Friday, July 11, 2008

Seventh Grade Reading List

After lots of searching to match T's interests and my desires, this is the foundation book list for the upcoming year. Some were on last year's list and we didn't get to them. Lots more varitey this year than in the past.

Catherine Called Birdy by Karen Cushman

The Face on the Milk Carton

Animal Farm

Swiss Family Robinson: Johann Wyss

Shiloh: Phyllis Reynold’s Naylor

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry:  Mildred Taylor

The Incredible Journey:  Sheila Burnford

Johnny Tremain: Esther Forbes

The Fox and the Hound

Julie of the Wolves:  Jean Craighead George

Heidi:  Johanna Spyri

Gentle Ben  Walt Morey

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

David Copperfield:  Charles Dickens

The Diary of Anne Frank

Little Britches

Flowers of Algernon

Summer of my German Soldier

A Wrinkle in Time

Anne of Green Gables

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Dragonwings

The Hobbit

The Cay

Phantom Tollbooth

Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes

White Fang

The Outsiders
Holes

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

A Day No Pigs Would Die

The Odyssey

Al Capone Does My Shirts

The Chocolate War

All Creatures Great and Small

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Meg's Meme

Meg didn't tag me officially, but I thought I'd play.

Accent: None. I talk just like they do on the evening news.
Well, I do say "eh" a lot now that we've moved to Minnesota, doncha-know. (I don't really say doncha-know, though.)

Breakfast or no breakfast: Breakfast, but even though I'm overweight, I forget to eat.

Chore I don’t care for: Paying bills.

Dog or Cat: Two dogs, two cats. One cat is 14 years old and about ready -- the other is very sickly. When they're gone, there will be no more cats.

Essential Electronics: Computer. Can't live without -- well can't live happily without.

Favorite Cologne: Opium or Chloe for me, Polo for him. Polo makes me melt, but my husband refuses to wear it. His loss. ;-)

Gold or Silver: Gold.

Handbag I carry most often: This spring it's been a tacky vinyl mini-suitcase I bought in Colorado because my leather purse was too small. Now that I'm home for good, I'll switch back to my leather purse. I like to spend a lot of money on a good, neutral purse that will last a year or two. I'm about due for a new one.

Insomnia: Very frequently. Can we say Ambien?

Job Title: Domestic engineer. Homemaker, home educator, computer addict.

Kids: One great son.

Living Arrangements: Small three-bedroom, single family home in the middle of nowhere Minnesota. Shared with husband, son, two dogs, two cats and lots of dust bunnies.

Most Admirable Trait: My husband says loyalty.

Naughtiest Childhood Behavior: This is tough because I really was a good kid. Really. Perhaps it was the time I burned down the kitchen curtains when I was home alone. (Thankfully they were above the kitchen sink so I used the spray hose to out the fire. I was holding a candle to the window playing Laura Ingalls Wilder.) Or, perhaps it was the time I flooded our basement that had just been re-done with brand-new carpeting. I was watering the flowers, my friend came to play, I threw the hose down and left it on. It landed in the window well.

But really, I was a really good kid. Honest. Really.

Overnight hospital stays:
March 2008: Panic Attack--still paying that sucker off.
1995: C-section with Thomas
1993: fibroid removal, four nights of pure pain
1982: Tonsils
1970: Dislocated arm
June 27, 1965: My birth.

Phobias: Driving in a big city on interstates. Something happening to Thomas. Bridges. Medical "things" happening to loved ones.

Quote: sh*t. I say that way too often. Jesus, Mary and Joseph--I picked that phrase up from the judge I worked for.

Reason to smile: Thomas, Bob, Apollo and Tesla, kitties, being home. There's no place like home.

Siblings: Oh, this is a good one. I have one brother and two sisters. In November, when my father's estate is settled, I will only have one sister. I will probably never blog about that, but my brother is a horse's hind end and my sister is out of her mind. He wants nothing to do with me and hasn't for years, which is fine. She is just downright scary with the things she's done to me over the years. So life is short, and I'll be free.

Gee, I feel nasty, but if you knew the circumstances, it would be clear I'm not. I'll still pray for them. (Yes, I do pray, even though I don't care what other people do.)

Time I wake up: Whenever. I usually sleep eight hours. 7:30 or 8 usually.

Unusual Talent or Skill: My husband says organization. If you could see my house at the moment, you'd laugh. I'm skilled at being me, how's that.

On second thought, organization is a skill. In groups and organizations, I'm the one that puts things together because I do it well.

Vegetable I Refuse to Eat: Broccoli. Anything cruciferous.

Worst Habit: Smoking.

X-rays: Had a chest X-ray a week ago. I have had a few in my time, can't remember them all.

Yummy Stuff: chocolate, pasta, milk -- nothing good for me. Vicodin -- ha.

Zoo Animal I Like Most: Monkey. I wanted a pet monkey when I was a kid. I didn't get it. Second would be penguins. I love to watch penguins.

Tag: I am going to tag a few people.
Doc, because I'd like to know if she has a phobia (except to idiots), what veggies she doesn't like, and her naughtiest childhood behavior.

Audrey, if she has time to play

Summer Fae

And anyone else who wants to play.

I've done it now...

I have called the camp, asked a million questions -- some the director couldn't even answer. She had to call the camp and ask them. I've registered Thomas and paid for the camp. We've got a doctor appointment set up for their health form. I've even printed out the google map so we can get there.

Gulp. Baby's going to camp.

Actually, I see this as a wonderful opportunity for Thomas. I'm glad that spur of the moment google spree ended up in something that should be a lot of fun. I see this as a great growth opportunity for Thomas (and me, too).

It's been such a hard year for him and hopefully this will be a great reliever of all the stress he's been under. He's psyched because they have a wonderful climbing wall, a challenge course that looks scary but loads of fun, swimming, horses, yada yada yada. He gets to choose five things, and he'll have three classes a day in those five things. He's also interested in canoeing, which actually surprised me.

This is a YMCA camp. Before I googled, I didn't know they existed. I always thought summer camp was cost prohibitive and something you had to sign up for way in advance. We were lucky to get in, but the cost was under $400. Not bad at all.

I think I may be teary when we drive off, but only in the sense that it's just another milestone in his growing up. I know he'll have fun. And what am I going to do the week he's away?

CLEAN HIS ROOM. ha ha ha ha ha I'm an evil mother.

He'll be three hours away. In Wisconsin. I'm okay with that. (Now. Ask me in August!)

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Midnight

It's midnight, I should be in bed. Instead, I sit at the computer, waiting for the dryer to finish its cycle, and I can swap loads.

I went to the doctor Tuesday morning. My doctor was unavailable, so I saw someone new. He was very nice, thrilled that I was using a neti pot and told me he asks all his patients to use one. He said the problem with my ears is the sinus infection. My pneumonia has cleared completely.

The day before, I had finished taking a Z-pak. Five pills, but the meds stay in your system 10 days. The new doc prescribed levaquin, a very expensive antibiotic. ($140 for the bottle.) He also gave me a narcotic pain pill -- I forget what it is now.

I went to the pharmacy and thank goodness I have a good pharmacist. He told me that I should NEVER take levaquin while I still have a Z-pak in my system because it can result in severe cardiac problems. That scared the you-know-what out of me. Then I got online and did research about levaquin and found that it causes all kinds of problems with tendons. I'm not sure what to do. The pharmacist told me not to take the levaquin until Sunday. I may wait and see if I take it at all.

I didn't think I needed pain pills. I took one yesterday anyway. Let me just say that I described my pain as a constant, extreme pressure. I didn't think it hurt, it was just a royal pain in the a$$. Well, after taking that lovely narcotic, I realize: It DID hurt. It hurt a lot. I felt so good on that pain pill. So good, in fact, I took another today.

The kicker: While I was on the Z-pak for pneumonia and sinusitis and an ear infection in my left ear, I developed an ear infection in my right ear. Go figure. The pressure is finally leaving my left ear, that pressure I've had since June 18 or 18, and has moved to the right. Good grief.

The new doctor gave me 1 refill on the pain meds. He also gave me a refill on the levaquin. I understand that sometimes a sinus infection warrants two rounds of antibiotics. I still don't know if I'll take it, because it has lots of bad side effects.

On another note, I was Googling tonight and came up with a brilliant idea: Summer camp for Thomas. YMCA has some great camps within driving distance from our home. Some still have openings. Thomas got kind of excited at the prospect of being around kids with fun things to do. So tomorrow morning, gulp, I'll be calling some of the facilities to see if I can get him in.

I never did a residential summer camp as a kid. The idea of them never thrilled me. I think it would be a good thing for Thomas, he's old enough, and he needs a break from all the trauma we've dealt with for the past several months. The question is: Can I handle him going away for six days? Time to cut those apron strings a little, knock down my anxiety a bit, and let him fly -- well, on a tether, at his age. lol

I have a million things to do. I've felt so crappy, that I haven't got much done since I got home a week ago. In fact, I finally unpacked my suitcase tonight -- only out of necessity, though. I was about out of clean clothes. Then I sorted laundry. Then I started. Then I cleaned the bathroom. Thank goodness for pain pills. I can now bend over without getting severe pain in my sinuses and ears, which means I have no excuse not to clean.

I have to take my car to the shop tomorrow. I forgot to mention earlier that my car was vandalized while in Colordao. Someone kicked in a door. Lovely. They didn't break in, no further damage, but that door -- and did I mention, I just got my car paid off in April?

I also started planning school this afternoon. Sheesh, I just don't feel like doing that, but I need to get things ordered. I make up my mind, change my mind, make up my mind and change it way too frequently. Sixth grade was a blur. I want 7th grade to be spectacular for Thomas -- and for me, too.

The dryer just buzzed. Time to fold, swap and go to bed.

Midnight

It's midnight, I should be in bed. Instead, I sit at the computer, waiting for the dryer to finish its cycle, and I can swap loads.

I went to the doctor Tuesday morning. My doctor was unavailable, so I saw someone new. He was very nice, thrilled that I was using a neti pot and told me he asks all his patients to use one. He said the problem with my ears is the sinus infection. My pneumonia has cleared completely.

The day before, I had finished taking a Z-pak. Five pills, but the meds stay in your system 10 days. The new doc prescribed levaquin, a very expensive antibiotic. ($140 for the bottle.) He also gave me a narcotic pain pill -- I forget what it is now.

I went to the pharmacy and thank goodness I have a good pharmacist. He told me that I should NEVER take levaquin while I still have a Z-pak in my system because it can result in severe cardiac problems. That scared the you-know-what out of me. Then I got online and did research about levaquin and found that it causes all kinds of problems with tendons. I'm not sure what to do. The pharmacist told me not to take the levaquin until Sunday. I may wait and see if I take it at all.

I didn't think I needed pain pills. I took one yesterday anyway. Let me just say that I described my pain as a constant, extreme pressure. I didn't think it hurt, it was just a royal pain in the a$$. Well, after taking that lovely narcotic, I realize: It DID hurt. It hurt a lot. I felt so good on that pain pill. So good, in fact, I took another today.

The kicker: While I was on the Z-pak for pneumonia and sinusitis and an ear infection in my left ear, I developed an ear infection in my right ear. Go figure. The pressure is finally leaving my left ear, that pressure I've had since June 18 or 18, and has moved to the right. Good grief.

The new doctor gave me 1 refill on the pain meds. He also gave me a refill on the levaquin. I understand that sometimes a sinus infection warrants two rounds of antibiotics. I still don't know if I'll take it, because it has lots of bad side effects.

On another note, I was Googling tonight and came up with a brilliant idea: Summer camp for Thomas. YMCA has some great camps within driving distance from our home. Some still have openings. Thomas got kind of excited at the prospect of being around kids with fun things to do. So tomorrow morning, gulp, I'll be calling some of the facilities to see if I can get him in.

I never did a residential summer camp as a kid. The idea of them never thrilled me. I think it would be a good thing for Thomas, he's old enough, and he needs a break from all the trauma we've dealt with for the past several months. The question is: Can I handle him going away for six days? Time to cut those apron strings a little, knock down my anxiety a bit, and let him fly -- well, on a tether, at his age. lol

I have a million things to do. I've felt so crappy, that I haven't got much done since I got home a week ago. In fact, I finally unpacked my suitcase tonight -- only out of necessity, though. I was about out of clean clothes. Then I sorted laundry. Then I started. Then I cleaned the bathroom. Thank goodness for pain pills. I can now bend over without getting severe pain in my sinuses and ears, which means I have no excuse not to clean.

I have to take my car to the shop tomorrow. I forgot to mention earlier that my car was vandalized while in Colordao. Someone kicked in a door. Lovely. They didn't break in, no further damage, but that door -- and did I mention, I just got my car paid off in April?

I also started planning school this afternoon. Sheesh, I just don't feel like doing that, but I need to get things ordered. I make up my mind, change my mind, make up my mind and change it way too frequently. Sixth grade was a blur. I want 7th grade to be spectacular for Thomas -- and for me, too.

The dryer just buzzed. Time to fold, swap and go to bed.

Sunday, July 06, 2008

Neti Pot


I've gone and done it, I bought myself a Neti Pot.

It is the grossest sensation I have ever experienced. I gag, sputter, and cry out.

But, IT WORKS!

I cannot believe how this helps me breathe. I'm convinced. Thomas and Bob watch and laugh as I use it. If I don't tilt my head just right, the water runs down my throat and I made horrid noises because I cannot stand the sensation. But did I mention, IT WORKS??!!!

My teeny, tiny town sold a product called SinuCleanse. It came with the pot and packets of salt and baking soda. I could make my own, but I needed the pot.

Now, if the pressure in my ear would only go away, I'd be very happy. My left ear has been plugged since about the 19th of June. Two rounds of antibiotics have not touched it. I'm going to have to call my doctor tomorrow.

But at least I can breathe. I'm sold on the weird Neti Pots.

Goodbye, Casa Bonita






While we were in Denver, we managed to go to Casa Bonita twice. Once, my sister and her beautiful daughter took Thomas and I for my birthday. We went a second time the night before we left town.

Goodbye, Casa Bonita -- you hold decades' of memories for me.