When Bob was home for lunch today, I told him I had started planning next year. I told him I needed him to sit down with me and map out what we wanted to accomplish. We then got to talking about high school and that we should have a good, but general, idea of what we want to do 9th - 12th grade so we know what we should cover in 7th and 8th.
Oh my. I haven't even thought about the high school years yet. I don't want to think about the high school years yet. I don't want my baby to be starting 7th grade, turning into a teenager so soon, either. Can't stop time, though, so I guess I'd best start.
Meg, Carole, and Doc, I may be snooping around your blogs. If you see some crazy stats on your site meters from Minnesota, relax, it's just me.
I think I'll start googling, too. Perhaps I'll pull out my Rebecca Rupp Homeschooling Year by Year book. I don't know if I've ever looked at her high school section. And I also have The Well Trained Mind I can look at.
Sheesh, I don't think I'm ready to think that far ahead. BUT wise old Bob and I figure it's probably a good idea to know where we're going.
Yuck!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Bribes
Bribes -- never thought before I had a child I would use them. In fact, I thought it was a sign of bad parrenting.
Not any more. We started playing the bribes game early on. It works!
My latest guilty bribe has to do with school. See, I ordered Christian Light Education's Sunrise (or whatever the heck it's called) math for Thomas. Instead of ordering the 6th grade, I ordered 5th. Now Thomas isn't behind on math, he scores years ahead on computation and post high school on concepts on his standardized tests every year, BUT he hasn't had any exposure to algebra and very little to geometry. I was looking around at the yahoo group's photos, and they incorporate both things in the 5th grade program.
So, most of it will be review -- gravy. There will be ne concepts learned, and I'm happy with that. Now here comes the bribe. After we get it, and have worked it for a bit, I will be ordering the 600 series for THE SUMMER. I don't want Thomas getting behind on the other skills and concepts.
Bob and I broke the news to Thomas at lunch today. He was not a happy camper. He pitched a fit. He was not happy. Uffta. (When in Minnesota, talk like the Minnesotans. lol)
Thomas made a very valid point. His summers are precious to him. He enjoys the freedom of no school. SO DO I. I probably enjoy it more than he does, truth be told. Bob said that if he did this work for us, with a good attitude, we'd get him something. Something big.
Bob was talking Wii -- I told him that's too big. I came up with the perfect solution while reading the Well Trained Mind boardsd tonight: A cell phone. I ran that by Thomas and he was thrilled. He's been asking for one for a long time. All his friends have them. (eye roll) They do, but they're also in public school and going every where after school and the parents use the cell phones to keep track of where their kids are. Thomas just wants one.
So I'll buy him a Trac Phone, get a big plan for him, and we'll call it a day.
I can handle an hour of school every day this summer, right? I can do it.
The thing is -- what do I get for doing math every day this summer? Anything special for me? ha ha ha ha ha
Not any more. We started playing the bribes game early on. It works!
My latest guilty bribe has to do with school. See, I ordered Christian Light Education's Sunrise (or whatever the heck it's called) math for Thomas. Instead of ordering the 6th grade, I ordered 5th. Now Thomas isn't behind on math, he scores years ahead on computation and post high school on concepts on his standardized tests every year, BUT he hasn't had any exposure to algebra and very little to geometry. I was looking around at the yahoo group's photos, and they incorporate both things in the 5th grade program.
So, most of it will be review -- gravy. There will be ne concepts learned, and I'm happy with that. Now here comes the bribe. After we get it, and have worked it for a bit, I will be ordering the 600 series for THE SUMMER. I don't want Thomas getting behind on the other skills and concepts.
Bob and I broke the news to Thomas at lunch today. He was not a happy camper. He pitched a fit. He was not happy. Uffta. (When in Minnesota, talk like the Minnesotans. lol)
Thomas made a very valid point. His summers are precious to him. He enjoys the freedom of no school. SO DO I. I probably enjoy it more than he does, truth be told. Bob said that if he did this work for us, with a good attitude, we'd get him something. Something big.
Bob was talking Wii -- I told him that's too big. I came up with the perfect solution while reading the Well Trained Mind boardsd tonight: A cell phone. I ran that by Thomas and he was thrilled. He's been asking for one for a long time. All his friends have them. (eye roll) They do, but they're also in public school and going every where after school and the parents use the cell phones to keep track of where their kids are. Thomas just wants one.
So I'll buy him a Trac Phone, get a big plan for him, and we'll call it a day.
I can handle an hour of school every day this summer, right? I can do it.
The thing is -- what do I get for doing math every day this summer? Anything special for me? ha ha ha ha ha
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
brrr
Took the puppies potty a few minutes ago.
They went out the door, stayed for one second, and raced back in. I physically picked them up and put them out. Each of them. Twice. They wouldn't stay out.
The wind is blowing, it's snowing, it's a wet snow, and the current temp is -15 and our wind-chill is -43. -43. #$#@&*(
Tomorrow is supposed to be nasty cold, too. I think on Thursay, I am going to go buy a lottery ticket. I think I'll buy one for every lottery. If I ever win, I'm moving somewhere warm.
Who said there was no such thing as a cold day in hell?
They went out the door, stayed for one second, and raced back in. I physically picked them up and put them out. Each of them. Twice. They wouldn't stay out.
The wind is blowing, it's snowing, it's a wet snow, and the current temp is -15 and our wind-chill is -43. -43. #$#@&*(
Tomorrow is supposed to be nasty cold, too. I think on Thursay, I am going to go buy a lottery ticket. I think I'll buy one for every lottery. If I ever win, I'm moving somewhere warm.
Who said there was no such thing as a cold day in hell?
Monday, February 18, 2008
Back and Forth
We've had lots of back an forths lately:
Back and forth travel for Bob. We're about done with that, though. Whew.
Back and forth with the weather. It's average temperature, then it's waaay below average, then it's average again. Currently, it's 0 with a wind-chill of -21. I'd take our average of 20s in the daytime, PLEASE. Hopefully by the end of the week we'll make the swing. Life is so much better when we are in the average range of temps. 20 may not seem warm, but believe me, compared to -20, it is balmy!
Back and forth with illnesses. Thomas is still coughing away, and yesterday I awoke to greet a lovely sore throat, coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, or just icky nose, aches and pains and slight fever. Had it today. I'm sure it will be here tomorrow. Back and forth between who is sick. Thomas and I just keep taking turns. It's too cold to air the house out. Ick.
Frankly, I'd rather be sick at home than being sick out of town. January 6th, the day we got Tesla, the day I was throwing up and more all over Rochester, Minnesota. Yup. I'll quit complaining about being sick, because I'm HOME. What a world of difference that makes.
Back and forth with math. Gosh, our entire homeschool career math has been an issue. Thomas hates math with a capital H. Cannot stand it. I used to like math, but with the stress of all these years building up with Thomas' hate, UGH. First we did Singapore, which was not a good fit for either of us. Then we did Rod and Staff. I loved it, Thomas hated, hated, triple-dog-dare -- no wait, that doesn't apply to hate -- detested it. In between we've done a little of Lial's Basic College Math, Key To Fractions and Decimals, and Painless Fractions. We're about to finish the Key to Fractions and one have book of Key to Decimals.
I am sick of not having a set math curricula. I need something in workbook format. Thomas cannot copy problems from a book. With the Rod and Staff, that I loved, I broke the spine, tore the book apart, three-hole punched it, and put it in a notebook. Thomas wrote directly in the student text. That worked well most of the time. He really doesn't want to do Rod and Staff.
So I've been searching again. There are a few workbook format choices out there, but I think I will purchase Christian Light Education, CLE for short. Lots more algebra than Rod and Staff. The only samples I could find were at their yahoo group, Christian Light Families. Based solely on a few sample pages, plus the index, I think it might work. It's not too expensive, so I can return or re-sell it if it doesn't work out.
Time will tell. No more back and forth with math, that's my biggest desire.
No more back and forth with anything. I am sick of the pendulum. I want to stay put for awhile. I want everyone home, healthy and happy. Is it possible???
~~~~~~~~~
One more back and forth. Today, Thomas said to me, "Mom, would you please log out of my Webkinz account so I can play? We go back and forth on who is logged in. I am in love with Webkinz. I like to play Tile Towers (Tai Pei game.) I like to play go fish. I like their arcade games. I like their word games. Gee, isn't it geared for YOUNG kids? Maybe I'm just young at heart, but I really enjoy the games there. So Thomas has decided I need a Webkinz of my own. I think he's right. I just have to figure out which critter I want. They don't have a border collie -- well, they didn't last time I checked. The only down side is I make Thomas a lot of Kinzcash. Oh well, he'll have to earn it on his own.
This mom rates Webkinz as A+ for safety. I don't even worry about Thomas there because the only way to chat with others is by picking phrases from a screen. No typing on your own. So, nice and safe.
Back and forth. Sounds like a hypnotist trying to dull me to death. Sadly, I think it's working!
Back and forth travel for Bob. We're about done with that, though. Whew.
Back and forth with the weather. It's average temperature, then it's waaay below average, then it's average again. Currently, it's 0 with a wind-chill of -21. I'd take our average of 20s in the daytime, PLEASE. Hopefully by the end of the week we'll make the swing. Life is so much better when we are in the average range of temps. 20 may not seem warm, but believe me, compared to -20, it is balmy!
Back and forth with illnesses. Thomas is still coughing away, and yesterday I awoke to greet a lovely sore throat, coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, or just icky nose, aches and pains and slight fever. Had it today. I'm sure it will be here tomorrow. Back and forth between who is sick. Thomas and I just keep taking turns. It's too cold to air the house out. Ick.
Frankly, I'd rather be sick at home than being sick out of town. January 6th, the day we got Tesla, the day I was throwing up and more all over Rochester, Minnesota. Yup. I'll quit complaining about being sick, because I'm HOME. What a world of difference that makes.
Back and forth with math. Gosh, our entire homeschool career math has been an issue. Thomas hates math with a capital H. Cannot stand it. I used to like math, but with the stress of all these years building up with Thomas' hate, UGH. First we did Singapore, which was not a good fit for either of us. Then we did Rod and Staff. I loved it, Thomas hated, hated, triple-dog-dare -- no wait, that doesn't apply to hate -- detested it. In between we've done a little of Lial's Basic College Math, Key To Fractions and Decimals, and Painless Fractions. We're about to finish the Key to Fractions and one have book of Key to Decimals.
I am sick of not having a set math curricula. I need something in workbook format. Thomas cannot copy problems from a book. With the Rod and Staff, that I loved, I broke the spine, tore the book apart, three-hole punched it, and put it in a notebook. Thomas wrote directly in the student text. That worked well most of the time. He really doesn't want to do Rod and Staff.
So I've been searching again. There are a few workbook format choices out there, but I think I will purchase Christian Light Education, CLE for short. Lots more algebra than Rod and Staff. The only samples I could find were at their yahoo group, Christian Light Families. Based solely on a few sample pages, plus the index, I think it might work. It's not too expensive, so I can return or re-sell it if it doesn't work out.
Time will tell. No more back and forth with math, that's my biggest desire.
No more back and forth with anything. I am sick of the pendulum. I want to stay put for awhile. I want everyone home, healthy and happy. Is it possible???
~~~~~~~~~
One more back and forth. Today, Thomas said to me, "Mom, would you please log out of my Webkinz account so I can play? We go back and forth on who is logged in. I am in love with Webkinz. I like to play Tile Towers (Tai Pei game.) I like to play go fish. I like their arcade games. I like their word games. Gee, isn't it geared for YOUNG kids? Maybe I'm just young at heart, but I really enjoy the games there. So Thomas has decided I need a Webkinz of my own. I think he's right. I just have to figure out which critter I want. They don't have a border collie -- well, they didn't last time I checked. The only down side is I make Thomas a lot of Kinzcash. Oh well, he'll have to earn it on his own.
This mom rates Webkinz as A+ for safety. I don't even worry about Thomas there because the only way to chat with others is by picking phrases from a screen. No typing on your own. So, nice and safe.
Back and forth. Sounds like a hypnotist trying to dull me to death. Sadly, I think it's working!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day
We did absolutely nothing to celebrate this year. Normally I buy a gift for Thomas and make a cake or cupcakes or something. Today was just not the day to bake, celebrate or think twice about VD. (My mom always used to say happy VD, so in rememberance of her, I call it VD sometimes.)
Thomas woke up so cranky that he squeaked. Oh my! I forced him to feed and potty his pups and then I forced him back to bed. The later wasn't too difficult. He went back to bed at 8:30 and did not get up until 12:30. He slept hard.
Bob surprised me by coming home early. He opened the door at 9:30 and caught me still in my robe and on the internet, playing Webkinz' Tile Towers.
When Thomas awoke, he took a long shower. His sinuses are really bothering him. We ate lunch, loaded up the puppies, and headed for civilization, otherwise known as Mankato. Yes, the same civilization that Laura Ingalls Wilder used to head to.
Puppies had their final vet appointment and are now officially up to date on shots. Tesla was such a baby that the lovely vet -- and we really do love her -- called him a wuss. He actually cried when she gave him his shot! He's a mama's boy.
After that, we headed out for a quick Valentine's Day meal. We drove past Applebee's (I've never in my life eaten there and don't really have a desire to), some rib join that Bob wants to go to, and my all-time favorite Olive Garden. I drove into the Taco Bell parking lot. We feasted on burritos, tacos and nachos. Ever since our Taco Bell closed a few years ago, I just cannot help myself when I see one. I love their bean burritos.
Next, we drove to a furniture store. My kitchen chairs are falling apart, literally. We bought a cute dinette set 20 years ago and let's just say we've had the chairs five years too long. I took one chair out to the garage while Bob was gone recently because it broke. Bob got a surprise check Monday and announced that we were going to get new chairs with it. We checked our local furniture store, they had an okay set of chairs, but I wasn't in love with them. We thought we'd check civilization before buying those. Well, lo and behold, we found a lovely set, priced nicely, brown microfiber and oak. Bought them on the spot, loaded them in the van. They're still sitting in the van because it's cold and we're old and tired, so we'll bring them in tomorrow.
The addition of new chairs is going to do a lot to lift my spirits. I will take a photo of my old chairs and share it. They were disgusting.
To finish off our time in civilization, we went to our final puppy kindergarten class. They have built a new facility called The Paw that is fantastic. It has a huge swimming pool for the dogs, an underwater treadmill, huge training room, luxury boarding, outdoor play area -- you name it, all top of the line canine luxury! We had our last class in the facility tonight.
The problem is they're not done building it and so there was dust everywhere. We got down on the floor to play with the puppies and I was covered in dust. Disgustingly thick heavy, white dust. Halfway through the class, Thomas started crying. My big 12 year old. The dust was so bad, and he has such a bad cold and sinus issues, that he had trouble breathing. It was so cold he didn't want to go outside, so Bob took him out to the lobby and he blew and blew his nose. I think the tears helped, too. He came back, but was uncomfortable the rest of the class. As we were driving home, I was sneezing, Thomas was upset because his sinuses hurt, and we all just smelled of dust. The puppies were covered.
Thomas showered immediately when we got home. He's breathing better now. Puppies got brushed, we all changed clothes. I am feeling a need to wash all our coats tomorrow, it was that bad.
It was a lovely day, although we didn't really celebrate St. Valentine's Day. I really think that it's fun to celebrate in a small way holidays like today, but love should be year round.
Not one school book was opened today. We're getting a little behind, but Thomas is sick and it cannot be helped. I have already informed him that we'll probably have to do school into the summer, longer than we ever have before. He got upset at first and then his eyes lit up. He has an idea: flex school. That is a post for another day, but I think we're going to come up with a fun plan.
Thomas woke up so cranky that he squeaked. Oh my! I forced him to feed and potty his pups and then I forced him back to bed. The later wasn't too difficult. He went back to bed at 8:30 and did not get up until 12:30. He slept hard.
Bob surprised me by coming home early. He opened the door at 9:30 and caught me still in my robe and on the internet, playing Webkinz' Tile Towers.
When Thomas awoke, he took a long shower. His sinuses are really bothering him. We ate lunch, loaded up the puppies, and headed for civilization, otherwise known as Mankato. Yes, the same civilization that Laura Ingalls Wilder used to head to.
Puppies had their final vet appointment and are now officially up to date on shots. Tesla was such a baby that the lovely vet -- and we really do love her -- called him a wuss. He actually cried when she gave him his shot! He's a mama's boy.
After that, we headed out for a quick Valentine's Day meal. We drove past Applebee's (I've never in my life eaten there and don't really have a desire to), some rib join that Bob wants to go to, and my all-time favorite Olive Garden. I drove into the Taco Bell parking lot. We feasted on burritos, tacos and nachos. Ever since our Taco Bell closed a few years ago, I just cannot help myself when I see one. I love their bean burritos.
Next, we drove to a furniture store. My kitchen chairs are falling apart, literally. We bought a cute dinette set 20 years ago and let's just say we've had the chairs five years too long. I took one chair out to the garage while Bob was gone recently because it broke. Bob got a surprise check Monday and announced that we were going to get new chairs with it. We checked our local furniture store, they had an okay set of chairs, but I wasn't in love with them. We thought we'd check civilization before buying those. Well, lo and behold, we found a lovely set, priced nicely, brown microfiber and oak. Bought them on the spot, loaded them in the van. They're still sitting in the van because it's cold and we're old and tired, so we'll bring them in tomorrow.
The addition of new chairs is going to do a lot to lift my spirits. I will take a photo of my old chairs and share it. They were disgusting.
To finish off our time in civilization, we went to our final puppy kindergarten class. They have built a new facility called The Paw that is fantastic. It has a huge swimming pool for the dogs, an underwater treadmill, huge training room, luxury boarding, outdoor play area -- you name it, all top of the line canine luxury! We had our last class in the facility tonight.
The problem is they're not done building it and so there was dust everywhere. We got down on the floor to play with the puppies and I was covered in dust. Disgustingly thick heavy, white dust. Halfway through the class, Thomas started crying. My big 12 year old. The dust was so bad, and he has such a bad cold and sinus issues, that he had trouble breathing. It was so cold he didn't want to go outside, so Bob took him out to the lobby and he blew and blew his nose. I think the tears helped, too. He came back, but was uncomfortable the rest of the class. As we were driving home, I was sneezing, Thomas was upset because his sinuses hurt, and we all just smelled of dust. The puppies were covered.
Thomas showered immediately when we got home. He's breathing better now. Puppies got brushed, we all changed clothes. I am feeling a need to wash all our coats tomorrow, it was that bad.
It was a lovely day, although we didn't really celebrate St. Valentine's Day. I really think that it's fun to celebrate in a small way holidays like today, but love should be year round.
Not one school book was opened today. We're getting a little behind, but Thomas is sick and it cannot be helped. I have already informed him that we'll probably have to do school into the summer, longer than we ever have before. He got upset at first and then his eyes lit up. He has an idea: flex school. That is a post for another day, but I think we're going to come up with a fun plan.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Tantrum Time
I am stomping my feet, angry, ticked off, you name it.
Another BUG has hit our house again.
Thomas woke up this morning with a very sore throat. I gave him some Motrin, and we did school. He complained off and on all day.
This afternoon we went to Wal-mart, all three of us, and stocked up on groceries. He was complaining again that his throat hurt.
We get home, have dinner, and his throat still hurts, but he's fine.
And then, as he was getting ready for a treat of ice cream, because he thought that would make his throat feel better, it hit him. He walked by the trash can and just knew he couldn't make it any further. He didn't.
He's thrown up a few times tonight. He is not running a fever. His throat is red and sore still. What kind of virus is that?
I am so ready for spring, to be able to open the windows and get fresh air. I'd air the house out now, but it's -8 at the moment. Not going to work.
Thomas asked me if we had to do school tomorrow. Of course I am the type to baby my baby, so I would have said no. Instead, I told him to ask his principal. Bob told him it depended on how he felt. Thomas shook his head and said if he didn't feel too well, he'd like to read his life science text book all day. That's doable.
I am just mad because we've been sick forever! If it's not one thing, it's another. I shouldn't complain, because it's nothing *serious*, thankfully, but it's still a pain in the patooy.
So what else? Bob and I each have a sore throat. Hopefully our adult bodies will be able to better handle the virus, whatever it is.
Hrmph.
Another BUG has hit our house again.
Thomas woke up this morning with a very sore throat. I gave him some Motrin, and we did school. He complained off and on all day.
This afternoon we went to Wal-mart, all three of us, and stocked up on groceries. He was complaining again that his throat hurt.
We get home, have dinner, and his throat still hurts, but he's fine.
And then, as he was getting ready for a treat of ice cream, because he thought that would make his throat feel better, it hit him. He walked by the trash can and just knew he couldn't make it any further. He didn't.
He's thrown up a few times tonight. He is not running a fever. His throat is red and sore still. What kind of virus is that?
I am so ready for spring, to be able to open the windows and get fresh air. I'd air the house out now, but it's -8 at the moment. Not going to work.
Thomas asked me if we had to do school tomorrow. Of course I am the type to baby my baby, so I would have said no. Instead, I told him to ask his principal. Bob told him it depended on how he felt. Thomas shook his head and said if he didn't feel too well, he'd like to read his life science text book all day. That's doable.
I am just mad because we've been sick forever! If it's not one thing, it's another. I shouldn't complain, because it's nothing *serious*, thankfully, but it's still a pain in the patooy.
So what else? Bob and I each have a sore throat. Hopefully our adult bodies will be able to better handle the virus, whatever it is.
Hrmph.
Silly, Silly
This part isn't silly. I was reading blogs tonight, and Daryl at HE&OS mentioend that the South Dakota legislature killed a bill that would enable homeschoolers who scored at least a 24 on the ACT the eligibility to get a state college scholarship. BOOO
Now for the silly part.
When I moved to South Dakota, way back yonder in the 1980s, one of the secretaries talked about PEER a lot: going to PEER, getting PEER on the phone, sending stuff off to PEER. I thought she was talking about a person.
You see, in my 4th-grade geography studies, I was taught that the capital of South Dakota was Pierre. Pronounced PEE - YAIR.
Not so. The first time I mentioned PEE-YAIR everyone in the office when into hysterics laughing at me.
For those, like me, who didn't know: The capital of South Dakota is Pierre. Pronounced Peer. Or Pier. One syllable.
Trust me, I lived there for 11 years, and on rare occasion, I worked in Pierre. Shoot, I was even on the national news one time while walking into the Pierre courthouse. Of course they weren't filming me, they were filming the judge I rode with and was walking with, but hey, that was my claim to fame.
There, an interesting little tidbit for the day.
Now, if only Pierre would get their act together and recognize excellent homeschooled students.
Now for the silly part.
When I moved to South Dakota, way back yonder in the 1980s, one of the secretaries talked about PEER a lot: going to PEER, getting PEER on the phone, sending stuff off to PEER. I thought she was talking about a person.
You see, in my 4th-grade geography studies, I was taught that the capital of South Dakota was Pierre. Pronounced PEE - YAIR.
Not so. The first time I mentioned PEE-YAIR everyone in the office when into hysterics laughing at me.
For those, like me, who didn't know: The capital of South Dakota is Pierre. Pronounced Peer. Or Pier. One syllable.
Trust me, I lived there for 11 years, and on rare occasion, I worked in Pierre. Shoot, I was even on the national news one time while walking into the Pierre courthouse. Of course they weren't filming me, they were filming the judge I rode with and was walking with, but hey, that was my claim to fame.
There, an interesting little tidbit for the day.
Now, if only Pierre would get their act together and recognize excellent homeschooled students.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Friday, February 08, 2008
Airplanes
Thomas and I (and Apollo and Tesla) are eagerly awaiting Bob's arrival home today. It's been a long three weeks.
As I type, his airplane just crossed the Georgia/Tennessee border. How do I know this? I like to watch him fly. Whenever he is in the air, I go to Flight View's website, pop in his flight number and watch him.
Today I know that his flight is 46 minutes late already, so I will adjust my dinner preparations. Watching makes it kind of fun for Thomas and I.
Flight View Live opens in a separate screen, so I can surf (if we're not doing school, that is) and watch without refreshing all the time.
Kind of fun, kind of cool, and there's no truth to a watched pot never boils, because we can see progress. His plane is nearing Nashville, as I close.
As I type, his airplane just crossed the Georgia/Tennessee border. How do I know this? I like to watch him fly. Whenever he is in the air, I go to Flight View's website, pop in his flight number and watch him.
Today I know that his flight is 46 minutes late already, so I will adjust my dinner preparations. Watching makes it kind of fun for Thomas and I.
Flight View Live opens in a separate screen, so I can surf (if we're not doing school, that is) and watch without refreshing all the time.
Kind of fun, kind of cool, and there's no truth to a watched pot never boils, because we can see progress. His plane is nearing Nashville, as I close.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
2:30 am
I awoke. I'm sick. Again.
Sitting here sipping on a Sunkist pop, because we're out of Sierra Mist, trying to settle my tummy, I'm in deep thought.
I hate January. There, I said it. It's depressing. And cold. The only thing to look forward to is February, where the temps will rise, slightly.
I hate February. The temps are usually warmer, not below zero, but Mother Nature likes to laugh at us and slap us with some very cold days anyway. (And my heart goes out to those who experienced the bad storms and tornadoes -- Mother Nature is cruel!)
Since moving to Minnesota a decade ago, I have developed a seasonal depression. It hits in January and February. I have severe cabin fever. I'm tired, I'm cranky, I'm depressed -- mildly -- and just crawling out of my skin.
Today was a bad day. We only got about half of the stuff on our school list done. Watership Down was on TV again and Thomas requested that he be allowed to watch, so I over-enthusiastically agreed. Why? So I could sleep on the couch. And sleep I did. Then I awoke, grumpy, mad at the world.
Part of my problem this February is I am sick to death of my husband being out of town. He was gone in November. He was gone two weeks in December. He was gone a week in January, home a week, and then gone again. This time he's been gone three weeks. Three L~O~N~G weeks.
It's hard being a single parent. It's hard not having a moment to myself. It's hard when there are two puppies in the house.
Anyway, after Watership Down was over, Thomas quickly figured out I wasn't getting off the couch any time soon, so he turned it to Oprah and curled up with a book. Oprah actually got me out of my funk a little because the topic was The Secret which I have long believed in before the book came out. I watched the show with interest, got up and took a hot shower, then prepared supper.
I don't know how to overcome the winter blues. I've tried full-spectrum lights. I've tried getting outdoors more. I've half-heartedly attempted exercise. Nothing works except for spring to arrive. I do know that I get in bad moods and my thoughts get very negative very quickly. So at least I can control that.
So here I sit. January 6 I was sicker "than a dog" in Rochester, Minnesota. I was sick that entire week. Thomas got sick not long after, then I got sick again. We both seemed to be on the mend, now here I am sick again.
I think my body is rebelling. I think I need rest. I think tomorrow is supposed to be a day where we snuggle on the couch and read great books and have great discussions.
Friday Bob comes home. I know I'll feel better when he's back. After 18 1/2 years of marriage, I find I miss him more when he's gone now than I did even a few years ago. He's my rock. Even though it's always an adjustment when he gets home.
I'd go back to bed, but I know I can't sleep. So I'll continue to sip my Sunkist, wishing it were a Sierra Mist, and feeling glad that the Imodium is kicking in.
Calgon, take me away.
Sitting here sipping on a Sunkist pop, because we're out of Sierra Mist, trying to settle my tummy, I'm in deep thought.
I hate January. There, I said it. It's depressing. And cold. The only thing to look forward to is February, where the temps will rise, slightly.
I hate February. The temps are usually warmer, not below zero, but Mother Nature likes to laugh at us and slap us with some very cold days anyway. (And my heart goes out to those who experienced the bad storms and tornadoes -- Mother Nature is cruel!)
Since moving to Minnesota a decade ago, I have developed a seasonal depression. It hits in January and February. I have severe cabin fever. I'm tired, I'm cranky, I'm depressed -- mildly -- and just crawling out of my skin.
Today was a bad day. We only got about half of the stuff on our school list done. Watership Down was on TV again and Thomas requested that he be allowed to watch, so I over-enthusiastically agreed. Why? So I could sleep on the couch. And sleep I did. Then I awoke, grumpy, mad at the world.
Part of my problem this February is I am sick to death of my husband being out of town. He was gone in November. He was gone two weeks in December. He was gone a week in January, home a week, and then gone again. This time he's been gone three weeks. Three L~O~N~G weeks.
It's hard being a single parent. It's hard not having a moment to myself. It's hard when there are two puppies in the house.
Anyway, after Watership Down was over, Thomas quickly figured out I wasn't getting off the couch any time soon, so he turned it to Oprah and curled up with a book. Oprah actually got me out of my funk a little because the topic was The Secret which I have long believed in before the book came out. I watched the show with interest, got up and took a hot shower, then prepared supper.
I don't know how to overcome the winter blues. I've tried full-spectrum lights. I've tried getting outdoors more. I've half-heartedly attempted exercise. Nothing works except for spring to arrive. I do know that I get in bad moods and my thoughts get very negative very quickly. So at least I can control that.
So here I sit. January 6 I was sicker "than a dog" in Rochester, Minnesota. I was sick that entire week. Thomas got sick not long after, then I got sick again. We both seemed to be on the mend, now here I am sick again.
I think my body is rebelling. I think I need rest. I think tomorrow is supposed to be a day where we snuggle on the couch and read great books and have great discussions.
Friday Bob comes home. I know I'll feel better when he's back. After 18 1/2 years of marriage, I find I miss him more when he's gone now than I did even a few years ago. He's my rock. Even though it's always an adjustment when he gets home.
I'd go back to bed, but I know I can't sleep. So I'll continue to sip my Sunkist, wishing it were a Sierra Mist, and feeling glad that the Imodium is kicking in.
Calgon, take me away.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Frugal Friday
Well, I blew it again -- it's now Saturday.
I'm clueless what to post about frugality at the moment.
This week Thomas and I ate out twice: Once at Taco Bell in Civilization, a town an hour from us where we take puppy classes. Tonight we ate at McDonald's. Taco Bell was $8, McDonald's was $11. So there's a 20 shot. However, I did only spend $60 on groceries this week, so that's much less than normal.
I also spent some money on school this week. I bought two used text books. We're going to stop studying history for awhile and start a unit on civics. It's a good time with the election and all. I find it easier to use a text as a spine and then supplement. I bought two identical texts, because they were $6 each and it included shipping. I prefer it when we read together and then talk -- I can see what Thomas is reading. I don't typically buy two texts for social studies, though.
This week I called the bank where we have our car loan. I had it set up so it automatically comes out of our bank account. For the entire time we've had our car loan, they have only sent us a year-end tax form. I wanted to check to see when it would be paid off. I knew it would be this spring. I was correct, it will be paid in full in April. Woo-hoo to that!
That's it. I am completely uninspired to talk money, think money, or save money at the moment. Sadly, I'm never uninspired to spend it, though. However, I have a new motto: When in doubt, do without. That works for me.
I'm clueless what to post about frugality at the moment.
This week Thomas and I ate out twice: Once at Taco Bell in Civilization, a town an hour from us where we take puppy classes. Tonight we ate at McDonald's. Taco Bell was $8, McDonald's was $11. So there's a 20 shot. However, I did only spend $60 on groceries this week, so that's much less than normal.
I also spent some money on school this week. I bought two used text books. We're going to stop studying history for awhile and start a unit on civics. It's a good time with the election and all. I find it easier to use a text as a spine and then supplement. I bought two identical texts, because they were $6 each and it included shipping. I prefer it when we read together and then talk -- I can see what Thomas is reading. I don't typically buy two texts for social studies, though.
This week I called the bank where we have our car loan. I had it set up so it automatically comes out of our bank account. For the entire time we've had our car loan, they have only sent us a year-end tax form. I wanted to check to see when it would be paid off. I knew it would be this spring. I was correct, it will be paid in full in April. Woo-hoo to that!
That's it. I am completely uninspired to talk money, think money, or save money at the moment. Sadly, I'm never uninspired to spend it, though. However, I have a new motto: When in doubt, do without. That works for me.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Bump in the Night
I heard a bump, thud or noise. It woke me from my deep sleep. I have no idea what it was, but highly suspect it was a cat. Of course now I can't sleep.
So, thought I'd share a funny a very good friend sent me today. It made me laugh!
GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING
DO NOT SWALLOW BUBBLE GUM!!
So, thought I'd share a funny a very good friend sent me today. It made me laugh!
GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING
DO NOT SWALLOW BUBBLE GUM!!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
DUH
I had a light-bulb moment today.
I've blogged several times how I felt this year was uninspired, dull or just not as wonderful as years gone by. I felt it was due to our dog's illness and death, I was wrong. I now understand WHY.
It's because I'm not nearly as involved. Yes, I'm very involved, but Thomas has made that leap this year from needing me to sit by his side while he does his work to working independently.
What took me so long to figure it out???
When we started our homeschool adventure, which was Thomas' third grade year, he had concentration issues. I had to sit by his side year after year. "Focus, stay on task, don't lose track of where you are" were all common words spewing from my mouth. Now? He gets his assignment, asks any questions, and goes off to do his work.
This is a GOOD thing. I don't know why I didn't figure it out sooner.
My babe is growing up -- at his own pace.
I've blogged several times how I felt this year was uninspired, dull or just not as wonderful as years gone by. I felt it was due to our dog's illness and death, I was wrong. I now understand WHY.
It's because I'm not nearly as involved. Yes, I'm very involved, but Thomas has made that leap this year from needing me to sit by his side while he does his work to working independently.
What took me so long to figure it out???
When we started our homeschool adventure, which was Thomas' third grade year, he had concentration issues. I had to sit by his side year after year. "Focus, stay on task, don't lose track of where you are" were all common words spewing from my mouth. Now? He gets his assignment, asks any questions, and goes off to do his work.
This is a GOOD thing. I don't know why I didn't figure it out sooner.
My babe is growing up -- at his own pace.
Toot
I'm tooting my own horn this morning.
I was reading some blogs this morning and came across a link to a list of the Top 50 Homeschool Blogs by Christina Laun for www.collegedegree.com.
I like to read blogs, so I thought I'd check the list.
Let's just say that I had to clean my computer screen because I sprayed my coffee. I was number 41 on the list! It says, "In this blog you'll find links to tons of helpful homeschooling and educational resources to improve your homeschooling experience."
I haven't been doing much of that lately, so my apologies. It's been a rough year, what can I say.
That made my morning, though.
And yesterday, Audrey made my day. She awarded me an E for Excellent Blog Award.
Wow, I am honored.
I would like to pass this honor on to:
Elshevia at Ragamuffin Studies. Her blog is truly excellent, and I really admire Elshevia.
Carole at Mt. Pleasant Academy. An inspiring homeschool blog. Carole has given me many ideas for our journey and has become a great friend.
Tammy at HS Comments on the Fly. She keeps me up to date on what's going on in the homeschool world.
I look at my bloglines subscriptions, and I read so many blogs because I enjoy them all, so it's very difficult to single people out.
I'm feeling a bit inspired now. What a boost!
I was reading some blogs this morning and came across a link to a list of the Top 50 Homeschool Blogs by Christina Laun for www.collegedegree.com.
I like to read blogs, so I thought I'd check the list.
Let's just say that I had to clean my computer screen because I sprayed my coffee. I was number 41 on the list! It says, "In this blog you'll find links to tons of helpful homeschooling and educational resources to improve your homeschooling experience."
I haven't been doing much of that lately, so my apologies. It's been a rough year, what can I say.
That made my morning, though.
And yesterday, Audrey made my day. She awarded me an E for Excellent Blog Award.
Wow, I am honored.
I would like to pass this honor on to:
Elshevia at Ragamuffin Studies. Her blog is truly excellent, and I really admire Elshevia.
Carole at Mt. Pleasant Academy. An inspiring homeschool blog. Carole has given me many ideas for our journey and has become a great friend.
Tammy at HS Comments on the Fly. She keeps me up to date on what's going on in the homeschool world.
I look at my bloglines subscriptions, and I read so many blogs because I enjoy them all, so it's very difficult to single people out.
I'm feeling a bit inspired now. What a boost!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Scattered Thoughts
Thomas was sick all week. So no school at all was completed. While I was worrying about this, my best friend reminded me that had he been in public school, he would have missed the entire week, too. That put it into perspective, because now we can just take up where we left off, rather than going to school and having to catch up.
~~~~~
Last night I was looking on eBay at text books. I once thought texts were evil and shouldn't be used, except for math. Well, I've changed my mind. We are using a text book for science this year. I got it from eBay. Thomas has really enjoyed it, and we will read a section and then hit the Internet for further research and discovery.
I think I'm going to buy a Civics text book. Thomas has been asking tons of questions about elections, government, legal matters, etc. He has even, gasp, expressed his desire to become a trial lawyer when he grows up. (NOOOOOO!!! I was a court reporter for 11 years and that is NOT what I want for him, but it's his life and choice. Still, NOOOOOO! I'll say that here, but not to him.)
Maybe I should tell him about some of the most boring trials I have sat through -- one was four days long about ladders. Yes, I am an expert on ladders because of that. I guess those four days did help when we bought a ladder ourselves, because I knew what to get and what not to get.
~~~~~
I have learned I have a love/hate relationship with the month of January. January is so long, so cold and so miserable. We've had a nasty cold spell for quite a period of time. Yesterday it warmed up to a balmy 28 degrees and we were out of this house, at the park, and loving every minute of it. The puppies had a ball.
Love: It's only 31 days. Things settle after the holidays. We can get back into a routine.
Hate: Cold. 31 days of cold. Nasty cold. Ice. Snow. Cold. Brrrrr.
Triple Hate: I had been "green" by setting our thermostat at 67. The house was warm enough, we'd wear a sweater or sweatshirt if we were chilly. It was impossible to keep the house warm enough for our comfort levels during that nasty cold snap. I had to move the thermostat up to 72 which kept the house at 69 degrees. When it warmed up outside, I promptly moved it back to 67.
~~~~~
Puppies: Going well. We're completely in love with these critters. I only wish the cats were. We've started puppy classes, and they are very well behaved. Except when they escape, that is. The classes are in the store room at a Pet Smart type store. It's impossible to keep border collie puppies from jumping over the stacked bags of food and running free. Each class gets better, and I'm thankful they'll be moving the classes to a new facility in February.
At the classes, the instructor told me that she had never seen such independent and confident litter mates. I corrected her by telling her they weren't litter mates. She then corrected herself and said that she meant two puppies from the same home. She said that typically they will only play with each other and be fearful of other pups. She asked if we kept them separated, and I told her that we aim for 90%. SO...even though it's inadvisable to get two puppies at the same time, it is WORKING. We have confident, independent, happy and healthy puppies -- as judged by an expert trainer.
~~~~~
I have a desire to get back to the school room for school. Thomas is resisting. He likes the kitchen better. I don't because we have a small kitchen and now there are two huge dog crates. I feel like I'd have more space in our 9x9 school room. Plus, we can watch the birds at the feeder in the school room. Another plus is the school "mess" would be there rather than my kitchen.
~~~~
I forgot to post a Frugal Friday post. I'll sum up my Frugal week here: Food was cheap as Thomas was sick and didn't eat much. Bob and I ate mostly from the cupboards. We spent a total of $60 at the grocery store this week. We did eat out at Taco Bell on puppy class night as class is in a big town. I think the total was $9. Thomas only ate half his burrito, so I knew he was still sick. Taco Bell is cheap, though, so I enjoyed the "luxury" of that.
I did not spend one dime at the pet store where the puppy classes are held. That is a huge accomplishment for me. I had wanted to buy another large crate for our bedroom, as Tesla is going to outgrow his crate soon. I resisted. I'm still looking for used crates.
I have kept my checkbook up-to-date, which is unusual for me. I usually balance it once or twice a month. I've been aiming for weekly, and soon, daily.
~~~~
That's about it. After having a week off from school, I'm pumped up to start again. I wish Thomas were, but he'll go with the flow.
~~~~
That's it.
~~~~~
Last night I was looking on eBay at text books. I once thought texts were evil and shouldn't be used, except for math. Well, I've changed my mind. We are using a text book for science this year. I got it from eBay. Thomas has really enjoyed it, and we will read a section and then hit the Internet for further research and discovery.
I think I'm going to buy a Civics text book. Thomas has been asking tons of questions about elections, government, legal matters, etc. He has even, gasp, expressed his desire to become a trial lawyer when he grows up. (NOOOOOO!!! I was a court reporter for 11 years and that is NOT what I want for him, but it's his life and choice. Still, NOOOOOO! I'll say that here, but not to him.)
Maybe I should tell him about some of the most boring trials I have sat through -- one was four days long about ladders. Yes, I am an expert on ladders because of that. I guess those four days did help when we bought a ladder ourselves, because I knew what to get and what not to get.
~~~~~
I have learned I have a love/hate relationship with the month of January. January is so long, so cold and so miserable. We've had a nasty cold spell for quite a period of time. Yesterday it warmed up to a balmy 28 degrees and we were out of this house, at the park, and loving every minute of it. The puppies had a ball.
Love: It's only 31 days. Things settle after the holidays. We can get back into a routine.
Hate: Cold. 31 days of cold. Nasty cold. Ice. Snow. Cold. Brrrrr.
Triple Hate: I had been "green" by setting our thermostat at 67. The house was warm enough, we'd wear a sweater or sweatshirt if we were chilly. It was impossible to keep the house warm enough for our comfort levels during that nasty cold snap. I had to move the thermostat up to 72 which kept the house at 69 degrees. When it warmed up outside, I promptly moved it back to 67.
~~~~~
Puppies: Going well. We're completely in love with these critters. I only wish the cats were. We've started puppy classes, and they are very well behaved. Except when they escape, that is. The classes are in the store room at a Pet Smart type store. It's impossible to keep border collie puppies from jumping over the stacked bags of food and running free. Each class gets better, and I'm thankful they'll be moving the classes to a new facility in February.
At the classes, the instructor told me that she had never seen such independent and confident litter mates. I corrected her by telling her they weren't litter mates. She then corrected herself and said that she meant two puppies from the same home. She said that typically they will only play with each other and be fearful of other pups. She asked if we kept them separated, and I told her that we aim for 90%. SO...even though it's inadvisable to get two puppies at the same time, it is WORKING. We have confident, independent, happy and healthy puppies -- as judged by an expert trainer.
~~~~~
I have a desire to get back to the school room for school. Thomas is resisting. He likes the kitchen better. I don't because we have a small kitchen and now there are two huge dog crates. I feel like I'd have more space in our 9x9 school room. Plus, we can watch the birds at the feeder in the school room. Another plus is the school "mess" would be there rather than my kitchen.
~~~~
I forgot to post a Frugal Friday post. I'll sum up my Frugal week here: Food was cheap as Thomas was sick and didn't eat much. Bob and I ate mostly from the cupboards. We spent a total of $60 at the grocery store this week. We did eat out at Taco Bell on puppy class night as class is in a big town. I think the total was $9. Thomas only ate half his burrito, so I knew he was still sick. Taco Bell is cheap, though, so I enjoyed the "luxury" of that.
I did not spend one dime at the pet store where the puppy classes are held. That is a huge accomplishment for me. I had wanted to buy another large crate for our bedroom, as Tesla is going to outgrow his crate soon. I resisted. I'm still looking for used crates.
I have kept my checkbook up-to-date, which is unusual for me. I usually balance it once or twice a month. I've been aiming for weekly, and soon, daily.
~~~~
That's about it. After having a week off from school, I'm pumped up to start again. I wish Thomas were, but he'll go with the flow.
~~~~
That's it.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
How Sad
I enjoy reading the silly TMZ and Perez websites just for "fluff" and to take my mind off things.
I was so extremely saddened to read about Heath Ledger's death this afternoon at TMZ, though. I almost felt as if I had been punched in the stomach.
He was one of my favorite actors. I actually thought he was older than he was, I was surprised to learn he was only 28. What a tragedy.
I'll be anxious to learn the true cause of death. I take Ambien, but I only take one. There's lots of rumors floating around.
One of my favorite movies is The Patriot, which is where I first saw Heath. Of course I love Brokeback Mountain, too. That movie just captured the feel of growing up in Wyoming -- even though it was filmed in Canada. The big open skies, the big open spaces. Of course the story was sad and touching, too.
Sigh.
On another note, Thomas is still feeling icky and still has a fever. He just took an ibuprofen and settled in for the night. I'm feeling better, as the cramps are letting up. Now I just hope that I don't get what he's got. I've got my fingers crossed.
I was so extremely saddened to read about Heath Ledger's death this afternoon at TMZ, though. I almost felt as if I had been punched in the stomach.
He was one of my favorite actors. I actually thought he was older than he was, I was surprised to learn he was only 28. What a tragedy.
I'll be anxious to learn the true cause of death. I take Ambien, but I only take one. There's lots of rumors floating around.
One of my favorite movies is The Patriot, which is where I first saw Heath. Of course I love Brokeback Mountain, too. That movie just captured the feel of growing up in Wyoming -- even though it was filmed in Canada. The big open skies, the big open spaces. Of course the story was sad and touching, too.
Sigh.
On another note, Thomas is still feeling icky and still has a fever. He just took an ibuprofen and settled in for the night. I'm feeling better, as the cramps are letting up. Now I just hope that I don't get what he's got. I've got my fingers crossed.
UGH
We had a holiday yesterday. We loosely follow the local school district's schedule, and they take Martin Luther King day off, so we followed suit. Last night we ran to Kmart for some cleaning supplies and then to Subway for dinner. I had wanted to get to a grocery store, but we were both tired and so we didn't.
Now I regret that.
This morning Thomas woke me up. I heard him crying in his sleep. When I got up to check on him, he woke up and told me he had a nasty headache, his nose was stuffed and also dripping down his throat, and he had a fever. It's 100. So I gave him some Ibuprofen and he climbed into my bed -- what is it about my bed that makes all things better? -- and fell fast asleep.
That left me to care for the puppies all by myself. Wah. I took them potty, fed them breakfast, and chased after them as all hell broke loose and they went wild, running through the house. I know Thomas is sick because they both jumped on the bed and tried to give him morning kisses and he wanted no part of it. That's not normal for him!
I put Apollo in the ex-pen upstairs, Tesla in the ex-pen downstais, gave them both a stuffed Kong and some toys, and got a moment to myself. The first thing I did was to take some Ibuprofen. I have raging cramps, plus my throat is sore, and I fear I'll get what Thomas has.
Today we were supposed to get back into school, and I was also going to review our work and look ahead to the final two quarters of the school year. Last Friday was officially the end of the first semester of school.
I really need to sit down with my planning book and revamp school. This year we have got a lot done, but it wasn't the way I like to do school. We were depressed as Jerry Lee got sick right after school started, and so the whole September-December was the year of the dog: Nursing a dying dog, looking at puppy litters, getting the new puppies, etc. School got done, but not with the zest, the fun, the adventure that we've had in years past. Well, not that years past were a blast, but they were much less depressing that this year.
So today I'll be wishing both Thomas and I had an I.V. Motrin drip. It will be a chaotic day, because I will be bouncing around like Tigger, going from one project to another. The house needs cleaned -- it's picked up, except for the kitchen, but it really needs cleaned. I need to get going on my school plans. I need to train puppies. I need to go shovel the snow at the end of the driveway that the snow plow just buried us with. I need to potty puppies. I need to check on my son. I need to start the taxes. I need to unload the dishwasher and reload it. I need to potty the puppies again. I need to finish laundry. I need to go to the grocery store.
Thomas is a very responsible boy, we're a good team. I will miss his help today. I hope he's able to get rested and feel better, though.
Now I regret that.
This morning Thomas woke me up. I heard him crying in his sleep. When I got up to check on him, he woke up and told me he had a nasty headache, his nose was stuffed and also dripping down his throat, and he had a fever. It's 100. So I gave him some Ibuprofen and he climbed into my bed -- what is it about my bed that makes all things better? -- and fell fast asleep.
That left me to care for the puppies all by myself. Wah. I took them potty, fed them breakfast, and chased after them as all hell broke loose and they went wild, running through the house. I know Thomas is sick because they both jumped on the bed and tried to give him morning kisses and he wanted no part of it. That's not normal for him!
I put Apollo in the ex-pen upstairs, Tesla in the ex-pen downstais, gave them both a stuffed Kong and some toys, and got a moment to myself. The first thing I did was to take some Ibuprofen. I have raging cramps, plus my throat is sore, and I fear I'll get what Thomas has.
Today we were supposed to get back into school, and I was also going to review our work and look ahead to the final two quarters of the school year. Last Friday was officially the end of the first semester of school.
I really need to sit down with my planning book and revamp school. This year we have got a lot done, but it wasn't the way I like to do school. We were depressed as Jerry Lee got sick right after school started, and so the whole September-December was the year of the dog: Nursing a dying dog, looking at puppy litters, getting the new puppies, etc. School got done, but not with the zest, the fun, the adventure that we've had in years past. Well, not that years past were a blast, but they were much less depressing that this year.
So today I'll be wishing both Thomas and I had an I.V. Motrin drip. It will be a chaotic day, because I will be bouncing around like Tigger, going from one project to another. The house needs cleaned -- it's picked up, except for the kitchen, but it really needs cleaned. I need to get going on my school plans. I need to train puppies. I need to go shovel the snow at the end of the driveway that the snow plow just buried us with. I need to potty puppies. I need to check on my son. I need to start the taxes. I need to unload the dishwasher and reload it. I need to potty the puppies again. I need to finish laundry. I need to go to the grocery store.
Thomas is a very responsible boy, we're a good team. I will miss his help today. I hope he's able to get rested and feel better, though.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Meg Thinks I'll Do This
It's another meme, and Meg thinks I'll do it. So I will.
Two names you go by: Mom and Frankie.
Two things you are wearing right now: A cream-colored sweatshirt with a pastel blue snowflake and pajama pants.
Two of your favorite things to do: Be with Bob and Thomas and surf the net. Or ride trains. Or go on vacation. Do I have to choose two?
Two things you want very badly: To be debt-free and happiness, health and success for Thomas.
Two favorite pets you have had/have: This is impossible to answer. I love all my dogs and cats, past and present. There's no way I can choose. I will list two least-favorite pets: The hamsters that we had and the hermit crabs that we had. ICK to both. What a mother won't do for her child, though.
Two people you think will fill this out: No one! Someone, surprise me!
Two things you ate today: Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich (leftovers, yum!) and a bowl of vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup.
Two people you last talked to today: Ginny and Bob -- does Bob count? Actually if we're being technical, it would be Thomas and Bob.
Two things you’re doing tomorrow: Cleaning the house, going to Kmart for laundry detergent.
Two longest car rides: Denver to Indiana with my dad, my sister, her two kids and Thomas. It was fun, but long. Second longest drive was across Kansas. Kansas is very flat. Beautiful, but flat. (I would move there in a heartbeat, it was a long drive with just me and Thomas, though.)
Two favorite holidays: Christmas. Hmm. Does Spring Break count as a holiday? Birthdays? Hmmm...I'd say 4th of July, I guess. Christmas is my holiday.
Two favorite beverages: Diet Pepsi and Chocolate Milk
Two names you go by: Mom and Frankie.
Two things you are wearing right now: A cream-colored sweatshirt with a pastel blue snowflake and pajama pants.
Two of your favorite things to do: Be with Bob and Thomas and surf the net. Or ride trains. Or go on vacation. Do I have to choose two?
Two things you want very badly: To be debt-free and happiness, health and success for Thomas.
Two favorite pets you have had/have: This is impossible to answer. I love all my dogs and cats, past and present. There's no way I can choose. I will list two least-favorite pets: The hamsters that we had and the hermit crabs that we had. ICK to both. What a mother won't do for her child, though.
Two people you think will fill this out: No one! Someone, surprise me!
Two things you ate today: Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich (leftovers, yum!) and a bowl of vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup.
Two people you last talked to today: Ginny and Bob -- does Bob count? Actually if we're being technical, it would be Thomas and Bob.
Two things you’re doing tomorrow: Cleaning the house, going to Kmart for laundry detergent.
Two longest car rides: Denver to Indiana with my dad, my sister, her two kids and Thomas. It was fun, but long. Second longest drive was across Kansas. Kansas is very flat. Beautiful, but flat. (I would move there in a heartbeat, it was a long drive with just me and Thomas, though.)
Two favorite holidays: Christmas. Hmm. Does Spring Break count as a holiday? Birthdays? Hmmm...I'd say 4th of July, I guess. Christmas is my holiday.
Two favorite beverages: Diet Pepsi and Chocolate Milk
Friday, January 18, 2008
Frugal Friday
Cheap Prescription Glasses
Sometime eons ago, last April to be exact, my eye glasses broke. Bob and I went to the eye doctor, got new prescriptions, and paid over $500 for new glasses. I bought glasses and prescription sunglasses. The sunglasses I got dirt cheap, that is for a brick and mortar store, as the frames were only $19.99 on sale. I think I ended up paying around $85 for the sunglasses.
I hated my regular glasses with a passion. I returned them. Even though my glasses were broken, I was very proud that I marched back into Shopko and got my money back. I kept the sunglasses.
Sam, at A Desk Full of Clutter, had commented about Zenni Optical when I blogged about my glasses and the search for a cheaper pair. He had read about someone who was happy with their glasses from them.
I went to Zenni Optical, looked around, was shocked that they had frames starting at $8 a pair, and quickly made a selection. The frames I chose were $29.90. Well, that is the total for the glasses I chose, I'm not quite sure if my wonky prescription bumped the price up or not.
The customer service was fantastic. Within a day of my order, Zenni emailed me asking for verification of the prescription. My left eye is really bad but my right eye is really good. They questioned that I put the prescription in correctly before they made the glasses. I scanned the prescription and emailed it to them.
Within less than a week, my new glasses arrived. I LOVED THEM. I love them to this day! This is one of my all-time favorite pair of glasses -- ever. They fit fantastic. They're much more stylish than I would have normally bought.
They arrived with a nice case and cleaning cloth, too.
I will never buy glasses in a brick and mortar store again. My total bill, with shipping from Zenni, was $34.85.
The only down side I can see to this is that you don't get them custom fit to your head. I really don't see that as a down side for me at all, though. These glasses fit great.
I highly recommend Zenni Optical! I will always buy from them. It is nice to know that I'll be able to pick up a pair of glasses, and much-needed prescription sunglasses from them for under $100.
That was my best money-saving adventure of last year.
Sometime eons ago, last April to be exact, my eye glasses broke. Bob and I went to the eye doctor, got new prescriptions, and paid over $500 for new glasses. I bought glasses and prescription sunglasses. The sunglasses I got dirt cheap, that is for a brick and mortar store, as the frames were only $19.99 on sale. I think I ended up paying around $85 for the sunglasses.
I hated my regular glasses with a passion. I returned them. Even though my glasses were broken, I was very proud that I marched back into Shopko and got my money back. I kept the sunglasses.
Sam, at A Desk Full of Clutter, had commented about Zenni Optical when I blogged about my glasses and the search for a cheaper pair. He had read about someone who was happy with their glasses from them.
I went to Zenni Optical, looked around, was shocked that they had frames starting at $8 a pair, and quickly made a selection. The frames I chose were $29.90. Well, that is the total for the glasses I chose, I'm not quite sure if my wonky prescription bumped the price up or not.
The customer service was fantastic. Within a day of my order, Zenni emailed me asking for verification of the prescription. My left eye is really bad but my right eye is really good. They questioned that I put the prescription in correctly before they made the glasses. I scanned the prescription and emailed it to them.
Within less than a week, my new glasses arrived. I LOVED THEM. I love them to this day! This is one of my all-time favorite pair of glasses -- ever. They fit fantastic. They're much more stylish than I would have normally bought.
They arrived with a nice case and cleaning cloth, too.
I will never buy glasses in a brick and mortar store again. My total bill, with shipping from Zenni, was $34.85.
The only down side I can see to this is that you don't get them custom fit to your head. I really don't see that as a down side for me at all, though. These glasses fit great.
I highly recommend Zenni Optical! I will always buy from them. It is nice to know that I'll be able to pick up a pair of glasses, and much-needed prescription sunglasses from them for under $100.
That was my best money-saving adventure of last year.
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