wins! LOTS! He's won countless Tigers tickets, a Zune, a Labatts refridgerator/can (or bottle) dispenser among other things. The guy is lucky! (I keep telling him I'm going to give him money to buy my Mega Millions ticket LOL)

Last Tuesday, when T-man and I were at his house to go to the zoo with my parents he received four tickets to yesterday's Tiger game in the mail. For a Party Suite! He doesn't even know what contest they were for he enters so many...

Since their best friends were out of town he asked the hubby and I to go. I was so excited since I have been wanting to go to the new ballpark for years now and while my guys have I have not. Not to mention that I have never been in a suite for anything (ok a hotel suite and a dorm suite - while those were both fun I thought this might be a little bit different of an experience).

We almost didn't get to go. It took me FOUR days to find a sitter for T-man. But I have a great friend who I just recently reconnected with through Facebook who took him. (Of course, right after that I got three more offers! Isn't that just the way it goes? I have no sitter for the longest time and then all of a sudden I have FOUR!)

A suite is the way to go though! I think I'm definitely spoiled now. In fact I asked hubby to purchase one but I don't think that flew too well for some reason (cheapskate). We were the first one to the suite so we had our pick of the seats outside (not that any of them were bad...). The food was all ready to go so we could get something to eat. Oh my gosh was there food - ribs, chicken, mostocolli, garlic bread, shrimp, potato skins (really yummy), coleslaw, salad, popcorn, pretzels, chips, brownies, 3 different kinds of cookies, and I'm sure I'm forgetting something. Then around the 5th inning they put out hotdogs! (Because it wouldn't be a ball game with a hot dog!) We ate so much!!! And it didn't cost us anything because my dad had won the tickets. The only thing we paid for was parking!

The BEST perk of a suite though is this: NO WAITING IN LINE FOR THE BATHROOM!!!! Okay so once I had to wait a MINUTE for someone to come out of it but we all no that the wait for the public ladies rooms would have been MUCH longer!

I am definitely a suite convert. Now I just need to find a way to get into them more often...

Addiction

2009-08-27T20:00:00.002-04:00

I have an addiction that I keep secret from a lot of people. I'm just not sure that a lot of the academics I work with would understand...

I am SERIOUSLY addicted to reality television!

I love it all: Big Brother, Survivor, Amazing Race, The Bachelor.

There's even some that I watch On Demand and don't tell my husband I watch. Not because he can't know but because I know he'd tease me. I love The Girls Next Door (there's just something about all these YOUNG, beautiful girls who are willing to not only sleep with but SHARE some old wrinkly geezer who never even bothers to get out of his jammies!), The Kardashians (they are so full of themselves and materialistic! Do people actually live and think like this?), and I even like Denise Richards show (again - is she for real????)

In the past couple weeks we redid our cable packge and now have Showtime. I can't tell you how many times I've been sucked into watching Big Brother After Dark!!! And it is on from midnight til 3 AM!!!! The worst part is it is awful too. Yet there I sit watching it. Totally enthralled by others pathetic lives.

Maybe watching people make a$$e$ of themselves on television makes me feel more normal. Less crazy. More intelligent.

Whatever the reason. Reality television sucks me in. Time and time again.

Parents, Students Protest School Fashion Police - ParentDish

2009-08-26T15:29:00.003-04:00

Parents, Students Protest School Fashion Police - ParentDish

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So what do you think? Too harsh? Acceptable? Do you think there should be dress codes? Should they be stronger than they are in most places?

I'll post my thoughts tomorrow.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-26T12:26:00.002-04:00

The national mall before the 4th of July fireworks.

Babysitter Woes

2009-08-25T21:57:00.002-04:00

As much as I love being a mom sometimes it would be nice not to be tied down. Now before anyone slam me I love my son to death but sometimes would just like my old unencumbered life back. I know - it is coming. He's nine. Before I know it he won't "need" me anymore. I really do love spending my time with him...

It's just my dad won tickets to the ball game on Saturday. Party suite tickets I might add! I would love love love to go (he invited hubby and I to go with Mom and him). However, I don't have anyone to watch the boy. My brother is going out of town. Hubby called a girl who used to be his secretary who has stayed with him a few times - she's out of town also. Hubby's family lives out of state so they are out. All my friends have kids the same age so no teenagers there. I have one last shot - my aunt. She does daycare (not on Saturdays though) and has kept him a couple other times. Plus I have a cousin just a couple years older than him that he just idolizes. I'll call her in the morning. Until then I'm just crossing my fingers she can and will do it.

Blog Hop - Getting to Know You

2009-08-24T17:34:00.001-04:00

Ms. Modern will begin hosting a new meme: All About YOU!
It’s meant to encourage interaction between bloggers.
I have a lot of lurkers on my site, but I’d like to get to know each of you better!

Each Monday, I’ll start an All About You post, asking you some questions. Put YOUR answers in MY comments, then post the same questions on YOUR site for YOUR lurkers to comment!

Week #1 Questions for YOU:

1.How did you find my site?

2.How long have you been reading?

3.What do you like about my blog?

4.Tell me some things I could do to get you to stick around & continue reading my blog!

5.What’s the link to your blog? or twitter account?

6.What’s the main theme of it?

7.Leave the link to one of YOUR posts that you’d like others to read in order to get a sense of things that are important to you OR as an example of your style and theme of writing.

Drama - Think Before You Post

2009-08-24T14:42:00.002-04:00

Oh how I get tired of drama! Maybe it's because I teach middle school - which as we all remember is nothing BUT drama.

Well, it seems like drama is hitting my extended family again! If you read a couple posts previous about hockey dictating things you might remember that I was raised Methodist. Well almost all of my mom's side of the family that lives in the area attends church together. It is a quite small congregation. Basically made up greatly of my family and another family. Of course, there are others but honestly without these two families there wouldn't be much of a church.

Anyway, I guess lately there has been quite a bit of "discussion" over some of my family members' and a couple other girls' behavior. Their are about 5 of them all together. One of them has a job where she is able to get access to a suite for most of the major concerts that come to town and the group of them often attends - especially when it is a country act. No biggie right? Well kind of.

It seems they like to knock back a few when they go out. Again, no biggie, right? Again kind of. When they do this, or have their get togethers with their jell-o / pudding shots (I had never even heard of pudding shots!) they like to take pictures. They then post those said pictures on Facebook and such for the world and the church elders (who they have as friends) to see.

Then when people say things they get all upset.

Of course, they have a right to a good time. Of course, as long as they do so responsibly they can drink. But when you post pictures on a social networking site that is the impression that you are giving people of yourself. You are giving them the right to discuss it, print them, judge you by them, etc.

I don't understand why these GROWN woman (32-50 something) do not get that. Have your fun just don't post it for the whole world to see if you don't want them to judge you by it or to say something. Don't act surprised when someone then says the aren't sure you should be a church leader or in charge of Christian education of the church youth!

Yes I drink socially on occasion. Yes I am a teacher. Yes I think it is perfectly fine for me to do so. However, I will not post pictures of me drinking or allow others to do so. It just wouldn't be appropriate. That isn't the image that I want to portray of myself. That is not the impression that I want to give - especially to those who might not know me the best. Why would I give them preconceived notions of me?

Before you post something to the internet think! What does this tell someone about me? Is that how I want others to view me?

Top Grossing Movies are Romantic Flicks

2009-08-24T13:30:00.002-04:00

So last night we were watching Who Wants to Be a Millionaie. T-man got to stay up to watch it with us since it is still summer. One of the questions was about the top grossing movie a few weeks ago. Then, of course, there were four choices. I don't remember what they all were but one was Star Trek. T says, "It's got to be Star Trek. There wouldn't have been any romance in that."

"What do you mean?" I asked him. Then it dawned on me! He thought grossing meant romance movies because he thinks romance is gross!

So I asked him, "What do you think grossing means?"

Sure enough that was what he was thinking! Silly boy! Although he was trying to use the context skills and his prior knowledge the best he could to figure out a word he didn't know.

Hockey Dictates

2009-08-24T09:35:00.002-04:00

We are back to life via hockey. It dictates what we do and when. We ended up having to miss church yesterday because hockey practice was scheduled during mass. Of course, if the coach or the stupid woman who desperately wanted to be manager (but in the two weeks the team has existed has already screwed up TWICE!) had let us know before 8 o'clock Saturday night we could have gone to mass at 4:30 on Saturday! It really ticks me off to learn things last second and because of that my son misses church (along with his dad and I).

We have lived here for a little over four years. At Easter we finally tried a church that we like and have been attending since. Last weekend we actually joined the parish. So having to miss makes me sad.

Finding a church that works is a big thing for us since my husband and I were raised in different religions. He was raised Catholic and I was raised Methodist. When we were first married we attended the church I was raised in. Hubby was great and would go. Never complained. However, there was no way he was going to become Methodist and you could tell he wasn't totally comfortable there. Likewise when I went a few times to the church that he was a member of I wasn't totally comfortable either.

We were at a standstill in a marriage with two religions. Mind you they were both Christian but still different enough that for a time we just stopped attending church since we couldn't find one where we were both comfortable.

However, I missed going to church and I knew that I wanted my son to grow up learning the scripture and attending a service of some sort. The best solution to this was for our family to have one religion. So once again I agreed to give Catholicism a try. After all, it wasn't that different and I have plenty of friends/family members whose husbands refuse to attend with them at all. If mine was more than willing to attend if I gave it a try then I was ahead.

However, I have realized that I do fit in there (or could see myself fitting in since I don't technically since I'm not Catholic) much to my mother's dismay. I told Mike to go ahead and register our family. I have even started to think about taking confirmation/convertion classes. Again though I have to know when hockey is to know if that is possible this year.

Hopefully soon we will start meeting people and getting more involved. That is if the second "religion" in our household - otherwise known as hockey - permits it...

Sad Realization

2009-08-22T10:36:00.002-04:00

I realized today while perusing Facebook that I've come to the point in my life where most of my friends have been married for 10 years or so (give or take a few either way). Now what I'm noticing is happening that lot of them are getting divorced. You know that point in your life, about your mid 20s or so, when it seems like you are constantly going to someone's wedding? Well now I feel like I am constantly hearing about someone who is in the process of a divorce! It is really quite sad :( So much unhappiness. So many children about my son's age who now are going to be from a broken home. Who are going to have to feel torn loyalties. I know divorce happens (heck I have one under my belt too) but it is just so sad how MANY I am hearing about recently. I guess the mid 30s is the season of divorce...

His Eyes

2009-08-19T16:20:00.002-04:00

His Eyes

When I look in his eyes I see
unconditional love,
support,
a smile,
the beauty he sees within me.

When I look in his eyes I see
a great father,
our future grandchildren,
funtimes yet to be,
the pillar of our family.

When I look in his eyes I see
the man I am going to grow old with,
laugh with,
cry with,
dream with.

When I look in his eyes I see
my best friend.

Sleepless Nights

2009-08-19T00:33:00.002-04:00

Ugh! It's happening again. Midway through August I start to get insomnia and can't sleep till 2 or 3 in the morning. This happens every year! Of course, right after Labor Day I'm back to my regularly scheduled life - otherwise known as teaching. I'll have to get up at 5:45 AM! and be out the door at 6:50! How am I ever going to get back to that? As much as I love summer vacation it sure does do a number on my sleep life! I have a feeling I'm going to be one tired teacher the first few weeks of school...

Woman Pregnant With 12 Babies - Will Any Survive? - ParentDish

2009-08-18T11:16:00.001-04:00

Woman Pregnant With 12 Babies - Will Any Survive? - ParentDish

Shared via AddThis

The doctors who implant this many embryos should have their licenses revoked! To put a mother and father through this heartache of losing their children who they obviously desperately want is wrong in so many ways. Although I do feel that the parents are at fault also. They need to say "don't put 12 embryos in me". I understand after they took they would feel that they couldn't abort some. How do you choose which get to live and which have to die? This situation should have never been created to begin with! What a terribly sad situation all around. We've had 8 with octo mom and 6 with Gosselins. Now 12! What is next???

7 Years of Bliss

2009-08-17T13:41:00.003-04:00

So we just recently celebrate our 7th wedding annversary. In honor of that I thought I would blog 7 things tha I love about my husband. Obviously, there are many more than 7 but I'm going to list 7 of them. (I can do 8 more next year LOL).

1) His smile and laugh. When he smiles at me or laughs at something I've said I get little flips in my stomach. Even after all this time.

2) How he's such a hardworker. The best part is I know he works so hard out of love for us. He does it all to provide for us.

3) How he say the same dorky things over and over again. Yes at times it gets a little old but then when I think about it it is also comforting. I like that we know each other so well that I know what he's going to say in certain situations.

4) He's a great father. He's tough but he's tough because he cares so much. Even though he can be tough he's also caring. He's free with the hugs and kisses and he's always there with well deserved "atta boy". Not to mention gladly gives up his time to coach hockey/baseball.

5) He does all the yard work. Sounds silly but lawnmowers and I have always battled. Hubby knows this and without complaint does all the yardwork - even though I'm home all day in the summers.

6) When I have a monsterous stack of writings to grade he takes over and does more than his fair share of the housework - without a word or a complaint!

7) He'll call me from work just to see how things are going. I love it. It tells me that he's thinking of me.

Bingo: Business

2009-08-16T13:04:00.000-04:00

Mom Blogs at MomDot » Blog Archive » Blogger Bingo (13th ball is up): "Lots of people want to own a business….what kind of business would you own if you could have any business in the world. And if you own one already, tell us about it!"

Oh I have several ideas for this one! There are three types of businesses that I would love to own. All of them tie to my passions (hobbies).

1.) a book store - I have always LOVED books and reading. I would be in heaven to be surrounded by books all day. Not to mention that I would get to talk to people all day long about books! Currently I teach English and that is my favorite part of the job!

2.) a scrapbook store - I love scrapbooking. Just like the bookstore idea, if I owned a scrapbook store I would be surrounded by the pretty supplies that I love so much and able to talk scrapbooking with people all day!

3.) a photography business - This one kind of goes with #2. You can't scrapbook without photos (well you can but it isn't as much fun!). I love to go out with my camera and just snap away! It is very relaxing for me. It is so thrilling when you get that great shot.

Photo Hunt: Artificial

2009-08-16T10:35:00.002-04:00

There's a photo hunt here: http://tnchick.com/ Today's theme is artificial.

This is a picture of one of the "dinosaurs" that was visiting at our zoo. Obviously, an artificial dinosaur. LOL

Showering = Deodorant Buy?

2009-08-15T10:58:00.003-04:00

T finally gets around to taking a much needed shower this morning. Afterwards he packs his bag to spend the night with grandparents tonight (hurrah date night!!)

As he brings it downstairs I make him open it so I can inspect what he has packed (church clothes, sleepwear, underwear, clothes for the birthday party after church, his retainer etc.) Of course, he has forgotten underwear, a toothbrush, his retainer (which I doubt very much he will wear but I can at least know that I tried), and his deodorant.

He is promptly sent upstairs to retrieve these items. A moment later he comes down with everything but the deodorant. I, once again, tell him to go upstairs and get his deodorant.

He promptly begins arguing with me that he JUST got out of the shower and he DID just wash his armpits! He doesn't need his deodorant! That is for days that you don't take a shower.

Where did this child get that idea? Does he seriously think that deodorant is some type of shower alternative? He's an active boy for goodness sake! He plays hockey!!! He stinks often!

This argument continued after he reluctantly retrieved the deodorant. Since it was discovered under the dresser I was fairly certain that he had not used it today and requested that before putting it in the suitcase he use it.

"But Mom! I told you I just washed my armpits!!"

"I don't care you still have to use it."

"But..." further argument ensued until Dad called up the stairs -"Quit arguing with your mother and use the deodorant!"

No further argument. Deodorant used and quietly placed in suitcase. (Why do they always stop arguing when Dad speaks up?)

Raising a boy sure is interesting (and stinky!).

Scornography -- I Do Not Want to Hold Your Baby - Lemondrop.com

2009-08-14T15:44:00.000-04:00

Scornography -- I Do Not Want to Hold Your Baby - Lemondrop.com

This made me laugh and I just thought I would share it :)

101 Things That Make Me Happy!

2009-08-14T14:52:00.002-04:00

1. my husband
2. my son
3. taking pictures
4. giraffes
5. scrapbooking
6. traveling
7. being by the water
8. a good book
9. chocolate
10. reality tv - Amazing Race, Survivor, Big Brother, The Bachelor among others
11. writing
12. a new Ben Stiller movie
13. a good Pinot Grigio
14. chicken fajita burritos from Chipotle - YUM!
15. What to Wear on Facebook
16. Facebooking with friends I haven't seen in awhile as well as those I see often
17. golfing with the hubby
18. when a new scrapbooking magazine comes in the mail
19. watching T-man play hockey
20. compliments on pictures I've taken
21. when you see a student "get it"
22. the rare occasions I can go out to lunch with co-workers
23. when hubby takes my hand
24. when hubby says "I love you"
25. a good meal that incorporates peppers and onions
26. sun warmed tomatoes fresh from the garden
27. babies
28. Saturdays
29. summertime
30. being able to stay in bed and read in the morning
31. a new song on my iPod
32. playing Scrabble
33. going for walks
34. walking along the river at the park
35. grilling - especially steak
36. chicken kabobs with lots of peppers and onions
37. a hot fudge milkshake
38. getting the newest James Patterson book
39. when a new Janet Evanovich (Stephanie Plum) book comes out
40. winning
41. when my lilac bush blooms
42. getting my hair done - including colored/highlighted to remove the gray
43. when parents thank me for all that I do for their child
44. watching T-man play baseball
45. when T-man comes up to me and puts his head on my shoulder for just a moment before going off to play again
46. when T-man comes up and kisses my cheek
47. when hubby snuggles me
48. when hubby sends me articles that he thinks I might find interesting
49. watching Army Wives
50. anything Beauty and the Beast
51. listening to hubby sing in the car
52. hockey tournament weekends
53. trips to the cottage
54. seeing deer - in the park or out in a field
55. my kitty cats
56. being treated like a queen ;-P
57. blogging
58. watching All My Children
59. when hubby cooks dinner!
60. spontaneous kisses
61. finding a new author to read
62. Cecelia Ahern novels
63. a good memoir
64. wearing sandals
65. better - going barefoot
66. somebody else putting away the laundry
67. sand between my toes
68. listening to T-man laugh
69. T-man's sense of humor
70. compliments
71. buying presents for those I love
72. earl grey iced tea with lemon
73. my Cricut
74. Twizzlers
75. steak for dinner
76. when the scale goes DOWN
77. jewelry
78. a new purse
79. tote bags! I LOVE tote bags!!
80. hubby's smile - he has such a great one
81. when hubby calls me "babe" - I never thought I would be one to like it but from him I do! He doesn't mean it derogitorially but with love
82. hanging out with family
83. Christmas vacation
84. time to myself
85. chick flicks!
86. cheesy 80s movies
87. trips to the apple orchard
88. visits with friends
89. homemade salsa with tomatoe fresh from the garden
90. my gardens in full bloom
91. watching the Red Wings with hubby and son
92. riding ATVs
93. Hungry Howie's Pizza with pineapple and banana peppers
94. finding pretty paper to scrapbook with
95. completing a scrapbook page that turns out especially well
96. getting followers on my blog - LOL
97. figuring something technological out - something to do with blogging, momdot, twitter, etc.
98. getting a good score in Farkle
99. going on a date with hubby
100. sitting on the patio with a good book and a glass of wine in the summertime
101. that I was actually able to make it to 101 LOL :-D

Powertripping People Preturb Me

2009-08-14T09:19:00.004-04:00

So this other mom on the hockey team stepped up before anyone else even knew their kid was on the team and decided that she was going to be the team manager. Ok fine. Nevermind that a couple of us actually have experience as team managers. Nevermind that a couple of us have kids who have played out of this rink for years and know how things work here. Nevermind that couple of us actually know how Evaline who runs everything works and how to get what you need/want out of her. And that is an art form - TRUST me!

Seriously though, fine. She wants to be manager let her. It's a lot of work.

However, being manager should not be a power trip. When we all give our email addresses so that we can communicate with each other - INCLUDING the coach - then you need to send the email to us so that we can access all of those! Don't send it as a blind copy so no one else can see the emails. If we want to email the whole team we should be able to. If we need to email Coach we should be able too. You were also supposed t send us Coach's phone number. We should have that.

Why was she so upset when Coach said that someone else would be helping her with some of the fundraising stuff? Is she not as busy and as overwhelmed as the rest of us?

Aye, aye, aye! This season should be fun.

BINGO: B5 Describe Your Dream Home

2009-08-13T21:07:00.002-04:00

I don't necessarily want a huge mansion. Lately, I'm realling like the Spanish look. You know a house with a terracota colored tile roof. Adobe looking. Not some boring asphalt shingled home that I see everyday all over the place in the Midwest. I would love to find one along the Gulf coast of Florida. Where I could sit outside and watch the boats go buy as I sip my evening drink and read a book. I love being by the water! It is so calming. My husband and I talk about retiring to Florida (in about 20-25 years!). However, we disagree as to where. He says central Florida (think Lakeland) and I want to be along the coast. We shall see. As I said - retirement is a L O N G way off!

Oh and I want palm trees and fruit trees in my yard! I woud LOVE to be able to walk outside and pick fresh lemons :)

L20 - Twin?

2009-08-12T21:33:00.003-04:00

No one really says that I look like a celebrity or anything. However, growing up my cousin and I looked a lot alike. She is a year and half younger but we were similar in height and both wore our hair long (like to our butts) and bangless. We both look a lot like our dads who are brothers so we looked a lot alike. In fact, once she was over and we were running from my backyard towards the neighbors house. Their little girl was out and was running towards my house. When she saw us she stopped and just kind of shook her head. She thought she was seeing double! LOL too funny.

Moms Who Drink: No Joking After the Schuler Tragedy

2009-08-12T20:05:00.000-04:00

Moms Who Drink: No Joking After the Schuler Tragedy

I don't understand how a woman could have 10 drinks worth a vodka and still drive? Not just because she and those she was with should know that she wasn't capable of driving but because if I had 10 drinks worth of vodka I would be comatose! How does a mother think it is okay to drink like that around her children either? I'm no prude. My son has seen me have a drink. But that is just it a drink. Singular. One. He has not seen me fall down sloppy drunk. That would not be appropriate. I choose not to surround my son with alcohol abuse. In my opinion that is the responsible thing to do as a parent.

As for her husband claiming tha he has never seen her drunk - BULLSHIT! How does your wife drink like that without passing out and you have no knowledge that she is abusing alcohol? It can't happen! You CHOSE to turn a blind eye to it. To ignore it. You DIDN'T WANT to face that your wife had a drinking problem so you just pretended all was fine and dandy. Well isn't that just great! Because you didn't call her on her issue your children are dead. Your neices are dead. And three innocent other people are dead. Can you still ignore her problem?

How about the fact that she smoked dope? Were you unaware of that too? Somehow I don't buy that one either. No one smelled it on her? Or were they smoking it too? Was where ever she was just full of responsible people who were looking out for these precious children? Protecting them? Making sure that they would stay alive?

When you decide to become a parent you have a responsibility to protect those children against everything - including yourself! You have to put your stupid immature ways aside and put their best interests first. That means you can no longer smoke dope and drive (or smoke dope at all for that matter!). You can no longer drink and drive. And before your child gets in a car you need to know that the driver (including yourself) is sober enough to drive.

Here I Go Again...

2009-08-12T19:23:00.002-04:00

As if I need another hobby. I already am years behind in my scrapbooking, have piles of books I intend to read, and don't get on the treadmill nearly as often as I should. So why then am I revisiting this blog and trying the blogging thing yet again? Because I love to write. I am after all an English teacher who is always saying that I'm going to make more time to write. This is as good of a start as any the way I see it. Not to mention it could be a great release from my "real" life. I am actually really excited and determined to keep this blog up. Too bad the hockey rink hasn't gone wireless. Just think of the blogging I could get done while waiting during practices or before and after games!

How?

2009-01-05T19:59:00.003-05:00

Watching the news tonight I heard about all of these tax breaks that Obama is planning. At first they sound really great. Who wouldn't want more money in their pocket rather than in the government's pocket? And the best part is --- you don't have to give up anything in order to get this extra money! Yep, you heard it - Obama is going to cut your taxes AND he's still going to keep the government providing all of the services they currently provide. No cuts anywhere!

I don't really understand how that is possible. Actually I do and it is very unfortunate. Obama's plan tells me that his plan is to just run up the deficit even more and leave the figuring out how to pay for all of his extravagances to our children, their children, and their children. So before these young ones even have a chance - or in many cases are even born - we are going to set them up for difficulty, failure, and hardship! Wow! Way to go! What a plan. I'm sure that they will be MORE than happy with our "gift". I can just picture their gratitude now... If we think there is a problem with adult children being able to afford moving out on their own now just wait. We'll have SEVERAL generations living together before these idiot politicians get done with screwing up the economy.

How can anyone even think that spending less and providing more will ever work? But I bet they vote themselves in a new raise! Oh wait! I forgot - they don't have to vote on it anymore. It is just automatic - they have to vote to NOT get a raise. Yeah right like that will happen!

Uncomfortable

2009-01-04T13:09:00.000-05:00

It happened again today. T had a hockey game - the first he's had since before the holidays. Once again comments started to be said loudly in the stands amongst the two sets of parents. It only seems to happen really in that rink. Whoever chose the setup should have to sit in the middle of the bleachers during every game. Why would you choose to have both sets sit together? Yes, I know that their are the metal bleachers a little further down - but come on there is no heat there! When the rink actually ponies up to heat the stands believe me we are sitting there!

So today a dad from the other team makes a comment about one of our players. I think he called him a punk - no one was even really sure. In all honesty the kid actually wasn't be a punk today! Somedays - yes. But not today. Anyway the mom of the kid on our team gets really offended and starts saying things really loudly about talking about her son. Ok, I understand why. I wouldn't want anyone talking about T either but what good is starting a verbal allocation going to do? Then another mom gets in on it talking about how they aren't going to cut it as hockey parents if that is how they are going to act - exactly how is that any different than what they did? I don't know.

A little bit later in the game, "punk" got the puck out of our zone - really good play on his part. The coach's mother - who mind you is well into her 50s - shouts out, "Way to go Punk!" Why? What does that prove? That you are immature and don't know how to behave at a hockey game yourself?

I truly cannot understand grown adults who act like this! Especially since the boys who are playing are 8, 9, and 10 years old! What exactly are you teaching your children? I think that as the grown ups you need to show your children how to politely and respectfully get along with others in life. Sure there is the competition thing happening here but children need to be taught about friendly and respectful competition.

It isn't funny when your child slugs it out or checks people into the boards at almost every game. Yes, I know hockey is a contact sport and I'm all for that when appropriate and when necessary. However, at our stage in the game right now checking is not allowed - that means DO NOT DO IT! When you laugh about it, it tells me that you encourage your child to play dirty. It tells me that you encourage your child not to abide by the rules.

It is getting to the point where I'm not sure I want to even sit in the stands with the other parents anymore. I have to say that many times lately I'm actually embarrassed to be sitting amongst them due to things that are being said/shouted. My mom always taught me that people will see you and judge you by the people that you associate with. Her lesson was meant to teach me to make good choices when it came to choosing friends. I certainly don't want people to associate me with some of the other hockey parents. I don't want them to see that behavior and think that is me also.

Just because hockey is a contact sport doesn't mean fights need to be breaking out in the stands.

Parent vs Friend

2009-01-03T20:39:00.000-05:00

To the people who sat behind us at the movie tonight:

I did not plunk down $25 to sit in a theatre and listen to your child loudly repeat the lines from the movie. Nor did my son appreciate continuously having his seat shook fiercely by your child. It was to the point where he actually asked to go home. This is a boy who had been dying to see Marly and Me. He had been asking since the day it came out to see it and he was so annoyed by your undisciplined child that he actually said to me, "Let's just go home!"

Why is that people feel they have the right to act however they please in public no matter what the effect is on or for other people around them? I can't tell you how many times I heard the mother say to the little boy, "That's it! I'm going to take you out of here!" and "We're leaving!" Yet not once did she actually remove the unruly child from the theatre. And as for the father - well I sure hope he enjoyed the movie! He sure was focused on it. He completely ignored the child and his inapproriate behavior, not to mention the dirty looks being shot his way! Not once did he do one thing to discipline or even attempt to stop his son's unruly behavior. Even when the boy climbed over the back of my son's chair (more than once I might add). It was to the point I was afraid he was actually going to fall on my son's head!

Here's a parenting tip for you mom and dad: if your child acts up in public you have an obligation to those around you to do something about it. That might even mean removing the child from the movie, restaurant, sporting event, etc. Yes, I know you paid good money to get into that event but so did the rest of us there. We did not pay to sit through your child's poor behavior. Sometimes part of parenting means you don't get to do what you want to do. Sometimes it means you miss out on things. And sometimes it even means you lose money on things. Sorry that's the breaks. If you don't like it then maybe you should not have had kids.

Sometimes following through on what you say you are going to do will make you unpopular with your child. It might even make them unhappy. However, following through on things will show and teach your child that you mean what you say and that poor behavior has consequences. You are the parent not a friend. It isn't your job to make sure that your child is happy at all times. In fact if that is what you are trying to do then you aren't doing a good job of parenting - you would actually be doing a crappy job of it. As a parent, it is your job to make sure that your child grows up knowing how to act appropriately in different situations and how to make good choices. If you just let them do whatever makes them happy you are truly doing your child a disservice and setting them up for failures and hardships later on in their lives.