It's November 9th, and I'm looking out of my window at work, and it's snowing. It's november! It can't snow in november! Well, it obviously can, but how am I going to make it through a winter that's starting so early? Last year, we were wearing t-shirts on an open top bus in New York City in the middle of december.
Oh, and I won $100 last night! *happy dance*. C is now much less skeptical about time spent on the computer, and hasn't teased me at all about playing instant win games and entering contests. More because I told him that I wouldn't share anything I won with him if he didn't stop, but hey, whatever works.
Other than that, I'm stressed, which is why I haven't really been blogging lately. Don't feel like whining and the only other thing that happens when I'm stressed is ranting. You don't need that, either.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
It's about time.
Yes, I've been lax again. I've actually been working hard this time though - that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
Absofreakinglutely nothing happening in my life at all, but I'm just checking in to let everyone (who actually read this anyway?) know I'm alive.
Halloween today, which means giving out tons of candy tonight and our anniversary tomorrow! I'm excited, even if it's only because I know it. Chris and I met eleven years ago tomorrow, in a slight motel drunkfest that shall go unrecorded here (or anywhere else for that matter). Still, it makes me smile, and reminds him that I've not always been the nerd he calls his wife. Seriously, he's called me a nerd about 4 times in the last week. Next time he does it, I'm going to throw something at him. Ahhh, yes, a happy anniversary indeed.
Absofreakinglutely nothing happening in my life at all, but I'm just checking in to let everyone (who actually read this anyway?) know I'm alive.
Halloween today, which means giving out tons of candy tonight and our anniversary tomorrow! I'm excited, even if it's only because I know it. Chris and I met eleven years ago tomorrow, in a slight motel drunkfest that shall go unrecorded here (or anywhere else for that matter). Still, it makes me smile, and reminds him that I've not always been the nerd he calls his wife. Seriously, he's called me a nerd about 4 times in the last week. Next time he does it, I'm going to throw something at him. Ahhh, yes, a happy anniversary indeed.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
It's been awhile
Yes, I'm back. Back from the land of having absolutely nothing to say about my life.
The kitten is insane. It's also driving me that way. C doesn't want it in our bedroom, so every night we have to think of a new way to outwit the cat and keep it from running in the moment we open the door. It's become a competition. So far, the cat's winning. C tried a new technique last night, which involved letting it run in and then diving to grab it before it ran under the bed. Needless to say, C ended up with sore knees and a hurt elbow while the cat looked at him from under the bed and made noises suspiciously like laughing. I can't tell if the cat was actually laughing because I was too hysterical myself.
What have I been doing these last few days?
Trying to win things. It's my new obsession. Nothing too heavy, just something to do in my downtime at work. It's like gambling (which I enjoy altogether too much) but without spending any money.
Want to know what I've won so far? (Don't laugh). I've won $10, and a microfiber car cleaning cloth. C thinks this is hilarious. I tell him that if I ever win a holiday, he's not going to be allowed to come, just becasue he teases me so much. I think he has the better end of the deal, to tell the truth....
The kitten is insane. It's also driving me that way. C doesn't want it in our bedroom, so every night we have to think of a new way to outwit the cat and keep it from running in the moment we open the door. It's become a competition. So far, the cat's winning. C tried a new technique last night, which involved letting it run in and then diving to grab it before it ran under the bed. Needless to say, C ended up with sore knees and a hurt elbow while the cat looked at him from under the bed and made noises suspiciously like laughing. I can't tell if the cat was actually laughing because I was too hysterical myself.
What have I been doing these last few days?
Trying to win things. It's my new obsession. Nothing too heavy, just something to do in my downtime at work. It's like gambling (which I enjoy altogether too much) but without spending any money.
Want to know what I've won so far? (Don't laugh). I've won $10, and a microfiber car cleaning cloth. C thinks this is hilarious. I tell him that if I ever win a holiday, he's not going to be allowed to come, just becasue he teases me so much. I think he has the better end of the deal, to tell the truth....
Monday, October 1, 2007
A new month.
So I should probably post something.
So here it is.
Yup, blogger's block.
*strains* Well, I've managed to live through the last week, and do it without killing anyone - that's news, right?
Oh, and I've managed (with the help of my boss, because I'm really shy about asking people for money) to raise some money for Iz's school fundraiser. Actually, I came in and quietly hung the sponsor form on my cubicle wall where it got ignored for a week, and then he decided to take it around the office and actually ask people, which produced loads of cash in the space of 20 minutes. I could never be in sales....
The kitten, whose name is Cringer, after He-Man's tiger (and C calls me a geek) is quite pointy. I shall have to investigate nail trimmers and the application of them to cats this week.
So here it is.
Yup, blogger's block.
*strains* Well, I've managed to live through the last week, and do it without killing anyone - that's news, right?
Oh, and I've managed (with the help of my boss, because I'm really shy about asking people for money) to raise some money for Iz's school fundraiser. Actually, I came in and quietly hung the sponsor form on my cubicle wall where it got ignored for a week, and then he decided to take it around the office and actually ask people, which produced loads of cash in the space of 20 minutes. I could never be in sales....
The kitten, whose name is Cringer, after He-Man's tiger (and C calls me a geek) is quite pointy. I shall have to investigate nail trimmers and the application of them to cats this week.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
A bit calmer now.
With more of a "screw 'em" attitude.
Other than that, not much to report. The cat is insane, but that was to be expected. I have to take him to the vet next week for his first round of shots. Iz is insase, but I think that's a school thing. Hopefully her behaviour improves over the next few weeks - it's not that she's being out and out bad, it's that she's just not behaving like she usually does, and it seems to be getting worse.
This week is dragging. Slooooooow. Somebody rescue me!
Other than that, not much to report. The cat is insane, but that was to be expected. I have to take him to the vet next week for his first round of shots. Iz is insase, but I think that's a school thing. Hopefully her behaviour improves over the next few weeks - it's not that she's being out and out bad, it's that she's just not behaving like she usually does, and it seems to be getting worse.
This week is dragging. Slooooooow. Somebody rescue me!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Warning - this is a vent. You don't have to read it.
But it might make me feel a bit better.
So Iz was sick Friday night. Fever, she had been losing her voice all week, and generally was not herself - crying over everything, and compaining that her throat hurt.
So I decide that we have to head to the doctor's on Saturday morning. The doctor that I used to work for, who despite working for a crappy company (the reason I left), is one of the most wonderful doctors in existence.
I call the late night appointment line. I get through - miracle! I talk to the girl on the phone, who gives me an appointment time - wonderful! She puts me on hold for a minute - whatever, I can deal with being put on hold a minute. She comes back, and tells me that since I have a balance on my account (woah! this is news) that I can't have an appointment, so sorry, click. I'm hung up on.
So by this point I'm fuming. I've been denied an appointment for my sick daughter because of a balance I didn't know I had. I call the admin office for the doctors, and leave a rather shouty message concerning my feelings at being denied care and then hung up on. I spend the rest of the weekend feeling sort of sheepish at leaving the shouty message while not actually being sorry, because I did mean everything I said. I just didn't really want it to come out so shouty.
We get Iz to a patient first surgery, and get her treated (don't think I've ditched my daughter in all this saga). Turns out all is well, she doesn't have strep (which I was worried about, since it's already going around school).
So this morning, I get a phone call back from the Admin office - suprising, but disheartening. Apprently I'm an evil woman for not paying bills I didn't receive. Obviously I recieved them, they're all sent via an automated system. I point out that the only bill I had ever received (for myself, not even for Iz) was hand-written. Uncomfortable pause. Explanation of how they do hand write some bills.
I also point out, since I'm talking to someone in the billing department, I point out something my insurance company told me when I called. They had mentioned that one of the charges they turned down was for a urinalysis. Pretty interesting, since my daughter, who has been seeing these people since her birth, has never once peed in a cup for them. It seems they've been billing my insurance company for things that they haven't done. She promises to send me a copy of outstanding bills. I don't trust them one bit now so I'm going to have to go through them item by item. Chances are I'll still not catch everything, as they're pretty vague when it comes to explanations of codes.
Isn't charging insurance for something they didn't do illegal? If it's not illegal, I know it's immoral. It's certainly stealing. I can't help feeling that it's quite a big issue, even if the woman on the phone waved it away like it was nothing.
So there you have it. If you ever find yourself in the Baltimore area, don't ever, ever visit Potomac Physicians for anything. Incompetent isn't even the word for it.
What makes me really mad is that if they'd have told me I had a balance and still let me bring her in, I'd have happily bought a check in the morning of her appointment. I wouldn't have even asked these questions, and they'd certainly be better off.
Does anyone know how to create as much collections trouble for a company as possible, while still keeping it legal (not stooping to their level) and not messing up my credit history? My boss suggested sending them $1 a week - can you do that?
So Iz was sick Friday night. Fever, she had been losing her voice all week, and generally was not herself - crying over everything, and compaining that her throat hurt.
So I decide that we have to head to the doctor's on Saturday morning. The doctor that I used to work for, who despite working for a crappy company (the reason I left), is one of the most wonderful doctors in existence.
I call the late night appointment line. I get through - miracle! I talk to the girl on the phone, who gives me an appointment time - wonderful! She puts me on hold for a minute - whatever, I can deal with being put on hold a minute. She comes back, and tells me that since I have a balance on my account (woah! this is news) that I can't have an appointment, so sorry, click. I'm hung up on.
So by this point I'm fuming. I've been denied an appointment for my sick daughter because of a balance I didn't know I had. I call the admin office for the doctors, and leave a rather shouty message concerning my feelings at being denied care and then hung up on. I spend the rest of the weekend feeling sort of sheepish at leaving the shouty message while not actually being sorry, because I did mean everything I said. I just didn't really want it to come out so shouty.
We get Iz to a patient first surgery, and get her treated (don't think I've ditched my daughter in all this saga). Turns out all is well, she doesn't have strep (which I was worried about, since it's already going around school).
So this morning, I get a phone call back from the Admin office - suprising, but disheartening. Apprently I'm an evil woman for not paying bills I didn't receive. Obviously I recieved them, they're all sent via an automated system. I point out that the only bill I had ever received (for myself, not even for Iz) was hand-written. Uncomfortable pause. Explanation of how they do hand write some bills.
I also point out, since I'm talking to someone in the billing department, I point out something my insurance company told me when I called. They had mentioned that one of the charges they turned down was for a urinalysis. Pretty interesting, since my daughter, who has been seeing these people since her birth, has never once peed in a cup for them. It seems they've been billing my insurance company for things that they haven't done. She promises to send me a copy of outstanding bills. I don't trust them one bit now so I'm going to have to go through them item by item. Chances are I'll still not catch everything, as they're pretty vague when it comes to explanations of codes.
Isn't charging insurance for something they didn't do illegal? If it's not illegal, I know it's immoral. It's certainly stealing. I can't help feeling that it's quite a big issue, even if the woman on the phone waved it away like it was nothing.
So there you have it. If you ever find yourself in the Baltimore area, don't ever, ever visit Potomac Physicians for anything. Incompetent isn't even the word for it.
What makes me really mad is that if they'd have told me I had a balance and still let me bring her in, I'd have happily bought a check in the morning of her appointment. I wouldn't have even asked these questions, and they'd certainly be better off.
Does anyone know how to create as much collections trouble for a company as possible, while still keeping it legal (not stooping to their level) and not messing up my credit history? My boss suggested sending them $1 a week - can you do that?
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Another week, another party.
Iz has the last of her very drawn out birthday celebrations this weekend. Her Gymnastics party, to which noone has RSVP'd and I need a head count to the gymnastics place by yesterday. I also need to sort out plates, cups, party bags and something for the kiddos to eat. Behind? Moi?
Had an excellent time fishing out on the Chesapeake Bay on Saturday. The company I wokr for chartered ten fishing boats and put on a buffet breakfast. It was awesome, except for the funny looking sunburn I managed to get - burned my whole face except where my singlasses are, so I look like a raccoon in a negative. Stupid fair skin, and stupid me. I swear I've learned my lesson this time - or at least I have for the next few months.
In other news, we now have a cat. It's not a particularly bright cat, but it is quite amusing. Except when I had to fish it out from behind the dryer twice yesterday - that was less amusing. Pictures to follow (but then I always say that, don't I?)
Had an excellent time fishing out on the Chesapeake Bay on Saturday. The company I wokr for chartered ten fishing boats and put on a buffet breakfast. It was awesome, except for the funny looking sunburn I managed to get - burned my whole face except where my singlasses are, so I look like a raccoon in a negative. Stupid fair skin, and stupid me. I swear I've learned my lesson this time - or at least I have for the next few months.
In other news, we now have a cat. It's not a particularly bright cat, but it is quite amusing. Except when I had to fish it out from behind the dryer twice yesterday - that was less amusing. Pictures to follow (but then I always say that, don't I?)
Thursday, September 13, 2007
And it's another retrospective
September's going to be like that, folks!
It happened six years ago today. Becoming a mother, for me, was the ultimate "You've got to act like an adult now" feeling. Not a bad feeling at all, though.
Throughout my pregnancy I was a little worried. I mean, babies were OK, but I didn't like them a whole bunch. I was never one of those kids that longed to become a mother - I was more the climbing trees kind of kid than the babydoll kind of kid. The second they placed my child in my arms, it was a complete change. There was nothing more beautiful in this world, and there was absolutely no love like it. I never really understood "God the father" as a metaphor for the way God loves us, but at that moment I understood it, even if I'm still not sure if I wholly believe it.
Love at first sight. C, an avowed agnostic who would rather have his legs waxed than talk about religion, swears he saw a little piece of God in the birth of his baby.
Yes, there will be cake and a party, later. Today a rather overexcited Iz is at school, where she will be ditributing snacks and pencils, and later we're going to Friendly's for dinner. Obviously her choice - and I'm a little suprised, since she's been rather too fond of going to the Outback lately. Friendly's food is more affordable (although a lot less edible) though.
It happened six years ago today. Becoming a mother, for me, was the ultimate "You've got to act like an adult now" feeling. Not a bad feeling at all, though.
Throughout my pregnancy I was a little worried. I mean, babies were OK, but I didn't like them a whole bunch. I was never one of those kids that longed to become a mother - I was more the climbing trees kind of kid than the babydoll kind of kid. The second they placed my child in my arms, it was a complete change. There was nothing more beautiful in this world, and there was absolutely no love like it. I never really understood "God the father" as a metaphor for the way God loves us, but at that moment I understood it, even if I'm still not sure if I wholly believe it.
Love at first sight. C, an avowed agnostic who would rather have his legs waxed than talk about religion, swears he saw a little piece of God in the birth of his baby.
Yes, there will be cake and a party, later. Today a rather overexcited Iz is at school, where she will be ditributing snacks and pencils, and later we're going to Friendly's for dinner. Obviously her choice - and I'm a little suprised, since she's been rather too fond of going to the Outback lately. Friendly's food is more affordable (although a lot less edible) though.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
So where have I been?
Well, Saturday we headed down to Charles Town, WV, for the horse racing. Had a great time. Stayed in a brand new Holiday Inn, and it was wonderful. Even had a free shuttle to the racecourse - which was excellent as both of us wanted a drink or two.
Had fun with the horse racing - pretty much broke even, which was better than I had expected. C really, really enjoyed it. We're probably going back one Sunday afternoon, and taking Iz with us - it seems a pretty family place - lots of people had their kids with them, and all the kids were having a great time.
Getting ready for Iz's birthday tomorrow - she'll be 6. There's a brand new bike sitting in our basement, and I know she'll be thrilled with it. Family party on friday, and her gymnastics party next Sunday - we wanted her to get to know some of the kids at school so she could have school friends at her very first real party.
So lots going on. I've been kind of on a freebie hunting and competition entering thing too, lately. I stumbled upon Spoofee.com, which has lists of stuff to enter, and free stuff to get, and really good deals - I bought an MP3 player (just a 512mb one, but good enough for Iz) for $5 including shipping.
All of a sudden, I've decided I want to win something. Anything. Well, anything I really want, obviously. I didn't enter the competition where you get to dance with shakira as a prize, even if it would mean seeing a few really shocked faces. Nor the one where you get to meet a Nascar driver. What would I say? Apart from apologising and telling him that I vastly prefer Formula One, and that would be pretty awkward....
Had fun with the horse racing - pretty much broke even, which was better than I had expected. C really, really enjoyed it. We're probably going back one Sunday afternoon, and taking Iz with us - it seems a pretty family place - lots of people had their kids with them, and all the kids were having a great time.
Getting ready for Iz's birthday tomorrow - she'll be 6. There's a brand new bike sitting in our basement, and I know she'll be thrilled with it. Family party on friday, and her gymnastics party next Sunday - we wanted her to get to know some of the kids at school so she could have school friends at her very first real party.
So lots going on. I've been kind of on a freebie hunting and competition entering thing too, lately. I stumbled upon Spoofee.com, which has lists of stuff to enter, and free stuff to get, and really good deals - I bought an MP3 player (just a 512mb one, but good enough for Iz) for $5 including shipping.
All of a sudden, I've decided I want to win something. Anything. Well, anything I really want, obviously. I didn't enter the competition where you get to dance with shakira as a prize, even if it would mean seeing a few really shocked faces. Nor the one where you get to meet a Nascar driver. What would I say? Apart from apologising and telling him that I vastly prefer Formula One, and that would be pretty awkward....
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
No new beginnings today.
Which, for the moment, is a good thing. I need a day's break, and some planning time.
Tomorrow, I will have been married for ten years. For those of you doing the math, yes, I'm 29, and yes I got married when I was 19.
So ten years. That's a lot of time. Somehow, we've kept it together for long enough that I've been married for more than a third of my life. So what have I learned?
I've learned there's no perfection. If you're looking for someone to make your life easy, then marriage isn't your option. Perhaps one of those helper monkeys would be a better deal on that front. I hear they're less expensive in the long run, too. Cooperation is good, but noone ever got married to become a slave. Be thankful for the help you get, and remember that it means giving help back.
I've learned that although there's no perfection, it doesn't mean you should put up with crap. By crap I mean physical or emotional abuse.
I've learned that the seven-year-itch exists, but if you resist it, and get over it, then after that, your relationship is better. In going through that, I've learned that even though it felt like I would never think my husband was the most wonderful man alive again, that feeling came back stronger than ever.
In other news, I booked Iz's party yesterday. for the first time ever, we're doing a party that's not family at our house (although we'll end up doing an informal one of those, too). She's having a gymnastics party, complete with liability forms to be signed by each parent. Now comes the rush of invitations, RSVP's, party-stuff buying (including some treats to take into school next thursday), party favor construction and actually hosting the party. I hate organising parties. It's also one of those things that I've learned to expect to do on my own (see above). Too much anxiety, too much perfectionism - I'm not a perfectionist about my own life, but Iz's parties have to be generous, happy get togethers, put together on a tiny budget which I always overspend.
I'm thinking about making little tote bags to use as party bags. Quite honestly, I can get the fabric for about the same price as the pre-bought plastic bags, and it looks good. I could probably pick up some small coloring books and crayons and make some really cool party favors. It just means a few nights of sitting in the basement sewing. I had better get to it!
Tomorrow, I will have been married for ten years. For those of you doing the math, yes, I'm 29, and yes I got married when I was 19.
So ten years. That's a lot of time. Somehow, we've kept it together for long enough that I've been married for more than a third of my life. So what have I learned?
I've learned there's no perfection. If you're looking for someone to make your life easy, then marriage isn't your option. Perhaps one of those helper monkeys would be a better deal on that front. I hear they're less expensive in the long run, too. Cooperation is good, but noone ever got married to become a slave. Be thankful for the help you get, and remember that it means giving help back.
I've learned that although there's no perfection, it doesn't mean you should put up with crap. By crap I mean physical or emotional abuse.
I've learned that the seven-year-itch exists, but if you resist it, and get over it, then after that, your relationship is better. In going through that, I've learned that even though it felt like I would never think my husband was the most wonderful man alive again, that feeling came back stronger than ever.
In other news, I booked Iz's party yesterday. for the first time ever, we're doing a party that's not family at our house (although we'll end up doing an informal one of those, too). She's having a gymnastics party, complete with liability forms to be signed by each parent. Now comes the rush of invitations, RSVP's, party-stuff buying (including some treats to take into school next thursday), party favor construction and actually hosting the party. I hate organising parties. It's also one of those things that I've learned to expect to do on my own (see above). Too much anxiety, too much perfectionism - I'm not a perfectionist about my own life, but Iz's parties have to be generous, happy get togethers, put together on a tiny budget which I always overspend.
I'm thinking about making little tote bags to use as party bags. Quite honestly, I can get the fabric for about the same price as the pre-bought plastic bags, and it looks good. I could probably pick up some small coloring books and crayons and make some really cool party favors. It just means a few nights of sitting in the basement sewing. I had better get to it!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Another first day
We seem to have lots of them lately. Today was the first day Iz went to her new sitters house - she'll be there before school for an hour and a half, and the wonderful lady who's watching her (and I'm not just saying that because she's saving my life) is great. She also has a daughter in Kindergarten, so it should work out great. Iz was a little nervous last night, but I think it was a product of being so excited throughout the weekend.
In other news, it appears we're getting a cat in a few weeks time. I'm cautiously pleased about it - there are so many things to do to make sure it's going to settle in well to the family - including the dog. If anyone has any ideas on how to make this easier, please let me know!
In other news, it appears we're getting a cat in a few weeks time. I'm cautiously pleased about it - there are so many things to do to make sure it's going to settle in well to the family - including the dog. If anyone has any ideas on how to make this easier, please let me know!
Monday, September 3, 2007
Ready for school!
I know, I'm horrible, she's been back at school for a week and I still haven't posted the pictures.
Actually, you'd think she's been going for years, although she was very pleased to get her first "slam dunk" (see earlier post) - I knew it would bug her until she got one.
Getting off the school bus (since we couldn't get a picture of her getting onto the school bus)
The bus pulling up to the end of our street, at the end of her first day.
Actually, you'd think she's been going for years, although she was very pleased to get her first "slam dunk" (see earlier post) - I knew it would bug her until she got one.
Getting off the school bus (since we couldn't get a picture of her getting onto the school bus)
At the school the morning we dropped her off. She looks so nervous and scared, doesn't she?
The bus pulling up to the end of our street, at the end of her first day.
This is her leaving for school her first day, with all the stuff she had to take with her. We haven't seen any of it since....
Friday, August 31, 2007
OK, I'm going to get all Oprah...
And tell you about something I love, because then you have to love it too.
Very Short List
It's a once a day email thing, but (as it says on the box) it's very short. It's often full of cool books and music, generally on subjects that I've not thought about much before - and you all know how I can go cuckoo over new subjects to mess with/google for hours on end.
So yes, like Oprah, I too can post "things I love". Except mine are free, because I'm cheap like that.
Very Short List
It's a once a day email thing, but (as it says on the box) it's very short. It's often full of cool books and music, generally on subjects that I've not thought about much before - and you all know how I can go cuckoo over new subjects to mess with/google for hours on end.
So yes, like Oprah, I too can post "things I love". Except mine are free, because I'm cheap like that.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Oh, and something else...
I've spent nearly all morning reading an awesome blog. I have to plug it.
It all started with someone sending me an ebay item:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130144061675
Any mom who will ebay a box of pokemon cards her kids snuck by her in a supermarket is a good woman. Her item description cracked me up, and below, in the comments, she posts her blog:
http://mom2my6pack.blogspot.com
She rocks. It's one of the reasons I love reading other people's blogs - there are so many people out there who are really great writers - people with humour and life situations that make for wonderful reading (and much thankfulness, and a little wistfulness that we decided on just the one child).
It all started with someone sending me an ebay item:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130144061675
Any mom who will ebay a box of pokemon cards her kids snuck by her in a supermarket is a good woman. Her item description cracked me up, and below, in the comments, she posts her blog:
http://mom2my6pack.blogspot.com
She rocks. It's one of the reasons I love reading other people's blogs - there are so many people out there who are really great writers - people with humour and life situations that make for wonderful reading (and much thankfulness, and a little wistfulness that we decided on just the one child).
OK, so I'm a slacker again.
But most day's my life is really not interesting enough to write about.
School is going well - the third day started with Iz not even bothering to say goodbye to me before she got on the bus, and not even bothering to wave once she was on the bus. She proudly informed me that her teacher had given out "slam dunk" tickets to kids yesterday (the school's good behaviour reward program - when a teacher notices good behavior, the kid immediately gets a ticket, which entitles them to something good happening later that day - they get a prize, or get to be the line leader, or something else that five year olds think is just great), but not to her. Apparently she's not that bothered - yeah right. This child is one of those award-collecting kids. If they're giving out certificates, she wants one. Heck, if they're giving out stickers, she will move heaven and earth to get one. We'll see if she comes home all self-satisfied this afternoon.
I'm kind of liking this whole getting up an hour later than usual - sleeping in until 6am is heavenly. It's awesome. I know C is loving not having to drive 2 hours in the afternoon to pick Iz up, too. Things have actually been getting done around the house. It's like, all of a sudden, we're normal people with a vaguely tidy house and dishes to eat off. I give it two weeks before we're back to our usual selves.
Other stuff? I think Iz loves her teacher. I know she's upset that the weekend's coming up - and a long weekend at that - three whole days away from school! It makes me feel so loved. Actually I prefer this to a kid who screams all morning becuase they can't bear to go to school.
School is going well - the third day started with Iz not even bothering to say goodbye to me before she got on the bus, and not even bothering to wave once she was on the bus. She proudly informed me that her teacher had given out "slam dunk" tickets to kids yesterday (the school's good behaviour reward program - when a teacher notices good behavior, the kid immediately gets a ticket, which entitles them to something good happening later that day - they get a prize, or get to be the line leader, or something else that five year olds think is just great), but not to her. Apparently she's not that bothered - yeah right. This child is one of those award-collecting kids. If they're giving out certificates, she wants one. Heck, if they're giving out stickers, she will move heaven and earth to get one. We'll see if she comes home all self-satisfied this afternoon.
I'm kind of liking this whole getting up an hour later than usual - sleeping in until 6am is heavenly. It's awesome. I know C is loving not having to drive 2 hours in the afternoon to pick Iz up, too. Things have actually been getting done around the house. It's like, all of a sudden, we're normal people with a vaguely tidy house and dishes to eat off. I give it two weeks before we're back to our usual selves.
Other stuff? I think Iz loves her teacher. I know she's upset that the weekend's coming up - and a long weekend at that - three whole days away from school! It makes me feel so loved. Actually I prefer this to a kid who screams all morning becuase they can't bear to go to school.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
All went very, very well.
And Iz is excited and counting down the hours. All the kids in her class were as desperately shy as she was - so it was aminly parents wandering around, reading name-tags and trying to introduce their kids toy your kid. And the kids taking a quick peek and running away. Incidentally, Iz will be in a class with a kid that C has done some dry-wall work for. Either they didn't remember him (probably), or we were all very good and didn't talk about work while the kids were supposed to be socializing.
Oh, and I have to report my absolute hypocrisy. As much as I went on the other day about people who want ultra-expensive things all the time, and those who market to them, I really really really want a Wegman's closer to my house. We went in yesterday to pick up some things not available at our local supermarket (think eastern end of the cold war - you're lucky if there's bread on the shelves) and I realised that I do really want polite, friendly staff, a huge selection and gorgeous (although still supermarkety) surroundings. And it's not that much more expensive than my only local supermarket, which is horribly run, dirty, poorly stocked and has crazy staff who examine your purchases as they pass them across the scanner, making the odd comment about your tastes.
The one problem with Wegmans (the one that makes me feel all hypocritical) is that they do stock lots of "over expensive crap you never knew you needed", but I figure I can make a statement and not buy any of it. Or at least I could if there was a Wegmans close to me. *sigh*
Oh, and I have to report my absolute hypocrisy. As much as I went on the other day about people who want ultra-expensive things all the time, and those who market to them, I really really really want a Wegman's closer to my house. We went in yesterday to pick up some things not available at our local supermarket (think eastern end of the cold war - you're lucky if there's bread on the shelves) and I realised that I do really want polite, friendly staff, a huge selection and gorgeous (although still supermarkety) surroundings. And it's not that much more expensive than my only local supermarket, which is horribly run, dirty, poorly stocked and has crazy staff who examine your purchases as they pass them across the scanner, making the odd comment about your tastes.
The one problem with Wegmans (the one that makes me feel all hypocritical) is that they do stock lots of "over expensive crap you never knew you needed", but I figure I can make a statement and not buy any of it. Or at least I could if there was a Wegmans close to me. *sigh*
Friday, August 24, 2007
An exciting day.
Well, that is, hopefully it will be an exciting day.
We will be spending the afternoon at Iz's new school, where we will get to meet her teacher, see her classroom, and no doubt get some goldfish crackers or a cookie. I swear, my child will never go hungry at this school. Every meeting or appointment we've had so far has been accompanied by a snack.
Iz was thrilled yesterday to get a letter (a real letter in the mail!) from her new Kindergarten teacher. I was thrilled when I found out that this lady has 24 years elementary teaching experience. You have to be a special kind of person to survive elementary education (pupils, parents and policies) for 24 years. Not that a new teacher wouldn't be cool too, but I definately get the picture that this lady is unflappable. Come to think of it, I'm kind of looking forward to meeting her today, too!
After we go to the school this afternoon, C and I have agreed that we'll let Iz choose wherever she wants to go for a meal, to celebrate her going to school, and being a big kid. I've got a feeling we;re either going to end up at Chuck E Cheese's (pizza and arcarde games) or the Outback (steakhouse). I know which one I'd prefer...
We will be spending the afternoon at Iz's new school, where we will get to meet her teacher, see her classroom, and no doubt get some goldfish crackers or a cookie. I swear, my child will never go hungry at this school. Every meeting or appointment we've had so far has been accompanied by a snack.
Iz was thrilled yesterday to get a letter (a real letter in the mail!) from her new Kindergarten teacher. I was thrilled when I found out that this lady has 24 years elementary teaching experience. You have to be a special kind of person to survive elementary education (pupils, parents and policies) for 24 years. Not that a new teacher wouldn't be cool too, but I definately get the picture that this lady is unflappable. Come to think of it, I'm kind of looking forward to meeting her today, too!
After we go to the school this afternoon, C and I have agreed that we'll let Iz choose wherever she wants to go for a meal, to celebrate her going to school, and being a big kid. I've got a feeling we;re either going to end up at Chuck E Cheese's (pizza and arcarde games) or the Outback (steakhouse). I know which one I'd prefer...
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Some things just don't sit right.
Apparently I'm in a really contrary mood lately. A couple of things that have generally started pissing me off to the extent that I have to rant about them (or at least bitch a bit).
1) It seems to me that our local (city wide) talk station does more stirring up of hatred between races and socio-economic groups in the city than it actually does talking. This is quite a feat for a 24 hour talk radio station, but one that seems to be acheived (at least in this city) with great regularity. This seems to be the argument between C and I - he maintains that the city is full of hate and the radio station reflects it, and I maintain that the city may be full of hate, but the radio station magnifies it, and therefore encourages it.
The last time I listened to this particular station (around December), the host was doing a fabulous job of ripping apart a recently bereaved mother, who had come on as a guest in order to try to bring some solidarity to the city and end violence. The host maintained that since the murder victim was "a thug", it was pointless to encourage people not to murder each other. In fact, in the eyes of the host, the fact that this woman's son had done drugs seemed to totally negate the woman's plight. After a few minutes of this, he unleashed the hounds - the callers waiting to say that it was all the fault of the woman - she had failed as a mother and the death of her son was the price. Would you do that to a mother who has lost a son? Perhaps you'd like to walk up to her funeral and tell her that? It scares me that as many people speak out about Fred Phelps and his funreal picketing, there seems to be a much larger movement that thinks it's OK to blame people for their misfortunes, as long as it's done anonymously.
Maybe I'm oversensitive. Maybe this radio station does reflect the true ideas of those who live here, but I really hope not, because it's scary. It makes C mad becasue he believes it's the truth of the city (insert insensitive if not scarily racist comment here), and it makes me mad because I think any possibility for progress to be made is being shouted down by those in control of the media.
2) We have some magazines lying around at work that are of the "House Beautiful" variety - understandable, seeing as we're sort of in the house beautification market. These also irritate the crap out of me, although it's turned into a sort of obsession lately. I looked through one yesterday, trying to find the cheapest item that I could. It was an issue about throw pillows, and the cheapest throw pillow (cushion) I could find was $125. The most expensive? $495. Other items on their "must have" list? A Tiffany honey-comb, silver handle, wooden comb, for $195 "because don't you get such a rush when you bring something home in a little blue box?", and some baby clothes. The top (a knitted jumper) for $105 and some trousers for $85.
Who are these magazines aimed at? Are there real people who would happily pay $190 of a baby outfit? Babies puke alot. They also grow. What do you see for that $190 a few weeks after you buy it? A too-small, pukey outfit that baby may have worn once. Are there really people who furnish their living rooms with furniture that makes you think $495 for a throw pillow is a bargain? Perhaps I'm just living in a very sheltered world, where making your mortgage payment for the month means we're living well.
I'm not entirely sure that there are many people for whom this magazine serves as a catalog of pretty things to pick up next time we go shopping. Even if I had the money, I'm not sure I could ever justify spending it like that. Ever. Not when $495 would feed quite a few people for a good length of time. Of course, perhaps there are people who think a cushion is more worthy than feeding people, but I like to think they don't exist. Or at least are fairly rare.
What irritates me is that this magazine (and others like it) clearly markets to an audience who aspires to this form of wealth (blech) but won't ever attain it. It's saying "Here are the things you should want and love if you're ever going to be afforded the staus in society that you've been told to aspire to".
OK, bitch time over. I'll admit that I'm wasteful, and desire things that I cannot afford. But I'm working on it.
1) It seems to me that our local (city wide) talk station does more stirring up of hatred between races and socio-economic groups in the city than it actually does talking. This is quite a feat for a 24 hour talk radio station, but one that seems to be acheived (at least in this city) with great regularity. This seems to be the argument between C and I - he maintains that the city is full of hate and the radio station reflects it, and I maintain that the city may be full of hate, but the radio station magnifies it, and therefore encourages it.
The last time I listened to this particular station (around December), the host was doing a fabulous job of ripping apart a recently bereaved mother, who had come on as a guest in order to try to bring some solidarity to the city and end violence. The host maintained that since the murder victim was "a thug", it was pointless to encourage people not to murder each other. In fact, in the eyes of the host, the fact that this woman's son had done drugs seemed to totally negate the woman's plight. After a few minutes of this, he unleashed the hounds - the callers waiting to say that it was all the fault of the woman - she had failed as a mother and the death of her son was the price. Would you do that to a mother who has lost a son? Perhaps you'd like to walk up to her funeral and tell her that? It scares me that as many people speak out about Fred Phelps and his funreal picketing, there seems to be a much larger movement that thinks it's OK to blame people for their misfortunes, as long as it's done anonymously.
Maybe I'm oversensitive. Maybe this radio station does reflect the true ideas of those who live here, but I really hope not, because it's scary. It makes C mad becasue he believes it's the truth of the city (insert insensitive if not scarily racist comment here), and it makes me mad because I think any possibility for progress to be made is being shouted down by those in control of the media.
2) We have some magazines lying around at work that are of the "House Beautiful" variety - understandable, seeing as we're sort of in the house beautification market. These also irritate the crap out of me, although it's turned into a sort of obsession lately. I looked through one yesterday, trying to find the cheapest item that I could. It was an issue about throw pillows, and the cheapest throw pillow (cushion) I could find was $125. The most expensive? $495. Other items on their "must have" list? A Tiffany honey-comb, silver handle, wooden comb, for $195 "because don't you get such a rush when you bring something home in a little blue box?", and some baby clothes. The top (a knitted jumper) for $105 and some trousers for $85.
Who are these magazines aimed at? Are there real people who would happily pay $190 of a baby outfit? Babies puke alot. They also grow. What do you see for that $190 a few weeks after you buy it? A too-small, pukey outfit that baby may have worn once. Are there really people who furnish their living rooms with furniture that makes you think $495 for a throw pillow is a bargain? Perhaps I'm just living in a very sheltered world, where making your mortgage payment for the month means we're living well.
I'm not entirely sure that there are many people for whom this magazine serves as a catalog of pretty things to pick up next time we go shopping. Even if I had the money, I'm not sure I could ever justify spending it like that. Ever. Not when $495 would feed quite a few people for a good length of time. Of course, perhaps there are people who think a cushion is more worthy than feeding people, but I like to think they don't exist. Or at least are fairly rare.
What irritates me is that this magazine (and others like it) clearly markets to an audience who aspires to this form of wealth (blech) but won't ever attain it. It's saying "Here are the things you should want and love if you're ever going to be afforded the staus in society that you've been told to aspire to".
OK, bitch time over. I'll admit that I'm wasteful, and desire things that I cannot afford. But I'm working on it.
Monday, August 20, 2007
The countdown begins.
Actually, that's a lie. The countdown began a few days ago for Iz. A week left until she starts school. We're all ready, supplies bought - the last of the shopping was done on Saturday, where we even managed to get the required kid-sized shoe box, which came with her new soccer cleats. It's hard to say which I wanted more by Saturday afternoon, the cleats or the box they came in.
So - a week left. One more school visit on Friday, and then she's on her own. I still have yet to find out what class the kids she knows from soccer are in. Knowing the way preperation has gone for school, they're not in her class. I'm almost scared to ask, because that's the one good thing that still could happen. Everything else seems to have kind of fallen in over the last week or so. Even so, I feel better that it's fallen in now, rather than just after she starts.
I think I'm more nervous than Iz is. She's excited, and has admitted to being "just a teeny tiny bit nervous" - the most nervous that my tough-girl will ever admit to being. What's keeping me calm is that I know she's going to a good school - a stable place with caring staff. Also, I klnow she's ready. she's been ready for a year now, so she's enthusiastic and ready to learn. She's ready to be in a class full of kids her age, and ready to learn to deal with friends in a neutral environment.
But am I ready? Am I ready for her to come home asking to watch shows that she's not allowed to watch "because all the other kids watch it"? Am I ready for the Easter bunny and Santa myth to be well and truly busted by another kid (for the record, I'm not entirely sure she believes anyway - it's more of a fun game for our family, but we've never come out and talked about it, which we probably should have)? Am I ready for my child to come home crying because another kid (who I don't even know) was mean to her?
Not sure yet.
So - a week left. One more school visit on Friday, and then she's on her own. I still have yet to find out what class the kids she knows from soccer are in. Knowing the way preperation has gone for school, they're not in her class. I'm almost scared to ask, because that's the one good thing that still could happen. Everything else seems to have kind of fallen in over the last week or so. Even so, I feel better that it's fallen in now, rather than just after she starts.
I think I'm more nervous than Iz is. She's excited, and has admitted to being "just a teeny tiny bit nervous" - the most nervous that my tough-girl will ever admit to being. What's keeping me calm is that I know she's going to a good school - a stable place with caring staff. Also, I klnow she's ready. she's been ready for a year now, so she's enthusiastic and ready to learn. She's ready to be in a class full of kids her age, and ready to learn to deal with friends in a neutral environment.
But am I ready? Am I ready for her to come home asking to watch shows that she's not allowed to watch "because all the other kids watch it"? Am I ready for the Easter bunny and Santa myth to be well and truly busted by another kid (for the record, I'm not entirely sure she believes anyway - it's more of a fun game for our family, but we've never come out and talked about it, which we probably should have)? Am I ready for my child to come home crying because another kid (who I don't even know) was mean to her?
Not sure yet.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Sick
Been sick the last few days - left work early to sleep yesterday, slept from midday until 7.30pm. Then I lay awake all night worrying about really worrying stuff.
This is my dilemma. Iz starts school next week. Earlier this week, I find out that the person who was giong to be watching Iz in the mornings (through no fault of her own) is unable to watch her. Which means I have a week to find her somewhere new, preferably for not a whole bunch of money, but more preferably where she feels comfortable and happy. And get her busses changed, which means making begging overtures to hre school office.
So this kept me awake last night. There's not an easy answer, and I really want to get this settled so we can prepare properly for the whole starting school thing.
So I'm sick and I'm stressed. I'll stop there, because if I carry on I'll just bore everybody to death.
This is my dilemma. Iz starts school next week. Earlier this week, I find out that the person who was giong to be watching Iz in the mornings (through no fault of her own) is unable to watch her. Which means I have a week to find her somewhere new, preferably for not a whole bunch of money, but more preferably where she feels comfortable and happy. And get her busses changed, which means making begging overtures to hre school office.
So this kept me awake last night. There's not an easy answer, and I really want to get this settled so we can prepare properly for the whole starting school thing.
So I'm sick and I'm stressed. I'll stop there, because if I carry on I'll just bore everybody to death.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Pictures from the weekend
We went crabbing on the dock (actually we spent most of our weekend crabbing).
This is the campsite we went to this weekend - very cool huh?
State parks are always nice campgrounds - ussually secluded and quiet after 11pm, useful when you have little ones.
This is C and Iz fishing on the Chesapeake bay. Windy and cold!
This is the campsite we went to this weekend - very cool huh?
State parks are always nice campgrounds - ussually secluded and quiet after 11pm, useful when you have little ones.
Where have I been?
Well, I wrote out a huge great long post on Friday, only for the comuter to eat it before I posted. I've just now figured out how to retrieve it and post it, so today you get a two-fer.
We did go camping last weekend, and it was a blast - Point lookout is great, although we didn't even get to go to most of the places I wanted to see. We really just spent the time crabbing, which Iz loved, and making the most of the activities laid on at the Nature center - I love state parks. All the activities are educational, and very tailored for whatever kids show up. The warden there was fabulous, she even took time to give Iz and I a complete guided tour of the center when we showed up late for one of the activities. Too many jellyfish to go swimming, but Iz was fine with just hanging out on the floating docks catching crabs (all of which were way too small to eat).
This week is shaping up to be stressful - at least yesterday was, and today is headed the same way. I got badly let down by someone who was supposed to do work for us, although I was kind of expecting it, it wasn't fun to have my worst fears realised. Thankfully C is stepping into the breach and doing the drywall work that needs to be done.
C took our nephew to the football game last night - the preseason between the Ravens and the Eagles. I watched it on TV, since there really wasn't anyone to watch Iz, and our nephew deserved the treat anyway. Seems like they had a blast.
Tonight we're at Iz's new school yet again, this time for a new student's evening. Since we missed the Kindergarten one, we were invited to this one, which is nice, since we'll get to see the whole school and meet some of the staff. Next Friday she has "back to school afternoon", and then the Monday after that she starts school - scary since my childcare deal fell through. Now we're going to have to figure something else out, and with only 2 weeks to do it, I have no clue how we'll do. Oh well. We'll survive.
We did go camping last weekend, and it was a blast - Point lookout is great, although we didn't even get to go to most of the places I wanted to see. We really just spent the time crabbing, which Iz loved, and making the most of the activities laid on at the Nature center - I love state parks. All the activities are educational, and very tailored for whatever kids show up. The warden there was fabulous, she even took time to give Iz and I a complete guided tour of the center when we showed up late for one of the activities. Too many jellyfish to go swimming, but Iz was fine with just hanging out on the floating docks catching crabs (all of which were way too small to eat).
This week is shaping up to be stressful - at least yesterday was, and today is headed the same way. I got badly let down by someone who was supposed to do work for us, although I was kind of expecting it, it wasn't fun to have my worst fears realised. Thankfully C is stepping into the breach and doing the drywall work that needs to be done.
C took our nephew to the football game last night - the preseason between the Ravens and the Eagles. I watched it on TV, since there really wasn't anyone to watch Iz, and our nephew deserved the treat anyway. Seems like they had a blast.
Tonight we're at Iz's new school yet again, this time for a new student's evening. Since we missed the Kindergarten one, we were invited to this one, which is nice, since we'll get to see the whole school and meet some of the staff. Next Friday she has "back to school afternoon", and then the Monday after that she starts school - scary since my childcare deal fell through. Now we're going to have to figure something else out, and with only 2 weeks to do it, I have no clue how we'll do. Oh well. We'll survive.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Camping
Finally decided where to go this weekend - we're headed to Scotland. Scotland, Maryland, that is - off to Point Lookout State Park for some fishing (hopefully some crabbing) and some beach time. My new books from Amazon might arrive in the nick of time, at least I'm hoping they will. The USPS puts a delivery estimate of Augsut 21st on the package, but it was in Capitol Heights, MD yesterday, and it shouldn't take that long to get to my house - A parcel shouldn't take two weeks to go less than 20 miles.
We were going to head to West Virginia, since I wanted to check out the "Purple Fiddle" a cafe and live music venue built around the idea of kids being welcome for all shows. That place just sounds like heaven for me. You don't realise how difficult it is to tote a 5 year old to music that isn't free and outdoors - the WTMD First Thursdays concert season has saved us in years past, but we haven't been able to make any of those shows this year.
Still, next weekend is "Hot August Blues" at a park near us - $30 a ticket, but kids are free, and there's tons of workshops and stuff laid on for the little ones. http://www.hotaugustblues.com/ - looks like fun.
We were going to head to West Virginia, since I wanted to check out the "Purple Fiddle" a cafe and live music venue built around the idea of kids being welcome for all shows. That place just sounds like heaven for me. You don't realise how difficult it is to tote a 5 year old to music that isn't free and outdoors - the WTMD First Thursdays concert season has saved us in years past, but we haven't been able to make any of those shows this year.
Still, next weekend is "Hot August Blues" at a park near us - $30 a ticket, but kids are free, and there's tons of workshops and stuff laid on for the little ones. http://www.hotaugustblues.com/ - looks like fun.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
She's a star!
Just a quick entry - Iz was an absolute star today.
We went to the dentist this morning, and she behaved perfectly. She has to go back for a filling next week and she even took that news well. Better than I did. A huge plus at the dentist was that I found out that we do have dental insurance after all - there's $110 I thought we were going to have to spend today that we didn't.
Not only that, we've just got back from the assesment at school with one of the kindergarten teachers. She behaved perfectly then, too. She put up with a 30 minute one on one quiz, and the only thing she couldn't come up with was a rhyme for "w". It took me a little while to come up with a rhyme for "w", so I think we can be satisfied that she did her best, and did pretty well.
I'm so proud!
Monday, August 6, 2007
A new week.
And a countdown to a few days away. Camping somewhere, although I have no clue where, yet. Probably somewhere in West Virginia, where there aren't a whole bunch of people. Possibly Seneca Rocks, since we've been there before, and there's a nice wildlife center in the park but not much more than that going on - some caverns and a diner, if I remember right. But somewhere, so we can get away. I already got permission to leave a little early on Friday, so we can get to wherever we're going. I'm excited already!
Had the in-laws over for crabs yesterday, which was actually quite pleasant, but we were both exhausted afterwards. At least I slept well last night, unlike a certain someone. Iz is still having trouble sleeping, and it seems to get worse. It's now a full 30 minute song and dance extravaganza to get her into bed and to sleep - complete with real tears. I really hope that once she meets her teacher tomorrow she'll calm down a little - I'm convinced that this has more to do with starting school than even she realizes.
So here's hoping that by tomorrow evening she's at least calming down some. For all of our sakes.
Had the in-laws over for crabs yesterday, which was actually quite pleasant, but we were both exhausted afterwards. At least I slept well last night, unlike a certain someone. Iz is still having trouble sleeping, and it seems to get worse. It's now a full 30 minute song and dance extravaganza to get her into bed and to sleep - complete with real tears. I really hope that once she meets her teacher tomorrow she'll calm down a little - I'm convinced that this has more to do with starting school than even she realizes.
So here's hoping that by tomorrow evening she's at least calming down some. For all of our sakes.
Friday, August 3, 2007
OK, here's one from England...
Corfe castle, to be exact. Apparently flickr prefers me to blog from here if I'm adding pictures?
I'm thinking pictures.
Or, more correctly, I'm thinking I should put up some pictures. I will, tomorrow. I'm at work now, so the potentioal for pictures is limited to whats on my flikr account, which is pictures of our last England trip.
So here's one of England, if I can make it work... OK, it didn't work, but here's one of Iz last halloween which does work....
So other than the picture thing - I'll take some more interesting ones tomorrow, I've been sewing. Making practice party bags for Iz's party (they're actually turning out good enough that I might really and truly make bags for Iz's party!), and making wallets, because they're easy, don't take much fabric and they're good practice. they're not quite good enough to give away yet, though. Shame.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Promises, promises.
So I never did get back here yesterday, as I ended up taking Iz for dinner and some shopping after work. Which means I didn't get to sleep last night because what I ate gave me a stomach ache, which means I'm still tired this morning. I did, however, successfully avoid the Snickers and Diet Coke lunch I was planning, so that's something.
On the way from Iz's day care (my sister-in-law's house) to dinner last night, Iz and I had an interesting discussion. Her favorite ever singer, Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus, daughter of the achey-breaky-heart guy for those who are blessed by the lack of five year old girls in their life) was on the radio, singing something nauseating, when Iz suddenly piped up "When I get older, I'm going to be Hannah Montana". I had to bust her bubble, and tell her that when we grow up, we can only be ourselves, and not other people (I did stop short of pointing out that she definately couldn't become a Disney created pop star teenager with a badly-acted double life though - I'm not a monster). I did tell her that if she really wanted to, she could be like Hannah Montana, although I'm not entirely sure I'll be encouraging that development too much either.
So why do we tell our kids that they can be anything they want to be, and then constantly moderate it with "but not that"? Yesterday I settled for reminding Iz that she's Iz, and that as long as she's still herself and true to herself, we'll love her whatever.
On the way from Iz's day care (my sister-in-law's house) to dinner last night, Iz and I had an interesting discussion. Her favorite ever singer, Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus, daughter of the achey-breaky-heart guy for those who are blessed by the lack of five year old girls in their life) was on the radio, singing something nauseating, when Iz suddenly piped up "When I get older, I'm going to be Hannah Montana". I had to bust her bubble, and tell her that when we grow up, we can only be ourselves, and not other people (I did stop short of pointing out that she definately couldn't become a Disney created pop star teenager with a badly-acted double life though - I'm not a monster). I did tell her that if she really wanted to, she could be like Hannah Montana, although I'm not entirely sure I'll be encouraging that development too much either.
So why do we tell our kids that they can be anything they want to be, and then constantly moderate it with "but not that"? Yesterday I settled for reminding Iz that she's Iz, and that as long as she's still herself and true to herself, we'll love her whatever.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
So so so so so so tired.
You know those mornings where you just want to eat something vaguely breakfasty and comforting, something like a nice croissant, and then crawl back under your covers and perhaps read until you fall back to sleep?
Yeah, that's me this morning. But instead of a nice croissant to eat, I got a moany child to get up and get dressed, and instead of covers and a book, I got a cubicle and some flourescent lighting. Go on, guess my mood this morning. Oh, and I have a huge oil mark on my (clean) t - shirt that I never noticed before I got to work.
So I'm attmpting to be less grumpy this morning, and I'm holding on for lunch and the promise of at least a peanut butter sandwich, and if I can reconcile it with my diet plan (watch me do it), a Snickers bar and a diet coke from the 7-11. Perhaps I'll blog something useful after that.
Yeah, that's me this morning. But instead of a nice croissant to eat, I got a moany child to get up and get dressed, and instead of covers and a book, I got a cubicle and some flourescent lighting. Go on, guess my mood this morning. Oh, and I have a huge oil mark on my (clean) t - shirt that I never noticed before I got to work.
So I'm attmpting to be less grumpy this morning, and I'm holding on for lunch and the promise of at least a peanut butter sandwich, and if I can reconcile it with my diet plan (watch me do it), a Snickers bar and a diet coke from the 7-11. Perhaps I'll blog something useful after that.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Monday, monday.
An interesting weekend - got a whole day of C-time yesterday, which was incredibly cool, especially since he's had to work the last few saturdays.
Spent saturday messing around with the sewing machine - didn't do too badly, either. With a little practice I should be able to make some fun stuff - as obsessed with the beauty of quilting as I've always been, I've never used my machine for making practical things, and it's a lot more fun than I always thought it was. Admittedly I still have to learn to sew in a straight line, but I find it a lot like a 3-D sudoku puzzle - things have to go in the right places, and working out how it all goes together is absorbing and relaxing all at once.
If anyone has any ideas for places to find easy-ish projects, I'd love to hear about them...
I've not actually managed to do anything useful this weekend at all - which was very nice, but now I have to do it all after work this week. Yuck.
We're also having trouble getting Iz to settle down at night - she had a "bad dream" two weeks ago, and now every night she's scared to go to sleep in case she has the same dream. Something to do with being chased by as gorilla is the best we can get out of her. I'm thinking with all the huge impending change in her life, we should go fairly easy on her (she ends up laying in our bed and falling asleep most nights - we move her when we want to go to bed) but I'm sort of at a loss when it comes to actually getting to the bottom of this, rather than letting her do that every night for the foreseeable future. I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Spent saturday messing around with the sewing machine - didn't do too badly, either. With a little practice I should be able to make some fun stuff - as obsessed with the beauty of quilting as I've always been, I've never used my machine for making practical things, and it's a lot more fun than I always thought it was. Admittedly I still have to learn to sew in a straight line, but I find it a lot like a 3-D sudoku puzzle - things have to go in the right places, and working out how it all goes together is absorbing and relaxing all at once.
If anyone has any ideas for places to find easy-ish projects, I'd love to hear about them...
I've not actually managed to do anything useful this weekend at all - which was very nice, but now I have to do it all after work this week. Yuck.
We're also having trouble getting Iz to settle down at night - she had a "bad dream" two weeks ago, and now every night she's scared to go to sleep in case she has the same dream. Something to do with being chased by as gorilla is the best we can get out of her. I'm thinking with all the huge impending change in her life, we should go fairly easy on her (she ends up laying in our bed and falling asleep most nights - we move her when we want to go to bed) but I'm sort of at a loss when it comes to actually getting to the bottom of this, rather than letting her do that every night for the foreseeable future. I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Who's afraid of the big, bad dentist?
I made Iz an appointment at the dentist for a few weeks from now - part of the school's drive to make sure kids have teeth when they enter kindergarten, apparently. She has to have a form filled out by a dentist, stating that he's inspected her teeth and she's either OK or undergoing a treatment program for any problems.
I can see the good side of this - kids get their dental needs adressed at an early age, good habits, all that stuff. Part of me, however, wonders how much those dentists paid the Maryland State lawmakers to put this into practice. Iz has already lost two teeth, with one more loose, and her new ones are growing in with no problems. She's never had any tooth pain, and some dentist is going to be able to hold this stupid form over my head and demand that she has an expensive treatment program - who knows whether she really needs it or not?
I've asked around, and picked the most trustworthy dentist I can find. Problem is, since I was a kid, I've not trusted any dentist. Ever since the orthodontist I saw when I was 11 made me insane with fear every time I saw him, I've not been exactly in love with the profession. In fact, I'm scared silly of dentists. Now I'm trying really really hard not to transmit my fear to Iz, who doesn't seem incredibly happy about the idea anyway. We'll get through it, and hopefully it's not traumatic for anyone.
Other things that have happened since I last blogged - not much really. We went on the huge "school supplies" shop yesterday. Iz was excited, and C and I were at each others throats before we got to the end of the first aisle. I say that whne the list says you need 8 large glue sticks, you buy the 8 large glue sticks (even if thay are $2 each). C says that 12 regular glue sticks ($3 total) amount to the same thing and nobody will care - whoa! Culture difference!
If it's specific on the list, then I say we should buy what's specifically stated on the list. I guess part of this is the way I was brought up - follow the instructions to the letter, especially when it comes to school requirements - how else would my school have been able to get my parents to buy uniform that was insanely expensive?
Chris thinks a list is more of a guideline. In fact, if something's not on the list and he likes the look of it, in the cart it goes. If something's close to being on the list, and much cheaper than the item on the list - in the cart it goes. If something on the list isn't in stock and there's a close-ish alternative? You guessed it - into the cart.
It drove me insane! In the end we compromised - I let him by with the glue sticks, but everything else is the same as on the list. Except the tissues - they didn't specify a size for the tissue box, so we improvised. Scary.
I can see the good side of this - kids get their dental needs adressed at an early age, good habits, all that stuff. Part of me, however, wonders how much those dentists paid the Maryland State lawmakers to put this into practice. Iz has already lost two teeth, with one more loose, and her new ones are growing in with no problems. She's never had any tooth pain, and some dentist is going to be able to hold this stupid form over my head and demand that she has an expensive treatment program - who knows whether she really needs it or not?
I've asked around, and picked the most trustworthy dentist I can find. Problem is, since I was a kid, I've not trusted any dentist. Ever since the orthodontist I saw when I was 11 made me insane with fear every time I saw him, I've not been exactly in love with the profession. In fact, I'm scared silly of dentists. Now I'm trying really really hard not to transmit my fear to Iz, who doesn't seem incredibly happy about the idea anyway. We'll get through it, and hopefully it's not traumatic for anyone.
Other things that have happened since I last blogged - not much really. We went on the huge "school supplies" shop yesterday. Iz was excited, and C and I were at each others throats before we got to the end of the first aisle. I say that whne the list says you need 8 large glue sticks, you buy the 8 large glue sticks (even if thay are $2 each). C says that 12 regular glue sticks ($3 total) amount to the same thing and nobody will care - whoa! Culture difference!
If it's specific on the list, then I say we should buy what's specifically stated on the list. I guess part of this is the way I was brought up - follow the instructions to the letter, especially when it comes to school requirements - how else would my school have been able to get my parents to buy uniform that was insanely expensive?
Chris thinks a list is more of a guideline. In fact, if something's not on the list and he likes the look of it, in the cart it goes. If something's close to being on the list, and much cheaper than the item on the list - in the cart it goes. If something on the list isn't in stock and there's a close-ish alternative? You guessed it - into the cart.
It drove me insane! In the end we compromised - I let him by with the glue sticks, but everything else is the same as on the list. Except the tissues - they didn't specify a size for the tissue box, so we improvised. Scary.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Blissful, wonderful sleep.
I slept from 5pm last night until I had to get up for work at 5.30 this morning. It was wonderful. I felt so horrible yesterday that once I was finished with work, I came straight home and went straight to bed. You know those times when all you can think about is closing your eyes and going to sleep, because you feel so icky that everything else just aches? This was one of those times. I seem better today though, which is good - can't afford any time off work.
Been messing around with the idea of some new, easy to complete (and therefore quick) sewing projects. Actually got the material to make an organizer for the back car seat for Iz, and then left the ribbon I wanted to use as trim at the store. So whenever I get back to the store, Iz will get an organiser for all the junk she keeps in the car - the fabric's already cut and waiting for me to start. Also trying to figure out how to make a smallish wallet/ coin purse type thing. Just something big enough for a few credit cards, my drivers license and some cash, but small enough to throw into my pocket. If anything ever comes of it, I'll post pictures. If anyone has any advice, please feel free to share!
Been messing around with the idea of some new, easy to complete (and therefore quick) sewing projects. Actually got the material to make an organizer for the back car seat for Iz, and then left the ribbon I wanted to use as trim at the store. So whenever I get back to the store, Iz will get an organiser for all the junk she keeps in the car - the fabric's already cut and waiting for me to start. Also trying to figure out how to make a smallish wallet/ coin purse type thing. Just something big enough for a few credit cards, my drivers license and some cash, but small enough to throw into my pocket. If anything ever comes of it, I'll post pictures. If anyone has any advice, please feel free to share!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Back on track
This weekend seems to have ironed out all the weird curves I was thrown in the last week. Got the car, paid for the car (somehow!) and then went out to dinner yesterday as a belated birthday present.
Got some really cool shoes for my birthday. Usually I'm not someone to go all gushy over shoes, but these shoes rock - I needed a new pair so C took me out after we ate to run around shoe shops. I obliged by picking a pair in the first shop we went into, and not testing his promise that he would remain patient until I had found the perfect pair.
I've also got (wait for it) $20 birthday money. That is, money all for me that I'm not spending on bills or groceries or soccer uniform for a certain five-year-old or any other stuff. I'm now desperately trying to figure out how I'm going to spend it, but I'm sure it's going to end up being books. Yay! Is it only me who gets an absolute thrill out of getting the best and most books for the smallest amount of money possible? Christmas must have been a record - I managed 8 new books, all of which I had really wanted to read, for $50 including shipping. Oh, and a free exercise DVD, which is gathering dust where I placed it when it fell out of the box six months ago. It looks all creepy and motivational and stuff.
Got some really cool shoes for my birthday. Usually I'm not someone to go all gushy over shoes, but these shoes rock - I needed a new pair so C took me out after we ate to run around shoe shops. I obliged by picking a pair in the first shop we went into, and not testing his promise that he would remain patient until I had found the perfect pair.
I've also got (wait for it) $20 birthday money. That is, money all for me that I'm not spending on bills or groceries or soccer uniform for a certain five-year-old or any other stuff. I'm now desperately trying to figure out how I'm going to spend it, but I'm sure it's going to end up being books. Yay! Is it only me who gets an absolute thrill out of getting the best and most books for the smallest amount of money possible? Christmas must have been a record - I managed 8 new books, all of which I had really wanted to read, for $50 including shipping. Oh, and a free exercise DVD, which is gathering dust where I placed it when it fell out of the box six months ago. It looks all creepy and motivational and stuff.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Good thing I held off
I was going to post this morning, but decided against it as it would have basically just been one long whine. Now I'm glad I waited - The garage has said they'll work with us on a payment system if the car repairs are too much for our fragile budget. Also, they went over to our house and managed to drive the car back to their shop, so that we woudn't have to pay for towing - how cool is that?
Another incredibly cool thing. My boss, who is probably the nicest boss in the world, and who has been picking me up every morning for work and driving me home, went into the garage at lunchtime and put some money towards getting my car fixed as my birthday present. Did I mention that my boss is one of the nicest people in the world? He is a great guy - we get along really well.
So, really, life is pretty darn good. I'm home from work, and it's my birthday tomorrow, which means C is going to take me out to dinner - totally unexpected, since I figured with the car problems and having to buy him an air ticket this week we'd be eating Ramen noodles by now, but he says he'll swing it some way or another. See? Things are looking up!
Another incredibly cool thing. My boss, who is probably the nicest boss in the world, and who has been picking me up every morning for work and driving me home, went into the garage at lunchtime and put some money towards getting my car fixed as my birthday present. Did I mention that my boss is one of the nicest people in the world? He is a great guy - we get along really well.
So, really, life is pretty darn good. I'm home from work, and it's my birthday tomorrow, which means C is going to take me out to dinner - totally unexpected, since I figured with the car problems and having to buy him an air ticket this week we'd be eating Ramen noodles by now, but he says he'll swing it some way or another. See? Things are looking up!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
...And it's still not over.
At this moment - way after I wanted to crawl into bed (yes, I know it's 8.30), C is out trying to find the part for my car. A friend I work with is helping him, and until a few minutes ago, his kids were over here - he's just taken them home.
C is getting frustrated - he called me from the road because he couldn't find the auto parts store. I'm about at my wits end because although I'd like my car fixed, it doesn't have to happen tonight, and we're both missing about 10 hours of sleep right now.
Argghhh! Why has every single little thing gone wrong today?
C is getting frustrated - he called me from the road because he couldn't find the auto parts store. I'm about at my wits end because although I'd like my car fixed, it doesn't have to happen tonight, and we're both missing about 10 hours of sleep right now.
Argghhh! Why has every single little thing gone wrong today?
It never rains....
but my life does turn into an insane drama (with some unintentional comedy).
I got in the car to pick C up last night, went to the gas station, and grabbed enough gas to get me to the airport and back - there is nowhere convenient near BWI to get gas. So I'm pulling out of the gas station when my car makes that squealy belt sound, but in a really urgent kind of way. Cue much smoke, steam and drama. There goes that belt that I thought sounded funny for the last couple of weeks. Yes, I know, it's my fault.
So I haul it back home with no power steering (no power anything) and stick around for long enough to check that nothing's going to explode (an exploratory look under the hood and three minutes). I bundle Iz into the truck and set out for the airport, grabbing more gas on the way. Yes, I managed to spend $35 on gas before I even got out of my hometown last night. We make it to the airport, and find that C's flight is over an hour late getting in - later than it was when we had left the house. I find a bookstore, buy a book and spend 45 minutes on the floor of the arrivals hall reading it to Iz. Finally C's plane gets in, and I spend a few mintues animatedly explaining to him why we're all sqeezing into the front of his truck. By this time it's 10pm and we haven't even left the airport yet.
Well, we made it home last night, and C got up at 4am to take Iz to daycare (thank goodness for wonderful sisters-in-law who get up really early) and then came home to drive me to work - so I showed up an hour early. Luckily enough, one of the guys i work wit hhas offered to take a look at the car at lunchtime, so if it's just the belt that's the problem I might not have to pay to get it towed to a shop and worked on there. Good thing too - C is wonderful, and good at many things, but cars are not one of those things.
So I've now managed 6 hours sleep over the last two nights combined. I'm exhausted, which is making me emotional. Now I'm sitting here at work desperately hoping that it is indeed just the belt. Spare money just isn't really happening right now. We already spent the money we had put aside to go out for my birthday on a flight from Florida, now we're digging into savings, and that's not a really deep reserve. At least we have a savings account - we only opened it at Christmas, so the picture in general is definately looking up, if you don't look at too many of the details...
I got in the car to pick C up last night, went to the gas station, and grabbed enough gas to get me to the airport and back - there is nowhere convenient near BWI to get gas. So I'm pulling out of the gas station when my car makes that squealy belt sound, but in a really urgent kind of way. Cue much smoke, steam and drama. There goes that belt that I thought sounded funny for the last couple of weeks. Yes, I know, it's my fault.
So I haul it back home with no power steering (no power anything) and stick around for long enough to check that nothing's going to explode (an exploratory look under the hood and three minutes). I bundle Iz into the truck and set out for the airport, grabbing more gas on the way. Yes, I managed to spend $35 on gas before I even got out of my hometown last night. We make it to the airport, and find that C's flight is over an hour late getting in - later than it was when we had left the house. I find a bookstore, buy a book and spend 45 minutes on the floor of the arrivals hall reading it to Iz. Finally C's plane gets in, and I spend a few mintues animatedly explaining to him why we're all sqeezing into the front of his truck. By this time it's 10pm and we haven't even left the airport yet.
Well, we made it home last night, and C got up at 4am to take Iz to daycare (thank goodness for wonderful sisters-in-law who get up really early) and then came home to drive me to work - so I showed up an hour early. Luckily enough, one of the guys i work wit hhas offered to take a look at the car at lunchtime, so if it's just the belt that's the problem I might not have to pay to get it towed to a shop and worked on there. Good thing too - C is wonderful, and good at many things, but cars are not one of those things.
So I've now managed 6 hours sleep over the last two nights combined. I'm exhausted, which is making me emotional. Now I'm sitting here at work desperately hoping that it is indeed just the belt. Spare money just isn't really happening right now. We already spent the money we had put aside to go out for my birthday on a flight from Florida, now we're digging into savings, and that's not a really deep reserve. At least we have a savings account - we only opened it at Christmas, so the picture in general is definately looking up, if you don't look at too many of the details...
Monday, July 16, 2007
Quick check in....
Headed out to the airport in a few minutes to get C - things seem to have gone fairly well in Florida. I'll be so glad to have him home though - who knew that sharing a queen size bed with a 5 year old would be so painful?
I let Iz sleep in my bed the last few nights. Much easier, and she missed C like crazy. Now begins the struggle - will she willingly sleep in her own room tonight or are we back to "camp outs" - a blanket and pillow on the floor at the foot of our bed. Yay.
I learned a few things this weekend. For one as much as I whine about C, he's useful to have around. Second, I can manage on my own. I even seem to get more stuff done, since I can't stand Iz sitting in front of the TV all the time. We sat and did some math yesterday - I was surprised how well she did. She has to go for testing at the school next week - the kindergarten teachers want to do some aptitude testing and talk to parents, which is reassuring - they at least act like communication is important - much more hopeful than the lack of help I got last year. It's good to know that the teachers care even if the county can't manage to answer a letter or a phone call.
I let Iz sleep in my bed the last few nights. Much easier, and she missed C like crazy. Now begins the struggle - will she willingly sleep in her own room tonight or are we back to "camp outs" - a blanket and pillow on the floor at the foot of our bed. Yay.
I learned a few things this weekend. For one as much as I whine about C, he's useful to have around. Second, I can manage on my own. I even seem to get more stuff done, since I can't stand Iz sitting in front of the TV all the time. We sat and did some math yesterday - I was surprised how well she did. She has to go for testing at the school next week - the kindergarten teachers want to do some aptitude testing and talk to parents, which is reassuring - they at least act like communication is important - much more hopeful than the lack of help I got last year. It's good to know that the teachers care even if the county can't manage to answer a letter or a phone call.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Guilty.
I've slept on my last post, and I really should delete it, but I'm not going to. As much as I miss C, it's shitty of me to feel bad because he's going to see his grandmother.
Latest news: They're eating breakfast in Savannah, GA. At a Cracker Barrel? I'm sure you can find better things to eat in GA, but I'm sure they're looking for fast and don't have time to explore.
Not sure what Iz and I are going to do today, but I plan on taking her to do something fun to take her mind off C not being around.
Latest news: They're eating breakfast in Savannah, GA. At a Cracker Barrel? I'm sure you can find better things to eat in GA, but I'm sure they're looking for fast and don't have time to explore.
Not sure what Iz and I are going to do today, but I plan on taking her to do something fun to take her mind off C not being around.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
And everything changed.
C's grandmother down in Florida, who fell and broke her hip a week ago, has taken a turn for the worse. Not only that, C's mother will not fly.
C, being the good son that he is, is on his way down to Florida. In his parents car. He's taking turns with his father so that they can drive right through. What's worse? I'm the idiot that suggested it. OK, maybe it's not that idiotic, but it's got to be on that list. But I do want C to be able to see his grandmother again, and I want him to be there for his parents - it just means he's not here for me - yup - thats the issue here - I'm selfish, people.
In a few minutes I'll take a chill pill and get some perspective, but right now I'm mad at myself. I'm mad at myself for doing the right thing, I guess. After the last two days, when we've managed to have a huge fight every night, I was really looking forward to some proper time with him. Oh well. I'll get that all the rest of the weekends this summer, I can give one up - right?
C, being the good son that he is, is on his way down to Florida. In his parents car. He's taking turns with his father so that they can drive right through. What's worse? I'm the idiot that suggested it. OK, maybe it's not that idiotic, but it's got to be on that list. But I do want C to be able to see his grandmother again, and I want him to be there for his parents - it just means he's not here for me - yup - thats the issue here - I'm selfish, people.
In a few minutes I'll take a chill pill and get some perspective, but right now I'm mad at myself. I'm mad at myself for doing the right thing, I guess. After the last two days, when we've managed to have a huge fight every night, I was really looking forward to some proper time with him. Oh well. I'll get that all the rest of the weekends this summer, I can give one up - right?
Cleaning sucks.
Phew. I'm half way through cleaning out Izzy's room, with (sometimes) and without (mostly) her help. Good news is that finally her room will look loike a real room, with carpet and stuff.
The bad news? We're cleaning up because she's asked to redecorate her room. True, she's five and perhaps her nusery theme is a bit young for her, but I'm also not sure what a five year old who is obsessed with Hannah Montana (blech) and Spongebob Squarepants (to say nothing of having a thing for really bad reality TV - Supernanny?) will come up with as a plan for redecoration. Not only that, but we don't have a ton of money, so her furniture has to stay - the bed is no problem, since it's cute and probably the most expensive piece of furniture we've ever bought. Thre dressers need a little work - they're hand me downs, and they're nice, but they're most definately made for a room that's much bigger than Izzy's. Oh well, I'm sure we'll figure it out.
Other than that, last night was stressful. Too much bad stuff going on, and neither C or I seem to have time for each other's feelings. We both need to take a deep breath, but with work, home stuff and Izzy we really don't have the time.
Speaking if Izzy, I have to go now. I'm off to go make a butterfly princess bed canopy. Yay.
The bad news? We're cleaning up because she's asked to redecorate her room. True, she's five and perhaps her nusery theme is a bit young for her, but I'm also not sure what a five year old who is obsessed with Hannah Montana (blech) and Spongebob Squarepants (to say nothing of having a thing for really bad reality TV - Supernanny?) will come up with as a plan for redecoration. Not only that, but we don't have a ton of money, so her furniture has to stay - the bed is no problem, since it's cute and probably the most expensive piece of furniture we've ever bought. Thre dressers need a little work - they're hand me downs, and they're nice, but they're most definately made for a room that's much bigger than Izzy's. Oh well, I'm sure we'll figure it out.
Other than that, last night was stressful. Too much bad stuff going on, and neither C or I seem to have time for each other's feelings. We both need to take a deep breath, but with work, home stuff and Izzy we really don't have the time.
Speaking if Izzy, I have to go now. I'm off to go make a butterfly princess bed canopy. Yay.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Lets see how long this takes...
It took me two hours to manage last night's blog at home - spent a lot of time getting up from the computer and doing other things, and as a result I wasn't really happy with how my post reads - I'm not very good at communication, and sometimes it takes quite a bit of concentration to get my point across. Add some distraction to that, and you've got a garbled mess.
So lets try blogging from the cubicle. Work cubicle, that is.
We went into Westminster yesterday to get some fish and crabs to put in C's new beach paludarium. It looks really good - when we're finished I'll post a picture. We managed to get fish (and who ever would have thought I'd be excited about fish, since I'm still incredibly scared of them?) but no crabs. Petsmart's crabs were substandard, so we have to try back every few days to see if they've had a new delivery of standard crabs. Apparently, crab deliveries to Petsmart ar enot regular things - the crabs show up whenever they feel like it.
Been spending time outside in our yard a lot lately. Well, a lot more time than I used to, anyway. We've lived in the same house for seven years now, and this is the first time we've even bought furniture to sit outside. I'm getting used to having people around now - there are just waist high fences in our neighborhood, so our yard looks directly out on five other yards. I'm used to a bit more privacy than that, but it's nice to spend some time outdoors again, espcially now I have a good reading spot.
So lets try blogging from the cubicle. Work cubicle, that is.
We went into Westminster yesterday to get some fish and crabs to put in C's new beach paludarium. It looks really good - when we're finished I'll post a picture. We managed to get fish (and who ever would have thought I'd be excited about fish, since I'm still incredibly scared of them?) but no crabs. Petsmart's crabs were substandard, so we have to try back every few days to see if they've had a new delivery of standard crabs. Apparently, crab deliveries to Petsmart ar enot regular things - the crabs show up whenever they feel like it.
Been spending time outside in our yard a lot lately. Well, a lot more time than I used to, anyway. We've lived in the same house for seven years now, and this is the first time we've even bought furniture to sit outside. I'm getting used to having people around now - there are just waist high fences in our neighborhood, so our yard looks directly out on five other yards. I'm used to a bit more privacy than that, but it's nice to spend some time outdoors again, espcially now I have a good reading spot.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
So I have to type something now, do I?
Pressure, pressure pressure. I mean, who has something to say on demand? Certainly not me. I have to think to remember my own name most of the time, especially those times where you have to pretend to be a bubbly, people person.
Just like the first day of classes (before I sort of got bored and broke and needed the time at home and quit college for awhile), when you have to do "fun things" and introduce yourself and crap like that. A huge downside of community college. Hello? These classes are costing me mega bucks - if we could perhaps learn something (as if) instead of having to play "the name game"? I'm not a public speaker. I'm not even much of a private speaker, except to a few people who I can really talk to, and I've lost touch with nearly all of them.
OK. I've just reread that last paragraph and it makes me sound like the most boring, grouchy anti-social person in the world. I'm not anti-social, I'm just hideously self conscious. And probably a little bit grouchy. Maybe. I'm not good with my body - it lets me down too much. Heck, sometimes I even have to work to make it breathe, and lets not even go near the whole subject of feeding it.
But sometimes, just sometimes, the clouds clear and I remember how good my body can feel. Those are the times that I step away, and let my mind drift (it takes practice!), and I'm learning how to just be.
Just like the first day of classes (before I sort of got bored and broke and needed the time at home and quit college for awhile), when you have to do "fun things" and introduce yourself and crap like that. A huge downside of community college. Hello? These classes are costing me mega bucks - if we could perhaps learn something (as if) instead of having to play "the name game"? I'm not a public speaker. I'm not even much of a private speaker, except to a few people who I can really talk to, and I've lost touch with nearly all of them.
OK. I've just reread that last paragraph and it makes me sound like the most boring, grouchy anti-social person in the world. I'm not anti-social, I'm just hideously self conscious. And probably a little bit grouchy. Maybe. I'm not good with my body - it lets me down too much. Heck, sometimes I even have to work to make it breathe, and lets not even go near the whole subject of feeding it.
But sometimes, just sometimes, the clouds clear and I remember how good my body can feel. Those are the times that I step away, and let my mind drift (it takes practice!), and I'm learning how to just be.
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