Morning,
Well I am off for another week of classes. This is the start of my 3 weeks of classes and than it will be time to start getting ready for my class to come back to school. Where has my summer went? Huh I am not ready for this year to start.
Hope to talk to you more this evening. If I am not brain dead from sitting in class all day long.
Have a wonderful day!
Kerry
Quick hello........
Morning all!!!!!
Robyn- hope you are feeling better..just a quick reminder.....sunscreen should be applied before sun exposure. Go slow today, my friend.
Kerry- this summer is so short.....can't believe you have only 3 weeks left. Where did it all go??????
Mouse- well, we all knew you were exceptional too!!!!! Congrats.
Summer- so, today is a new day. Glad you got those nasty urges out of your system. Start today with a clean start.
Sue- my times that I am alone are rare........hope you can sneak in a few minutes for yourself, and maybe some golf.
The dumb phone rang at 6:15am......you guessed it I worked. No more today though.
Get to stay home and play mommy.
Oh crap! My computer just shut itself off when I was just finishing my post. I HATE it when that happens! You would think being married to a computer geek, I wouldn't have those problems!
Mouse - So did you like Mean Girls? Is it suppose to be funny? I don't usually find the humor in movies about high school anymore. I guess when you get to experience the real thing, it's not too funny. If it is about the underdogs winning though, I might enjoy it. Congrats on your CEC position. Does this mean you get to go to the national convention free?! Not sure where it is being held this year but it usually is someplace nice. I am only to chapter 12 in Harry Potter. I just keep getting interrupted. That is one good thing about camping, I get lots of reading done.
Summer - Don't worry, I'll take full advantage of every week of summer! Actually it ends up less than the 13 weeks since I go in to hand schedule my students (that way I can prevent potential personality conflicts before they happen and match learning/teaching styles) and to get my lesson plans situated. I like to have about two weeks worth done so I can concentrate on all those unexpected things that come up the first few weeks. High expectations or lack there of is becoming a real problem at our school. Our principal is a dumb jock and only hires more of the same. Anyone with high standards is considered a b*tch! It is getting so bad that I am considering doing schools of choice when my biological children get to high school. We just had a huge buy out last year, so we lost some great teachers.
Kerry - so are you taking any classes that you will actually enjoy or benefit from? Most of my undergrad and masters level classes were a waste of time but when I was taking classes towards my Masters plus 30, I got to pick what I took. Those classes I actually enjoyed.
Ginny - I sure hope that you are saving all this extra money you are making this summer to buy yourself something special that you wouldn't have been able to have otherwise!
Robyn - Two words Aloe Vera! It works wonders, as the song says, "don't ask me how I know"!
Okay, I am off to make lunch for my little darlings. Then I am going to devote some time to Harry. If I don't have time to get on tomorrow, which is likely, I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their week. We are heading out camping at 7 a.m. on Wednesday and won't be back until Sunday night.
Sue- where are you going camping? Does your family really rough it or take advantages of some comforts (at this time in my life, I think I am into comfort!). Hope you got some Harry time in.....the reviews I have read of it are that the book is great and resolves a lot of unanswered questions. As for me and the $, I am hoping it will help pay for a fix up or two around the house- as baseball season winds to a close (Ds's last game is Thursday) and we have just a few short weeks until fall ball begins (both Ds and Dh play fall softball/baseball......ugh). So Dh is actually willing to take on a home improvement project or two........ So I guess the $ will go for a new 6 panel door. But do not despair.....the $$$ my kiddies gave me at the end of the year is getting my hair done on Wednesday. I usually let my hair go to the dogs for summer- but not this year. Wed I am going to my WW meeting and then off for my hair and whatever $$ I have left will be spent on me. Enjoy your camping- hope you get some peace and quiet and relaxation in!!!!
Ginny
Okay sisters, I need to make a "drop and run" post. I will be back later or tomorrow to communicate with you all more fully.
DD had a play date without me at my teacher friend's house. Originally, I was supposed to go along, but she insisted I could use some time alone and would watch DD. Whatever! Who's gonna argue with a little time alone.
When I picked her up 3 hours later, I got this attitude from my teacher friend and this look of doom, gloom, and concern were on her face. Apparently, they went in the pool, had lunch, and she expected them to go back in the pool. It makes sense since it is hotter than Hades and so humid, it may as well be pouring rain, only it isn't. DD (for some unknown reason I have not been able to get out of her) didn't want back in the pool. They played in the playroom, and "apparently" DD got deep into pretend play. That is not unusual for her, and 99% of the time her friends join her in pretend play. My friend told me she has an amazing imagination. Yeh, that is normal of children her age. So what?! Well, either her daughter doesn't like to pretend play or DD didn't include her which is what my friend implied. She also implied that DD's behavior was weird. As an early childhood educator, I can assure anyone with any doubts that pretend play and having a good imagination is not only normal but a good thing. And, unless her daughter did something mean, I can't imagine DD excluding her from playing with her. DD has more friends than I can count on two hands, and these are rich, active friendships. In fact, she always gets a note on her report card that her socializing with her friends is affecting her grades in a negative way. I'd rather have a social butterfly than a kid who is introverted. Anyway, I didn't like her implications about DD being mean or weird. When I asked DD, she said they were all playing together. I don't get it.
Now, when my friend's daughter was over the other day without her mom, while playing in the pool, her daughter (as you might remember) wasn't sharing or playing nicely, and I hesitated to reprimand her because of my new friendship with her mother. When they played inside, they didn't play with DD's toys or pretend. Instead they ran around playing hide and go seek which is not allowed in the house. I wonder if my friend's daughter doesn't like to pretend or doesn't know how to pretend because she has never had a chance to.
I am about to get an earful because I am having dinner with my teacher friend in a few minutes. I'll be back with the rest later or tomorrow. If you have any ideas, I'd surely like to hear them.
ok. so we spent the last 17 days fighting with Verizon and DSL...and it is now officially over! DH has to reinstall the modem into the computer (Tech Support had him take it out...told him (and he knew this was crap...but...he was desperate!) to take it out...it was interfering with DSL...) before I will have access again.... I will be so happy that this is over!
Robyn- hope you are happily bathing in Aloe........and back with us soon. Glad that your Dh has the patience to wrangle with a computer. Mine leaves it all up to "moi" and then spends tons of time bellyachin' about it too. Oh- he has plenty of brains to do it- just not the patience......patience is not his forte. Anyway, hope your wit and wisdom are back with us soon. And hope the sunburn goes bye bye.......
Summer-Yes, I remember very well the play date the other day, and you holding your tongue. I might be tempted to (other than blast this new friend....but that would accomplish little) during a conversation with her- while she criticizes your Dd (BTW, I love imaginative play.....send her down here to NY state!) kind of chalk up this past weeks experiences to a learning experience with the two girls. And mention that to your friend- that perhaps your two daughters can be guided to spend half their play time doing what one wants/ half doing what the other wants. Or even better- now that the 2 girls know each other better.......see if they can find some common ground of what they like to do. Forgive me, I forget Dd's age....my youngest is 9. I know at 4-7 she and her best buddies were really big into imaginative stuff.......dress up with anything they could scrounge up.....and hours and I mean hours of dancing around the house as pretend ballerinas to the classical CD's I have. Guess what I am taking entirely too much space saying is that as opposed to responding to this "friends" perhaps judgmental comments I would simply tell her that everyone got to know each other better this week- and maybe the next play dates will go easier. (and you will make a date with your eyes open.....knowing the kind of garbage you might face).
I am venting......Dh just totally shut me out, insisted that he knew how I was going to finish my sentence, and of course, my response (the one he thought I was going to make which could not have been farther from the truth) was alll wrong. So I will kill some time on the computer.....should have served him Franco American for dinner instead of the good stuff I made.
Nuff bellyachin.........see ya later.
Ginny
Robyn: ALOE, m'dear, ALOE.
Summer: I don't know what to say; I don't have a lot of experience with little children.
Ginny: I see your new title, and have even more respect. I drive a school van a lot for community trips, and its nerve wracking. I'm always petrified I'm going to have an accident with the kids in the van!
Sue: You sound more and more like me (except for the camping and golf. :grin: I'm serious!). I doubt I get to go to the convention for free; I did get to the one here in Baltimore, but that was probably the straw that broke this mouse's back as far as my last school. I am really involved with CEC, and had been planning to get to this convention for YEARS ( knew about before I left Fairfax!). My supervisor was just so awful, and he and the team leader claimed they had no idea I was involved with CEC or that I wanted to attend so much. That is total BS. The conference in 2006 is in Salt Lake City, so its really far. Travel would be a definite issue. 2007 is in Kansas or Kentucky, I don't recall which. I do note that mostly college students or staff attend the annual convention and are more heavily involved, it seems. Makes sense, they have more flexibility in their schedles for the conference.
I'm also working on my master's + 30... hopefully it'll result in a PhD, but the dissertation kinda scares me. I enjoyed my master's coursework, but I pretty much designed my own program. I was already full certified, so I combined two programs at Hopkins: Transition Planning and Severe Disabilities.
And my day today... Oh, wow. I called the one school in Loudoun back today, and discovered the position they wanted me for is really, really severe disabilities. Profound would be a more accurate term, I think. I have all the skills they're looking for, just not at that level. We have apparently had a disconnect and skipped over the MR category when I said I didn't want "mild LD". I am going to meet a principal tomorrow that has a position for MR open at his high school. I can only hope.
Then I came home to a huge mess. Imp has been burying the crumbs from his food dish under the rag rug. I do pick the rug up at least once a month and clean good, usually when his dish is empty. i must have missed it last month, so there were all kinds of creepy crawlies. UGH! Between that, and the construction in the parking garage, my poor apartment is filthy. The construction crew is sandblasting the concrete on the garage, and I live on that side of the building, right next to the garage! My window is so large, it only goes completely totally shut if I put the lock on. You need a ladder to get to the lock, so I have to get maintenance to do it... I usually just leave it unlocked since I'm on the 4th floor... I gave in and asked the company that is doing the move-out clean for me to come tomorrow and give the place a good scrubbing. I can't stand it anymore, and I'm not home to do it! It hasn't been really clean since before the camping trip because of my ankle anyway.
I spent an hour and a half just straightening up Imp's mess anyway. I also completely remade the bed... Changed part of the litterbox... I swear, that cat. He's lucky I love him so much, because the messes he makes at times drive me up a wall!
I need to go to sleep... Mapquest is routing me through 495 to get to the new personnel office for Loudoun, which means I'd better leave super early so I get there on time. The traffic, you know!
Hello All,
Sounds like we all had an interesting day today! I spent my day being bored to death about the Social Studies Strandards. I have another 4 days this week and two follow-up days in the fall. Than I will be considered HQT. I will have a week of Science classes next week and the following week Math classes. Than I will have two weeks before my school year starts. I thought about going in for a little bit each day the first week and half the second week and than try to take it easy the half week before school starts. Plus my parents and sister are planning to come for a visit sometime during the week of the second and third week of August. So it looks like my summer was offically over yesterday. Oh well atleast I will be a HQT and next summer will be able to enjoy my summer hopefully. I think I might just save a couple bucks out of every paycheck to go away next summer to somewhere nice. I think I deserve it after the way I spent my summer. Enough bellyachin' from me.
Ginny, I am sorry you had to work again today. Glad you can use the money to put your dh to work around the house between ball seasons. So are you going to go for a new hairdo on Wednesday? I need to get my hair cut. I basically let it go this summer and can't stand it now. It is getting to long and has a mind of it's own to curl one way on one side and anohter way on the other side. Hope your evening got better.
Summer, hope you were able to have a nice dinner without getting hurt or mad at your new friend. Hope you were able to figure out what went on today with your dd and her dd. I don't know what kind of advice to give you at the moment. I think I will have to sleep on that one and come back to it tomorrow.
Sue, hope you got some time in with Harry. I am hoping to read some before going to bed tonight. I think that would help me unwind and relax from my long day of sitting in my chair for about 8 hours. We even had lunch in the same room. I can't handle all that sitting for so long. So where are you off camping to now? Hope you have a nice camping trip and it is not too hot and rainy.
Robyn, hope you are feeling a little bit better from your burn yesterday. Did you take it easy today and not over do it? Hope you were able to sleep some last night.
Pam so how is your db doing? Did you get your son's car fixed yet? Hope you were able to enjoy your weekend doing something relaxing for you.
Mouse, congrats on your appointment. That is awesome news! You are truly an amazing person all the extra things you do. Hope you have a safe trip tomorrow to VA.
Well ladies, I am off of here. I think I will go read a few pages in my book and go to sleep at a decent time tonight.
Talk to you all tomorrow some time between my class and my TOPS meeting.
Nighty Night!
Kerry
Ginny - We are camping at Higgins Lake which is about three hours north of where I live. It is a beautiful huge lake. I don't rough it by any means. After my divorce, I did use a tent because I had no money to buy anything else. Then I up graded to a popup, which was really nice (air, bathroom) but I just got sick of having to put it up and down. This year (after saving $ for 5 years) I purchased a regular trailer. It is 26 ft, has a separate bathroom and bedroom for me, full kitchen, central air, entertainment center, etc... So no, I don't rough it! We really don't spend very much time actually in the camper as camping is about enjoying the outdoors but it is nice to have all that if it rains. Plus I don't think I could sleep without air or heat depending on what was needed. The older I get, the less I can tolerate! I am glad you are going to spend some money on yourself. What are you doing with your hair? I have been growing mine out a bit this summer and with this humidity it is quite the curley sight! Actually I kind of like the curls as I don't have to mess with it. Just scrunch it up and go! Sorry your DH is being a butthead. Men can be so high maintenance!
Summer - ummmm let me just think about alone time for a minute...... Did your DD seem upset at all after the last playdate? If not you might want to let it go. I think it is normal for everyone to think of their children as being in the right and any child who is different, wrong. You know a mother lion will do anything to protect her cubs! Your friend may have just been upset that she couldn't go back to the pool. You could have been sensitive too knowing that her daughter was out of control and you didn't say anything. I think if you enjoy the women's company and the girls are enjoying their time together, you should let it go. If your DD doesn't want to play with brat girl, then just avoid having them together and make plans just for the adults. I know that is easier said than done sometimes. Not sure I am making my point here, my brain is mush and the correct words are coming out! I think an active imagination is one of the best things a child can have. Without imaginations how can people invent new things or enjoy books for that matter!
Robyn - I hope you get your computer problem fixed quickly. That is one nice thing about having a computer geek for a husband. I can usually get the computer fixed the day it breaks. Plus we always get upgraded when a faster computer comes out! Now if we just didn't live in the middle of no where and could have access to cable....
Mouse - I am with you. I wouldn't want to work with the profoundly disabled. I think those teachers end up being more nurses that educators. When I first started thinking about teaching special ed, I actually wanted to work with moderately disabled students more along the sheltered workshop (vocational education) line. Then I worked in a resource room my senior year and liked that too. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you will get the classroom you want.
Kerry - I am so envious that you will be highly qualified. They just notified us at the end of the year that the state decided we weren't qualified. At first they said you were with a Masters degree. Now I will have to take the test in the fall. We have to take the elementary test. I am not sure how tough it is. I wish there was a study guide like you have for the SAT. Saving for a trip next summer sounds like a good plan. Even if you decide against the trip you could splurge on something else. My DH and I both get a set amount of money for "fun money". He blows every penny but I save most of mine. That is how I saved up for the camper. I think my next purchase will be a small cottage or even just a lot on a lake somewhere. I guess I'll be saving for awhile!
Okay, for sure this will be the last time I'll be on for awhile. Enjoy the rest of the week! I'll miss you.
Hey!
Greetings from rain promised but get none state! It's been so hot here the past few days. Heat index of 110 yesterday 105 today. The pool water is like bathwater almost. Bluck. We have gotten a lot of thunder and lightening, but alas no rain to speak of.
Sounds like everyone is keeping super busy. I on the other hand have done nothing wonderful to speak of. I have been reading a lot. Too hot to really work in the yard.
My dh, although I would call anything but darling at this point, had a huge blow out this morning,over the "three" dollars in gas money that I gave my son to get to an appointment this morning. His car has been in the shop for three weeks, it finally came out, was still messed up, took it back it's still not right. So, he hasn't been able to work. He has worked some with his friends, but his job requires a car. My husband, however, refuses to let my son use one of our cars. We have three sitting in the driveway, because he says he doesn't want them torn up. OK, well he needs to stop *****ing about him not being able to work, when he won't even let him use a car. Then, he leaves and covers his ears as I was yelling out the door. What a
I was planning on running away, but I don't have any gas in my car, no money, and no clean clothes. Think I need to do laundry. All those factors
lead me to believe that I will be here and just not talk to him. It's all stupid anyway.
My neighbor, with the best intentions, brought over a little sweet kitty today. I told her no. My dog would have loved a litty snack this morning, but I had told her before that I wasn't going to get another cat, and besides I don't want a "replacement" for Sassy. So, as hard as it was, cause that kitty was adorable, I turned it away.
I was down to 173.5 this morning. That's where I was when school let out. Geez, talk about lack of progress here.
Anyway, sorry to not get personal. You guys have a great day. I'm going to clean off some of this evil energy I have and then spend the afternoon in the pool. And for those of you without teenagers, JUST HANG ON!
Pam
Last edited by pamisuzinc; 07-19-2005 at 10:06 AM.
Pam- can't blame you for feeling it is too soon for a kitten.......or any cat for that matter. Sweet of your neighbor though to offer. Interesting comment to those w/o teens, hang on to the little ones (which is the way I feel) or tighten your seatbelts for the ride....guess I feel that way too. Hope you got to relax some.
Sue- you are probably off camping now or getting there.....hope you have a wonderful time. Enjoy!!!!!! The camper sounds great.
Kerry- hope your TOPS meeting went well for you. You absolutely deserve putting away a few $$$ for a getaway for yourself next summer!!! The spring break getaway I had was delicious.....never, ever did anything so selfish in my life and I had a blast. You deserve it and as long as it does not throw your family budget into turmoil I would go for it.
Mouse- don't blame you one bit for not opting for the severely disabled kids.
If that is not your calling- it would be hard to work with them. I drove a route at the end of the school year for 3 severely disabled kids- totally nonverbal, seisures all the way home, the most functional of the 3 disrobes constantly....not for me either. But some are given that calling, and bless them for what they do. Sorry about your sweet (?) Imp being such a piggie.
I love my monsters too, and sometimes they are worse than the kids. Beware- the full moon cometh.......Fidget is already tearing the house apart. Hope Imp behaves.
Taking the kids to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Gotta do something to break my mood, which really is not that bad. I lost my WW buddy last nite to pregnancy.....happy for her (hope all goes well for her, she is 40 and has already lost one pg) and the other bummer..........WHY did Patricia Cornwell kill off Benton!!!!!! Cried my eyes out last nite over that one....and how does she ever recover the Scarpetta character after that blow??
See ya later.
Ginny
Okay, when we discussed the play date at dinner, it only got worse. My friend really thinks my DD is some sort of freak for being so imaginative and being able to entertain herself. Some of her eye-rolling and rude comments made me want to smack her, but I restrained myself and ordered a Baja Bob's low carb margarita instead. I'm getting the impression that her DD does not engage in pretend play and she either thinks my DD is weird because she is so imaginative or is just plain jealous because of it. Who knows?! She clearly isn't going to be honest about it, just critical and defensive. Her choice. (It should be mentioned that my friend's DD has never played at anyone else's house except mine, hence she is very inexperienced with children outside of her extended family...the people who think she can do no wrong.) I have no doubt that DD was fascinated with the opportunity to play with someone else's toys and that when her DD wouldn't participate that my DD went on playing. Is that good manners? No. Had I been there, I would have reminded her that she was there to play with the girl, not her toys. Was DD possibly exhausted and in need of quiet time after 3 hours of cheerleading camp and 2 hours swimming? Maybe she tuned her out because she was too tired to argue. DD isn't talking. I will let it go. I officially give up, but my eyes will be WIDE OPEN. Thanks for everyone's feedback.
Ginny, did you enjoy "Charlie...?" Did you have any obnoxious children/parents in your audience? Teeheehee... I just adore Johnny Depp.
Pam, be nice now...don't you get me started with worrying about what the future will bring. My 7 year-old already thinks she's 16. We talk about a lot of stuff at her level. I am trying to establish an openness between us so that just maybe we will all survive her teens without drugs, pregnancy, or any other kind of ****. If she is anything like me, it will be a breeze. My mom had it sooo easy with me...zero rebellion...oodles of communication...Oh, and tell ya what, in support of your feelings, I won't speak to your DH either! Girls rule, boys drool.
Sue, thanks for your insightfulness.
Kerry, I'm sorry your summer is essentially over. But you know what? We all have summers like that sometimes. That is what makes the good summers great. You will accomplish much. Don't forget to take care of you!!!
Mouse, I know that you will find the right position eventually. I worked with severe/profound students when I was a para. It involved changing diapers on high school students. Those three years were unbelievable.
Rob, How are you feeling? Sometimes a lukewarm bath in baking soda will cool and soothe the skin after a burn. I've tried it all. I like aloe, but I prefer something that will actually cool the skin like solarcaine. Feel better.
Today was fun. DD had cheerleading camp this morning. She is in the advanced group which surprises me because her gymnastics skills are certainly not advanced...she still does a cartwheel with one bent leg! No matter how much she practices, that one leg doesn't want to be straight. Taking gymnastics once a week is good for giving her "muscle memory" for various moves, but it isn't intense enough to really improve her skills. I'm not sure what to do...private lessons might be too much especially during the school year...and I don't want to be like those crazy stage mothers. Anyway, they did stunts in their cheers today. She wanted to be on the top of the pyramid, but instead she had to do three cartwheels in a row through two pyramids. It looked really cool (except for the bent leg ) and I could tell she enjoyed it. Afterward, we went out to lunch with my best friend and her kids. Then we went to a science museum. It was great.
I am also awaiting the rain to alleviate the humidity. It is hotter than Hades here!
Evening Ladies,
Sounds like everyone had a good day, just very humid. I had an okay day at class. It was too long and our presentators don't have us doing a lot of hands on activiities to keep us focused. Good thing I have wonderful table partners who keep me entertained. LOL Well I went to TOPS tonight and gained a pound. But that was to be expected since last week was my TOM and I have been sitting a lot more the last two days. So I will just have to try harder for next week.
Summer, sorry to hear that your friend was a little rude to you last night. But you did the right thing by listening to her and having your eyes opened by her comments and actions. Now you will know for the next time. Glad to hear that your dd did a wonderful job at Cheerleading camp today. That is way cool!
Sue, I hope you have a safe and enjoyable camping trip. Hopefully it wouldn't be too hot for you. Sorry you just found out at the end of the year about your HQT status. I know I should be looking happy since since I have my Reading and Language Arts done. But I still have to sit through Social Studies, Science and Math classes. But when I go back to school this year, I can look at my co-workers and say that I spent my summer in school, so I don't have to do a lot of the coursework during the school year. Plus if I get the college credit now I wouldn't have to worry when I go to renew my certificate next time. I was short two hours this year, so I am waiting on the college to send me my grades for this summer so I can renew my certificate. I have tried talking to the lady in the graduate office and she never returns my phone calls. So looks like I will be renewing my certificate in August. Sorry about my little rant.
Pam, sorry to hear that you haven't had any rain. We had three major thunderboomers yesterday evening. We have had rain for the last five days. and it is hotter than Hades. Sorry your dh is not being very understanding right now. I swear males go through a TOM too. My mom and mother-in-law agree with me. Hope your day got better and you were able to burn off your evil feelings.
Mouse, so how did your trip go to Va? Hope your meeting went well with the principal. I will keep my fingers crossed for you!
Ginny, did you enjoy the movie today? I think I might save my money and than see if my sisters and mom want to go somewhere next summer. We have always talked about doing that and never have just had a girls vacation. Supposely we are suppose to go on vacation with another family next summer. They wanted us to go on a cruise with them over Memeriol Day weekend this year and we couldn't due to money and school still being session. So they told us start saving for next year.
Robyn, honey how are you feeling? I hope you have recovered somewhat from getting your buns toasted the other day. Hope your computer is fixed soon. We miss your witty comments.
Well I better go and some things done around the house. Talk to you all later.
Have a great evening.
Kerry
I'd rather have a social butterfly than a kid who is introverted. Anyway, I didn't like her implications about DD being mean or weird. When I asked DD, she said they were all playing together. I don't get it.
I just adore Johnny Depp.