Today was our first day of 5th grade. We'd been practicing going to bed early and getting up early in anticipation. ... Like you can really practice that! It was a long, hard day -- for mom.
We did our annual biscuits and gravy breakfast. Hopped in the car right as the school bus drove by then hit Hardees. That has always been a great incentive for getting Thomas up and out of bed.
Started school at 8:10. By 11:00 I thought I was going to drop. I was sooooo tired. Thomas was working on his math and I went to lie down on my bed -- just for a few minutes. 45 minutes later Thomas woke me up asking what was next. Good grief!
The afternoon "session" was strange. We break our day and do stuff in both morning and afternoon, and the afternoon I scheduled reading time for Thomas so that I could take a nap (if needed, which sadly happens frequently.) Today we were also going to do geography and science in the afternoon. Thomas threw me a curve ball today, though. When his appointed time was up for reading, he insisted he get to read longer. He was really enjoying his book. (One of the Little House Series which he didn't finish this past summer as I had hoped.) Well, he read for an hour and a half longer than he was supposed to.
That's a good thing, right? I told my husband and he said well, he doesn't have to read tomorrow. I said bull! He has to read daily. So DH was upset we didn't do geography or science today. DH was supposed to take over science, but he didn't have anything prepared except for Thomas to identify a huge moth he caught. So tonight Thomas and I snuggled up in my bed tonight, read about matter from How Science Works and then drew maps of the world and labeled them. We have a lot of geography learning ahead of us, because sadly, neither of us did a very good job. It was fun, though, and will be great to compare today's maps to the maps we will do at the end of the year.
I took a sleeping pill a half hour ago in hopes that I'll be asleep by 11 tonight. I think we'll get up a tad bit later tomorrow morning. I'm hoping this old bird can get used to the schedule this week so I'm not dragging so badly! Thomas did fine. The rest of the week I can see me tweaking our schedule, adding and dropping some things.
All in all, I'm so happy that we said goodbye to the public school a few years ago. Homeschooling is wonderful.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Saturday Afternoon ups and downs
Thomas has been playing outside all day. I get a little worried when I don't see him zipping in and out or in the neighbor's yard, but I assume (hope!) he's fine. It's about time to call the mom down the road to see what the boys are up to.
I haven't felt like blogging at all. I have such a feeling of sadness. Sometimes, after almost 17 years of marriage, I lose touch with my husband's feelings -- or he loses touch of mine and we just tend to exist together. It runs in spurts, and I think it's a comfort thing, like wearing an old, worn pair of shoes or jeans. That feeling is gone, now, as I watch him. I can see his stress and worry on his face. His entire demeanor has changed. My heart aches for him.
Losing a parent (or anyone) is always difficult. My husband confessed it's been years since he's lost anyone. He was young when his grandparents passed. We were newly married when the final grandma passed. This one is so much closer to home.
Anyway, as my husband said the night we wept together at the Pizza Hut, it makes you appreciate those you love more. He was right. I have been flooded with feelings for my man. Even though he's testy and a little grumpy, I just feel so drawn to him right now. He hurts, therefore I hurt. I just want to hug him and make it all better.
The cowboy had a very rough night last night. We got the phone call that he may not make it through the night. He had developed pneumonia. Well, he made it through the night and is a little better today, but he's still on shaky ground. I wonder if he will ever be able to go home again -- even for a short time. I just can't imagine leaving for a doctor's appointment and cat scan and never going home again.
It's weird, but when Thomas and I were alone that night at the cowboy's house, I did dishes. They don't have a dishwasher, so I had to wash by hand. I picked up the Cowboy's coffee cup that was sitting next to his chair. I knew that was the cup he had used for his morning coffee that very morning. The thought ran across my mind: I wonder if this is his last cup of coffee here. Weird as it may seem, I almost didn't want to wash the cup. I wanted to save it and just look at it for awhile. I wanted it to give me some peace -- like he going to walk in at any minute, sit down at the table with me and have a cup of coffee together.
Life is short. Hug those you love. Even if they're grumpy, stressed, sad and worried.
One thing is true: I am looking forward to starting school. I need some certainty in my life. We start after Labor Day. I have one week to get the school room cleaned. I've been working on that all summer. lol
I wish I could say Thomas was looking forward to school. He's not. I'll be completely honest here: He never looks forward to school. It's just something he has to do. I do envy reading about kids who are excited to start. My reality is 180 degrees different. And that's okay. He's still learning.
I've got a room that needs a cleanin' calling my name.
I haven't felt like blogging at all. I have such a feeling of sadness. Sometimes, after almost 17 years of marriage, I lose touch with my husband's feelings -- or he loses touch of mine and we just tend to exist together. It runs in spurts, and I think it's a comfort thing, like wearing an old, worn pair of shoes or jeans. That feeling is gone, now, as I watch him. I can see his stress and worry on his face. His entire demeanor has changed. My heart aches for him.
Losing a parent (or anyone) is always difficult. My husband confessed it's been years since he's lost anyone. He was young when his grandparents passed. We were newly married when the final grandma passed. This one is so much closer to home.
Anyway, as my husband said the night we wept together at the Pizza Hut, it makes you appreciate those you love more. He was right. I have been flooded with feelings for my man. Even though he's testy and a little grumpy, I just feel so drawn to him right now. He hurts, therefore I hurt. I just want to hug him and make it all better.
The cowboy had a very rough night last night. We got the phone call that he may not make it through the night. He had developed pneumonia. Well, he made it through the night and is a little better today, but he's still on shaky ground. I wonder if he will ever be able to go home again -- even for a short time. I just can't imagine leaving for a doctor's appointment and cat scan and never going home again.
It's weird, but when Thomas and I were alone that night at the cowboy's house, I did dishes. They don't have a dishwasher, so I had to wash by hand. I picked up the Cowboy's coffee cup that was sitting next to his chair. I knew that was the cup he had used for his morning coffee that very morning. The thought ran across my mind: I wonder if this is his last cup of coffee here. Weird as it may seem, I almost didn't want to wash the cup. I wanted to save it and just look at it for awhile. I wanted it to give me some peace -- like he going to walk in at any minute, sit down at the table with me and have a cup of coffee together.
Life is short. Hug those you love. Even if they're grumpy, stressed, sad and worried.
One thing is true: I am looking forward to starting school. I need some certainty in my life. We start after Labor Day. I have one week to get the school room cleaned. I've been working on that all summer. lol
I wish I could say Thomas was looking forward to school. He's not. I'll be completely honest here: He never looks forward to school. It's just something he has to do. I do envy reading about kids who are excited to start. My reality is 180 degrees different. And that's okay. He's still learning.
I've got a room that needs a cleanin' calling my name.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Cowboy
To a very special cowboy.
My heart aches for you. My heart aches for your wife. My heart aches for all your very large family. My heart aches for my husband, my son and me.
We're going to be losing our cowboy sometime soon. The doctors say anywhere from two to eight months. Four words: two to eight months. Four very powerful words.
We've been out of town the past few days. We got "the" phone call last Wednesday night that B's dad was not well and was going to the doctor and for a CAT scan on Friday. Thursday we drove half way, slept, got up and stopped at Wall Drug for an hour of fun for Thomas. On the road again, we walked in B's mom's house. Cowboy and wife weren't home yet from the doctor appointment. No sooner had we walked in than the phone started ringing. It was Mrs. Cowboy, B's mom. She said that the small hospital was sending him immediately to a larger hospital via ambulance right now. She was coming home first to eat a sandwich and pack a bag, and would B please drive her over to the other hospital. I didn't want to interfere or intrude, plus I did want to shelter my son from an emegerncy room visit when things were seeming very dismal. I stayed home and went to the grocery store and bought tons of sandwich meat, bread, bananas, butter, chips and pop for B's siblings and their families as requested by Mrs. Cowboy.
Later Mrs. Cowboy and B returned looking exhausted, worried and upset. It seems the Cowboy had a bleeding brain and what appeared to be a brain tumor.
The next day everyone drove to the big hospital. That day we also learned there was a tumor in his lung as well. Then we faced the weekend where hospitals aren't very busy, tests aren't run, and things are at a snapping turtle's pace. Monday morning comes in with the hope of action, more tests and answers.
The tests and answers came today as my family was back on the road to Minnesota. We couldnt stay any longer. Tonight B received the sad news of two to eight months.
When I was alone with Thomas, I was gently honest about what was to transpire. No one in the family to this point has even mentioned the word cancer. It's beyond their grasp at the moment. Since I'm a little removed, I can say it -- with respect and sadness. Thomas and I had a long discussion about what would transpire. I knew with a brain tumor and a tumor in the lung that things were not good. The cowboy is 81 years old. I knew, I felt it. I talked. After Thomas cried and cried, I said maybe I shoudn't have told you. His eyes got huge and he said you HAVE to be honest to me, it wouldn't be fair.
The Cowboy is having moments where he's with us and then when he's not. It's sad to watch, but heartwarming when he's his old self. The day Thomas and I visited him, he was having a very bad off day. We walked in the room and he smiled and said, "Hi, Thomas!" Thomas gave him a great big hug. As a mother, I was so touched because I saw the love oozing out of Thomas in his face. Grandpa Cowboy asked him if he'd like to go get some biscuits and gravy -- a pasttime that the two boys, and B, have enjoyed in the past. Cowboy turned to me and smiled a great big grin. He then said, "You changed the color of your hair." I had to laugh! Out of all the relatives, he was the only one who noticed I had gone from golden brown to a very dark brown hair color. It made me smile and warmed me to know that he noticed that.
In the scheme of things, Cowboy has lived a long and good life. We knew this was coming as he wasn't well the past few months. But until it really hits, you don't feel it.
We're feeling the pain now.
B took Thomas and I to dinner last night to get out of the house and to be alone. We sat at a Pizza Hut and both B and I burst into tears. There we sat in a crowded restaurant, lost in our own worlds crying. I was touched because my sometimes aloof husband grabbed for my hands and said some beautiful words to me. He said this is making me appreciate those I love even more. And then the tears all started up again.
The big strong cowboy is falling and we can't catch him. Death is a part of life. But none of us are ready for the Cowboy to go. I hope (and pray) that he is not in a lot of pain. I hope that he can have a death with dignity. I wish this weren't happening.
One of my happiest memories of my Cowboy was in the late 80s, before we were married. Cowboy had invited us to his sister's house as they were branding. I soon learned branding was a very social event. While I was too timid to help catch calves, I climbed up the fence for a good view and watched the day. I grimmaced when the babies were branded because darn that had to hurt. I watched Cowboy on his horse. I knew I was watching the real thing -- the real cowboy. He helped teach young kids how to catch the calves. He taught an older cousin how to brand. He taught a niece, in medical school, how to give injections.
He wore his cowboy hat and boots with pride. I knew I was watching something special. It was a day I have never forgotten, nor have I forgotten the image of him up on his horse.
I've never seen Cowboy without his cowboy hat or boots. He always wears western wear. He knows his job, he knows his animals. He saved us from a rattle snake last summer.
Cowboy is a man of few words. He has a grin, though, with a devilish sense of humor that I have always appreciated. Cowboy and I also shared something together that no other family member could be involved on. He sat on a month-long trial as a juror in a case that I was the court reporter. I couldn't go to his house during that trial, and my judge forbade me from sending a birthday cake into the jury room on his birthday. But we had that trial we shared together. And when it was all through, we enjoyed discussing it together.
I feel so empty. I wasn't very close to the cowboy, but I liked him, he made me feel welcome into a family that I didn't always feel very welcome. He was a good man, warts and all.
Ah, cowboy, my heart is aching for you.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
And so it goes
We've been trying to enjoy the last bits of summer here. The pool closes this week and we'll hit it two more times. The county fair starts today and we're going tonight. We didn't finish many of our projects for the fair and so Thomas only entered two things. Thomas designed and made a newspaper box for me. He also entered a buzzer he made in scouts. When we were at the fair yesterday entering his projects, I felt so bad that I didn't push harder to get things done.
We all vowed to enter something next year. I know I said that last year, but I really mean it. My husband is going to paint a picture. Thomas has the list of things that he was going to make for this year, and I'll have to think of something for me to enter.
We will also check out 4H. Actually, I told my husband that *he* gets that honor. I do too much with scouts, homeschool, play dates, field trips, etc. It's DH's time to take something on. To my surprise I found out that DH was in 4H when he was a kid! You learn something new every day.
All three of us are enjoying the six new hermit crabs we bought a couple weeks ago. I need to post pictures because in an ugly sort of way they are cute. I still can't hold one. I've lasted for about two seconds. I can pick them up by their shells, but they're just too creepy looking and I don't want them climbing on my hand. They are a lot of fun to watch. Many times I'll get up in the middle of the night (insomnia!) and turn the black light on and watch them. They are very active then.
Last night Thomas and I were picking up and organizing the school room. He came across his logic book, looked at the first page and freaked. What is a hertzog? I don't get it! Mom, you can't make me do this. Oh, the horror. So just for fun, I grabbed a pencil, told him to breathe and let's figure it out. I told him that when the book came I had to call dad in to help me figure out the first page. I was freaking myself because I didn't get it. Well, once he calmed down and got some oxygen in his system, I slowly read the directions and then said let's attack this head on. He looked at the page, then looked up at me and screeched: I GET IT! And he did. And then he proceeded to work the first 15 pages of our logic book within about five minutes. He wanted more, but I told him to stop because we needed to save some for school. I have a feeling I'll be buying more logic books this year. And that's okay! =)
We all vowed to enter something next year. I know I said that last year, but I really mean it. My husband is going to paint a picture. Thomas has the list of things that he was going to make for this year, and I'll have to think of something for me to enter.
We will also check out 4H. Actually, I told my husband that *he* gets that honor. I do too much with scouts, homeschool, play dates, field trips, etc. It's DH's time to take something on. To my surprise I found out that DH was in 4H when he was a kid! You learn something new every day.
All three of us are enjoying the six new hermit crabs we bought a couple weeks ago. I need to post pictures because in an ugly sort of way they are cute. I still can't hold one. I've lasted for about two seconds. I can pick them up by their shells, but they're just too creepy looking and I don't want them climbing on my hand. They are a lot of fun to watch. Many times I'll get up in the middle of the night (insomnia!) and turn the black light on and watch them. They are very active then.
Last night Thomas and I were picking up and organizing the school room. He came across his logic book, looked at the first page and freaked. What is a hertzog? I don't get it! Mom, you can't make me do this. Oh, the horror. So just for fun, I grabbed a pencil, told him to breathe and let's figure it out. I told him that when the book came I had to call dad in to help me figure out the first page. I was freaking myself because I didn't get it. Well, once he calmed down and got some oxygen in his system, I slowly read the directions and then said let's attack this head on. He looked at the page, then looked up at me and screeched: I GET IT! And he did. And then he proceeded to work the first 15 pages of our logic book within about five minutes. He wanted more, but I told him to stop because we needed to save some for school. I have a feeling I'll be buying more logic books this year. And that's okay! =)
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Look! Our fantastic science experiment...
NOT.
Warning: This post shows the author has no class, no decency and extremely questionable housekeeping skills.
Further proof that I am not a domestic goddess. Went on a major grocery shopping spree and had to do a quick clean of the fridge to get it all in. This nice little item was up on its side in the far right back behind two cases of pop. Who knows how long it was there.
We all got a glimpse and said, "Cool" in unison. lol
Now if you *really* knew me, you'd know I wouldn't be showing my faulty housekeeping abilities online with photos. But I have to disprove the theory that I am a dosmestic goddess. Will this one get me off the hook?
I will admit that this was the worst thing I have ever found in my fridge in my life. But as I said, it was also cool. We all looked at it for a good five minutes. And it didn't really stink, either.
Warning: This post shows the author has no class, no decency and extremely questionable housekeeping skills.
Further proof that I am not a domestic goddess. Went on a major grocery shopping spree and had to do a quick clean of the fridge to get it all in. This nice little item was up on its side in the far right back behind two cases of pop. Who knows how long it was there.
We all got a glimpse and said, "Cool" in unison. lol
Now if you *really* knew me, you'd know I wouldn't be showing my faulty housekeeping abilities online with photos. But I have to disprove the theory that I am a dosmestic goddess. Will this one get me off the hook?
I will admit that this was the worst thing I have ever found in my fridge in my life. But as I said, it was also cool. We all looked at it for a good five minutes. And it didn't really stink, either.
Friday, August 11, 2006
I'm ticked!
I decided to go blog hopping this afternoon. All my favorites at homeschooljournal.net (and homeschooljournal.net itself) have been hacked. I think that whoever is responsible for this ought to be stripped naked, hung by their toes in a public forum and beaten.
DeFacED By eMP3R0r Hacking Team
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Sorry, but I love memes...
here's another one that I found at those weird homeschoolers.
1. Have you ever been searched by the cops? Never.
2. What color are your eyes? Blue
3. When was the last time you went sledding? Last winter.
4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone? Sorry, honey, but alone.
5. Do you believe in ghosts? Yes.
6. Do you consider yourself creative? Kinda/sorta
7. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie? Who cares? lol
8. Who was your first crush? 5 years old, his name was Tim. I was in the hospital with a dislocated arm and his mom was my nurse. He was in my K class and when I got back to school, we were suddenly in love.
9. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you? Of course.
10. Have you ever been ice skating? Yes, as a child and I tried two years ago. The man behind the counter at the rink laughed his butt of at me. I made one lap and gave him back the skates.
11. How often do you remember your dreams? Daily.
12. When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? The other night when I told Thomas he could not watch a certain show and caught him watching it. He was completely convinced I had said it was okay. It just struck me funny and I got the giggles.
13. Can you name 4 songs by The Beatles? Of course, and I can sing them too, but no one would want to listen as I can't sing.
14. What's the one thing always on your mind? Thomas
15. What talent do you wish you had? no clue
16. Do you know anyone in jail? Well, kind of. I was a court reporter for 11 years so I met people that were incarcerated on a daily basis. A few names and faces popped into mind that I know are serving life sentences. That's the extent of it, though.
17. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew? I don't know.
18. Have you ever been punched in the face? Nope.
19. Do you own any stuffed animals? I couldn't part with my stuffed panda that DH gave to me. He had tied a ruby ring to its bow as a gift. I gave it to Thomas.
20. Do you have a major crush on someone? Not at the moment. I do get taken with stars occasionally, though.
21. Do you miss someone right now? Well, to see in person, I suppose -- but thank goodness for the telephone.
22. What are you listening to right now? The beautiful hum of the air conditioner.
23. Has the death of a celebrity ever made you cry? Hmm, Princess Diana made me sad, John Denver made me sad, but I don't think I cried. I cry for noncelebs, though, even if I don't know them -- sad stories tug at my heart.
24. What color underwear/boxers are you wearing? White.
25. Where do you work? At home.
26. What ended your last relationship? ???
27. What food do you crave right now? Nothing at the moment, just had left over spaghetti.
28. What was the last TV show you watched? Last night I watched Sex and the City.
29. What is the last thing you ate? Spaghetti.
30. Are you on any medication? Yes.
31. What side of the bed do you sleep on? That depends -- as you're looking at it or as you're in it? When I'm in bed, I'm on the right side.
32. What color shirt are you wearing? A gray t-shirt.
33. What is your favorite frozen treat? Ice cream shakes made by Thomas. That's his specality.
34. How many tattoos/piercing do you have? Ears are pierced, never wear earrings though.
35. Can you imagine yourself ever getting married? Again? No. If my husband were to leave, by whatever means, I'm done.
36. Have you ever done something to instigate trouble? Of course.
37. Do you like your nose? Don't care? It works, so I'm happy.
38. What color is your bedroom? Purple and white.
39. Where do you live? Minnesota
40. Are you an aggressive driver? Absolutely not.
41. What color is your car? Which one? (We're a used car lot.) My favorite is the old van and it's gray.
42. What do you smell like right now? Coffee and stale smoke, probably.
43. What is your favorite color? Anything pastel.
44. What character from a movie/TV most reminds you of yourself? Yikes, I'd have to think about this for awhile. No character comes to mind -- I'm too unique. lol
45. Do you enjoy giving hugs? Only to DH and Thomas. I am so not a touchy-feely person.
46. Do you own a digital camera? Yes.
47. What books, if any, have made you cry? Tons, I cry easily.
48. Are you a jealous person? Sometimes.
49. delted, this is a g-rated blog.
50. What shoes are you wearing right now? Shoes? In the house? In the summer? None.
51. What is your major weakness? Nicotine. Food.
52. Do you suffer motion sickness? Yes.
53. What's the best pizza? Pizza Hut Pan, cheese lovers.
54. Longest relationship? 16 3/4 year marriage, been together 19 years.
55. Are you afraid of thunderstorms? Not anymore.
57. Have you ever given or been given an engagement ring? Twice.
58. What was the last gift someone gave you? Beautiful flowers in June.
59. Who would you call first if you won the lottery? My husband.
60. Can you cook? Yes, I can, but I don't enjoy it.
61. What is your favorite jelly/jam? Grape.
62. Can you swim? Yes and I love to.
63. What is your first memory? Being put to bed in our travel trailer when it was still light out. I screamed and cried and was ticked off because everyone was outside having fun but me.
64. What item would you like to have buried with you? Nothing but clothes to cover me.
65. What are three things you're dying to have right now that would make everything just about perfect? Better health, more love, money.
1. Have you ever been searched by the cops? Never.
2. What color are your eyes? Blue
3. When was the last time you went sledding? Last winter.
4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone? Sorry, honey, but alone.
5. Do you believe in ghosts? Yes.
6. Do you consider yourself creative? Kinda/sorta
7. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie? Who cares? lol
8. Who was your first crush? 5 years old, his name was Tim. I was in the hospital with a dislocated arm and his mom was my nurse. He was in my K class and when I got back to school, we were suddenly in love.
9. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you? Of course.
10. Have you ever been ice skating? Yes, as a child and I tried two years ago. The man behind the counter at the rink laughed his butt of at me. I made one lap and gave him back the skates.
11. How often do you remember your dreams? Daily.
12. When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? The other night when I told Thomas he could not watch a certain show and caught him watching it. He was completely convinced I had said it was okay. It just struck me funny and I got the giggles.
13. Can you name 4 songs by The Beatles? Of course, and I can sing them too, but no one would want to listen as I can't sing.
14. What's the one thing always on your mind? Thomas
15. What talent do you wish you had? no clue
16. Do you know anyone in jail? Well, kind of. I was a court reporter for 11 years so I met people that were incarcerated on a daily basis. A few names and faces popped into mind that I know are serving life sentences. That's the extent of it, though.
17. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew? I don't know.
18. Have you ever been punched in the face? Nope.
19. Do you own any stuffed animals? I couldn't part with my stuffed panda that DH gave to me. He had tied a ruby ring to its bow as a gift. I gave it to Thomas.
20. Do you have a major crush on someone? Not at the moment. I do get taken with stars occasionally, though.
21. Do you miss someone right now? Well, to see in person, I suppose -- but thank goodness for the telephone.
22. What are you listening to right now? The beautiful hum of the air conditioner.
23. Has the death of a celebrity ever made you cry? Hmm, Princess Diana made me sad, John Denver made me sad, but I don't think I cried. I cry for noncelebs, though, even if I don't know them -- sad stories tug at my heart.
24. What color underwear/boxers are you wearing? White.
25. Where do you work? At home.
26. What ended your last relationship? ???
27. What food do you crave right now? Nothing at the moment, just had left over spaghetti.
28. What was the last TV show you watched? Last night I watched Sex and the City.
29. What is the last thing you ate? Spaghetti.
30. Are you on any medication? Yes.
31. What side of the bed do you sleep on? That depends -- as you're looking at it or as you're in it? When I'm in bed, I'm on the right side.
32. What color shirt are you wearing? A gray t-shirt.
33. What is your favorite frozen treat? Ice cream shakes made by Thomas. That's his specality.
34. How many tattoos/piercing do you have? Ears are pierced, never wear earrings though.
35. Can you imagine yourself ever getting married? Again? No. If my husband were to leave, by whatever means, I'm done.
36. Have you ever done something to instigate trouble? Of course.
37. Do you like your nose? Don't care? It works, so I'm happy.
38. What color is your bedroom? Purple and white.
39. Where do you live? Minnesota
40. Are you an aggressive driver? Absolutely not.
41. What color is your car? Which one? (We're a used car lot.) My favorite is the old van and it's gray.
42. What do you smell like right now? Coffee and stale smoke, probably.
43. What is your favorite color? Anything pastel.
44. What character from a movie/TV most reminds you of yourself? Yikes, I'd have to think about this for awhile. No character comes to mind -- I'm too unique. lol
45. Do you enjoy giving hugs? Only to DH and Thomas. I am so not a touchy-feely person.
46. Do you own a digital camera? Yes.
47. What books, if any, have made you cry? Tons, I cry easily.
48. Are you a jealous person? Sometimes.
49. delted, this is a g-rated blog.
50. What shoes are you wearing right now? Shoes? In the house? In the summer? None.
51. What is your major weakness? Nicotine. Food.
52. Do you suffer motion sickness? Yes.
53. What's the best pizza? Pizza Hut Pan, cheese lovers.
54. Longest relationship? 16 3/4 year marriage, been together 19 years.
55. Are you afraid of thunderstorms? Not anymore.
57. Have you ever given or been given an engagement ring? Twice.
58. What was the last gift someone gave you? Beautiful flowers in June.
59. Who would you call first if you won the lottery? My husband.
60. Can you cook? Yes, I can, but I don't enjoy it.
61. What is your favorite jelly/jam? Grape.
62. Can you swim? Yes and I love to.
63. What is your first memory? Being put to bed in our travel trailer when it was still light out. I screamed and cried and was ticked off because everyone was outside having fun but me.
64. What item would you like to have buried with you? Nothing but clothes to cover me.
65. What are three things you're dying to have right now that would make everything just about perfect? Better health, more love, money.
Domestic Goddess???
Does this look like the kitchen of a domestic goddess? The sink contains yesterday's lunch, supper and snack dishes, plus today's breakfast and lunch dishes. I could have had this *done* in the time it took me to snap the photo, upload it and blog about it, but I couldn't have anyone thinking I'm actually a domestic goddess. I'm only a wannabee.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Why is it?
Why is it that when I lie down in bed at night I can think of a million things to blog about, yet when I sit down at the computer, my mind goes blank?
Friday afternoon was fantastic. Thomas and I went to the pool, there were only about 15 kids there -- at the most. We couldn't have asked for a more wonderful time! The water temp was perfect, the weather was perfect. We swam for four hours. I had taken enough money to hit Wendy's on the way home, and I was so glad I had. We were exhausted -- Thomas even fell asleep in the car on the way home! We devoured our sandwiches and passed out.
Saturday I spent cleaning my kitchen. It was in dire need of attention. I got everything done but the floors scrubbed and the walls washed. I hoped to do that today but instead put my attention on laundry and the school room.
I bought a few workbooks this year for Thomas. He's a leftie and hates writing in workbooks, so I spent a good hour cutting them up. Only one had perforated pages that I could tear out. It was so tedious that I did something I shouldn't have. I got out my rolling blade for quilting (can't think of the correct name). It had a brand new blade and I didn't have an old blade. I used that on the workbooks. It worked great, but was expensive. Those blades aren't cheap.
Tonight I played at the computer typing up our daily schedule. I couldn't make a 4-day school week happen, but I did get in a 4 1/2 day week. On paper at least. We'll see how it goes, but I would love to have free Friday afternoons.
I also tried to burn CDs for the next Hakim volume from audible. Well, I don't know what I did, but I'm going to have to call them again. I ruined two disks and it kept telling me that something was too fast. ??? I am so hopeless.
My friend Jo posted a great entry on lists. That made me laugh because my life is ruled by lists. I thought of her today, though, and didn't make a list for the day. I needed to see if I could get through the day without -- and I can proudly say that I did! However, rest assured, tomorrow I'll be doing lists again.
Saturday night we rented a bunch of movies. I rented The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio yet again. I don't dare share how many times I've watched that movie, but it's a lot. I usually move the DVD player to the kitchen and play it while I'm doing something constructive. Last night I had homeschool stuff scattered across my bed and watched and worked. I'm at the point that I can officially say that I am obsessed with this movie. I grew up with a very negative mom and in this movie the mom is so positive. I think my brain is just craving that positive energy. Even though I'm not my mom and have worked very hard at being positive, Evelyn Ryan, played by Julianne Moore, still teaches me a thing or two.
I'm weird, I admit it.
I told my sister she needed to rent this movie. We don't always have the same tastes in movies so I was very worried whether she would like it or not. She said her entire family watched it and they all loved it -- even her husband. Sis even surprised me by saying that this was now her all-time favorite movie.
Well, I guess I'm not alone in my love for the movie, but I probably am with my obsession! lol
I think it's time for bed.
Friday afternoon was fantastic. Thomas and I went to the pool, there were only about 15 kids there -- at the most. We couldn't have asked for a more wonderful time! The water temp was perfect, the weather was perfect. We swam for four hours. I had taken enough money to hit Wendy's on the way home, and I was so glad I had. We were exhausted -- Thomas even fell asleep in the car on the way home! We devoured our sandwiches and passed out.
Saturday I spent cleaning my kitchen. It was in dire need of attention. I got everything done but the floors scrubbed and the walls washed. I hoped to do that today but instead put my attention on laundry and the school room.
I bought a few workbooks this year for Thomas. He's a leftie and hates writing in workbooks, so I spent a good hour cutting them up. Only one had perforated pages that I could tear out. It was so tedious that I did something I shouldn't have. I got out my rolling blade for quilting (can't think of the correct name). It had a brand new blade and I didn't have an old blade. I used that on the workbooks. It worked great, but was expensive. Those blades aren't cheap.
Tonight I played at the computer typing up our daily schedule. I couldn't make a 4-day school week happen, but I did get in a 4 1/2 day week. On paper at least. We'll see how it goes, but I would love to have free Friday afternoons.
I also tried to burn CDs for the next Hakim volume from audible. Well, I don't know what I did, but I'm going to have to call them again. I ruined two disks and it kept telling me that something was too fast. ??? I am so hopeless.
My friend Jo posted a great entry on lists. That made me laugh because my life is ruled by lists. I thought of her today, though, and didn't make a list for the day. I needed to see if I could get through the day without -- and I can proudly say that I did! However, rest assured, tomorrow I'll be doing lists again.
Saturday night we rented a bunch of movies. I rented The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio yet again. I don't dare share how many times I've watched that movie, but it's a lot. I usually move the DVD player to the kitchen and play it while I'm doing something constructive. Last night I had homeschool stuff scattered across my bed and watched and worked. I'm at the point that I can officially say that I am obsessed with this movie. I grew up with a very negative mom and in this movie the mom is so positive. I think my brain is just craving that positive energy. Even though I'm not my mom and have worked very hard at being positive, Evelyn Ryan, played by Julianne Moore, still teaches me a thing or two.
I'm weird, I admit it.
I told my sister she needed to rent this movie. We don't always have the same tastes in movies so I was very worried whether she would like it or not. She said her entire family watched it and they all loved it -- even her husband. Sis even surprised me by saying that this was now her all-time favorite movie.
Well, I guess I'm not alone in my love for the movie, but I probably am with my obsession! lol
I think it's time for bed.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
withdrawn from life
I had a conversation the other night with someone I'm very close to -- related by blood. She informed me that I had withdrawn from life. She stated it in this context: You know what your problem is? Actually, it's our problem. You have withdrawn from life.
Huh???
When I questioned her on this she snapped at me: "When is the last time you contacted 'Jane Doe'?" who was a high school friend. I told her that high school was 23 years ago and that I had no interest or desire to contact Jane Doe because our interests had changed, she chose a professional life (she's a physics professor) and has no children. We both grew and our common bond (high school) was no longer there.
"Yes, but." My relative said this. Yes, but. So I waited. She stated that I am a hermit. I hide in my house. I don't go out, I don't have friends and I don't do anything.
Excuse me???
She stated that I don't like people and I have admitted it. Well, that's partly true. I don't like some people and I did state that.
So according to the blood relative, the definition of a hermit who has withdrawn from life is:
A mom, who is an introvert, who likes to stay at home.
A very active volunteer in Cub Scouts.
A mom who homeschools her child.
A mom who hates carting her child around and taking him to classes, but does so anyway.
A mom who initiates play dates.
A mom who meets friends in the park for play.
A mom who goes to others' houses so kids can play and moms can gab.
A mom who takes her child to the beach, parades, community events, walks, zoos, swimming, etc.
A homeschooling mom who joins the local homeschool group and does one activity. (Okay, she may have a point on this one.)
A mom who keeps in contact with local people that I have no common interests with and don't share the same beliefs because said mom is open to having her child exposed to all different types of people.
A mom who endures four weeks of sitting on the benches watching swimming lessons.
A mom who is constantly on the go.
A woman who chooses her friends wisely. I'd rather have a few friends that are close than many acquaintances, although I do have many acquaintances.
A woman who has a best friend that is so special and vital to my life -- one that I have phone contact with (at least two hours at a shot) once a week, plus emails. (Said friend lives three hours from me.)
A woman who has made good internet friends. Friends that I have stayed in weekly contact with for six-seven years.
A woman who is fortunate enough to have the best online homeschool support group imaginable -- 10 fantastic women, 11 including myself) that I can share almost anything with. These women are so great that I have met five of them in my travels.
A woman who is in tune with herself and knows that she is an introvert and needs to recharge at home.
A woman not afraid to make choices to benefit her needs.
A woman who follows her interests. While I don't have the time to jump into things that I would if I didn't have a child, I still have my hobbies.
Oh, shoot, I could go on and on.
The conversation then took the turn of past friends. For some reason she thought I didn't stay in contact with anyone in the past. Not true. I keep in contact with good friends from the past. Not daily, not weekly, but a few times a year.
I was a little defensive with this person. I was also floored with the "withdrawn from life" statement. Nothing could be further from the truth. It's like homeschooling, you teach to your child's strengths and weaknesses, you figure out his learning style and go with it. Well, I've figured out my life style and I make no excuses for the way I live. I go with what works for me.
After about two minutes of reflection on this conversation after it ended, I came to the conclusion that said relative was projecting her own issues on to me. It's so much easier to find fault with others than to be open and honest regarding self. Although sometimes a fresh perspective from a friend is of value, I don't think that's the case here.
Sure, I have issues...I'm fat, I would rather stay at home than be in a large crowd. I would love to have a close friend who lived in my town. I get down every once in awhile. I get frustrated with my husband. But all of those things ARE life. If I would have withdrawn from life, none of those things would ever bother me. I'd be too busy being numb.
So rest assured sweetie, I have not withdrawn from life. And neither have you. If you had, you wouldn't be thinking.
Huh???
When I questioned her on this she snapped at me: "When is the last time you contacted 'Jane Doe'?" who was a high school friend. I told her that high school was 23 years ago and that I had no interest or desire to contact Jane Doe because our interests had changed, she chose a professional life (she's a physics professor) and has no children. We both grew and our common bond (high school) was no longer there.
"Yes, but." My relative said this. Yes, but. So I waited. She stated that I am a hermit. I hide in my house. I don't go out, I don't have friends and I don't do anything.
Excuse me???
She stated that I don't like people and I have admitted it. Well, that's partly true. I don't like some people and I did state that.
So according to the blood relative, the definition of a hermit who has withdrawn from life is:
A mom, who is an introvert, who likes to stay at home.
A very active volunteer in Cub Scouts.
A mom who homeschools her child.
A mom who hates carting her child around and taking him to classes, but does so anyway.
A mom who initiates play dates.
A mom who meets friends in the park for play.
A mom who goes to others' houses so kids can play and moms can gab.
A mom who takes her child to the beach, parades, community events, walks, zoos, swimming, etc.
A homeschooling mom who joins the local homeschool group and does one activity. (Okay, she may have a point on this one.)
A mom who keeps in contact with local people that I have no common interests with and don't share the same beliefs because said mom is open to having her child exposed to all different types of people.
A mom who endures four weeks of sitting on the benches watching swimming lessons.
A mom who is constantly on the go.
A woman who chooses her friends wisely. I'd rather have a few friends that are close than many acquaintances, although I do have many acquaintances.
A woman who has a best friend that is so special and vital to my life -- one that I have phone contact with (at least two hours at a shot) once a week, plus emails. (Said friend lives three hours from me.)
A woman who has made good internet friends. Friends that I have stayed in weekly contact with for six-seven years.
A woman who is fortunate enough to have the best online homeschool support group imaginable -- 10 fantastic women, 11 including myself) that I can share almost anything with. These women are so great that I have met five of them in my travels.
A woman who is in tune with herself and knows that she is an introvert and needs to recharge at home.
A woman not afraid to make choices to benefit her needs.
A woman who follows her interests. While I don't have the time to jump into things that I would if I didn't have a child, I still have my hobbies.
Oh, shoot, I could go on and on.
The conversation then took the turn of past friends. For some reason she thought I didn't stay in contact with anyone in the past. Not true. I keep in contact with good friends from the past. Not daily, not weekly, but a few times a year.
I was a little defensive with this person. I was also floored with the "withdrawn from life" statement. Nothing could be further from the truth. It's like homeschooling, you teach to your child's strengths and weaknesses, you figure out his learning style and go with it. Well, I've figured out my life style and I make no excuses for the way I live. I go with what works for me.
After about two minutes of reflection on this conversation after it ended, I came to the conclusion that said relative was projecting her own issues on to me. It's so much easier to find fault with others than to be open and honest regarding self. Although sometimes a fresh perspective from a friend is of value, I don't think that's the case here.
Sure, I have issues...I'm fat, I would rather stay at home than be in a large crowd. I would love to have a close friend who lived in my town. I get down every once in awhile. I get frustrated with my husband. But all of those things ARE life. If I would have withdrawn from life, none of those things would ever bother me. I'd be too busy being numb.
So rest assured sweetie, I have not withdrawn from life. And neither have you. If you had, you wouldn't be thinking.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Kittens for boys!
Today the "old man" called from work and announced he was taking the rest of the day off and we were heading off to civilization. (Nearest town with some actual stores.) It was the day to buy DS's hermit crabs. That's another post for another day.
We hit Office Max, then I dropped the old man off at Barnes and Noble while Thomas and I hit Hobby Lobby. Trust me, that's a good thing because when the old man isn't around at Hobby Lobby, I have more fun.
We spent an hour at HL and then went back to B&N. We were starving and waiting for old man to finish up and I walked around the bookstore. I came to a table where there were calendars, planners, assignment books, etc., for back to school. There was a mom with two boys, the older appeared to be about Thomas's age.
I watched him grab the perfect planner. "Mom, mom, this is the one I want!" He was so excited. The mom took one look at it and sighed. "Honey," she said, "This kitten is really cute, but I worry the kids at school will tease you over it. Then you won't use it. Then we'll have wasted money yet again. Pick out a different one."
This made me SO sad. Why can't a young man pick a planner out with a cute kitten on the cover? Are boys exempt from enjoying the little critters? Truth be told, I actually completely understood what the mom was saying. She was trying to prevent hurt feelings because she knew the little imps at public school would shred him to pieces over his "girlish" planner.
I was thinking I should go tell her about the joys of homeschooling. Nah, she didn't look the type. I also thought about going up and saying how sad the whole situation was, that he should get the kitten planner if he wanted. I didn't think she'd appreciate that.
Thomas saw the whole thing, too. When we walked out of listening distance he said, "I'm so glad we homeschool, mom, and that you let me buy the cute planner with the puppy and kitten on it."
Yes, boys can like kittens. They can have kitten planners. Thomas won't be teased for his choice. I love the freedom from "socialization" we have homeschooling.
We hit Office Max, then I dropped the old man off at Barnes and Noble while Thomas and I hit Hobby Lobby. Trust me, that's a good thing because when the old man isn't around at Hobby Lobby, I have more fun.
We spent an hour at HL and then went back to B&N. We were starving and waiting for old man to finish up and I walked around the bookstore. I came to a table where there were calendars, planners, assignment books, etc., for back to school. There was a mom with two boys, the older appeared to be about Thomas's age.
I watched him grab the perfect planner. "Mom, mom, this is the one I want!" He was so excited. The mom took one look at it and sighed. "Honey," she said, "This kitten is really cute, but I worry the kids at school will tease you over it. Then you won't use it. Then we'll have wasted money yet again. Pick out a different one."
This made me SO sad. Why can't a young man pick a planner out with a cute kitten on the cover? Are boys exempt from enjoying the little critters? Truth be told, I actually completely understood what the mom was saying. She was trying to prevent hurt feelings because she knew the little imps at public school would shred him to pieces over his "girlish" planner.
I was thinking I should go tell her about the joys of homeschooling. Nah, she didn't look the type. I also thought about going up and saying how sad the whole situation was, that he should get the kitten planner if he wanted. I didn't think she'd appreciate that.
Thomas saw the whole thing, too. When we walked out of listening distance he said, "I'm so glad we homeschool, mom, and that you let me buy the cute planner with the puppy and kitten on it."
Yes, boys can like kittens. They can have kitten planners. Thomas won't be teased for his choice. I love the freedom from "socialization" we have homeschooling.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Monday evening
It's been hot again lately. Currently, at 9:25 pm, it is 84 but with humidity, the heat index is 91. Ugh. I'm so happy to report that the latest air conditioner repairman actually fixed the air conditioner. I could just kiss him -- nah, never mind, but I am very thankful.
Thomas is still working hard at swimming lessons. He has grown and improved but he still needs work with his coordination and endurance. He's having a blast, and that's what counts. We'll be done Friday, and I'm very thankful. This second set of swimming lessons has been wonderful for me! I'm the only mom that stays to watch. There are only seven kids in lessons, so two classes. Thomas has 4 in his class. I've been reading, planning school, watching, and zoning during lessons.
I worked on the classroom a little today. It turned into the dump-all room this summer. I'm trying to dig out. Ugh. Of course it doesn't help that I bought a desk and a small table at an elementary school garage sale to add to the mess. Oh, and two hermit crab cages and three -- yes, three 10-gallon aquariums. I'm giving one away, but will keep two. I guess this will be the year for critters. How can I say no for something that costs $1?
I also made the sad realization that we have only one thing completed for our upcoming county fair. Thomas has 14 days to get creating. This is all my fault and I feel really bad about it. Darn it all, I'll blame it on the hot house, the air condtioner not working most the summer, and the fact I went into a weird zone because of it.
I also made the realization we have not done many fun summer things. Why? Because I've been stuck home waiting for air conditioner repairmen -- yeah, the ones that said they'd be there that day and then didn't show. On my kitchen table I have $260 worth of AC bills -- the latest go round, to three different companies. We still need a new evaporator installed and that's going to cost $325. And I've already paid $150 in June for repair. And this is all for a two-year-old air conditioner. UGH. May I count the $100 hotel bill? I think I should because I would have gone insane had I not had *one* night of cool. That's a lot of money to try to stay cool.
It's time for a mad dash to do some fun things. We'll try to enter three-five things for the county fair, I want to take Thomas swimming and to the beach a few times, plus make a voyage to civilization and buy his hermit crabs. Also on the agenda, if he finishes On the Banks of Plum Creek, is a trip to Walnut Grove, Minnesota. That's a lot to do in little time. Oh yeah, I have to finalize our school. Ugh.
Where did the summer go? I know technically it's still July, but it just seems I blink and a week, month or even a year is gone.
But...at least it's cool, 74 degrees in my house. Ah.
Thomas is still working hard at swimming lessons. He has grown and improved but he still needs work with his coordination and endurance. He's having a blast, and that's what counts. We'll be done Friday, and I'm very thankful. This second set of swimming lessons has been wonderful for me! I'm the only mom that stays to watch. There are only seven kids in lessons, so two classes. Thomas has 4 in his class. I've been reading, planning school, watching, and zoning during lessons.
I worked on the classroom a little today. It turned into the dump-all room this summer. I'm trying to dig out. Ugh. Of course it doesn't help that I bought a desk and a small table at an elementary school garage sale to add to the mess. Oh, and two hermit crab cages and three -- yes, three 10-gallon aquariums. I'm giving one away, but will keep two. I guess this will be the year for critters. How can I say no for something that costs $1?
I also made the sad realization that we have only one thing completed for our upcoming county fair. Thomas has 14 days to get creating. This is all my fault and I feel really bad about it. Darn it all, I'll blame it on the hot house, the air condtioner not working most the summer, and the fact I went into a weird zone because of it.
I also made the realization we have not done many fun summer things. Why? Because I've been stuck home waiting for air conditioner repairmen -- yeah, the ones that said they'd be there that day and then didn't show. On my kitchen table I have $260 worth of AC bills -- the latest go round, to three different companies. We still need a new evaporator installed and that's going to cost $325. And I've already paid $150 in June for repair. And this is all for a two-year-old air conditioner. UGH. May I count the $100 hotel bill? I think I should because I would have gone insane had I not had *one* night of cool. That's a lot of money to try to stay cool.
It's time for a mad dash to do some fun things. We'll try to enter three-five things for the county fair, I want to take Thomas swimming and to the beach a few times, plus make a voyage to civilization and buy his hermit crabs. Also on the agenda, if he finishes On the Banks of Plum Creek, is a trip to Walnut Grove, Minnesota. That's a lot to do in little time. Oh yeah, I have to finalize our school. Ugh.
Where did the summer go? I know technically it's still July, but it just seems I blink and a week, month or even a year is gone.
But...at least it's cool, 74 degrees in my house. Ah.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
This is scary!
| I don't drink, honest! Must have been the messy hair that gave me a Barney ID. Thomas, his dad and I have been laughing like crazy over this tonight! You Are Barney |
 You could have been an intellectual leader... Instead, your whole life is an homage to beer You will be remembered for: your beautiful singing voice and your burps Your life philosophy: "There's nothing like beer to give you that inflated sense of self-esteem." |
Friday, July 28, 2006
Great things this week
In hopes of turning my half-empty attitude into a half-full attitude, I've decided to blog about great things from my week.
1) The air conditioner is fixed! Woo hoo, just in time for upper 90s.
1) The air conditioner is fixed! Woo hoo, just in time for upper 90s.
2) I was able to turn the oven on and bake something this week.
3) A charity from the Twin Cities had a curbside pickup, so we donated five big black garbage bags of clothes and stuff. Grateful because we have to make an appointment with our one and only local charity, Salvation Army, to drop stuff off and they turn down off-season clothing. Curbside donating is fantastic, and it's a great charity. (Epilepsy Foundation)
4) I was very glad to have signed Thomas up for another go of swimming lessons. He could have officially passed the last round, but the teacher I and both felt he needed more practice to develop endurance. He's enjoying himself, he's getting better and he's having fun. I'm having a blast this time as I am the *only* mom watching!
5) I am grateful for happy snuggles in the morning. I love waking Thomas up by rubbing his back. His first reaction is always a great-big smile. I'm thankful that he doesn't feel too old for this. There's always lots of love, smiles, hugs and giggles in the morning.
6) Got my Rod and Staff English order placed, plus started downloading the Hakim series. I just have to order some science supplies, clean up the schoolroom, and we're ready to rock 'n roll.
7) This one is funny. I'm glad Thomas beat me at air hocky. We have a fantastic air hocky table in our dungeon -- uhm, I mean basement. We play every once in awhile but I always beat Thomas. For the first time ever, he beat me fair and square. Corny, but it made me happy -- he's growing up, gaining skill, getting good.
6) Got my Rod and Staff English order placed, plus started downloading the Hakim series. I just have to order some science supplies, clean up the schoolroom, and we're ready to rock 'n roll.
7) This one is funny. I'm glad Thomas beat me at air hocky. We have a fantastic air hocky table in our dungeon -- uhm, I mean basement. We play every once in awhile but I always beat Thomas. For the first time ever, he beat me fair and square. Corny, but it made me happy -- he's growing up, gaining skill, getting good.
audible.com -- WOW
For school next year, I decided we needed Joy Hakim's books on CD. We have loved listening to SOTW on CD on car trips short and long and I knew Hakim would be a hit. We have already read a couple of her books, but it's nice to have something to occupy one's mind while in the car.
A few months ago I asked my handy-dandy husband to join audible.com and download the books for me. No problem, he said. We purchased the disks and they sat. They gathered dust. My husband would much rather play Runescape than anything else on the computer.
I have to admit that somewhere along the line I became behind the times. I just recently figured out what an MP3 player is, and all those other "devices". I remember in the '80s people came to me with computer problems -- shees, now I am clueless. Here's a big admission that I shouldn't make: I have never, until today, made a CD on the computer. Not pictures, not books, not music, not back-up, nothing. I use my little hard floppies because I know how to do that.
How stupid is that!!! Well, I decided today was the day to get over my stupid technological phobia and get on with life. I called Thomas down, because he has no computer fear, and we logged on. Went straight to audible.com, bought our membership, and then I got stumped. Thomas got bored and was of no help and he quickly disappeared. I got to a screen that wanted me to pick my device. Well, I have no device, I just want to make CDs. It didn't give me the option I was looking for.
I decided I'd just spent $150, I needed help. I called customer service. I was fearing the worst (or maybe I should say normal). Boy, I couldn't have been more wrong in dreading customer service.
This was, hands down, the best customer service I have ever received. I felt like such a stupid dope not being able to figure out how to do this. The rep never once made me feel stupid. He answered my initial question and then volunteered: Why don't I stay on the phone with you and walk you through the entire process. Well, bust my buffers, I was shocked. We were on the phone for 23 minutes! (My phone shows the time of the call when I hang up.) He walked me through, he showed me shortcuts, he explained all kinds of things such as what to do if I have a computer crash or lose power, how many minutes a CD will hold (77) . He was personable, he laughed at my stupid jokes I made. He was wonderful!
I hung up the phone feeling like an expert. Wow. You just don't get customer service like that and I am elated and felt like sharing it with the whole world. He even emailed me after the phone call, which was a form email, but he added a nice little personal note to it. Audible.com, you rock!
What's even more exciting was hopping in the car with my newly burned CD and finding it actually worked!
I purchased the 12 credit package for $149.50. You get all the credits up front, and I wanted the whole thing on disk to start the year. I got an extra credit for joining. So now I'm off to search for three good books to download besides Joy Hakim's series. By the way, this was a heck of a lot cheaper than buying the disks online.
I love books on CD. We "car school" often and I'm overjoyed that I have added to our collection today!
A few months ago I asked my handy-dandy husband to join audible.com and download the books for me. No problem, he said. We purchased the disks and they sat. They gathered dust. My husband would much rather play Runescape than anything else on the computer.
I have to admit that somewhere along the line I became behind the times. I just recently figured out what an MP3 player is, and all those other "devices". I remember in the '80s people came to me with computer problems -- shees, now I am clueless. Here's a big admission that I shouldn't make: I have never, until today, made a CD on the computer. Not pictures, not books, not music, not back-up, nothing. I use my little hard floppies because I know how to do that.
How stupid is that!!! Well, I decided today was the day to get over my stupid technological phobia and get on with life. I called Thomas down, because he has no computer fear, and we logged on. Went straight to audible.com, bought our membership, and then I got stumped. Thomas got bored and was of no help and he quickly disappeared. I got to a screen that wanted me to pick my device. Well, I have no device, I just want to make CDs. It didn't give me the option I was looking for.
I decided I'd just spent $150, I needed help. I called customer service. I was fearing the worst (or maybe I should say normal). Boy, I couldn't have been more wrong in dreading customer service.
This was, hands down, the best customer service I have ever received. I felt like such a stupid dope not being able to figure out how to do this. The rep never once made me feel stupid. He answered my initial question and then volunteered: Why don't I stay on the phone with you and walk you through the entire process. Well, bust my buffers, I was shocked. We were on the phone for 23 minutes! (My phone shows the time of the call when I hang up.) He walked me through, he showed me shortcuts, he explained all kinds of things such as what to do if I have a computer crash or lose power, how many minutes a CD will hold (77) . He was personable, he laughed at my stupid jokes I made. He was wonderful!
I hung up the phone feeling like an expert. Wow. You just don't get customer service like that and I am elated and felt like sharing it with the whole world. He even emailed me after the phone call, which was a form email, but he added a nice little personal note to it. Audible.com, you rock!
What's even more exciting was hopping in the car with my newly burned CD and finding it actually worked!
I purchased the 12 credit package for $149.50. You get all the credits up front, and I wanted the whole thing on disk to start the year. I got an extra credit for joining. So now I'm off to search for three good books to download besides Joy Hakim's series. By the way, this was a heck of a lot cheaper than buying the disks online.
I love books on CD. We "car school" often and I'm overjoyed that I have added to our collection today!
Monday, July 24, 2006
Tagged again!
Ah, getting tagged is fun. Scooby at The Maples Academy for Girls has tagged me.
Anyone else who isn't too busy. I love reading these so hope some people do it!
What were you doing 10 years ago?
10 years ago I was working full time as a court reporter -- putting my 40 hours in weekly plus working nights and weekends on transcripts. 10 years ago today I had a beautiful baby boy who was nine months old and the joy of my life. 10 years ago today I was heartsick because I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom desperately but my husband was finishing up his degree. I was sick every morning I had to drop him off at daycare.
What were you doing a year ago?
The exact same thing I am doing now. Mom, wife, homeschooler, homemaker, zoo keeper. I'm *very* happy with this career choice.
5 Snacks that you enjoy:
- Peanut M&Ms
- Air-popped popcorn
- Chocolate milk
- Pretzles -- the frozen kind
- No-bake cookies (I hardly ever make them because I eat them all until I'm sick)
5 Songs you know all the words to:
1. Hotel California (my all-time favorite song)
2. Willie Nelson's Stardust CD -- I used to sing every single song along with Willie in my car until my family finally complained enough to get me to stop
3. Dare I admit this one: Kelly Osbourne's Shut Up (Yes, I was one of the five people that bought her CD. I love that song Shut Up and wish someone good would record it.)
4. Bad to the Bone, George Thorogood (I know lots of his songs by heart, he's DH's favorite)
5. Bruce Springsteen, Dancing in the Dark
5 Things you would do if you were a millionaire:
- Move
- Adopt two kids
- Build a big house in the country away from neighbors
- Set up a college fund for my son, and then give a small amount for college to nieces and nephews
- Buy new cars for DH and I -- DH gets the truck of his choice and I get a blue Mustang
5 bad habits:
- cigarettes
- overeating
- napping in the afternoon
- complaining
- cigarettes (this is so bad it gets two spots on the list)
5 Things you like doing:
- Spending time with Thomas
- Homeschooling
- Gardening (when it's not too hot lol)
- Sudokus
- Travelling
5 Things you would never wear again:
- A bikini
- Jumpers (I'm not talking denim jumper dresses -- never wore one so I could never wear one again. I'm taking jumper pantsuit things from the 80s)
- Wire bras -- ouch, been poked too many times
- pumps
- pantyhose
5 Favorite toys:
- computer
- digital camera
- CD player
- telephone
- caller ID
I am tagging:
Wisteria, because she enjoyed being tagged so much the last time!Anyone else who isn't too busy. I love reading these so hope some people do it!
Sunday, July 23, 2006
The Invasion of Invader Zim
We've had an invasion at our house. Thomas started watching TV again this summer and found a cartoon that he fell in love with. Invader Zim. I have watched several episodes with him and I just don't get the attraction, but then I'm not a 1o-year-old boy.
Thomas saved his money and wanted to buy action figures. (Not to be confused with dolls!!!) Sadly, the show is out of production and everything is expensive. So we turned to Ebay, bid on an auction and won. Very expensive dolls -- er, I mean action figures.
It was Christmas in June at this house. Thomas ordered four figures and it took us 27 minutes to open all the plastic packaging, undo all the twist ties and get everything out. I remember fondly the days where things just came in a cardboard box. Sigh.
Thomas has enjoyed his action figures very much, even though they cost him an arm and a leg. Really, what 10-year-old boy wouldn't love a cartoon that names its pop "poop pop" and its candy "poop candy"?
one night of cool
We actually had two nights of cool this week. It was absolutely wonderful. Sadly, today we're back to living in a hot house. I miss home. Home would be either South Dakota or Wyoming. Home the evenings cooled. Home there wasn't humidity.
I have a one-track mind lately. Hot, hot, hot.
Last Friday night it was so cool and nice outside I made the boys go out and play. They played a few games of horse. My nonsports-loving child will actually play basketball with his dad and is even beginning to pass a football with dad, too, although he hates it. He plays because he doesn't want to hurt dad's feelings.
Edited: What a difference a computer makes. On the boys' computer, you can actually see the photo of Thomas and his dad shooting a basket. On my old faithful computer, you can't. I guess I should have snapped the picture when it was lighter out (or learn how to photograph in the dark!)
Friday, July 21, 2006
I'm not the only one...
in a bad mood right now. Misery loves company, right? It makes me feel "less alone" to know that others are cranky right now, too. The first two blogs I read tonight were on this very topic of being in bad moods.
I've been miserable for a couple weeks.
Heat. Freon leak in the air conditioner. No central air.
If momma ain't happy, nobody's happy. Amen to that.
We've had problems with our air conditioner all summer. There's a leak and they can't/haven't/won't (whatever) find/fix it. A week ago Thursday I called, the repairman came out in the evening, added freon and it quit three hours later. He came again Monday to add freon but not look for the leak. It lasted less than three hours. He said he'd be back...he didn't show this week.
Because we are homeschoolers, we happened to have an unopened bag of 10 thermometers. We opened the bag and all are taped to walls in each room now. We've experimented with how to keep rooms cooler. We've determined which room in the house is the coolest -- the master bedroom, thanks to our ash tree. We've also determined that a kitchen that is constantly 89-93 degrees sucks, to put it bluntly.
Some may think I'm being a whiney baby. (My dad, my sister and probably some of my friends.) We did, after all, have two days of heaven on earth yesterday and today with highs in the 70s, but during our last heat wave it was miserable. Living in Minnesota also means living with humidity. High humidity. It means that a kitchen that is 93 degrees is actually over 100 degrees if you factor in the humidity/heat index. Next week we're expecting another heat wave.
Whine, whine, whine.
My plan of action is this: Monday morning I am calling the repairman and demanding a date certain when he is going to tear our unit apart to run the dye tests to find and then fix the leak. If it is not Monday or Tuesday I'll say thanks, hang up, and start calling until I find someone that can come Monday or Tuesday. This thing is getting fixed now.
I don't know a single person in my little town that does not have air conditioning. When we were looking for houses here nine years ago, the thing we found amazing was that even the cheap, run-down $30-40,000 houses had central air. We moved here from western South Dakota. A place that is not humid. A place that we lived 10 years without air conditioning, one year with. It's different here. The air is so thick you can't breathe.
On a brighter note, we were able to be outside today because of the lower temps. We went to a nearby town that was having city-wide garage sales. What a blast we had. My reluctant shopper (Thomas) scored bigtime.
We parked the car and walked blocks and blocks hitting sales. Then we saw a sale in a church. Thomas didn't want to go in, but being the shopper I am, I insisted. Payday. I was looking at the toy section and unearthed a huge box (18-quart roaster box) 3/4 full of legos. We figure there are a few thousand in there, including a Harry Potter set! $15 for the entire box. We guessed it was several hundred dollars worth of legos. And poor Thomas had just been complaining that he didn't have enough legos to build anything really cool. lol Thomas and the neighborhood kids sat in our driveway tonight for hours and built and built and built! Way cool.
Thomas also scored on the pet front. I blogged a long time ago about hermit crabs. Well, this procrastinating mom had not ever purchased the crabs and setup. Well, today we found two hermit crab habitats, complete with toys, dishes, even food. $3. (I'll probably throw the food away) The nice lady even told us where we can get hermit crabs in our area....beats mail-ordering! We'll drive 60 miles to buy some crabs.
We also picked up two 10-gallon aquariums. Every garage sale has these it seems, but we got them for $1 each. (We were promised they don't leak -- lol) One has a lid, the other DH will build a lid for. I think we'll use one for more hermit crabs and I don't know what we'll use the other for -- I guess it depends whether they leak or not. I'm sure Thomas will waste no time figuring that out.
We spent five hours at garage sales today. Got home, ate a late lunch and I completely passed out for an hour. While it was cool today, I think that the heat has drained me so bad that I could barely function.
And back to our air condition woes, one more story. Last Sunday it was so hot here that I turned into a raving mad woman. Much to my husband's dismay (spending too much money) we ended up at our local Holiday Inn for the night. We swam in the pool, enjoyed ~hot~ Godfather's Pizza while basking in the 68-degree room. (Yes, I took a thermometer!) We swam some more, then I made Thomas get out of the pool.
Why? There was a family swimming. They had a very tiny baby in a diaper. Okay, now when Thomas was a baby we took him swimming in a diaper, but that was before we learned of e coli in swimming pools plus it was before the swim diapers were invented. Now that bothered me but not enough to get out of the pool. They also had a son, cute as the dickens, about 4. He was having a blast until he jumped in and bit his lip. He started bleeding profusely. Okay, maybe not profusely but with a mouth injury, the saliva makes it look profuse. So instead of getting the kid OUT of the pool, they sat him on the edge of the pool and used the pool towel. The towel was blood-soaked. He was dripping blood, dangling his feet in the water, and he dropped the towel in the pool THREE times. I had Thomas out of the pool, and I marched straight to the room and called the front desk. They came and made them move the child away from the pool. Then they left. They didn't close the pool, and I don't think that they added any chemicals. Now I know for a fact that they close and treat the local public pools when something like this happens.
What bothered me was we watched people get in the pool until 11. I know the likelihood of the little boy having any bad diseases is probably nil, but it *really* grossed me out. Enough so that I may not visit a motel swimming pool for a long time.
That's about it from the raving mad woman.
Oh, did I mention how hot it's been lately?
I've been miserable for a couple weeks.
Heat. Freon leak in the air conditioner. No central air.
If momma ain't happy, nobody's happy. Amen to that.
We've had problems with our air conditioner all summer. There's a leak and they can't/haven't/won't (whatever) find/fix it. A week ago Thursday I called, the repairman came out in the evening, added freon and it quit three hours later. He came again Monday to add freon but not look for the leak. It lasted less than three hours. He said he'd be back...he didn't show this week.
Because we are homeschoolers, we happened to have an unopened bag of 10 thermometers. We opened the bag and all are taped to walls in each room now. We've experimented with how to keep rooms cooler. We've determined which room in the house is the coolest -- the master bedroom, thanks to our ash tree. We've also determined that a kitchen that is constantly 89-93 degrees sucks, to put it bluntly.
Some may think I'm being a whiney baby. (My dad, my sister and probably some of my friends.) We did, after all, have two days of heaven on earth yesterday and today with highs in the 70s, but during our last heat wave it was miserable. Living in Minnesota also means living with humidity. High humidity. It means that a kitchen that is 93 degrees is actually over 100 degrees if you factor in the humidity/heat index. Next week we're expecting another heat wave.
Whine, whine, whine.
My plan of action is this: Monday morning I am calling the repairman and demanding a date certain when he is going to tear our unit apart to run the dye tests to find and then fix the leak. If it is not Monday or Tuesday I'll say thanks, hang up, and start calling until I find someone that can come Monday or Tuesday. This thing is getting fixed now.
I don't know a single person in my little town that does not have air conditioning. When we were looking for houses here nine years ago, the thing we found amazing was that even the cheap, run-down $30-40,000 houses had central air. We moved here from western South Dakota. A place that is not humid. A place that we lived 10 years without air conditioning, one year with. It's different here. The air is so thick you can't breathe.
On a brighter note, we were able to be outside today because of the lower temps. We went to a nearby town that was having city-wide garage sales. What a blast we had. My reluctant shopper (Thomas) scored bigtime.
We parked the car and walked blocks and blocks hitting sales. Then we saw a sale in a church. Thomas didn't want to go in, but being the shopper I am, I insisted. Payday. I was looking at the toy section and unearthed a huge box (18-quart roaster box) 3/4 full of legos. We figure there are a few thousand in there, including a Harry Potter set! $15 for the entire box. We guessed it was several hundred dollars worth of legos. And poor Thomas had just been complaining that he didn't have enough legos to build anything really cool. lol Thomas and the neighborhood kids sat in our driveway tonight for hours and built and built and built! Way cool.
Thomas also scored on the pet front. I blogged a long time ago about hermit crabs. Well, this procrastinating mom had not ever purchased the crabs and setup. Well, today we found two hermit crab habitats, complete with toys, dishes, even food. $3. (I'll probably throw the food away) The nice lady even told us where we can get hermit crabs in our area....beats mail-ordering! We'll drive 60 miles to buy some crabs.
We also picked up two 10-gallon aquariums. Every garage sale has these it seems, but we got them for $1 each. (We were promised they don't leak -- lol) One has a lid, the other DH will build a lid for. I think we'll use one for more hermit crabs and I don't know what we'll use the other for -- I guess it depends whether they leak or not. I'm sure Thomas will waste no time figuring that out.
We spent five hours at garage sales today. Got home, ate a late lunch and I completely passed out for an hour. While it was cool today, I think that the heat has drained me so bad that I could barely function.
And back to our air condition woes, one more story. Last Sunday it was so hot here that I turned into a raving mad woman. Much to my husband's dismay (spending too much money) we ended up at our local Holiday Inn for the night. We swam in the pool, enjoyed ~hot~ Godfather's Pizza while basking in the 68-degree room. (Yes, I took a thermometer!) We swam some more, then I made Thomas get out of the pool.
Why? There was a family swimming. They had a very tiny baby in a diaper. Okay, now when Thomas was a baby we took him swimming in a diaper, but that was before we learned of e coli in swimming pools plus it was before the swim diapers were invented. Now that bothered me but not enough to get out of the pool. They also had a son, cute as the dickens, about 4. He was having a blast until he jumped in and bit his lip. He started bleeding profusely. Okay, maybe not profusely but with a mouth injury, the saliva makes it look profuse. So instead of getting the kid OUT of the pool, they sat him on the edge of the pool and used the pool towel. The towel was blood-soaked. He was dripping blood, dangling his feet in the water, and he dropped the towel in the pool THREE times. I had Thomas out of the pool, and I marched straight to the room and called the front desk. They came and made them move the child away from the pool. Then they left. They didn't close the pool, and I don't think that they added any chemicals. Now I know for a fact that they close and treat the local public pools when something like this happens.
What bothered me was we watched people get in the pool until 11. I know the likelihood of the little boy having any bad diseases is probably nil, but it *really* grossed me out. Enough so that I may not visit a motel swimming pool for a long time.
That's about it from the raving mad woman.
Oh, did I mention how hot it's been lately?
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Movies
I was just reading Twice Bloomed Wisteria's blog and I got to thinking of movies and how they have touched my life -- for good or bad.
Thought I'd share my favorite and least favorite movies and why.
Favorite movie:
The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio.
No other movie has touched my life more than this movie. If you haven't read the book or seen the movie, it is about a mom of 10 and how she saved her family from "living on the street" by contesting in the 50s and 60s. She won a few major contests and many, many smaller prizes using her wit writing jingles and poetry. She was an amazing woman with her literary skill, but even more amazing was her attitude toward life. Her husband was an alcoholic and drank most of the money. She didn't let it get her down and was upbeat, positive and a true inspiration.
This is one of the rare instances where I actually liked the movie better than the book. I loved the book, but the movie just came to life for me. I have watched this movie more times than I dare admit. The reason this touched my life so deeply is because Evelyn Ryan, the prize winner, was so positive. My mom was so negative. I've been more positive than negative as a mother, but nothing like Evelyn Ryan. I catch myself stopping and thinking before popping things out of my mouth now. I find myself actively looking for the silver lining now. I find myself complaining less about my husband and focusing more on his good qualities now.
I think this will be my favorite movie forever.
Okay, now for my least-favorite movie. I know many people who love this movie, but not me.
Dumb and Dumber.
Why is this my least favorite movie? Because I saw it when I was pregnant with Thomas. There were a *lot* of gross scenes in that movie. It was the only time during my pregnancy when I vomited. I can't even think of that movie without getting upset to my stomach. My husband will watch it whenever it's on TV. Thomas has even watched it. Me? I just hear Jim Carey or Jeff Daniels' voice and I run the other direction.
What is everyone else's best and worst picks?
Thought I'd share my favorite and least favorite movies and why.
Favorite movie:
The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio.
No other movie has touched my life more than this movie. If you haven't read the book or seen the movie, it is about a mom of 10 and how she saved her family from "living on the street" by contesting in the 50s and 60s. She won a few major contests and many, many smaller prizes using her wit writing jingles and poetry. She was an amazing woman with her literary skill, but even more amazing was her attitude toward life. Her husband was an alcoholic and drank most of the money. She didn't let it get her down and was upbeat, positive and a true inspiration.
This is one of the rare instances where I actually liked the movie better than the book. I loved the book, but the movie just came to life for me. I have watched this movie more times than I dare admit. The reason this touched my life so deeply is because Evelyn Ryan, the prize winner, was so positive. My mom was so negative. I've been more positive than negative as a mother, but nothing like Evelyn Ryan. I catch myself stopping and thinking before popping things out of my mouth now. I find myself actively looking for the silver lining now. I find myself complaining less about my husband and focusing more on his good qualities now.
I think this will be my favorite movie forever.
Okay, now for my least-favorite movie. I know many people who love this movie, but not me.
Dumb and Dumber.
Why is this my least favorite movie? Because I saw it when I was pregnant with Thomas. There were a *lot* of gross scenes in that movie. It was the only time during my pregnancy when I vomited. I can't even think of that movie without getting upset to my stomach. My husband will watch it whenever it's on TV. Thomas has even watched it. Me? I just hear Jim Carey or Jeff Daniels' voice and I run the other direction.
What is everyone else's best and worst picks?
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