Darryl had to have an upper-GI test done early this morning (he's fine, no worries), and--thank goodness!--the daycare was open, so Darryl and I had kind of a nice day (medical procedure aside) just the two of us. I was able to get a good bit graded while he was at the doctor, and then we did a little shopping, had lunch at La Madeleine's, and came home. I was able to finish up laundry, fix dinner, and take a nap before picking up Amelia. It was a nice day.
In other news...I'm seriously considering watching the finale of The Bachelor. Y'all, the most "dramatic twist" is supposed to take place tonight. Tonight!!
Monday, March 02, 2009
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Food, Glorious Food!
We've had a good weekend so far. Technically, this is going to be a 3-day weekend for me because I'm taking Darryl to have an upper GI test done tomorrow.
There's talk of a snow day Monday, and for once, I'm hoping it doesn't happen because that would mean that Amelia's daycare would likely be closed and I would end up trying to entertain a 15-month-old for probably at least an hour and a half in a waiting room. That would not be good.
We've been trying to be better about eating out so much lately, but we failed miserably this weekend. We went to three new restaurants, and all were really good and places we would go again.
Friday night, we went to Gladys and Ron's Chicken & Waffles. I had actually been to a different location before and enjoyed it, but this was Darryl's first time eating there, period, and it was the first time for all of us at this location. Darryl enjoyed some fried chicken with the "fixins," and I had the smothered chicken and while it was good, I think my arteries might still be a little clogged. Amelia gave their waffles and their black-eyed peas the thumbs up. That girl LOVES black-eyed peas something fierce.
Saturday morning, we got up pretty early (meaning we were out of the house before eight) to eat breakfast at a place called J. Christopher's. Darryl's office had a breakfast catered from there, and he's been talking about it ever since Tuesday, when he found out the name of the restaurant. The breakfast was super yummy. We both had their Blueberry Crunchcakes, which are these delicious blueberry pancakes with some granola thrown in the batter. Yum! I want to go back and try their Coca-Cola ham served on a bed of cheese grits.
Yesterday afternoon, we ventured out once again to eat, this time to an English pub whose name I can't remember. The funniest thing about this restaurant is that Amelia had some mac n' cheese that she rocked her world. She'd stuff it in with both hands and throw her head back and laugh and go "mmmmm." And it was super cheesy, so she had it EVERYWHERE. Our food was good, too, but not as good as Amelia's, apparently.
Then last night, I made chicken pot pie. After all out gluttonous eating out, I've decided to try to cook for the next four or five days at least. And it was good too.
Then last night, I decided to do the Wii Fit. Probably a good move, right?
There's talk of a snow day Monday, and for once, I'm hoping it doesn't happen because that would mean that Amelia's daycare would likely be closed and I would end up trying to entertain a 15-month-old for probably at least an hour and a half in a waiting room. That would not be good.
We've been trying to be better about eating out so much lately, but we failed miserably this weekend. We went to three new restaurants, and all were really good and places we would go again.
Friday night, we went to Gladys and Ron's Chicken & Waffles. I had actually been to a different location before and enjoyed it, but this was Darryl's first time eating there, period, and it was the first time for all of us at this location. Darryl enjoyed some fried chicken with the "fixins," and I had the smothered chicken and while it was good, I think my arteries might still be a little clogged. Amelia gave their waffles and their black-eyed peas the thumbs up. That girl LOVES black-eyed peas something fierce.
Saturday morning, we got up pretty early (meaning we were out of the house before eight) to eat breakfast at a place called J. Christopher's. Darryl's office had a breakfast catered from there, and he's been talking about it ever since Tuesday, when he found out the name of the restaurant. The breakfast was super yummy. We both had their Blueberry Crunchcakes, which are these delicious blueberry pancakes with some granola thrown in the batter. Yum! I want to go back and try their Coca-Cola ham served on a bed of cheese grits.
Yesterday afternoon, we ventured out once again to eat, this time to an English pub whose name I can't remember. The funniest thing about this restaurant is that Amelia had some mac n' cheese that she rocked her world. She'd stuff it in with both hands and throw her head back and laugh and go "mmmmm." And it was super cheesy, so she had it EVERYWHERE. Our food was good, too, but not as good as Amelia's, apparently.
Then last night, I made chicken pot pie. After all out gluttonous eating out, I've decided to try to cook for the next four or five days at least. And it was good too.
Then last night, I decided to do the Wii Fit. Probably a good move, right?
Friday, February 27, 2009
I'm down from the ledge
So I got a couple of emails after my last post, basically from dear loved ones who think I may be "going off the deep end." (Now that I type that, does that expression make any sense? How do you "go off" the deep end?)
Anyway, I assure you I'm not going off the deep end. Do I have a bad class? Um, yes. Perhaps the worst I've ever taught. My plan is to start writing these kids up, and if that doesn't work, I might have to bring out the big guns. (I'm not really sure what the "big guns" will be. Too bad it can't be actual big guns.)
Some other questions I've been asked are these...
1. Have you considered a career change?
Yes, I have. However, before I completely change careers, I'm willing to try teaching in another, ahem, environment. But, hello, economy--hello, teacher hiring freezes. That kind of knocks out teaching somewhere else AND doing something other than teaching.
2. Have you considered being a stay-at-home mom?
I'm going to say something that I hope is not taken the wrong way, but I don't think I could be a 100% stay-at-home mom. I think I would go nuts. I love my daughter, and I really, truly admire women who are stay-at-home moms, but I also think I need a "task" outside the home.
It's also true that while I'm not really rolling in the dough, I do bring in a decent income to supplement Darryl's main income, and that has allowed us to do some pretty cool things. Could we change our lifestyle so that Darryl's income would be enough? Probably, but may I remind you...hello, bad economy. Not exactly the right time to ditch a career.
3. When did you stop loving teaching?
I don't think my love for teaching has stopped. I've told Darryl that if I could go in a teach a class like my fabulous 5th period (not to be confused with the horrible 6th period I wrote about yesterday) all day long, I would look forward to going in to work everyday.
There's an expression that I've heard teachers use on occasion that goes something like, "Teaching would be awesome if it weren't for the students." Sadly, there is some truth to that. I'm finding that apathy is reigning supreme with most of my students. And that, my friends, is a problem that I think originates at home, and there isn't much I can do about that.
So there you have it. I promise I'm better. Today is a new day. Even better, tomorrow is the weekend.
Anyway, I assure you I'm not going off the deep end. Do I have a bad class? Um, yes. Perhaps the worst I've ever taught. My plan is to start writing these kids up, and if that doesn't work, I might have to bring out the big guns. (I'm not really sure what the "big guns" will be. Too bad it can't be actual big guns.)
Some other questions I've been asked are these...
1. Have you considered a career change?
Yes, I have. However, before I completely change careers, I'm willing to try teaching in another, ahem, environment. But, hello, economy--hello, teacher hiring freezes. That kind of knocks out teaching somewhere else AND doing something other than teaching.
2. Have you considered being a stay-at-home mom?
I'm going to say something that I hope is not taken the wrong way, but I don't think I could be a 100% stay-at-home mom. I think I would go nuts. I love my daughter, and I really, truly admire women who are stay-at-home moms, but I also think I need a "task" outside the home.
It's also true that while I'm not really rolling in the dough, I do bring in a decent income to supplement Darryl's main income, and that has allowed us to do some pretty cool things. Could we change our lifestyle so that Darryl's income would be enough? Probably, but may I remind you...hello, bad economy. Not exactly the right time to ditch a career.
3. When did you stop loving teaching?
I don't think my love for teaching has stopped. I've told Darryl that if I could go in a teach a class like my fabulous 5th period (not to be confused with the horrible 6th period I wrote about yesterday) all day long, I would look forward to going in to work everyday.
There's an expression that I've heard teachers use on occasion that goes something like, "Teaching would be awesome if it weren't for the students." Sadly, there is some truth to that. I'm finding that apathy is reigning supreme with most of my students. And that, my friends, is a problem that I think originates at home, and there isn't much I can do about that.
So there you have it. I promise I'm better. Today is a new day. Even better, tomorrow is the weekend.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Teaching Woes
That's right, two blog posts in one day.
This one--I'm hoping, anyway--is more cathartic than anything else. Read it if you want. If you don't, I don't blame you.
Here's the deal: I have a class that is killing me. I would say of the 25 students in there, perhaps 3 of them actually care about their performance in the class. The others appear to hate my class and me and are even at the point that they are doing whatever they can to annoy me and take me closer and closer to "the edge." Some of them come in and immediately put their heads down on their desks before we've even started, so it doesn't matter what we're doing; they just simply don't care or aren't interested. And they have attitude..."this is stupid," and "why do you make us do this stuff," and "this class is pointless" are frequent comments. It isn't like I'm giving them busy work or anything like that; I try to make assignments meaningful. But I'd also like to add that we don't do a whole lot of "outside the box" things because they wouldn't do them. I had all kinds of cool things to do with the novel Huck Finn last semester, but only about 4 of them read the book...so what do you do? Punish the 4 who read by making them do all the work?
So this week, we tried something new. I divided them into groups, and each group looked at two poems by the same poet and had to do a tic-tac-toe-type grid that required them to look at lit elements, theme, and other things, and then each group would teach the poem to the class. The group time went somewhat okay (not as well as my other two English 3 classes, though), and I was a bit encouraged because at least they seemed to be working. Today for the presentation part, however, the first group went, and their presentation was, in a word, crap. Flat-out crap.
When they were done, I just berated the class, but my tirades have no effect because this now happens once every couple of weeks. I know a lot of this is my fault because I didn't follow the good ole teacher rule about starting out tough and easing up later. I think I'm going to have to start writing them up, but I honestly think it will do nothing except make them hate me more. But then again, what do I have to lose?
And here's the big kicker...at the end of the day, I use this class to evaluate my worth as a teacher. It doesn't matter if every other class has gone well or if I've had a great discussion the period before. I remember this class, and this class makes me feel like a failure.
Today it was so bad that when the bell rang, I went to the restroom because I could feel tears swelling up in my eyes. I spent my time in the restroom fanning my eyes so I wouldn't cry and then face my 7th period with red-rimmed eyes. I got my act together and finished my day (and thank goodness my 7th period is a fun bunch), but still...I'm dwelling on this 6th period class.
Oh, and with these feelings comes the thought that every day I take my daughter--someone whose life I can have a true impact on--to a daycare for someone else to keep so I can teach kids who don't give a rip. Yeah, that makes me feel golden.
So, I'm not posting this for a pat on the back and a "there, there...you're not a bad teacher" kind of comment. But if you've been there or know an obvious solution that I'm missing, let me know.
And I promise I'm not about to jump off a bridge or anything. I'm just kind of hating the teacher in me right now.
This one--I'm hoping, anyway--is more cathartic than anything else. Read it if you want. If you don't, I don't blame you.
Here's the deal: I have a class that is killing me. I would say of the 25 students in there, perhaps 3 of them actually care about their performance in the class. The others appear to hate my class and me and are even at the point that they are doing whatever they can to annoy me and take me closer and closer to "the edge." Some of them come in and immediately put their heads down on their desks before we've even started, so it doesn't matter what we're doing; they just simply don't care or aren't interested. And they have attitude..."this is stupid," and "why do you make us do this stuff," and "this class is pointless" are frequent comments. It isn't like I'm giving them busy work or anything like that; I try to make assignments meaningful. But I'd also like to add that we don't do a whole lot of "outside the box" things because they wouldn't do them. I had all kinds of cool things to do with the novel Huck Finn last semester, but only about 4 of them read the book...so what do you do? Punish the 4 who read by making them do all the work?
So this week, we tried something new. I divided them into groups, and each group looked at two poems by the same poet and had to do a tic-tac-toe-type grid that required them to look at lit elements, theme, and other things, and then each group would teach the poem to the class. The group time went somewhat okay (not as well as my other two English 3 classes, though), and I was a bit encouraged because at least they seemed to be working. Today for the presentation part, however, the first group went, and their presentation was, in a word, crap. Flat-out crap.
When they were done, I just berated the class, but my tirades have no effect because this now happens once every couple of weeks. I know a lot of this is my fault because I didn't follow the good ole teacher rule about starting out tough and easing up later. I think I'm going to have to start writing them up, but I honestly think it will do nothing except make them hate me more. But then again, what do I have to lose?
And here's the big kicker...at the end of the day, I use this class to evaluate my worth as a teacher. It doesn't matter if every other class has gone well or if I've had a great discussion the period before. I remember this class, and this class makes me feel like a failure.
Today it was so bad that when the bell rang, I went to the restroom because I could feel tears swelling up in my eyes. I spent my time in the restroom fanning my eyes so I wouldn't cry and then face my 7th period with red-rimmed eyes. I got my act together and finished my day (and thank goodness my 7th period is a fun bunch), but still...I'm dwelling on this 6th period class.
Oh, and with these feelings comes the thought that every day I take my daughter--someone whose life I can have a true impact on--to a daycare for someone else to keep so I can teach kids who don't give a rip. Yeah, that makes me feel golden.
So, I'm not posting this for a pat on the back and a "there, there...you're not a bad teacher" kind of comment. But if you've been there or know an obvious solution that I'm missing, let me know.
And I promise I'm not about to jump off a bridge or anything. I'm just kind of hating the teacher in me right now.
Emerging from the craziness
I didn't blog yesterday. At 9:00, I realized I could either go to bed or blog, and I chose bed. Sorry.
I'm realizing that I'm in a better mood and that things don't get to me as easily if I'm somewhat well rested, so I'm really making an effort to be in bed by 9:30. Anyway...
I mentioned in my last post that things have been crazy. As far as work goes, we've been getting ready for a visit from these people. Now, I don't know to what lengths your school prepares for these visits, but our extremely Type-A principal (and I feel okay typing that because I would say that to his face, and he knows it anyway) has been treating it as though President Obama himself were going to be coming into each and every classroom. Anyway, the visit was Tuesday, and apparently we "passed," so that's good news. I spent all last Saturday cleaning and organizing my classroom which is something that needed to be done anyway, but I felt I needed to do it before the committee came.
In addition, my juniors have been writing research papers. Any teacher who reads this blog knows what a painful process that can be. I was somewhat encouraged when we started the assignment and my students all acted that they were fully aware of what parenthetical citations and a works cited page were (they usually act as though I'm speaking a foreign language), but when drafts were handed to me with neither of those, I just wanted to bang my head against the wall. The papers are done now, thank goodness, but I realize that I now have 80 research papers waiting for me to grade. Yippee!
On the home front...Darryl's good. Amelia has been a little sickly and irritable lately, but we have discovered that she is cutting her molars, and a doctor's visit revealed she has an ear infection. For the record, I'd like to say the child never has an ear infection when she shows all the signs--pulling the ears, refusing to eat, etc.--but has one when she shows no signs whatsoever. Last night she really started seeming like her happier self; I'm wondering if it has something to do with the fact that she tried cheesecake for the first time. Man, she loved that stuff. Goodness knows cheesecake can put a smile on my face.
So anyway, add all that stuff to the normal routine of having to get up early, teaching all day, doing laundry, emptying and loading the dishwasher, trying to keep the house in a somewhat decent presentable fashion, spending some quality time with family, catching up on TV (which deserves another post soon), and such, and life has just been busy.
And this update wasn't really all that exciting, was it?
I'm realizing that I'm in a better mood and that things don't get to me as easily if I'm somewhat well rested, so I'm really making an effort to be in bed by 9:30. Anyway...
I mentioned in my last post that things have been crazy. As far as work goes, we've been getting ready for a visit from these people. Now, I don't know to what lengths your school prepares for these visits, but our extremely Type-A principal (and I feel okay typing that because I would say that to his face, and he knows it anyway) has been treating it as though President Obama himself were going to be coming into each and every classroom. Anyway, the visit was Tuesday, and apparently we "passed," so that's good news. I spent all last Saturday cleaning and organizing my classroom which is something that needed to be done anyway, but I felt I needed to do it before the committee came.
In addition, my juniors have been writing research papers. Any teacher who reads this blog knows what a painful process that can be. I was somewhat encouraged when we started the assignment and my students all acted that they were fully aware of what parenthetical citations and a works cited page were (they usually act as though I'm speaking a foreign language), but when drafts were handed to me with neither of those, I just wanted to bang my head against the wall. The papers are done now, thank goodness, but I realize that I now have 80 research papers waiting for me to grade. Yippee!
On the home front...Darryl's good. Amelia has been a little sickly and irritable lately, but we have discovered that she is cutting her molars, and a doctor's visit revealed she has an ear infection. For the record, I'd like to say the child never has an ear infection when she shows all the signs--pulling the ears, refusing to eat, etc.--but has one when she shows no signs whatsoever. Last night she really started seeming like her happier self; I'm wondering if it has something to do with the fact that she tried cheesecake for the first time. Man, she loved that stuff. Goodness knows cheesecake can put a smile on my face.
So anyway, add all that stuff to the normal routine of having to get up early, teaching all day, doing laundry, emptying and loading the dishwasher, trying to keep the house in a somewhat decent presentable fashion, spending some quality time with family, catching up on TV (which deserves another post soon), and such, and life has just been busy.
And this update wasn't really all that exciting, was it?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Super crazy
I realize I've been a bad blogger and that it has been over a week since my last post. The past week has been super crazy and hectic, and when I've had a free minute (and those have been very few), I've either wanted to sleep, catch up on the bazillion hours of TV on my DVR, or just spend time playing with Amelia.
Just wanted you to know I am still alive and maybe, just maybe, I'll get a chance to blog tomorrow. I know it will be hard for you to sleep now because of the excitement...
Just wanted you to know I am still alive and maybe, just maybe, I'll get a chance to blog tomorrow. I know it will be hard for you to sleep now because of the excitement...
Sunday, February 15, 2009
And just to prove that Amelia DOES smile for pictures...
She loves the piano. (I want to clarify that I am not suggesting that she is going to be a professional musician. I realize most kids love to bang on a piano.) It's all fun and games until the meltdown she has when we remove her from the piano. Anyway, I took these pics yesterday. Too cute!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day...And What a Difference a Year Makes
Here's a pic I took of Amelia last year for Darryl's Valentine's Day gift:
And here's a pic Darryl took this year for my Valentine's gift:
Where has the time gone?????? Why do I feel the need to burst into "Sunrise, Sunset" right now?
Anyway, we had a really nice Valentine's Day. We spent a good portion of the day with Amelia, but then my parents arrived during the late afternoon (on their way to the mountains) and kept Amelia so we could go out to dinner. After dinner, we went to Barnes & Noble and proceeded to grab some random magazines and books and look at them leisurely at a table in the "cafe." We figured the theatres would be packed, and I haven't yet convinced Darryl that we need to see Slumdog Millionaire, even though my last movie pic (Benjamin Button) was far superior to his (the icky Valkyrie).
I should also add that Darryl fell asleep before 9:00, and I fell asleep watching The 50 Most Shocking Divorces on VH1...before 9:30.
It was a good day!
And here's a pic Darryl took this year for my Valentine's gift:
Where has the time gone?????? Why do I feel the need to burst into "Sunrise, Sunset" right now?
Anyway, we had a really nice Valentine's Day. We spent a good portion of the day with Amelia, but then my parents arrived during the late afternoon (on their way to the mountains) and kept Amelia so we could go out to dinner. After dinner, we went to Barnes & Noble and proceeded to grab some random magazines and books and look at them leisurely at a table in the "cafe." We figured the theatres would be packed, and I haven't yet convinced Darryl that we need to see Slumdog Millionaire, even though my last movie pic (Benjamin Button) was far superior to his (the icky Valkyrie).
I should also add that Darryl fell asleep before 9:00, and I fell asleep watching The 50 Most Shocking Divorces on VH1...before 9:30.
It was a good day!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Scenes from a Toddler Valentine's Party
As you can see from this picture, a Valentine's party for one-year-olds is a pretty kickin' time:
There were four other children at the party, and their excitement level was about the same. (By the way, Tim, that's RM's kid who is "sweet as candy.")
Amelia is obviously annoyed with me in this picture. I think she just wanted to enjoy her Valentine cookie without the flashbulbs of the "mama-paparazzi."
This is when the Miss Crankypants part of her personality took over:
Here's Amelia receiving a valentine from her friend Tanner. While all the other toddlers were passing out their valentines (usually to the wrong people, but oh well), Amelia was perfectly content to sit and collect her spoils.
You see that cute little blond girl with the curls? That sucker in her hand...yeah, she TOTALLY snatched that out of Amelia's hand, ripped the wrapper off, and stuck it in her mouth. I've got my eye on you, missy.
And this shot is just so you can see her cute Valentine's shirt. With a large potato chip crumb at the top. (The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.) And yes, I'm aware her hair is in her eyes. However, Amelia REFUSES to wear a hair clip of any kind (she will pull it out in about 2.5 seconds), and I refuse to cut her bangs because she would then have a mullet. Some of my "been there, done that" mom friends told me to wait it out, so I am.
I would end by saying a fun time was had by all, but judging from these pics, do you think that would be an accurate statement???
There were four other children at the party, and their excitement level was about the same. (By the way, Tim, that's RM's kid who is "sweet as candy.")Amelia is obviously annoyed with me in this picture. I think she just wanted to enjoy her Valentine cookie without the flashbulbs of the "mama-paparazzi."
This is when the Miss Crankypants part of her personality took over:
Here's Amelia receiving a valentine from her friend Tanner. While all the other toddlers were passing out their valentines (usually to the wrong people, but oh well), Amelia was perfectly content to sit and collect her spoils.
You see that cute little blond girl with the curls? That sucker in her hand...yeah, she TOTALLY snatched that out of Amelia's hand, ripped the wrapper off, and stuck it in her mouth. I've got my eye on you, missy.
And this shot is just so you can see her cute Valentine's shirt. With a large potato chip crumb at the top. (The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.) And yes, I'm aware her hair is in her eyes. However, Amelia REFUSES to wear a hair clip of any kind (she will pull it out in about 2.5 seconds), and I refuse to cut her bangs because she would then have a mullet. Some of my "been there, done that" mom friends told me to wait it out, so I am.
I would end by saying a fun time was had by all, but judging from these pics, do you think that would be an accurate statement???
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Too much funk
I haven't posted this week for two reasons:
1. I've been busy.
2. I'm in a funk.
I do have some things to look forward to this week, however. Amelia's Valentine's Day party at her daycare is tomorrow, and those parties are always cute (and, I'm sure, just for the mothers' benefit). I'm having dinner with a girlfriend tomorrow night, and this weekend, my parents are coming up and Darryl and I are going on a date for Valentine's Day.
And oh, yeah...this weekend is a long weekend.
Love is all around.
1. I've been busy.
2. I'm in a funk.
I do have some things to look forward to this week, however. Amelia's Valentine's Day party at her daycare is tomorrow, and those parties are always cute (and, I'm sure, just for the mothers' benefit). I'm having dinner with a girlfriend tomorrow night, and this weekend, my parents are coming up and Darryl and I are going on a date for Valentine's Day.
And oh, yeah...this weekend is a long weekend.
Love is all around.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Call me catty...
A girl I could not stand in high school (because she wasn't very nice to me) just asked to be my Facebook friend.
And I "ignored" her.
It felt good.
And I "ignored" her.
It felt good.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
The dumbest conversation I've ever had with a student
I have a kid in my honors class who recently transferred from another school. He has done nothing so far to make me think he is remotely honors material.
We had our test on Julius Caesar today, and every student finished before the bell except for this kid. I noticed that during the quote identification/significance section of the test, he was writing something on notebook paper. I assumed it was his answers, and he just preferred to write on lined paper.
Well, he turned in his test and left the notebook paper on his desk. I asked him to turn in the notebook paper, too.
It was all the quotes from my test.
I took it from him. And here's the conversation that followed:
STUDENT: I can't take those home and study them?
ME: Why do you need to study them? THIS is the test.
STUDENT: Well, I know I would know them if I studied them. Can't I take it home and come back and finish the test tomorrow?
ME: Um, no. You've known about this test for over a week, and every quote on here is a quote we went over several times in class. You are supposed to study before a test, not after it.
STUDENT: Seriously?
ME: Yes. You should have studied for this test, and obviously you didn't. How is that fair to the people who studied, paid attention, and were ready to take the test today?
STUDENT: So there's no way I can make this up? Not even for half credit?
Seriously, y'all. Does this kid have a lick of sense????? I've never had a kid say anything this bogus to me in my life.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
The Funny and the Not So Funny
Not So Funny: Yesterday morning, I was completely dressed, running ahead of schedule, and was about to walk out the door. I reached in the fridge to get my lunch and knocked over a jar of salsa, which fell to the floor and spattered salsa ALL OVER my pants. Fortunately, that did NOT set the tone for the rest of the day. Yesterday, salsa incident aside, was a pretty decent day.
Funny: Amelia was hilarious when I took her back to daycare yesterday morning. She had been gone since last Tuesday because she was sick. Anyway, when I walked in with her, she practically ran to her teacher and hugged her. Then she went up to each kid in there (at the time, there were only 2 or 3), as though to say, "Hey, what's up? Did you miss me?" Too funny!
Funny: Amelia was hilarious when I took her back to daycare yesterday morning. She had been gone since last Tuesday because she was sick. Anyway, when I walked in with her, she practically ran to her teacher and hugged her. Then she went up to each kid in there (at the time, there were only 2 or 3), as though to say, "Hey, what's up? Did you miss me?" Too funny!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The past few days...and how teaching isn't always convenient
Here's what's been going on here lately...
Darryl left early Monday morning for a business trip to Milwaukee. (He said it was cold, y'all.) He returned last night.
Monday went by without a hitch for Amelia and me.
Tuesday went even more smoothly. Amelia was a bit irritable and had a runny nose (that she has had off and on since, oh, September) and a cough, but I was able to get her down to sleep about 30 minutes earlier than usual. I was feeling extra-ambitious, so I actually stayed up until after 11:00 to grade some things.
At 2 in the morning (Wednesday morning), Amelia woke up with all her coughing and runny nose. It was obvious she wasn't going to go back to bed easily. At 4:00, after trying to get her back down in her bed, after trying to get her to sleep in my bed, after letting her watch Sesame Street to try to make her mellow out, I realized that there was no way I was going to be able to go to work, so I had to make up lesson plans and an activity on a Faulkner short story (not an easy task for the sleep deprived), and emailed them to Tim to print out for me. (Thanks again, Tim!)
Here's where being a teacher isn't convenient. There's no just calling into the office to say you're not going to be in, that you'll catch up later. Nope. You've got to plan for someone to take your place.
Anyway...so yesterday I was off with Amelia all day. She was cranky all day, but she still played, and she didn't seem to be running a fever. Then last night around 7, I felt her and she seemed HOT. I checked her temp, and it was 103.4. I tried not to flip out, which is my tendency. I tried to call Darryl to help keep me from flipping out, and he was already on the plane to come back. I gave her some Motrin, read the chapter on fevers in my trusty go-to guide, Toddler 411, and was assured that she wasn't going to spontaneously combust . Her fever did come down some, and I felt a little better. Actually, I'm quite proud of myself for fighting the urge to rush her to the ER. (Darryl usually has to be the voice of reason in these instances.)
Darryl really had to be at work today, so I stayed home. However, this also meant that I had to trudge to the school at 4:30 this morning to make some photocopies and get some things together. And oh yeah, Amelia woke up at 2:00 this morning, too. Darryl got up with her this time, but I never really went back to sleep. Apparently she went to sleep right after I left the house for the school and woke up just before I got home.
We went to the doctor this morning, and apparently Amelia has a very mild case of pneumonia, and she is going to be fine. Today has actually gone more smoothly, but--and forgive my being graphic here--I feel covered in snot from head to toe. Seriously...how much of that stuff can one small child produce?? It baffles the mind, people.
That was probably way more than you wanted to know about these past few days, but I just needed to get it out. It hasn't been fun, but Amelia has been extra cuddly, and I must admit that even though I'm sorry she feels bad, I'm enjoying all the hugs and her lying with her head on my shoulder.
Even if it means that I have a big wet snot spot on my shoulder when she gets up.
Darryl left early Monday morning for a business trip to Milwaukee. (He said it was cold, y'all.) He returned last night.
Monday went by without a hitch for Amelia and me.
Tuesday went even more smoothly. Amelia was a bit irritable and had a runny nose (that she has had off and on since, oh, September) and a cough, but I was able to get her down to sleep about 30 minutes earlier than usual. I was feeling extra-ambitious, so I actually stayed up until after 11:00 to grade some things.
At 2 in the morning (Wednesday morning), Amelia woke up with all her coughing and runny nose. It was obvious she wasn't going to go back to bed easily. At 4:00, after trying to get her back down in her bed, after trying to get her to sleep in my bed, after letting her watch Sesame Street to try to make her mellow out, I realized that there was no way I was going to be able to go to work, so I had to make up lesson plans and an activity on a Faulkner short story (not an easy task for the sleep deprived), and emailed them to Tim to print out for me. (Thanks again, Tim!)
Here's where being a teacher isn't convenient. There's no just calling into the office to say you're not going to be in, that you'll catch up later. Nope. You've got to plan for someone to take your place.
Anyway...so yesterday I was off with Amelia all day. She was cranky all day, but she still played, and she didn't seem to be running a fever. Then last night around 7, I felt her and she seemed HOT. I checked her temp, and it was 103.4. I tried not to flip out, which is my tendency. I tried to call Darryl to help keep me from flipping out, and he was already on the plane to come back. I gave her some Motrin, read the chapter on fevers in my trusty go-to guide, Toddler 411, and was assured that she wasn't going to spontaneously combust . Her fever did come down some, and I felt a little better. Actually, I'm quite proud of myself for fighting the urge to rush her to the ER. (Darryl usually has to be the voice of reason in these instances.)
Darryl really had to be at work today, so I stayed home. However, this also meant that I had to trudge to the school at 4:30 this morning to make some photocopies and get some things together. And oh yeah, Amelia woke up at 2:00 this morning, too. Darryl got up with her this time, but I never really went back to sleep. Apparently she went to sleep right after I left the house for the school and woke up just before I got home.
We went to the doctor this morning, and apparently Amelia has a very mild case of pneumonia, and she is going to be fine. Today has actually gone more smoothly, but--and forgive my being graphic here--I feel covered in snot from head to toe. Seriously...how much of that stuff can one small child produce?? It baffles the mind, people.
That was probably way more than you wanted to know about these past few days, but I just needed to get it out. It hasn't been fun, but Amelia has been extra cuddly, and I must admit that even though I'm sorry she feels bad, I'm enjoying all the hugs and her lying with her head on my shoulder.
Even if it means that I have a big wet snot spot on my shoulder when she gets up.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
My girl
I haven't posted any Amelia pics lately, so I thought I would post these because they pretty much capture the way Amelia has been lately--smiley, happy, and Miss Personality. She also seems more "little girl" to me than "baby," I think because her hair has gotten longer. In the above shot, we had just caught her dancing to the lullaby music playing on her old-school Ipod.
The one below is the bathtime ritual of running around the house naked before getting in the tub.
Perhaps I should clarify that Amelia is the only who participates in that ritual.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Christmas Present=Rejuvenation
Several months ago, my friend Blayne told me about a scrapbooking retreat she does every year at this place. She just happened to have an opening and asked if I was interested. Hmm....two days to scrapbook when I wanted, sleep when I wanted, read when I wanted? A private room? Awesome food? Was I interested????? Um, yes.
I convinced Darryl that this could be my (very generous) Christmas present, so I signed up. I'm so glad I did. This past weekend was just what I needed.
I drove up late Friday afternoon to this inn, which was practically in the middle of nowhere. Seriously, you take this winding road, which turns into a dirt road at some point, and then, out of nowhere, appears this inn.
When I arrived, I settled into my room, and then went to the conference room, which was our scrapbooking area. My project for the weekend was Amelia's "First Year" book, and I got a lot done over the two days, thanks to this kit and some baby girl supplies I had already bought.
Anyway, after everyone had arrived Friday, we went to dinner. This might be a place to transition into food talk. If you love food like I do, check out what I ate all weekend:
Friday night: salad, Macadamia Chicken with mashed potatoes and crisp green beans, and chocolate cheesecake for dessert.
Saturday morning/breakfast: Egg and cheese strata, out-of-this-world grits obviously made with cream, fried ham, fruit, biscuits with homemade grape/blueberry jam.
Saturday lunch: baked potato bar with all the fixings, homemade chili, and chocolate chocolate chip cookies for dessert. (Those cookies were probably the best cookies I've ever eaten.)
Saturday night: salad, beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes and green beans, and brownie sundae for dessert
Sunday morning: blueberry pancakes and apple cinnamon pancakes served straight from the griddle, bacon, and fruit.
Sunday lunch: salad, chicken pot pie, herb-ish buttered bread, and chocolate cake and chocolate fudge pie for dessert.
Good Lord. I ate it all. That might explain why I feel puffy this morning.
So basically, this weekend consisted of eating, scrapbooking, eating, scrapbooking, eating, scrapbooking...you get the idea. Oh, we slept in there somewhere.
It was awesome, and it far exceeded my expectations. I knew only Blayne when I went, but I met some other great ladies and had a wonderful time.
This inn was definitely the definition of "quaint." Is it a place I would go to for just a vacation? No. But it is definitely THE place to go if you just want to get away from everything.
Here is my room (excuse the unmade bed):
"Quaint" means you might see signs like this hanging over the toilet:
This was the view from my room.
Pretty nice, huh?
I came back Sunday afternoon, and while I had a good time, I was ready to see Darryl and Amelia. And I swear, when I walked through the door, Amelia started stomping her feet in excitement to see me, and then she gave me a HUGE hug when I picked her up. I think that was hands down the best welcome I've ever received!
I have to give a big thank you to Darryl. Obviously, my being away meant he was on 48-hour Amelia duty, and Amelia is quite the active little girl. Thanks, Babe! I truly enjoyed myself!
I convinced Darryl that this could be my (very generous) Christmas present, so I signed up. I'm so glad I did. This past weekend was just what I needed.
I drove up late Friday afternoon to this inn, which was practically in the middle of nowhere. Seriously, you take this winding road, which turns into a dirt road at some point, and then, out of nowhere, appears this inn.
When I arrived, I settled into my room, and then went to the conference room, which was our scrapbooking area. My project for the weekend was Amelia's "First Year" book, and I got a lot done over the two days, thanks to this kit and some baby girl supplies I had already bought.
Anyway, after everyone had arrived Friday, we went to dinner. This might be a place to transition into food talk. If you love food like I do, check out what I ate all weekend:
Friday night: salad, Macadamia Chicken with mashed potatoes and crisp green beans, and chocolate cheesecake for dessert.
Saturday morning/breakfast: Egg and cheese strata, out-of-this-world grits obviously made with cream, fried ham, fruit, biscuits with homemade grape/blueberry jam.
Saturday lunch: baked potato bar with all the fixings, homemade chili, and chocolate chocolate chip cookies for dessert. (Those cookies were probably the best cookies I've ever eaten.)
Saturday night: salad, beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes and green beans, and brownie sundae for dessert
Sunday morning: blueberry pancakes and apple cinnamon pancakes served straight from the griddle, bacon, and fruit.
Sunday lunch: salad, chicken pot pie, herb-ish buttered bread, and chocolate cake and chocolate fudge pie for dessert.
Good Lord. I ate it all. That might explain why I feel puffy this morning.
So basically, this weekend consisted of eating, scrapbooking, eating, scrapbooking, eating, scrapbooking...you get the idea. Oh, we slept in there somewhere.
It was awesome, and it far exceeded my expectations. I knew only Blayne when I went, but I met some other great ladies and had a wonderful time.
This inn was definitely the definition of "quaint." Is it a place I would go to for just a vacation? No. But it is definitely THE place to go if you just want to get away from everything.
Here is my room (excuse the unmade bed):
"Quaint" means you might see signs like this hanging over the toilet:
This was the view from my room.
Pretty nice, huh?I came back Sunday afternoon, and while I had a good time, I was ready to see Darryl and Amelia. And I swear, when I walked through the door, Amelia started stomping her feet in excitement to see me, and then she gave me a HUGE hug when I picked her up. I think that was hands down the best welcome I've ever received!
I have to give a big thank you to Darryl. Obviously, my being away meant he was on 48-hour Amelia duty, and Amelia is quite the active little girl. Thanks, Babe! I truly enjoyed myself!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Amy is...
Too bad blogs don't have status updates like Facebook does. :)
Anyway, I'm still here and hope to blog soon. It's been a very chaotic week. It also seems like the longest week ever.
Later...
Anyway, I'm still here and hope to blog soon. It's been a very chaotic week. It also seems like the longest week ever.
Later...
Friday, January 09, 2009
Ready for 2009 to get better
This has been a rough week for several reasons that I won't go into here. It feels, too, as though this week was really three weeks long.
And after just one week back with students, I'm ready for another break. Thank goodness for MLK Day.
And I have a horribly sore throat and have lost my voice. Otherwise, I feel fine.
I did get a chance to attend an AP Workshop today, and it was really beneficial. So far, I'm 2 for 2 on AP Workshops. I don't think Tim has been that lucky with the recent ones he has been to. (He went to a different session than I did today.)
I just had a funny thing happen through Facebook. I received this message from a former student (whom I can't remember at all, although the name looks familiar):
I think that you might be the same Amy _____ that taught Freshman English at ____. If you are not: disregard this e-mail and the errors contained within.
I found my first English paper from college tonight in a box. Spring 2000. You gave me a low "D." I deserved it. The reason I am telling you is to apologize for making you read that paper. It was horrible. I wrote it the morning before your class. Embarrassing. I hope all is well. Feel free to send corrections to this message in red type if necessary. I still need the help, apparently.
This made me LAUGH.
And after just one week back with students, I'm ready for another break. Thank goodness for MLK Day.
And I have a horribly sore throat and have lost my voice. Otherwise, I feel fine.
I did get a chance to attend an AP Workshop today, and it was really beneficial. So far, I'm 2 for 2 on AP Workshops. I don't think Tim has been that lucky with the recent ones he has been to. (He went to a different session than I did today.)
I just had a funny thing happen through Facebook. I received this message from a former student (whom I can't remember at all, although the name looks familiar):
I think that you might be the same Amy _____ that taught Freshman English at ____. If you are not: disregard this e-mail and the errors contained within.
I found my first English paper from college tonight in a box. Spring 2000. You gave me a low "D." I deserved it. The reason I am telling you is to apologize for making you read that paper. It was horrible. I wrote it the morning before your class. Embarrassing. I hope all is well. Feel free to send corrections to this message in red type if necessary. I still need the help, apparently.
This made me LAUGH.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Two-Movie Date Night
Considering the fact that Darryl and I saw exactly ONE movie in 2008 and that was almost a year ago (Juno, which we both enjoyed), when we had another opportunity for a date night last night, we decided to get all wild and crazy and see TWO movies. We saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which was my choice, and Valkyrie, which was history buff Darryl's choice.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
If you get an opportunity to see this movie, go. It is excellent. And take a box of Kleenex.
Darryl and I both really enjoyed this movie. Now, it's long--almost 3 hours--but it is worth it. The basic premise, as you may already know, is that Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt's character) ages backwards while, of course, everyone else ages normally. It has the whole "life is what you make it" and "every moment counts" kind of themes, and there are parts of the movie that are just beautiful to look at.
And speaking of beautiful to look at, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the beauty of Brad Pitt in this movie. I've never been much of a Brad Pitt person...I mean sure, the guy is attractive and all that, but I gave him the boot over the whole Brangelina thing. HOWEVER, there are parts of this movie where he is just perfection to look at. He and Cate Blanchett are both wonderful in this movie. Loved it.
Valkyrie
Darryl wanted to see this because he is a big WWII history buff, and he had seen some special about this story on the History Channel.
This movie was so bad that Darryl asked me if I was ready to leave about 40 minutes from the end. We ended up staying because I figured that we paid for it, so we might as well stay for it.
I told Darryl that the suspense was kind of ruined for me in the beginning because we all know that the assassination plot against Hitler obviously was unsuccessful.
Darryl said the movie was also poorly done because it left out some key parts of the story. I'll just trust him on that.
Don't even bother renting Valkyrie.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
If you get an opportunity to see this movie, go. It is excellent. And take a box of Kleenex.
Darryl and I both really enjoyed this movie. Now, it's long--almost 3 hours--but it is worth it. The basic premise, as you may already know, is that Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt's character) ages backwards while, of course, everyone else ages normally. It has the whole "life is what you make it" and "every moment counts" kind of themes, and there are parts of the movie that are just beautiful to look at.
And speaking of beautiful to look at, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the beauty of Brad Pitt in this movie. I've never been much of a Brad Pitt person...I mean sure, the guy is attractive and all that, but I gave him the boot over the whole Brangelina thing. HOWEVER, there are parts of this movie where he is just perfection to look at. He and Cate Blanchett are both wonderful in this movie. Loved it.
Valkyrie
Darryl wanted to see this because he is a big WWII history buff, and he had seen some special about this story on the History Channel.
This movie was so bad that Darryl asked me if I was ready to leave about 40 minutes from the end. We ended up staying because I figured that we paid for it, so we might as well stay for it.
I told Darryl that the suspense was kind of ruined for me in the beginning because we all know that the assassination plot against Hitler obviously was unsuccessful.
Darryl said the movie was also poorly done because it left out some key parts of the story. I'll just trust him on that.
Don't even bother renting Valkyrie.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
New Year's: Resolutions and Such
I'm actually at my house by myself. I can't quite remember the last time that has happened. Darryl and my parents (who came up to visit because my mom has a long weekend off from work) and Amelia have gone to my cousin's house, and I thought I'd take a few minutes of uninterrupted time to blog.
It's been a good day so far. Darryl grilled a pork loin, and I fixed hashbrown casserole, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and brownies for lunch. It was all pretty good, if I do say so myself.
I'm looking forward to 2009 because frankly, 2008 wasn't my favorite. It seemed that 2008 was tough on a lot of people--many loved ones passed away not only in our family but in families of friends of ours as well; my passion for teaching has dwindled quite a bit; and overall, it's been a bit of a roller coaster. On the other hand, I've enjoyed Amelia so much, and Darryl continuously amazes me as a father to her (and he's a good husband, too!), and we've enjoyed celebrating her milestones and watching her grow. So when I think about those things, I feel like I can't complain too much.
That being said, here are my resolutions for 2009:
1. I want to lose 10 pounds by St. Patrick's Day. There's nothing significant about St. Patrick's Day for me, but I figure I'll give myself a goal.
2. I want to exercise a little more. Wait, make that "I want to exercise." Period. I'm doing zero right now. (I'd really like to get back into running, but baby steps here. Baby steps.)
3. I want to read more for enjoyment. I typically get caught up in books I need to read for school, but reading for fun--even if it is Twilight--is good for the soul.
4. I need to make better use of my time so I can fully enjoy my "down time."
5. And speaking of down time, I want to continue scrapbooking on a regular basis. This hobby is such a creative outlet for me, and it really does change my perspective on life...for the better.
I think that's enough for now. I don't want to go crazy or anything.
Happy New Year! Happy 2009!
It's been a good day so far. Darryl grilled a pork loin, and I fixed hashbrown casserole, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and brownies for lunch. It was all pretty good, if I do say so myself.
I'm looking forward to 2009 because frankly, 2008 wasn't my favorite. It seemed that 2008 was tough on a lot of people--many loved ones passed away not only in our family but in families of friends of ours as well; my passion for teaching has dwindled quite a bit; and overall, it's been a bit of a roller coaster. On the other hand, I've enjoyed Amelia so much, and Darryl continuously amazes me as a father to her (and he's a good husband, too!), and we've enjoyed celebrating her milestones and watching her grow. So when I think about those things, I feel like I can't complain too much.
That being said, here are my resolutions for 2009:
1. I want to lose 10 pounds by St. Patrick's Day. There's nothing significant about St. Patrick's Day for me, but I figure I'll give myself a goal.
2. I want to exercise a little more. Wait, make that "I want to exercise." Period. I'm doing zero right now. (I'd really like to get back into running, but baby steps here. Baby steps.)
3. I want to read more for enjoyment. I typically get caught up in books I need to read for school, but reading for fun--even if it is Twilight--is good for the soul.
4. I need to make better use of my time so I can fully enjoy my "down time."
5. And speaking of down time, I want to continue scrapbooking on a regular basis. This hobby is such a creative outlet for me, and it really does change my perspective on life...for the better.
I think that's enough for now. I don't want to go crazy or anything.
Happy New Year! Happy 2009!
The REAL New Year's Rockin' Eve
I cleaned out my closet New Year's Eve:
I purged eight (!) garbage bags of clothes and two hampers of shoes and handbags from my closet.
Basically, I was just brutally honest with myself. Am I going to lose 30 pounds and fit into the dress I wore in 2000? Um, no.
But check out how well my husband knows me. Here was our conversation yesterday after my closet cleaning:
ME: You know what I finally did, Darryl? I got real with myself. I said, "Amy, are you really going to fit into those pants again? You may lose 10 pounds, but you're not going to lose 30. Get real."
DARRYL: I know what else you said.
ME: What's that?
DARRYL: You said, "And Girlfriend, if you do lose 30 pounds, you deserve to go shopping and get some new clothes!"
I purged eight (!) garbage bags of clothes and two hampers of shoes and handbags from my closet.
Basically, I was just brutally honest with myself. Am I going to lose 30 pounds and fit into the dress I wore in 2000? Um, no.
But check out how well my husband knows me. Here was our conversation yesterday after my closet cleaning:
ME: You know what I finally did, Darryl? I got real with myself. I said, "Amy, are you really going to fit into those pants again? You may lose 10 pounds, but you're not going to lose 30. Get real."
DARRYL: I know what else you said.
ME: What's that?
DARRYL: You said, "And Girlfriend, if you do lose 30 pounds, you deserve to go shopping and get some new clothes!"
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
We have a climber.
Amelia is definitely a climber. Yesterday, she managed to figure out how to stand in the seat of the cart at Target. This isn't good.
Yesterday morning, I was putting away some Christmas gifts, and when I passed by the kitchen, this is what I saw:
Some exciting times are ahead, people.
Yesterday morning, I was putting away some Christmas gifts, and when I passed by the kitchen, this is what I saw:
Some exciting times are ahead, people.
Monday, December 29, 2008
If you pray...
...keep this little one in your prayers.
I do not know this woman or this family personally. I have found her blog through other blogs (oh, the blogosphere is just a neverending maze). She has a baby--maybe a little over a month old--who is basically a living miracle. You can read the whole story on her blog if you are interested, but basically when this baby was in the womb, the doctors diagnosed him with a severe heart problem and didn't think he would live to be born. Long story short, he was born perfectly healthy, a miracle in a time when I think we desperately crave miracles.
Now, this baby is fighting for his life because of extremely severe RSV. The doctors are saying things like "he must turn the corner tonight," and he has stopped breathing several times. (Edited to add: my original post said he was on a ventilator, but I was wrong about that. It is a very real possibility, however.)
As a mother, I can't imagine the emotions I would be feeling right now. I usually don't even post things like this. I've been in churches before where prayer requests were often thinly veiled gossip reports, so I'm always wary of coming across that way...but I couldn't shake the feeling that I should post this.
Please pray that this little one once again defines the meaning of "miracle."
And while you are at it, pray for Jen's friend and her family, too. They need a little peace in a very dark time.
Peace to you all.
I do not know this woman or this family personally. I have found her blog through other blogs (oh, the blogosphere is just a neverending maze). She has a baby--maybe a little over a month old--who is basically a living miracle. You can read the whole story on her blog if you are interested, but basically when this baby was in the womb, the doctors diagnosed him with a severe heart problem and didn't think he would live to be born. Long story short, he was born perfectly healthy, a miracle in a time when I think we desperately crave miracles.
Now, this baby is fighting for his life because of extremely severe RSV. The doctors are saying things like "he must turn the corner tonight," and he has stopped breathing several times. (Edited to add: my original post said he was on a ventilator, but I was wrong about that. It is a very real possibility, however.)
As a mother, I can't imagine the emotions I would be feeling right now. I usually don't even post things like this. I've been in churches before where prayer requests were often thinly veiled gossip reports, so I'm always wary of coming across that way...but I couldn't shake the feeling that I should post this.
Please pray that this little one once again defines the meaning of "miracle."
And while you are at it, pray for Jen's friend and her family, too. They need a little peace in a very dark time.
Peace to you all.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Christmas, Parts 1 and 2
I've always thought that maybe the Jews had something going with celebrating for 8 days during the holiday season. (I'm being very sincere with that statement. I hope it didn't come across as disrespectful or making light of Hanukkah.) After all, there is so much buildup to Christmas, and then the day is over and done in the blink of an eye.
Well, this year, we actually did the whole "Christmas morning" thing three days in a row. I kind of liked it, but I don't think I can do more than three days.
Christmas, Part 1
For the first time EVER, we did the official Christmas morning thing at our house with just the three of us. (We've had Christmas before at our house, but usually with my parents.) Amelia slept until a little after 8:00, primarily because she had a Christmas Eve meltdown from 11 to 1 the night before. (That's a long story that isn't really that interesting. Short version: She woke up at 11:00 and cried, wailed, flailed, and kicked her legs until 1 or so. Lots of fun. Santa almost decided not to stop.)
Anyway, it took us over an hour to open gifts because Amelia liked to open one and then play with it to her satisfaction before moving on to the next gift.
We started with the good ol' corn popper:
After walking around with that for about 20 minutes, she moved on to the next gift, really her "big" gift, Elmo Live:
This expression means "I'm now done with Elmo Live. Next gift, please."
And this went on for a while. We had a rather lazy morning, just enjoying Amelia playing with her toys. After lunch, we went ahead and headed to Florida. (Our original plan had been to go to Florida the day after Christmas.) Here's the down side to traveling Christmas Day: no eating establishments are open except for Waffle House. Our Christmas evening meal was a Waffle House breakfast. Not that there's anything wrong with that, right?
Christmas, Part 2
Friday morning, we did the whole gift opening thing with my family. Do you think the WNBA has a future star on their hands? (That is a totally obnoxious mom thing to say, isn't it?)
With all the toys available to Amelia at Nana and Papa's house, guess what Amelia enjoyed playing with the most? Potatoes. Potatoes, people. Amelia had loads of fun taking all the potatoes out of Nana's basket and passing them to everyone. Then she'd put them back in the basket and do it all over again. Oh, the money everyone could have saved if they had known that her heart's desire this Christmas was really just some potatoes.
That evening, we had a delicious meal prepared by my mom: ham, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, the works. My dad even made a fabulous sweet potato pie!
Christmas, Part 3
At this point, Christmas morning was feeling a little like Groundhog Day, but we were still having fun. On Saturday, we did the Christmas morning thing with Darryl's family.
Here's Madison, our niece, dressed like Hannah Montana. She can sing "The Best of Both Worlds" with the best of 'em.
I wish I could post pics of my other niece and my nephew, but the clearest pics I have of them are of them holding gifts with their full names on them, and I don't want to put that info on my blog.
Anyway, that evening, Darryl fixed a wonderful prime rib, and his Uncle George, Aunt Miriam, and cousins Camille and Malorie came over. We only get to see them about once a year, if that, so it was a special treat to get to visit with them.
Here are Malorie and Camille. Malorie is making her way up the journalism career ladder by working as a fact checker at a political magazine (and the name of it escapes me at the moment). I thought it was super cool that she got to attend both the Democratic and Republican Conventions for her job. And Camille, on the right, is an amazing ballerina who just danced the part of Clara in The Nutcracker a few weeks ago.
And here's Amelia with her Uncle George:
Don't judge me for the pacifier. We sort of regressed in the pacifier use for this trip. We just wanted a peaceful Christmas, and if a pacifier was going to help with that, then so be it.
Conclusion
We're now back home, and it feels good to be home. We really enjoyed spending time with both families, and we have lots of memories that I can't wait to scrapbook. :)
I must confess that now I'm going to go to bed and continue reading Eclipse, the third book in the Twilight series. My 5th period girls said it was "awesome," and so far, it has been quite enjoyable. You know, in that teenagery-vampire-love kind of way. Again, don't judge me.
Well, this year, we actually did the whole "Christmas morning" thing three days in a row. I kind of liked it, but I don't think I can do more than three days.
Christmas, Part 1
For the first time EVER, we did the official Christmas morning thing at our house with just the three of us. (We've had Christmas before at our house, but usually with my parents.) Amelia slept until a little after 8:00, primarily because she had a Christmas Eve meltdown from 11 to 1 the night before. (That's a long story that isn't really that interesting. Short version: She woke up at 11:00 and cried, wailed, flailed, and kicked her legs until 1 or so. Lots of fun. Santa almost decided not to stop.)
Anyway, it took us over an hour to open gifts because Amelia liked to open one and then play with it to her satisfaction before moving on to the next gift.
We started with the good ol' corn popper:
After walking around with that for about 20 minutes, she moved on to the next gift, really her "big" gift, Elmo Live:
This expression means "I'm now done with Elmo Live. Next gift, please."
And this went on for a while. We had a rather lazy morning, just enjoying Amelia playing with her toys. After lunch, we went ahead and headed to Florida. (Our original plan had been to go to Florida the day after Christmas.) Here's the down side to traveling Christmas Day: no eating establishments are open except for Waffle House. Our Christmas evening meal was a Waffle House breakfast. Not that there's anything wrong with that, right?Christmas, Part 2
Friday morning, we did the whole gift opening thing with my family. Do you think the WNBA has a future star on their hands? (That is a totally obnoxious mom thing to say, isn't it?)
With all the toys available to Amelia at Nana and Papa's house, guess what Amelia enjoyed playing with the most? Potatoes. Potatoes, people. Amelia had loads of fun taking all the potatoes out of Nana's basket and passing them to everyone. Then she'd put them back in the basket and do it all over again. Oh, the money everyone could have saved if they had known that her heart's desire this Christmas was really just some potatoes.
That evening, we had a delicious meal prepared by my mom: ham, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, the works. My dad even made a fabulous sweet potato pie!Christmas, Part 3
At this point, Christmas morning was feeling a little like Groundhog Day, but we were still having fun. On Saturday, we did the Christmas morning thing with Darryl's family.
Here's Madison, our niece, dressed like Hannah Montana. She can sing "The Best of Both Worlds" with the best of 'em.
I wish I could post pics of my other niece and my nephew, but the clearest pics I have of them are of them holding gifts with their full names on them, and I don't want to put that info on my blog.Anyway, that evening, Darryl fixed a wonderful prime rib, and his Uncle George, Aunt Miriam, and cousins Camille and Malorie came over. We only get to see them about once a year, if that, so it was a special treat to get to visit with them.
Here are Malorie and Camille. Malorie is making her way up the journalism career ladder by working as a fact checker at a political magazine (and the name of it escapes me at the moment). I thought it was super cool that she got to attend both the Democratic and Republican Conventions for her job. And Camille, on the right, is an amazing ballerina who just danced the part of Clara in The Nutcracker a few weeks ago.
And here's Amelia with her Uncle George:
Don't judge me for the pacifier. We sort of regressed in the pacifier use for this trip. We just wanted a peaceful Christmas, and if a pacifier was going to help with that, then so be it.Conclusion
We're now back home, and it feels good to be home. We really enjoyed spending time with both families, and we have lots of memories that I can't wait to scrapbook. :)
I must confess that now I'm going to go to bed and continue reading Eclipse, the third book in the Twilight series. My 5th period girls said it was "awesome," and so far, it has been quite enjoyable. You know, in that teenagery-vampire-love kind of way. Again, don't judge me.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Nights of Lights
Tonight we went to the Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier. There's not a whole lot to report on it. We drove around and looked at lights. We got out at Santa's Workshop (or Village or whatever it's called) and we walked around with Amelia, who got really excited just looking at and listening to all the carnival rides there.
Oh, we ate at IHOP on our way there and we were by FAR the youngest people in the restaurant. Our pancakes were yummy, though.
Here's a pic of the three of us, obviously. Darryl has an angel watching over him, and my wallet-purse-thing seriously doesn't match my outfit. And Amelia looks thoroughly bored.
And here's Amelia, totally fed up with our need to photograph everything:
Maybe now you can see why getting a Christmas photo was not an easy task.
Oh, we ate at IHOP on our way there and we were by FAR the youngest people in the restaurant. Our pancakes were yummy, though.
Here's a pic of the three of us, obviously. Darryl has an angel watching over him, and my wallet-purse-thing seriously doesn't match my outfit. And Amelia looks thoroughly bored.
And here's Amelia, totally fed up with our need to photograph everything:
Maybe now you can see why getting a Christmas photo was not an easy task.
Monday, December 22, 2008
No Christmas Cards :(
Unfortunately, we never got our act together in time to send out a Christmas card this year. (So if you've sent us one, but didn't get one from us in return, it isn't because we are dissing you or anything. We simply don't have one.)
It isn't like we didn't try. We made several attempts to get a good picture of Amelia for the card. One lesson we've learned is this is NOT a task to put off to the last minute. Another lesson we've learned is that it is impossible to get a one-year-old--excuse me, an ACTIVE one-year-old--to stand still. Or sit still. Or just be still.
Here was our most promising photo:
I actually thought we had a winner with that one. Unfortunately, I had to do a lot of cropping and tweaking with iPhoto for it to look focused. When we had it developed, Amelia's teeth looked black. Not good.
So between the unsuccessful attempts at getting a photo, Christmas shopping, grading papers, feeling bad with a sinus infection...I just decided I had to let the Christmas card go.
For those of you who read my blog, please know that I do wish you a very Merry Christmas. For those of you who have sent me cards, I've loved looking at all your great photos and/or reading your holiday greetings.
From our house to yours, Merry Christmas! (Imagine the photo above on a cute Christmas card.)
It isn't like we didn't try. We made several attempts to get a good picture of Amelia for the card. One lesson we've learned is this is NOT a task to put off to the last minute. Another lesson we've learned is that it is impossible to get a one-year-old--excuse me, an ACTIVE one-year-old--to stand still. Or sit still. Or just be still.
Here was our most promising photo:
I actually thought we had a winner with that one. Unfortunately, I had to do a lot of cropping and tweaking with iPhoto for it to look focused. When we had it developed, Amelia's teeth looked black. Not good.So between the unsuccessful attempts at getting a photo, Christmas shopping, grading papers, feeling bad with a sinus infection...I just decided I had to let the Christmas card go.
For those of you who read my blog, please know that I do wish you a very Merry Christmas. For those of you who have sent me cards, I've loved looking at all your great photos and/or reading your holiday greetings.
From our house to yours, Merry Christmas! (Imagine the photo above on a cute Christmas card.)
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Amelia Meets Santa
We finally took Amelia to see Santa today. While she didn't freak out and cry, you can tell from the pics that she wasn't quite sure what to think. Darryl took these with his camera. The "official" pic we bought from Santa's Workshop looks more like the second one. I like this first pic, though.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
I'm still here...and I "heart" doc in a box
I haven't posted this week because this is what this week has consisted of: two daycare parties, lots of grading, the assembling of daycare teacher presents, some baking, a haircut, a couple of lunches with friends, and a sinus infection. I hope to post something of some substance tomorrow.
And speaking of my sinus infection, can I just tell you how much I now love the idea of a "doc in a box"? I have felt really bad the past couple of days, but I didn't really have time--or make time--to go to the doctor. Today, I was fed up. I was tired of feeling crummy, especially when I have some Christmas fun planned for the week. So I went to the Minute Clinic at CVS, was in and out in 15 minutes, and left with a prescription for some antibiotics and some cough medicine. Awesome.
I'm going to leave you now to take that medicine and have a good night's sleep in hopes of feeling much better tomorrow.
And speaking of my sinus infection, can I just tell you how much I now love the idea of a "doc in a box"? I have felt really bad the past couple of days, but I didn't really have time--or make time--to go to the doctor. Today, I was fed up. I was tired of feeling crummy, especially when I have some Christmas fun planned for the week. So I went to the Minute Clinic at CVS, was in and out in 15 minutes, and left with a prescription for some antibiotics and some cough medicine. Awesome.
I'm going to leave you now to take that medicine and have a good night's sleep in hopes of feeling much better tomorrow.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
She may be my girl, after all
Amelia takes after Darryl in so many ways that I've often wondered if she inherited ANY of my traits. Until yesterday.
What two things brought the biggest smile to Amelia's face yesterday?
Shoe shopping and M&Ms.
Yes!
(Okay, now back to grading essays.)
What two things brought the biggest smile to Amelia's face yesterday?
Shoe shopping and M&Ms.
Yes!
(Okay, now back to grading essays.)
Friday, December 12, 2008
I'm climbing out from under my pile of essays...
...just for a couple of minutes. I'm so glad it is the weekend, even if I'm going to be grading for a good portion of it.
This past week seemed like the longest so far of the school year. I'm not sure why. I keep telling myself that this time next week, I will be a free woman for two weeks. I can't wait.
Task Number One for tomorrow is to get a Christmas pic of Amelia for Christmas cards. I'm going to be "that" person whose cards arrive the day after Christmas. I just know it. Amelia and I are also eating lunch with my friend Casi, and then it is going to be grade, grade, grade the rest of the weekend.
Wow. This post was really pointless.
This past week seemed like the longest so far of the school year. I'm not sure why. I keep telling myself that this time next week, I will be a free woman for two weeks. I can't wait.
Task Number One for tomorrow is to get a Christmas pic of Amelia for Christmas cards. I'm going to be "that" person whose cards arrive the day after Christmas. I just know it. Amelia and I are also eating lunch with my friend Casi, and then it is going to be grade, grade, grade the rest of the weekend.
Wow. This post was really pointless.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Stuff from this week
I realize it has been a week since I wrote last. The end of the semester is always crazy. Here are a few things that have been going on:
--I have a stack of grading up to my eyeballs, practically. I'm slowly making my way through it. I have resolved myself to the fact that not everything is going to get graded, though. Yes, major assignments will be, like essays, major tests, and such, but some of the less significant assignments that students have apparently forgotten about...well, I confess they may never make it to the grade book. (If you are a teacher and read this, assure me that this is okay!)
--I got a phone this week that has a keyboard. This excites me more than it should. I love to text.
--I am reading the second book in the Twilight series, New Moon. It is very hard for me to put down to focus on, you know, grading...but I've been pretty good about limiting my reading to right before bedtime. I've already decided that when I finish it, I cannot buy the next one until Christmas break.
--We had big plans to go to a Christmas parade and to see Santa yesterday, but those plans went in the garbage after The Worst Diaper of 2008. In public. In a hoity-toity children's boutique. I ran out of wipes. I'll spare any more details.
--I have gotten a good bit graded this weekend, and I plan to do more.
--How late can you take a Christmas photo and get it mailed out? We have yet to do that.
Anyway...
--I have a stack of grading up to my eyeballs, practically. I'm slowly making my way through it. I have resolved myself to the fact that not everything is going to get graded, though. Yes, major assignments will be, like essays, major tests, and such, but some of the less significant assignments that students have apparently forgotten about...well, I confess they may never make it to the grade book. (If you are a teacher and read this, assure me that this is okay!)
--I got a phone this week that has a keyboard. This excites me more than it should. I love to text.
--I am reading the second book in the Twilight series, New Moon. It is very hard for me to put down to focus on, you know, grading...but I've been pretty good about limiting my reading to right before bedtime. I've already decided that when I finish it, I cannot buy the next one until Christmas break.
--We had big plans to go to a Christmas parade and to see Santa yesterday, but those plans went in the garbage after The Worst Diaper of 2008. In public. In a hoity-toity children's boutique. I ran out of wipes. I'll spare any more details.
--I have gotten a good bit graded this weekend, and I plan to do more.
--How late can you take a Christmas photo and get it mailed out? We have yet to do that.
Anyway...
Sunday, November 30, 2008
I've Been Twilighted
Count me in. I'm on the Twilight bandwagon.
If you had told me at any point in my life that I would have gotten hooked on a book about vampire love, I would have laughed in your face. My 5th period class (a.k.a. "the dream class) told me I MUST read it, so I did. (Now, I did start the book at the end of the summer just to see what all fuss was about, but I didn't get very far in the book before school started.)
Last week, I read the book. Now, it is a bit melodramatic and full of angst--very Young Adult fictionish--but I enjoyed it. I am a SUCKER (no vampire pun intended) for stories of forbidden love. Edward is a tortured vampire who is completely in love with the girl he most wants to kill for her blood. (I'm actually chuckling as I write this. It sounds ridiculous, doesn't it?) I'm already reading the second book in the series, New Moon, and I'm enjoying it as well.
I also saw the movie yesterday. I have mixed feelings about it. I liked the actors, although Edward wasn't what I had pictured. I thought the movie downplayed some of the emotional stuff in favor of the special vampire powers stuff. I realize the novel had to be edited down to a couple of hours, but the movie misses some of the more tender moments of the book.
So is the book life changing for me? No. Is it one of the best books I've read? No. Did it keep me interested? Yes. And look...I've seen Stephenie Meyer on a couple of talk shows, and she has three kids--all fairly young--and she said she literally wrote Twilight with one hand while holding a baby in the other. I have to give her props for that, for sure.
(An interesting note...one of my former students posted on her Facebook "status" that after reading Twilight, she wants to know where she can find a vampire to love. I know she's joking, but I think vampires just got a big popularity boost, courtesy of the Twilight series! Oh, and when I bought New Moon Friday night, the checkout clerk at Barnes and Noble said, "Looks like they got you, too!" Craziness, I tell you.)
If you had told me at any point in my life that I would have gotten hooked on a book about vampire love, I would have laughed in your face. My 5th period class (a.k.a. "the dream class) told me I MUST read it, so I did. (Now, I did start the book at the end of the summer just to see what all fuss was about, but I didn't get very far in the book before school started.)
Last week, I read the book. Now, it is a bit melodramatic and full of angst--very Young Adult fictionish--but I enjoyed it. I am a SUCKER (no vampire pun intended) for stories of forbidden love. Edward is a tortured vampire who is completely in love with the girl he most wants to kill for her blood. (I'm actually chuckling as I write this. It sounds ridiculous, doesn't it?) I'm already reading the second book in the series, New Moon, and I'm enjoying it as well.
I also saw the movie yesterday. I have mixed feelings about it. I liked the actors, although Edward wasn't what I had pictured. I thought the movie downplayed some of the emotional stuff in favor of the special vampire powers stuff. I realize the novel had to be edited down to a couple of hours, but the movie misses some of the more tender moments of the book.
So is the book life changing for me? No. Is it one of the best books I've read? No. Did it keep me interested? Yes. And look...I've seen Stephenie Meyer on a couple of talk shows, and she has three kids--all fairly young--and she said she literally wrote Twilight with one hand while holding a baby in the other. I have to give her props for that, for sure.
(An interesting note...one of my former students posted on her Facebook "status" that after reading Twilight, she wants to know where she can find a vampire to love. I know she's joking, but I think vampires just got a big popularity boost, courtesy of the Twilight series! Oh, and when I bought New Moon Friday night, the checkout clerk at Barnes and Noble said, "Looks like they got you, too!" Craziness, I tell you.)
December Scrapbook Album
One of the projects I took on over the break was creating a mini-album for the Christmas season. I got the project idea from this post (I think the project is "formally" called the "Daily December Album"), and there is more explanation for it on this site.
Anyway, the point is to get the album ready first, so that all I need to do is add photos, journaling, etc. I took a tip from the first blogger I linked to and prepared and envelope with stuff that would be easy to add--stickers, buttons, and so forth. I called mine--as you can tell from the photo--"31 Days of Christmas." Now, do I plan to do something exciting and Christmas-y for all 31 days of December? Heavens, no. I do have some fun things planned, though: Amelia's first trip to see Santa, Christmas lights, Christmas card photo sessions, holiday baking, and so forth.
I think most of the albums I've seen on other blogs end on Christmas Day, but Darryl and I are planning to go to Florida the day after Christmas to see family, thus extending the season for us a bit.
Tim, I know you are totally rolling your eyes (if you are still reading, that is), but Jen asked a question about it, so I posted a couple of pics.
The cover...
Here are a couple of shots of the inside pages...nothing too elaborate.
This is my first attempt to try something like this, so we'll see how it goes. Anyway...
Anyway, the point is to get the album ready first, so that all I need to do is add photos, journaling, etc. I took a tip from the first blogger I linked to and prepared and envelope with stuff that would be easy to add--stickers, buttons, and so forth. I called mine--as you can tell from the photo--"31 Days of Christmas." Now, do I plan to do something exciting and Christmas-y for all 31 days of December? Heavens, no. I do have some fun things planned, though: Amelia's first trip to see Santa, Christmas lights, Christmas card photo sessions, holiday baking, and so forth.
I think most of the albums I've seen on other blogs end on Christmas Day, but Darryl and I are planning to go to Florida the day after Christmas to see family, thus extending the season for us a bit.
Tim, I know you are totally rolling your eyes (if you are still reading, that is), but Jen asked a question about it, so I posted a couple of pics.
The cover...
Here are a couple of shots of the inside pages...nothing too elaborate.
This is my first attempt to try something like this, so we'll see how it goes. Anyway...
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thanksgiving Week, Thus Far
I haven't blogged very much this week because of one of these two reasons: either I was busy, or I was exhausted from being so busy. I'm exhausted right now, so this post will be somewhat short.
While this week has been busy, it has been a good break from work. Here are some tidbits from the week:
1. I spent some fun time with Amelia, Darryl, and my family.
2. I caught up on Friday Night Lights while doing some Thanksgiving cooking. (I have DirecTV, and DirecTV customers are getting the first run of this season's episodes, which will air on NBC in 2009...I think. I'll have to post my FNL thoughts another time.)
3. I'm about five pages away from finishing Twilight. (Again, my thoughts on the book will be detailed in a separate post.) I hope to see the movie this weekend.
4. I made Thanksgiving dinner all by myself, and it consisted of turkey (well, Darryl fried the turkey...delicious), dressing, sweet potato casserole, pineapple casserole, peas, corn, rolls, carrot cake, and pecan pie. It was a complete carb fest that involved lots of butter. Paula Deen would have been proud.
5. I made a December scrapbook that just needs to be filled with photos and journaling.
6. Darryl and I just got back from a date night. We were home before 10:00 because we were tired. Rock on.
7. I did some Black Friday shopping. I stayed clear of the mall and stuck to strip malls. The crowds weren't too bad.
As for school stuff, I've graded zero tests and zero papers. I know that means the next couple of weeks will be hectic, but frankly, I think I needed this break to gear up for the end.
Anyway, I hope everyone had a wonderful, high-fat, cholesterol-laden Thanksgiving!
While this week has been busy, it has been a good break from work. Here are some tidbits from the week:
1. I spent some fun time with Amelia, Darryl, and my family.
2. I caught up on Friday Night Lights while doing some Thanksgiving cooking. (I have DirecTV, and DirecTV customers are getting the first run of this season's episodes, which will air on NBC in 2009...I think. I'll have to post my FNL thoughts another time.)
3. I'm about five pages away from finishing Twilight. (Again, my thoughts on the book will be detailed in a separate post.) I hope to see the movie this weekend.
4. I made Thanksgiving dinner all by myself, and it consisted of turkey (well, Darryl fried the turkey...delicious), dressing, sweet potato casserole, pineapple casserole, peas, corn, rolls, carrot cake, and pecan pie. It was a complete carb fest that involved lots of butter. Paula Deen would have been proud.
5. I made a December scrapbook that just needs to be filled with photos and journaling.
6. Darryl and I just got back from a date night. We were home before 10:00 because we were tired. Rock on.
7. I did some Black Friday shopping. I stayed clear of the mall and stuck to strip malls. The crowds weren't too bad.
As for school stuff, I've graded zero tests and zero papers. I know that means the next couple of weeks will be hectic, but frankly, I think I needed this break to gear up for the end.
Anyway, I hope everyone had a wonderful, high-fat, cholesterol-laden Thanksgiving!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Scrapbooking Hell
So Saturday night, my friend Sabrina and I met up at a "crop" and were all prepared to get some major scrapbooking done. At this particular place we go, each table seats four people, so chances are you will sit with one or two people you don't know, but it all works out fine because everyone is there to, you know, scrapbook.
Not Saturday, though.
Imagine the most talkative person you know. Then multiply that person by about 100. She was one of our table companions. Her friend was someone who was making engagement announcement even though she's not engaged yet.
Back to Talkative Girl. She talked the entire 6 hours we were there, and she was scrapbooking about a Disney trip, so she felt compelled to relive every single moment of the trip. And apparently she goes to Disney quite often because she is a Disney MANIAC. Now, I can appreciate Disney and I look very forward to taking Amelia there one day, but c'mon. This girl, who was college-age at least, still gets the Princess makeovers at the boutique and still gets the autographs of the characters. Every time.
At one point, both girls--who apparently have serious boyfriends (who must be INSANE)--were imagining what their marriage proposals would be like, and Talkative Disney Girl said, "Well, I just want Dave to take me to EPCOT Japan, get a pearl, and have it put in a ring." And then Sabrina and I tried (kind of unsuccessfully) not to laugh, and it was like those times you try not to laugh in inappropriate places like church, weddings, funerals, and so forth.
So I got only 3 pages done in my scrapbook, and two of those look terrible. I couldn't focus. Very frustrating.
Darryl said he would have just left, but A) I already had my scrapbook stuff spread out, and B) I was hoping the girl would have to shut up at some point just to catch her breath.
Not so.
Not Saturday, though.
Imagine the most talkative person you know. Then multiply that person by about 100. She was one of our table companions. Her friend was someone who was making engagement announcement even though she's not engaged yet.
Back to Talkative Girl. She talked the entire 6 hours we were there, and she was scrapbooking about a Disney trip, so she felt compelled to relive every single moment of the trip. And apparently she goes to Disney quite often because she is a Disney MANIAC. Now, I can appreciate Disney and I look very forward to taking Amelia there one day, but c'mon. This girl, who was college-age at least, still gets the Princess makeovers at the boutique and still gets the autographs of the characters. Every time.
At one point, both girls--who apparently have serious boyfriends (who must be INSANE)--were imagining what their marriage proposals would be like, and Talkative Disney Girl said, "Well, I just want Dave to take me to EPCOT Japan, get a pearl, and have it put in a ring." And then Sabrina and I tried (kind of unsuccessfully) not to laugh, and it was like those times you try not to laugh in inappropriate places like church, weddings, funerals, and so forth.
So I got only 3 pages done in my scrapbook, and two of those look terrible. I couldn't focus. Very frustrating.
Darryl said he would have just left, but A) I already had my scrapbook stuff spread out, and B) I was hoping the girl would have to shut up at some point just to catch her breath.
Not so.
Friday, November 21, 2008
What I'm Looking Forward To
Yes! I'm out for a week for Thanksgiving Break. For that, I am truly thankful.
Here are some things I'm so looking forward to, starting tomorrow:
1. Spending some time with my girl.
2. Having my family here for Thanksgiving. I'm cooking the meal for my parents this year for the first time. I've done the Thanksgiving meal before, but not for them. I love holiday cooking and baking.
3. Scrapbooking with my friend Sabrina tomorrow.
4. Using my spa gift certificates for a massage Sunday.
5. Shopping for Thanksgiving groceries. (That may sound weird, but I love shopping for the ingredients for T-giving dinner.)
6. Reading Twilight. I actually started it at the end of the summer, but realized I had to give it up when teaching took over and I couldn't finish a page of "fun" reading without nodding off. (Seriously, I fall asleep within 45 seconds of my head hitting the pillow. Is that normal?) Also, I feel I missed out by not being a Harry Potter reader. I'm getting on the Twilight bandwagon. Sue me.
7. Watching Good Morning America. I hope Robin and Diane aren't on vacation all week. I'll be sad.
8. Burning my Harvest- and Pumpkin Pie-scented Yankee Candles all day long. (I'm not a huge scented candle person, but I love these.)
9. Not getting up at 5:00 every morning.
10. Watching Food Network in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. This is my favorite time for Food Network.
I'll stop at 10. I don't want to get too giddy, you know?
Here are some things I'm so looking forward to, starting tomorrow:
1. Spending some time with my girl.
2. Having my family here for Thanksgiving. I'm cooking the meal for my parents this year for the first time. I've done the Thanksgiving meal before, but not for them. I love holiday cooking and baking.
3. Scrapbooking with my friend Sabrina tomorrow.
4. Using my spa gift certificates for a massage Sunday.
5. Shopping for Thanksgiving groceries. (That may sound weird, but I love shopping for the ingredients for T-giving dinner.)
6. Reading Twilight. I actually started it at the end of the summer, but realized I had to give it up when teaching took over and I couldn't finish a page of "fun" reading without nodding off. (Seriously, I fall asleep within 45 seconds of my head hitting the pillow. Is that normal?) Also, I feel I missed out by not being a Harry Potter reader. I'm getting on the Twilight bandwagon. Sue me.
7. Watching Good Morning America. I hope Robin and Diane aren't on vacation all week. I'll be sad.
8. Burning my Harvest- and Pumpkin Pie-scented Yankee Candles all day long. (I'm not a huge scented candle person, but I love these.)
9. Not getting up at 5:00 every morning.
10. Watching Food Network in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. This is my favorite time for Food Network.
I'll stop at 10. I don't want to get too giddy, you know?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Update
Well, I don't think I'll be on the evening news for race riots in my classroom, so that's good. There were actually two "gangsta" presentations (in two different classes--but one had already shown me a script to make sure they were not being offensive), and both were fine. They were pretty funny, actually, and everyone seemed to enjoy them.
As for the problem student, I've come to the conclusion after another email from the mother and from a conversation with another teacher who is having similar issues with him that I'm not the problem. This is extremely comforting to me because I so don't want to be one of "those" teachers.
I've mentioned my "dream" class--5th period--before, so here are a few pictures of this class from today. LOVE this class:
As for the problem student, I've come to the conclusion after another email from the mother and from a conversation with another teacher who is having similar issues with him that I'm not the problem. This is extremely comforting to me because I so don't want to be one of "those" teachers.
I've mentioned my "dream" class--5th period--before, so here are a few pictures of this class from today. LOVE this class:
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Someone make me feel better...
...especially if you are a teacher. I have two teaching situations right now that have me frustrated, worried, and down on myself.
Situation 1: I have kid in my Honors class who is very disruptive...not "mean disruptive," but "class-clown-no-self-awareness disruptive." The problem is that he doesn't know when to stop. I love funny students as much as anyone, but this kid constantly blurts out ridiculous things to get us off track, and what's more is that he is in a class with other extroverted, obnoxious personalities, so it doesn't take much to get everyone off track. I've talked with other teachers who have him, and they say that he hardly says a word in their classes and are shocked when I tell them these things. Well, I've just tried to deal with it as much as possible, but today I had enough and emailed the parents. The mother responded to my email, telling me how shocked she is and how she has never received any kind of notification like this (and I believe her, based on what other teachers have said). So here is my fear: is it me??? Have I done something to make this kid want to be this way in my classroom? Do I not exhibit any kind of authority to him? I am really, really down on myself about it. Has anyone been in this situation? I truly have a pretty good reputation of being liked by students (not to toot my own horn), but seriously...what's the deal here? Why me? Why my class? Is it possibly the combination of personalities in that class? Has anyone been in this situation?
Situation 2: In an attempt to be creative and different, I've assigned my honors students different parts of a Greek play to perform with costumes, props, etc. But the problem is that one of my classes (the same one the kid mentioned above is in) is made up of kids who can be very offensive and kids who are easily offended. So now one of the groups with several "offensive" kids in it has decided to do a "gangsta" interpretation of their play, and I overheard a couple of kids who are "easily offended" say that they are, indeed, offended. I have tried to reel in the offenders (I do think it is possible to do "gangsta" without crossing the line), but who knows what will happen. I'm just praying now that I don't get any parent complaints. That's the last thing I need. And this all just makes me mad because my intentions were to think outside the box and do something different. I've done similar projects before with no issues like these whatsoever. Now I feel dumb for trying something new and seriously hope I don't end up being on the evening news.
Why can't kids just, you know, BEHAVE??????
Situation 1: I have kid in my Honors class who is very disruptive...not "mean disruptive," but "class-clown-no-self-awareness disruptive." The problem is that he doesn't know when to stop. I love funny students as much as anyone, but this kid constantly blurts out ridiculous things to get us off track, and what's more is that he is in a class with other extroverted, obnoxious personalities, so it doesn't take much to get everyone off track. I've talked with other teachers who have him, and they say that he hardly says a word in their classes and are shocked when I tell them these things. Well, I've just tried to deal with it as much as possible, but today I had enough and emailed the parents. The mother responded to my email, telling me how shocked she is and how she has never received any kind of notification like this (and I believe her, based on what other teachers have said). So here is my fear: is it me??? Have I done something to make this kid want to be this way in my classroom? Do I not exhibit any kind of authority to him? I am really, really down on myself about it. Has anyone been in this situation? I truly have a pretty good reputation of being liked by students (not to toot my own horn), but seriously...what's the deal here? Why me? Why my class? Is it possibly the combination of personalities in that class? Has anyone been in this situation?
Situation 2: In an attempt to be creative and different, I've assigned my honors students different parts of a Greek play to perform with costumes, props, etc. But the problem is that one of my classes (the same one the kid mentioned above is in) is made up of kids who can be very offensive and kids who are easily offended. So now one of the groups with several "offensive" kids in it has decided to do a "gangsta" interpretation of their play, and I overheard a couple of kids who are "easily offended" say that they are, indeed, offended. I have tried to reel in the offenders (I do think it is possible to do "gangsta" without crossing the line), but who knows what will happen. I'm just praying now that I don't get any parent complaints. That's the last thing I need. And this all just makes me mad because my intentions were to think outside the box and do something different. I've done similar projects before with no issues like these whatsoever. Now I feel dumb for trying something new and seriously hope I don't end up being on the evening news.
Why can't kids just, you know, BEHAVE??????
Monday, November 17, 2008
The cutest thing...and scrapbooking
My favorite thing Amelia is doing right now is this: when I pick her up (or when anyone picks her up, I guess), she'll rest her head on my shoulder and pat my back. Seriously, nothing makes me smile like that little hand giving me a light pat on the back. We all need a pat on the back sometimes, don't we?
I'm very much looking forward to plowing through this week to get to Thanksgiving Break. I'm going through a little scrapbooking withdrawal because I haven't really scrapbooked in almost a month. A friend and I are meeting up Saturday for a little scrappin' action.
Speaking of scrapbooking, I put a button/link to a site that is offering "The Best in Baby Scrapbooking." Jessica Turner--a person I don't actually know but who is a gifted scrapbooker--is showcasing some products and ideas specifically for baby-centered projects on her blog December 2-8. (I know you don't want to miss out on that, Tim!) Anyway, probably most of you are not interested, but if you know someone who might be....let her know. (I say "her" because I have yet to meet a male scrapbooker.) I'm also eligible for a drawing for free scrapbooking goodies by posting that button. :)
I'm very much looking forward to plowing through this week to get to Thanksgiving Break. I'm going through a little scrapbooking withdrawal because I haven't really scrapbooked in almost a month. A friend and I are meeting up Saturday for a little scrappin' action.
Speaking of scrapbooking, I put a button/link to a site that is offering "The Best in Baby Scrapbooking." Jessica Turner--a person I don't actually know but who is a gifted scrapbooker--is showcasing some products and ideas specifically for baby-centered projects on her blog December 2-8. (I know you don't want to miss out on that, Tim!) Anyway, probably most of you are not interested, but if you know someone who might be....let her know. (I say "her" because I have yet to meet a male scrapbooker.) I'm also eligible for a drawing for free scrapbooking goodies by posting that button. :)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Happy 1st Birthday, Amelia!
I can't believe my sweet girl is a year old today.
This time last year...
And here she is today, 1 year later, after enjoying a VERY pink birthday cupcake...
We celebrated her birthday this past weekend with a small family party. My parents were here ("Nana" and "Papa") as well as my cousin Vicky and her husband Robert; and Darryl's sister, Ashley, came up for the weekend with her two girls, Madison and Avery.
Amelia seemed to have a good time, but she was a little on the tired side because the party was during the time she typically naps. (I know that all the books say not to schedule a party during nap time, but oh well.) She was pretty pleasant, though, until the end...she just wasn't extremely smiley or chatty. Here are a couple of pics from the occasion:
Here we are with our birthday girl.
Here she is with her oh-so-cute cake, not really sure why people are singing to her:
And here she is with her special "smash" cake. She really didn't eat much of it, but she enjoyed smearing the frosting on her face and squishing it between her fingers:
I can't even begin to describe the ways she has changed our lives. We love you, Amelia, and we're so thankful you are ours.
Happy 1st Birthday, sweet girl!
This time last year...
And here she is today, 1 year later, after enjoying a VERY pink birthday cupcake...
We celebrated her birthday this past weekend with a small family party. My parents were here ("Nana" and "Papa") as well as my cousin Vicky and her husband Robert; and Darryl's sister, Ashley, came up for the weekend with her two girls, Madison and Avery.
Amelia seemed to have a good time, but she was a little on the tired side because the party was during the time she typically naps. (I know that all the books say not to schedule a party during nap time, but oh well.) She was pretty pleasant, though, until the end...she just wasn't extremely smiley or chatty. Here are a couple of pics from the occasion:
Here we are with our birthday girl.
Here she is with her oh-so-cute cake, not really sure why people are singing to her:
And here she is with her special "smash" cake. She really didn't eat much of it, but she enjoyed smearing the frosting on her face and squishing it between her fingers:
I can't even begin to describe the ways she has changed our lives. We love you, Amelia, and we're so thankful you are ours.
Happy 1st Birthday, sweet girl!
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Let's just slow down for a minute...
I have probably composed about 15 blog posts in my head this week but haven't had time to post any of them. Here's a sample of what went on this week. Some of these deserve the attention of a full blog post when I get a chance...
--We have a new president!
--I saw an outstanding production of Big River performed by our high school's musical theatre class! (Great job, Kim!!)
--I got red highlights in my hair! (They have since "calmed down" a bit, but the day I got them, I was thinking "Lucille Ball" when I looked in the mirror.)
--Our high school won--after years of 1-point losses to our arch nemesis--the regional One Act Play Competition for that great production of Big River!
--One of my problem students is probably gone for the rest of the year!
--We celebrated Amelia's first birthday with a family party! (Her "real" birthday is this Wednesday.)
--Darryl and I went out on a date tonight!
And...we have reached yet another milestone. Drum roll, please...
After a year of mixing up hundreds of bottles of this...
...we can finally switch to this!
--We have a new president!
--I saw an outstanding production of Big River performed by our high school's musical theatre class! (Great job, Kim!!)
--I got red highlights in my hair! (They have since "calmed down" a bit, but the day I got them, I was thinking "Lucille Ball" when I looked in the mirror.)
--Our high school won--after years of 1-point losses to our arch nemesis--the regional One Act Play Competition for that great production of Big River!
--One of my problem students is probably gone for the rest of the year!
--We celebrated Amelia's first birthday with a family party! (Her "real" birthday is this Wednesday.)
--Darryl and I went out on a date tonight!
And...we have reached yet another milestone. Drum roll, please...
After a year of mixing up hundreds of bottles of this...
...we can finally switch to this!
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
The day after 35
Thanks for the happy birthday wishes on my blog and on Facebook. I really appreciate it!
The day was pretty low-key. School was the same as usual, but when I went home, Amelia had a present for me (a spa gift certificate--yes!!), and the three of us went out to dinner. (D's present for me is supposed to be arriving in the mail today. I think it is a camera bag I wanted, but I guess I'll wait and see...) Originally my birthday wish was to lie on the couch and watch TV (something I don't really get to do any more), but I was so tired I was in bed by 9:00. Festive, yes?
Let me switch topics to something completely unrelated...as I was doing my morning internet surfing, I stumbled across this article from People about Jennifer Hudson's family's funeral. The part about Fantasia singing made me tear up a little. I can't imagine what Hudson must be feeling right now. Poor girl. Poor family.
The day was pretty low-key. School was the same as usual, but when I went home, Amelia had a present for me (a spa gift certificate--yes!!), and the three of us went out to dinner. (D's present for me is supposed to be arriving in the mail today. I think it is a camera bag I wanted, but I guess I'll wait and see...) Originally my birthday wish was to lie on the couch and watch TV (something I don't really get to do any more), but I was so tired I was in bed by 9:00. Festive, yes?
Let me switch topics to something completely unrelated...as I was doing my morning internet surfing, I stumbled across this article from People about Jennifer Hudson's family's funeral. The part about Fantasia singing made me tear up a little. I can't imagine what Hudson must be feeling right now. Poor girl. Poor family.
Monday, November 03, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMY!!!!
As her husband I felt I needed to hijack her blog this morning to tell her - Happy Birthday!!!!
I hope you have a wonderful day.
I hope you have a wonderful day.
This is a picture of Amy protecting her child during 1 of 2 tornado warnings in the Spring of 2008.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
This time last year...
I had just ended my last day at school before my maternity leave and celebrated with a dinner with Tim and Max at Shorty's. It was my birthday weekend, and D and I spent the whole weekend just enjoying the last few days of it being just the two of us. We were excited about Amelia's upcoming arrival, and I watched TV and lay on the couch without even a touch of guilt about it.
Present day: I have that weekly "Sunday afternoon depression" that I get when I think about a full week of school ahead, and my birthday falls on a Monday. I'm sitting here with my lit textbook beside me, trying to figure out how I'm going to get my students to love Walt Whitman tomorrow.
Where is my time machine???
Present day: I have that weekly "Sunday afternoon depression" that I get when I think about a full week of school ahead, and my birthday falls on a Monday. I'm sitting here with my lit textbook beside me, trying to figure out how I'm going to get my students to love Walt Whitman tomorrow.
Where is my time machine???
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