The Coffee Table

Monthly update

2011-07-29T13:17:00.003-04:00

I haven't blogged since June, but I think I need to.

My cat, Moustache, died last Sunday. It was almost as bad as losing a child. I miss him every day. I keep thinking I hear him or will see him jump up on the bed. He was the best cat I ever had.

All is well with the kids. Joseph is in Santa Fe, New Mexico, doing an internship at the Santa Fe Opera House. Rachael is home for the summer and working. Daniel is almost through with physical therapy for his knee, working out (as he can) with the football team, and hanging out with his girlfriend. Aaron is doing lots of 11 year old stuff.

I hope all is well with all of you.

Jodi

For the puppy monster

2011-06-21T15:41:00.001-04:00

It was 4 years ago today, that a man in New York who I've never met, lost his son in a drowning accident.

This is for that cute little boy and his dad.

J.

AllFreeCrochet.com contest!

2011-04-27T18:32:00.001-04:00

The Boye Crochet Master Giveaway

The Boye Crochet Master
Gifted by Simplicity
Reviewed by Christine Weiher, Editor of AllFreeCrochet

The Boye Crochet Master is great to have for on-the-go projects. In this carrying case from Simplicity you will find 16 steel crochet hooks and 8 aluminum crochet hooks to be used for free crochet patterns.

Read the full Product Review.

Win this Boye Crochet Master!

We are giving one Boye Crochet Master to one lucky winner. Enter with the form BELOW. In addition:

1. If you blog about this giveaway at your blog, we’ll give you an extra entry. Contact us and include a link to the blog post.

2. If you tweet or Facebook about this giveaway, you’ll get an extra entry. Again, contact us and include a link to the tweet.

3. If you add a link to us on your blogroll or website, we’ll give you an extra entry. Again, contact us!

Contest ends May 11, 2011. You can enter once daily, so return often to improve your chances of winning!

I've Got an Itch to Stitch!

2011-04-10T19:45:00.008-04:00

Do you want to hear something weird? I thought I had my "mid life crisis" when I got divorced (which was only 2 years from my 40 birthday). I was wrong: I had it this spring when my son Joseph turned 21. All of a sudden, it was like "OMG, what have I done with the last 20 years? Wasn't he a baby just the other day?".

I started accumulating a mental list of things I had always wanted to do. Many of them I can't do yet....like travel to Europe. But 2 or 3 things hit me, and they were simple ones. Like learn to crochet.

This past week was spring break for me. My good friend Sayre suggested to me that I could teach myself to crochet using YouTube videos. I was skeptical but I did a search and found this one: How to Crochet for the Absolute Beginner. THIS is me!

So, using the video I learned how to chain and single crochet. My first practice piece was supposed to be a dish cloth, but I wasn't counting right, or making the turns from row to row right, so very quickly my rectangle-shaped project was becoming a triangle. After about 5 rows, I started over. The blue piece represents my first completed project. But you see it still has somewhat diagonal sides.

I did the exact same project again, this time in pink. You see that I FINALLY got the corners right. Then I used the video to learn how to make circles. I don't have any projects in mind for something with circles, I just wanted to see if I could do it.

My latest project is a placemat. This required a lighter yarn, which is a little harder for me, and again I failed to count and turn properly. So the sides are coming out uneven and crooked. But I love the colors and the texture. I have decided to finish this off and use it as a decoration or doilie, then start over and do the placemats correctly. I would love to make a set of neat, even placemats for my table.

Anyway, I now have about 8 skeins of yarn waiting for me for different projects. I really like doing it and find that it is serving another good purpose: keeping me away from Farmville! LOL!

Hope you all had a great week!

J.

Catching up.....

2011-03-30T13:17:00.002-04:00

Hi, my name is HoosierGirl and I have become a Facebook addict.

Yes, I am spending WAY too much time on Facebook, and subsequently Farmville and Cityville. I REALLY love those games. I know it's silly, but I do.

But I want to get back to blogging. I love to write. And I have so much I want to say.

So, here's what's up in my life:

Joseph turned 21. I had a hard time with that. How can he be 21 when I don't feel like *I* am much over 30? He's doing so well, I just miss my little boy. This is a picture of him on his bday.

Rachael is doing well in school. She came home for spring break (Joseph went to Atlanta to visit his S.O) and it was so great to have her around.

Daniel tore his ACL in his left knee and had to have knee surgery last week. This has been an all-consuming injury. He is doing well in his recovery, but it's slow. The first week was rough for all of us.

Aaron has his ups-and-downs. His grades are up. He can still be VERY difficult in the evenings when all his medicine has worn off. He started soccer this week.

Steven and I are doing well. We have had some really good weekends together. I miss him when he's gone. But all is well. I love him so much.

My work is mostly fine. I am looking into transferring schools. I just don't think I can work for my principal any more. I can't say more.

Hope all is well with all of you.
I will be back. Soon!

J.

Happy Birthday Joseph!

2011-03-23T22:22:00.002-04:00

Okay, I am officially old. Joseph is 21. My BABY! Ugh!

I am incredibly proud of him - he just accepted an internship for this summer with the Santa Fe Opera!

Happy Birthday to my firstborn! I love you!

Electrical Difficulties

2011-02-26T19:31:00.001-05:00

You see this picture?

My middle son has no idea what this is or how it's used. He leaves lights on all over the house, all the time.

It's driving me crazy!

J.

Happy Birthday Aaron!

2011-02-14T20:24:00.002-05:00

11 years ago, my life was changed forever when my youngest son was born: Aaron Alexander.

Happy 11th Birthday to the best Valentine's Day present I ever got!

J.

Robert Frost

2011-02-08T21:01:00.002-05:00

For some crazy reason, I have been thinking about poetry a lot lately, particularly Robert Frost. So here are 3 of my favorites of his:

Nothing Gold Can Stay

Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Have a good week!
J.

The Season of LUV!

2011-02-02T22:19:00.003-05:00

Welcome to February! Yes, I realize I'm a day late.

Valentine's Day is coming, which is also Aaron's 11th birthday.

Hope you're all doing well!

J.

Driving!

2011-01-21T18:39:00.002-05:00

Today was a good day at the Hoosier Girl household! We had yet another snow day, which was fine with me. So I scheduled an appointment to get my hair cut and colored at 10 (yes, I will NOT live with gray hair in my 40s!), then I FINALLY got Daniel over to the BMV to get his driver's license.

That's right: my THIRD driver. He's a pretty good driver, but it doesn't make it any easier on me.

It will definitely make MY life easier: Daniel can drive himself to school in the mornings now, and bring himself home from his many practices. It's just a little hard to let him grow up.

Have a good weekend,
J.

I Want Another Cat.

2011-01-19T20:25:00.003-05:00

I have been feeling the longing for another kitten. It started a few months ago. Then I saw this adorable kitten at Feeder's Supply named Gibson. He was grey and he had....well, personality. I put off looking into adopting him and someone else took him home.

Now I have the opportunity to choose a kitten from a vet, who neuters them and gives them their kitten shots. I kind of talked it over with Steven. He isn't in favor of it, but he didn't exactly say no either. And yes, I know it's my house and my choice, but it just isn't worth the hassle of going over his head on this. I want him to LIKE the new cat.

And of course, I want my current babies to be happy, especially Moustache. The last cat I attempted to take in had been a stray and was too used to foraging and fending for himself to share, and as a result made my Moustache very sick. I will NOT let that happen again. But I think I would be more careful and watchful this time.

So.....

I want a kitten. I'll let you know if I get one.

J.

Feeling old (er).

2011-01-15T13:31:00.007-05:00

In a month, Aaron will be 11. In 2 months, Joseph will be 21. Daniel is 16 and driving. He shaves and has a girlfriend. Rachael is 19. (sigh)

How did they all get this old? How did I get this old?

Yes, I know you're only as old as you feel and most days I feel like I'm mid-30's, which is a good place to be. But I can't ignore the fact that 2 of my children are living in the adult world (if you can call college that) and doing fine without my day-to-day support. It's just a little weird. It's a different kind of parenting and I'm sure eventually I'm going to be comfortable with it. But not yet.

Stay warm.
J.

PS. Daniel isn't in the top picture, so I threw in this one of him from a wrestling meet. He's the blonde. :)

Snow Day or no snow day? THAT is the question!

2011-01-12T21:01:00.005-05:00

Lately it's been a little weird in Kentuckiana. We have a superintendent of schools in Louisville who can't make up his mind if he's tough on cancelling due to snow and ice, or a softie. He used to be easy to predict: NO snow days ever. We just didn't have them. He didn't seem to care if the kids or the teachers or the bus drivers or anyone got killed on slick, icy roads. We just went to school all the time.

Then we had a bus accident and some kids were injured. Due to being on the roads on an icy day. So then he softened a little and we had the occasional snow day or 2-hour delay.

THIS YEAR, he has apparently lost his mind. One night he cancelled at 9 PM the night before. Unheard of!!!! He at least should have made everyone wait until 4 AM. That's the way it's supposed to work!!!

Monday we had fairly definite predictions of all day snow yesterday. So they called off school. Turned out to be the right move: it DID snow and ice all day. I doubt it would have ever been safe to have buses on the roads. It snows off-and-on all night and into the morning. We're all thinking a delay or maybe another cancellation. What does he do? Nothing. School as usual. On time. Wind chills in the single digits. Side roads ice covered. Yep, sounds like the perfect conditions to run about a million school buses. And what did we have today? Bus accidents.

Who knows what tomorrow will hold? Interestingly enough, the news was running stories of people complaining about school being cancelled Tuesday, and tonight people complaining about school NOT being cancelled today.

Ugh! I give up.
Maybe I'll be in school tomorrow, maybe I won't. Who knows?

J.

Out with the old, in with the new!

2011-01-09T17:14:00.004-05:00

2 years ago Steven got me an iPhone 2G for my birthday, just a month before AT&T unveiled the iPhone 3G. I have loved it from the very beginning. A few months later, we got Daniel and Rachael matching phones on a buy 1/get 1 free deal at Christmas, and they were content.

Somewhere along the way, Joseph got an iphone 3GS and Daniel got upgraded to a new iPhone on his 16th birthday in June. Rachael was REALLY due for one, so I took her to the AT&T store before driving her back to college on Friday to get a new one. The iPhone 3GS cost me $99 when I got one for Daniel, so I was prepared to do the same for Rachael. I had been wanting a new iPhone, but I figured I would have to wait a bit.

So imagine my happiness when we discovered that the iPhone 3GS had been reduced to only $49! There is already an iPhone 4 and my prediction is that this price drop is preceding an announcement of an improved iPhone 4. I don't care. The 3GS still does everything we need, isn't much different from an iPhone 4, and is MUCH improved from my iPhone 2G. Soooooo.....Rachael and I BOTH got new iPhone 3GSs and are very pleased.

Now we are a 4 iPhone family. The 3 older kids and I all have one. Steven doesn't want one. Aaron will not get a phone until at least junior high, but in the mean time, my old iPhone 2G deactivated, still plays all the games loaded on it. I'm keeping it in my purse as a "Mom, I'm bored" back up.

Happy New Year!!
J.

A Look Back.........

2011-01-04T20:34:00.001-05:00

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?

I taught Jr.High Math in summer school.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

No. My resolutions last year were to not miss church on Sundays at all, and to lose weight. I didn't accomplish either. And yes, I am thinking about some new ones for this year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Not really. Several women at work have had babies lately, and I've enjoyed that.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No, unless you count the dog.

5. What countries did you visit?

I have never been out of the country, but I hope to change that in 2011.

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

More money. More self-confidence. More self-discipline.

7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Feb.14 my youngest child moved into double digits. March 24 my oldest child left his teens and moved into his 20s. August 17 my beautiful daughter moved away to college. December 21 Steven proposed.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Teaching summer school.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not doing a damn thing to start exercising or lose weight.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Not really.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My sister's husband very used Honda Accord for only $1000!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Joseph held his first professional job and supported himself all summer. Rachael graduated from high school and made a very successful transition to college life. Daniel held his first real job and lettered in 3 sports, as well as setting 2 school records. Aaron finished a tough year better than he started it and made a very positive transition to a new school. My brother married an outstanding person. Steven made an outstanding effort to be a good father, both to his daughter and to my youngest son.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Several people I work with are really just power-hungry, small-minded gossips and bullies. The mother of one boy I became very attached to in summer school is one of the most pathetic excuses for a parent I've ever witnessed. A family member (who I won't name just in case) is not someone I like at all, and it depresses me that we're related.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Tuition, kids' stuff, kids. As usual.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

The possibility of new career avenues springing from my summer school adventures, and getting engaged.

16. What song will always remind you of 2010?

Anything by Straight No Chaser.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? Happier.
b) thinner or fatter? Sadly, I think I'm fatter.
c) richer or poorer? Should be richer.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Exercise.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Facebook.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

At home, with all 4 kids, my parents, and my siblings.

21. Did you fall in love in 2010?

Yes, with the same man I've been in love with for the last 3 years.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Criminal minds and Modern Family.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Yes. Someone I work with.

24. What was the best book you read?

The Stand by Stephen King.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Straight No Chaser.

26. What did you want and get?

Engaged.

27. What did you want and not get?

A new iPhone.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

Inception.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I went out to dinner with Steven. I was (gulp) 46.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Being more consistent with a budget and money.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

Relaxed.

32. What kept you sane?

I'm sane?

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

The young guy on Criminal Minds.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

Stupid "No Child Left Behind", test score-based pay for teachers, and any stupid politician who has never taught one day in a regular classroom who thinks he knows ALL about education.

35. Who did you miss?

I missed having a good female friend at school. I missed Rachael more than I can say when she left for college.

36. Who was the best new person you met?

One of the assistants from summer school.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.

You can not live your life trying to impress other people or live up to their expectations. Live up to your OWN expectations.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find love love love love

If doing this meme has shown me one thing, it's that I haven't done much to advance myself personally. I resolve to do better in 2011.

J.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T14:55:00.002-05:00

From all of us to all of you,
Have a great 2011!
J., S., and kids

100 years ago...

When the New Year 2011 rolls in it's fun to reflect on what important things happened and what changes have occurred in 2010 but its truly amazing when consider what it was like 100 years ago. Here are some interesting facts and U.S. Statistics for the Year 1910, just imagine 100 years ago...

The average life expectancy in the U.S. was 47 years old.

Only 14 percent of the homes in the U.S had a bathtub.

Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.

A three-minute call from Denver to New York City Cost $11.

There were only 8,000 cars in the U.S., and only 144 miles of paved roads

The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, and Tennessee were each more heavily populated than California; with a mere 1.4 million people, California was only the 21st most populous state in the Union.

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!

The average wage in the U.S. was 22 cents per hour.

The average U.S. Worker made between $200 and $400 per year.

A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year,
a dentist made $2,500 per year,
a veterinarian $1,500 per year,
and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.

More than 95 percent of all births in the U.S. took place at HOME.

Ninety percent of all U.S. Doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in thepress AND the government as "substandard."

Sugar cost four cents a pound.
Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.
Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.

Five leading causes of death in the U.S. were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars. Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska hadn't been admitted to the Union yet.

The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was only 30!!!!

Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn't been invented yet.

There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.

Two out of every 10 U.S. adults couldn't read or write.

Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.

Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health."

There were only about 230 reported Murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A.!

Merry Christmas (late) and Happy New Year (early)!

2010-12-27T16:01:00.002-05:00

Hello Bloggy People! How are things shaking out there in the world?

This isn't the greatest picture, but here are my kids. Joseph is 20, will be 21 in March. He is a junior at IU. Rachael is 19. She is a freshman at IU. Daniel is a sophomore in high school. He is 16 and will soon be getting his drivers license (yikes!). Aaron is 10 (will be 11 in February) and is in the 5th grade. I am incredibly proud of all of them.

I am still teaching special education in Louisville. I am very happily engaged to Steven (see post below) and we are planning to marry next Christmas.

I hope all of you had a great Christmas and have a wonderful new year!
Love,
J.

A Special Announcement!

2010-12-22T22:10:00.002-05:00

Steven has asked me to marry him and I have accepted. We are thinking next Christmas.

I am very happy!

J.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-27T15:24:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all the bloggy world!

We are doing well here, hope you are the same!

Love,
J.

Day Two

2010-11-14T16:35:00.002-05:00

Something I love about myself:

Honestly, this one is a little bit harder. I love my eyes. They are very blue. I love my love of reading. I love my way of befriending all the chubby and awkward kids at school. I love that I am generous. I love that, for the most part, I look at life in a positive way.

What do you love about YOU?

Have a good week.
J.

Day One

2010-11-11T19:56:00.002-05:00

I saw this on Sayre's blog and decided I want to do it, too. You don't have to do one every day but you DO have to do them in order. While it's entirely possible that no one reads this blog anymore since I have become such an inconsistent poster, please tell me if you decide to do it, too.

Day 01- Something you hate about yourself:
Oh wow, this one is easy. I hate that I have become so overweight. I hate that I procrastinate about lots of stuff. And I hate that I'm so terrible about staying organized with my money.

What do you hate about yourself?

J.

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.
Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.
Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-30T22:31:00.002-04:00

Trick or treat!
J.

Sunday stuff

2010-09-26T21:48:00.002-04:00

I am sorry I am such an irregular blogger. I am obsessed with Facebook, I admit it. I play 2 games on there: Farmville and Frontierville, I read everyone's updates, I comment on a bunch of them...it's crazy. I'M crazy.

School is stressing me out.

Aaron is doing much better in all areas. (see small football picture of Aaron. He's #63)

Daniel, Rachael, and Joseph are all doing fine. I miss Rachael like crazy.

Steven and I are doing great. It's almost 3 years since we met.

I hope all of you are well.

Hugs,
J.

New to ME!!

2010-09-16T21:36:00.003-04:00

My new (to me) Honda Accord special edition. 13 years old, 200,000 miles, in excellent condition. Sold to me by my awesome brother-in-law for only $1000. It has a leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood panel trim, a CD player, new tires, new brakes, AND.....the best part....a MOON ROOF! Can you see it?

It is amazing how much I love driving with the top open.

J.

Good News!

2010-09-08T21:32:00.004-04:00

Do you remember the very used 1995 Suburban that some good friends sold me last year for next to nothing?(I know this isn't the best picture of it but it was all I could find)

Well, a man driving down our street dinged the back left tail light and bumper (it was parked) a few weeks ago. I took it to one of Progressive Insurance's designated auto body repair shops today (his insurance) and they actually gave me a check for $1500! The whole dang vehicle isn't worth $1500! I was shocked!

So now I am going to buy my brother-in-law's used Honda Accord (with a MOON roof! Oh yeah!) for $1000 and give/sell the Suburban to Steven so he can have a vehicle of his own here in town.

I don't have any pictures of the Honda yet, but it's in very good condition for being 10 years old and gets MUCH better gas mileage than the Suburban. And the Suburban still gets to stay "in the family".

At last, something good to tell!

Crazy Train

2010-09-04T21:31:00.002-04:00

Things have been a little crazy lately. I mean, things are ALWAYS crazy, but more so in the last week.......

School is fine. I'm not loving it, but I'm not hating it either.

Rachael has adjusted well to college so far. She made "The Singing Hoosiers", IU's show choir. Joseph has been in it for the last 2 years - they will be in it together this year. (happy smile) Daniel is doing great in football, doing great in high school, and has a new, cute girlfriend.

Aaron, for the most part, is growing up, but he continues to have some struggles. He has anxiety over doing laps at football practice. He still has poor social skills. He DOES have a very patient and understanding teacher, and he is losing weight.

I am feeling stressed a lot lately. Steven is a good listener and a good supporter, but sometimes he is part of the stress. (sigh) I am very lucky to have him at my side.

I hope all is well with all of you out there in the blogosphere.
J.

She's leaving...

2010-08-24T22:37:00.001-04:00

My girl is leaving for college tomorrow.

J.

Big Week

2010-08-08T19:43:00.002-04:00

So.....school starts this week for the boys. Aaron, who was in our parish Catholic school grades K-3, then spent 4th grade year in our neighborhood public school, is going BACK to Catholic school on Wednesday, but a different school. This school is actually the grade school I attended, and my dad. It was used as a church school when my dad was a kid, then it was technically a public school when I went (although it was pretty much still Catholic), then it closed for awhile, then the parish reopened it about 10 years ago. The principal seems very nice, and very understanding of Aaron's issues. The teacher is young, but not too young, if you know what I mean. I am hopeful that things will go well.

Daniel starts his sophomore year. He has several advanced classes. I don't think he will have a problem juggling football and classes. I don't have to worry about him -he has lots of friends and works well with everyone.

It's going to be so weird with only the 2 boys here on a day-to-day basis. With both boys playing football, that's going to be a big part of daily life.

I have my first "teacher" day on Friday, and another one on Monday, then students start the following Tuesday.

It's a big week!
Have a good one,
J.

August

2010-08-02T11:00:00.003-04:00

Yep, it's here. August. The top of the big hill on the roller coaster. August 1 is the crest, and the rest of the month is the screaming, stomach-rolling ride down!

In my life these days:

Summer school just ended last Friday. This is my first Monday off since the end of June, and before that, the end of May. I have this week and most of the next to do everything I didn't get done this summer and pay at least one visit to my elementary classroom to set up.

Joseph (20) spent the summer in Bloomington, so he's the least of my worries right now. But he IS moving from his summer apartment to his fall rented house. Steven, my dad, and I will pay him a visit sometime this month to help move the furniture.

Rachael (18) is leaving for college at IU in Bloomington and we still have to finish acquiring all the "stuff". We are making progress on her room (aka: the pit) and she officially moves into her dorm August 25. No, I am not looking forward to it. She just finished starring in "Sweeney Todd" as Mrs. Lovett. She did an awesome job!!!

Daniel (16) starts his sophomore year on August 11. He started football conditioning in June but today starts the "2 a day" practices for a week. A little bragging moment here: the football team has 2 competitions to keep the guys motivated. The first is called "The Iron Man" and is all about weighlifting. They use age and weight to decide how much to lift to be an "iron man". Daniel was the only sophomore to make Iron Man and he set a sophomore record in deadlifting: 410 lbs. The second competition (not on the same day, a week later) is called the "1000 point try". The guys do all kinds of stations: chinups, jumprope, weights,pushups,etc., and the better you do at each station the more points you earn. The end station is the mile run - 100 points for finishing, more if you finish with a certain time. It is extremely rare for a sophomore to make the "1000 point club" but Daniel did with exactly 1000 points. He ran a 5:30 mile! My boy is doing do well! The coaches love him!!!

Aaron (10) is starting 5th grade at a different Catholic elementary school. Registration is this week. He started 5/6 grade football last week. Honestly the first practice didn't go too well, but he made it through. All the practices since have gone much better.

So, in the next 2 weeks, I have 2 different football practices daily, I have to get Rachael ready for school, finish up all the projects I started with good intentions in June, and get ready for my school to start. Yeah, no problem, right? (hee, hee)

Hope you all have had a great summer. If I can tear myself away from Farmville and Frontierville on Facebook (sorry, guilty pleasures!), I'll be back here more often.

Hugs to you all,
J.

ADDENDUM: Eek! I am a bad girlfriend! I forgot to mention Steven! (sheepish look on face). Probably because although he is a daily part of my life, he doesn't add work TO my life. In fact, the opposite is true. Things are going very well with Steven. He had to have some work done on his truck in early July so he was here with us for over a week. This past week he was here for several days. He gets along well with the boys. He's GREAT for Aaron. He and Rachael have a "working relationship", meaning they basically stay out of each other's way most of the time, but they're civil to each other. We will have been together 3 years in November! I'm happy, he's happy, it's all good. :)

A Place to Vent

2010-07-09T20:56:00.002-04:00

I have "friended" some of my former in-laws on Facebook, all people I know and at least like. I have also "friended" some of my nieces and nephews from his side of the family, all young people I genuinely love and care about, as well as one of my sons.

Therefore, I no longer feel comfortable venting about my ex-husband on Facebook. I referred to him as "the idiot" a couple of weeks or so ago, forgetting who all could see what I wrote, and my son and my niece gently chided me about it.

Soooooooooo, I am thankful for this blog.

Because, HERE, I can say:

A. He is an ass.
B. He hasn't got a freakin' clue about how to act like a decent human being.
C. I will continue to attempt to take the high road regardless of how stupid he acts.
D. I refuse to allow him to intimidate me.

AND....

E. If he isn't careful, with all the extra money I'm earning this summer, I will call my lawyer and kick his smarmy ass. Legally, of course.

Thank you for allowing me to vent.
Have a nice weekend.

J.

It's my birthday!

2010-07-02T20:26:00.003-04:00

Independence Day Graphics - Myspace 2.0 Layouts

Well, it WAS my birthday. Yesterday. I was.....um....(whispering)....46. No, I'm not hung up on age, but 46 IS closer to 50. God, help me.....50! I know I don't look my age, and I definitely don't FEEL my age, but that doesn't change the fact that I AM my age!

My birthday was great, from start to finish. Daniel (16 yr.old) made me scrambled eggs for breakfast and delivered them to me in bed. Rachael gave me a Starbucks gift card - she knows what I like! Aaron gave me new sunglasses and a DVD. And my parents gave me some money AND my mom baked me a fresh blueberry pie! Yum!

Through Facebook I have discovered a high school classmate of mine was born on the same day in the same hospital. We hardly knew each other in high school but we've gotten to know each other really well via Facebook and phone calls, so we decided to have a birthday lunch together. It was great! We are so alike, it's scary.

So, first there was the birthday lunch. Then I was treated (by a friend) to a facial, more specifically a glycolic peel. It was like a massage for my face. As I've gotten older, my skin color has become more uneven. I don't like to go out without makeup because I look so blotchy. But the beautician assured me that with 5 or 6 "peels" (one a month), I should be rid of the discoloration on my cheeks. I am definitely going back.

Then Steven arrived in town and Aaron, Steven, and I went out to dinner. My gift from Steven was my laptop, which I dearly love. The best gift was Steven himself and being able to snuggle up next to him at the end of the day! The day ended with a "happy birthday" phone call from Joseph. I miss him very much, but he is so happy with his summer job.

All in all, a great birthday, even if I'm not all that thrilled with the number.

Have a great 4th of July weekend!
J.

OMG!

2010-06-19T18:41:00.007-04:00

I knew I had been lazy, but I had no idea HOW lazy until I checked my blog this morning. 18 days! That's too long.

So, regular school is out, summer school began for me on June 14. Rachael has graduated from high school and my brother got married! Aaron finished 4th grade - hence, the celebration pose - and Daniel got "Rookie of the Year" in Boys' track. Joseph is taking summer classes at IU and working at the Brown County Playhouse as assistant stage manager. Steven and I went up and took him out to dinner recently.

Finally, yesterday was Steven's 48th birthday! Happy Birthday sexy!

Here are some pictures from the last 3 weeks!
Above: Steven being goofy when I tried to take his picture, my brother Tony and his new wife Heather.
J.

Below: Joseph at the Thai restaurant,
Daniel with his track trophy, Aaron celebrating the end of school, Rachael with 2 of her brothers at graduation.

Happy 16th Birthday!

2010-06-01T21:50:00.004-04:00

16 years ago tonight, I was starting to feel a little uncomfortable. I headed to the hospital around midnight, and at 3:41 AM, Daniel Christopher arrived.

I cannot begin to tell you what a joy this boy has been. He is the best kid I know, in so many ways.

Happy Birthday Daniel!!

J. (your mom)

By the way, the middle picture is Daniel making cupcakes himself, tonight, to take into his geometry class tomorrow.

The bottom is Daniel at track regionals in Bloomington with his brothers!

My Beautiful Daughter

2010-05-26T22:06:00.002-04:00

Those of you who are on Facebook have seen some of these already:

From the top, Rachael as "Vera" in Mame, 2 pics.

Rachael in her final performance with the Providence Singers, 3 pics.

Rachael going to the prom, in her beautiful yellow dress, 2 pics.

I hope all of you who have daughters are lucky enough to have one as beautiful, smart and talented as mine!

J.

Summa, summa, summer time!

2010-05-23T20:30:00.004-04:00

The good news: I got a position teaching summer school for 6 weeks. This will, essentially, double my salary for 6 weeks. I am SUPER excited about the possibilities of what I can do with the money. AND, I only have to work from 8-1:30 every day. Much better than Kroger - no nights, no weekends.
The bad news: I have to teach JR. HIGH MATH for 6 weeks. In a psychiatric hospital for children. And I have to work for the majority of my summer days. Sniff. I have been so looking forward to taking a break, it is hard to realize I really won't be getting one.

I am excited about this in lots of ways. I go for a visit on Thursday. I'll let you know.

J.

Summa, summa, summer time

2010-05-23T20:30:00.001-04:00

Car Wars!

2010-05-18T18:14:00.004-04:00

The other night Steven and I were helping Rachael clean out the Suburban so she could give some friends a ride to Holiday World, and we found her car window paint. So I wrote this on the back of the Suburban as a joke:

She screamed "Oh Mom! NO!" I started laughing, then she started laughing. THEN, she ran to my car and wrote "I hate you" and "You suck" on the two sides of MY car. So I started making my way around the Suburban writing these things:

She ran back to my car and wrote "My mom thinks I'm special!". It was a lot of fun! In the end, we both ended up at the car wash! Luckily it comes right off! :)

I'm so going to miss my girl next fall!
J.

Mother's Day

2010-05-07T23:01:00.003-04:00

The reasons I am exceedingly proud to be a mom:

1. Joseph, 20. Finishing his 2nd year at IU Bloomington. Has a summer job at a playhouse in Bloomington as an assistant stage manager.

2. Rachael, 18. Graduating from high school in less than a month with honors, #10 in her class. Working a part-time job, had a leading role in her spring musical, and still keeps her grades up. Off to IU with her brother in the fall.

3. Daniel, almost 16. Outstanding athlete in football, wrestling, and track. Runs the 100m dash in 11.3 seconds. As a freshman, already placing in meets with juniors and seniors. Just an overall good kid, brother, and son.

4. Aaron, 10. Maturing by leaps and bounds. Finishing 4th grade. Did some wrestling, now playing soccer. Also playing the viola. My last baby.

I have been a mother for 20 years. It is the best thing I've ever done or will ever do.

Happy Mother's Day to all those outstanding moms, including mine!!!

J.

Showers

2010-05-06T21:50:00.002-04:00

I was just wondering tonight, as I took a much-needed shower, why showers feel so good. Why do we need water, not just IN us, but ON us? Sometimes I feel like one of the Ents from The Lord of the Rings, the tree creatures, who took refreshing rain-showers to rejuvenate.

I would like to have a shower like this.

What do you think? Why do showers feel so good?

J.

Darth Vader's recording for TomTom GPS - behind the scenes

2010-05-04T20:38:00.000-04:00

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T20:22:00.002-04:00

West Side Story

2010-04-11T01:57:00.003-04:00

My incredibly talented oldest son is currently performing in "West Side Story" at Indiana University in Bloomington. He is a "Shark", a Puerto Rican gang member. There are only 9 guys in the gang so although he doesn't have a lead, he is on stage, singing and dancing for most of the show.

Rachael, Aaron, my dad and I went to see him in his opening night performance.

It was so good! The scenery was gorgeous, the leads were great, it was all good. AND, by coincidence, we were introduced to the Dean of the Jacobs School of Music. Rachael met him, and he gave her his card! He was incredibly nice. This could be her way into the music program next year.

Anyway, here are the pictures I took.

J.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-05T14:05:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was a good and bad day. Good because it was Easter Sunday, Steven was here and went to church with us, and we went up to my parents' to eat a delicious dinner. Bad because Aaron lied to us, did not take his pill, and completely whacked out on jelly beans. He was talking and moving NON-STOP during church. Only after punishing him with no electronics for 2 days (he lost 1 day but would not stop so he lost 2 days), limiting his desserts for the rest of the day and only allowing him ONE piece of candy did he settle down. He had a whole week at school with no problems and has actually been playing with some of the kids in the neighborhood with no incidents, so I guess he was due for a bad day.

Anyway, the weather was great, my nephew was adorable hunting eggs, and it was terrific to have a relaxing day with Steven and the kids.

Hope you all had a great day!

J.

I'm Pregnant!

2010-04-01T21:24:00.002-04:00

April Fool's.

No way in hell, people. I'm too damn old.

Ha, Ha!
J.

Mid-America Truck Show

2010-03-28T19:54:00.010-04:00

Steven and I made our annual trip (3rd time!) to the Mid-America truck show this past Friday. We had a great time! First, there was "trucker karaoke"! Steven was coaxed into singing "Eastbound and Down" on national Sirius radio - live! He did a terrific job, and did not kill me for getting him into it!

Of course, there were all kinds of big, impressive, VERY EXPENSIVE trucks to look at, AND......
famous people! I met John Ratzenberger ("Cliff" from Cheers fame) and Alex from Ice Road Truckers. (scroll down for pictures)

All in all, it was a fun day!
J.

Feeling Old.....

2010-03-24T22:11:00.002-04:00

Today is my oldest son Joseph's 20th birthday. 20 years. I've been a mom for 2 decades.

I don't even know what to write about this. I've been struggling with accepting my age for the last year or so. How did I get to be 45? Mentally, I don't feel much older than 30. How can my son be almost legally an adult? He was just a little boy the other day.

I don't want to have any more kids, but I miss having babies. I see the cutest toys and clothes in the stores and I wish I had someone to buy them for. And DON'T YOU DARE say anything about GRANDCHILDREN!!! I'm having a hard enough time with 3 of my 4 kids being teen+.

I am proud and pleased to be Joseph's mother. He is a good person. He has a big heart. And he is incredibly talented. I pray with all my heart that he will have another fantastic 20 years.

Happy Birthday Joseph!
Mom

I Survived.

2010-03-21T15:41:00.002-04:00

Yesterday's Mayor's Cup Academic Competition went off without a hitch. The biggest problem I encountered was needing to replace a 9 volt battery in the buzzer system. Everyone was on time, there was plenty of food, there were no complaints and lots of compliments.

It was a long day, to be sure, but everyone who said they would come and help, did. Steven made sure to be here for the weekend and he helped all day. Everything got cleaned up and put away in a timely manner and I was out of there by 4:00.

I am proud of myself for having pulled it all off.

And I am VERY glad it's over!!! :)

J.

Aaaaaaaaaah!!!

2010-03-18T20:53:00.003-04:00

Hi!

My life is crazy!

I'm the Academic Coordinator for my school and we're hosting the Mayor's Cup Academic Competition on Saturday and I'm in charge of EVERYTHING!!!

I'll be back after Saturday.

J.

Top 10

2010-03-14T21:24:00.003-04:00

A post Poppy wrote got me thinking about this: Who are my top 10 bloggers I would like to meet?

1. Sayre
2. Metalmom
3. E.Craig
4. Brother Dave
5. Poppy (and Dawg)
6. Karisma
7. Cynical Bastard
8. Tookie
9. Tense Teacher
10. Avitable and the Florida crew (Miss Britt, Blondefabulous, Faiqa)

This list, of course, was a LITTLE bit easier to make because I've already had the privilege of meeting Sushiboy, Superwoman, and Just Dave!

If I left you off the list, don't be hurt. I really want to meet you ALL!!!!

J.

Not to be outdone by Brother Dave........

2010-03-09T21:06:00.006-05:00

A certain lovable somebody in California has been loading up on big-ticket items lately, so I thought I would try to keep up with him a bit.....

Steven's laptop went on the fritz while he was on the road a couple of weeks ago and he was forced into an emergency purchase of a 2nd laptop from Best Buy. The plan was to get his laptop repaired quickly and hopefully return the new one within the 14 day return window. The laptop WAS repaired fairly easily (just a bad plug), but when he called about returning the new one, we discovered an unfortunate bit of fine print: a "restocking fee".

At first Steven was just going to take the hit of over $100 and just return it anyway, but we talked about it and decided to exchange it instead (conveniently enough, NO restocking fee for exchanges. Hmmmm....). Steven was very sweet and generous and let me pick out this one to keep at the house. Of course, if the one he has on the road bites the dust, I will have to give this one up, but for now I have an amazing, beautiful new laptop! I am really loving this huge 17.3" screen! What do you think?

J.

This laptop features a 17.3" BrightView widescreen display and built-in Blu-ray drive for viewing high-definition movies and games in clear detail. Create customized CDs and DVDs with the double-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with LightScribe technology.

What's Included

* HP Pavilion Laptop with AMD Turion™ II Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processor
* 8-cell lithium-ion battery
* 65W AC adapter
* Software: Microsoft Works; Cyberlink DVD Suite; Adobe Reader and more
* HP Mobile remote
* Owner's manual

Product Features

* VISION Technology Premium by AMD
For every detail to jump right off the screen when you're viewing high-definition movies and videos, playing games, converting MP3 tracks or video chatting online.
* AMD Turion™ II Ultra dual-core mobile processor M620*
Features 2 processing cores, 2MB L2 cache and 2.5GHz processor speed per core.
* 4GB DDR2 DIMM memory
For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB.
* Blu-ray Disc-enabled DVD±RW/CD-RW drive
With full read support for next-generation Blu-ray Disc (BD-ROM); double-layer support using compatible media. Also supports LightScribe direct-disc labels usng compatible media.
* 17.3" LED high-definition plus widescreen display
With BrightView technology and 1600 x 900 resolution showcases movies and games in stunning clarity.
* 500GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
* ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4200 graphics
Features up to 2046MB total graphics memory for lush images. HDMI output for connecting to an HDTV. Altec Lansing audio with SRS Premium Sound.
* HP Mobile remote
For easy control over media.
* Built-in webcam with digital microphone
Makes it easy to chat with and send video mail to family and friends.
* 5-in-1 digital media reader
Supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card formats.
* 3 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer. 1 eSATA/USB combo port.
* Built-in wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n)
Connect to the Internet without wires.
* Built-in 10/100Base-T Ethernet LAN
With RJ-45 connector for easy wired Web connection.
* Weighs 7.7 lbs. and measures 1.7" thin
For portable power. Full-size keyboard with integrated numeric keypad for comfortable typing.
* Long battery life
Of up to 5 hours and 15 minutes to give you more time away from an outlet.
* HP Espresso Imprint finish
For a stylish look.
* Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable computing platform.
* Software package included
With Microsoft Works, Cyberlink DVD Suite, Adobe Reader and more. 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 also included.
* ENERGY STAR qualified
Designed to use less energy and meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy.

I am not dead.

2010-03-05T21:58:00.002-05:00

Hello people.

I humbly apologize for my extended absence. I have no excuses except multiple college visits, parent-teacher conferences 2 nights, quick recall matches, and a 3-hour training. I have been crazy busy, and it isn't going to stop until March 20. That's when my school is hosting the Mayor's Cup Competition and I am the Academic Coordinator. To say that I have a lot to do is an understatement.

Anyway, all is well. Spring Break is coming.

How are you?

J.

And in other news....

2010-02-21T22:22:00.003-05:00

Hey folks, just a quickie (hee, hee):

Rachael and I had a whirlwind of college visits this weekend. Saturday was University of Evansville. Very small private university, very nice, very expensive. Today was DePauw University. A little bigger,private, very beautiful, extremely expensive. Next weekend is Ball State University, where I went to college. Mid-size state univerity, not so expensive. It makes me sigh. The ultimate decision lies in the hands of the financial aid gods.

You may remember we were supposed to get Aaron's test results back on Feb.16. We had a bad snowstorm that day, and his appointment has been pushed back to March 3. It's just as well, because his teacher forgot to send in her part.

Joseph is doing well at IU. He will be 20 in March. I feel old. Daniel has FINALLY finished wrestling, is now in the chorus for the Spring musical and ramping up for track season. Aaron has been doing okay. He will be a participant in the wrestling clinic hosted by Daniel's team this week. He is looking forward to soccer.

Steven and I are hanging in there. 2 1/2 years. He didn't make it here this weekend. I miss him.

That's all for now. Pray for spring.
J.

These 40 Days.....

2010-02-18T18:36:00.001-05:00

Okay, it's late, it's been a long day, and I have a headache, so I don't have time for a really good, thought-out post. But today is Ash Wednesday, the start of the season of Lent, and I want to get my intentions down in print, therefore making it harder for me to ignore them and/or renege.

For my sacrifice, I will give McDonald's sweet tea. And I dearly LOVE sweet tea. But I need to learn to do without it, and this will definitely be a sacrifice.

For self-improvement, I will commit myself to doing my walking tape at least 3 days a week.

As a family, we are giving up electronics (TV, computer, and video games) one day a week. We are voting on Sunday as to which day each week it will be. Exceptions: I will have to look at work e-mail during school hours. The kids will be allowed any electronics at school. We will be allowed to ANSWER our cell phones, but no texting or checking email via phones.

40 days. We can do it.

J.

Snow Dozing....

2010-02-16T09:48:00.006-05:00

As you can see, we've had a bit of snow. Just so you understand this map, I live in Floyd County, Indiana. I work in Jefferson County, Kentucky.

This is a lot of snow for this area.

Yesterday was a very relaxing snow day. I have a head cold, so I did some housework and then read my book. Took a nap on the couch. Made a roast in the crockpot.

Today I am determined to get something done!

J.

UPDATED: SNOW PICTURES!

The Suburban is buried!

Snowy bushes!

I made a snow angel!

Happy #10, Aaron!!!

2010-02-14T19:42:00.004-05:00

Today is Aaron's 10th birthday! We celebrated by meeting at Cici's Pizza for a family lunch, then went up to my parents for cake and ice cream.

Joseph was able to come down for the day, just for Aaron's birthday, which was so great! Check out the pictures of all my kids together. Don't they look great?

Aaron's gifts included the ever-popular Target gift cards, an electronic dart board (from Steven), and a remote control helicopter (from me).

He had a terrific day.

10 years. He's growing up. My baby!!

J.

A Special Day Is Coming.......

2010-02-11T20:17:00.004-05:00

Somebody's birthday is coming.....on a holiday coming up soon. On Sunday.

And he'll be in DOUBLE DIGITS!!!! Yikes!!

Reading Together

2010-02-10T21:51:00.003-05:00

Aaron and I went to see a movie together awhile back. I don't even remember which one now. In the previews, there was a trailer for a new movie coming out: "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief". I said to him then, "That looks good." When we left the theater, we saw a cardboard display for the movie and as we passed, Aaron mentioned, "That's a book. I've seen it in the library at school."

Well, you know how I am about kids' books. I asked him if he wanted to read it, why didn't he check it out from the school library? He said it was so popular, it was always checked out. Besides, he said, reading is dumb. So, of course, I can't take "no" for an answer. The next day I stopped by our local bookstore to buy it, but they were out. "I can't keep it in stock" the owner said, "with the movie coming out, and several classes are reading it as a group in school. But I have another order coming in any day now. I can put your name on one copy." That was enough for me. I ordered a copy and it came in just a couple of days later.

I came home with it, all excited, but Aaron was less than thrilled. Yes, he admitted, the movie DID look good, but he didn't want to read the book and it looked too hard. But I have been trying to find as many ways as possible to improve his reading level, so I basically told him that he had no choice, that I was going to read out loud to him from the book every night. Loud groans and complaining. Stupid mom. Too bad, I told him. Suck it up, we're doing this.

So, the next night I read the first chapter out loud. He listened as I read (and I'm pretty good at reading childrens' books out loud), but no great excitement. The next night I read the second chapter - and these are LONG chapters. It takes a half hour or more to read one. I knew he was getting hooked when he said, "Can I take that to school with me? My teacher gives us time in class to read."

Yes! The next night, he had a bookmark in the pages, and he had actually read about half a chapter at school. The book is full of all kinds of references to Greek gods - the title character, Percy, is supposed to be the "half-blood" son of Poseidon, and a human mother. So when the next Scholastic book order came home from school, there was "The Ultimate Guide to Percy Jackson and the Olympians". Guess what we ordered? He admitted that the guide was "kinda cool" and it has helped with all the Greek mythology I don't remembeer.

It turns out that there are already 6 books in the series. "The Lightning Thief" is the first one. Getting ahead of myself, as usual, I've already ordered the second book in anticipation. Almost every night we read a chapter. Tonight we read two. Our goal is to have the first book finished before the movie comes out this Friday, February 12. I am taking him and Daniel to see it on the opening night as part of his birthday present.

Here's the movie trailer:

So, I'm pretty pleased with this little project. We both can't wait to see how the exciting pages we've read take form on the movie screen.

Reading is such a valuable experience, at any age.

J.

PS. We all had another snow day today. It was so nice to sleep in. We are all on a delay in the morning, but I have to be at school at regular time. It was a nice little break. Stay warm!

It Snowed!!!

2010-02-09T18:18:00.003-05:00

Yes, people, it snowed in Southern Indiana/Louisville Metro area last night. 6 inches or so. I guess it's no big news that we have snow....it seems like EVERYWHERE has snow. Steven was stuck trying to load in Pennsylvania for 36 hours, finally got loaded and made it here for Super Bowl Sunday, and is now waiting in Oklahoma. But it seems there is NO "safe" place to take a load to - lots of places are shut down or snowed in.

But I was happy to get my text message from the local TV station about my school corporation closing for the day at 4:30 AM, and go back to sleep! I was especially happy to have a day off with the kids. We spent the day watching TV, playing WiiFit, messing around on the computer, and playing in the snow.

The forecast includes more snow tonight, freezing temperatures, and possibly another day off. I know the kids are hoping for it. Well....maybe me, too. ;)

Stay warm!

Question

2010-02-06T11:53:00.002-05:00

If you suddenly realize that your friend is very adept at making others think that she is their friend and "on their side" and that she really cares when she really doesn't.......does that mean she doing that to you, too?

I wonder.....

Workout

2010-02-05T20:28:00.002-05:00

The PE teacher at our school is awesome! She is as interested in the health and wellness of the teachers as she is the students. She's the one who got us all hooked on pedometers. A couple weeks ago, she started "Fitness Fridays". She puts a 3-mile "Walk Off Your Belly Flat" DVD on, projects it up on the gym wall super-big, turns up the music, turns off the lights, and anyone interested can work out for about 45 minutes. I stayed today and it was great. Of course, I'm going to hurt tomorrow, but it was fun.

I've really been having fun with Aaron's "Wii Fit Plus". We all have. I really like the step aerobics routines. I'm thinking about getting a real one, with an adjustable step.

What have you all been doing, excercise-wise?

J.

Slumpy

2010-02-04T20:34:00.002-05:00

Today has been a pretty good day. This week has been a pretty good week. But for some reason tonight I am tired and......slumpy. I just want to go to bed early.

I have little reason to complain.

But I'm grumpy.

Thank God tomorrow is Friday.

J.

10 on Tuesday....err......on Wednesday

2010-02-03T07:24:00.002-05:00

Okay, Okay....so I already missed a day. Tough noogies. I'm doing it anyway.

10 Things You Don't Know About Me:

1. I hate pickles.
2. I am having lunch with my college roommate at the end of the month. We haven't seen each other in 20 years.
3. My brother is getting married in June. In Alaska.
4. My daughter is seriously considering going to Ball State University, in Muncie, where I went to college AND my dad went to college.
5. I met Jim Davis, the guy who draws Garfield, in college - he lives in Muncie.
6. I read Under The Dome by Stephen King over Christmas, and now I'm reading The Stand.

7. I've always wanted a yorkshire terrier. I think they're adorable.

8. My dad is the second youngest of 11 kids. His oldest brother, who is in his 90s, is still living.

9. I am considering getting my certification to teach something else. Possibilities include: ESL, mild mentally handicapped (Downs Syndrome kids), or English.

10. I am getting a LOT of gray hair. I keep it dyed, but it's shocking to me when my real hair color starts to grow in. Yikes!!!

Gotta go!

February NaBloPoMo

2010-02-01T19:18:00.004-05:00

I have decided to try to do National Blog Posting Month...which means posting every day in February. The theme for this month is "Ties". It should be interesting.

Today was Aaron's testing at the guidance center. It took ALL day. My job was to sit in a very small waiting room, read magazines, play every possible game on my iPhone, drink coffee, and wait for Aaron to come out on his breaks and eat a snack. But the tester said he did very well. Now I have to wait two weeks for the results!

J.

I Made It Myself!

2010-01-30T17:41:00.004-05:00

I think I've written here, more than once, that I never really imagined myself as the mother of a bunch of boys. When I was young, and I thought of being a mother some day, I always pictured girls - 2 or 3 girls. But God had other plans for me, as most of you know, and although I did get a girl to love, 3/4 of my offspring are male.

It has always been interesting, from the very first time I bought a Tonka truck. And of course, all kids are different, but the funny thing is all 3 of my boys are very different kinds of boys.

Joseph is sensitive, artistic, musical, theatrical. He played soccer, baseball, and swam on the swim team, but he's not what I would call an athletic kind of guy. He is a top student. Daniel, of course, is hilarious and super-athletic. And also a top student. But Aaron.....well, I'm not really sure WHO Aaron is going to turn out to be. He idolizes Daniel. If Daniel likes it, he likes it. He has tried all kinds of sports, but does well at soccer. He's pretty good at most school subjects, but he's not excelling. His math skills are good, but his reading is still lacking. His social skills are WAY behind.

Anyway, the point of all this is that Aaron has been my and Steven's "project", so to speak, this year. Steven listens to a lot of Doctor Radio on his Sirius Satellite radio while he drives, and he has gotten all kinds of good ideas and tips on what we should be doing for Aaron. I thought I had written about this earlier, but I can't find the post. The short version is, Aaron has always struggled socially. I thought switching him from our parish school to our neighborhood public school would help. I think, now, MAYBE it has, but it sure didn't look like it at the start of the year. He had a VERY rough start. I started taking him to a counselor, reading up on some strategies, working with his teacher and the school counselor, enrolled him in a Youth Services program at his school once a week after school called "New Directions", and with Steven's support and encouragement, started making several changes here at home.

Aaron has a protein shake every morning. A book I've been reading on ADHD kids points out the importance of nutrition in assisting with attention and focus. The books states that everyone needs 15-20 mg. of protein for breakfast in order for their brains to be functioning at maximum potential. If the first significant protein your body gets is at lunch, you WILL experience an afternoon slump. You also need 10-15 mg. of protein at lunch. Aaron takes half of a protein snack bar to eat with his lunch, to ensure he gets at least 10 mg.

Aaron is not allowed any electronics before school. He is limited to 2 hours a day total "screen time" - TV, computer, video games. He must stop ALL electronics an hour before bed. He is allowed play time, and then the last 15-20 minutes we read. It has made a huge difference in how quickly he falls asleep. Not to mention, I like the one-on-one time, and reading with him.

One thing I put into play back in the fall is just now coming to completion. There is a nationally-known child guidance center in Louisville, attached to Kosair Children's hospital and University of Louisville. I called them back in October, and they agreed to evaluate Aaron. I got all excited, thinking we were going to get some answers. Well....not yet. They agreed to spend about an hour with me and Aaron, evaluating whether he qualified for the full battery of testing. They decided that he did. BUT.......it takes months to get in with a psychiatrist for the day-long testing. They didn't even call me to set up the appointment until CHRISTMAS. So finally, finally, FINALLY....he is going on Monday for the testing. In 2 weeks, I will have an appointment with the doctor and get a full report: intelligence, social, emotional, everything.

I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I will finally see the whole picture, from an objective, qualified, outside opinion. I want to know. But it's a little scary, too.

Aaron has come a long way this year. He is playing the viola. He asked to play intermural basketball, and to join the school choir. He is excited about getting back to spring soccer. And in the picture at the top, Aaron has just made - HIMSELF - homemade "Beanie Weenies". He is much more confident than he used to be. This has been a real growing year for him.

So, keep your fingers crossed for Monday, and I'll let you know how it goes.

J.

PS. Sorry this post is so long!!

Are You Ready for Some Football????

2010-01-25T07:05:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was a great day to watch football. The Colts won. Brett Favre lost. And the best part.....

THE COLTS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL! Yes!!!!!

Have a great Monday!!!

UPDATE ON MY DAD

2010-01-23T14:45:00.004-05:00

Hey everybody. Sorry I've been so slow in updating everyone on my dad. Basically, my dad had to stay in the hospital 2 nights. They ran every test imaginable. What they found was that my dad had been taking the same blood pressure medicine for years and was building up a tolerance to it. They found too much of it in his blood. That was what was causing the dizzy spells. It was slowing his heart down too much. Also, he was dehydrated. Since his prostate cancer surgery he has trouble with mild incontinence and it made him mad, so he wasn't drinking as much as he should because he hated having to go to the bathroom so often. Which the doctor gave him a lecture about.

So.....they switched him to a new blood pressure medicine and kept him overnight to monitor his reaction. They gave him lots of fluids. And told him how much to drink each day, no matter what. And all his tests - his heart, his arteries,etc, came back normal.

He's home. He's driving, doing stuff. I think he's back to normal. It was scary. I mean, he IS 76. But I think he's okay for now. I hope to keep him around for awhile longer. I love my dad, and my kids love their Grandpa. We need to keep him healthy.

Thanks for everyone's good wishes and prayers.

J.

My Dad.

2010-01-19T22:24:00.002-05:00

A few days ago, my dad woke up and was so weak and dizzy, my mom had to help him to the couch. Because my dad is diabetic, they just assumed it was extremely low blood sugar, since he had forgotten to have his late night snack the night before. He had a couple more mild dizzy spells, so he went to the doctor today to get checked out.

The doctor said that big dizzy spell may have been a minor stroke. He wanted him to check into the hospital overnight to have a bunch of tests run. So that's where he is tonight - at the hospital.

My dad is 76 and in the last couple of years has gotten more "fragile". I mean, he's not frail and helpless - he drives, takes care of Aaron, helps out, keeps busy. But I'm kind of worried.

I talked to him tonight and he sounded fine. The doctors have more tests scheduled for in the morning, and then they will tell what's next.

Just please keep him in your prayers. I'll let you know how it's going.

J.

Way Back When.

2010-01-16T18:50:00.005-05:00

Okay, I can't seem to get these pictures any bigger or closer together, but I wanted to share them with you. Facebook is doing a retro theme right now and people are putting pictures of themselves when they were young as their icon photo. So, here is proof that I was as adorable back then as I am now.

Have a good week,

Snow Days

2010-01-09T21:05:00.003-05:00

I love snow days. Love 'em.

They are God's gift to teachers and students alike. We started back to school on Monday. No students for Louisville schools, but Indiana kids jumped right back in on the first day. Tuesday everyone started talking about snow - 4-10 inches predicted for Wednesday night. Aaron and I enjoyed a really nice evening at church Wednesday, then I headed to the grocery to stock up - just in case. But when I got up Thursday morning, there wasn't much on the ground yet but it was still falling heavily and predicted to fall all day.

This is where I throw in a joke about Hoosiers being smarter than Kentuckians. All the Indiana schools were closed on Thursday, because of the poor driving conditions, but OH NO, Louisville public schools were wide open. It was treacherous driving TO school and when they got smart and decided to send all the students home a measly hour early, it was even more treacherous driving home. 14 bus accidents (no injuries, thankfully) and 6 buses got stuck somewhere on Thursday. I (and almost all the teachers) was totally disgusted with the superintendent. Trying to save one silly school day, putting all those students and staff at risk on snowy, icy roads. Ugh.

Anyway, it KEPT snowing and ice-ing Thursday night and all the Indiana schools called off that night, but OH NO the brilliant Louisville officials waited until 4:30 AM to call off for Friday. But at least I got to have a snow day WITH the kids. I put a pot roast in the crockpot Friday morning with carrots, potatos, and later peas, then enjoyed a day of reading my book, playing Wii Fit with the kids and taking a nap. Later, I actually got dressed, went to the bank, got some groceries, and did some household chores, but mostly I laid on the couch with my book (Under the Dome by Stephen King.)

Today I have done something meaningful with all 3 of the kids: First Rachael and I attended a financial aid workshop at Indiana University Southeast. I've done all that stuff with Joseph but it was good to refresh my memory. Then I went over to the high school to watch Daniel wrestle and he got his 3rd win - a pin! And he almost had a 4th win - the boy beat him by one point! It's still hard to watch, but I am really proud of Daniel. He gives 110% to everything he does. His coaches always have the best things to say about him. After we got home, Rachael went off to her first evening of work at the local video store (yay - a job!), Daniel went to be geeky with his friend Levi, and so Aaron and I went to a movie: "Alvin and the Chipmunks - The Squeakquel". I'll admit - I was dreading it, but it turned out to be kind of cute.

So, that's been my snowy weekend. Tomorrow will be church, a Mary Kay facial/makeover for me and Rachael, then lesson plans and prep for the upcoming week.

Hope you all are doing well and staying warm.
J.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T21:24:00.002-05:00

The last 10 years have brought so many changes to my life: my 4th child, a divorce, a marriage, a divorce, me growing as a person and as a teacher, major transitions for my children and their lives, 2 new cars, 3 new cats, and finding the love of my life.

I look forward to the changes and blessings the next 10 years bring.

Happy 2010!

J.

10 on Tuesday - New Year's Resolutions

2009-12-29T12:33:00.004-05:00

Hello from Texas! Yes, I finally got away for a few days. Joseph is back at IU (he has a winter break job), Rachael has her various actitivities, Daniel is at a 2-day wrestling tournament, and Aaron is with my parents. On Thursday, all 3 younger kids will join their dad for 3 days in Indianapolis. I am in Killeen, Texas, vegging out with Steven and his parents. I was supposed to fly down here on Saturday afternoon and evening, but mechanical problems and weather conditions in Chicago caused 2 different flights to be so delayed that I could not make any connections to Dallas. So they rescheduled me for Sunday morning and I finally landed in Dallas at noon.

It has, so far, been a slice of "busy mom" heaven. I don't have to clean or cook, I've slept late, we went shopping, we've been eating all kinds of homemade food and goodies, playing cards, and watching TV! I so needed this. I think I've mentioned a few times in the last few weeks how "crazy" and frazzled I've been feeling lately. I did go to my doctor and talk about my seemingly permanent PMS symptoms. You won't believe what we discovered: the pharmacy refilled the wrong prescription about 2 months ago, so instead of taking my "mood stablizing" pill, I was actually taking a form of arthritis medicine! So it was no wonder I was feeling a little crazy - I was off my much-needed medicine for close to 2 months! I've been back on my regular stuff for about a week and I can't tell you how much better I feel. Pair that with this mini-vacation from responsibility, and I should be "good as new" for the New Year.

So this week's "10 on Tuesday" is 10 Resolutions for the New Year. I don't usually make ten resoluions, but I though I would make a list of 10 areas I would like to improve in 2010.

1. Weight loss: I weigh more than I ever have. This has to change as soon as possible.

2. Finances: I have made some good changes this past year, and I am gatting things under control. But I still have more to do.

3. Career development: I have been considering several options in this area - I could start my National Board Certification, a process that takes approximately 2 years. I could add another certification - I've always had an interest in working with Downs Syndrome children, or teaching English as a second languge children. Or I could work on getting my Elementary Counselors License. I've been told by several people at my school that I would make a good one.

4. Faith: I have drifted away from regular church attendance. Most Sundays we go, but some Sundays we do not. We need to get back to every weekend. I am feeling a need for more committment in that area.

5. Home repair: I need to renovate my bathroom, get new windows, do something about the deck, have the tree in the front yard trimmed or cut down, and basically reorganize every bedroom. If I got all that done this coming year, I would be in good shape.

6. Relationships: I would like to improve ALL my relationships, both friendly and romantic. I have definite goals for my relationship with Steven, but I won't print them here.

7. Children: I want to make significant strides in Aaron's development, I need to help Rachael on her road to college next year, and the other two just need support and encouragement. I hope all 4 will be as happy and healthy in 2010 as they are now.

8. Nutrition: This one is related to weight loss, but not necessarily. We need to be eating healthier overall. I really want to work on this for all of us.

9. Okay, this is hard. I can't come up with 10. I guess it will have to be "8 on Tuesday", instead of 10. I feel a nap coming on. This "goofing off" is hard work! (ha, ha)

Hope you are all having a good week.
Happy Early New Year!

J.

To You and Yours......

2009-12-25T10:02:00.006-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

We went to Christmas mass last night, did presents with my family at my parents' house, and ate ourselves silly!

This morning we have already opened presents, eaten the traditional orange Danish rolls, and watched "Charlie Brown Christmas"!

Tomorrow Joseph will be headed back to IU, the other kids to spend time with their dad, and me on an afternoon plane to Texas to spend almost a week with Steven and his parents! Pray for good weather!

Here are some pictures from last night and this morning:

Hope everyone has a great day!
Merry Christmas!
J.

Let There Be Peace......

2009-12-23T22:33:00.004-05:00

I don't know what has happened, but this has been a very calm, quiet, peaceful Christmas for me. Although I have been somewhat emotionally fragile lately, I have had several evenings in the last week or so that have found me where I am tonight: in the living room, with the lit Christmas tree, with a candle burning, peacefully reading or writing. I found the time to send Christmas cards, something I haven't really done in several years. I have even made the time to BAKE this year.

I don't know what it is, but it feels good.

Peace,

I NEED ADDRESSES!

2009-12-21T10:09:00.002-05:00

I am in a "Christmas card sending" kind of mood. I really want to send ALL of you Christmas cards, even if they don't get there until the week between Christmas and New Year's. So......I need addresses.

If you feel comfortable, please send me your address at: Carmichael205@yahoo.com.

If you don't, that's okay. I will send you an e-card.

I love Christmas vacation!

Ho, ho, ho!!
J.

First Pin!

2009-12-18T21:46:00.006-05:00

Wrestling is not a natural sport.

In my opinion, it is organized fighting. Fighting with rules. And it is probably the most difficult sport for a parent to watch. Because you have to sit in the bleachers and watch some boy hurt your son.

Yes, I know...the official objective of wrestling is not to hurt your opponent. But that's what happens. Scrapes, bruises, accidental scratches, sometimes bleeding. And I have to sit there and helplessly watch. Ugh! It's so hard. Every bone in your body wants you to jump up and scream, "HEY! Stop that! You can't DO that to him!". I can't just sit there. I have to stand somewhere on the end, where I can pace, and yell, and jump up and down, and look away.

Daniel has unofficially wrestled Jr.High for the past 2 years. But he didn't have a very good coach and practices and meets were sporadic. But this year he decided to do high school wrestling for the conditioning between football and track.

He has had 4 meets and never won a match. He came VERY close a couple weeks ago - the opponent never pinned him, but beat him by points ( you get points for executing "holds", and for getting out of holds). That was a hard match to watch. He worked so hard.....he FOUGHT so hard...to get this guy down, to get this guy off of him. But he just couldn't do it.

His coaches have praised him: he's fast, he's strong, and he makes every opponent work to beat him. No one gets an easy pin off Daniel. And they all say he has tons of potential. But he hadn't actually BEAT anyone yet.

That all changed last night. Daniel got his first win AND his first pin!!!!!

Not only was he beating the guy on points, but he pinned him! I'm telling you, I was so happy. And Daniel was beaming. Being a natural athlete, good at every sport he tries, he was having a bit of a self-confidence crisis with wrestling. He was practicing, he was working hard, but he hadn't WON.

There's another meet tomorrow. Say a prayer for no new bruises, no black eyes, and maybe, just maybe......a second pin.

J.

UPDATE: 2nd pin today!!!! All smiles!

Just so you know.....

2009-12-15T22:26:00.004-05:00

Putting Baileys in my ~~ocffee~~ coffee makes me tipsy. (And apparently unable to type)

And mushy.

And a little horny. ;)

He's not here tonight. So no action tonight.

But I LUV him. Sooooo much.

Just so y'all know.

J.

Free At Last!

2009-12-14T22:26:00.002-05:00

"Free at last, free at last....thank God Almighty, I'm free at last!"

Yep, that's right. I am no longer employed at the K**ger deli! I put in my 2 weeks' notice and it honked my mean manager off so much that she did not put me on the schedule for my last week! Awwww, too bad. I guess I'll have to stay home EVERY night and enjoy the company of my children.

My poor fried brain NEEDS this. I could not bear to spend my Christmas holidays working. I couldn't. Trust me when I say that I was walking a fine line between "going crazy" and "already there!".

Hallelujah! I'm free!

J.

We Need a Little Christmas, Right This Very Minute!

2009-12-10T22:28:00.005-05:00

Hello my blogging buddies! I have to apologize for my 10 day absence. You see, my laptop got a virus and it took over a week for the techie guy at school to come save it. He was able to save a lot, but it still had to be re-imaged. In the middle of all that, my Internet was down for two days AND I went through the worst week of PMS I've ever had! Does anyone know anything about pre-menopause symptoms? I am going to see my doctor the week before Christmas....I was just wondering. But seriously, I can't have another week like that. It was awful.

Anyway, I'm here now and I have some gorgeous pictures to share. Last night was Indiana University's annual "Chimes of Christmas" concert for The Singing Hoosiers and the IU Symphony Orchestra. It was as beautiful as last year.

My family!

My handsome oldest son!

One of the many beautiful backgrounds with all the singers onstage.

The brass orchestra serenaded us in the lobby before the show!

The beautiful tree in the center of the lobby!

Also, Rachael had her Provdence Singers Christmas concert and she sang a solo: "O Holy Night!". I just got a new (inexpensive) video camera, but I haven't tried uploading the video yet. I got the whole solo on tape! And, Daniel had his football banquet, and Aaron had his very first orchestra concert at his school last week, playing his viola ( I don't have the pictures of that yet - my dad took them).

Pictures: Rachael doing her solo, Daniel and his football buddies

Finally, just to update you: For Rachael's fender-bender, we are NOT involving insurance companies, which is good. She has agreed to accept $1000 for the damages, even though her estimate shows $1200. Rachael is out there searching for a job. And as for the lady at work who drives me crazy, well, I finally popped. I had had enough. She's mad at me, but I feel better. And my counselor and my principal both said they didn't blame me.

That's all for now. Hope you're staying warm!

J.

Tired and Grouchy

2009-12-01T22:07:00.002-05:00

I don't know what's wrong with me. Well, I know some of what's wrong. It's my annual "how will I pay for Christmas?" worry. And this year I'm working harder than ever. But this year, it seems like I am being hit with unexpected cost after cost.

Rachael had a fender bender on Thanksgiving Day. Her fault. Not much damage to the other car - a broken tail light and a slightly crunched, scratched fender. I don't want to turn it in on the insurance. It will raise my rates and damage her rating. The lady called tonight - she is willing to let me pay for the repairs without involving insurance companies (at my request). Cost - $1200. I told Rachael she was responsible for $500 (the amount of the deductible). I can almost swing the rest - except this is December. How will I do that AND pay for Christmas?

I have no interest in my work these days. The teacher I share a room with, the one I complain about......she's just terrible to work with. I dread going to our room every day, knowing I'll have to deal with her.

And dammit...I need a break. I have been working nonstop since last Christmas. Holidays, summer, weekends. I never have more than one day off from BOTH jobs. I swore I was going to find a way to go to Texas to visit Steven's parents with him between Christmas and New Year's - while the kids are with their dad. But with the fender bender debt, and Christmas, and all the other bills......I just don't see how I'm going to do it.

Anway, I'm done whining now. Thanks for "listening".

Slow Sunday.

2009-11-29T19:00:00.003-05:00

I have had a very nice Sunday. Really, I've had a great weekend. And since I'm semi-lazy today, I'm going to resort to bullets for this post:

Thanksgiving was good. I attempted to make a big breakfast for the family. It didn't go quite as well as I had hoped, but everyone found something they liked. Then we went up to my parents' house for the whole family dinner. My sister was only minorly snarky this year so that was good. The best parts were that Steven was here for the whole weekend, and Joseph came home from IU. It was so good to have Joseph around, and he spent some quality time with his siblings, especially Rachael.
Black Friday Steven and I slept in and ventured out around 10. I got a great digital camera (as a Christmas gift from Steven) and a small camcorder, as well as some toys for Aaron. We only hit 3 stores then had a late breakfast at Denny's.
Saturday I had to work 8 hours at the deli, which wasn't busy at all. Everyone did all their grocery shopping on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. I personally packaged at least 200 pumpkin pies on Tuesday and Wednesday evening. The deli baked and sold over 1000 from Sunday to Wednesday. And a new record: I sliced 11 pounds of roast turkey for one lady.
Today saw Steven leaving around noon for Fort Worth, Texas, and Joseph heading back to college around 2. I have been working on reproducing my dad's homemade dressing, doing laundry, and working on lesson plans. It is SO nice not to have to work at the deli today.

Anyway, I've been procrastinating all day. I need to wrap up the school work. Aaron, Daniel and I are going to play "Apples to Apples Jr." in a few minutes.

How was YOUR turkey weekend? Get any good deals?

Have a great week.

10 Things I'm Thankful For.....And more.

2009-11-25T15:54:00.002-05:00

Okay, this week's "10 on Tuesday" is "10 Things I'm Thankful For". Except it's Wednesday. But I'm doing it anyway. That's the power I wield here. I know, you're impressed.

1. My cat. I really love both my cats, but Moustache is my favorite. I am thankful for his playfulness and his warm purring at night. He's my baby.

2. My kids. All of them are both wonderful and annoying. But they are blessings beyond compare. My life would not be anywhere near as rich without them.

3. My parents. My parents drive me crazy sometimes, really they do. But without them my kids and I would have not had so many things. And they're good people.

4 My job. I love my teaching job. It gives me purpose and challenge. I am also thankful for the mess that is my job at the deli. It enables me to pay the kids' tuition and keep up with my bills. I am grateful for the opportunity.

5. Good books. I would die if I couldn't read. Books enrich me and stretch me and nourish me. I am so thankful that good literature is still being produced in this digital age.

6. My friends. This has been the year of developing and extending friendships. I actually have some "girlfriends". And I have some great colleagues.

7. My faith. I had kind of drifted away from going to church regularly, but I am making a concerted effort to go to church every Sunday. It makes me feel good about myself. I was an "every Sunday no matter what" person my whole life. That's who I am.

8. My home. My house is medium-small. It's falling apart. But it's warm and cozy and it's our "port in a storm".

9. Music. I love music, all kinds. It calms me at night and pumps me up in the morning. It is truly a blessing.

10. Steven. Words can't express my love and admiration for this guy. He's my partner and I love him. I am very thankful for him.

Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch.....

2009-11-22T21:27:00.002-05:00

Okay, I promised to do better. But I didn't. (sigh) Maybe once a week is the best I can do these days. So here I am again.

Anyway, here's what's on my mind lately: gossiping. I have noticed lately that I have been doing more than my share of talking about others. It started when my coworker wasn't doing her job....and I had legitimate reasons to complain. But I have really noticed that it has become a very bad habit of mine, both at school and at the deli. I have to say, working at the deli makes feeding my bad habit easy. They love to gossip, both dish it out and hear it. With eager ears to hear and eager mouths to share "the latest", I can just jump right in.. But that's not excuse for participating. A couple of times I have been bitten by people gossiping about ME.....and all I can think is, well, it serves you right. What goes around comes around.

So I am making a change. Just like going on a diet means conciously changing what you eat and how you shop and how you exercise. I am going to "give up" gossiping. As my mother used to say, if I can't say something nice, I'm not going to say anything at all. I'm not proud of my behavior and I need to stop.

This is not the only "better person" change I am putting in place. But it's a big one.

What are you working on these days?

Have a good Monday. I'll be back before Thanksgiving.

Okay, I'm a Slacker!

2009-11-15T22:19:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone....remember me? HoosierGirl? I'm sure the name rings a bell....I used to hang around the blogosphere quite a bit. Where have I been lately? Well, where haven't I been is a better question.

School has really been demanding. It's as if the more I learn about how to do my job well, the more I have to do. I like it, but wow, it's hectic. In addition, in an attempt to eventually quit working at the delit, I have started supervising in the cafeteria daily in place of my 45 minute planning time. I am allowed to do this, and get paid for doing my planning before or after school. So I get paid for 45 minutes of my time and the lady who supervises the lunchroom full time gets an extra set of eyes while the very-difficult 3rd and 4th graders eat lunch. The only "down side" to this arrangement is that I now have even more work to do before and after school. You would be surprised at how much you can get done during that 45 minute daily planning time.

I am also still working the deli. Let's face it, Christmas is coming, my poor car is falling apart one section at a time, and I need all the money I can get. So I'm still going over there 15-20 hours a week, at least until after Christmas. If I don't go crazy and kill the deli manager first.

ANYWAY, I didn't intend to write about how much work I have. I intended to write about the movie Steven and I went to see last night: "2012". It's about the end of the world on Dec.21, 2012. It doesn't have a very complicated story line - basically the whole world is destroyed and this guy and his family are trying to stay alive - but it's really exciting with a lot of great visuals. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. AND, it has John Cusak, who I think is totally adorable, which is a bonus. (wink) I highly recommend it.

What is everyone plannning for Thanksgiving? Does anyone else think it's crazy that they're already playing Christmas music in the stores? Personally I think in a couple of years "Black Friday" is going to occur on the Friday after Halloween, not Thanksgiving. I mean, all the Christmas stuff came out in the stores then anyway.

By the way, did anyone else read about them "leaking" Target's "Black Friday" ad? Looks like some really good deals.

So that's all for me. I promise to do better this week.
Have a great Monday.

J.

Fort Hood, Texas

2009-11-08T22:26:00.002-05:00

On Thursday, I was totally stunned when the story of a shooter on the base of Ft.Hood hit the news. I have been to Ft.Hood!!!

Steven's parents live in a nearby town. Steven's dad is retired Army, and they go to the base to shop at the PX at least once a week. In fact, Steven's mom told me they were supposed to go to Ft.Hood that morning to get Steven's dad a haircut, but changed their minds. Thank God.

I really feel for the families who lost someone in that shooting.

Sorry I've been AWOL here lately. I will do better this week.
Have a good Monday everyone.

J.

2 Years Ago Today......

2009-11-03T21:55:00.005-05:00

Happy Anniversary, babe. Thanks for the beautiful flowers.

I love you.

Fun Monday - Getting to Know You!

2009-11-02T19:22:00.004-05:00

This week's Fun Monday is being hosted by Mariposa. She would like all us "Fun Monday"ers to get to know each other better. So, here is her challenge.

(1) Share something which you wish your readers would know about you. It could be something you feel you might need to clarify/ share, etc.
Just like Sayre said in her post, I feel like this blog is pretty much an open book. I haven't been as "post"-y as I have been in the past, in part due to being very, very busy at work and at home..and in part because I like visiting Facebook too much. But something I would like to share?? Hmmmmm......I guess I should share that I worry a lot. About everything. Way more than I express here, because if I put it all here I would sound like such a whiner. I especially worry about money, my kids, and my future. But I do pray a lot, and I try to plan and trust.

(2) Ask three questions to your readers, and I mean all readers, whether participants of Fun Monday or not. The questions should be generic so that all your readers can answer them and that it will help you get to know your readers more.

A. What profession would you have if you could completely change from what you're doing now?

B. What helps you relax and trust that things will be okay when you're stressed out?

C. What is one thing you like about me? (I'm feeling kind of needy right now...I need some strokes!)

I hope your Monday was a good one. Mine was crazy...I was observed by the principal today...and my co-teacher really annoys me. But I had a fantastic weekend with Steven. Tomorrow is our 2nd anniversary and he bought me a beautiful promise ring (as in, " a promise of things to come"). It's being sized right now, so I can't wear it (sniff!) until November 12, but here is a picture:

It looks smaller in the picture, but it has 3 beautiful diamonds and is very heavy and comfortable. I can't wait to wear it!

Anyway, hope your week goes well.

J.

Smell my feet.....

2009-10-31T19:35:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween everyone!

It's a quiet Halloween night here....Aaron and Daniel have gone to Indianapolis with their dad, Rachael went to a Halloween party, it's just me and Steven and the cats.

May your hauntings be happy.

J.

I Ticket to Tibet, Please!

2009-10-26T21:20:00.002-04:00

Okay, I have figured it out: the next time I feel like packing up and moving to a cave, instead I'm going to Tibet. According to THIS article, the most remote place on Earth is Tibet, parts of which are 20 days on foot from the nearest point of civilization.

20 days away from everyone.

Now that's MY idea of a get-away.

(Can I take my iPhone?)

Halloween is Coming!!!!!

2009-10-25T22:13:00.004-04:00

Here are a couple of fun Halloween quizzes for you:

YOU SHOULD CARVE A SCARY PUMPKIN FACE!

You Should Carve a Scary Pumpkin Face

You are confident, daring, and even outrageous. People look to you, and you are a true leader.

You're the type of person who takes Halloween seriously. You go all out for the holiday.

You enjoy scaring the dickens out of everyone, whether you're throwing a party or just greeting trick-or-treaters.

You've always got something new up your sleeve each year. If you're going to scare people, you're going to have to surprise them!

What Pumpkin Face Should You Carve?

Work is Hard. Time for Blogthings!

YOU SHOULD BE A PUMPKIN!

You Should Be a Pumpkin

You are seen as cute and adorable. People can't help but love you.

You see Halloween as the day you can really go all out and get noticed.

You're definitely likely to get a little scared on Halloween.

You are easily spooked, but you love feeling scared. It's all part of the fun.

What Classic Halloween Costume Should You Wear?

Blogthings: Cheaper Than a Therapist

My costume IS a pumpkin! Amazing! What are your results?
J.

Happy Birthday Rachael!

2009-10-21T22:03:00.009-04:00

Time to change the numbers in my "About Me" section. Rachael is turning 18 tomorrow. I can't believe it. I know I sound like MY mom when I say this, but it seems like she was a baby just the other day. 18 years. God, how things have changed, both for me and for her.

I always get a little pensive around the kids' birthdays, because remembering the day she was born is bittersweet. My life was so different then. In many ways, we are all much happier now. But sometimes I miss having that life, the traditional kind of life and family.

Anyway, let me just tell you about my girl:

Rachael is very smart. She gets good grades almost without trying. High school was a bit of a shock for her because she actually had to apply herself a little.

Rachael has an amazing voice. She used to be in a rock band, "Ms. Understood". She still takes voice lessons and sings classical Italian arias in competitions. My girl sang the National Anthem in the middle of the football field at the Homecoming game in front of hundreds of people and didn't miss a note.

Rachael is funny. She can arch one eyebrow in the funniest way. She laughs and jokes with her brothers and generally tolerates a lot of abuse.

Rachael is loyal. She is everyone's biggest fan. She has been to not-so-exciting 8 yr. old soccer games, many jr. high and JV football games, and every play Joseph has ever done. She is a good friend and is always doing something for someone else's birthday.

Rachael can be a hormonal, emotional mess. She is, afterall, MY daughter....ha, ha. But she doesn't get like this too often.

Anyway, Happy Birthday Rachael!

I love you!

Mom

An Update on the World of HoosierGirl

2009-10-18T20:44:00.004-04:00

Hey blog world! Remember me? Since I have been too busy lately to keep very well with my blogging, I thought I would do a "catch up" post! Here goes:

Work -

Things at school are good but very busy. My teaching roommate is incompetent and drives me crazy, but other than that, I love my job. I had a student teacher for the first 7 weeks of school and I miss her. My students are doing well. For the most part, they are all making progress.

Things at the Kr**er deli have not been so good. The department manager is kind of difficult. I requested a transfer to cashier, but she blocked it. And now because she's mad at me, she's giving me all the rotten shifts. I worked 16 hours this weekend, 2 8-hour shifts, because she knows I don't like to work all weekend. It sucks, but I need the extra money, especially with Christmas coming up. I'm looking for other options. The good news, I do like all the other people who work in the deli. They are really nice, and mostly are a lot of fun.

Kids-

Joseph is doing well at IU. He hasn't been able to come home yet, but Rachael and I are going to try to go up to see him next weekend. I miss him.

Rachael will be 18 years old in just 3 days. She just got back from her Senior retreat, which was a very powerful experience for her. She is having a fun and happy senior year.

Daniel is just about to wrap up football season (yay!). He has had a great first year - the JV team is undefeated. His grades are good and he is, as always, a very responsible yet goofy person.

Aaron is still having some struggles. One step forward and two steps back. His grades are good and he likes his teacher, but his social issues continue. He is showing signs of maturity now and then. I have hope.

Pets -

We still have the two cats, Butterball and Moustache, but we just added a new kitten, Caboose. He was a stray that my friend Heather at school found and I agreed to take. He is a funny little mixture of sweetheart and alley cat.

Love life-

Steven and I are doing well. Coming soon in November, we will have known each other 2 years. He is still keeping busy driving the truck but manages to be here about once a week or at most every two weeks. We are quite domesticated, and I like it. What can I say? I love the big guy!

Other news:

I think Jon Gosselin is despicable. I think David Letterman should be ashamed of himself. And I think the mom of the Duggar family is crazy.

That's about it. Right now I feel like I'm getting a cold. Otherwise, life is pretty good.

Hows it going with you?

10 on Tuesday

2009-10-13T22:00:00.002-04:00

This week's topic: 10 Things that Make You Feel Old!

Having a son in college. ( or just being old enough to have a son in college!)

Flecks of gray in my hair. (hate 'em)

Needing to wear reading glasses. (hate them, too)

One of my former kindergarten students TEACHING first grade at my son's school.

Actually saying my age out loud.

Seeing TV shows from my childhood in the "Classics" section.

Realizing it has been almost 25 years since I graduated from college (and even longer than that since high school).

Having anyone call me "Ma'm".

Not having the slightest interest in staying up very late, or going out late.

The cute clothes I see in stores that I'm too old to wear.

What makes YOU feel old?

Quote

2009-10-12T22:33:00.000-04:00

"A thought which doesn't result in action is nothing much, and action which doesn't proceed from thought is nothing at all." - G. Bernanos

This quote really made me think.

What do you think?

A Great List!

2009-10-07T22:19:00.003-04:00

You HAVE to check out this list, if you ever loved Ferris Beuller:

15 Most Memorable Ferris Beuller Moments

Which one is YOUR favorite?

The next Fun Monday

2009-10-06T21:53:00.001-04:00

Wendishness has volunteered to host next week. Check her post for the topic.

Thanks, Wendish!

J.

Fun Monday by HoosierGirl

2009-10-04T23:32:00.009-04:00

Well, now that Steven has taken all the good stuff, I guess I'll try to come up with something different. Just kidding, I already had mine in mind. But he did do a good post - check out his "Fun Monday" post just below mine.

What I Love About Fall:

1. Pumpkins- I really love pumpkins. If I had a pumpkin patch, I would have about 20 on my front porch as decoration. I even like pumpkin color - I had 2 or 3 tops in that burnt orange.

2. Rachael - Rachael was born in October and we have had some fun "Halloween" themed birthday parties in the past. She's my only girl and I love her.

3. Harvest Homecoming - My hometown has an annual fall festival called Harvest Homecoming. It's been a tradition my whole life (and probably before me). There are streets of food booths craft booths, rides, the beer tent, concerts. It starts with a parade on one Saturday, then the following week the booths open on Thursday and run through Sunday. Most locals will go down every day for food. The homemade glazed donut booth always has a line, and it is well worth the wait. The roasted corn-on-the-cob, the pork chop sandwiches, the baked sweet potatoes - I can't wait! Harvest Homecoming is next weekend and I will be there every day (I hope).

4. "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!" - I love everything Charlie Brown and I especially love the Halloween special. It is deeply rooted in my childhood memories. It is a classic.

5. Steven - Steven and I first made email contact in October, and met face-to-face for the first time in November. Our 2 year anniversary will be November 3. So when I think about fall, I think about him - and what a turning point that time in my life was. I can honestly say that my life has changed for the better since he entered my life. I love him tremendously (but he is at this very moment giving me grief for being too syrupy in this post). I look forward to many years to come with him, if he behaves himself! :)

Check out these other bloggers for their "Fun Monday" posts:

1. Sayre

2. The Church Lady

3. Ari_1965

4. Faye

5, Janis

6. Brother Dave

7. HoosierGirl (of course)

8. ChrisB

9. Jill

10. Gattina

11. T-dude299 (see the post just below this one)

12. Wendishness

13. Karisma (who will do what she loves about spring ha, ha! - just teasing you, Karisma, you don't have to do it!)

14. Margaret

15. Swampy

16. Min

17. Stephanie (Mama Drama)

We need a volunteer to host next week.
Hope you all have a great week.
J.

Fun Monday, What I love about fall, by a Guest Poster

2009-10-04T18:35:00.004-04:00

I am fortunate to have travelled all across the beautiful US of A, (well, most of it! I've got three states left to see.) If there's one thing that we as citizens share, it's our appreciation for Fall.

Most of us are fed up with the dog days of Summer. We're pretty much tired of sweating like a pillow case filled with water. Lets not mention that we're done with hotdogs for a while too. Mowing the grass will be replaced by raking leaves and shovelling snow, and scraping Ice from windows.

While harvest time may be a season of distress to some; to me it signals the end to another growing season. Corn, wheat, soybeans, milo, just to name a few have been harvested, sent to market, and the farmers are busy planting all over again. The calves, piglets, foals, and the little bambi's are now mature enough to be on their own. The boys of summer are getting ready to clear their lockers, while football is just starting to get exciting. Uh oh, I think I was wrong about the hotdogs. Can't have a tailgate party without the Dogs!!!!

Now, for the things I like about Fall. I think I'll list this in a Top 10 format:

1. Pumpkins

Fall makes me think of pumpkins, Indian corn, and pecan pie. (yummy) Most everywhere I go there are big pumpkin displays. Pumpkins of all sorts + sizes.

2. Thanksgiving.

You may, or may not agree, but I think Thanksgiving should be almost as important as Christmas. A lot of hands went to work to produce all that we enjoy at Thanksgiving. And there are a lot of our sons and daughters who have gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can celebrate this day.

3. Corn Mazes!

It speaks for itself. Who can resist a good puzzle?

4. The fall colors.

The changing of the leaves is like the turning of the pages of a good book.

5. Kids.

There is something about kids and pumpkins and corn mazes and fall festivals and kids who discover the perfect pumpkin.

6. Trick-or-treating.

I do love to be the "treatee" (the guy who sits on the porch and hands out the goodies).

7. Bonfires.

I was in Scouts for 11 years in one form or another and no weekend would be complete without a campfire or a bonfire as we would have.

8. Football.

It could be jr. high, high school, college, pro - football is football.

9. Parades.

Almost every community in the country has a parade of some kind in the fall. I've participated in my share of parades and I always gripe but I always have fun.

10. Hoosier Girl

The inspiration for this post. I met HoosierGirl in the fall and my life has never been the same. Hoosier Girl's perpetual optimism really has me seeing the fall in a new light.

Hope you liked my list.

Trukindude (HoosierGirl's significant other)

Fun Monday for next week

2009-09-29T20:50:00.006-04:00

I am hosting Fun Monday next week, and I have thought long and hard about what the topic should be. Then today......at school.....it came to me. I do a version of "10 on Tuesday" with my students every Tuesday. We make a list of some sort - they are starting to look forward to it.

This morning, the weather turned cool here in Southern Indiana and my thoughts turned to fall. Our "10 on Tuesday" was name something that is your favorite about fall, and hence....this week's topic was born.

Show us or tell us what you love about fall - images, smells, sights, activities.

UPDATED:

1. Sayre

2. The Church Lady

3. Ari_1965

4. Faye

5, Janis

6. Brother Dave

7. HoosierGirl (of course)

8. ChrisB

9. Jill

10. Gattina

11. T-dude299 (look for his post here)

12. Wendishness

13. Karisma (who will do what she loves about spring ha, ha! - just teasing you, Karisma, you don't have to do it!)

14. Margaret

15. Swampy

Honestly!

2009-09-26T20:54:00.002-04:00

The Honesty Meme:

This is a Facebook honesty meme which a co-teacher tagged me for, but I’m going to post it to my BLOG. :)

1. What was the last thing you put in your mouth?

A drink of strawberry daiquiri wine cooler.

2. Where was your profile picture taken? (see pic)
My FB profile pic was taken when Steven and I were in Chicago.

3. Can you play Guitar Hero?

Nope.

4. Name someone who made you laugh today?

Steven - he's goofy!

5. How late did you stay up last night and why?
I went to bed at 10 because I was beat.

6. If you could move somewhere else, would you?
Yes. If the kids were not a consideration, I would either move to St. Petersburg Beach, Florida or to Texas near Steven's parents.

7. Ever been kissed under fireworks?
Yes, in Washington DC.

8. Which of your friends lives closest to you on Facebook?
My son Daniel.

9. Do you believe ex’s can be friends?
Yes. I was very good friends with my ex-husband, Larry.

10. How do you feel about Dr Pepper?
I don't like it at all.

11. When was the last time you cried really hard?
I've cried a few times in the last week, but not really hard. That's a good thing.

12. Who took your profile picture?
The waitress at Pizzaria Uno.

13. Who was the last person you took a picture of?
Aaron at the Cub-a-ree.

14. Was yesterday better than today?
Nope, today was much better.

15. Can you live a day without TV?
Yes.

16. Are you upset about anything?
Yes. I am upset about a situation at work and I am upset about Aaron's school relationships.

17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
Yes. I do.

18. Are you a bad influence?
Sometimes.

19. Night out or night in?
Unless you're taking me to the movies, I definitely prefer a night in.

20. What items could you not go without during the day?
My car, my laptop, my cell phone.

21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
A lady from Kroger.

22. What does the last text message in your inbox say?
"Yay! If you call and I don't answer, I'm in the shower."

23. How do you feel about your life right now?
Mostly pretty good. I wish I was in a better financial situation, but I feel like I'm gaining ground in that area. Things are good with Steven, but not completely settled. I feel better than ever about my ablities at school.

24. Do you hate anyone?
Yeah, I do. Just one person.

25. If we were to look in your Facebook inbox, what would we find?
A message about my "foster" dog and a thank-you note from a parent from school.

26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?
Yes. I've never done drugs.

27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
I don't think so.

28. What song is stuck in your head?

"That's what you get for waking up in Vegas" (Katy Perry).

29. Someone knocks on your window at 2:00 a.m., who do you want it to be?
It better be Steven. Anyone else, I'm calling the cops.

30. Wanna have grandkids before you’re 50?
Absolutely not...that's only 5 years from now. NO.

31. Name something you have to do tomorrow:
Work at the deli. Ugh.

32. Do you think too much or too little?

WAY too much.

33. Do you smile a lot?

Yeah, I do. Most of the time.

Answer any question in the comments, or do the meme yourself! Have an awesome weekend!