Phew! It's been nearly two months since I have posted anything. How can that be? Somehow I've been caught up in a physical, emotional and mental whirlwind as I finished up my last moments of being a teacher and began this next adventure.
I must admit, I am not sure if I just made the greatest mistake of my life. Or, am I headed into a wonderful adventure? My feelings change hourly. One minute I'm as confident as ever. The next, I'm physically ill with nerves.
Still, life rolls on. We finished up the school year. Cade and Jorden moved home for the summer. Lauren had a wonderful softball season. Syd still keeps an exhausting schedule of practices. Ryan and I try to sit back and enjoy it occasionally.
I did try to chronicle some of it all in pictures. Over the next few days, I'm hoping to include those to remind myself of all my blessings.
In the meantime, I'm just hoping I don't blow away....
Friday, July 8, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Why I Blog
...Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of those rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters...
Norman Maclean A River Runs Through It
I am fascinated by untold stories.
We (rightfully) celebrate birthdays, holidays and vacations. We mark births, anniversaries, and deaths. But somewhere in the breathes and pauses and commas, lies the heart of life.
I am particularly intrigued by the lives of women. Very rarely does time record their actions, let alone their thoughts and feeling and dreams. Historically, women have been so busy tending to the necessities of home and family that there was little time left over for the luxury of written reflection. Instead, their beliefs, strengths, and faith was recorded in their children, their families and the others that they touched.
Yet I feel a sisterhood to these unnamed women. Occasionally, they are mentioned in scripture, in history books or in pioneer journals. More often than not, they are just an implied character. Yet, while our settings and situations may change, I believe we share similar desires for our homes and families. We strive for our own growth while praying for the strength and endurance of others. We weep our own tears of sadness and exhaustion while drying the eyes of others. We celebrate success even while planning our next task.
And so I write. Not often, and not a lot. My words will never be found in a history book. But maybe one day, a granddaughter or great-granddaughter will read them. Maybe she will some comfort, or a kindred spirit, or maybe just the knowledge that her place in the world is not so lonely after all.
Norman Maclean A River Runs Through It
I am fascinated by untold stories.
We (rightfully) celebrate birthdays, holidays and vacations. We mark births, anniversaries, and deaths. But somewhere in the breathes and pauses and commas, lies the heart of life.
I am particularly intrigued by the lives of women. Very rarely does time record their actions, let alone their thoughts and feeling and dreams. Historically, women have been so busy tending to the necessities of home and family that there was little time left over for the luxury of written reflection. Instead, their beliefs, strengths, and faith was recorded in their children, their families and the others that they touched.
Yet I feel a sisterhood to these unnamed women. Occasionally, they are mentioned in scripture, in history books or in pioneer journals. More often than not, they are just an implied character. Yet, while our settings and situations may change, I believe we share similar desires for our homes and families. We strive for our own growth while praying for the strength and endurance of others. We weep our own tears of sadness and exhaustion while drying the eyes of others. We celebrate success even while planning our next task.
And so I write. Not often, and not a lot. My words will never be found in a history book. But maybe one day, a granddaughter or great-granddaughter will read them. Maybe she will some comfort, or a kindred spirit, or maybe just the knowledge that her place in the world is not so lonely after all.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sydney
Soon, Sydney will be turning sixteen. I am amazed by her kindness, talents and beauty. Recently, she had to fill out an application for the National Honor Society. Part of the process requests that you list the volunteer hours that you provide. She struggled to name specific activities or organizations that she has served. However, just yesterday I complimented her on her willingness to give up hours at a time to help those around her. Friday she spent quite a few hours editing photos for a friend. Yesterday she hid Easter eggs for my mom and then spent a couple hours providing a pitching lesson to a young girl who attended our picnic. Syd may never be recognized for formal volunteer achievements. But I will always be grateful for her quiet acts of thoughtful and meaningful service.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Girls Only
Lauren and I were the only two home this weekend. So we planned a few fun activities. We went to the school's Spring Carnival, tried out the new Subway, roasted marshmallows and made these fancy-shmancy eggs. If you'd like to try them out yourself, (and see much cuter examples) check out this link: Here!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
I Cracked
You know me; I'm not one for following the crowd. I'd like to think that makes me some sort of rebel, but really it just makes me a day late and a dollar short (so to speak). I was kind of late jumping on the whole blogging craze. I refused to go to Alco on opening day (although the second day I was all over that). And I have steadfastly refused to get a facebook account.
In fact, just saying the term, "facebook" causes me to get a touch of social anxiety. Good night, I can barely be a good friend to the people a see on a weekly basis-the thought of all sorts of additional "friends" just makes me break out in hives. While I think I'm generally "friendly", I am not particularly "open". If I'm your friend, I'm your friend for life. It just may take a long time to get there.
I know, I know. Kind of strange for one who happily blogs away without any sort of "privacy" controls. Maybe it's the horror stories I hear of being asked to substitue a Primary class through facebook. Maybe it's the fact that I have one friend who insists that facebook is for the under 25 crowd. Maybe because it's one more thing that I won't get around to managing. I don't know. I can't explain it. The only explanation I can give you for the crack in my armor is this:
(Sorry for stealing your picture Jorden)
Seriously? How could I go through life knowing there were more pictures of Griffen out there? All I had to do was sell my soul...
In fact, just saying the term, "facebook" causes me to get a touch of social anxiety. Good night, I can barely be a good friend to the people a see on a weekly basis-the thought of all sorts of additional "friends" just makes me break out in hives. While I think I'm generally "friendly", I am not particularly "open". If I'm your friend, I'm your friend for life. It just may take a long time to get there.
I know, I know. Kind of strange for one who happily blogs away without any sort of "privacy" controls. Maybe it's the horror stories I hear of being asked to substitue a Primary class through facebook. Maybe it's the fact that I have one friend who insists that facebook is for the under 25 crowd. Maybe because it's one more thing that I won't get around to managing. I don't know. I can't explain it. The only explanation I can give you for the crack in my armor is this:
(Sorry for stealing your picture Jorden)
Seriously? How could I go through life knowing there were more pictures of Griffen out there? All I had to do was sell my soul...
Monday, April 11, 2011
You've Never Lived Until...
Yesterday, Lauren was rubbing a wet towel across her teeth, making an unexplainable noise. "Hey mom," she asked, "What does this sound like?"
"Ummm" was about all I could come up with.
"It's the sound two pickles make when you rub them together." She answered for me.
"You've rubbed two pickles together!?! What for!?!"
"You've never lived the life of a kid if you haven't done that mom," she said disdainfully.
Who knew I was missing out on so much?
"Ummm" was about all I could come up with.
"It's the sound two pickles make when you rub them together." She answered for me.
"You've rubbed two pickles together!?! What for!?!"
"You've never lived the life of a kid if you haven't done that mom," she said disdainfully.
Who knew I was missing out on so much?
Monday, March 28, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
I Wish
I wish I could show you the beautiful, sunny (no wind) day that we enjoyed.
I wish that I could show you the little hike we went on in order to find pottery, arrowheads and cool rocks.
I wish I could show you the arrowhead I found amidst a cache of pottery.
I wish I could show you Lauren and my dad examining the rare black on red pottery.
I wish I could show you my mom and Lauren extracting teeth from an old cow skull.
I wish I could show you a picture of me diligently packing my camera through sagebrush and carefully taking shots of each event.
Oh yes, all of those things happened. Oh yes, I did take those pictures. But oh no, I failed to remember/notice that I had removed the compact flash card a few days ago!
I wish that I could show you the little hike we went on in order to find pottery, arrowheads and cool rocks.
I wish I could show you the arrowhead I found amidst a cache of pottery.
I wish I could show you Lauren and my dad examining the rare black on red pottery.
I wish I could show you my mom and Lauren extracting teeth from an old cow skull.
I wish I could show you a picture of me diligently packing my camera through sagebrush and carefully taking shots of each event.
Oh yes, all of those things happened. Oh yes, I did take those pictures. But oh no, I failed to remember/notice that I had removed the compact flash card a few days ago!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
A Glimpse of Things to Come
That could be a positive sort of title.
But it's not.
This week has been Spring Break. It's been pretty nice-if you don't count the snow, rain and wind. But that's pretty much expected this time of year. The real eye-opener has occurred in the later hours of the afternoon/evening. During the day, the girls have been home. They've had friends over, but later in the evening they have had other options. By seven o'clock, I know that Ryan will be falling asleep soon and there will be a long stretch without responsibility. A couple of evenings, I went running. I've gone through old magazines. I've edited some pictures of Griffen. Mostly, I've just flitted around, accomplishing nothing. I must admit, it has made me a little nervous about my future without kids. I'm going to need to get some sort of plan.
Or maybe I need to just get some sense and enjoy these quiet, (slightly boring) days. Let's be honest, come Monday I'll be wishing for another week of vacation...
But it's not.
This week has been Spring Break. It's been pretty nice-if you don't count the snow, rain and wind. But that's pretty much expected this time of year. The real eye-opener has occurred in the later hours of the afternoon/evening. During the day, the girls have been home. They've had friends over, but later in the evening they have had other options. By seven o'clock, I know that Ryan will be falling asleep soon and there will be a long stretch without responsibility. A couple of evenings, I went running. I've gone through old magazines. I've edited some pictures of Griffen. Mostly, I've just flitted around, accomplishing nothing. I must admit, it has made me a little nervous about my future without kids. I'm going to need to get some sort of plan.
Or maybe I need to just get some sense and enjoy these quiet, (slightly boring) days. Let's be honest, come Monday I'll be wishing for another week of vacation...
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Another Day at the Zoo
You just never know what to expect when you teach 7th and 8th grade. One thing is for certain, however, most of us develop investigation skills that would rival any police department. (Or maybe it's just being mothers as well as teachers). Either way, we often joke about getting a CSI kit in order to solve current mysteries.
One year, it was the Case of the Unknown Smell. We came to school that morning to a putrid smell permeating the entire building. It was so bad, that we had to keep the students outside while we hunted down the source. With hound dog like focus, we were able to narrow it down to a specific locker. Inside was a decomposing lunch that had dripped down the back of the locker and into the carpet where it spread like fungus. It probably was fungus.
Once, it was the Case of the Mike's Hard Lemonade. (No, it wasn't a "case" of it-just a couple bottles). Once that was solved, the semi-naive Vice Principal remarked, "Nah, I don't believe it. The things they do to lemonade these days!"
Usually, it is just routine matters of inappropriate notes/texts, rumors, cheating and lying. Let me just say-FBI profilers have nothing on Jr. High teachers. We can sniff out a lie from three doors down. We can tell when a kid is texting his girlfriend within 5 seconds of entering a room. We all have our own little pocket of informants to go to when necessary. And if that's not enough, we can always send in the short teachers (that's me) for undercover operations. (Kid's just don't seem to notice someone their own height. I'm always overhearing conversations before they realize an adult is in their midst.)
This week, it has been the Case of the Bathroom Graffiti. The second stall in the girls' bathroom has been turned into a truck-stop writing venue. Along with the usual "John is so cute!" (as well as more risque thoughts) was the taunt, "You'll never catch us E.K.!" (E.K. is our janitor.) Not to be outwitted by 13 year-old girls, we began rounding up the usual suspects. Initially, the accused were hard to crack, but after bringing in the handwriting specialists (aka the English teacher and her collection of student journals) we were able to break the case wide open. It was a victory for adults everywhere.
Truly, there are few cases too difficult for us to crack. But there are some we just refuse to tackle. Last year, our Vice Principal came to us fuming with indignation. It seems that sometime during that evening, there had been improper usage of the copy machine. Pulling out a piece of paper, he held up the evidence. There, plain as day, was the suspect's bare butt. "Do you recognize who this is?" he demanded.
Like I said, there are just some cases we don't want to "crack"!
One year, it was the Case of the Unknown Smell. We came to school that morning to a putrid smell permeating the entire building. It was so bad, that we had to keep the students outside while we hunted down the source. With hound dog like focus, we were able to narrow it down to a specific locker. Inside was a decomposing lunch that had dripped down the back of the locker and into the carpet where it spread like fungus. It probably was fungus.
Once, it was the Case of the Mike's Hard Lemonade. (No, it wasn't a "case" of it-just a couple bottles). Once that was solved, the semi-naive Vice Principal remarked, "Nah, I don't believe it. The things they do to lemonade these days!"
Usually, it is just routine matters of inappropriate notes/texts, rumors, cheating and lying. Let me just say-FBI profilers have nothing on Jr. High teachers. We can sniff out a lie from three doors down. We can tell when a kid is texting his girlfriend within 5 seconds of entering a room. We all have our own little pocket of informants to go to when necessary. And if that's not enough, we can always send in the short teachers (that's me) for undercover operations. (Kid's just don't seem to notice someone their own height. I'm always overhearing conversations before they realize an adult is in their midst.)
This week, it has been the Case of the Bathroom Graffiti. The second stall in the girls' bathroom has been turned into a truck-stop writing venue. Along with the usual "John is so cute!" (as well as more risque thoughts) was the taunt, "You'll never catch us E.K.!" (E.K. is our janitor.) Not to be outwitted by 13 year-old girls, we began rounding up the usual suspects. Initially, the accused were hard to crack, but after bringing in the handwriting specialists (aka the English teacher and her collection of student journals) we were able to break the case wide open. It was a victory for adults everywhere.
Truly, there are few cases too difficult for us to crack. But there are some we just refuse to tackle. Last year, our Vice Principal came to us fuming with indignation. It seems that sometime during that evening, there had been improper usage of the copy machine. Pulling out a piece of paper, he held up the evidence. There, plain as day, was the suspect's bare butt. "Do you recognize who this is?" he demanded.
Like I said, there are just some cases we don't want to "crack"!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Do Overs
As my kids are getting closer and closer to the "raised" stage in life, I'm looking back over the things I should have done differently...
"Do Over #1":
After finding stacks of virtually clean towels at the bottom of both girls' hampers, I once again cussed myself for not insisting on a towel limit. One Christmas, Carol even gave us all towels with our names embroidered on them. At that point, I should have insisted that people use that towel, and that towel only, for a week. But no. Instead, I raised kids who think they need a fresh towel for every shower.
Good 'ole Lauren just came into my room and read this over my shoulder. She gave me a gentle smile and said, "Don't worry Mom, you're doing fine."
Poor kid doesn't realize that as the youngest, I still have time to institute my new rules and regulations. I'm off to hide all of the towels...
"Do Over #1":
After finding stacks of virtually clean towels at the bottom of both girls' hampers, I once again cussed myself for not insisting on a towel limit. One Christmas, Carol even gave us all towels with our names embroidered on them. At that point, I should have insisted that people use that towel, and that towel only, for a week. But no. Instead, I raised kids who think they need a fresh towel for every shower.
Good 'ole Lauren just came into my room and read this over my shoulder. She gave me a gentle smile and said, "Don't worry Mom, you're doing fine."
Poor kid doesn't realize that as the youngest, I still have time to institute my new rules and regulations. I'm off to hide all of the towels...
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
For the Record
I just read in the news that a teacher was suspended from her job for blogging about her students. It seems that she called them "lazy whiners". Rather than delve into freedom of speech issues, I'd just like to report that for the record, all of my students are engaged, charming and motivated learners.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Count Your Many Blessings
I have a wise friend who often tells me that when a pattern emerges in our experiences, it may be a sign that we are supposed to learn a certain lesson or "truth."
If that is the case, then I'm certain I came to this earth to learn these things:
1) Patience
2) Patience
3) Patience
I'm doing all right with the "control your temper" sort of patience. My struggles come with the patience and faith required to trust in Heavenly Father's plan for me and those I love. I truly do believe that things work out for the best (whether is was my idea of "the best or not".) It's just the process of getting there that drives me crazy.
I think back to a couple of times in my life when this lesson has been at the forefront. The first was our attempts to have a baby after Syd was born. Through five years, a miscarriage, and fertility drugs, we tried to add to our family. However, it wasn't until I finally accepted the situation that I actually became pregnant with Lauren. I remember specifically repenting of my anger and learning to be grateful for the two wonderful kids that I had. (Side note: for anyone struggling with infertility, I am no way implying that acceptance results in pregnancy. It is just my own little miracle). Less dramatically, another repeat of this lesson came when we were trying to get a loan to build our house. Now, in the grand scheme of things, it isn't all that important. But it seemed like every time we got close, something in the process would break down. Again, it wasn't until I realized that where we lived didn't matter; it was that we were all together that counted, that things fell into place.
Obviously, those are two fairly grand examples. There are twice as many ones that illustrate times when I didn't "get what I wanted". Yet what I "got" was just what I "needed". I just wish I'd learn the lesson beforehand instead of in retrospect.
During fast and testimony meeting earlier this month, I was strongly reminded of my needed for faith in Heavenly Father's care. I was reminded that my perspective is limited and I can't fully grasp His design for my learning and my growth. I was reminded that Heavenly Father loves my family more perfectly than I can imagine. And each one of them has their own personally tailored lessons to experience. So while I get anxious and want to see the end result before I experience the middle, I am learning to be patient.
Hopefully I can be a fast learner! (Oops! I mean a patient student.)
If that is the case, then I'm certain I came to this earth to learn these things:
1) Patience
2) Patience
3) Patience
I'm doing all right with the "control your temper" sort of patience. My struggles come with the patience and faith required to trust in Heavenly Father's plan for me and those I love. I truly do believe that things work out for the best (whether is was my idea of "the best or not".) It's just the process of getting there that drives me crazy.
I think back to a couple of times in my life when this lesson has been at the forefront. The first was our attempts to have a baby after Syd was born. Through five years, a miscarriage, and fertility drugs, we tried to add to our family. However, it wasn't until I finally accepted the situation that I actually became pregnant with Lauren. I remember specifically repenting of my anger and learning to be grateful for the two wonderful kids that I had. (Side note: for anyone struggling with infertility, I am no way implying that acceptance results in pregnancy. It is just my own little miracle). Less dramatically, another repeat of this lesson came when we were trying to get a loan to build our house. Now, in the grand scheme of things, it isn't all that important. But it seemed like every time we got close, something in the process would break down. Again, it wasn't until I realized that where we lived didn't matter; it was that we were all together that counted, that things fell into place.
Obviously, those are two fairly grand examples. There are twice as many ones that illustrate times when I didn't "get what I wanted". Yet what I "got" was just what I "needed". I just wish I'd learn the lesson beforehand instead of in retrospect.
During fast and testimony meeting earlier this month, I was strongly reminded of my needed for faith in Heavenly Father's care. I was reminded that my perspective is limited and I can't fully grasp His design for my learning and my growth. I was reminded that Heavenly Father loves my family more perfectly than I can imagine. And each one of them has their own personally tailored lessons to experience. So while I get anxious and want to see the end result before I experience the middle, I am learning to be patient.
Hopefully I can be a fast learner! (Oops! I mean a patient student.)
Friday, February 4, 2011
So It's Not the Lottery...
You may recall my plan to fund my life goal of doing nothing. It involved winning the lottery, then spending the rest of my life reading books, spoiling grandchildren and watching "Law and Order" reruns.
Unfortunately, I think that's a long shot.
So, instead I applied for a new job. After much hemming and hawing, I turned in my application for the Special Education Director here in our school district. A few weeks later, I had an interview and was offered the job that day. Attending meeting after meeting does not really fit into my idea of "great job benefits", but a new challenge does sound appealing. (At least that's what I keep telling myself.) I have to admit, I'm just sick about leaving the day to day joys and challenges of teaching. But in the sixteen years of teaching special education, my role as a teacher has diminished. Due to inclusion (which is absolutely fantastic for the kids) I have become more of a teacher's aid than a certified teacher. I'm also heartbroken to be leaving the wonderful teachers that I work with. Often, it is their humor that keeps me sane after eight hours a day with 12-14 year olds.
On the bright side-I've told Ryan that I'm going to need a wardrobe update. I'm thinking that a pair of jeans and my NAU t-shirt doesn't count as professional attire. He's thinking that the lottery sounds better and better with each pair of shoes I buy...
Unfortunately, I think that's a long shot.
So, instead I applied for a new job. After much hemming and hawing, I turned in my application for the Special Education Director here in our school district. A few weeks later, I had an interview and was offered the job that day. Attending meeting after meeting does not really fit into my idea of "great job benefits", but a new challenge does sound appealing. (At least that's what I keep telling myself.) I have to admit, I'm just sick about leaving the day to day joys and challenges of teaching. But in the sixteen years of teaching special education, my role as a teacher has diminished. Due to inclusion (which is absolutely fantastic for the kids) I have become more of a teacher's aid than a certified teacher. I'm also heartbroken to be leaving the wonderful teachers that I work with. Often, it is their humor that keeps me sane after eight hours a day with 12-14 year olds.
On the bright side-I've told Ryan that I'm going to need a wardrobe update. I'm thinking that a pair of jeans and my NAU t-shirt doesn't count as professional attire. He's thinking that the lottery sounds better and better with each pair of shoes I buy...
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Nineteen Years
Today I have been married for nineteen years.
Am I even that old? (Don't answer that.) Ryan and I got married when I was eighteen years old, so I can barely remember a time when he wasn't a part of my life. Yet, at the same time, I can't believe that nearly two decades have gone by.
All day long, I've typed, erased and typed again some sort of meager expression of my love for him. Unfortunately, the correct words escape me. All I can say, is that I'm so grateful for Heavenly Father's wisdom in creating a plan that allows for marriage and family.
It is everything to me.
Am I even that old? (Don't answer that.) Ryan and I got married when I was eighteen years old, so I can barely remember a time when he wasn't a part of my life. Yet, at the same time, I can't believe that nearly two decades have gone by.
All day long, I've typed, erased and typed again some sort of meager expression of my love for him. Unfortunately, the correct words escape me. All I can say, is that I'm so grateful for Heavenly Father's wisdom in creating a plan that allows for marriage and family.
It is everything to me.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tales From the Primary Room
On Sunday we had a new family move into our ward. Three cute and smart little girls joined our Primary. At one point, the five-year old asked if she could go to the bathroom. Being the ever-so-helpful Primary President, I offered to take her. (Maybe, just maybe, I wanted to wander the halls too!)
After leaving her at the bathroom door, I promised to wait outside until she was done. Minutes went by with no little girl. I figured I was going to have to go on in for a rescue mission.
"Everything OK?" I asked, "Do you need help?"
Her little voiced squeaked, "I'm holding up my dress so I can't get any toilet paper, can you get me some?"
Luckily, she hadn't locked the door, so it was no problem to get into the stall and hand her some toilet paper.
"Um, I like mine folded up. Just like my grandma taught me." Her little voice started to get a bit demanding. "No, no, not like that, I like mine in squares. That isn't a square. I can't use it."
"It's square enough," I responded, "Don't forget to wash your hands!"
Then I beat it back out to the safety of the hallway. I was afraid she was going to line me out on how to wipe...
After leaving her at the bathroom door, I promised to wait outside until she was done. Minutes went by with no little girl. I figured I was going to have to go on in for a rescue mission.
"Everything OK?" I asked, "Do you need help?"
Her little voiced squeaked, "I'm holding up my dress so I can't get any toilet paper, can you get me some?"
Luckily, she hadn't locked the door, so it was no problem to get into the stall and hand her some toilet paper.
"Um, I like mine folded up. Just like my grandma taught me." Her little voice started to get a bit demanding. "No, no, not like that, I like mine in squares. That isn't a square. I can't use it."
"It's square enough," I responded, "Don't forget to wash your hands!"
Then I beat it back out to the safety of the hallway. I was afraid she was going to line me out on how to wipe...
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
1/11/11 @11:11
I get a kick out of patterns like this. I enjoy being a part of something that won't happen again for a long time. I wake up in the middle of the night to see eclipses and comets and meteor showers. Some eighth graders were discussing today's date which can only be surpassed by November 11th, at the same time.
So I set my cell phone alarm for 11:11. When it went off, my class and I stood up and did a happy dance. OK, really the dancing only came from me and two other kids. But we all did stand up. The rest of the little suckers thought it should be reason enough to go play outside. But no-the experience is the reward. Maybe we'll save the big party for 11/11/11!
So I set my cell phone alarm for 11:11. When it went off, my class and I stood up and did a happy dance. OK, really the dancing only came from me and two other kids. But we all did stand up. The rest of the little suckers thought it should be reason enough to go play outside. But no-the experience is the reward. Maybe we'll save the big party for 11/11/11!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
ADHD Blogging
I've put off blogging for a while because I just don't have the attention span to focus on one topic for very long. In other words, lists are for people like me....
1. Just got word via Yahoo news that the world is coming to a close beginning May 21, 2011. That is if you are "saved". Otherwise, you'll have an additional six months to enjoy fire, plague, burning, etc. Don't come whining to be me on May 22 and say I didn't warn you.
2. This year at Christmas I wrote "From Grandma and Grandpa" on presents to Griffen. Let me tell you, it shocked me that I was writing about myself. (Obviously, it is a role I relish, but in my mind that's a term reserved for my parents!)
3. Speaking of getting old, I swear I've had more gray hair pop out in the last two weeks than any time in the previous 37 years. I'm just starting to squint a little when I have to read something far away. And those lines around my eyes are starting to get deeper and more permanent. But then to top it all off, I started getting zits. Seriously!? On one hand, I'm getting old and on the other hand my forehead thinks it's sixteen again. If I had a choice for a resurgence of youth, it definitely would not be focused on my forehead.
4. I've announced to Ryan that I need to get some sort of plan to fund my life goals which include doing absolutely nothing. I'm thinking winning the lottery is my only option.
5. I found out about the joys of true laziness during Christmas break. For two straight weeks the girls and I read books, watched movies, played games and occasionally cleaned the kitchen. (But only after having made something scrumptious to enjoy while we doing nothing). It was pure heaven.
6. We are in the middle of a miserable cold spell. Arizonans are not made for this. We are so unprepared. It was -22 a few nights ago. And I was still having to tell Lauren that we were not going to leave the house until she took off her flip-flops and put on some shoes!
7. Our house is falling apart. We got a leak in the upstairs toilet, which dripped down into my kitchen light, forming a pool above my head. After two days of "snakes" and augers, we still don't have an answer. I just keep washing things with bleach and telling the girls that I'm glad they have their hepatitis shots.
8. On the bright side... We loved having Cade, Jorden and Griffen around for the holidays. We really do fight over the baby. For the most part, I win. Sometimes I let other people hold him, for five minutes. But that's all. However, Lauren is the queen of walking him around if he gets fussy. (Which never happens, because he is perfect.)
9. On New Year's Eve, my mom hosted her annual "Grandkids Party all Night" party. (We parents just go home and fall asleep at 10:00.) This year I lasted until midnight. We had a ball playing "Rummy" and "Spoons". I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.
10. I started back at work on Monday. I think I can make it another five months, knowing that I can get back to work on my life goal (see #4) at that time. ‘Course by then, the world may have ended…
1. Just got word via Yahoo news that the world is coming to a close beginning May 21, 2011. That is if you are "saved". Otherwise, you'll have an additional six months to enjoy fire, plague, burning, etc. Don't come whining to be me on May 22 and say I didn't warn you.
2. This year at Christmas I wrote "From Grandma and Grandpa" on presents to Griffen. Let me tell you, it shocked me that I was writing about myself. (Obviously, it is a role I relish, but in my mind that's a term reserved for my parents!)
3. Speaking of getting old, I swear I've had more gray hair pop out in the last two weeks than any time in the previous 37 years. I'm just starting to squint a little when I have to read something far away. And those lines around my eyes are starting to get deeper and more permanent. But then to top it all off, I started getting zits. Seriously!? On one hand, I'm getting old and on the other hand my forehead thinks it's sixteen again. If I had a choice for a resurgence of youth, it definitely would not be focused on my forehead.
4. I've announced to Ryan that I need to get some sort of plan to fund my life goals which include doing absolutely nothing. I'm thinking winning the lottery is my only option.
5. I found out about the joys of true laziness during Christmas break. For two straight weeks the girls and I read books, watched movies, played games and occasionally cleaned the kitchen. (But only after having made something scrumptious to enjoy while we doing nothing). It was pure heaven.
6. We are in the middle of a miserable cold spell. Arizonans are not made for this. We are so unprepared. It was -22 a few nights ago. And I was still having to tell Lauren that we were not going to leave the house until she took off her flip-flops and put on some shoes!
7. Our house is falling apart. We got a leak in the upstairs toilet, which dripped down into my kitchen light, forming a pool above my head. After two days of "snakes" and augers, we still don't have an answer. I just keep washing things with bleach and telling the girls that I'm glad they have their hepatitis shots.
8. On the bright side... We loved having Cade, Jorden and Griffen around for the holidays. We really do fight over the baby. For the most part, I win. Sometimes I let other people hold him, for five minutes. But that's all. However, Lauren is the queen of walking him around if he gets fussy. (Which never happens, because he is perfect.)
9. On New Year's Eve, my mom hosted her annual "Grandkids Party all Night" party. (We parents just go home and fall asleep at 10:00.) This year I lasted until midnight. We had a ball playing "Rummy" and "Spoons". I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.
10. I started back at work on Monday. I think I can make it another five months, knowing that I can get back to work on my life goal (see #4) at that time. ‘Course by then, the world may have ended…
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