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.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
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!)
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
home sweet home
And that it is, sweet.
We are home. Period. End of story. I'm not going anywhere else for a very long time.
I'm exhausted -- we worked 11-12 hour days every day.
I visited a clinic in Denver because I had an ear infection. The first thing I did upon my arrival home was go to our emergency clinic because after 10 days on antibiotics, my ear infection was not better. Lo and behold, I am now being treated for pneumonia. Add that to the ear infection and sinusitis I already had. Never a dull moment.
Tomorrow Thomas plans to play video games all day. That's fine with me. I plan to be in bed all day. Doctor's orders.
More later, after I've rested.
It is so good to be home, to see Bob, the wonder dogs Tesla and Apollo, my precious cats -- but most of all, (sorry Bob) MY bed.
We are home. Period. End of story. I'm not going anywhere else for a very long time.
I'm exhausted -- we worked 11-12 hour days every day.
I visited a clinic in Denver because I had an ear infection. The first thing I did upon my arrival home was go to our emergency clinic because after 10 days on antibiotics, my ear infection was not better. Lo and behold, I am now being treated for pneumonia. Add that to the ear infection and sinusitis I already had. Never a dull moment.
Tomorrow Thomas plans to play video games all day. That's fine with me. I plan to be in bed all day. Doctor's orders.
More later, after I've rested.
It is so good to be home, to see Bob, the wonder dogs Tesla and Apollo, my precious cats -- but most of all, (sorry Bob) MY bed.
Friday, June 13, 2008
One Last Thing Before I Leave...
There was a story in my local newspaper this morning about a wonderful program I wanted to share. Not for kids, but for our vets.
There is an organization called Honor Flight that sends vets to Washington, D.C. for free so they can see their memorials. Right now their priority is WWII vets because we are losing an average of 1,200 WWII vets per day. In five-ten years' time, they will all be gone.
This really touched me and made me tear up. I will be making a donation in my dad's name. If you know any WWII vets or any terminally ill vets, send them the link.
Apparently there are two organizations with similar names, and the one I have linked to is the only one that offers free flights.
There is an organization called Honor Flight that sends vets to Washington, D.C. for free so they can see their memorials. Right now their priority is WWII vets because we are losing an average of 1,200 WWII vets per day. In five-ten years' time, they will all be gone.
This really touched me and made me tear up. I will be making a donation in my dad's name. If you know any WWII vets or any terminally ill vets, send them the link.
Apparently there are two organizations with similar names, and the one I have linked to is the only one that offers free flights.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Bags are Being Packed
I'm finishing laundry, packing my bags, printing estate stuff on my printer and getting ready to head off to Colorado one last time.
We'll be back in July sometime. I won't have computer access at all, so have a great June, everyone.
We'll be back in July sometime. I won't have computer access at all, so have a great June, everyone.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Roller Coaster
Life continues to be a roller coaster -- full of ups and downs.
Today was a good day, I got a lot of cleaning (desperately needed, I might add!) done and several loads of laundry. I even looked at my summer and 7th grade plans and started rethinking next year's choices.
Tonight I talked on the phone with my sister. I told her how sad I am that we'll be at dad's house next week to clean it out. This is so hard for me. I am the only one of four children that lived in that house. We moved there my sophomore year of high school. I first started dating while there, I smooched my sweeties on the patio glider, I snuck cigarettes there, and forgive me for saying this, I had a game of strip poker there when my parents weren't home. (I did not strip, only one guy did -- it was my first year of college, I was crazy.) Oh gosh, I've never admitted that to anyone.
Where I live now is my home, but dad's house is home, too. It's hard to say goodbye. I am fearing I'll be highly emotional. I told my sister tonight that I don't want to clean the counter next to the stove because that's where dad kept his calendar, his appointment cards, and all his very important stuff and I was never allowed to touch it. How on earth can I go in there and move his stuff, throw it away, take some, load some up for siblings, and/or donate it? I have such an attachment.
I've been in bed, but I started crying. That's why I got up -- blogging to take tears away. I guess it's all part of the mourning process.
I miss my dad every single day. Dad was a rock, my rock, my safety net, the man with answers. Now he's gone, his home will be gone, and we'll just have our memories and mementos we take with us.
Right before my mom died she told me that, "Death is a part of life." Don't' fear it. She then keeled over, had a heart attack in front of me, and was in a coma for nearly three days before she passed.
Hey, why am I the one child, out of four, that had to witness both my parents' heart attacks? My sister said it was because I was the one that could handle it. Handle it -- well, I did at the time. After, I broke down. I gained 50 pounds seemingly overnight when mom died. I am not gaining weight with dad's death, but I have that new diagnosis of anxiety disorder. Hey, maybe all the shaking I do when I'm having a panic attack will burn some calories and help me lose that 50 pounds I gained 15 years ago. Wishful thinking.
It's just hard to say goodbye. No more Denver. No more driving I-25, which I hated with a passion. No more Casa Bonita. No more swimming in dad's pool. No more Olive Garden with dad. No more a lot of things.
I have asked Thomas to think of some things he'd like to do because this will probably be the last time for years to come that we'll be in Denver. Casa Bonita was the top of his list. I'd like to go to the Nature and Science Museum again -- I love that place. The Denver Art Museum, the train museum in Golden, our old haunts, silly things like dad's Sam's Club, DAV to buy used clothing on senior citizen day. Dad would pay and get the 50% discount.
Gosh, I am not enjoying this goodbye one bit. I'm kicking and screaming inside. And crying a little, too.
I miss my dad. My mind tells me he's in a better place (yes, I do believe that) and pain free. My mind reminds me he was 81 years old, lived an excellent life. Still, it's hard.
Goodbye Dad, goodbye house, goodbye Denver. Time for a new chapter.
Today was a good day, I got a lot of cleaning (desperately needed, I might add!) done and several loads of laundry. I even looked at my summer and 7th grade plans and started rethinking next year's choices.
Tonight I talked on the phone with my sister. I told her how sad I am that we'll be at dad's house next week to clean it out. This is so hard for me. I am the only one of four children that lived in that house. We moved there my sophomore year of high school. I first started dating while there, I smooched my sweeties on the patio glider, I snuck cigarettes there, and forgive me for saying this, I had a game of strip poker there when my parents weren't home. (I did not strip, only one guy did -- it was my first year of college, I was crazy.) Oh gosh, I've never admitted that to anyone.
Where I live now is my home, but dad's house is home, too. It's hard to say goodbye. I am fearing I'll be highly emotional. I told my sister tonight that I don't want to clean the counter next to the stove because that's where dad kept his calendar, his appointment cards, and all his very important stuff and I was never allowed to touch it. How on earth can I go in there and move his stuff, throw it away, take some, load some up for siblings, and/or donate it? I have such an attachment.
I've been in bed, but I started crying. That's why I got up -- blogging to take tears away. I guess it's all part of the mourning process.
I miss my dad every single day. Dad was a rock, my rock, my safety net, the man with answers. Now he's gone, his home will be gone, and we'll just have our memories and mementos we take with us.
Right before my mom died she told me that, "Death is a part of life." Don't' fear it. She then keeled over, had a heart attack in front of me, and was in a coma for nearly three days before she passed.
Hey, why am I the one child, out of four, that had to witness both my parents' heart attacks? My sister said it was because I was the one that could handle it. Handle it -- well, I did at the time. After, I broke down. I gained 50 pounds seemingly overnight when mom died. I am not gaining weight with dad's death, but I have that new diagnosis of anxiety disorder. Hey, maybe all the shaking I do when I'm having a panic attack will burn some calories and help me lose that 50 pounds I gained 15 years ago. Wishful thinking.
It's just hard to say goodbye. No more Denver. No more driving I-25, which I hated with a passion. No more Casa Bonita. No more swimming in dad's pool. No more Olive Garden with dad. No more a lot of things.
I have asked Thomas to think of some things he'd like to do because this will probably be the last time for years to come that we'll be in Denver. Casa Bonita was the top of his list. I'd like to go to the Nature and Science Museum again -- I love that place. The Denver Art Museum, the train museum in Golden, our old haunts, silly things like dad's Sam's Club, DAV to buy used clothing on senior citizen day. Dad would pay and get the 50% discount.
Gosh, I am not enjoying this goodbye one bit. I'm kicking and screaming inside. And crying a little, too.
I miss my dad. My mind tells me he's in a better place (yes, I do believe that) and pain free. My mind reminds me he was 81 years old, lived an excellent life. Still, it's hard.
Goodbye Dad, goodbye house, goodbye Denver. Time for a new chapter.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Sick Boy
I wanted to take Thomas in to see the doctor yesterday. He insisted he was better and he didn't want to go. He threw up at 1:30 last night, and at 2:30 I was visiting Wal-Mart for some new cold meds. The old ones didn't work.
I insisted he get in to see the doctor this morning. Poor kid had a sinus infection and bronchitis. I told the doctor his grandpa passed away a couple weeks ago and the doctor nodded his head, then explained that his immune system was down from that. He just didn't have what it took to fight off that cold.
So he got a Z-pack (spg?) and hopefully he's on his way to recovery. He told the doctor he was sick of being sick.
I'm not glad that Thomas is sick, but I can honestly say that it has made one thing easier: school. Bob was insistent we start school immediately upon our return from Colorado. I didn't have it in me. Neither did Thomas.
So, I have officially declared June to be a school-free month. We'll be gone half the month, and we just need a break. Hopefully Thomas will enjoy some time off when he isn't sick.
Come July, watch out. We have to finish up some things and our standardized test comes in July. I guess that will work well because July is usually nasty-hot nasty-humidity here, so it's best to be inside then anyway.
And so it goes.
This year school has been tough. Thinking about next year was tough, too. Right now, though, I'm at the point that I'm ready for some normalcy in our life. I want next year to be a fantastic school year. We need that.
I insisted he get in to see the doctor this morning. Poor kid had a sinus infection and bronchitis. I told the doctor his grandpa passed away a couple weeks ago and the doctor nodded his head, then explained that his immune system was down from that. He just didn't have what it took to fight off that cold.
So he got a Z-pack (spg?) and hopefully he's on his way to recovery. He told the doctor he was sick of being sick.
I'm not glad that Thomas is sick, but I can honestly say that it has made one thing easier: school. Bob was insistent we start school immediately upon our return from Colorado. I didn't have it in me. Neither did Thomas.
So, I have officially declared June to be a school-free month. We'll be gone half the month, and we just need a break. Hopefully Thomas will enjoy some time off when he isn't sick.
Come July, watch out. We have to finish up some things and our standardized test comes in July. I guess that will work well because July is usually nasty-hot nasty-humidity here, so it's best to be inside then anyway.
And so it goes.
This year school has been tough. Thinking about next year was tough, too. Right now, though, I'm at the point that I'm ready for some normalcy in our life. I want next year to be a fantastic school year. We need that.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Humor in my Life
(Warning: Tacky, gross bodily function post ahead.)
Lately there hasn't been a lot of humor in my life. I still feel like I'm walking knee-deep through the water. However, last night Thomas and I got a really good laugh.
Thomas had been sick all day, not feeling well at all. He threw up once in the day and didn't quite make it to the toilet. I had to scrub the bathroom. Yuck. Well, lo and behold, later in the evening, the same thing happened. Got sick, didn't quite make it to the toilet.
I had been talking on the phone and really had to go to the bathroom when he got sick. I had to go before I started cleaning up. I had to step over a pile of it on the floor to get to the toilet. Knowing he missed the toilet by three feet, I didn't think twice about sitting down. Big mistake. I screamed out.
Thomas came in, saw, started laughing. See, he missed the toilet the first time, but made it to the toilet for the second coming. And he was lifting the seat as he was throwing up. It was clear so I didn't see it. And I sat in puke.
Ewwww. Gross. Gag. Sputter. Ewwww. That was one very nasty sensation. After I got over the gross factor, we both laughed and laughed and laughed.
So I had a bathroom and ME to clean up.
It's the small things in life that make us smile. Thomas laughed so hard that he felt much, much better. And that made me feel good. And I had to laugh at myself because I was too stupid -- um, didn't have the intelligence to check the seat first.
Lately there hasn't been a lot of humor in my life. I still feel like I'm walking knee-deep through the water. However, last night Thomas and I got a really good laugh.
Thomas had been sick all day, not feeling well at all. He threw up once in the day and didn't quite make it to the toilet. I had to scrub the bathroom. Yuck. Well, lo and behold, later in the evening, the same thing happened. Got sick, didn't quite make it to the toilet.
I had been talking on the phone and really had to go to the bathroom when he got sick. I had to go before I started cleaning up. I had to step over a pile of it on the floor to get to the toilet. Knowing he missed the toilet by three feet, I didn't think twice about sitting down. Big mistake. I screamed out.
Thomas came in, saw, started laughing. See, he missed the toilet the first time, but made it to the toilet for the second coming. And he was lifting the seat as he was throwing up. It was clear so I didn't see it. And I sat in puke.
Ewwww. Gross. Gag. Sputter. Ewwww. That was one very nasty sensation. After I got over the gross factor, we both laughed and laughed and laughed.
So I had a bathroom and ME to clean up.
It's the small things in life that make us smile. Thomas laughed so hard that he felt much, much better. And that made me feel good. And I had to laugh at myself because I was too stupid -- um, didn't have the intelligence to check the seat first.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
interesting tidbits about my dad
He loved his job -- all his life. What a special gift.
Both of his grandfathers fought in the civil war.
He was friends with James Dean when he was a kid. (Dad was older.) Dad was into motorcycles, as was James Dean. Dad hung out at a place called Carter's Motorcycle Shop and James Dean did, too. Dad bought his first Indian from Carter's. Dean lived just down the road from Carter's. Dad always told us he taught James Dean how to ride. I would imagine it was him, along with others. James Dean also went to high school with my uncle.
Dad loved Indian motorcycles. He had two in his lifetime. He rode from Laramie, Wyoming to Indiana when he was young. In February. On a motorcycle.
Dad and I both shared a passion for family history. Dad took me to countless cemeteries in Indiana and we found our ancestors together. (Well, with my sister, her kids and Thomas came, too.)
Dad was a brilliant carpenter. He built his own house in Wyoming. He built many wonderful treasures. The last big thing he made was a harp for my sister.
Dad had a really great sense of humor. He cracked a good joke the night before he died.
He was a fountain of knowledge. He could answer any question. He gave excellent advice. He was very non-judgmental.
Dad was big-time into unions. He fought for the underdog. He served as a chairman for his local union for quite a few years.
He was a life-long democrat yet registered as a republican. When I asked him why, he said it was because he wanted to get mailings from the republicans so he could keep abreast of what they were up to.
When I was a small child, dad used to use the word dope instead of information. I'd hear him on the phone saying, "Get the dope to me and I'll look it over." I was mortified. As a kid, I knew what dope was, and in that generation it did not mean information.
Dad loved his grandkids. He was a great grandpa. He had a special bond with Thomas because Thomas loved trains.
Dad was a very equal and fair man.
He loved to eat, and he loved vegetables. His last real meal was spinach my sister brought him.
Dad was a marine. He quit school his senior year at 17 and joined up. He proudly served his country. (And may I add, the VA proudly served him in his final days. His death was met with great dignity.)
I could go on and on, but I won't. I am just in the throws of mourning, here, and want to scream to the world how great my dad was. Because he was.
I miss him.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Woe is me
One thing after another, lately. Bob had a medical emergency Monday which required an emergency room visit, 10 stitches and in the future, advanced dental care to the tune of 5000 - 7500 bucks. Hoping insurance covers this.
I was so hoping to get back to normal -- but I forget what that is.
For some reason, my life seems to be riddled with worry. No control over anything. Time to search for a new normal. I'd try it, but I just don't seem to have the energy yet.
We have a date set to go back to Colorado and clean dad's house out. As sad as it is to close down a home, his home, I'm so anxious to get it done and over with -- steps toward that new normalcy.
On the school front, I need to order Thomas's yearly standardized test, a requirement of the state in which we live. We will do math, grammar, writing and reading for the summer. Thomas is not pleased at all, but we simply must.
My house is a mess. My finances are a mess. My life is a mess. Baby steps -- getting school back up and running will a huge step in the right direction. Getting caught up on the bazillion loads of laundry will be another.
In our town, the private schools are done for the year and the public schools finish this week. It hardly seems fair that we'll have to keep going -- especially since we're emotionally drained. That's why I chose to do only the things of most importance.
If I were rich right now I'd:
1) Hire a tutor. Something I've *never* thought of in the past.
2) Hire a cleaning lady.
3) Hire a cook.
4) Hire a gardener.
5) Have a spa treatment.
6) Find a box of Calgon and use it.
Instead, I will luxuriate in the aroma and beauty of the bouquet of flowers my good friends the Georgia Peach and Heath surprised me with yesterday. Thank you so much -- you can't imagine how much that lifted my spirits. It's things like that which remind me of how rich and fortunate I am.
Laundry and math call . . .
I was so hoping to get back to normal -- but I forget what that is.
For some reason, my life seems to be riddled with worry. No control over anything. Time to search for a new normal. I'd try it, but I just don't seem to have the energy yet.
We have a date set to go back to Colorado and clean dad's house out. As sad as it is to close down a home, his home, I'm so anxious to get it done and over with -- steps toward that new normalcy.
On the school front, I need to order Thomas's yearly standardized test, a requirement of the state in which we live. We will do math, grammar, writing and reading for the summer. Thomas is not pleased at all, but we simply must.
My house is a mess. My finances are a mess. My life is a mess. Baby steps -- getting school back up and running will a huge step in the right direction. Getting caught up on the bazillion loads of laundry will be another.
In our town, the private schools are done for the year and the public schools finish this week. It hardly seems fair that we'll have to keep going -- especially since we're emotionally drained. That's why I chose to do only the things of most importance.
If I were rich right now I'd:
1) Hire a tutor. Something I've *never* thought of in the past.
2) Hire a cleaning lady.
3) Hire a cook.
4) Hire a gardener.
5) Have a spa treatment.
6) Find a box of Calgon and use it.
Instead, I will luxuriate in the aroma and beauty of the bouquet of flowers my good friends the Georgia Peach and Heath surprised me with yesterday. Thank you so much -- you can't imagine how much that lifted my spirits. It's things like that which remind me of how rich and fortunate I am.
Laundry and math call . . .
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Goodbye, Dad
Dad passed away May 17.
Thomas and I hopped a plane on a Tuesday -- I think it was the 6th. We bought round-trip tickets planning to return the following Tuesday. We gave up our tickets. (Hotwire is nonrefundable.) We ended up returning just tonight.
This trip cost us a couple thousand dollars that we didn't have, but it was priceless. We got to spend the final weeks with dad.
I had the honor of taking him outside for his last cigar. Dad enjoyed watching Thomas climb a tree on the grounds. We all enjoyed talks while he could, and then later just holding hands.
Dad was moved from the hospital to the VA. We were so impressed with the care he received.
I am numb, exhausted, and sad beyond belief. I am relieved that dad is not suffering any longer, though.
Driving home from the airport tonight, Thomas stated that he felt as if a part of him died. I feel the same way.
My heart aches.
Thomas and I hopped a plane on a Tuesday -- I think it was the 6th. We bought round-trip tickets planning to return the following Tuesday. We gave up our tickets. (Hotwire is nonrefundable.) We ended up returning just tonight.
This trip cost us a couple thousand dollars that we didn't have, but it was priceless. We got to spend the final weeks with dad.
I had the honor of taking him outside for his last cigar. Dad enjoyed watching Thomas climb a tree on the grounds. We all enjoyed talks while he could, and then later just holding hands.
Dad was moved from the hospital to the VA. We were so impressed with the care he received.
I am numb, exhausted, and sad beyond belief. I am relieved that dad is not suffering any longer, though.
Driving home from the airport tonight, Thomas stated that he felt as if a part of him died. I feel the same way.
My heart aches.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
no physical violence
Could I hit this beautiful face? Spank this wonderful child? NO WAY.
Spanking is violence, which is something we try to protect our children from. Just say no to spanking!
Monday, April 21, 2008
That Dog I Hit Last October
Last October, on Thomas's 12th birthday, I hit a dog. It was horrible and I've thought about it a lot since it happened. It doesn't help that we have to drive by the owner's house any time we want to go anywhere.
When I hit the dog, we gave them our phone number and asked them to please call us and let us know how the dog was. They did not give us their name nor number.
They never called. Bob and I assumed the dog died.
Bob and I have also had discussions with Thomas on how dangerous that was, and the fact that they would have been held responsible financially had we got rear ended, which almost happened. So as sad as it was, it was a learning experience.
I never had the heart to go knock on their door to ask them about the dog.
Lo and behold, today we were driving back from my medical appointment and were following a school bus. The bus stopped right in front of their house. I looked, as I've done every time I drive by for any signs of a dog -- and I saw it!
The dog lived. There he was, cute as a button, sporting a fresh haircut, wagging his tail while his girl, who was 5, ran toward him from the school bus. He was on a tie-down.
What a relief. I had feared he died, and it was really good to know that he did not. That was a horrible day.
As Thomas and I drove home, he commented on the fact that their dog lived, but ours died and he was glad they didn't have to experience that pain.
We still miss Jerry and think of him often, but Tesla and Apollo keep us more than busy and are full of love.
When I hit the dog, we gave them our phone number and asked them to please call us and let us know how the dog was. They did not give us their name nor number.
They never called. Bob and I assumed the dog died.
Bob and I have also had discussions with Thomas on how dangerous that was, and the fact that they would have been held responsible financially had we got rear ended, which almost happened. So as sad as it was, it was a learning experience.
I never had the heart to go knock on their door to ask them about the dog.
Lo and behold, today we were driving back from my medical appointment and were following a school bus. The bus stopped right in front of their house. I looked, as I've done every time I drive by for any signs of a dog -- and I saw it!
The dog lived. There he was, cute as a button, sporting a fresh haircut, wagging his tail while his girl, who was 5, ran toward him from the school bus. He was on a tie-down.
What a relief. I had feared he died, and it was really good to know that he did not. That was a horrible day.
As Thomas and I drove home, he commented on the fact that their dog lived, but ours died and he was glad they didn't have to experience that pain.
We still miss Jerry and think of him often, but Tesla and Apollo keep us more than busy and are full of love.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Friday Night
Another week finished.
School: Uneventful this week. We got the bare necessities done and a whole lot of reading.
Mood: Thomas's mood improved greatly over the week. Mine did not.
Other stuff: And there is other stuff. I started this blog to be an online journal of our homeschool lives. I had intended it to be only homeschool related, but the fact is that homeschool and life cross over their lines. Can't have a compartmentalized life with subdivisions -- life is a whole. So I'm going to be blogging about my health issues, too. Skip on by if need be.
Health issues: I went to my doctor today for a follow-up visit from my hospitalization. May I just say, I love my doctor. He's far from perfect, but he listens to me. I provided him with all my hospital reports. He told me I didn't just experience a massive panic attack, I experienced a massive trauma. No wonder I'm still not recovered.
He says I have generalized anxiety disorder and prescribed a new medication for that. Someone asked me today how I felt about that being in my record. I don't care. If you've got it, you've got it. It doesn't make me any less than...it just is. I just want to FEEL better. And from the little research I've done tonight, I think that may just happen. It gives me great hope!
My doctor is tied in with my eye doctor (part of the great Mayo Clinic -- found everywhere in Minnesota) and I told him about the test that my eye doc wants me to have. I took the list of approved neurologists and he picked one out that he really liked. He then stated it would be a good six to eight weeks before I could see him, so why don't we start the ball rolling by getting an MRI and ultrasound of my head and carotid artery. Sure. That will happen Monday.
With my history of lying down and the vision in my left eye blurring, plus the headaches I always have, he thought that would be a great start to have the info for the neurologist.
So I'm really not so scared about any of this any more, I'm relieved that things are getting done and figured out.
I guess the only scary part is hoping insurance covers the majority of this. Thank goodness for insurance.
Tonight I have not cried. That's a first for this week. I'm usually very teary in the evenings. I just didn't feel down tonight, but hopeful instead. Two steps forward!
Homeschool: We're plugging away, and in the back of my mind I'm planning out next year. I cannot believe my baby will be in the 7th grade. Seventh grade is when I started to feel grown up. It will be interesting to watch how he goes through it, because he doesn't have the social pressures of peers. I hope he'll continue to play still. His choices are maturing -- he wants an iPod, loves his cell phone, he's drooling over a motorized scooter, etc. Yet, he still plays.
The plan for next year is as follows: (I'm not done planning, but so far)
World History: Glencoe Human Heritage. When I get it, I'll decide if we'll do this in one or two years.
Civics, another Glencoe text book. We started that this year, but have not finished it. Thomas *loves* it.
Science: Another Glencoe textbook. This time I won an eBay auction with the teacher's guide, tests, workbooks, etc. So we'll have a little more to go on than just the text. We used a Glencoe life science text this year and Thomas would read it for hours if I let him.
English:
Spelling: I think we need to continue on with spelling, so we'll use Sequential Spelling again
Literature: I think we'll use Lightening Literature. I'll need to look it over before deciding what else we do. I hear the writing isn't the best, so if not we'll use...
Writing: Wordsmith
Grammar: I am leaning on using Power Basics English. Again, I need to have it in my hands to see if I've got overkill going on here or not.
Reading: I am putting together a book list for Thomas to read next year. This year I'm going to actually BUY the books so they're on hand. There's nothing worse than hitting the library and finding they don't have the book (like Anne Frank last year) or else if they have it, it's checked out. I'm spoiled in that regard.
Geography: Yet another textbook from Prentice Hall. Got the teacher's guide and tests,etc.
Foreign Language: Spanish. I have everything we need, intended to do it this year, but it was the one thing that always gave way when we didn't have time. That, plus I was painfully slow in learning vocabulary. My greatest wish is that I could find a Spanish class for Thomas to go to -- but I don't think that's going to happen.
Art, Music: Lots of art projects planned, and music appreciation, too. Toying with the idea of starting piano lessons. Thomas doesn't want to, I'm not keen on recitals at all, but I think one year of lessons would be a good thing. Still debating on that.
Computer: Need to get going on this. Thomas needs to revisit his website. I have a book on Excel. We need to explore Word together, too. Those things are just the tip of the iceberg. Need to find time to get that done this year. Plus, we need to revisit keyboarding skills.
Finally, Math, Thomas's most hated subject: We like it. Thomas didn't going back to Rod and Staff. It just worked the best for our family, but he doesn't like any math program. He learned and learned well from Rod and Staff -- and that's what counts.
So that's the plan at the moment. Have to figure out something a little more formal for phy ed. Swimming lessons in the summer are fine, but we need a little more. Thomas doesn't like sports, so that closes many doors. I'll figure out something.
I used to be very anti-textbook. What I have discovered is that textbooks are great. They're organized, plans are laid out so you know how much to do per day and how many days a week you need to do them. And that leaves open LOTS of room for supplementation. I think from here on out, we'll be very text-book oriented.
And that's life on a Friday night.
School: Uneventful this week. We got the bare necessities done and a whole lot of reading.
Mood: Thomas's mood improved greatly over the week. Mine did not.
Other stuff: And there is other stuff. I started this blog to be an online journal of our homeschool lives. I had intended it to be only homeschool related, but the fact is that homeschool and life cross over their lines. Can't have a compartmentalized life with subdivisions -- life is a whole. So I'm going to be blogging about my health issues, too. Skip on by if need be.
Health issues: I went to my doctor today for a follow-up visit from my hospitalization. May I just say, I love my doctor. He's far from perfect, but he listens to me. I provided him with all my hospital reports. He told me I didn't just experience a massive panic attack, I experienced a massive trauma. No wonder I'm still not recovered.
He says I have generalized anxiety disorder and prescribed a new medication for that. Someone asked me today how I felt about that being in my record. I don't care. If you've got it, you've got it. It doesn't make me any less than...it just is. I just want to FEEL better. And from the little research I've done tonight, I think that may just happen. It gives me great hope!
My doctor is tied in with my eye doctor (part of the great Mayo Clinic -- found everywhere in Minnesota) and I told him about the test that my eye doc wants me to have. I took the list of approved neurologists and he picked one out that he really liked. He then stated it would be a good six to eight weeks before I could see him, so why don't we start the ball rolling by getting an MRI and ultrasound of my head and carotid artery. Sure. That will happen Monday.
With my history of lying down and the vision in my left eye blurring, plus the headaches I always have, he thought that would be a great start to have the info for the neurologist.
So I'm really not so scared about any of this any more, I'm relieved that things are getting done and figured out.
I guess the only scary part is hoping insurance covers the majority of this. Thank goodness for insurance.
Tonight I have not cried. That's a first for this week. I'm usually very teary in the evenings. I just didn't feel down tonight, but hopeful instead. Two steps forward!
Homeschool: We're plugging away, and in the back of my mind I'm planning out next year. I cannot believe my baby will be in the 7th grade. Seventh grade is when I started to feel grown up. It will be interesting to watch how he goes through it, because he doesn't have the social pressures of peers. I hope he'll continue to play still. His choices are maturing -- he wants an iPod, loves his cell phone, he's drooling over a motorized scooter, etc. Yet, he still plays.
The plan for next year is as follows: (I'm not done planning, but so far)
World History: Glencoe Human Heritage. When I get it, I'll decide if we'll do this in one or two years.
Civics, another Glencoe text book. We started that this year, but have not finished it. Thomas *loves* it.
Science: Another Glencoe textbook. This time I won an eBay auction with the teacher's guide, tests, workbooks, etc. So we'll have a little more to go on than just the text. We used a Glencoe life science text this year and Thomas would read it for hours if I let him.
English:
Spelling: I think we need to continue on with spelling, so we'll use Sequential Spelling again
Literature: I think we'll use Lightening Literature. I'll need to look it over before deciding what else we do. I hear the writing isn't the best, so if not we'll use...
Writing: Wordsmith
Grammar: I am leaning on using Power Basics English. Again, I need to have it in my hands to see if I've got overkill going on here or not.
Reading: I am putting together a book list for Thomas to read next year. This year I'm going to actually BUY the books so they're on hand. There's nothing worse than hitting the library and finding they don't have the book (like Anne Frank last year) or else if they have it, it's checked out. I'm spoiled in that regard.
Geography: Yet another textbook from Prentice Hall. Got the teacher's guide and tests,etc.
Foreign Language: Spanish. I have everything we need, intended to do it this year, but it was the one thing that always gave way when we didn't have time. That, plus I was painfully slow in learning vocabulary. My greatest wish is that I could find a Spanish class for Thomas to go to -- but I don't think that's going to happen.
Art, Music: Lots of art projects planned, and music appreciation, too. Toying with the idea of starting piano lessons. Thomas doesn't want to, I'm not keen on recitals at all, but I think one year of lessons would be a good thing. Still debating on that.
Computer: Need to get going on this. Thomas needs to revisit his website. I have a book on Excel. We need to explore Word together, too. Those things are just the tip of the iceberg. Need to find time to get that done this year. Plus, we need to revisit keyboarding skills.
Finally, Math, Thomas's most hated subject: We like it. Thomas didn't going back to Rod and Staff. It just worked the best for our family, but he doesn't like any math program. He learned and learned well from Rod and Staff -- and that's what counts.
So that's the plan at the moment. Have to figure out something a little more formal for phy ed. Swimming lessons in the summer are fine, but we need a little more. Thomas doesn't like sports, so that closes many doors. I'll figure out something.
I used to be very anti-textbook. What I have discovered is that textbooks are great. They're organized, plans are laid out so you know how much to do per day and how many days a week you need to do them. And that leaves open LOTS of room for supplementation. I think from here on out, we'll be very text-book oriented.
And that's life on a Friday night.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
One less thing...
Taxes: DONE. Whew. Took me all morning, and then the accountant zipped through them in a half hour. We had the honor of being his last client for the day. He's taking tomorrow off. We're getting a little money back, which will go straight into our special funds account. We're saving for a new roof and furnace. Cha-ching to both items.
School today? GOOD GRIEF! Thomas spent the morning hiding from his frenzied mother. I was looking for receipts, tearing the house apart, acting like a mad woman. Talk about waiting until the last minute. Thomas did tons of reading and science today. He had his art class this afternoon.
I still feel like I'm walking knee-deep in water. One less thing now, though. Now on to other pressing issues. I'm also hoping to get my house back in order sometime soon -- that would make me feel so much better. I did express to Bob tonight how frustrated I am, because everyone leaves everything for me. I've become the maid, and I don't like it one bit. He actually floored me by mentioning he'd been thinking of spring cleaning. HUH? Bob, cleaning? He wants to wash walls, windows and scrub and re-seal the floors. Cool. I hope it comes to fruition! I'm not holding my breath, though. ;-)
School today? GOOD GRIEF! Thomas spent the morning hiding from his frenzied mother. I was looking for receipts, tearing the house apart, acting like a mad woman. Talk about waiting until the last minute. Thomas did tons of reading and science today. He had his art class this afternoon.
I still feel like I'm walking knee-deep in water. One less thing now, though. Now on to other pressing issues. I'm also hoping to get my house back in order sometime soon -- that would make me feel so much better. I did express to Bob tonight how frustrated I am, because everyone leaves everything for me. I've become the maid, and I don't like it one bit. He actually floored me by mentioning he'd been thinking of spring cleaning. HUH? Bob, cleaning? He wants to wash walls, windows and scrub and re-seal the floors. Cool. I hope it comes to fruition! I'm not holding my breath, though. ;-)
Monday, April 14, 2008
Late-night Monday
Just an update.
My dad is doing *really well* !!! Woo-hoo. My sister has started the search for an assisted living facility for dad. He's made huge improvements since I've last seen him. I talked to him on the phone Saturday night and thought: My dad is back, completely! This makes my heart soar! He's got his fight back -- which is what he needs.
Life in Minnesota? Um, well, um ... we're plugging. Both Thomas and I are whiny. Thomas really is letting off steam. School consists of only a few subjects a day, coupled with much moaning and groaning. I am not concentrating well to help smooth matters over. I think time will help.
I feel like I'm walking knee-deep in water. Lots of stuff I have to get done in a short amount of time. Typically, this wouldn't be a big deal, but now it is. I'm working on my taxes tonight -- my appointment is at 4 tomorrow afternoon. Talk about cutting it close!
Bob brought me a list of 15 neurologists in the area that our insurance company said I can use. Now, how do I pick by a name alone? This has me stumped. I guess I can call the eye doc back and ask who he recommends, and then my doctor's office. It certainly would be easier if there were some to choose from in our town.
I haven't read a book yet. I have been using eye drops, though. My eyes feel really good. So good that I was floored, because I didn't know my eyes didn't feel good until they started feeling good. I did sit down and read a chapter of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which is a book I've been wanting to revisit. Reading the chapter was fine except when I stopped to put eye drops in. No blurriness or fatigue...but it was only a chapter. I need to get through some of this other stuff so I can sit and read a spell.
I have definite and true signs of depression going on right now. That Thursday night I was just sobbing uncontrollably. Bob did take the afternoon off on Friday. We didn't do anything, but his presence did help. I am debating anti-depressants. I've tried them years ago, and they never seemed to help. I worry, though, because this is going to be a long-term situation, and I'm down already, so I don't know what to do. My doctor appointment is on Friday, so we'll figure something out.
On a fun note, Thomas, Bob and I went to Kmart last week for something and Thomas discovered the 90%-off Easter stuff. I had promised him we'd have Easter at home, but I kind of forgot about it. Thomas picked a candy-making kit for $9.99. I said no way. The clerk said, "Oh, buy it, it's only 90 cents." So I did. And we bought three egg dying kits. And we bought an Easter Gingerbread house. The house was only 90 cents, and the kits were 14 cents apiece.
So yesterday Bob prepared our Easter dinner. It was delicious. Today we dyed eggs and made candy and the gingerbread house.
Thomas got his easter after all.
(And for what it's worth, we are Christians, and even though we never attend church, on the real Easter morning, Thomas and I stopped at the hospital's chapel and had a little mini-service of our own.)
So we had a little bit of religion, and mostly secular fun to go with it.
Bob came up with an idea to extend our privacy fence with chain link so the dogs could have a big run. This was my idea, too, and even Thomas's. But when Bob thinks it's his idea, things work better. ;-) So we're waiting for the ground to warm up enough to dig post holes. We do have to get a permit from the city first, but I don't think that will be a problem. The fence will run 20 feet deep and 30? feet -- no, it must be more -- along the side of the house. It will be a great area for them. Now, I've always wanted the whole back yard to have a privacy fence, but I'll gladly compromise with an ugly chain link for our dogs' sakes.
School wise, we're finishing up a book called Mastering Essential Math Skills: 20 Minutes a Day to Success, Book 2: Middle Grades/High School . I bought CLE before we left for Colorado, but we ended up hating it. I'll post a review someday. Next year we're going back to Rod and Staff.
Thomas has almost finished reading his life science textbook. I have three new science textbooks waiting for him for next year.
We're plugging along with writing and reading. And it's time to restart the Civil War. I'd like to spend the rest of our year on that.
So we're not covering all the bases, and I usually have tons of bases that need to be covered, but we're getting back into the swing.
Now if only I could get my house cleaned to my satisfaction. Hasn't happened yet. Haven't' caught up on laundry, either.
BUT...life is good. It's full of ups and downs, that's just the way it is, and you have to enjoy each moment, or take each moment for what it's worth -- that's how you get through it all. Didn't someone once say, That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger? We're stronger now.
Tonight Thomas and I had a discussion, that we've lightly touched on before, but we really talked about it. We saved a life. Our actions saved Grandpa's life. Now I can feel good about that. Before, I had worried that my actions caused him harm -- but I should have known how strong my dad is, and I should have listened when he said he was happy to be alive. It makes me cry. I have my dad back. How lucky am I? Thomas has his Grandpa. How lucky is he. Grandpa has been working very hard, to the point of exhaustion. He's bound and determined to get out of hte skilled nursing facility. And he will. He's a very strong, bull headed, opinionated man -- I'm a chip off that old block.
I told Thomas tonight that he is my hero. What happened was very scary, but he stepped up to the plate. When I needed to get dad to the floor to start CPR, I couldn't because I couldn't move the chair. Thomas did. Thomas got control of the puppies when the paramedics showed up and put them in their crates. Thomas ran and made sure the doors opened so they could get into the house. Thomas was a great help in saving his grandpa's life.
Yes, Thomas is my hero. He endured daily visits to the hospital, consisting of long, exhausting, boring hours. He watched his grandpa, talked to his grandpa, and was very polite. Then he would go find a waiting room where he could wiggle around and be noisey. Then he'd come back. He never once complained. He never once acted out. He was the perfect gentleman.
Yes, Thomas, you ARE a hero.
You have my permission to be whiny right now, because it's all built up from March.
I wish I had some Harry Potter flu powder to go and visit Dad right now. I think he'd tell me to get home, get the house cleaned, my bills paid, school done, etc.
As dad was getting checked out of the hospital and getting ready to move to the western slope of Colorado, he said: Go home, I don't need you anymore. That really hurt my feelings. So the next morning, as I was packing his bag for him, I asked him, "Do you really not need me anymore?" He agreed, he didn't need me. So I smiled, a big smile, and said, "But you want me, though, right? You may not need me, but you want me?" He started laughing. That was the reaction I needed. He wants me. =)
My dad is doing *really well* !!! Woo-hoo. My sister has started the search for an assisted living facility for dad. He's made huge improvements since I've last seen him. I talked to him on the phone Saturday night and thought: My dad is back, completely! This makes my heart soar! He's got his fight back -- which is what he needs.
Life in Minnesota? Um, well, um ... we're plugging. Both Thomas and I are whiny. Thomas really is letting off steam. School consists of only a few subjects a day, coupled with much moaning and groaning. I am not concentrating well to help smooth matters over. I think time will help.
I feel like I'm walking knee-deep in water. Lots of stuff I have to get done in a short amount of time. Typically, this wouldn't be a big deal, but now it is. I'm working on my taxes tonight -- my appointment is at 4 tomorrow afternoon. Talk about cutting it close!
Bob brought me a list of 15 neurologists in the area that our insurance company said I can use. Now, how do I pick by a name alone? This has me stumped. I guess I can call the eye doc back and ask who he recommends, and then my doctor's office. It certainly would be easier if there were some to choose from in our town.
I haven't read a book yet. I have been using eye drops, though. My eyes feel really good. So good that I was floored, because I didn't know my eyes didn't feel good until they started feeling good.
I have definite and true signs of depression going on right now. That Thursday night I was just sobbing uncontrollably. Bob did take the afternoon off on Friday. We didn't do anything, but his presence did help. I am debating anti-depressants. I've tried them years ago, and they never seemed to help. I worry, though, because this is going to be a long-term situation, and I'm down already, so I don't know what to do. My doctor appointment is on Friday, so we'll figure something out.
On a fun note, Thomas, Bob and I went to Kmart last week for something and Thomas discovered the 90%-off Easter stuff. I had promised him we'd have Easter at home, but I kind of forgot about it. Thomas picked a candy-making kit for $9.99. I said no way. The clerk said, "Oh, buy it, it's only 90 cents." So I did. And we bought three egg dying kits. And we bought an Easter Gingerbread house. The house was only 90 cents, and the kits were 14 cents apiece.
So yesterday Bob prepared our Easter dinner. It was delicious. Today we dyed eggs and made candy and the gingerbread house.
Thomas got his easter after all.
(And for what it's worth, we are Christians, and even though we never attend church, on the real Easter morning, Thomas and I stopped at the hospital's chapel and had a little mini-service of our own.)
So we had a little bit of religion, and mostly secular fun to go with it.
Bob came up with an idea to extend our privacy fence with chain link so the dogs could have a big run. This was my idea, too, and even Thomas's. But when Bob thinks it's his idea, things work better. ;-) So we're waiting for the ground to warm up enough to dig post holes. We do have to get a permit from the city first, but I don't think that will be a problem. The fence will run 20 feet deep and 30? feet -- no, it must be more -- along the side of the house. It will be a great area for them. Now, I've always wanted the whole back yard to have a privacy fence, but I'll gladly compromise with an ugly chain link for our dogs' sakes.
School wise, we're finishing up a book called Mastering Essential Math Skills: 20 Minutes a Day to Success, Book 2: Middle Grades/High School . I bought CLE before we left for Colorado, but we ended up hating it. I'll post a review someday. Next year we're going back to Rod and Staff.
Thomas has almost finished reading his life science textbook. I have three new science textbooks waiting for him for next year.
We're plugging along with writing and reading. And it's time to restart the Civil War. I'd like to spend the rest of our year on that.
So we're not covering all the bases, and I usually have tons of bases that need to be covered, but we're getting back into the swing.
Now if only I could get my house cleaned to my satisfaction. Hasn't happened yet. Haven't' caught up on laundry, either.
BUT...life is good. It's full of ups and downs, that's just the way it is, and you have to enjoy each moment, or take each moment for what it's worth -- that's how you get through it all. Didn't someone once say, That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger? We're stronger now.
Tonight Thomas and I had a discussion, that we've lightly touched on before, but we really talked about it. We saved a life. Our actions saved Grandpa's life. Now I can feel good about that. Before, I had worried that my actions caused him harm -- but I should have known how strong my dad is, and I should have listened when he said he was happy to be alive. It makes me cry. I have my dad back. How lucky am I? Thomas has his Grandpa. How lucky is he. Grandpa has been working very hard, to the point of exhaustion. He's bound and determined to get out of hte skilled nursing facility. And he will. He's a very strong, bull headed, opinionated man -- I'm a chip off that old block.
I told Thomas tonight that he is my hero. What happened was very scary, but he stepped up to the plate. When I needed to get dad to the floor to start CPR, I couldn't because I couldn't move the chair. Thomas did. Thomas got control of the puppies when the paramedics showed up and put them in their crates. Thomas ran and made sure the doors opened so they could get into the house. Thomas was a great help in saving his grandpa's life.
Yes, Thomas is my hero. He endured daily visits to the hospital, consisting of long, exhausting, boring hours. He watched his grandpa, talked to his grandpa, and was very polite. Then he would go find a waiting room where he could wiggle around and be noisey. Then he'd come back. He never once complained. He never once acted out. He was the perfect gentleman.
Yes, Thomas, you ARE a hero.
You have my permission to be whiny right now, because it's all built up from March.
I wish I had some Harry Potter flu powder to go and visit Dad right now. I think he'd tell me to get home, get the house cleaned, my bills paid, school done, etc.
As dad was getting checked out of the hospital and getting ready to move to the western slope of Colorado, he said: Go home, I don't need you anymore. That really hurt my feelings. So the next morning, as I was packing his bag for him, I asked him, "Do you really not need me anymore?" He agreed, he didn't need me. So I smiled, a big smile, and said, "But you want me, though, right? You may not need me, but you want me?" He started laughing. That was the reaction I needed. He wants me. =)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
When it rains, it pours
And I'm in a downpour at the moment.
Yesterday I made a follow-up to my hospitialization doctor appointment, a full physical appointment, two dentists appointments, one for Thomas and one for me, and an eye doctor appointment. Imagine my surprise when my eye appointment was TODAY.
Well, there's good news and bad news. The good news is I have been diagnosed with rosacea, if that can be good news. Now I always suspected I had rosacea because my cheeks are always red, but I never thought much of it. WRONG. It is in my eyes. This is the reason that I have not been able to read a book for a couple years now. So the good news is that I have artificial tears and I am to practice blinking A LOT when reading, and I should be a reader again. That makes my year. I never knew rosacea could harm the eyes, but it really can. Scary stuff!
This got discovered today because I did NOT wear makeup. So I think from now on, I won't wear makeup to any doctor appointment.
I probably do have glaucoma. I go back for some weird test as soon as they get me scheduled. It doesn't appear I have any optic nerve damage, which is good. Not good news, but caught early and treated, not the worst news. Hopefully.
The really bad news: I was referred to a neurologist for special evaluation and testing. I go blurry eyed in one eye when I recline, such as laying down to watch TV. When I get up, it takes 15-20 minutes for my vision to clear. The opthalmologist suspects there may be something very wrong with my carotid artery. Yikes.
I'll have to get on the phnone tomorrow and find a neurologist that is on my insurance plan, because we don't have one locally. This scares the crap out of me because there is a family history of carotid artery blockage. I also have to get on the phone and get all my Denver medical records sent to my doctor. I was given some, but no specific test results except the stress/treadmill test. I also have to think back to every single eye doctor I've ever been to, find their numbers, and get my records. Good grief.
The neurologist part scares me the most.
It could all be worse, but I just wasn't up for this today. I guess I wouldn't be up for it any day, but I've had enough going on right now.
I came home and bawled.
~~~~~~~
On a school-related note, things have been better. We've been getting into the habit slowly but surely. Book learning is going on again in our house, which is a very good thing. We've decided to work really hard so we don't have to use the entire summer (or month of June) to catch up.
I talked to my dad on the phone yesterday and he sounded so good -- better than he did when he was in the hospital. That did wonders for my heart and soul. It is so hard being so far away.
I asked Bob to take the afternoon off tomorrow. He readily agreed. I just need him to be close right now. He's good at chasing off the scary monsters in the closet, so to speak.
We're supposed to get up to six inches of snow tomorrow. Good grief, it's April already! Snow, snow, go away, please come back another day...preferably next winter.
Here's hoping next week is better!
Yesterday I made a follow-up to my hospitialization doctor appointment, a full physical appointment, two dentists appointments, one for Thomas and one for me, and an eye doctor appointment. Imagine my surprise when my eye appointment was TODAY.
Well, there's good news and bad news. The good news is I have been diagnosed with rosacea, if that can be good news. Now I always suspected I had rosacea because my cheeks are always red, but I never thought much of it. WRONG. It is in my eyes. This is the reason that I have not been able to read a book for a couple years now. So the good news is that I have artificial tears and I am to practice blinking A LOT when reading, and I should be a reader again. That makes my year. I never knew rosacea could harm the eyes, but it really can. Scary stuff!
This got discovered today because I did NOT wear makeup. So I think from now on, I won't wear makeup to any doctor appointment.
I probably do have glaucoma. I go back for some weird test as soon as they get me scheduled. It doesn't appear I have any optic nerve damage, which is good. Not good news, but caught early and treated, not the worst news. Hopefully.
The really bad news: I was referred to a neurologist for special evaluation and testing. I go blurry eyed in one eye when I recline, such as laying down to watch TV. When I get up, it takes 15-20 minutes for my vision to clear. The opthalmologist suspects there may be something very wrong with my carotid artery. Yikes.
I'll have to get on the phnone tomorrow and find a neurologist that is on my insurance plan, because we don't have one locally. This scares the crap out of me because there is a family history of carotid artery blockage. I also have to get on the phone and get all my Denver medical records sent to my doctor. I was given some, but no specific test results except the stress/treadmill test. I also have to think back to every single eye doctor I've ever been to, find their numbers, and get my records. Good grief.
The neurologist part scares me the most.
It could all be worse, but I just wasn't up for this today. I guess I wouldn't be up for it any day, but I've had enough going on right now.
I came home and bawled.
~~~~~~~
On a school-related note, things have been better. We've been getting into the habit slowly but surely. Book learning is going on again in our house, which is a very good thing. We've decided to work really hard so we don't have to use the entire summer (or month of June) to catch up.
I talked to my dad on the phone yesterday and he sounded so good -- better than he did when he was in the hospital. That did wonders for my heart and soul. It is so hard being so far away.
I asked Bob to take the afternoon off tomorrow. He readily agreed. I just need him to be close right now. He's good at chasing off the scary monsters in the closet, so to speak.
We're supposed to get up to six inches of snow tomorrow. Good grief, it's April already! Snow, snow, go away, please come back another day...preferably next winter.
Here's hoping next week is better!
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Three Little Kittens
On a lighter note, I saw this video today and *loved* it. If you like kittens, you'll enjoy it.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Stink, Stank, Stunk
I fear my future blog entries are going to all be negative. Please, forgive me.
School today? Stink, stank, stunk. We both had a terrible time getting started up. We finished three subjects. It took us all day. 'Twas an awful day.
The house is a pit, I have bills to pay, dishes to wash, laundry to do. I took the weekend off and so did everyone else. Big mistake on my part. At least I got unpacked.
I actually snuck in a nap this morning, too.
Tomorrow is another day. While Bob might be upset with what little we accomplished, I'm cutting Thomas and myself some slack. Each day will be better.
If I had three wishes to be granted, this is what I would wish for:
1) Good health for my father -- and all my loved ones, but especially dad.
2) Easing of Thomas's struggles with life in general at the moment.
3) A maid, a cook, an errand runner, a bill payer, a laundry doer, a tutor: Wait, what I need is a wife!
School today? Stink, stank, stunk. We both had a terrible time getting started up. We finished three subjects. It took us all day. 'Twas an awful day.
The house is a pit, I have bills to pay, dishes to wash, laundry to do. I took the weekend off and so did everyone else. Big mistake on my part. At least I got unpacked.
I actually snuck in a nap this morning, too.
Tomorrow is another day. While Bob might be upset with what little we accomplished, I'm cutting Thomas and myself some slack. Each day will be better.
If I had three wishes to be granted, this is what I would wish for:
1) Good health for my father -- and all my loved ones, but especially dad.
2) Easing of Thomas's struggles with life in general at the moment.
3) A maid, a cook, an errand runner, a bill payer, a laundry doer, a tutor: Wait, what I need is a wife!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Sunday, Sunday
Dreading Monday. I think getting back into the routine will be good for both Thomas and I, but I’m dreading it nonetheless.
Yesterday I didn’t shower and get dressed until afternoon. Same today.
I tried to get a nap in yesterday, but the phone kept ringing. One time it was dad calling on his new Jitterbug phone. That was a nice surprise.
The whole family packed up and hit Wally World last night. We were looking for an intermediate sized crate for Tesla, but they didn’t have one we liked. What they had was a bit too small, and the large was way too large. We need to venture out into the real world soon as Tesla is too big for his crate now. He fits, he curls up fine, but I’d like him to have a tad more room.
I bought myself something last night. A Bissell stick vacuum. I was getting very sick of lugging around my small canister vac to do floors. Dad had a cordless Shark that was good at picking up chunks on carpet (dog food, big crumbs, etc.) and that got me to thinking about my own floors. I tried his Shark on his wooden entryway and his laundry room floor. I wasn’t impressed. I was, however, impressed with the way it was light weight and easy to maneuver.
I looked online and found some great stick vacs, but always impatient, I decided to buy one at Wal-mart last night. It was only $19.99. Bob put it together for me and I am very surprised, but it works very well. It’s like a Dust Buster with a handle and floor attachment. The only drawback is that the cord is so short it won’t reach the entire floor in my kitchen. So I need to run out and buy an extension cord for the thing.
It’s the small things in life that get us through – and having something new to vacuum my hardwood floors is really the highlight of my month.
I have been avoiding looking at school work. I should be sitting down going over things, but I can’t bring myself to do it. Tomorrow is going to be a difficult day for both Thomas and I. Thomas is very upset that we’ll be doing school until the end of June. Can’t be helped, though.
I’m thinking of cutting some subjects short. We had started studying civics, which we both really enjoyed. It’s not imperative that we finish that this year, though. I’m going to scrutinize my list and do only what is of utmost importance: math, science, reading, grammar and writing. I’ll tweak as we go. I’d like to throw history back into the loop, but I’ll let time tell. We do need a gentle day tomorrow.
I’ve been looking at cell phones, or prepaid cell phones to be exact. The last time Bob was in South Carolina, we got hit with a cell phone bill that was over $200. We typically pay $86 a month. Our company just got bought out, and the new company charges you .10 a minute if you’re not on one of their towers. What a jolt to the system that was after we were used to never paying extras for years. My cell phone bill from Denver is going to be a KILLER. I bet it will be over $300. You just have to have a cell phone in an emergency.
So, while in Denver I bought Thomas his first cell phone, a Trac Fone. We couldn’t get a local number with the phone he got, so he got a Colorado phone number. It was easy to use, and the cost would be very cheap if we got the high minute card and double minute card. He used his phone everywhere – including all the way back to Minnesota – and always had coverage. I looked at some of the other prepaid phones, and it looks as if the Trac Fone would be the best bet for us. My plans are to switch to unlimited long distance on my land line and just use the cell phone when out and about. I use my current cell for all long distance now. I think that’s what we’re going to do. In case of emergency, Trac Fone cards can be purchased anywhere, so I could buy a big-minute card if need be.
I hate making decisions like that, but I really detest our new phone company. I went in person to the local store to ask about and then contest that big phone bill, and they were so rude I filed a complaint. I talked to the service center online and they weren’t much better, but they did cut my overages in half. We had such a great deal, and it’s gone. None of the other cell phone companies in our area are nearly as cost effective as our old plan was. So, prepaid wireless it is.
My mood this weekend has been very low. Friday night I cried for about four hours straight. I had cried off and on during the whole ordeal, but not for long. At home, safe and sound, I was able to really let it all out. I hate being so far from my dad. Thomas has been very upset this weekend as well. He’s actually had a few crying spells himself. I had to remind Bob to go very easy on him because of all the trauma he has experienced. I cannot imagine what Thomas is thinking – it was hard enough on me, and I’m over 40. How on earth a young child would process all that happened is beyond me. He doesn’t really want to discuss anything. Typical male, perhaps? He’s letting off steam slow but sure, though. Bob and I have both told him that if he needs to talk, we’re here. I’ve also asked him some prompting questions to get him to open up a bit. He’ll talk a little but then just tell me he doesn’t want to talk about it. So I’m going to let him be, yet be there for him. He’s like me, he’s somewhat delayed reaction. I have a feeling as we get back into our routine, he’ll have an emotional week. As will I.
Yesterday I didn’t shower and get dressed until afternoon. Same today.
I tried to get a nap in yesterday, but the phone kept ringing. One time it was dad calling on his new Jitterbug phone. That was a nice surprise.
The whole family packed up and hit Wally World last night. We were looking for an intermediate sized crate for Tesla, but they didn’t have one we liked. What they had was a bit too small, and the large was way too large. We need to venture out into the real world soon as Tesla is too big for his crate now. He fits, he curls up fine, but I’d like him to have a tad more room.
I bought myself something last night. A Bissell stick vacuum. I was getting very sick of lugging around my small canister vac to do floors. Dad had a cordless Shark that was good at picking up chunks on carpet (dog food, big crumbs, etc.) and that got me to thinking about my own floors. I tried his Shark on his wooden entryway and his laundry room floor. I wasn’t impressed. I was, however, impressed with the way it was light weight and easy to maneuver.
I looked online and found some great stick vacs, but always impatient, I decided to buy one at Wal-mart last night. It was only $19.99. Bob put it together for me and I am very surprised, but it works very well. It’s like a Dust Buster with a handle and floor attachment. The only drawback is that the cord is so short it won’t reach the entire floor in my kitchen. So I need to run out and buy an extension cord for the thing.
It’s the small things in life that get us through – and having something new to vacuum my hardwood floors is really the highlight of my month.
I have been avoiding looking at school work. I should be sitting down going over things, but I can’t bring myself to do it. Tomorrow is going to be a difficult day for both Thomas and I. Thomas is very upset that we’ll be doing school until the end of June. Can’t be helped, though.
I’m thinking of cutting some subjects short. We had started studying civics, which we both really enjoyed. It’s not imperative that we finish that this year, though. I’m going to scrutinize my list and do only what is of utmost importance: math, science, reading, grammar and writing. I’ll tweak as we go. I’d like to throw history back into the loop, but I’ll let time tell. We do need a gentle day tomorrow.
I’ve been looking at cell phones, or prepaid cell phones to be exact. The last time Bob was in South Carolina, we got hit with a cell phone bill that was over $200. We typically pay $86 a month. Our company just got bought out, and the new company charges you .10 a minute if you’re not on one of their towers. What a jolt to the system that was after we were used to never paying extras for years. My cell phone bill from Denver is going to be a KILLER. I bet it will be over $300. You just have to have a cell phone in an emergency.
So, while in Denver I bought Thomas his first cell phone, a Trac Fone. We couldn’t get a local number with the phone he got, so he got a Colorado phone number. It was easy to use, and the cost would be very cheap if we got the high minute card and double minute card. He used his phone everywhere – including all the way back to Minnesota – and always had coverage. I looked at some of the other prepaid phones, and it looks as if the Trac Fone would be the best bet for us. My plans are to switch to unlimited long distance on my land line and just use the cell phone when out and about. I use my current cell for all long distance now. I think that’s what we’re going to do. In case of emergency, Trac Fone cards can be purchased anywhere, so I could buy a big-minute card if need be.
I hate making decisions like that, but I really detest our new phone company. I went in person to the local store to ask about and then contest that big phone bill, and they were so rude I filed a complaint. I talked to the service center online and they weren’t much better, but they did cut my overages in half. We had such a great deal, and it’s gone. None of the other cell phone companies in our area are nearly as cost effective as our old plan was. So, prepaid wireless it is.
My mood this weekend has been very low. Friday night I cried for about four hours straight. I had cried off and on during the whole ordeal, but not for long. At home, safe and sound, I was able to really let it all out. I hate being so far from my dad. Thomas has been very upset this weekend as well. He’s actually had a few crying spells himself. I had to remind Bob to go very easy on him because of all the trauma he has experienced. I cannot imagine what Thomas is thinking – it was hard enough on me, and I’m over 40. How on earth a young child would process all that happened is beyond me. He doesn’t really want to discuss anything. Typical male, perhaps? He’s letting off steam slow but sure, though. Bob and I have both told him that if he needs to talk, we’re here. I’ve also asked him some prompting questions to get him to open up a bit. He’ll talk a little but then just tell me he doesn’t want to talk about it. So I’m going to let him be, yet be there for him. He’s like me, he’s somewhat delayed reaction. I have a feeling as we get back into our routine, he’ll have an emotional week. As will I.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Home
We're home. Thomas and I, and Apollo and Tesla, arrived late this afternoon. Bob had a delicious dinner in the oven waiting for us. We were overjoyed to see our cats.
Bob was amazed at how Tesla and Apollo had grown. He said they left as puppies and dogs came home. I'll have to snap a photo in the next few days to share. Also amazing, Thomas grew 1/4 of an inch while gone. I guess all that fast food and hospital food agreed with him.
I am in a very melancholy mood: It's good to be home, but my heart is very heavy.
We'll resume school on Monday. I need tomorrow to relax. We had originally planned on leaving Denver Monday, but I just couldn't. There were many things to do, and I was emotionally and physically exhausted. I needed rest before the two-day drive home. I worked, but was able to rest and not work at such a fast pace.
Our drive through Nebraska this morning was pure hell. Down poor, white-out conditions when truckers passed. It was awful. Many times I was tempted to pull off and find something to do, but I plugged along. We were at Omaha when the rain finally lightened up.
I need a day of nothing. I'm going to take it tomorrow.
Bob was amazed at how Tesla and Apollo had grown. He said they left as puppies and dogs came home. I'll have to snap a photo in the next few days to share. Also amazing, Thomas grew 1/4 of an inch while gone. I guess all that fast food and hospital food agreed with him.
I am in a very melancholy mood: It's good to be home, but my heart is very heavy.
We'll resume school on Monday. I need tomorrow to relax. We had originally planned on leaving Denver Monday, but I just couldn't. There were many things to do, and I was emotionally and physically exhausted. I needed rest before the two-day drive home. I worked, but was able to rest and not work at such a fast pace.
Our drive through Nebraska this morning was pure hell. Down poor, white-out conditions when truckers passed. It was awful. Many times I was tempted to pull off and find something to do, but I plugged along. We were at Omaha when the rain finally lightened up.
I need a day of nothing. I'm going to take it tomorrow.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Very Rough Times
Three weeks ago yesterday (Thursday) my dad called. He was to have surgery the following Tuesday and my sister was ill and couldn’t come to help. He asked if Thomas and I would come and help him.
Of course we would.
We left Friday evening and arrived Sunday.
The surgery on Tuesday went well. By Wednesday evening, I had concerns about dad. The next morning I called the surgeon’s office and scheduled an appointment that day. I voiced my concerns and basically he blew me off and told us to come back the following week.
On the way home, we drove through Wendy’s so Thomas and I could get a Frosty. We got home and dad, Thomas and I sat at the table while Thomas and I ate our Frosties. I looked up and saw my dad was passed out, in the throws of what I now know was a heart attack.
I called 911 immediately. I got him to the floor with Thomas’s help – he pulled out the chair. I was about to start CPR, but the paramedics arrived. The paramedics arrived in less than five minutes. I specifically looked at the clock when I called 911.
Well, the rest is a long story and somewhat personal so I don’t feel free to share the details. However, dad was released from the hospital today and my brother-in-law and sister drove him four hours away close to their home to a skilled nursing facility. He is very ill, still, but…..sigh. I cannot express my feelings. I ache for him. He has a struggle ahead of him that I just cannot fathom. I love my dad very much and I worry about him.
As they drove off from the hospital, both Thomas and I just let loose and bawled.
Thomas and I are still in Denver. We will stay for a few days because I have a lot to do here, plus I am so completely exhausted that it wouldn’t be safe for me to drive two days home yet.
On the Sunday morning after dad’s heart attack, Thomas and I were driving to the hospital. We were only about two blocks from home. I had the most intense “thing” happen to me. I thought I was having a heart attack. I had tunnel vision, I shook, I had chest pain, I had the most horrid sense of impending doom – I thought I was dying. I got to dad’s house and my sister arrived a few minutes later. She took me to a local walk-in clinic. I was so bad I couldn’t get out of the car so they had to get a wheelchair to bring me in. After a few minutes, they did an EKG and informed me that it was not normal and they had called an ambulance. The ambulance arrived, and I feared for myself, but mostly for Thomas. I didn’t want him to see anything, so requested they take me outside. My sister took good care of Thomas.
Before we left for the hospital, they did an EKG and it was normal – they only saw one “weird blip” They did another en route to the hospital, and that was normal. In the emergency room, they did another which was normal. They gave me Atavan?? I felt much better, but I still shook. They admitted me and I spent one night in the hospital. I was two rooms away from my dad. I had a CAT scan checking for clots and also a treadmill test complete with radioactive dye. Bottom line: My heart is healthy. I was released with Xanax and Ambien. It was a massive panic attack.
The next day I started to have another panic attack, but the Xanax did the trick. The Ambien, which was a higher strength than what I had at home, enabled me to sleep every night. Before I had that, my mind raced at night and I didn’t sleep. I have only had to take one Xanax, thankfully I’ve been practicing breathing and trying to keep myself relaxed.
Poor Thomas. I cannot believe what all that wonderful 12-year-old boy has had to endure. He was a perfect angel, but the stress started to show two days ago. Even then, he was still good. I am so proud of him.
On the way home from the hospital visiting dad one night, I stopped at a Wal-mart and bought him a cell phone with 250 minutes. He is so proud of that phone. He really deserved something special. He’s been able to keep in touch with family and friends on his own terms, which he really needed. He also got a thrill every time someone called him.
We hope to be back home sometime next week. I miss my blogging buddies, I miss the internet, I miss a good computer and high-speed internet. This is the first time I’ve logged on since I got here. It will probably be the last because the computer is so slow.
So, we’re still alive. We’re obviously not doing school at the moment, even though I brought it with us. We’re planning on going way into the summer now. I am so thankful we homeschool because we wouldn’t have been able to stay and help.
If you pray, please say a prayer for my dad. If you don’t, please think good thoughts for him and send him good vibes. I would greatly appreciate it.
Frankie, in Denver
Of course we would.
We left Friday evening and arrived Sunday.
The surgery on Tuesday went well. By Wednesday evening, I had concerns about dad. The next morning I called the surgeon’s office and scheduled an appointment that day. I voiced my concerns and basically he blew me off and told us to come back the following week.
On the way home, we drove through Wendy’s so Thomas and I could get a Frosty. We got home and dad, Thomas and I sat at the table while Thomas and I ate our Frosties. I looked up and saw my dad was passed out, in the throws of what I now know was a heart attack.
I called 911 immediately. I got him to the floor with Thomas’s help – he pulled out the chair. I was about to start CPR, but the paramedics arrived. The paramedics arrived in less than five minutes. I specifically looked at the clock when I called 911.
Well, the rest is a long story and somewhat personal so I don’t feel free to share the details. However, dad was released from the hospital today and my brother-in-law and sister drove him four hours away close to their home to a skilled nursing facility. He is very ill, still, but…..sigh. I cannot express my feelings. I ache for him. He has a struggle ahead of him that I just cannot fathom. I love my dad very much and I worry about him.
As they drove off from the hospital, both Thomas and I just let loose and bawled.
Thomas and I are still in Denver. We will stay for a few days because I have a lot to do here, plus I am so completely exhausted that it wouldn’t be safe for me to drive two days home yet.
On the Sunday morning after dad’s heart attack, Thomas and I were driving to the hospital. We were only about two blocks from home. I had the most intense “thing” happen to me. I thought I was having a heart attack. I had tunnel vision, I shook, I had chest pain, I had the most horrid sense of impending doom – I thought I was dying. I got to dad’s house and my sister arrived a few minutes later. She took me to a local walk-in clinic. I was so bad I couldn’t get out of the car so they had to get a wheelchair to bring me in. After a few minutes, they did an EKG and informed me that it was not normal and they had called an ambulance. The ambulance arrived, and I feared for myself, but mostly for Thomas. I didn’t want him to see anything, so requested they take me outside. My sister took good care of Thomas.
Before we left for the hospital, they did an EKG and it was normal – they only saw one “weird blip” They did another en route to the hospital, and that was normal. In the emergency room, they did another which was normal. They gave me Atavan?? I felt much better, but I still shook. They admitted me and I spent one night in the hospital. I was two rooms away from my dad. I had a CAT scan checking for clots and also a treadmill test complete with radioactive dye. Bottom line: My heart is healthy. I was released with Xanax and Ambien. It was a massive panic attack.
The next day I started to have another panic attack, but the Xanax did the trick. The Ambien, which was a higher strength than what I had at home, enabled me to sleep every night. Before I had that, my mind raced at night and I didn’t sleep. I have only had to take one Xanax, thankfully I’ve been practicing breathing and trying to keep myself relaxed.
Poor Thomas. I cannot believe what all that wonderful 12-year-old boy has had to endure. He was a perfect angel, but the stress started to show two days ago. Even then, he was still good. I am so proud of him.
On the way home from the hospital visiting dad one night, I stopped at a Wal-mart and bought him a cell phone with 250 minutes. He is so proud of that phone. He really deserved something special. He’s been able to keep in touch with family and friends on his own terms, which he really needed. He also got a thrill every time someone called him.
We hope to be back home sometime next week. I miss my blogging buddies, I miss the internet, I miss a good computer and high-speed internet. This is the first time I’ve logged on since I got here. It will probably be the last because the computer is so slow.
So, we’re still alive. We’re obviously not doing school at the moment, even though I brought it with us. We’re planning on going way into the summer now. I am so thankful we homeschool because we wouldn’t have been able to stay and help.
If you pray, please say a prayer for my dad. If you don’t, please think good thoughts for him and send him good vibes. I would greatly appreciate it.
Frankie, in Denver
Thursday, February 28, 2008
High School, Oh My!
When Bob was home for lunch today, I told him I had started planning next year. I told him I needed him to sit down with me and map out what we wanted to accomplish. We then got to talking about high school and that we should have a good, but general, idea of what we want to do 9th - 12th grade so we know what we should cover in 7th and 8th.
Oh my. I haven't even thought about the high school years yet. I don't want to think about the high school years yet. I don't want my baby to be starting 7th grade, turning into a teenager so soon, either. Can't stop time, though, so I guess I'd best start.
Meg, Carole, and Doc, I may be snooping around your blogs. If you see some crazy stats on your site meters from Minnesota, relax, it's just me.
I think I'll start googling, too. Perhaps I'll pull out my Rebecca Rupp Homeschooling Year by Year book. I don't know if I've ever looked at her high school section. And I also have The Well Trained Mind I can look at.
Sheesh, I don't think I'm ready to think that far ahead. BUT wise old Bob and I figure it's probably a good idea to know where we're going.
Yuck!
Oh my. I haven't even thought about the high school years yet. I don't want to think about the high school years yet. I don't want my baby to be starting 7th grade, turning into a teenager so soon, either. Can't stop time, though, so I guess I'd best start.
Meg, Carole, and Doc, I may be snooping around your blogs. If you see some crazy stats on your site meters from Minnesota, relax, it's just me.
I think I'll start googling, too. Perhaps I'll pull out my Rebecca Rupp Homeschooling Year by Year book. I don't know if I've ever looked at her high school section. And I also have The Well Trained Mind I can look at.
Sheesh, I don't think I'm ready to think that far ahead. BUT wise old Bob and I figure it's probably a good idea to know where we're going.
Yuck!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Bribes
Bribes -- never thought before I had a child I would use them. In fact, I thought it was a sign of bad parrenting.
Not any more. We started playing the bribes game early on. It works!
My latest guilty bribe has to do with school. See, I ordered Christian Light Education's Sunrise (or whatever the heck it's called) math for Thomas. Instead of ordering the 6th grade, I ordered 5th. Now Thomas isn't behind on math, he scores years ahead on computation and post high school on concepts on his standardized tests every year, BUT he hasn't had any exposure to algebra and very little to geometry. I was looking around at the yahoo group's photos, and they incorporate both things in the 5th grade program.
So, most of it will be review -- gravy. There will be ne concepts learned, and I'm happy with that. Now here comes the bribe. After we get it, and have worked it for a bit, I will be ordering the 600 series for THE SUMMER. I don't want Thomas getting behind on the other skills and concepts.
Bob and I broke the news to Thomas at lunch today. He was not a happy camper. He pitched a fit. He was not happy. Uffta. (When in Minnesota, talk like the Minnesotans. lol)
Thomas made a very valid point. His summers are precious to him. He enjoys the freedom of no school. SO DO I. I probably enjoy it more than he does, truth be told. Bob said that if he did this work for us, with a good attitude, we'd get him something. Something big.
Bob was talking Wii -- I told him that's too big. I came up with the perfect solution while reading the Well Trained Mind boardsd tonight: A cell phone. I ran that by Thomas and he was thrilled. He's been asking for one for a long time. All his friends have them. (eye roll) They do, but they're also in public school and going every where after school and the parents use the cell phones to keep track of where their kids are. Thomas just wants one.
So I'll buy him a Trac Phone, get a big plan for him, and we'll call it a day.
I can handle an hour of school every day this summer, right? I can do it.
The thing is -- what do I get for doing math every day this summer? Anything special for me? ha ha ha ha ha
Not any more. We started playing the bribes game early on. It works!
My latest guilty bribe has to do with school. See, I ordered Christian Light Education's Sunrise (or whatever the heck it's called) math for Thomas. Instead of ordering the 6th grade, I ordered 5th. Now Thomas isn't behind on math, he scores years ahead on computation and post high school on concepts on his standardized tests every year, BUT he hasn't had any exposure to algebra and very little to geometry. I was looking around at the yahoo group's photos, and they incorporate both things in the 5th grade program.
So, most of it will be review -- gravy. There will be ne concepts learned, and I'm happy with that. Now here comes the bribe. After we get it, and have worked it for a bit, I will be ordering the 600 series for THE SUMMER. I don't want Thomas getting behind on the other skills and concepts.
Bob and I broke the news to Thomas at lunch today. He was not a happy camper. He pitched a fit. He was not happy. Uffta. (When in Minnesota, talk like the Minnesotans. lol)
Thomas made a very valid point. His summers are precious to him. He enjoys the freedom of no school. SO DO I. I probably enjoy it more than he does, truth be told. Bob said that if he did this work for us, with a good attitude, we'd get him something. Something big.
Bob was talking Wii -- I told him that's too big. I came up with the perfect solution while reading the Well Trained Mind boardsd tonight: A cell phone. I ran that by Thomas and he was thrilled. He's been asking for one for a long time. All his friends have them. (eye roll) They do, but they're also in public school and going every where after school and the parents use the cell phones to keep track of where their kids are. Thomas just wants one.
So I'll buy him a Trac Phone, get a big plan for him, and we'll call it a day.
I can handle an hour of school every day this summer, right? I can do it.
The thing is -- what do I get for doing math every day this summer? Anything special for me? ha ha ha ha ha
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
brrr
Took the puppies potty a few minutes ago.
They went out the door, stayed for one second, and raced back in. I physically picked them up and put them out. Each of them. Twice. They wouldn't stay out.
The wind is blowing, it's snowing, it's a wet snow, and the current temp is -15 and our wind-chill is -43. -43. #$#@&*(
Tomorrow is supposed to be nasty cold, too. I think on Thursay, I am going to go buy a lottery ticket. I think I'll buy one for every lottery. If I ever win, I'm moving somewhere warm.
Who said there was no such thing as a cold day in hell?
They went out the door, stayed for one second, and raced back in. I physically picked them up and put them out. Each of them. Twice. They wouldn't stay out.
The wind is blowing, it's snowing, it's a wet snow, and the current temp is -15 and our wind-chill is -43. -43. #$#@&*(
Tomorrow is supposed to be nasty cold, too. I think on Thursay, I am going to go buy a lottery ticket. I think I'll buy one for every lottery. If I ever win, I'm moving somewhere warm.
Who said there was no such thing as a cold day in hell?
Monday, February 18, 2008
Back and Forth
We've had lots of back an forths lately:
Back and forth travel for Bob. We're about done with that, though. Whew.
Back and forth with the weather. It's average temperature, then it's waaay below average, then it's average again. Currently, it's 0 with a wind-chill of -21. I'd take our average of 20s in the daytime, PLEASE. Hopefully by the end of the week we'll make the swing. Life is so much better when we are in the average range of temps. 20 may not seem warm, but believe me, compared to -20, it is balmy!
Back and forth with illnesses. Thomas is still coughing away, and yesterday I awoke to greet a lovely sore throat, coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, or just icky nose, aches and pains and slight fever. Had it today. I'm sure it will be here tomorrow. Back and forth between who is sick. Thomas and I just keep taking turns. It's too cold to air the house out. Ick.
Frankly, I'd rather be sick at home than being sick out of town. January 6th, the day we got Tesla, the day I was throwing up and more all over Rochester, Minnesota. Yup. I'll quit complaining about being sick, because I'm HOME. What a world of difference that makes.
Back and forth with math. Gosh, our entire homeschool career math has been an issue. Thomas hates math with a capital H. Cannot stand it. I used to like math, but with the stress of all these years building up with Thomas' hate, UGH. First we did Singapore, which was not a good fit for either of us. Then we did Rod and Staff. I loved it, Thomas hated, hated, triple-dog-dare -- no wait, that doesn't apply to hate -- detested it. In between we've done a little of Lial's Basic College Math, Key To Fractions and Decimals, and Painless Fractions. We're about to finish the Key to Fractions and one have book of Key to Decimals.
I am sick of not having a set math curricula. I need something in workbook format. Thomas cannot copy problems from a book. With the Rod and Staff, that I loved, I broke the spine, tore the book apart, three-hole punched it, and put it in a notebook. Thomas wrote directly in the student text. That worked well most of the time. He really doesn't want to do Rod and Staff.
So I've been searching again. There are a few workbook format choices out there, but I think I will purchase Christian Light Education, CLE for short. Lots more algebra than Rod and Staff. The only samples I could find were at their yahoo group, Christian Light Families. Based solely on a few sample pages, plus the index, I think it might work. It's not too expensive, so I can return or re-sell it if it doesn't work out.
Time will tell. No more back and forth with math, that's my biggest desire.
No more back and forth with anything. I am sick of the pendulum. I want to stay put for awhile. I want everyone home, healthy and happy. Is it possible???
~~~~~~~~~
One more back and forth. Today, Thomas said to me, "Mom, would you please log out of my Webkinz account so I can play? We go back and forth on who is logged in. I am in love with Webkinz. I like to play Tile Towers (Tai Pei game.) I like to play go fish. I like their arcade games. I like their word games. Gee, isn't it geared for YOUNG kids? Maybe I'm just young at heart, but I really enjoy the games there. So Thomas has decided I need a Webkinz of my own. I think he's right. I just have to figure out which critter I want. They don't have a border collie -- well, they didn't last time I checked. The only down side is I make Thomas a lot of Kinzcash. Oh well, he'll have to earn it on his own.
This mom rates Webkinz as A+ for safety. I don't even worry about Thomas there because the only way to chat with others is by picking phrases from a screen. No typing on your own. So, nice and safe.
Back and forth. Sounds like a hypnotist trying to dull me to death. Sadly, I think it's working!
Back and forth travel for Bob. We're about done with that, though. Whew.
Back and forth with the weather. It's average temperature, then it's waaay below average, then it's average again. Currently, it's 0 with a wind-chill of -21. I'd take our average of 20s in the daytime, PLEASE. Hopefully by the end of the week we'll make the swing. Life is so much better when we are in the average range of temps. 20 may not seem warm, but believe me, compared to -20, it is balmy!
Back and forth with illnesses. Thomas is still coughing away, and yesterday I awoke to greet a lovely sore throat, coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, or just icky nose, aches and pains and slight fever. Had it today. I'm sure it will be here tomorrow. Back and forth between who is sick. Thomas and I just keep taking turns. It's too cold to air the house out. Ick.
Frankly, I'd rather be sick at home than being sick out of town. January 6th, the day we got Tesla, the day I was throwing up and more all over Rochester, Minnesota. Yup. I'll quit complaining about being sick, because I'm HOME. What a world of difference that makes.
Back and forth with math. Gosh, our entire homeschool career math has been an issue. Thomas hates math with a capital H. Cannot stand it. I used to like math, but with the stress of all these years building up with Thomas' hate, UGH. First we did Singapore, which was not a good fit for either of us. Then we did Rod and Staff. I loved it, Thomas hated, hated, triple-dog-dare -- no wait, that doesn't apply to hate -- detested it. In between we've done a little of Lial's Basic College Math, Key To Fractions and Decimals, and Painless Fractions. We're about to finish the Key to Fractions and one have book of Key to Decimals.
I am sick of not having a set math curricula. I need something in workbook format. Thomas cannot copy problems from a book. With the Rod and Staff, that I loved, I broke the spine, tore the book apart, three-hole punched it, and put it in a notebook. Thomas wrote directly in the student text. That worked well most of the time. He really doesn't want to do Rod and Staff.
So I've been searching again. There are a few workbook format choices out there, but I think I will purchase Christian Light Education, CLE for short. Lots more algebra than Rod and Staff. The only samples I could find were at their yahoo group, Christian Light Families. Based solely on a few sample pages, plus the index, I think it might work. It's not too expensive, so I can return or re-sell it if it doesn't work out.
Time will tell. No more back and forth with math, that's my biggest desire.
No more back and forth with anything. I am sick of the pendulum. I want to stay put for awhile. I want everyone home, healthy and happy. Is it possible???
~~~~~~~~~
One more back and forth. Today, Thomas said to me, "Mom, would you please log out of my Webkinz account so I can play? We go back and forth on who is logged in. I am in love with Webkinz. I like to play Tile Towers (Tai Pei game.) I like to play go fish. I like their arcade games. I like their word games. Gee, isn't it geared for YOUNG kids? Maybe I'm just young at heart, but I really enjoy the games there. So Thomas has decided I need a Webkinz of my own. I think he's right. I just have to figure out which critter I want. They don't have a border collie -- well, they didn't last time I checked. The only down side is I make Thomas a lot of Kinzcash. Oh well, he'll have to earn it on his own.
This mom rates Webkinz as A+ for safety. I don't even worry about Thomas there because the only way to chat with others is by picking phrases from a screen. No typing on your own. So, nice and safe.
Back and forth. Sounds like a hypnotist trying to dull me to death. Sadly, I think it's working!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day
We did absolutely nothing to celebrate this year. Normally I buy a gift for Thomas and make a cake or cupcakes or something. Today was just not the day to bake, celebrate or think twice about VD. (My mom always used to say happy VD, so in rememberance of her, I call it VD sometimes.)
Thomas woke up so cranky that he squeaked. Oh my! I forced him to feed and potty his pups and then I forced him back to bed. The later wasn't too difficult. He went back to bed at 8:30 and did not get up until 12:30. He slept hard.
Bob surprised me by coming home early. He opened the door at 9:30 and caught me still in my robe and on the internet, playing Webkinz' Tile Towers.
When Thomas awoke, he took a long shower. His sinuses are really bothering him. We ate lunch, loaded up the puppies, and headed for civilization, otherwise known as Mankato. Yes, the same civilization that Laura Ingalls Wilder used to head to.
Puppies had their final vet appointment and are now officially up to date on shots. Tesla was such a baby that the lovely vet -- and we really do love her -- called him a wuss. He actually cried when she gave him his shot! He's a mama's boy.
After that, we headed out for a quick Valentine's Day meal. We drove past Applebee's (I've never in my life eaten there and don't really have a desire to), some rib join that Bob wants to go to, and my all-time favorite Olive Garden. I drove into the Taco Bell parking lot. We feasted on burritos, tacos and nachos. Ever since our Taco Bell closed a few years ago, I just cannot help myself when I see one. I love their bean burritos.
Next, we drove to a furniture store. My kitchen chairs are falling apart, literally. We bought a cute dinette set 20 years ago and let's just say we've had the chairs five years too long. I took one chair out to the garage while Bob was gone recently because it broke. Bob got a surprise check Monday and announced that we were going to get new chairs with it. We checked our local furniture store, they had an okay set of chairs, but I wasn't in love with them. We thought we'd check civilization before buying those. Well, lo and behold, we found a lovely set, priced nicely, brown microfiber and oak. Bought them on the spot, loaded them in the van. They're still sitting in the van because it's cold and we're old and tired, so we'll bring them in tomorrow.
The addition of new chairs is going to do a lot to lift my spirits. I will take a photo of my old chairs and share it. They were disgusting.
To finish off our time in civilization, we went to our final puppy kindergarten class. They have built a new facility called The Paw that is fantastic. It has a huge swimming pool for the dogs, an underwater treadmill, huge training room, luxury boarding, outdoor play area -- you name it, all top of the line canine luxury! We had our last class in the facility tonight.
The problem is they're not done building it and so there was dust everywhere. We got down on the floor to play with the puppies and I was covered in dust. Disgustingly thick heavy, white dust. Halfway through the class, Thomas started crying. My big 12 year old. The dust was so bad, and he has such a bad cold and sinus issues, that he had trouble breathing. It was so cold he didn't want to go outside, so Bob took him out to the lobby and he blew and blew his nose. I think the tears helped, too. He came back, but was uncomfortable the rest of the class. As we were driving home, I was sneezing, Thomas was upset because his sinuses hurt, and we all just smelled of dust. The puppies were covered.
Thomas showered immediately when we got home. He's breathing better now. Puppies got brushed, we all changed clothes. I am feeling a need to wash all our coats tomorrow, it was that bad.
It was a lovely day, although we didn't really celebrate St. Valentine's Day. I really think that it's fun to celebrate in a small way holidays like today, but love should be year round.
Not one school book was opened today. We're getting a little behind, but Thomas is sick and it cannot be helped. I have already informed him that we'll probably have to do school into the summer, longer than we ever have before. He got upset at first and then his eyes lit up. He has an idea: flex school. That is a post for another day, but I think we're going to come up with a fun plan.
Thomas woke up so cranky that he squeaked. Oh my! I forced him to feed and potty his pups and then I forced him back to bed. The later wasn't too difficult. He went back to bed at 8:30 and did not get up until 12:30. He slept hard.
Bob surprised me by coming home early. He opened the door at 9:30 and caught me still in my robe and on the internet, playing Webkinz' Tile Towers.
When Thomas awoke, he took a long shower. His sinuses are really bothering him. We ate lunch, loaded up the puppies, and headed for civilization, otherwise known as Mankato. Yes, the same civilization that Laura Ingalls Wilder used to head to.
Puppies had their final vet appointment and are now officially up to date on shots. Tesla was such a baby that the lovely vet -- and we really do love her -- called him a wuss. He actually cried when she gave him his shot! He's a mama's boy.
After that, we headed out for a quick Valentine's Day meal. We drove past Applebee's (I've never in my life eaten there and don't really have a desire to), some rib join that Bob wants to go to, and my all-time favorite Olive Garden. I drove into the Taco Bell parking lot. We feasted on burritos, tacos and nachos. Ever since our Taco Bell closed a few years ago, I just cannot help myself when I see one. I love their bean burritos.
Next, we drove to a furniture store. My kitchen chairs are falling apart, literally. We bought a cute dinette set 20 years ago and let's just say we've had the chairs five years too long. I took one chair out to the garage while Bob was gone recently because it broke. Bob got a surprise check Monday and announced that we were going to get new chairs with it. We checked our local furniture store, they had an okay set of chairs, but I wasn't in love with them. We thought we'd check civilization before buying those. Well, lo and behold, we found a lovely set, priced nicely, brown microfiber and oak. Bought them on the spot, loaded them in the van. They're still sitting in the van because it's cold and we're old and tired, so we'll bring them in tomorrow.
The addition of new chairs is going to do a lot to lift my spirits. I will take a photo of my old chairs and share it. They were disgusting.
To finish off our time in civilization, we went to our final puppy kindergarten class. They have built a new facility called The Paw that is fantastic. It has a huge swimming pool for the dogs, an underwater treadmill, huge training room, luxury boarding, outdoor play area -- you name it, all top of the line canine luxury! We had our last class in the facility tonight.
The problem is they're not done building it and so there was dust everywhere. We got down on the floor to play with the puppies and I was covered in dust. Disgustingly thick heavy, white dust. Halfway through the class, Thomas started crying. My big 12 year old. The dust was so bad, and he has such a bad cold and sinus issues, that he had trouble breathing. It was so cold he didn't want to go outside, so Bob took him out to the lobby and he blew and blew his nose. I think the tears helped, too. He came back, but was uncomfortable the rest of the class. As we were driving home, I was sneezing, Thomas was upset because his sinuses hurt, and we all just smelled of dust. The puppies were covered.
Thomas showered immediately when we got home. He's breathing better now. Puppies got brushed, we all changed clothes. I am feeling a need to wash all our coats tomorrow, it was that bad.
It was a lovely day, although we didn't really celebrate St. Valentine's Day. I really think that it's fun to celebrate in a small way holidays like today, but love should be year round.
Not one school book was opened today. We're getting a little behind, but Thomas is sick and it cannot be helped. I have already informed him that we'll probably have to do school into the summer, longer than we ever have before. He got upset at first and then his eyes lit up. He has an idea: flex school. That is a post for another day, but I think we're going to come up with a fun plan.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Tantrum Time
I am stomping my feet, angry, ticked off, you name it.
Another BUG has hit our house again.
Thomas woke up this morning with a very sore throat. I gave him some Motrin, and we did school. He complained off and on all day.
This afternoon we went to Wal-mart, all three of us, and stocked up on groceries. He was complaining again that his throat hurt.
We get home, have dinner, and his throat still hurts, but he's fine.
And then, as he was getting ready for a treat of ice cream, because he thought that would make his throat feel better, it hit him. He walked by the trash can and just knew he couldn't make it any further. He didn't.
He's thrown up a few times tonight. He is not running a fever. His throat is red and sore still. What kind of virus is that?
I am so ready for spring, to be able to open the windows and get fresh air. I'd air the house out now, but it's -8 at the moment. Not going to work.
Thomas asked me if we had to do school tomorrow. Of course I am the type to baby my baby, so I would have said no. Instead, I told him to ask his principal. Bob told him it depended on how he felt. Thomas shook his head and said if he didn't feel too well, he'd like to read his life science text book all day. That's doable.
I am just mad because we've been sick forever! If it's not one thing, it's another. I shouldn't complain, because it's nothing *serious*, thankfully, but it's still a pain in the patooy.
So what else? Bob and I each have a sore throat. Hopefully our adult bodies will be able to better handle the virus, whatever it is.
Hrmph.
Another BUG has hit our house again.
Thomas woke up this morning with a very sore throat. I gave him some Motrin, and we did school. He complained off and on all day.
This afternoon we went to Wal-mart, all three of us, and stocked up on groceries. He was complaining again that his throat hurt.
We get home, have dinner, and his throat still hurts, but he's fine.
And then, as he was getting ready for a treat of ice cream, because he thought that would make his throat feel better, it hit him. He walked by the trash can and just knew he couldn't make it any further. He didn't.
He's thrown up a few times tonight. He is not running a fever. His throat is red and sore still. What kind of virus is that?
I am so ready for spring, to be able to open the windows and get fresh air. I'd air the house out now, but it's -8 at the moment. Not going to work.
Thomas asked me if we had to do school tomorrow. Of course I am the type to baby my baby, so I would have said no. Instead, I told him to ask his principal. Bob told him it depended on how he felt. Thomas shook his head and said if he didn't feel too well, he'd like to read his life science text book all day. That's doable.
I am just mad because we've been sick forever! If it's not one thing, it's another. I shouldn't complain, because it's nothing *serious*, thankfully, but it's still a pain in the patooy.
So what else? Bob and I each have a sore throat. Hopefully our adult bodies will be able to better handle the virus, whatever it is.
Hrmph.
Silly, Silly
This part isn't silly. I was reading blogs tonight, and Daryl at HE&OS mentioend that the South Dakota legislature killed a bill that would enable homeschoolers who scored at least a 24 on the ACT the eligibility to get a state college scholarship. BOOO
Now for the silly part.
When I moved to South Dakota, way back yonder in the 1980s, one of the secretaries talked about PEER a lot: going to PEER, getting PEER on the phone, sending stuff off to PEER. I thought she was talking about a person.
You see, in my 4th-grade geography studies, I was taught that the capital of South Dakota was Pierre. Pronounced PEE - YAIR.
Not so. The first time I mentioned PEE-YAIR everyone in the office when into hysterics laughing at me.
For those, like me, who didn't know: The capital of South Dakota is Pierre. Pronounced Peer. Or Pier. One syllable.
Trust me, I lived there for 11 years, and on rare occasion, I worked in Pierre. Shoot, I was even on the national news one time while walking into the Pierre courthouse. Of course they weren't filming me, they were filming the judge I rode with and was walking with, but hey, that was my claim to fame.
There, an interesting little tidbit for the day.
Now, if only Pierre would get their act together and recognize excellent homeschooled students.
Now for the silly part.
When I moved to South Dakota, way back yonder in the 1980s, one of the secretaries talked about PEER a lot: going to PEER, getting PEER on the phone, sending stuff off to PEER. I thought she was talking about a person.
You see, in my 4th-grade geography studies, I was taught that the capital of South Dakota was Pierre. Pronounced PEE - YAIR.
Not so. The first time I mentioned PEE-YAIR everyone in the office when into hysterics laughing at me.
For those, like me, who didn't know: The capital of South Dakota is Pierre. Pronounced Peer. Or Pier. One syllable.
Trust me, I lived there for 11 years, and on rare occasion, I worked in Pierre. Shoot, I was even on the national news one time while walking into the Pierre courthouse. Of course they weren't filming me, they were filming the judge I rode with and was walking with, but hey, that was my claim to fame.
There, an interesting little tidbit for the day.
Now, if only Pierre would get their act together and recognize excellent homeschooled students.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Friday, February 08, 2008
Airplanes
Thomas and I (and Apollo and Tesla) are eagerly awaiting Bob's arrival home today. It's been a long three weeks.
As I type, his airplane just crossed the Georgia/Tennessee border. How do I know this? I like to watch him fly. Whenever he is in the air, I go to Flight View's website, pop in his flight number and watch him.
Today I know that his flight is 46 minutes late already, so I will adjust my dinner preparations. Watching makes it kind of fun for Thomas and I.
Flight View Live opens in a separate screen, so I can surf (if we're not doing school, that is) and watch without refreshing all the time.
Kind of fun, kind of cool, and there's no truth to a watched pot never boils, because we can see progress. His plane is nearing Nashville, as I close.
As I type, his airplane just crossed the Georgia/Tennessee border. How do I know this? I like to watch him fly. Whenever he is in the air, I go to Flight View's website, pop in his flight number and watch him.
Today I know that his flight is 46 minutes late already, so I will adjust my dinner preparations. Watching makes it kind of fun for Thomas and I.
Flight View Live opens in a separate screen, so I can surf (if we're not doing school, that is) and watch without refreshing all the time.
Kind of fun, kind of cool, and there's no truth to a watched pot never boils, because we can see progress. His plane is nearing Nashville, as I close.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
2:30 am
I awoke. I'm sick. Again.
Sitting here sipping on a Sunkist pop, because we're out of Sierra Mist, trying to settle my tummy, I'm in deep thought.
I hate January. There, I said it. It's depressing. And cold. The only thing to look forward to is February, where the temps will rise, slightly.
I hate February. The temps are usually warmer, not below zero, but Mother Nature likes to laugh at us and slap us with some very cold days anyway. (And my heart goes out to those who experienced the bad storms and tornadoes -- Mother Nature is cruel!)
Since moving to Minnesota a decade ago, I have developed a seasonal depression. It hits in January and February. I have severe cabin fever. I'm tired, I'm cranky, I'm depressed -- mildly -- and just crawling out of my skin.
Today was a bad day. We only got about half of the stuff on our school list done. Watership Down was on TV again and Thomas requested that he be allowed to watch, so I over-enthusiastically agreed. Why? So I could sleep on the couch. And sleep I did. Then I awoke, grumpy, mad at the world.
Part of my problem this February is I am sick to death of my husband being out of town. He was gone in November. He was gone two weeks in December. He was gone a week in January, home a week, and then gone again. This time he's been gone three weeks. Three L~O~N~G weeks.
It's hard being a single parent. It's hard not having a moment to myself. It's hard when there are two puppies in the house.
Anyway, after Watership Down was over, Thomas quickly figured out I wasn't getting off the couch any time soon, so he turned it to Oprah and curled up with a book. Oprah actually got me out of my funk a little because the topic was The Secret which I have long believed in before the book came out. I watched the show with interest, got up and took a hot shower, then prepared supper.
I don't know how to overcome the winter blues. I've tried full-spectrum lights. I've tried getting outdoors more. I've half-heartedly attempted exercise. Nothing works except for spring to arrive. I do know that I get in bad moods and my thoughts get very negative very quickly. So at least I can control that.
So here I sit. January 6 I was sicker "than a dog" in Rochester, Minnesota. I was sick that entire week. Thomas got sick not long after, then I got sick again. We both seemed to be on the mend, now here I am sick again.
I think my body is rebelling. I think I need rest. I think tomorrow is supposed to be a day where we snuggle on the couch and read great books and have great discussions.
Friday Bob comes home. I know I'll feel better when he's back. After 18 1/2 years of marriage, I find I miss him more when he's gone now than I did even a few years ago. He's my rock. Even though it's always an adjustment when he gets home.
I'd go back to bed, but I know I can't sleep. So I'll continue to sip my Sunkist, wishing it were a Sierra Mist, and feeling glad that the Imodium is kicking in.
Calgon, take me away.
Sitting here sipping on a Sunkist pop, because we're out of Sierra Mist, trying to settle my tummy, I'm in deep thought.
I hate January. There, I said it. It's depressing. And cold. The only thing to look forward to is February, where the temps will rise, slightly.
I hate February. The temps are usually warmer, not below zero, but Mother Nature likes to laugh at us and slap us with some very cold days anyway. (And my heart goes out to those who experienced the bad storms and tornadoes -- Mother Nature is cruel!)
Since moving to Minnesota a decade ago, I have developed a seasonal depression. It hits in January and February. I have severe cabin fever. I'm tired, I'm cranky, I'm depressed -- mildly -- and just crawling out of my skin.
Today was a bad day. We only got about half of the stuff on our school list done. Watership Down was on TV again and Thomas requested that he be allowed to watch, so I over-enthusiastically agreed. Why? So I could sleep on the couch. And sleep I did. Then I awoke, grumpy, mad at the world.
Part of my problem this February is I am sick to death of my husband being out of town. He was gone in November. He was gone two weeks in December. He was gone a week in January, home a week, and then gone again. This time he's been gone three weeks. Three L~O~N~G weeks.
It's hard being a single parent. It's hard not having a moment to myself. It's hard when there are two puppies in the house.
Anyway, after Watership Down was over, Thomas quickly figured out I wasn't getting off the couch any time soon, so he turned it to Oprah and curled up with a book. Oprah actually got me out of my funk a little because the topic was The Secret which I have long believed in before the book came out. I watched the show with interest, got up and took a hot shower, then prepared supper.
I don't know how to overcome the winter blues. I've tried full-spectrum lights. I've tried getting outdoors more. I've half-heartedly attempted exercise. Nothing works except for spring to arrive. I do know that I get in bad moods and my thoughts get very negative very quickly. So at least I can control that.
So here I sit. January 6 I was sicker "than a dog" in Rochester, Minnesota. I was sick that entire week. Thomas got sick not long after, then I got sick again. We both seemed to be on the mend, now here I am sick again.
I think my body is rebelling. I think I need rest. I think tomorrow is supposed to be a day where we snuggle on the couch and read great books and have great discussions.
Friday Bob comes home. I know I'll feel better when he's back. After 18 1/2 years of marriage, I find I miss him more when he's gone now than I did even a few years ago. He's my rock. Even though it's always an adjustment when he gets home.
I'd go back to bed, but I know I can't sleep. So I'll continue to sip my Sunkist, wishing it were a Sierra Mist, and feeling glad that the Imodium is kicking in.
Calgon, take me away.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Frugal Friday
Well, I blew it again -- it's now Saturday.
I'm clueless what to post about frugality at the moment.
This week Thomas and I ate out twice: Once at Taco Bell in Civilization, a town an hour from us where we take puppy classes. Tonight we ate at McDonald's. Taco Bell was $8, McDonald's was $11. So there's a 20 shot. However, I did only spend $60 on groceries this week, so that's much less than normal.
I also spent some money on school this week. I bought two used text books. We're going to stop studying history for awhile and start a unit on civics. It's a good time with the election and all. I find it easier to use a text as a spine and then supplement. I bought two identical texts, because they were $6 each and it included shipping. I prefer it when we read together and then talk -- I can see what Thomas is reading. I don't typically buy two texts for social studies, though.
This week I called the bank where we have our car loan. I had it set up so it automatically comes out of our bank account. For the entire time we've had our car loan, they have only sent us a year-end tax form. I wanted to check to see when it would be paid off. I knew it would be this spring. I was correct, it will be paid in full in April. Woo-hoo to that!
That's it. I am completely uninspired to talk money, think money, or save money at the moment. Sadly, I'm never uninspired to spend it, though. However, I have a new motto: When in doubt, do without. That works for me.
I'm clueless what to post about frugality at the moment.
This week Thomas and I ate out twice: Once at Taco Bell in Civilization, a town an hour from us where we take puppy classes. Tonight we ate at McDonald's. Taco Bell was $8, McDonald's was $11. So there's a 20 shot. However, I did only spend $60 on groceries this week, so that's much less than normal.
I also spent some money on school this week. I bought two used text books. We're going to stop studying history for awhile and start a unit on civics. It's a good time with the election and all. I find it easier to use a text as a spine and then supplement. I bought two identical texts, because they were $6 each and it included shipping. I prefer it when we read together and then talk -- I can see what Thomas is reading. I don't typically buy two texts for social studies, though.
This week I called the bank where we have our car loan. I had it set up so it automatically comes out of our bank account. For the entire time we've had our car loan, they have only sent us a year-end tax form. I wanted to check to see when it would be paid off. I knew it would be this spring. I was correct, it will be paid in full in April. Woo-hoo to that!
That's it. I am completely uninspired to talk money, think money, or save money at the moment. Sadly, I'm never uninspired to spend it, though. However, I have a new motto: When in doubt, do without. That works for me.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Bump in the Night
I heard a bump, thud or noise. It woke me from my deep sleep. I have no idea what it was, but highly suspect it was a cat. Of course now I can't sleep.
So, thought I'd share a funny a very good friend sent me today. It made me laugh!
GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING
DO NOT SWALLOW BUBBLE GUM!!
So, thought I'd share a funny a very good friend sent me today. It made me laugh!
GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING
DO NOT SWALLOW BUBBLE GUM!!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
DUH
I had a light-bulb moment today.
I've blogged several times how I felt this year was uninspired, dull or just not as wonderful as years gone by. I felt it was due to our dog's illness and death, I was wrong. I now understand WHY.
It's because I'm not nearly as involved. Yes, I'm very involved, but Thomas has made that leap this year from needing me to sit by his side while he does his work to working independently.
What took me so long to figure it out???
When we started our homeschool adventure, which was Thomas' third grade year, he had concentration issues. I had to sit by his side year after year. "Focus, stay on task, don't lose track of where you are" were all common words spewing from my mouth. Now? He gets his assignment, asks any questions, and goes off to do his work.
This is a GOOD thing. I don't know why I didn't figure it out sooner.
My babe is growing up -- at his own pace.
I've blogged several times how I felt this year was uninspired, dull or just not as wonderful as years gone by. I felt it was due to our dog's illness and death, I was wrong. I now understand WHY.
It's because I'm not nearly as involved. Yes, I'm very involved, but Thomas has made that leap this year from needing me to sit by his side while he does his work to working independently.
What took me so long to figure it out???
When we started our homeschool adventure, which was Thomas' third grade year, he had concentration issues. I had to sit by his side year after year. "Focus, stay on task, don't lose track of where you are" were all common words spewing from my mouth. Now? He gets his assignment, asks any questions, and goes off to do his work.
This is a GOOD thing. I don't know why I didn't figure it out sooner.
My babe is growing up -- at his own pace.
Toot
I'm tooting my own horn this morning.
I was reading some blogs this morning and came across a link to a list of the Top 50 Homeschool Blogs by Christina Laun for www.collegedegree.com.
I like to read blogs, so I thought I'd check the list.
Let's just say that I had to clean my computer screen because I sprayed my coffee. I was number 41 on the list! It says, "In this blog you'll find links to tons of helpful homeschooling and educational resources to improve your homeschooling experience."
I haven't been doing much of that lately, so my apologies. It's been a rough year, what can I say.
That made my morning, though.
And yesterday, Audrey made my day. She awarded me an E for Excellent Blog Award.
Wow, I am honored.
I would like to pass this honor on to:
Elshevia at Ragamuffin Studies. Her blog is truly excellent, and I really admire Elshevia.
Carole at Mt. Pleasant Academy. An inspiring homeschool blog. Carole has given me many ideas for our journey and has become a great friend.
Tammy at HS Comments on the Fly. She keeps me up to date on what's going on in the homeschool world.
I look at my bloglines subscriptions, and I read so many blogs because I enjoy them all, so it's very difficult to single people out.
I'm feeling a bit inspired now. What a boost!
I was reading some blogs this morning and came across a link to a list of the Top 50 Homeschool Blogs by Christina Laun for www.collegedegree.com.
I like to read blogs, so I thought I'd check the list.
Let's just say that I had to clean my computer screen because I sprayed my coffee. I was number 41 on the list! It says, "In this blog you'll find links to tons of helpful homeschooling and educational resources to improve your homeschooling experience."
I haven't been doing much of that lately, so my apologies. It's been a rough year, what can I say.
That made my morning, though.
And yesterday, Audrey made my day. She awarded me an E for Excellent Blog Award.
Wow, I am honored.
I would like to pass this honor on to:
Elshevia at Ragamuffin Studies. Her blog is truly excellent, and I really admire Elshevia.
Carole at Mt. Pleasant Academy. An inspiring homeschool blog. Carole has given me many ideas for our journey and has become a great friend.
Tammy at HS Comments on the Fly. She keeps me up to date on what's going on in the homeschool world.
I look at my bloglines subscriptions, and I read so many blogs because I enjoy them all, so it's very difficult to single people out.
I'm feeling a bit inspired now. What a boost!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Scattered Thoughts
Thomas was sick all week. So no school at all was completed. While I was worrying about this, my best friend reminded me that had he been in public school, he would have missed the entire week, too. That put it into perspective, because now we can just take up where we left off, rather than going to school and having to catch up.
~~~~~
Last night I was looking on eBay at text books. I once thought texts were evil and shouldn't be used, except for math. Well, I've changed my mind. We are using a text book for science this year. I got it from eBay. Thomas has really enjoyed it, and we will read a section and then hit the Internet for further research and discovery.
I think I'm going to buy a Civics text book. Thomas has been asking tons of questions about elections, government, legal matters, etc. He has even, gasp, expressed his desire to become a trial lawyer when he grows up. (NOOOOOO!!! I was a court reporter for 11 years and that is NOT what I want for him, but it's his life and choice. Still, NOOOOOO! I'll say that here, but not to him.)
Maybe I should tell him about some of the most boring trials I have sat through -- one was four days long about ladders. Yes, I am an expert on ladders because of that. I guess those four days did help when we bought a ladder ourselves, because I knew what to get and what not to get.
~~~~~
I have learned I have a love/hate relationship with the month of January. January is so long, so cold and so miserable. We've had a nasty cold spell for quite a period of time. Yesterday it warmed up to a balmy 28 degrees and we were out of this house, at the park, and loving every minute of it. The puppies had a ball.
Love: It's only 31 days. Things settle after the holidays. We can get back into a routine.
Hate: Cold. 31 days of cold. Nasty cold. Ice. Snow. Cold. Brrrrr.
Triple Hate: I had been "green" by setting our thermostat at 67. The house was warm enough, we'd wear a sweater or sweatshirt if we were chilly. It was impossible to keep the house warm enough for our comfort levels during that nasty cold snap. I had to move the thermostat up to 72 which kept the house at 69 degrees. When it warmed up outside, I promptly moved it back to 67.
~~~~~
Puppies: Going well. We're completely in love with these critters. I only wish the cats were. We've started puppy classes, and they are very well behaved. Except when they escape, that is. The classes are in the store room at a Pet Smart type store. It's impossible to keep border collie puppies from jumping over the stacked bags of food and running free. Each class gets better, and I'm thankful they'll be moving the classes to a new facility in February.
At the classes, the instructor told me that she had never seen such independent and confident litter mates. I corrected her by telling her they weren't litter mates. She then corrected herself and said that she meant two puppies from the same home. She said that typically they will only play with each other and be fearful of other pups. She asked if we kept them separated, and I told her that we aim for 90%. SO...even though it's inadvisable to get two puppies at the same time, it is WORKING. We have confident, independent, happy and healthy puppies -- as judged by an expert trainer.
~~~~~
I have a desire to get back to the school room for school. Thomas is resisting. He likes the kitchen better. I don't because we have a small kitchen and now there are two huge dog crates. I feel like I'd have more space in our 9x9 school room. Plus, we can watch the birds at the feeder in the school room. Another plus is the school "mess" would be there rather than my kitchen.
~~~~
I forgot to post a Frugal Friday post. I'll sum up my Frugal week here: Food was cheap as Thomas was sick and didn't eat much. Bob and I ate mostly from the cupboards. We spent a total of $60 at the grocery store this week. We did eat out at Taco Bell on puppy class night as class is in a big town. I think the total was $9. Thomas only ate half his burrito, so I knew he was still sick. Taco Bell is cheap, though, so I enjoyed the "luxury" of that.
I did not spend one dime at the pet store where the puppy classes are held. That is a huge accomplishment for me. I had wanted to buy another large crate for our bedroom, as Tesla is going to outgrow his crate soon. I resisted. I'm still looking for used crates.
I have kept my checkbook up-to-date, which is unusual for me. I usually balance it once or twice a month. I've been aiming for weekly, and soon, daily.
~~~~
That's about it. After having a week off from school, I'm pumped up to start again. I wish Thomas were, but he'll go with the flow.
~~~~
That's it.
~~~~~
Last night I was looking on eBay at text books. I once thought texts were evil and shouldn't be used, except for math. Well, I've changed my mind. We are using a text book for science this year. I got it from eBay. Thomas has really enjoyed it, and we will read a section and then hit the Internet for further research and discovery.
I think I'm going to buy a Civics text book. Thomas has been asking tons of questions about elections, government, legal matters, etc. He has even, gasp, expressed his desire to become a trial lawyer when he grows up. (NOOOOOO!!! I was a court reporter for 11 years and that is NOT what I want for him, but it's his life and choice. Still, NOOOOOO! I'll say that here, but not to him.)
Maybe I should tell him about some of the most boring trials I have sat through -- one was four days long about ladders. Yes, I am an expert on ladders because of that. I guess those four days did help when we bought a ladder ourselves, because I knew what to get and what not to get.
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I have learned I have a love/hate relationship with the month of January. January is so long, so cold and so miserable. We've had a nasty cold spell for quite a period of time. Yesterday it warmed up to a balmy 28 degrees and we were out of this house, at the park, and loving every minute of it. The puppies had a ball.
Love: It's only 31 days. Things settle after the holidays. We can get back into a routine.
Hate: Cold. 31 days of cold. Nasty cold. Ice. Snow. Cold. Brrrrr.
Triple Hate: I had been "green" by setting our thermostat at 67. The house was warm enough, we'd wear a sweater or sweatshirt if we were chilly. It was impossible to keep the house warm enough for our comfort levels during that nasty cold snap. I had to move the thermostat up to 72 which kept the house at 69 degrees. When it warmed up outside, I promptly moved it back to 67.
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Puppies: Going well. We're completely in love with these critters. I only wish the cats were. We've started puppy classes, and they are very well behaved. Except when they escape, that is. The classes are in the store room at a Pet Smart type store. It's impossible to keep border collie puppies from jumping over the stacked bags of food and running free. Each class gets better, and I'm thankful they'll be moving the classes to a new facility in February.
At the classes, the instructor told me that she had never seen such independent and confident litter mates. I corrected her by telling her they weren't litter mates. She then corrected herself and said that she meant two puppies from the same home. She said that typically they will only play with each other and be fearful of other pups. She asked if we kept them separated, and I told her that we aim for 90%. SO...even though it's inadvisable to get two puppies at the same time, it is WORKING. We have confident, independent, happy and healthy puppies -- as judged by an expert trainer.
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I have a desire to get back to the school room for school. Thomas is resisting. He likes the kitchen better. I don't because we have a small kitchen and now there are two huge dog crates. I feel like I'd have more space in our 9x9 school room. Plus, we can watch the birds at the feeder in the school room. Another plus is the school "mess" would be there rather than my kitchen.
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I forgot to post a Frugal Friday post. I'll sum up my Frugal week here: Food was cheap as Thomas was sick and didn't eat much. Bob and I ate mostly from the cupboards. We spent a total of $60 at the grocery store this week. We did eat out at Taco Bell on puppy class night as class is in a big town. I think the total was $9. Thomas only ate half his burrito, so I knew he was still sick. Taco Bell is cheap, though, so I enjoyed the "luxury" of that.
I did not spend one dime at the pet store where the puppy classes are held. That is a huge accomplishment for me. I had wanted to buy another large crate for our bedroom, as Tesla is going to outgrow his crate soon. I resisted. I'm still looking for used crates.
I have kept my checkbook up-to-date, which is unusual for me. I usually balance it once or twice a month. I've been aiming for weekly, and soon, daily.
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That's about it. After having a week off from school, I'm pumped up to start again. I wish Thomas were, but he'll go with the flow.
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That's it.
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