Oh. My foot / leg issues were resolved by staying in bed for 4 days. IMAGINE! Seems that being on your feet on concrete for upwards of 10 hours for the last 8 days of school make your old fat body rebel. NO. REALLY! So, I've been told to not stand up so much while at school, buy some old lady support hose to be worn when things are not happy, take alleve when I feel it coming on and to watch out for the signs and symptoms of blood clots(which this was NOT). I have been reading. Novels. NOT anything school related! Whooooopeeee! I read an old Janet Evanovitch novel. I read a Jennifer Weiner book. I read a collection of Short Stories "Girls Night In". I read a book called Bubbles something or the other! I even read a Rachel Ray cookbook. I'm heading back to the library tomorrow. Looking up my old favorite ...Cornwell... There has to be something new out! And I'm on the waiting list for Janet's new book and a few others!

Oh... they are asking about lunch again.... guess I'm pushing my luck! I have to clean out the attic...and our bedroom.... yippee... Having EVERYONE home all day EVERYDAY is, um, getting more difficult! This man has got to find a job.....sigh....

gotta get to the kitchen!
meeee

.........SOMEbody...... please. I have GOT to get my oldest ...rising 8th grade boy...who has the ability to read anything....but won't....to read........

Titles? Someone who knows (and loves and misses!) middle school boys...... suggest something for us to check out of the library! I'm striking out..... I've explained that resistance is futile..... he has read Tolkien....Paulsen... etc... ???? Ideas?!

Mouse, what software did you write the review for? (PM me.... I still need to "talk" to you about this kiddos AT needs! LOL)

Ok...enough from me already!

Hi Ladies,
I am sorry that I have been MIA for the last month or so. School was hetic this year at the end. Then I had to take 3 courses the first 3 weeks of June. Thank God I had great presentators, who it would have been a drag going to school. I have a break until July 18th. Then it is another 3 weeks of classes. But hopefully when all is said and done I will be considered high qualified. Plus between all of that my stepkids have had ballgames and my dad was in the hospital for a week with pneumia (sorry don't know how to really spell that). So I have been given a break for the last two days. Yesterday I took my two stepsons to the city pool. I even got in the water and played with them for a little bit. Than it got to the point that they were too cool to be seen with me. So I started swimming the length of the pool. Our one friend's little boy was there and so he raced me back and forth across the pool. I let him win every time. Even the times when he pulled on my swimming suit strap and the back of my suit. LOL This morning I took a 5 or 6 mile bike ride out to our local state lake and back. It was very nice and peaceful. So that is what is new with me. I have gained about 5 pounds since school got out. But I am going to work really hard to get it off this summer. Well I better go and spend some quiet time with my dh. His kids are with us this weekend and we won't have a moment of peace to ourselves. Talk to you all later.
Love ya,
Kerry

Hi all!
Pam: Yes. Go swim. And, believe it or not, I wear a two-piece bathing suit. Its the only way I can get the top and bottom to fit without the top being 3 sizes too big!! I buy separates, and only buy ones that are long enough. I love the bike-short and other shorts... and the tank-top style.
Robyn: No offense taken. And yes, it is a VERY good thing. I don't like little children much... I have them in swimming lessons, and prefer them at ages 8 and up. I tend to like the outspoken bright ones a bit more, too. :blush:
Books... Harry Potter? Robert Heinlein's Juveniles (Space Cadet, Rolling Stones, Red Planet, Have Spacesuit Will Travel). I think the ones I listed are the only ones in print, but your library might have others. I'd avoid some of his more recent (before he died) works: Friday, To Sail Beyond the Sunset... a bit risque for a teenage boy.
Anne McCaffrey's Pern books might catch an interest. Diane Duane has a series about teenage (middle/high school) wizards... I have the omnibus 'Support Your Local Wizard' , but I think the first book is called 'So You Want To Be a Wizard'. 7 books or so in the series.
I didn't like them, but many kids liked Philip Pullman's Golden Compass series, and Lemony Snickett. SM Stirling, David Feintuch, and David Weber has 'naval' style battles set in space. Those should be okay. Robert Aspirin's Myth series is funny ... epsecially if he likes puns.
Robin Cook (medical thrillers) John Lescroart and John Grisham. Wen Spencer (especially the Ukiah Oregon series if you don't mind a touch of male-female relations (handled very tastefully, mind) and some rather extensive violence). I really enjoyed the Ukiah Oregon series... Alien Taste is the first book.
<The violence isn't descriptive of blood and gore and people being torn apart... its just some aliens doing some stuff, people getting shot, some blowing up... its not DISGUSTING or GRATITIOUS violence... she did a very nice job. She has a website: http://www.wenspencer.com>
Some of my kids have also liked historical fiction about kids... Red Scarf Girl and Chinese Cinderella were really popular and some of my boys liked those too. Most of my boys were really into science fiction though.
Why doesn't he like to read? Is it hard turning pages or tracking text? Have you considered combining a print book with an unabridged CD? Pricey, but it works!!!
Oh, and the software: IntelliTools, of course!

Hey everyone!
How's everyone this morning? Everything is ok here. I am just looking at the disaster area I call home and thinking maybe I should just go back to bed. However, since I'm up I guess I'll just stay up.
Mouse: I have a tankini top and could not find the bottoms in my size, so I ended up buying a pair of shorts to go with it. However, they bubble up in the water and give me my own personal flotation device. Ha! I'm planning on going swimming today. It's supposed to be really hot today.
Kerry: Welcome back. The end of the school year can certainly be hectic. Sounds like you are having fun so far. Enjoy enjoy enjoy!
Robyn: Have you read Cornwall's book Blowfly? It came out in December I think. It was excellent. By the way, I am not one of those offeneded Middle School Teachers! Been racking my brain for books, just can't think this morning.
Oh, an off note..........If anyone does happen to get razor burn bumps when shaving the bikini area........I had a really bad time with this ....I bought something called bump stopper 2. It is actually produced for black males who get bumps from shaving......However, it works great. I read about something similar on the internet and was desperate, so I bought some. Bumps all gone within two days.
You guys have a good day. I am going to stay on an eating plan today and excercise. I keep fighting with a stupid pound. Lose it, gain it back, lose it gain it back. I have got to get moving before it's time for school to start again.........

Pam

Robyn: I usually work with reluctant readers who struggle with reading, so I am not an expert on those who "can read anything but won't". It really would make a difference on his maturity level and interest. Harry Potter is good for many but if he doesn't like that wizzard stuff (or hates a goody two shoes, as my students would say), he might not be interested. John Grisham would be good if he is mature enough. How about westerns? Louis L'Moure (not positive that is how you spell it) has many, many good ones for that. How about The Outsiders? Most of my students enjoy that. If he is a bit of a war or history buff I would suggest A Soldiers Heart or Flames of the Tiger.

Kerry - Glad you are back. Sorry to hear about your DF. Hopefully he is better now.

Ginny - How is your DM?

So while people are suggesting books. What is good for adults? I am not a big science fiction person but not too picky otherwise. I do enjoy books about real life. You know the type you get wrapped up in and forget they are not real. I don't do well with anything that involves children being hurt. I just checked out The Touch by Colleen McCullough (author of The Thorn Birds) but I have such a hectic weekend, I'm not sure when I'll get the chance to read. I'll let you know when I do.

My DM is here for golf and lunch.

Sue

Morning Ladies,
Today is the last day of ballgames for this season. My stepsons' were picked to be on an all star team and for the last week yes we are playing or no we are not playing every other day. Last night they finally decided that they were not playing because they didn't want to play up to 3 games a day in the hot summer sun. Which I don't blame them for that. I think that is a little much for 6-8 year olds. So maybe our lives can get back to normal and do some fun activities for the rest of the summer as a family.
I am reading a funny book right now. It is called The Hot Flash Club. I think it is by Nancy Thayer. It is due back at the library in a few days and I am only half way through it due to classes and ballgames. But I am hoping to finish it this weekend. She has a sequel called The Hot Flash Club Strikes Again. I am right now also reading Weight Watchers Weight Loss That Lasts. It is a good book. Makes you rethink about some of the issues centered around the weight loss and excerising. Sue, let me think about the adult books and get back to you.
Pam I hope you enjoy your swim today. I was planning on going for a walk by myself this morning. But when I said something about it to my dh, he was like wait until the kids get here and then we will all go on one with you. So as you can see I am still waiting. The kids are here but my dh wants to take a shower before going on the walk. Thank God I am a workout scheduled with a friend at Curves this afternoon.
So I can regroup and get some peace than, before going to the last ballgame of the season.
Ginny how is your DM doing? I hope all is well with you and your family.
Summer, Mouse, and Robyn hope you are enjoying your time off from school.
Well I think I am going to get my excersie clothes on and head out the door with or without some extra bodies.
Talk to you all later. Have a wonderful Friday!
Love,
Kerry

I'm going to weep. I just hit a button by mistake and lost my entire mile-long post.

I had dental work today and just pib-cked ub-p my-b lib-p off of-b the-b floor-b. I hate novacaine. I hate the drill. I hate that the novacaine doesn't prevent the drill from hurting. I hate that the novacaine lasts for six hours. This appointment was with the dentist whose wife died of breast cancer a couple of weeks ago. Somehow I managed to avoid saying anything to upset him. Phew!

Robyn, my house was a nightmare during the month of June in spite of the fact that I did major cleaning in the middle of being VERY BUSY so the people letting out Duffy while we were in Cape Cod wouldn't think us pigs, and again when my sister-in-law was passing through town with her entourage on her way to the airport the night following preschool graduation and my school party. Somehow the house still got messy enough again for me to have to deep clean for our play date on Wednesday. I live with the sloppiest people on the planet. The laundry is officially done and folded, so I no longer need to keep my bedroom door shut to company.

Oh, another thing Rob, glad you got the rest you needed to help your body parts feel better. I have shooting pain and lameness in my left foot (the one I broke two years ago) occasionally. I wonder if it is because I have gotten too heavy. I was 17 pounds lighter last year. I have found no opportunity for rest. I try to ice it when I remember. Worse comes to worse I will see the chiropractor. I'm hoping that by dropping a ton of weight this summer will help.

One more thing, Rob, until your son finds the genre that interests him, he won't be a reader. When I was stung by the modern romance bug, I couldn't get enough of books, but until then, even though I was an A student in reading, I was bored by it. So, take him to the library or book store and let him go wild exploring various authors until he finds his interest.

Okay, really this is the last time, Rob, no margaritas for me. I'm back on South Beach diet. I've lost 7 pounds since Monday!!! I don't know how that will look on my ticker since I've been yo-yoing all year. Anyway, no carbs at all for one more week. After that, I will figure out a low-carb margarita mix even if I have to use crystal light to make it. No sand in the toes...all backyard pool swimming. DD is driving me nuts demanding play dates. So far, we've only had one play date in three days. How terrible!!! She has become too much of a social butterfly. I just don't feel like dealing with "know-it-all" 6/7 year-olds every friggin day. 4 year-olds are so much easier to manipulate and intimidate. These first graders are so savy now...a bunch of wise a*ses who question everything including the rules. I don't want to be a disciplinarian all the time. I just want to chill. So, she will have to deal with play dates every other day or so. I've actually been lucky because snow-day girl has been in Maine since Tuesday. But, she is returning tomorrow. There is a girl two houses down, on the other side of the next-door nightmare's house. She was in a different first grade than DD, but DD knows her. I suppose at some point we will have to invite them over to get to know the family so she and DD can play together. I was hoping to stick with the friends we already know, but with a child soooo close, it is hard to ignore her.

Kerry, welcome back!!!

Pam, I was told to use baby oil to shave the private areas, and it prevents the bumps.

Sue, my favorite authors are Jayne Ann Krentz, JoAnn Ross (suspenseful romance), Janet Evanovich, Millie Criswell, Hailey North (humorous romance),
and Catherine Anderson (romance).

Mouse, I hope you are making peace with everything and moving on. I'm sure that you will end up being happier in the long run.

Elana, welcome back! Ginny, Hey girl!

Thanks to all who have put in their 2cents worth about getting the kid to read. I've heard you all....even taken notes....and well, we are going to go to the library come Monday (...it will be alright... oops sorry! I'm a bit ADD in case you didn't know!) and I will be patient and persistent...and he will find a book or BOOKS that he WILL read! I'm nearly desperate enough to hand him a Janet Evanovich book....which he would find hilarious....BUT, I'm just not ready for him to read my favorite trashy novels! He has read much of Paulsen, Tolkien, and all the HarryPotters.... I think I need to be patient and wait him out at the library until he finds at least 2 books and something on CD to listen to! Thanks again for your help!

All this talk about shaving. I bought a new pack of razors. Thought of you girls! I've no intention of needing it...but I actually was looking around for the stuff Pam was mentioning...Just in case....'Bout the time I spotted it, my poison ivy started itching on my right ankle.... NOPE...Will continue to sport my "sideburns" for a bit longer.... Baby oil and bump ointment are noted for the time when I've lost my mind..or the poison ivy has dried up and I've forgotten how lovely it is to ITCH!

Summer, Hopeb yourb lipb gotb backb to normalb! Sorry you had to have dental work. BUT, at least you didn't have to try to figure out how to keep you life going and leave sub plans and make sure daughter's care and transportation was all taken care of...yadda yadda! SEEE! Those darn rising 2nd grade girls are something else, aren't they?! Very little will slow them down at this point! I only had 4 girls in my class this year...so it wasn't THAT bad...but MANNNNN girls are something ELSE! You've gotta be Firm and Firmer with them or they will ROLL on you! (Yeah, my case of the blues has definately disappeared!)

Had a wild time of it tonight. Stand back, ya'll here come the lovely details! Went to the movies with a great friend. Our husbands play in the same band. Our sons are the same age and get along famously.... SO... every now and again when the dhs are in the basement playing music, we order the kids a pizza, and leave them upstairs to see to themselves...(the men are downstairs if they should need anything!)...And she and I escape! Tonight we went to see Mr. and Mrs. Smith! We had popcorn and a box of chocolate covered peanuts for dinner (yeah, I know!). We enjoyed the movie! Go see it! I decided that if Brad isn't having a thing with Angelina then he is foolish. She is so beautiful...and well..he IS Brad! (Sorry...Darn ADD...) When the movie was over, we drove over to the 24/7 Walmart and did our grocery shopping together! What a riot! Had a good time. SAD, isn't it?! LOL It was nice to just get out and be a "girl"! Know what I mean?! Anyway... we've managed to get all the groceries put away...and I'm wide awake...at 1 a.m. So THAT is why I'm posting here! LOL

My inlaws. I hope my earlier comments about my inlaws didn't sound TOO horrible... BUT, MANNNNNN they are driving me nuts lately! AND I don't live here alone. AND I'm sure that my guilt is self induced, BUT... I really really really don't enjoy drop in company! My very best friends KNOW to call me and make plans with me! They are wonderful about this.....and I guess I've been spoiled.... We live out in EasternMongolia for Pete's sake... NO one just drops by where we are.... until June05!
...and only when the house has been trashed! I'm ranting... sorry! I'll stop!

Ok... so I think I may have gotten the soda monkey off my back. Maybe... Will have to see tomorrow. I've got none of "my" soda in the house... and I'm drinking my favorite ...WATER... yummy..yummy! (I'm trying to convince myself!)

Well...seems that everyone has gotten into my bed....watching tv with dad... I think that it is time that I go scare them all into their own beds! Our sleeping schedules are so mixed up ...and it is only the first week of our summer!

take care,
meeeee

I could use some advice from you veteran teachers (I just finished my 1st year in a system--I have taught 8 years in private schools).

My district sent me a reappointment letter and a contract. I signed and returned the contract. Now the assistant super. claims the letter was a mistake. He said they could send a letter to rescind or a termination letter.

My principal said he'd be glad to have me back next year if that's the final outcome. I met with an employment attorney and talked w/people from my local union.

Yesterday I also talked w/someone from the state union. She pointed out that even if I force it and show up for work in September, they can dismiss me on the first day (since it takes 3 years in same district to get Professional Teacher Status).

So, what do you think?
1. Just drop it and accept defeat
2. Take the risk (after more research) and go back to work expecting them to honor the signed contract
3. File suit to force either performance of the contract or for damages

The good news is I am not overeating in response to this obviously stressful situation.

My husband and daughter went away for the weekend. Max (13 y.o. son) and I are here so he can continue practicing for his Bar Mitzvah, get the fancy clothes, revise his speech, etc. Plus we can probably just hang out together and enjoy the weekend. We'll probably get some grocery store sushi for dinner and watch a DVD. It might hit 100 here today but even without central AC our house is quite cool.

Take care.

Elana,

1st, I'd be looking for a new position somewhere...just in case. Where are you again? (Ie, which state?)

2nd, What is the cause of all of this? Did you see this difficulty coming? (Ie,
did you have good job performance evaluations this year?) The issues are at
the out of building admin level and NOT with your in school principal? What or
why is this happening? Will your school principal stand up for you? (Sounds like
"NOT really" is the answer to that. More like, "I'll take you if you fight this but
I'm standing here on the sidelines and I'm NOT going to make any real effort on
your behalf. Good luck.")

3rd, I would go with what the lawyer and the union reps tell me. I'd be very concerned that what the state rep said (about being let go on Day 1 in Sept)
would play itself out! Once school starts teaching positions will be harder to
find. Without tenure....they can cut bait and let you go...without reason.

4th, IF you forced the contract....whatever manner....Will you have any quality
to your life with this school/district? I mean. You will be marked with a "scarlet
letter" forEVER!

This truly reeks! BUT...I'm not too sure what you can really do about it WHILE keeping your life comfortable at the building/system levels. The union reps would be my guide!

You are doing a great to control your eating at such a stressful time! I never do well with stress eating. Continue to be in control! Try to relax and enjoy your weekend with your ds! I also have a ds13! Enjoy helping him prepare for his special day!
Keep us posted, of course, about how the job situation plays itself out!

take care,
Robyn

Afternoon Ladies,
Elana I am sending out some hugs your way. I would serious think about looking for another position. How happy would you be teaching in that district with the threat hanging over your head do they like me this minute and than will they hate me the next minute? Do want you feel is right for your career.
Robyn, sorry that your in laws keep dropping in on you. My one brother-in-law has a habit of visiting us when we are just getting ready to leave to go do something special. For example, on Valentine's Day and our anniversary who is standing on our front porch. I feel bad for him because he is divorced and his two kids have families of their own now, but sometimes his time is just awful. Hope you are able to find some books at the library on Monday. I went last night and got an arm load of books that sound good. Also hope you can get your ds interested in reading books this summer. Good luck!
Summer sounds like you have a social butterfly on your hands. My sdd spent the first two weeks of summer vacation over at her best friend's house during the day time. Last night after the boys ball game and the trip to Mickey D's,they were begging my dh and I to let someone come over to spend the night. They got mad when we told them no that the other kids had plans for this morning. It can get a little nerve racking at times. I just wonder if we will come home with an extra kid or two after the boys pool party for ball. Congrats on your 7 pounds lost. Keep up the good work. I am going to try really hard to lose some weight this summer too. I want to start school at the end of August 25 pounds lighter. I need to also be 150 or less by Christmas time or my dh's offer to buy me a leather coat is off the table. So I have to get my big butt in gear.
Mouse, how is the new eating lifestyle changes working out for you? I hope all is well with you. When are you moving to Va.?
Pam did you enjoy your swim yesterday? Hope all the itching has stopped for you now. I didn't have a problem wearing my swimsuit the other day over at the city pool. But I don't know if I will be comfortable tonight at the boys pool party with a bunch of guys around. I haven't decided if I am going to go swimming or not.
Ginny, so have you taken Robyn up on her offer of hiding the ball equipment yet? How is your summer going so far other that with ball?
Well gals, I must go and take a nap while everyone else is doing the same. If not, then when I go to take my nap later, all **** breaks loose cause they think it is time to run around the house like elephants or bulls in a china shop.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful Saturday!
Check in with you all later.
Love,
Kerry

Oh God Elana. How awful. I second everything Robyn said, especially about looking for a new position. Sometimes these things happen because of budget cuts, and being the newbie, you were the first to go. I have feared the same thing happening to me since I began teaching. My first position was to replace a teacher taking a one-year leave of absence. She made it clear to me that she had no intention of returning, but didn't tell the district so she could maintain benefits. It was stressful because I didn't know if she was on the "up and up." She didn't return, but my position was eliminated because of NCLB. My school was labelled a failing school, and the parents left the school in droves. My kindergarten was no longer needed. I found this out while on vacation in Cape Cod. Needless to say, my vacation was ruined. Luckily, I interviewed for another position in another building (my current position) and was hired. I was prepared to go to any district in the area to teach if necessary, including private school. I would get busy updating the resume and renewing old contacts ASAP. Good Luck!!!

Rob, your big night out with your friend sounds like fun...especially the grocery shopping part . I have to disagree about Angelina and Brad though. I'm still mad at him for breaking up with his wife. And, Angelina is too freaky for my taste...all snuggly with her brother, marrying that creepy Billy Bob...I don't like her know matter how beautiful she is. I liked Brad and Jen, and sorry, but I'm not over them yet!

Another thing Rob, I've gotten really lucky with my MIL. In the fall/winter, they are snowbirds in Florida. We do not visit...no money...and if we did have it, we'd be back in Disney with a 5 second stopover to see MIL and FIL. Anyway, remember last year when DH had the operation? He was in really bad shape, and I had taken a lot of time off to be with him in the hospital and at home. Well, the day I was returning to work, MIL promised to stay with him and take care of him for the day. At that point, he still needed a tremendous amount of care, and I considered a home health aide, but thought family would be nicer for him. Guess what? MIL stayed less than an hour. F&MIL had stuff to do. When I got home from work, my DH was crying. I can't tell you how pitiful he was...suffering in pain and crying on my couch because his DM left him. I don't think he has forgiven her because they have been home from Florida since April, and we haven't visited them once. (They live one hour away.) I am enjoying the lack of contact, but I feel bad for him that his parents are so selfish.

I'm mad at my sister...speaking of selfish. I signed up for aqua aerobics with a friend. Apparently there hasn't been much response for the evening class. We can't do the day class because we don't have childcare. Anyway, my sister wanted to do the class with me which would have raised the number to 3 allowing us to keep the class. Without her the YMCA is dropping the class unless some other random person signs up. Well, after promising, my sister changed her mind because two nights a week for 45 minutes was too much of a commitment. She isn't doing anything else all summer. When she needs me to do something that makes her life easier, I do it. However, she is so inflexible. We always have to go to her house for family gatherings. At DD's birthday party, she left because she felt sick. She wasn't sick, she just didn't like being a guest in someone else's house. God forbid she defer to anyone. She orders everyone around like she is the Queen of England. (At Christmas her BIL was bowing to her muttering, "Whatever you want, Principessa.") It got a laugh from everyone, but she didn't get that he was being sarcastic. I'm sick of her. AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The funny thing is that after screwing me over the aquasize class, she suggested my niece (who drives me NUTS!!!) help me with my tag sale. Like I need more stress in my life. Pahlease.