Is it Monday already? My days are blurred.
I don't mind admitting here that I have been in a terrible funk for quite a few days now. I try so hard to stay positive, but my body and soul just ache from fatigue.
School starts two weeks from tomorrow. I follow our local public school schedule, and I'm very thankful they don't start until September.
I have two weeks to get my house in order, school planning completed, laundry caught up, bills paid, estate inventory done -- well, that needs to be done asap, and throw in some final summer fun. It all seems so overwhelming at the moment.
So today I took baby steps. That's the only thing I know to do when I get in a funk. I dug in and built a little momentum and got a little done. Physically, I am still not normal. I'm still on antibiotics, my ears are still popping, and I'm still easily exhausted. The good news is that I'm feeling so, so much better.
I'm wanting to follow my good friend Becky's advice by having a happy new year party. I usually think in terms of school year anyway. It's a little difficult, though, because memories of Dad pop into my head all the time. They make me stop what I'm doing and think and sometimes cry, sometimes smile. I suppose that will go on for awhile. It just makes me very sad that Dad won't be part of new year.
With the new year brings fear of what may or may not happen as well. It will be full of doctor appointments, adjusting to medications, getting the level just right, and my person fear of seizures. I can't get wrapped up in that, though. That fear is what is doing me in.
Breathe. One moment at a time.
Fear aside, I'm very anxious to start school again. I'm anxious and happily anticipating a normal routine. I'm excited to start learning again. I think that will do me more good, help me get back to a better place in my mind. I need that.
Thomas is doing very well. He still has bursts of frustration about his diagnosis and asks questions out of the blue. I think it's on his mind a lot. He's happy, though. Going to summer camp did more good for him, it renewed him. He's cheerful and optimistic.
Onward...more baby steps to take to get everything accomplished.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
expensive day
Thomas had his appointment with the ENT today. I told Bob before we left the house that I really had an attitude about this appointment, because even though he snores on occasion--it's a light snore not like my window-rattling snores--I didn't think he had sleep apnea issues. I told him that doctor would have convince me of the necessity of having the tonsils removed.
His neurologist said he had a small airway and should probably have his tonsils removed. We got there, she asked us about snoring and if his breathing stopped in his sleep, which it doesn't. She looked at his throat quickly. She turned to us and said his tonsils are small, he has a good airway, and not to bother coming back unless we hear him stop breathing in the night -- or gasping, which she demonstrated.
I hate to imagine how much money this visit is going to cost when I add it all up. Let's see, Bob took a half day off work, we ate an early dinner at the Olive Garden, the gas to the big city and back, the visit to Barnes and Noble where we all purchased too many books, the purchases at Office Max...
Oh well. Better safe than sorry. I just had a gut feeling it was a waste of time, though.
Whew. One less thing.
His neurologist said he had a small airway and should probably have his tonsils removed. We got there, she asked us about snoring and if his breathing stopped in his sleep, which it doesn't. She looked at his throat quickly. She turned to us and said his tonsils are small, he has a good airway, and not to bother coming back unless we hear him stop breathing in the night -- or gasping, which she demonstrated.
I hate to imagine how much money this visit is going to cost when I add it all up. Let's see, Bob took a half day off work, we ate an early dinner at the Olive Garden, the gas to the big city and back, the visit to Barnes and Noble where we all purchased too many books, the purchases at Office Max...
Oh well. Better safe than sorry. I just had a gut feeling it was a waste of time, though.
Whew. One less thing.
Seeing Eye to Eye
Bob and I don't see eye to eye on some things concerning our homeschool. Even though he's a visual spatial thinker, he wants Thomas's education to be very structured and sequential. He wants tests and proof that he's learning.
I agree with him on that in many subjects, but not science.
We have always done science in an unschooling-sort-of way. Thomas either picks up a science book and starts reading, or I suggest some topics, he chooses and he reads. We discuss. Or not. Usually, he discusses with Bob. Last year I bought him two science text books which he loved. He devoured them, reading on his own accord, something that he typically doesn't want to do.
Thomas has a good grasp of science. Every year he scores post high school in his standardized tests in science. I've never worried about science, because he just gets it.
So what to do this year. We really need to focus on the Language Arts. Really, I know that. But I think I'll meet Bob half way and be a little more involved, probably throw in a test or two, more labs -- at least planned labs, not spur-of-the minute stuff that we typically do.
I don't think Bob and I will see eye to eye completely, but we can meet in the middle. I trust my instincts, though. I know how he learns best. And he is learning -- he's soaking science up like a sponge.
I agree with him on that in many subjects, but not science.
We have always done science in an unschooling-sort-of way. Thomas either picks up a science book and starts reading, or I suggest some topics, he chooses and he reads. We discuss. Or not. Usually, he discusses with Bob. Last year I bought him two science text books which he loved. He devoured them, reading on his own accord, something that he typically doesn't want to do.
Thomas has a good grasp of science. Every year he scores post high school in his standardized tests in science. I've never worried about science, because he just gets it.
So what to do this year. We really need to focus on the Language Arts. Really, I know that. But I think I'll meet Bob half way and be a little more involved, probably throw in a test or two, more labs -- at least planned labs, not spur-of-the minute stuff that we typically do.
I don't think Bob and I will see eye to eye completely, but we can meet in the middle. I trust my instincts, though. I know how he learns best. And he is learning -- he's soaking science up like a sponge.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I'm a Dork
To everyone who asked for my planner, I will send it tomorrow.
I apologize for being such a dork. See, I bought myself a new laptop. It came with Vista, and so I had to order the new Office. I got the student version. I emailed my planners and homeschool stuff to myself, opened up my planer, tweaked it, made a jpeg of it to load to the blog, blogged, and then saved the planner. Big mistake. It wouldn't save because it was incompatible with the new excel. So I made another one. I sent that out to the people who requested it. Only thing was, I seem to be the only one on the new version of Office.
So I need to go downstairs to the old computer, sit down, tweak the original version and email it. Only I haven't done that. I got busy with other stuff. And I feel guilty because I said I'd send it last night. And then I didn't do it today because today was a couch day because I didn't feel well (when will menopause hit? I'm so ready for it now.) This afternoon, we got hit with five packages from Amazon, Rainbow, Rod and Staff, and a couple other stores, so I simply had to look at the school stuff.
Then we went to the county fair. And got home at 10. Then I had to call my sister. Then I had to take a shower. Then I had to check email. Now I'm too tired to climb the stairs and go tweak. (Yet I'm not too tired to blog. Go figure.)
I meant well. I promise to get it in the email tomorrow.
I'm just such a dork.
I apologize for being such a dork. See, I bought myself a new laptop. It came with Vista, and so I had to order the new Office. I got the student version. I emailed my planners and homeschool stuff to myself, opened up my planer, tweaked it, made a jpeg of it to load to the blog, blogged, and then saved the planner. Big mistake. It wouldn't save because it was incompatible with the new excel. So I made another one. I sent that out to the people who requested it. Only thing was, I seem to be the only one on the new version of Office.
So I need to go downstairs to the old computer, sit down, tweak the original version and email it. Only I haven't done that. I got busy with other stuff. And I feel guilty because I said I'd send it last night. And then I didn't do it today because today was a couch day because I didn't feel well (when will menopause hit? I'm so ready for it now.) This afternoon, we got hit with five packages from Amazon, Rainbow, Rod and Staff, and a couple other stores, so I simply had to look at the school stuff.
Then we went to the county fair. And got home at 10. Then I had to call my sister. Then I had to take a shower. Then I had to check email. Now I'm too tired to climb the stairs and go tweak. (Yet I'm not too tired to blog. Go figure.)
I meant well. I promise to get it in the email tomorrow.
I'm just such a dork.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
My Favorite Yearly Planner that I made
If by any small chance someone would like a copy of this yearly planner, feel free to email me. whisperingwillow @ charter . net
I use one of these planners for each subject. I like to plan that way rather than on one typical planner sheet. Sometimes I merge all the info, sometimes not.
I use one of these planners for each subject. I like to plan that way rather than on one typical planner sheet. Sometimes I merge all the info, sometimes not.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
He's Baaaack
I drove three and a half hours yesterday to pick Thomas up. After an hour-long ceremony, which I'll definitely skip next year, (see that, NEXT YEAR?) we gathered stuff and left.
Thomas talked nonstop for the three-and-a-half-hour ride home.
He had a BLAST. He LOVED it. He was WIRED.
He asked if he can go next year. Of course!
He's very happy. That's just what he needed.
So we'll put money aside for camp next year. I also found that there are camps for kids with epilepsy out there. I think that would be wonderful for him, so he'll probably do two camps next year.
And now back to reality. This week is the county fair. We'll be entering his turkey. Usually we enter more stuff, but that's his best work and all he wants to enter. He also has his ENT appointment this week. He does not want his tonsils removed. He wasn't happy when he noticed that appointment on the calendar.
I worked very hard on getting his room in order while he was gone. I boxed up a bunch of stuff he no longer plays with. He's attached to his stuff, so I couldn't donate or toss, will just store the box and wait for time to pass. I didn't get the room finished, so he can do that this weekend.
We have the school room to finish as well. The floor is covered in wall-to-wall books. Last year we schooled at the kitchen table again. This year I'd like to do more in the school room again, just because it keeps my small kitchen less cluttered. In order to do that, I have to get my mess cleaned up. I'm the one that put the books on the floor.
Thomas's grandma took a spill and broke her wrist and a rib this week. We need to get out to see her, because we haven't gone since the Cowboy died. I'm so tired of traveling, but I think that's necessary. I don't know when we'll squeeze that in, but we must.
I'm loving this Saturday morning. My son is happy, confident and on top of the world. He needed that. As his momma, I needed it, too.
Thomas talked nonstop for the three-and-a-half-hour ride home.
He had a BLAST. He LOVED it. He was WIRED.
He asked if he can go next year. Of course!
He's very happy. That's just what he needed.
So we'll put money aside for camp next year. I also found that there are camps for kids with epilepsy out there. I think that would be wonderful for him, so he'll probably do two camps next year.
And now back to reality. This week is the county fair. We'll be entering his turkey. Usually we enter more stuff, but that's his best work and all he wants to enter. He also has his ENT appointment this week. He does not want his tonsils removed. He wasn't happy when he noticed that appointment on the calendar.
I worked very hard on getting his room in order while he was gone. I boxed up a bunch of stuff he no longer plays with. He's attached to his stuff, so I couldn't donate or toss, will just store the box and wait for time to pass. I didn't get the room finished, so he can do that this weekend.
We have the school room to finish as well. The floor is covered in wall-to-wall books. Last year we schooled at the kitchen table again. This year I'd like to do more in the school room again, just because it keeps my small kitchen less cluttered. In order to do that, I have to get my mess cleaned up. I'm the one that put the books on the floor.
Thomas's grandma took a spill and broke her wrist and a rib this week. We need to get out to see her, because we haven't gone since the Cowboy died. I'm so tired of traveling, but I think that's necessary. I don't know when we'll squeeze that in, but we must.
I'm loving this Saturday morning. My son is happy, confident and on top of the world. He needed that. As his momma, I needed it, too.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Yeah, It's Wednesday
And as soon as I posted my last post, I hit the camp website yet again. They must have heard me, because there were the photos.
This is what I know:
Thomas has changed clothes while he was there. lol
We spotted him in three pictures, and he didn't look unhappy at all. Whew.
That's all I know.
What I hope: That he's having a blast.
This is what I know:
Thomas has changed clothes while he was there. lol
We spotted him in three pictures, and he didn't look unhappy at all. Whew.
That's all I know.
What I hope: That he's having a blast.
For Pete's Sake
What stupid idiot -- er, forgetful and preoccupied mother forgot to cancel her Audible.com subscription?
I did.
I just got automatically renewed. We have 18 credits at Audible.com.
What to do?
I'm tired of planning school. I've cleaning to finish! What am I going to do with 18 credits?
Ideas? Anyone? Help. My brain just isn't thinking.
~~~
And just a rant, because I always rant. Dear YMCA camp, you know on your webpage it states that you will put camp pictures up on Wednesdays? Well, it's Wednesday. The pictures are not there. I have refreshed a gazillion times. Okay, there is one group picture, which I loved and spotted my Thomas in immediately, but...it's Wednesday, where are the pictures?
I've held my composure all week, I've dealt well. I've actually enjoyed my alone time. But -- but -- but I've never gone this long without talking to my son. Or seeing him. All I want are the pictures. Do you hear me?? IT'S WEDNESDAY!!! Where are the $#(*&^ pictures?
I jest. Kinda. I have hit that website probably 100 times today. I'll go do something, then think of the pictures and run to the computer.
I did.
I just got automatically renewed. We have 18 credits at Audible.com.
What to do?
I'm tired of planning school. I've cleaning to finish! What am I going to do with 18 credits?
Ideas? Anyone? Help. My brain just isn't thinking.
~~~
And just a rant, because I always rant. Dear YMCA camp, you know on your webpage it states that you will put camp pictures up on Wednesdays? Well, it's Wednesday. The pictures are not there. I have refreshed a gazillion times. Okay, there is one group picture, which I loved and spotted my Thomas in immediately, but...it's Wednesday, where are the pictures?
I've held my composure all week, I've dealt well. I've actually enjoyed my alone time. But -- but -- but I've never gone this long without talking to my son. Or seeing him. All I want are the pictures. Do you hear me?? IT'S WEDNESDAY!!! Where are the $#(*&^ pictures?
I jest. Kinda. I have hit that website probably 100 times today. I'll go do something, then think of the pictures and run to the computer.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Monday Morning
I'm not worried about Thomas. Honest. Really, I haven't even given him a second thought. ahem
When we were at the camp yesterday, I was checking out his cabinmates. It was a bunch of boys who looked very nice, but one thing was brutally honest: They were all jocks. You know, you can spot a jock a mile away. And there's nothing wrong with jocks. The only reason I mention it is because Thomas is so not a jock. He hates team sports. He cannot throw a ball to save his life. He doesn't want to. We discussed this team-sport thing at length, because he'll have to participate in some of that kind of thing. Hopefully, they'll be kind and help him through that part. Whenever we did sports stuff with Cub Scouts, I have to say the jocks were always good to Thomas and guided him. I think they got a little frustrated because they were so competitive, and he really slowed them down, but they were kind.
You can't force a child to do something he has no interest in, though. Now individual sports? Yeah, he goes for that. He's yearning to hit that rock wall. He's excited about the swimming.
Thomas is a fringe boy. He's always on the fringe of a group, not really in it. He's happy that way. Bob and I are kind of that way ourselves. I think we all three prefer one-on-one social contact as opposed to the group thing. We're all introverts.
So driving home yesterday, I admit I was worried. Will he get picked on, will he make a friend or two, will he have fun. BUT, when I uploaded the two pictures I took and shared here, my worries melted. He was so happy. It did my heart so much good to see that big grin on his face.
He'll be fine. And while I have thought about him, I've decided to quit worrying. Just like the momma bird who pushes the baby bird out of the nest--this is a little out of his comfort zone, but that rock wall just called out to him, and I had to push.
This morning I got busy. I have finally unloaded the suitcase that has been gracing my bedroom floor since my return from Denver. Good grief, I've never let something slide that long. I've sorted too many loads of laundry to admit and have got them going. I'm about to go dig out my kitchen.
I have plans on cleaning the whole house from top to bottom. That's a lot of work, because when we got home, I was tired, frustrated, hurting really bad and still sick. I didn't have the energy. Only the absolute necessities got done. Plus, since March I've been gone for almost 10 weeks, and let's face it, I love Bob to pieces, but he doesn't know what a vacuum cleaner is. So the house really got run down.
I bought myself some new bedding. Got a lovely bed-in-a-bag set from JCPenney's for $100. It was normally $300. It's 250 thread-count, which is more than this tightwad has ever had. I am going to hit my bedroom hard this morning and hopefully make it pretty.
I've also been looking for pretties. I really have a desire for a retro kitchen. Not too cluttered, but lots of 40s and 50s touches. I bought myself two salt and pepper sets that are Lustro-Ware, one in pink and the other yellow. One is for the table, the other for the stove. I'm on the lookout for more practical goodies. Not too much, but enough to get that theme established.
And speaking of that retro look, I've found a few vintage blogs that I have really enjoyed. I usually only read homeschool blogs. Okay, and Perez -- dare I admit that? The vintage or cottage/romantic/shabby chic blogs really make me smile, because they have great pictures. And that brings me joy, which makes me feel better.
And speaking of feeling better, I am. I finish my antibiotics today. I am not cured, I still have sinus issues and my ears are popping a lot. So I am going to get my second antibiotic prescription filled and do another round. But I am feeling so much better and have so much more energy, that I feel human again. So I'm close to being back to normal.
I have ordered my first-ever side of beef. We should get it the last week in August. I'm very excited about that--to have a freezer full of good quality beef. We'll get lots of goodies I typically don't buy, such as steaks.
Life is finally getting better again. I'm feeling better. Thomas was so happy yesterday that my heart soared with joy. I hope he has so much fun and forgets all his troubles. I've never been away from him for this long, but I do this: I kind of needed it. I just needed a break from everything. (I wish Bob were out of town this week! lol) I feel free to putz, to do what I want, when I want, in peace and quiet. I am thrilled with the prospect that when I clean, it will actually stay clean. Until we go and get him, that is. What a treat that is, though. I envision my refrigerator handle being clean all week--a glorious gift to me!
And now, off to swap loads and get to cracking.
When we were at the camp yesterday, I was checking out his cabinmates. It was a bunch of boys who looked very nice, but one thing was brutally honest: They were all jocks. You know, you can spot a jock a mile away. And there's nothing wrong with jocks. The only reason I mention it is because Thomas is so not a jock. He hates team sports. He cannot throw a ball to save his life. He doesn't want to. We discussed this team-sport thing at length, because he'll have to participate in some of that kind of thing. Hopefully, they'll be kind and help him through that part. Whenever we did sports stuff with Cub Scouts, I have to say the jocks were always good to Thomas and guided him. I think they got a little frustrated because they were so competitive, and he really slowed them down, but they were kind.
You can't force a child to do something he has no interest in, though. Now individual sports? Yeah, he goes for that. He's yearning to hit that rock wall. He's excited about the swimming.
Thomas is a fringe boy. He's always on the fringe of a group, not really in it. He's happy that way. Bob and I are kind of that way ourselves. I think we all three prefer one-on-one social contact as opposed to the group thing. We're all introverts.
So driving home yesterday, I admit I was worried. Will he get picked on, will he make a friend or two, will he have fun. BUT, when I uploaded the two pictures I took and shared here, my worries melted. He was so happy. It did my heart so much good to see that big grin on his face.
He'll be fine. And while I have thought about him, I've decided to quit worrying. Just like the momma bird who pushes the baby bird out of the nest--this is a little out of his comfort zone, but that rock wall just called out to him, and I had to push.
This morning I got busy. I have finally unloaded the suitcase that has been gracing my bedroom floor since my return from Denver. Good grief, I've never let something slide that long. I've sorted too many loads of laundry to admit and have got them going. I'm about to go dig out my kitchen.
I have plans on cleaning the whole house from top to bottom. That's a lot of work, because when we got home, I was tired, frustrated, hurting really bad and still sick. I didn't have the energy. Only the absolute necessities got done. Plus, since March I've been gone for almost 10 weeks, and let's face it, I love Bob to pieces, but he doesn't know what a vacuum cleaner is. So the house really got run down.
I bought myself some new bedding. Got a lovely bed-in-a-bag set from JCPenney's for $100. It was normally $300. It's 250 thread-count, which is more than this tightwad has ever had. I am going to hit my bedroom hard this morning and hopefully make it pretty.
I've also been looking for pretties. I really have a desire for a retro kitchen. Not too cluttered, but lots of 40s and 50s touches. I bought myself two salt and pepper sets that are Lustro-Ware, one in pink and the other yellow. One is for the table, the other for the stove. I'm on the lookout for more practical goodies. Not too much, but enough to get that theme established.
And speaking of that retro look, I've found a few vintage blogs that I have really enjoyed. I usually only read homeschool blogs. Okay, and Perez -- dare I admit that? The vintage or cottage/romantic/shabby chic blogs really make me smile, because they have great pictures. And that brings me joy, which makes me feel better.
And speaking of feeling better, I am. I finish my antibiotics today. I am not cured, I still have sinus issues and my ears are popping a lot. So I am going to get my second antibiotic prescription filled and do another round. But I am feeling so much better and have so much more energy, that I feel human again. So I'm close to being back to normal.
I have ordered my first-ever side of beef. We should get it the last week in August. I'm very excited about that--to have a freezer full of good quality beef. We'll get lots of goodies I typically don't buy, such as steaks.
Life is finally getting better again. I'm feeling better. Thomas was so happy yesterday that my heart soared with joy. I hope he has so much fun and forgets all his troubles. I've never been away from him for this long, but I do this: I kind of needed it. I just needed a break from everything. (I wish Bob were out of town this week! lol) I feel free to putz, to do what I want, when I want, in peace and quiet. I am thrilled with the prospect that when I clean, it will actually stay clean. Until we go and get him, that is. What a treat that is, though. I envision my refrigerator handle being clean all week--a glorious gift to me!
And now, off to swap loads and get to cracking.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
I Didn't Cry
Thomas is at camp. We left, and I didn't cry.
It sure is quiet around here.
He started out very happy, I hope he returns happy as well!
It sure is quiet around here.
He started out very happy, I hope he returns happy as well!
Saturday, August 02, 2008
A Very Good Cause
A very good friend of mine sent me an email today. She has a friend, a very cute young boy, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). She is asking her friends to sign a petition to help get funding for treatment and a cure for SMA. I have signed the petition.
Here is some information about SMA from the petition website:
Please, take a moment to sign the petition. Petition Link
Here is some information about SMA from the petition website:
We need your help to move landmark legislation through Congress that will allocate federal resources to non-profit and research organizations focused on finding a treatment and/or cure for SMA.
SMA is an inherited genetic disease that results in loss of nerves in the spinal cord and weakness of the muscles connected with those nerves.
SMA is the #1 genetic killer of children under the age of 2.
SMA is estimated to occur in nearly 1 out of every 6,000 births.
The gene mutation that causes SMA is carried by 1 in every 40 people or nearly 7.5 million Americans.
There is currently no cure, but the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) have selected SMA as the disease closest to treatment of more than 600 neurological disorders.
Researchers estimate that we are as close as only a few years away from finding a treatment and/or cure.
Please, take a moment to sign the petition. Petition Link
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
wow -- to barlowlf
To Barlowlf,
Thank you so much for leaving the comment on my blog. Your comment brought me to tears--in a good way. I emailed it to my husband at work. I never bother him at work unless it is something important. He had the same reaction.
It was a big deal for me to share the diagnosis here. I felt it was so personal, and since it wasn't my diagnosis, I refrained talking about it while we were in limbo.
Thomas was absolutely insistent that I share the story. It's funny because there are things he doesn't want me to share on the blog. This, he did. He wanted to reach out.
Little did any of us know, someone would be touched so quickly -- or even find our post.
If you continue to read my blog, could you please let us know how your son is doing. Who knows if your son has this, but I'm thankful that you have something to go on. I'm glad that Thomas's story gave you some direction. He will be pleased. This is exactly why he wanted to share.
Best wishes, and you'll be in our thoughts and prayers as well.
Frankie
whisperingwillow @ charter . net
feel free to email me
Thank you so much for leaving the comment on my blog. Your comment brought me to tears--in a good way. I emailed it to my husband at work. I never bother him at work unless it is something important. He had the same reaction.
It was a big deal for me to share the diagnosis here. I felt it was so personal, and since it wasn't my diagnosis, I refrained talking about it while we were in limbo.
Thomas was absolutely insistent that I share the story. It's funny because there are things he doesn't want me to share on the blog. This, he did. He wanted to reach out.
Little did any of us know, someone would be touched so quickly -- or even find our post.
If you continue to read my blog, could you please let us know how your son is doing. Who knows if your son has this, but I'm thankful that you have something to go on. I'm glad that Thomas's story gave you some direction. He will be pleased. This is exactly why he wanted to share.
Best wishes, and you'll be in our thoughts and prayers as well.
Frankie
whisperingwillow @ charter . net
feel free to email me
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Even More Bad News
Thomas was diagnosed yesterday with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy.
I have not blogged about this--the events leading up to this, because I assumed Thomas would feel it too personal. I was wrong.
Sometime around March, after my dad had his heart attack, Thomas asked me if my body ever jerked. I told him sure, as I'm falling asleep. He asked if it ever jerked or jolted any other time. No. He expressed to me that sometimes his body did that.
I took it as a red flag, but we did not have time to do anything about it.
Fast forward to the beginning of June, when I happened to be in conversation with a neurologist. The doctor was describing the onset of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy. He said it starts out with "jerks" of the body at puberty. They typically happen in the morning, and it is typically the upper body, specifically the arms and head. The minute the doctor said this, the tears poured down my face. I knew. I told him that my 12-year-old had been complaining of the jolts or jerks. He said get him in for an EEG.
I scheduled and EEG immediately, but we were unable to get in until yesterday.
So all this while, during the sadness of dad's death, our own medical emergencies, in the back of my head I was worried sick that my baby had epilepsy. I did not struggle with this alone, I shared it with my best friend, but it has been very difficult.
Yesterday was the big day. Bob, Thomas and I were all three very cranky. We drove to a town an hour away (because we don't live in civilization, and there is no neurologist here) for his EEG. The process took about an hour and a half. The tech took a red grease pencil and tape measure and measured Thomas' head, placing red marks. She then attached the electrodes, 23 of them, to his head. That took awhile. Then the test started.
She said it would be a good thing for Thomas to go to sleep. He did. We sat and watched, and could see the EEG on the computer screen. I had no idea what I was looking at, but I did realize there was an awful lot of activity for a child who was asleep.
At one point in the test, I felt a coughing spree coming on. We were not supposed to talk, and I because I also was having difficulty breathing and I felt like the walls were closing in, I stepped out. Thomas was in safe hands, with his dad and the tech. I went outside for some fresh air, got myself a bottle of water, shed a few tears, composed myself and went back in. Oh yeah, I took a Xanax, too.
When I got back in, Thomas was awake and the tech started the strobe light portion of the test. Apparently, some people with epilepsy are photo-sensitive. Pretty soon the test was over and we escaped for lunch.
While at lunch, I broke my tooth. The top third of the back half of one of my bottom teeth just crumbled. Never a dull moment. Will see my dentist today. That was my root canal tooth -- so it was dead anyway.
We drove back to the clinic for the appointment with the doctor. All three of us were scrunched on a bench waiting for the doctor. I personally had a difficult time breathing due to stress. Thomas was tense and tight as a board. Finally the doctor came in.
My heart sunk when he started talking. He was asking all kinds of questions and not getting to the point. I knew it would be a diagnosis we did not want. Bob and I exchanged a look, because he knew, too.
He asked about learning disabilities and ADD. I don't know about ADD, we've never felt the need to get a diagnosis. I do know Thomas has issues with focus. As for learning disabilities, he was diagnosed as twice exceptional: gifted with learning disabilities. I have never shared that diagnosis with Thomas because I knew the learning disability part would crush him. His disability is processing speed. He does have central auditory processing disorder, which he knows about. So I um'ed, er'ed my way through that conversation, because I wasn't going to blurt out LDs right then. It didn't really matter anyway.
The doctor then said that Thomas had a very small airway. He asked us if Thomas snores, which we said yes. He was going to make a referral to the ENT doctor. He explained he wasn't an ENT, but that he would probably have to have his tonsils out to open up his airway. He suspects sleep apnea with Thomas. He thinks the ENT will want a sleep study.
So then he got to the heart of the matter. In a round about way, he gave us the diagnosis of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, JME. He started rattling on about medications when Thomas interrupted him. Thomas innocently asked him, "So are you saying I have epilepsy?" The doctor said yes. Thomas's body just went limp. I don't think he heard a lot after that.
At this point it seemed the whole conversation was rushed. I was feeling confused and also I was not thinking clearly enough to ask questions. Bob took over, thankfully, because my brain was shut down. The doctor prescribed a medication.
I was able to get in that Thomas goes to summer camp on Sunday, and should he start the med now or wait. Now. And there are no restrictions on what Thomas can do at camp either, as long as there are lifeguards during swimming and safety equipment on the rock climbing walls and high stuff. There is.
The doctor dropped the ball on explaining epilepsy and what exactly this diagnosis means to Thomas. The only thing he really said to him was that there are far worse things he could have. And there are. But to a 12-year-old, and his parents, this isn't so great. This has life-long consequences. What has started out as jerks has an 80-percent chance of developing into grand mal seizures. However, this is the most controllable form of epilepsy. The chances of a normal life are great.
Normal--define normal. Thomas will not be able to fly an airplane. Thomas will not be able to join the military. The chances are good that his college education will be paid for due to his disability. Many family members have received that benefit. And yes, he is officially disabled.
Epilepsy is no stranger to us. It runs in Bob's family. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Society has long put attached a stigma to it. "Have a fit" is a common expression that stems from epileptic seizures. I thought Thomas would want this kept private. He doesn't, because he wants the world to know that it's just misfiring of the electricity in a brain. That's all. It's a short circuit, if you will.
When we got home yesterday, we talked about what would be likely: the development of grand mal seizures. We talked about the few limitations he would have in life. We talked about the need for quality sleep on a nightly basis--no more staying up late. It was all very overwhelming to Thomas, and he ended up crying--a lot. We all three snuggled in mom and dad's bed, and our puppies joined us. In between tears, we had comic relief from our puppies.
We are on our way to finding our new normal.
This year has just sucked. I don't know how scared I should be with that ENT referral. Thomas isn't looking forward to a possible surgery. Neither am I. We're still mourning the loss of my dad, Thomas's Grandpa Charlie. We still miss our Jerry Lee. We still seem to have this black cloud hanging over our heads.
But we are all thankful that we have good health care, that time will heal all wounds, and life will go on. I worry about Thomas, my 12-year-old boy, and the amount of trauma he has been through this year. It's so much. I'm learning, though, that the has good character, he's remaining positive and accepting things. He's stronger than I could have imagined. He cries when he needs to. He lives in the moment, enjoying time with his friends. He's typical 12, moody and establishing his independence. I am very proud of him.
As he told me last night: I have epilepsy, mom, but it doesn't have to have me.
I think we'll survive.
I have not blogged about this--the events leading up to this, because I assumed Thomas would feel it too personal. I was wrong.
Sometime around March, after my dad had his heart attack, Thomas asked me if my body ever jerked. I told him sure, as I'm falling asleep. He asked if it ever jerked or jolted any other time. No. He expressed to me that sometimes his body did that.
I took it as a red flag, but we did not have time to do anything about it.
Fast forward to the beginning of June, when I happened to be in conversation with a neurologist. The doctor was describing the onset of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy. He said it starts out with "jerks" of the body at puberty. They typically happen in the morning, and it is typically the upper body, specifically the arms and head. The minute the doctor said this, the tears poured down my face. I knew. I told him that my 12-year-old had been complaining of the jolts or jerks. He said get him in for an EEG.
I scheduled and EEG immediately, but we were unable to get in until yesterday.
So all this while, during the sadness of dad's death, our own medical emergencies, in the back of my head I was worried sick that my baby had epilepsy. I did not struggle with this alone, I shared it with my best friend, but it has been very difficult.
Yesterday was the big day. Bob, Thomas and I were all three very cranky. We drove to a town an hour away (because we don't live in civilization, and there is no neurologist here) for his EEG. The process took about an hour and a half. The tech took a red grease pencil and tape measure and measured Thomas' head, placing red marks. She then attached the electrodes, 23 of them, to his head. That took awhile. Then the test started.
She said it would be a good thing for Thomas to go to sleep. He did. We sat and watched, and could see the EEG on the computer screen. I had no idea what I was looking at, but I did realize there was an awful lot of activity for a child who was asleep.
At one point in the test, I felt a coughing spree coming on. We were not supposed to talk, and I because I also was having difficulty breathing and I felt like the walls were closing in, I stepped out. Thomas was in safe hands, with his dad and the tech. I went outside for some fresh air, got myself a bottle of water, shed a few tears, composed myself and went back in. Oh yeah, I took a Xanax, too.
When I got back in, Thomas was awake and the tech started the strobe light portion of the test. Apparently, some people with epilepsy are photo-sensitive. Pretty soon the test was over and we escaped for lunch.
While at lunch, I broke my tooth. The top third of the back half of one of my bottom teeth just crumbled. Never a dull moment. Will see my dentist today. That was my root canal tooth -- so it was dead anyway.
We drove back to the clinic for the appointment with the doctor. All three of us were scrunched on a bench waiting for the doctor. I personally had a difficult time breathing due to stress. Thomas was tense and tight as a board. Finally the doctor came in.
My heart sunk when he started talking. He was asking all kinds of questions and not getting to the point. I knew it would be a diagnosis we did not want. Bob and I exchanged a look, because he knew, too.
He asked about learning disabilities and ADD. I don't know about ADD, we've never felt the need to get a diagnosis. I do know Thomas has issues with focus. As for learning disabilities, he was diagnosed as twice exceptional: gifted with learning disabilities. I have never shared that diagnosis with Thomas because I knew the learning disability part would crush him. His disability is processing speed. He does have central auditory processing disorder, which he knows about. So I um'ed, er'ed my way through that conversation, because I wasn't going to blurt out LDs right then. It didn't really matter anyway.
The doctor then said that Thomas had a very small airway. He asked us if Thomas snores, which we said yes. He was going to make a referral to the ENT doctor. He explained he wasn't an ENT, but that he would probably have to have his tonsils out to open up his airway. He suspects sleep apnea with Thomas. He thinks the ENT will want a sleep study.
So then he got to the heart of the matter. In a round about way, he gave us the diagnosis of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, JME. He started rattling on about medications when Thomas interrupted him. Thomas innocently asked him, "So are you saying I have epilepsy?" The doctor said yes. Thomas's body just went limp. I don't think he heard a lot after that.
At this point it seemed the whole conversation was rushed. I was feeling confused and also I was not thinking clearly enough to ask questions. Bob took over, thankfully, because my brain was shut down. The doctor prescribed a medication.
I was able to get in that Thomas goes to summer camp on Sunday, and should he start the med now or wait. Now. And there are no restrictions on what Thomas can do at camp either, as long as there are lifeguards during swimming and safety equipment on the rock climbing walls and high stuff. There is.
The doctor dropped the ball on explaining epilepsy and what exactly this diagnosis means to Thomas. The only thing he really said to him was that there are far worse things he could have. And there are. But to a 12-year-old, and his parents, this isn't so great. This has life-long consequences. What has started out as jerks has an 80-percent chance of developing into grand mal seizures. However, this is the most controllable form of epilepsy. The chances of a normal life are great.
Normal--define normal. Thomas will not be able to fly an airplane. Thomas will not be able to join the military. The chances are good that his college education will be paid for due to his disability. Many family members have received that benefit. And yes, he is officially disabled.
Epilepsy is no stranger to us. It runs in Bob's family. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Society has long put attached a stigma to it. "Have a fit" is a common expression that stems from epileptic seizures. I thought Thomas would want this kept private. He doesn't, because he wants the world to know that it's just misfiring of the electricity in a brain. That's all. It's a short circuit, if you will.
When we got home yesterday, we talked about what would be likely: the development of grand mal seizures. We talked about the few limitations he would have in life. We talked about the need for quality sleep on a nightly basis--no more staying up late. It was all very overwhelming to Thomas, and he ended up crying--a lot. We all three snuggled in mom and dad's bed, and our puppies joined us. In between tears, we had comic relief from our puppies.
We are on our way to finding our new normal.
This year has just sucked. I don't know how scared I should be with that ENT referral. Thomas isn't looking forward to a possible surgery. Neither am I. We're still mourning the loss of my dad, Thomas's Grandpa Charlie. We still miss our Jerry Lee. We still seem to have this black cloud hanging over our heads.
But we are all thankful that we have good health care, that time will heal all wounds, and life will go on. I worry about Thomas, my 12-year-old boy, and the amount of trauma he has been through this year. It's so much. I'm learning, though, that the has good character, he's remaining positive and accepting things. He's stronger than I could have imagined. He cries when he needs to. He lives in the moment, enjoying time with his friends. He's typical 12, moody and establishing his independence. I am very proud of him.
As he told me last night: I have epilepsy, mom, but it doesn't have to have me.
I think we'll survive.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Making the Rounds...
This is making many of the blogs that I read. I'm Just Sayin' asked some questions of homeschoolers, and I decided to answer, too.
1. What was your motivation for homeschooling? Was it based on religious reasons? Was is it based on curriculum - did you want more freedom in choosing what your children were being taught? Was it based on socializing - wanting to have more control in the people with whom your children came into contact with? Was it based on logistics - the nearest school being 20 miles away? What made you finally decide to go this route?
2. Don't hate me for asking this. How to you handle socialization? What steps do you take to make sure your children are around other children and adults? Are you active in a home school group? Do you spend a lot of time at church activities? Maybe you utilize the local Y for activities and they meet friends there?
3. Do you use the public school system for any part of your child's routine? Some children here come to the school for band or chorus, or maybe for science class. Do you send your child to the public school to take advantage of any of their programs?
4. Do your children begin and end school at the same time each day? Do they have a strict schedule, at least as far as waking up and reporting to the school area of your home? If not, when/how will you transition your children into following a more rigid schedule - awaking at the same time each day so that they can follow a routine outside of the home like for college and work?
5. How many spelling bees has your child won? Oh, I'm kidding. We all know most of the recent national spelling bee winners have been home schooled children. I just wanted to throw a little funny in there?
6. Do you have a sense of humor? It's probably a little late for me to ask that but...
7. Where do you find your curriculum? Do you shop for it and order it? Do you create your own?
8. Do you have any worries at all about teaching your teenagers the higher level math and sciences? I, for one, could not teach chemistry to my children but I could probably teach them calculus. Is this a concern for you?
9. What bothers you the most about the reputation home schoolers have? What things do you hate to hear people say about you for your choice? I really hope you don't say that it's my previous post.
10. Be honest, do you, at least in your mind sometimes, judge those of us who choose public school? Do you ever think we are making a bad choice for our children? Are you vocal about that disapproval?
11. Is "home school" one word or two? I've seen it both ways. With spellcheck, it shows it as ONE word when used as a verb, but two words when used otherwise. Please enlighten me.
I always write it as one word.
1. What was your motivation for homeschooling? Was it based on religious reasons? Was is it based on curriculum - did you want more freedom in choosing what your children were being taught? Was it based on socializing - wanting to have more control in the people with whom your children came into contact with? Was it based on logistics - the nearest school being 20 miles away? What made you finally decide to go this route?
We finished our public school career at the end of the second grade. We homeschool Thomas to meet his emotional and educational needs.
2. Don't hate me for asking this. How to you handle socialization? What steps do you take to make sure your children are around other children and adults? Are you active in a home school group? Do you spend a lot of time at church activities? Maybe you utilize the local Y for activities and they meet friends there?
Starting at the bottom:
No local YMCA, otherwise we would be there.
We are Christians, but we do not go to church. (And I usually do not blog about religion as I feel it is a private thing.)
We are members of a homeschool group -- rather, were. I will not be renewing this year. The homeschool group only does their weekly co-op, and that's just not for us. They're very restrictive, IMHO, that the mother must stay and teach or help, and there's no say in the classes. Nope, too much like public school.
Socialization around adults: Thomas goes with us everywhere, sees us with friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc. He was the only child member of our local train club, which sadly recently closed down. He was in the thick of things when my Dad had his heart attack, at the hospital daily for two weeks straight, then again at another hospital and VA until my dad passed away. He was not afraid to ask doctors or nurses questions, even though he's shy.
Socialization with children: Ceramics class, used to be in Cub Scouts until he aged out, and he hangs out at a local after-school hangout that is run by all the churches in our town. He plays with all the neighborhood kids, which vary widely in age. He has friends from public school that he still sees on occasion. We are friends with one homeschool family that we get together with every other month or so. Thomas is going to a week-long summer camp next week. Gulp, that's coming up fast!
I'd say the only difference between Thomas and a public-school kiddo is that he isn't around kids during school hours. Instead, he gets to be around two puppies and two cats and his mom. Dad visits on the lunch hour.
I do worry about socialization. There, I think I'm the only homeschooler that has ever admitted that. HOWEVER, I would worry if he were back in public school. Every parent wants their child to have a good friend, or a couple of good friends. Right now Thomas has "friends" but his GOOD friend moved away.
3. Do you use the public school system for any part of your child's routine? Some children here come to the school for band or chorus, or maybe for science class. Do you send your child to the public school to take advantage of any of their programs?
No, and no thank you. In our state, we are allowed -- I think it's $60 for curriculum. I have never, and will never, apply for the money.
4. Do your children begin and end school at the same time each day? Do they have a strict schedule, at least as far as waking up and reporting to the school area of your home? If not, when/how will you transition your children into following a more rigid schedule - awaking at the same time each day so that they can follow a routine outside of the home like for college and work?
No strict schedule. We usually wake up when we wake up. I do like school started by
9, and our day IS school not other stuff. We are done when we've finished that day's work.
I am not worried about following a routine for college and work at all. You do what you have to do -- go to bed, set an alarm -- piece of cake. We do that from time to time, say on vacation or when visiting an ill loved one. It works.
5. How many spelling bees has your child won? Oh, I'm kidding. We all know most of the recent national spelling bee winners have been home schooled children. I just wanted to throw a little funny in there?
My child can't spell. There, I said it. He knows it, too. He isn't bad, he always hits his grade level on standardized tests, but he's no spelling bee competitor. Now if they had a science bee, he'd be up there.
6. Do you have a sense of humor? It's probably a little late for me to ask that but...
Yes, I have a sense of humor. It doesn't show through in my writing, but I have a wicked sense of humor.
7. Where do you find your curriculum? Do you shop for it and order it? Do you create your own?
Everywhere. Reading blogs, keeping current on the Rainbow Resource catalog, reading homeschool boards, talking with fellow homeschoolers. I create my own on occasion.
8. Do you have any worries at all about teaching your teenagers the higher level math and sciences? I, for one, could not teach chemistry to my children but I could probably teach them calculus. Is this a concern for you?
Chemistry? Oh, yeah, I worry about that. But Thomas is lucky, he has a dad who is really good in science. However, no, I do not worry about teaching upper level courses. If I can't teach something, and Bob can't, we'll get a tutor or do an online class or something.
9. What bothers you the most about the reputation home schoolers have? What things do you hate to hear people say about you for your choice? I really hope you don't say that it's my previous post.
That we're all the same: Denim-jumper wearing fundamentalist Christians. We're as diverse as public school families. Many of us are very open minded about life and people.
10. Be honest, do you, at least in your mind sometimes, judge those of us who choose public school? Do you ever think we are making a bad choice for our children? Are you vocal about that disapproval?
No, I do not judge those who choose public school. Ever. I did it! What I do judge is PUBLIC SCHOOL itself, and I throw comments about teachers around, which I shouldn't because I know there are some great teachers out there. There are some awful teachers, too -- been there, done that. There are many good things about public schools, but there are a lot of problems, too.
11. Is "home school" one word or two? I've seen it both ways. With spellcheck, it shows it as ONE word when used as a verb, but two words when used otherwise. Please enlighten me.
I always write it as one word.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
7th Grade Final Plans
Over the last three days, I've done nothing but homeschool planning and testing. I am very thankful that I mapped out my ideas earlier in the year, because I haven't had the time to spend studying and figuring this summer like I usually do.
As usual, I have planned way too much. There's so much that appeals to me, but never enough time. Then Doc has to go and mention a cool economics program that looks good. That will have to wait for another time.
So, here's our 7th grade:
Math:
Rod and Staff
Calculadders
Science:
United States History:
World History:
Spanish:
Geography:
Prentice Hall Geography will be our course of study this year. I purchased a text and teacher's guide last spring.
Music:
This is a very neglected subject in our home. A year or two ago I purchased Themes to Remember. Very "young" for Thomas, but we agreed to go through the book this year. I would really like to get Thomas started with piano lessons, too. I'm looking for a teacher, but if I can't find one that will work for him, I'll try to teach him myself.
Logic:
Art:
Computer:
English:
I think that's it. Ambitious. We have never been the type of homeschoolers to start at 8 and finish by noon. We won't be this year, either.
As usual, I have planned way too much. There's so much that appeals to me, but never enough time. Then Doc has to go and mention a cool economics program that looks good. That will have to wait for another time.
So, here's our 7th grade:
Math:
Rod and Staff
Thomas hates this. He hates Rod and Staff math. But, as I've learned over our homeschooling career, you have to use what works. Rod and Staff works for him. It's the best fit I've found for him. I have to remind him that he hates all math programs, which made him laugh.
Calculadders
I'm going to order their master pack CD. Thomas needs practice with speed. And just practice doing problems. I haven't ordered this, but if anyone knows of a secular program similar to Calculadders, please let me know! I know this is overkill, but I also know that a little practice won't hurt.
Science:
I purchased two middle-school textbooks with teacher's guides on eBay in March. They arrived minutes before I left for Denver to help my dad with his surgery. I haven't even looked at them. Last year Thomas read two science text books, one on earth science and the other life science. This year I'll let him read, but hopefully I'll have time to look through the teacher's guides and be a little more active. Believe it or not, Thomas requested science text books. He loves science and would read those texts (and any other books on science lying around the house) for hours.
United States History:
We will finish our Glencoe Civics text that we started last year. Thomas loved that and requested to do it daily. We bought it late in the year, so lucky for him, we have about 3/4 of the book left.
I also want him to memorize the states and capitals. Shame on me for waiting so long to do this. This falls into the category of "someday we'll do that" or the category of "started but not finished". Also on the agenda is to memorize the presidents. President memorization isn't high on my list, but we have the Yo! Millard Fillmore book, so why not. I wish we had Yo! Sacramento, but we don't.
We will also be doing a mini-unit on the civil war. (We didn't get to this last year.)
World History:
Yes, I realize it's stupid to do US history and world history, but I have a compulsion to do both. We were going to use a text book for this, but I changed my mind at the last minute. I will be ordering Story of the World IV on CD. We will stop when we get to the civil war section and do the civil war unit I have loosely put together.
I can't say enough about our love for the Story of the World series. Well, let me rephrase that: For the CDs. We have listened to them in the car on the way to Denver and South Dakota and around town, besides listening to them in the house. Thomas has retained so much of what he's heard. Plus, we've listened to the other volumes several times.
I gave up on buying their activity books. We don't use them. We don't test, nor do we write reports. We just listen and soak it up. By doing this, Thomas has developed a real love for history. It really surprised me when we were in Denver this last time that Thomas asked that we go to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science one last time. Why? He wanted to see the Egyptian Mummies one last time.
Spanish:
We will continue (or basically start over) our study of Spanish. I held us up because I struggled with it. Why can't we study German instead? I've decided this year we will work one half hour a day on Spanish. No scheduled completion dates, just constant study on a daily basis. We're using Bob's college Spanish text book and tapes.
Geography:
Prentice Hall Geography will be our course of study this year. I purchased a text and teacher's guide last spring.
Music:
This is a very neglected subject in our home. A year or two ago I purchased Themes to Remember. Very "young" for Thomas, but we agreed to go through the book this year. I would really like to get Thomas started with piano lessons, too. I'm looking for a teacher, but if I can't find one that will work for him, I'll try to teach him myself.
Logic:
Thomas begged to do logic last year. We used the Blast Off with Logic series in the past, so it's time to find something new. I didn't have a lot of time to research, nor do I want to start a formal logic study just yet, so I have selected Think Harder! Word Puzzles and Think-A-Minutes C1. I think Thomas will approve.
Art:
Thomas will continue with his ceramics classes. I have begged the instructor to teach regular art classes, but she says there isn't interest. He'll do a wheel throwing class when she offers. For our home study, we are going to use Discovering Great Artists: Hands-On Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters. This is another book that I've meant to get to every year, but haven't. We'll pick and choose projects, but learn about some artists while we're at it. I also have Artistic Pursuits on my shelf, and I plan to pull that out and take a look. We do a lot of unplanned art projects through the year, and Thomas has free reign over all our art supplies. I had planned to set up an art studio in our laundry room, but I haven't got to it yet. I brought home a huge table from my dad's house that will serve as "art station central" so that we can leave projects out.
Computer:
Yet another project we've worked on for years, but I've dropped the ball: Keyboarding. I have two books, Kids Can Type, Too! and Baron's Typing the Easy Way. I guess I shouldn't say I've dropped the ball. Thomas does know correct finger placement and uses it! I just want him to develop some speed and accuracy. In my day, I typed over 100 wpm with fantastic accuracy. I'd like for him to work up to 40 wpm by the end of the year.
We are going to study Word and Excel in more detail as well.
English:
English is the focus of our school year.
Spelling is an issue here. We've used AVKO's Sequential Spelling for a few years and Thomas has improved, but he's a rule-kid and I think he needs to know spelling rules. He still uses a lot of incorrect phonetic spelling in his writing. We're going to try Spell Bound.
Grammar will be Exercises in English Grammar I and possibly II. A rather dry looking workbook with just grammar. From the samples I've seen, it looks just about right. Nice review in the first book and hopefully some new learning in the second.
Since the grammar book does not cover mechanics, and since Thomas whined his way through the mechanics portion of his standardized test, we'll be doing a workbook called Mechanics, too.
Writing will be every day this year. I have decided to buy the Spectrum Writing 7th Grade workbook, which we will probably follow loosely, read over The Write Source's writing section, and a few other writing books I have on my shelf. I plan on tons of writing for poor Thomas this year.
Thomas actually requested a vocabulary program, so I just put Words on the Vine in my shopping basket. A small workbook that goes over Latin and Greek roots. We've been doing that hit or miss for a few years now, but he wants more. I wanted something light and easy and quick, though.
For grins and giggles, we're also going to do Lightning Literature. My friend Carole wrote to me about it in detail, and I may skip some of their exercises. I trust Carole's opinion. I don't like to over-analyze literature. Okay, what I call over analyzing. All those questions and discussions about books when I was in school just zapped the love of reading for me. I didn't understand why I couldn't just read something, savor it or hate it, and be done with it! Instead I just had to play the game with my high school teachers and pretend to love it for the reasons they did or hate it for the reasons they did so I could get my good grade and move on.
I think that's it. Ambitious. We have never been the type of homeschoolers to start at 8 and finish by noon. We won't be this year, either.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
On the mend?
I saw my doctor today. I called earlier this week and they gave me an appointmnet for the 30th. I took it. Luckily, they took a note back to him and he called me and he squeezed me in today.
Yes, I still have an ear infection in both ears. Yes, I still have sinusitis. My lungs are clear, which is great news.
He gave me an antibiotic different than that tendon-rupturing med. He gave me one refill and told me to get a refill if I was only 99% better.
The pharmacist told me I should feel better in 72 hours. I have my fingers crossed.
When I googled the drug, (and yes, I'll always do that from now on) I found that I'm getting double the normal dose -- I'm getting the dose for a severe infection. I had to laugh at myself because I actually thought, "Gee, I have a severe infection." Then I had that "DUH" moment.
I've been sick for weeks and weeks now. I can't remember what it feels like to feel normal.
Thomas's thumb is healing up. The day after stitches it was all different shades of purple and green and yellow. I almost snapped a photo of it, but it was so gross, I don't know what I would have done with the photo. It looks much better now.
He's able to use his hand a little more now. That's a good thing, because this afternoon, we're finally going to start our testing. After I have a much-needed nap, of course.
I wish we didn't have to do the testing, but we must. I also must place my order for school materials -- haven't done that yet.
Before I know it, the summer will be over and I'll look back and wonder where it went. That part stinks. We haven't been to the pool once. We haven't been to the lake, either. Thomas isn't supposed to get his thumb wet -- no swimming. He'll get his stitches out and then boom, he'll be at his summer camp. When he returns, the fair will be going on and boom, the end of summer will be upon us. That part stinks. But hopefully we'll all be happy and healthy.
I have a feeling we'll be doing a couple motel visits this year for swimming. That is if I can get my hands on the 50% off coupons that I've found in the past.
Yes, I still have an ear infection in both ears. Yes, I still have sinusitis. My lungs are clear, which is great news.
He gave me an antibiotic different than that tendon-rupturing med. He gave me one refill and told me to get a refill if I was only 99% better.
The pharmacist told me I should feel better in 72 hours. I have my fingers crossed.
When I googled the drug, (and yes, I'll always do that from now on) I found that I'm getting double the normal dose -- I'm getting the dose for a severe infection. I had to laugh at myself because I actually thought, "Gee, I have a severe infection." Then I had that "DUH" moment.
I've been sick for weeks and weeks now. I can't remember what it feels like to feel normal.
Thomas's thumb is healing up. The day after stitches it was all different shades of purple and green and yellow. I almost snapped a photo of it, but it was so gross, I don't know what I would have done with the photo. It looks much better now.
He's able to use his hand a little more now. That's a good thing, because this afternoon, we're finally going to start our testing. After I have a much-needed nap, of course.
I wish we didn't have to do the testing, but we must. I also must place my order for school materials -- haven't done that yet.
Before I know it, the summer will be over and I'll look back and wonder where it went. That part stinks. We haven't been to the pool once. We haven't been to the lake, either. Thomas isn't supposed to get his thumb wet -- no swimming. He'll get his stitches out and then boom, he'll be at his summer camp. When he returns, the fair will be going on and boom, the end of summer will be upon us. That part stinks. But hopefully we'll all be happy and healthy.
I have a feeling we'll be doing a couple motel visits this year for swimming. That is if I can get my hands on the 50% off coupons that I've found in the past.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Yet ANOTHER ER visit
I'm not kidding. I think we might as well move to the hospital.
Thomas was outside playing this evening. He was riding his bike with his friends and got hot and thirsty. He came in, grabbed an Orange Crush in a can, and went back out. He was not "drinking and driving", rather he drank his pop in our driveway with the other kids surrounding him. Then he decides to crush the can up and put in his pocket so he doesn't litter.
Big mistake.
Upon crushing the can, the aluminum broke and cut his hand and thumb. Bad.
He came in and was nice and calm. Bob helped him clean up, putting his hand under running water. It wasn't until I came in and did that mom GASP -- you know the one, it sounds like the end of the world has come -- that Thomas freaked.
I don't do blood or cuts well. Or bodily fluids, but luckily we only had blood, although I did feel like throwing up. lol
We cleaned him up and headed for the ER. Only five stitches. Thomas cried because they didn't give enough deadening medication. Every stitch and tie, Thomas cringed and cried. I felt awful for him.
And then it was over. We went to Walgreen's to get some new, fresh antibiotic ointment and large band aids, and then to Dairy Queen to celebrate the fact that it was done.
Whew.
I am so sick of hospitals, doctors, and the smells and memories associated with them. As we walked out, I joked that I thought we were through visiting these places and Bob laughed an evil laugh. I should have known better.
It was only stitches. It could have been worse. I'll count my blessings. And Thomas will never smash a pop can with his hands again. Ever.
Thomas was outside playing this evening. He was riding his bike with his friends and got hot and thirsty. He came in, grabbed an Orange Crush in a can, and went back out. He was not "drinking and driving", rather he drank his pop in our driveway with the other kids surrounding him. Then he decides to crush the can up and put in his pocket so he doesn't litter.
Big mistake.
Upon crushing the can, the aluminum broke and cut his hand and thumb. Bad.
He came in and was nice and calm. Bob helped him clean up, putting his hand under running water. It wasn't until I came in and did that mom GASP -- you know the one, it sounds like the end of the world has come -- that Thomas freaked.
I don't do blood or cuts well. Or bodily fluids, but luckily we only had blood, although I did feel like throwing up. lol
We cleaned him up and headed for the ER. Only five stitches. Thomas cried because they didn't give enough deadening medication. Every stitch and tie, Thomas cringed and cried. I felt awful for him.
And then it was over. We went to Walgreen's to get some new, fresh antibiotic ointment and large band aids, and then to Dairy Queen to celebrate the fact that it was done.
Whew.
I am so sick of hospitals, doctors, and the smells and memories associated with them. As we walked out, I joked that I thought we were through visiting these places and Bob laughed an evil laugh. I should have known better.
It was only stitches. It could have been worse. I'll count my blessings. And Thomas will never smash a pop can with his hands again. Ever.
Meme
A meme I found at Summer Fae's Learning Adventures.
All answers to be a single word. No more. (Okay, so some I hyphenated to make them officially one word, but technically they are not hyphenated words. Oh well, I tried.)
1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your significant other? tall
3. Your hair? graying
4. Your mother? gone
5. Your father? gone
6. Your favorite thing? Thomas
7. Your dream last night? Dad
8. Your favorite drink? Diet-Pepsi
9. Your dream/goal? Live
10. The room you’re in? Family
11. Your church? None
12. Your fear? Many
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? healthy
14. Where were you last night? home
15. What you’re not? skinny
16. Muffins? chocolate-chip
17. One of your wish list items? built-in-dishwasher
18. Where you grew up? Wyoming
19. The last thing you did? cookie
20. What are you wearing? t-shirt
21. Your TV? Off
22. Your pets? loved
23. Your computer? lifeline
24. Your life? rich
25. Your mood? exhausted
26. Missing someone? terribly
27. Your car? Bonneville
28. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
29. Favorite store? book
30. Your summer? short
31. Like(love) someone? Several
32. Your favorite color? pastel
33. Last time you laughed? morning
34. Last time you cried? yesterday
35. Who will re post this? dunno
All answers to be a single word. No more. (Okay, so some I hyphenated to make them officially one word, but technically they are not hyphenated words. Oh well, I tried.)
1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your significant other? tall
3. Your hair? graying
4. Your mother? gone
5. Your father? gone
6. Your favorite thing? Thomas
7. Your dream last night? Dad
8. Your favorite drink? Diet-Pepsi
9. Your dream/goal? Live
10. The room you’re in? Family
11. Your church? None
12. Your fear? Many
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? healthy
14. Where were you last night? home
15. What you’re not? skinny
16. Muffins? chocolate-chip
17. One of your wish list items? built-in-dishwasher
18. Where you grew up? Wyoming
19. The last thing you did? cookie
20. What are you wearing? t-shirt
21. Your TV? Off
22. Your pets? loved
23. Your computer? lifeline
24. Your life? rich
25. Your mood? exhausted
26. Missing someone? terribly
27. Your car? Bonneville
28. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
29. Favorite store? book
30. Your summer? short
31. Like(love) someone? Several
32. Your favorite color? pastel
33. Last time you laughed? morning
34. Last time you cried? yesterday
35. Who will re post this? dunno
Why Do You Love Homeschooling?
Following a post by Summer Fae at Learning Adventures, who was following a post by Summer at Mom is Teaching, the question asked is:
Why do you love homeschooling?
I can give a one-word answer that covers many areas:
FREEDOM
Yep, I love homeschooling because of the freedom that comes with it.
Freedom to set our own schedule, freedom to study what we choose, freedom to drive to Denver and be with my father for surgery, freedom to be with my father when he dies.
Freedom to go to a museum without a clipboard and worksheet with a hundred questions that must be answered, which ensures the freedom to actually enjoy the museum.
Freedom to go on a spur-of-the-moment field trip.
Freedom to take extra time to study a subject if it has piqued Thomas's interest.
Freedom from labels and stereotypes.
Freedom to take a nap in the afternoon.
Freedom of expression -- Thomas can wear whatever he wants to school, can share whatever opinion he has without worry.
Freedom to do school in pajamas or wrapped up in a Biederlack blanket, affectionately known as "fuzzies" in our home.
Freedom to pet a dog or cat while studying.
There's so many freedoms, that I can't list them all.
Freedom is a wonderful thing.
Why do you love homeschooling?
I can give a one-word answer that covers many areas:
FREEDOM
Yep, I love homeschooling because of the freedom that comes with it.
Freedom to set our own schedule, freedom to study what we choose, freedom to drive to Denver and be with my father for surgery, freedom to be with my father when he dies.
Freedom to go to a museum without a clipboard and worksheet with a hundred questions that must be answered, which ensures the freedom to actually enjoy the museum.
Freedom to go on a spur-of-the-moment field trip.
Freedom to take extra time to study a subject if it has piqued Thomas's interest.
Freedom from labels and stereotypes.
Freedom to take a nap in the afternoon.
Freedom of expression -- Thomas can wear whatever he wants to school, can share whatever opinion he has without worry.
Freedom to do school in pajamas or wrapped up in a Biederlack blanket, affectionately known as "fuzzies" in our home.
Freedom to pet a dog or cat while studying.
There's so many freedoms, that I can't list them all.
Freedom is a wonderful thing.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Expletive
If this weren't a G-rated blog, I'd be swearing up a storm today. I'm in a very bad mood.
Why? Well, I have good news -- neurologically I'm fine, fit as a fiddle. My doctor says that he's not concerned about my weird eye thing, and to chalk it up to just that, weird. He was rather cute and said, "That's okay, I'm weird too."
BUT then he says to me that he would guess I snore, a lot, and loudly. Mm-hmm. He examined my throat and said I have soft palate issues. He said I had five red flags on my medical history to indicate I have sleep apnea. He is writing a letter to my doctor so that we can get a sleep study underway. He's certain I have it. And he thinks I have it bad.
&*(%^*^% Why does this anger me? Because I don't want to have to use one of those &@#$!ing machines. I have issues getting comfortable as it is. I sleep on my stomach. Always. I cannot sleep in any other position. You can't change 43 years' worth of stomach sleeping like that.
I also am sick to death of doctors, doctors' offices, and medical bills. So sick of them that I haven't gone back to my doctor for my ears and sinuses. I'd rather suffer than walk in another facility.
And damn it all, I don't want to sleep in front of people. My neighbor just had a sleep study done and he was watched while he slept. I cannot do that. Period. I would never sleep. I mean I might fart, scratch something inappropriate or drool. The invasion of privacy is enough to set me off. My anxiety is high already.
The thought of actually feeling good and rested every day? Well, that sounds wonderful. I'm tired of being sick and tired, but I don't want to wear something on my head every night. I don't want to be tested. I'm just going to be in a pissy mood over this.
I know, I should be happy. But I'm not. I'm kicking and screaming at the moment. And I've said every dirty word I know many times today. And that's a lot of words. Well, at least in my mind. Well, I said a few out loud when Thomas was outside. And I said a few when he was in my presence.
Shit. There, I said it. I'm human.
Tantrum over. Will call Monday morning first thing and make yet another flipping doctor appointment.
Okay, tantrum really over -- for the moment.
Why? Well, I have good news -- neurologically I'm fine, fit as a fiddle. My doctor says that he's not concerned about my weird eye thing, and to chalk it up to just that, weird. He was rather cute and said, "That's okay, I'm weird too."
BUT then he says to me that he would guess I snore, a lot, and loudly. Mm-hmm. He examined my throat and said I have soft palate issues. He said I had five red flags on my medical history to indicate I have sleep apnea. He is writing a letter to my doctor so that we can get a sleep study underway. He's certain I have it. And he thinks I have it bad.
&*(%^*^% Why does this anger me? Because I don't want to have to use one of those &@#$!ing machines. I have issues getting comfortable as it is. I sleep on my stomach. Always. I cannot sleep in any other position. You can't change 43 years' worth of stomach sleeping like that.
I also am sick to death of doctors, doctors' offices, and medical bills. So sick of them that I haven't gone back to my doctor for my ears and sinuses. I'd rather suffer than walk in another facility.
And damn it all, I don't want to sleep in front of people. My neighbor just had a sleep study done and he was watched while he slept. I cannot do that. Period. I would never sleep. I mean I might fart, scratch something inappropriate or drool. The invasion of privacy is enough to set me off. My anxiety is high already.
The thought of actually feeling good and rested every day? Well, that sounds wonderful. I'm tired of being sick and tired, but I don't want to wear something on my head every night. I don't want to be tested. I'm just going to be in a pissy mood over this.
I know, I should be happy. But I'm not. I'm kicking and screaming at the moment. And I've said every dirty word I know many times today. And that's a lot of words. Well, at least in my mind. Well, I said a few out loud when Thomas was outside. And I said a few when he was in my presence.
Shit. There, I said it. I'm human.
Tantrum over. Will call Monday morning first thing and make yet another flipping doctor appointment.
Okay, tantrum really over -- for the moment.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
2 am Whining Again
It's 2 am and I'm awake. Wide awake.
I woke up this morning feeling very ill -- extremely toxic is how I felt. I just felt as if my system was full of bad things. I won't get into descriptive detail, but I was sick the whole day. Today, the couch was my friend.
Didn't get the kitchen done.
Didn't get anything done.
Tesla was sick and threw up in his crate this morning.
He had the runs tonight. Bob called the vet tonight and he told us to give him Kaopectate. Bob ran to the store and took care of the dog. All the while, I was on the couch. Sick.
Lying there tonight, I just kept thinking about my dad and how I miss him. I also kept thinking how this year has just sucked.
Friday I go to a neurologist appointment for this funky thing I have going on with my eye. If I lie down to watch TV, when I get up my vision is so blurred I can't see to read. I can't see numbers on the clock. It's just in one eye. It's been going on for years, and finally someone took me seriously when I mentioned it. I really don't feel like going to the appointment, though, because...
I'm sick of doctors. I'm sick of hospitals. I'm sick of medical bills stacked high on my pile. I'm sick my ear infections. I'm sick of sinusitis. I'm sick of feeling like sh*t. I'm sick of my town. I'm sick of my house. I'm sick of my neighbors. I'm sick of my clothes. I'm just sick. UGH
whine, whine, whine
If I could just start to feel decent, life would be so much easier. I want to take Thomas swimming at the lake. I can't because of these stupid ear infections. Well, I could, but I hate lying around on a beach -- I'd rather be in the water. And in all honesty, I haven't had the strength to go to the beach. Or the grocery store. Or anywhere.
I still have to order my school books. I'm still undecided on what to do about English. This year needs to focus on writing, but we still need grammar work, too.
I'm sick of searching, I'm sick of decision making. I want a magic wand so I can wave the wand and fix everything.
I'm going to drink some more water and go back to bed.
I woke up this morning feeling very ill -- extremely toxic is how I felt. I just felt as if my system was full of bad things. I won't get into descriptive detail, but I was sick the whole day. Today, the couch was my friend.
Didn't get the kitchen done.
Didn't get anything done.
Tesla was sick and threw up in his crate this morning.
He had the runs tonight. Bob called the vet tonight and he told us to give him Kaopectate. Bob ran to the store and took care of the dog. All the while, I was on the couch. Sick.
Lying there tonight, I just kept thinking about my dad and how I miss him. I also kept thinking how this year has just sucked.
Friday I go to a neurologist appointment for this funky thing I have going on with my eye. If I lie down to watch TV, when I get up my vision is so blurred I can't see to read. I can't see numbers on the clock. It's just in one eye. It's been going on for years, and finally someone took me seriously when I mentioned it. I really don't feel like going to the appointment, though, because...
I'm sick of doctors. I'm sick of hospitals. I'm sick of medical bills stacked high on my pile. I'm sick my ear infections. I'm sick of sinusitis. I'm sick of feeling like sh*t. I'm sick of my town. I'm sick of my house. I'm sick of my neighbors. I'm sick of my clothes. I'm just sick. UGH
whine, whine, whine
If I could just start to feel decent, life would be so much easier. I want to take Thomas swimming at the lake. I can't because of these stupid ear infections. Well, I could, but I hate lying around on a beach -- I'd rather be in the water. And in all honesty, I haven't had the strength to go to the beach. Or the grocery store. Or anywhere.
I still have to order my school books. I'm still undecided on what to do about English. This year needs to focus on writing, but we still need grammar work, too.
I'm sick of searching, I'm sick of decision making. I want a magic wand so I can wave the wand and fix everything.
I'm going to drink some more water and go back to bed.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Monday
Today started with a very slow start. Last night I started having excruciating pain in my sinuses -- burning, so I had to take a Vicodin. Took the pain away and gave me a horrible case of insomnia. I was awake until 3:30. This morning I felt like I was hung over -- something I haven't felt in 20 years or so. Ugh. I got up, took care of the puppies, and went back to bed. I got up at noon. Thomas stayed in bed that whole time, the little booger. I really hate the feeling of being doped up, but the pain has been very bad at times. Hopefully I'm on the mend now and can do without.
I had planned on starting my day early, as I was going to deep clean the kitchen. Well, by the time we ate, showered, and got started, it was 2. Of course we couldn't eat here, we went out for a hamburger. And then I decided to try a Starbucks coffee half caf. lol I was full of excuses.
We got started on the kitchen. I have cleared out, deep cleaned and re-organized five cupboards. I've vacuumed the floors, picked up the kitchen, run two loads through the dishwasher and picked up the living room.
We decided that we needed to go out for dinner, as Bob would be home very late. Well, that turned out to be a two-hour affair. We hit Subway and Thomas ran into his very good friend who moved away last year. They were in town visiting. Sooo, the boys sat down at a table together and so did the moms. We visited for two hours.
Where did the day go?
Luckily no pain tonight, so I'm planning on some great sleep. I decided to not take the levaquin. After reading things on the internet, then talking again with the pharmacist this weekend, I think it's very risky. I have a history of tendinitis, which the doctor did not ask me about. I have had cortisone injections because it's been so bad. One of the nasty side effects from the Levaquin is tendon rupture. Too risky for me. I still have the ear infections and the sinusitis, but it's getting much better. So, knock on wood, I'll wing it without meds.
I should finish re-organizing the kitchen tomorrow. Thomas has been a great help, running little errands for me. I then need to wash walls, curtains and scrub and treat the floors. Never a dull moment.
Thomas's standardized test finally came in the mail today. It was only a week late. Or was it two weeks late? We'll have to start that later this week. Yuck.
After the kitchen is completed, I plan to do the living room and then school room. The school room is so bad -- everything is stacked on the floor, so I can barely walk. Yuck. The effects of this stressful year are really hitting me now. But by golly, I'm going to have a clean house soon!
I had planned on starting my day early, as I was going to deep clean the kitchen. Well, by the time we ate, showered, and got started, it was 2. Of course we couldn't eat here, we went out for a hamburger. And then I decided to try a Starbucks coffee half caf. lol I was full of excuses.
We got started on the kitchen. I have cleared out, deep cleaned and re-organized five cupboards. I've vacuumed the floors, picked up the kitchen, run two loads through the dishwasher and picked up the living room.
We decided that we needed to go out for dinner, as Bob would be home very late. Well, that turned out to be a two-hour affair. We hit Subway and Thomas ran into his very good friend who moved away last year. They were in town visiting. Sooo, the boys sat down at a table together and so did the moms. We visited for two hours.
Where did the day go?
Luckily no pain tonight, so I'm planning on some great sleep. I decided to not take the levaquin. After reading things on the internet, then talking again with the pharmacist this weekend, I think it's very risky. I have a history of tendinitis, which the doctor did not ask me about. I have had cortisone injections because it's been so bad. One of the nasty side effects from the Levaquin is tendon rupture. Too risky for me. I still have the ear infections and the sinusitis, but it's getting much better. So, knock on wood, I'll wing it without meds.
I should finish re-organizing the kitchen tomorrow. Thomas has been a great help, running little errands for me. I then need to wash walls, curtains and scrub and treat the floors. Never a dull moment.
Thomas's standardized test finally came in the mail today. It was only a week late. Or was it two weeks late? We'll have to start that later this week. Yuck.
After the kitchen is completed, I plan to do the living room and then school room. The school room is so bad -- everything is stacked on the floor, so I can barely walk. Yuck. The effects of this stressful year are really hitting me now. But by golly, I'm going to have a clean house soon!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Seventh Grade Reading List
After lots of searching to match T's interests and my desires, this is the foundation book list for the upcoming year. Some were on last year's list and we didn't get to them. Lots more varitey this year than in the past.
Catherine Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
The Face on the Milk Carton
Animal Farm
Swiss Family Robinson: Johann Wyss
Shiloh: Phyllis Reynold’s Naylor
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry: Mildred Taylor
The Incredible Journey: Sheila Burnford
Johnny Tremain: Esther Forbes
The Fox and the Hound
Julie of the Wolves: Jean Craighead George
Heidi: Johanna Spyri
Gentle Ben Walt Morey
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
David Copperfield: Charles Dickens
The Diary of Anne Frank
Little Britches
Flowers of Algernon
Summer of my German Soldier
A Wrinkle in Time
Anne of Green Gables
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Dragonwings
The Hobbit
The Cay
Phantom Tollbooth
Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes
White Fang
The Outsiders
Holes
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
A Day No Pigs Would Die
The Odyssey
Al Capone Does My Shirts
The Chocolate War
All Creatures Great and Small
Catherine Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
The Face on the Milk Carton
Animal Farm
Swiss Family Robinson: Johann Wyss
Shiloh: Phyllis Reynold’s Naylor
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry: Mildred Taylor
The Incredible Journey: Sheila Burnford
Johnny Tremain: Esther Forbes
The Fox and the Hound
Julie of the Wolves: Jean Craighead George
Heidi: Johanna Spyri
Gentle Ben Walt Morey
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
David Copperfield: Charles Dickens
The Diary of Anne Frank
Little Britches
Flowers of Algernon
Summer of my German Soldier
A Wrinkle in Time
Anne of Green Gables
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Dragonwings
The Hobbit
The Cay
Phantom Tollbooth
Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes
White Fang
The Outsiders
Holes
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
A Day No Pigs Would Die
The Odyssey
Al Capone Does My Shirts
The Chocolate War
All Creatures Great and Small
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Meg's Meme
Meg didn't tag me officially, but I thought I'd play.
Accent: None. I talk just like they do on the evening news.
Well, I do say "eh" a lot now that we've moved to Minnesota, doncha-know. (I don't really say doncha-know, though.)
Breakfast or no breakfast: Breakfast, but even though I'm overweight, I forget to eat.
Chore I don’t care for: Paying bills.
Dog or Cat: Two dogs, two cats. One cat is 14 years old and about ready -- the other is very sickly. When they're gone, there will be no more cats.
Essential Electronics: Computer. Can't live without -- well can't live happily without.
Favorite Cologne: Opium or Chloe for me, Polo for him. Polo makes me melt, but my husband refuses to wear it. His loss. ;-)
Gold or Silver: Gold.
Handbag I carry most often: This spring it's been a tacky vinyl mini-suitcase I bought in Colorado because my leather purse was too small. Now that I'm home for good, I'll switch back to my leather purse. I like to spend a lot of money on a good, neutral purse that will last a year or two. I'm about due for a new one.
Insomnia: Very frequently. Can we say Ambien?
Job Title: Domestic engineer. Homemaker, home educator, computer addict.
Kids: One great son.
Living Arrangements: Small three-bedroom, single family home in the middle of nowhere Minnesota. Shared with husband, son, two dogs, two cats and lots of dust bunnies.
Most Admirable Trait: My husband says loyalty.
Naughtiest Childhood Behavior: This is tough because I really was a good kid. Really. Perhaps it was the time I burned down the kitchen curtains when I was home alone. (Thankfully they were above the kitchen sink so I used the spray hose to out the fire. I was holding a candle to the window playing Laura Ingalls Wilder.) Or, perhaps it was the time I flooded our basement that had just been re-done with brand-new carpeting. I was watering the flowers, my friend came to play, I threw the hose down and left it on. It landed in the window well.
But really, I was a really good kid. Honest. Really.
Overnight hospital stays:
March 2008: Panic Attack--still paying that sucker off.
1995: C-section with Thomas
1993: fibroid removal, four nights of pure pain
1982: Tonsils
1970: Dislocated arm
June 27, 1965: My birth.
Phobias: Driving in a big city on interstates. Something happening to Thomas. Bridges. Medical "things" happening to loved ones.
Quote: sh*t. I say that way too often. Jesus, Mary and Joseph--I picked that phrase up from the judge I worked for.
Reason to smile: Thomas, Bob, Apollo and Tesla, kitties, being home. There's no place like home.
Siblings: Oh, this is a good one. I have one brother and two sisters. In November, when my father's estate is settled, I will only have one sister. I will probably never blog about that, but my brother is a horse's hind end and my sister is out of her mind. He wants nothing to do with me and hasn't for years, which is fine. She is just downright scary with the things she's done to me over the years. So life is short, and I'll be free.
Gee, I feel nasty, but if you knew the circumstances, it would be clear I'm not. I'll still pray for them. (Yes, I do pray, even though I don't care what other people do.)
Time I wake up: Whenever. I usually sleep eight hours. 7:30 or 8 usually.
Unusual Talent or Skill: My husband says organization. If you could see my house at the moment, you'd laugh. I'm skilled at being me, how's that.
On second thought, organization is a skill. In groups and organizations, I'm the one that puts things together because I do it well.
Vegetable I Refuse to Eat: Broccoli. Anything cruciferous.
Worst Habit: Smoking.
X-rays: Had a chest X-ray a week ago. I have had a few in my time, can't remember them all.
Yummy Stuff: chocolate, pasta, milk -- nothing good for me. Vicodin -- ha.
Zoo Animal I Like Most: Monkey. I wanted a pet monkey when I was a kid. I didn't get it. Second would be penguins. I love to watch penguins.
Tag: I am going to tag a few people.
Doc, because I'd like to know if she has a phobia (except to idiots), what veggies she doesn't like, and her naughtiest childhood behavior.
Audrey, if she has time to play
Summer Fae
And anyone else who wants to play.
Accent: None. I talk just like they do on the evening news.
Well, I do say "eh" a lot now that we've moved to Minnesota, doncha-know. (I don't really say doncha-know, though.)
Breakfast or no breakfast: Breakfast, but even though I'm overweight, I forget to eat.
Chore I don’t care for: Paying bills.
Dog or Cat: Two dogs, two cats. One cat is 14 years old and about ready -- the other is very sickly. When they're gone, there will be no more cats.
Essential Electronics: Computer. Can't live without -- well can't live happily without.
Favorite Cologne: Opium or Chloe for me, Polo for him. Polo makes me melt, but my husband refuses to wear it. His loss. ;-)
Gold or Silver: Gold.
Handbag I carry most often: This spring it's been a tacky vinyl mini-suitcase I bought in Colorado because my leather purse was too small. Now that I'm home for good, I'll switch back to my leather purse. I like to spend a lot of money on a good, neutral purse that will last a year or two. I'm about due for a new one.
Insomnia: Very frequently. Can we say Ambien?
Job Title: Domestic engineer. Homemaker, home educator, computer addict.
Kids: One great son.
Living Arrangements: Small three-bedroom, single family home in the middle of nowhere Minnesota. Shared with husband, son, two dogs, two cats and lots of dust bunnies.
Most Admirable Trait: My husband says loyalty.
Naughtiest Childhood Behavior: This is tough because I really was a good kid. Really. Perhaps it was the time I burned down the kitchen curtains when I was home alone. (Thankfully they were above the kitchen sink so I used the spray hose to out the fire. I was holding a candle to the window playing Laura Ingalls Wilder.) Or, perhaps it was the time I flooded our basement that had just been re-done with brand-new carpeting. I was watering the flowers, my friend came to play, I threw the hose down and left it on. It landed in the window well.
But really, I was a really good kid. Honest. Really.
Overnight hospital stays:
March 2008: Panic Attack--still paying that sucker off.
1995: C-section with Thomas
1993: fibroid removal, four nights of pure pain
1982: Tonsils
1970: Dislocated arm
June 27, 1965: My birth.
Phobias: Driving in a big city on interstates. Something happening to Thomas. Bridges. Medical "things" happening to loved ones.
Quote: sh*t. I say that way too often. Jesus, Mary and Joseph--I picked that phrase up from the judge I worked for.
Reason to smile: Thomas, Bob, Apollo and Tesla, kitties, being home. There's no place like home.
Siblings: Oh, this is a good one. I have one brother and two sisters. In November, when my father's estate is settled, I will only have one sister. I will probably never blog about that, but my brother is a horse's hind end and my sister is out of her mind. He wants nothing to do with me and hasn't for years, which is fine. She is just downright scary with the things she's done to me over the years. So life is short, and I'll be free.
Gee, I feel nasty, but if you knew the circumstances, it would be clear I'm not. I'll still pray for them. (Yes, I do pray, even though I don't care what other people do.)
Time I wake up: Whenever. I usually sleep eight hours. 7:30 or 8 usually.
Unusual Talent or Skill: My husband says organization. If you could see my house at the moment, you'd laugh. I'm skilled at being me, how's that.
On second thought, organization is a skill. In groups and organizations, I'm the one that puts things together because I do it well.
Vegetable I Refuse to Eat: Broccoli. Anything cruciferous.
Worst Habit: Smoking.
X-rays: Had a chest X-ray a week ago. I have had a few in my time, can't remember them all.
Yummy Stuff: chocolate, pasta, milk -- nothing good for me. Vicodin -- ha.
Zoo Animal I Like Most: Monkey. I wanted a pet monkey when I was a kid. I didn't get it. Second would be penguins. I love to watch penguins.
Tag: I am going to tag a few people.
Doc, because I'd like to know if she has a phobia (except to idiots), what veggies she doesn't like, and her naughtiest childhood behavior.
Audrey, if she has time to play
Summer Fae
And anyone else who wants to play.
I've done it now...
I have called the camp, asked a million questions -- some the director couldn't even answer. She had to call the camp and ask them. I've registered Thomas and paid for the camp. We've got a doctor appointment set up for their health form. I've even printed out the google map so we can get there.
Gulp. Baby's going to camp.
Actually, I see this as a wonderful opportunity for Thomas. I'm glad that spur of the moment google spree ended up in something that should be a lot of fun. I see this as a great growth opportunity for Thomas (and me, too).
It's been such a hard year for him and hopefully this will be a great reliever of all the stress he's been under. He's psyched because they have a wonderful climbing wall, a challenge course that looks scary but loads of fun, swimming, horses, yada yada yada. He gets to choose five things, and he'll have three classes a day in those five things. He's also interested in canoeing, which actually surprised me.
This is a YMCA camp. Before I googled, I didn't know they existed. I always thought summer camp was cost prohibitive and something you had to sign up for way in advance. We were lucky to get in, but the cost was under $400. Not bad at all.
I think I may be teary when we drive off, but only in the sense that it's just another milestone in his growing up. I know he'll have fun. And what am I going to do the week he's away?
CLEAN HIS ROOM. ha ha ha ha ha I'm an evil mother.
He'll be three hours away. In Wisconsin. I'm okay with that. (Now. Ask me in August!)
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.
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