Well, it's 12/21/12 and we're all still here. Of course, Richard said that maybe the end of the world will be at 12:21 on 12/21/12. I told him that we'd already had 12:21, but he pointed out that no, that was 00:21. So help me...if the world ends right before we get out of school, I'm gonna stamp my foot!
I feel better today. Things are still a bit rough at home, but it's a better day. I had a training session yesterday. We did flexibility - which means he stretched me out, rolled the PVC pipe down my legs causing me great pain, but then finished with back and shoulders along with meditative music and sounds in a darkened room. Ahhhhh! Very nice. Plus...I lost another 3 pounds. I'm down 9 pounds total. Woo!
So...I rewarded myself with the Marks girls' dessert for breakfast/lunch and a Diet Coke. Ssh...don't tell Nii. Two more hours!
Friday, December 21, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Bah! Humbug!
I used to LOVE Christmas! Many years ago (like over 20) I loved decorating on the day after Thanksgiving, playing Christmas music 24/7, buying presents, making sure they were under the tree at least two weeks before Christmas Day. It started going down when we lived in Utah. There was almost always a cloud of depression near the holidays. Maybe I was missing my family - everything my mom did for Christmas when we would go there every year.
Then we moved back to Texas and Mom died. There would never again be a "real" Christmas in the way that I knew and understood it. And I realized that it was *my* job to make that real Christmas for my own boys. I was the mom, not my mom. It was better the last few years, but this year.... Ugh. Here we are five days before Christmas and I have two presents to give. Two. That's all. No fudge. No cookies. Nothing is wrapped. James and John want a Nintendo 64. Seriously. The old one. I'm checking everywhere I can, but nothing yet. We sent a care package to Chris. But money is still an issue - and a big one. I want to get Richard a gym membership and a three-day training package, but he says I can't. I've told the family that my training sessions are my Christmas and birthday presents. They can re-gift something or give me a service book or something like that. But no money should be spent on me.
I just can't get in the Christmas spirit. I'm trying to wear my Christmas-y clothes, play music, watch Christmas videos in class...but I'm just blah. I'm hoping Saturday to get out and shop. The Saturday before Christmas. I'm sure it won't be crowded at all. But I have a training session at 9 am, then I'll go to the LDS bookstore and pick up Chris's plaque, then we'll go from there. Deep breath. Paste on that Christmas smile. And try to remember that it's not about money or presents - it's about our Savior. Celebrating Christ's birth. Celebrating His love. There...that's a little better.
Merry Christmas!
Then we moved back to Texas and Mom died. There would never again be a "real" Christmas in the way that I knew and understood it. And I realized that it was *my* job to make that real Christmas for my own boys. I was the mom, not my mom. It was better the last few years, but this year.... Ugh. Here we are five days before Christmas and I have two presents to give. Two. That's all. No fudge. No cookies. Nothing is wrapped. James and John want a Nintendo 64. Seriously. The old one. I'm checking everywhere I can, but nothing yet. We sent a care package to Chris. But money is still an issue - and a big one. I want to get Richard a gym membership and a three-day training package, but he says I can't. I've told the family that my training sessions are my Christmas and birthday presents. They can re-gift something or give me a service book or something like that. But no money should be spent on me.
I just can't get in the Christmas spirit. I'm trying to wear my Christmas-y clothes, play music, watch Christmas videos in class...but I'm just blah. I'm hoping Saturday to get out and shop. The Saturday before Christmas. I'm sure it won't be crowded at all. But I have a training session at 9 am, then I'll go to the LDS bookstore and pick up Chris's plaque, then we'll go from there. Deep breath. Paste on that Christmas smile. And try to remember that it's not about money or presents - it's about our Savior. Celebrating Christ's birth. Celebrating His love. There...that's a little better.
Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Evil Exists
I had to wait a day or so to compose my thoughts - and they may still not be just very connected. But regardless, here are my thoughts on the senseless tragedy that took place at an elementary school in Connecticut yesterday:
1. We can go round and round and round and round on gun control, mental health issues, and security, but the fact of the matter is that evil exists. Satan is real and our country turns away from God, Satan will have a freer rein to manipulate people. Evil was given a face, a name, and an action yesterday.
2. As more information is released, I can't help but compare these children with my own 1st grade students (and all the others at my school as well.) I picture their faces and their mostly-innocent actions and I just can't imagine what that gunman must have seen in his mind to make him think about gunning them down. There are plenty of my little first graders who I'd love to give a good swat on the bum, but hatred? I can't imagine.
3. I'm - enjoying isn't the right word - appreciating the coverage of the teachers and their actions to keep the children as safe as possible. When I heard the news yesterday, my first thought was, of course, of my own boys. But my second was as a teacher. What would I do? I've said - probably every time we've had a lockdown drill - that locking down my room is pointless. It's the first room from the office. It has two doors, no closets, no bookshelves, and nothing to hide behind. I do have those plastic Wenger risers, so I have already been thinking of how I could rearrange my room so that they don't just take up space, but serve a purpose even in storage. Then I think - what would I do? Would I shield my students? Would I sacrifice myself for them? The pragmatic part of me says, "They don't pay me enough to risk my life for these people." Ok...that's also the grumpy part of me. But the truth is - I know that I would. My job is to protect them, to keep them calm, to love them, and yes, in spite of what the federal government says, to pray for them. In spite of administrators who love to make my life at school miserable, in spite of parents who insist that their child can do NO wrong, in spite of all of the paperwork and meaningless meetings and directives and everything else that makes my job almost unendurable some days, I would shield those babies. Even the fifth graders. Because I am their teacher. And I love them.
4. I hope and am pretty darn sure that I will never have to worry about that situation in real life. This is why we prepare. This is why we have drills and we hope we never have to use them. This is why there are procedures in place so that we, as teachers, know what is going on and what we need to do. Unfortunately, I did not receive anything from our principal yesterday. I didn't know anything about what had happened until I got in my car and heard the news on the radio. But I found out that other teachers at other schools got information, so I'm left to wonder why we didn't get it. The district asked the schools to provide extra teachers for school dismissals. I was available, but didn't go because I didn't know I should. I realize that, in light of the tragedy that occurred, this is a minor detail, but I feel deeply that it's something that we, as teachers, should have been told. Parents were already calling the district offices and some of the schools and it's protocol that, when these things happen far away, the district implements extra safety procedures. These are supposed to be carried out at the campus level. I'm still pondering what, if anything, to do about that.
In the long haul, we will get through this. We will never get over it, but we will get through it. We will hug our children a little tighter, we'll find the joy in teaching again, we'll feel more love and care for our students - and then time will pass and we'll forget and get back to normal - until the next time. And there will be a next time because guns or no guns, mental health or mental illness, beefed up security or none - evil exists and until we as a people turn back to our Heavenly Father, evil will continue to intrude into our lives.
Those are my thoughts. That and a buck-fifty will get you a glass of water.
1. We can go round and round and round and round on gun control, mental health issues, and security, but the fact of the matter is that evil exists. Satan is real and our country turns away from God, Satan will have a freer rein to manipulate people. Evil was given a face, a name, and an action yesterday.
2. As more information is released, I can't help but compare these children with my own 1st grade students (and all the others at my school as well.) I picture their faces and their mostly-innocent actions and I just can't imagine what that gunman must have seen in his mind to make him think about gunning them down. There are plenty of my little first graders who I'd love to give a good swat on the bum, but hatred? I can't imagine.
3. I'm - enjoying isn't the right word - appreciating the coverage of the teachers and their actions to keep the children as safe as possible. When I heard the news yesterday, my first thought was, of course, of my own boys. But my second was as a teacher. What would I do? I've said - probably every time we've had a lockdown drill - that locking down my room is pointless. It's the first room from the office. It has two doors, no closets, no bookshelves, and nothing to hide behind. I do have those plastic Wenger risers, so I have already been thinking of how I could rearrange my room so that they don't just take up space, but serve a purpose even in storage. Then I think - what would I do? Would I shield my students? Would I sacrifice myself for them? The pragmatic part of me says, "They don't pay me enough to risk my life for these people." Ok...that's also the grumpy part of me. But the truth is - I know that I would. My job is to protect them, to keep them calm, to love them, and yes, in spite of what the federal government says, to pray for them. In spite of administrators who love to make my life at school miserable, in spite of parents who insist that their child can do NO wrong, in spite of all of the paperwork and meaningless meetings and directives and everything else that makes my job almost unendurable some days, I would shield those babies. Even the fifth graders. Because I am their teacher. And I love them.
4. I hope and am pretty darn sure that I will never have to worry about that situation in real life. This is why we prepare. This is why we have drills and we hope we never have to use them. This is why there are procedures in place so that we, as teachers, know what is going on and what we need to do. Unfortunately, I did not receive anything from our principal yesterday. I didn't know anything about what had happened until I got in my car and heard the news on the radio. But I found out that other teachers at other schools got information, so I'm left to wonder why we didn't get it. The district asked the schools to provide extra teachers for school dismissals. I was available, but didn't go because I didn't know I should. I realize that, in light of the tragedy that occurred, this is a minor detail, but I feel deeply that it's something that we, as teachers, should have been told. Parents were already calling the district offices and some of the schools and it's protocol that, when these things happen far away, the district implements extra safety procedures. These are supposed to be carried out at the campus level. I'm still pondering what, if anything, to do about that.
In the long haul, we will get through this. We will never get over it, but we will get through it. We will hug our children a little tighter, we'll find the joy in teaching again, we'll feel more love and care for our students - and then time will pass and we'll forget and get back to normal - until the next time. And there will be a next time because guns or no guns, mental health or mental illness, beefed up security or none - evil exists and until we as a people turn back to our Heavenly Father, evil will continue to intrude into our lives.
Those are my thoughts. That and a buck-fifty will get you a glass of water.
Friday, December 14, 2012
A New Me
There's a new me. I'm spending $$$ on myself so that I don't have to spend it on myself later on. I've started working with a personal trainer. It's expensive - to the point that I told the boys not to get me anything for Christmas or my birthday. But I've lost six pounds and lots of inches. Even a few percentage points of body fat. My trainer is named Nii. He's calmly supportive but he doesn't let me slide. I'm feeling stronger and thinner than in months.
The biggest thing I've noticed is that I really do feel better - even with the lack of Diet Coke. He wants me down to none, but the last couple of days I've cheated. One per day. But...that's SO much better than the 4-6 I would often drink in a day before that I don't feel too badly about it. But I've actually had days when I didn't have any Coke at all. I don't think that's happened in 20 years. Seriously.
He started me on a breakfast smoothie that has spinach, banana, berries, kiwi, and coconut milk. It scared me at first, but it's really good and I can tell SUCH a difference in how I feel when I have that instead of a Nutrigrain bar and a Diet Coke for breakfast.
And in the midst of all this, I realized that it feels really good to have someone support me, push me, and listen to me. I think part of being a personal trainer must be playing personal therapist as well. I try to get Richard to sign up, but he can't see past the money. But he wants me to keep going. But then sometimes I think he resents it. He can't make up his mind, so I'm going to do what's best for me and the family. A happy, healthy mom makes for a happier family.
All that being said, did I really sign up for a 4:00 training session on Friday?
The biggest thing I've noticed is that I really do feel better - even with the lack of Diet Coke. He wants me down to none, but the last couple of days I've cheated. One per day. But...that's SO much better than the 4-6 I would often drink in a day before that I don't feel too badly about it. But I've actually had days when I didn't have any Coke at all. I don't think that's happened in 20 years. Seriously.
He started me on a breakfast smoothie that has spinach, banana, berries, kiwi, and coconut milk. It scared me at first, but it's really good and I can tell SUCH a difference in how I feel when I have that instead of a Nutrigrain bar and a Diet Coke for breakfast.
And in the midst of all this, I realized that it feels really good to have someone support me, push me, and listen to me. I think part of being a personal trainer must be playing personal therapist as well. I try to get Richard to sign up, but he can't see past the money. But he wants me to keep going. But then sometimes I think he resents it. He can't make up his mind, so I'm going to do what's best for me and the family. A happy, healthy mom makes for a happier family.
All that being said, did I really sign up for a 4:00 training session on Friday?
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Whoops!
Boy, do I feel like a heel. Got an email from Chris today. He said it was his first P-day and he didn't have anyone to email. I had been told that they couldn't email from the MTC. Then he said, "I'm not bitter, though." Ugh.
Guess I'd better get on the stick with this missionary mom thing. :-(
Guess I'd better get on the stick with this missionary mom thing. :-(
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Crazy May
May is insane no matter what, but especially when you have a senior. Especially, especially when that senior is number 4 in his class. Last week we had a scholarship awards ceremony on Tuesday, a top ten seniors banquet on Thursday, and the Nellie Awards (Studio B - Fiddler On the Roof) on Friday.
The other boys are kinda getting shoved to the side, but that's what happens I guess. They're okay with it all.
But...today is Mother's Day. So it's really all about me. Richard spent some money on me. He bought me some beautiful pink roses, a wonderful card and Turtles! Yummy!!
The best part about Mother's Day is that I can lounge around in my bed, watch TV, play on the computer - basically do what I do almost every Sunday afternoon - but I don't feel guilty about it. :-)
I do miss my own mom today though. When we hit these milestones with my family, I wish I was able to talk with her about what's going on and what to do. But I'm not sad or melancholy because I have an awesome family of my own who love me and take care of me. And I still have my dad - such a blessing.
So on this Mother's Day 2012 I will enjoy my quiet time and the hugs from my boys and the doors that are opened for me, the church crate that is carried for me, and the lack of whining for the day. It's all back to normal tomorrow!
This afternoon he addressed his graduation announcements. He has his last AP test tomorrow and the final awards ceremony on Thursday. Then it's finals and graduation. Oh...and the day before graduation is his eagle scout court of honor.
The other boys are kinda getting shoved to the side, but that's what happens I guess. They're okay with it all.
But...today is Mother's Day. So it's really all about me. Richard spent some money on me. He bought me some beautiful pink roses, a wonderful card and Turtles! Yummy!!
I do miss my own mom today though. When we hit these milestones with my family, I wish I was able to talk with her about what's going on and what to do. But I'm not sad or melancholy because I have an awesome family of my own who love me and take care of me. And I still have my dad - such a blessing.
So on this Mother's Day 2012 I will enjoy my quiet time and the hugs from my boys and the doors that are opened for me, the church crate that is carried for me, and the lack of whining for the day. It's all back to normal tomorrow!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Crazy Friday
What a crazy day!! First - it's Friday. (Yay!) Then - it's picture day. Then - we have a bunch of teachers already out and then at least two more went home at the beginning of the day. So some subs got moved around and aides were used in other classes.
But...it's Friday. I have Saturday school tomorrow morning and then I'm spending the rest of the weekend doing laundry and watching conference. I just love General Conference! It's the boost I always need. I need to feel that spirit. I need to find hope again. Well, I actually have hope. But someone else in our house doesn't. I'm hoping and praying that he can feel the Spirit this weekend. That he will feel Heavenly Father's love for him. And that our family can come together again.
But...it's Friday. I have Saturday school tomorrow morning and then I'm spending the rest of the weekend doing laundry and watching conference. I just love General Conference! It's the boost I always need. I need to feel that spirit. I need to find hope again. Well, I actually have hope. But someone else in our house doesn't. I'm hoping and praying that he can feel the Spirit this weekend. That he will feel Heavenly Father's love for him. And that our family can come together again.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Spring Has Sprung
We made it through spring break. A wonderfully enjoyable and productive week off school. Finally got the house really cleaned. Of course, now we're just dirtying it up again and I'm not keeping up again, but it's not long until summer. Just eight weeks away.
Eight weeks. That means in eight weeks, Chris will be graduating. In 10 weeks, he will be at BYU. I don't think it's really hit me yet. Tuition, housing, meal plans, travel there and back. Ack! It'll work out somehow.
We're still unemployed. Not sure what's going on in that regard except that we're getting an unemployment check every two weeks.
But...since it's spring...the weather has been BEAUTIFUL lately! I keep meaning to go work in the front flower beds, but of course, other things come up - things that aren't quite so physically taxing.
And...in celebration of spring...I've joined Weight Watchers again. Today is the last day of my first week. It's harder this time - I think because I eat when I'm stressed and I'm ALWAYS stressed. Eating healthy is much more expensive that eating unhealthy. Fruits and vegetables are expensive these days. But it's still less expensive than medical issues. Of course, since we had pizza and pie for lunch today - I think I ruined my diet today. But maybe I'll walk the dog to help that out this afternoon and we'll go from there. :-)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Small Blessings
It doesn't take much to make me happy these days. It really is the little things. Like a 5th grade teacher who put a dollar in the Coke machine and got two Diet Cokes. She brought me one of them. Or a sister from church who was already coming up to eat lunch with our favorite redheaded 2nd grader and brought me tacos from Taco Bell and HUGE Diet Coke from Sonic.
It's a good feeling. :-)
It's a good feeling. :-)
Monday, February 27, 2012
Am I Really the Mother of a Senior?
Is he really going off to college this summer? Yes. Yes he is. Chris was accepted into BYU and will be starting college on June 18th. This after he graduates from high school on June 3rd. W. O. W.
Now we just wait and see about scholarships and such. He will do one summer term, come home in August and hopefully get a short-time job, then plans to begin his mission right at his birthday in November.
It's really too bad he doesn't have a plan, isn't it? Gooooooooo Chris!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
It's Better to Look Up
We have turned the corner. It's just a small corner, but at least it's a corner. Richard received his unemployment award and they sent us four weeks' worth at once - two of it back pay. Yay! And they took into account Richard's previous teaching salary when making their award determination. Whew! That's something at least.
I've been picking up some Saturday school tutoring gigs and one building monitor evening gig. So that will be a little extra in the paycheck in March. AND our tax refund will be officially in our account tomorrow. So maybe we can finally get caught up and take care of some of Chris's things like a book for his college class and trip payments and AP test fees.
It feels better anyway. I had a major meltdown last Monday - cried it all out. Not the sweet, cute cry you see in movies. Oh no...not me. This was the out loud, nose-dripping, red-faced kind. The kind you don't want anyone to see. And no one did. So I share it here for all my readers. (All two of you.)
But home is feeling much better. I wish I could say the same about school. It's just awful. A constant feeling of looking over your shoulder, one can never do right, nothing is good enough, and the ever-present, "I don't really care what you're going through at home, just make sure you do everything you're supposed to do here, which includes all the extra stuff I'm assigning you just because I can." Most days it's all I can do to make myself go to work. I've taken more days off this year than ever, I think, but that doesn't really help because so often a sub doesn't pick up and then my team takes the brunt of my not being there. It's not fair, but that's the way it is. :-(
But...I'm feeling better regardless. My last few posts have been so negative that I wanted to finally write a positive one. Heavenly Father is in charge. He's watching out for me and my family. There are positives - lots of positives. That will be another post. :)
I've been picking up some Saturday school tutoring gigs and one building monitor evening gig. So that will be a little extra in the paycheck in March. AND our tax refund will be officially in our account tomorrow. So maybe we can finally get caught up and take care of some of Chris's things like a book for his college class and trip payments and AP test fees.
It feels better anyway. I had a major meltdown last Monday - cried it all out. Not the sweet, cute cry you see in movies. Oh no...not me. This was the out loud, nose-dripping, red-faced kind. The kind you don't want anyone to see. And no one did. So I share it here for all my readers. (All two of you.)
But home is feeling much better. I wish I could say the same about school. It's just awful. A constant feeling of looking over your shoulder, one can never do right, nothing is good enough, and the ever-present, "I don't really care what you're going through at home, just make sure you do everything you're supposed to do here, which includes all the extra stuff I'm assigning you just because I can." Most days it's all I can do to make myself go to work. I've taken more days off this year than ever, I think, but that doesn't really help because so often a sub doesn't pick up and then my team takes the brunt of my not being there. It's not fair, but that's the way it is. :-(
But...I'm feeling better regardless. My last few posts have been so negative that I wanted to finally write a positive one. Heavenly Father is in charge. He's watching out for me and my family. There are positives - lots of positives. That will be another post. :)
Monday, February 6, 2012
Will It Ever End? (With an Update)
Seriously...I don't know what to do next. Apparently I forgot to pay the Uverse bill last month, so it's double this month. The transmission went out on the truck, but luckily I have an awesome father-in-law who paid to get it fixed for us. Then the alternator went out on the van, so that was $400 that we didn't have but we spent anyway. Then the mortgage went through and now we're in the red nearly $500. We've got a hefty tax refund coming - if I can find $10 to pay for the e-filing. Sheesh.
Guess I'll be calling AT&T to see what we can do about our bill. What will the boys do if we have to get rid of TV? If we keep internet, then we could get rid of the TV and home phone. Maybe that would save us a couple hundred a month.
I don't know...it just seems like it's never-ending. We just can't catch a break. I'm working Saturday School tomorrow and in two weeks. That'll bring in a bit extra, but with no paycheck until Feb. 20th, this is going to be a difficult month. Richard applied for unemployment, so we'll see what happens with that.
The quote, "Live by faith, not by fear," is very difficult to follow during these particular times. Saturday night is ward temple night and I'd like to go, but there's the gas cost and the clothing rental. Guess that's part of the "live by faith" idea, huh?
This wasn't how things were supposed to go this year. Certainly not at this point in my life. I never thought we would be rich or anything like that - not on teacher salaries - but I thought we'd be in a better position to send Chris to college and a mission, to support James and John in their endeavors through middle and high school.
Richard's so depressed I'm not even sure he could get a job right now. His demeanor is very blah.
Update 2/6/12
Went to the temple on Saturday and had a wonderful dinner out afterward. I was sad that Richard didn't come, but it was a good time anyway. And a friend paid for my dinner. Late that evening, as I was finishing up my sharing time, there was a quick knock on the door. Whoever it was was lucky they were fast because I was in the front room on the computer. LOL When I opened the door there was a little paper gift bag with a package of Ghirardelli chocolates and a $50 gift card. Wow. That will put gas in the van.
Fasted and prayed on Sunday. Called dad yesterday and he is sending us enough to cover the alternator and/or Uverse. While I was talking to Dad, I had just a feeling of peace - like we're just about to turn the corner to something better. Richard went to the employment center on Saturday, is doing a webinar today, resume class tomorrow and a friend is asking for tutoring for her son. Things are looking up. Well, not really...but I'm feeling more positive. Heavenly Father is aware of our needs and He will provide. Of that I have a firm testimony.
Guess I'll be calling AT&T to see what we can do about our bill. What will the boys do if we have to get rid of TV? If we keep internet, then we could get rid of the TV and home phone. Maybe that would save us a couple hundred a month.
I don't know...it just seems like it's never-ending. We just can't catch a break. I'm working Saturday School tomorrow and in two weeks. That'll bring in a bit extra, but with no paycheck until Feb. 20th, this is going to be a difficult month. Richard applied for unemployment, so we'll see what happens with that.
The quote, "Live by faith, not by fear," is very difficult to follow during these particular times. Saturday night is ward temple night and I'd like to go, but there's the gas cost and the clothing rental. Guess that's part of the "live by faith" idea, huh?
This wasn't how things were supposed to go this year. Certainly not at this point in my life. I never thought we would be rich or anything like that - not on teacher salaries - but I thought we'd be in a better position to send Chris to college and a mission, to support James and John in their endeavors through middle and high school.
Richard's so depressed I'm not even sure he could get a job right now. His demeanor is very blah.
Update 2/6/12
Went to the temple on Saturday and had a wonderful dinner out afterward. I was sad that Richard didn't come, but it was a good time anyway. And a friend paid for my dinner. Late that evening, as I was finishing up my sharing time, there was a quick knock on the door. Whoever it was was lucky they were fast because I was in the front room on the computer. LOL When I opened the door there was a little paper gift bag with a package of Ghirardelli chocolates and a $50 gift card. Wow. That will put gas in the van.
Fasted and prayed on Sunday. Called dad yesterday and he is sending us enough to cover the alternator and/or Uverse. While I was talking to Dad, I had just a feeling of peace - like we're just about to turn the corner to something better. Richard went to the employment center on Saturday, is doing a webinar today, resume class tomorrow and a friend is asking for tutoring for her son. Things are looking up. Well, not really...but I'm feeling more positive. Heavenly Father is aware of our needs and He will provide. Of that I have a firm testimony.
Common Courtesy
Wouldn't common courtesy say that if there are going to be construction workers on the roof during the school day you would send out an email early in the day to let people know that it will be happening? Possibly even the Friday before? Here we sit in music class with jackhammers and sledge hammers and all manner of hammers pounding over our heads. And because it's the music room our ceiling is higher and so it sounds like they are right on top of us. Right. On. Top. Of. Us.
I'm guessing this headache I got early in the day is not going to go away any time soon. When I complained/questioned the office about it, our principal said, "Yes, they're replacing the drains on the roof. They were supposed to do it last week, but we had benchmark testing. So we just have to go with it." No sympathy. No apology. No empathy. Nothing. Just "deal with it," basically. I'm so tired of the attitude around here.
We got an email at 10:30 regarding the noise. She said she realized the noise was annoying, but water leaking into the building is just as annoying. Really? "Please be patient and flexible." I am. We're watching a video because we can't hear ourselves think. It's okay...we just sing anyway.
Ugh. Grateful to be heading to San Antonio later this week. A two-day work week for me and then vacay! Ok...actually it's TMEA and I'm there to learn things - which I will - but it's still a vacay. Woot! I guess I can deal with the jackhammers for today. :-)
I'm guessing this headache I got early in the day is not going to go away any time soon. When I complained/questioned the office about it, our principal said, "Yes, they're replacing the drains on the roof. They were supposed to do it last week, but we had benchmark testing. So we just have to go with it." No sympathy. No apology. No empathy. Nothing. Just "deal with it," basically. I'm so tired of the attitude around here.
We got an email at 10:30 regarding the noise. She said she realized the noise was annoying, but water leaking into the building is just as annoying. Really? "Please be patient and flexible." I am. We're watching a video because we can't hear ourselves think. It's okay...we just sing anyway.
Ugh. Grateful to be heading to San Antonio later this week. A two-day work week for me and then vacay! Ok...actually it's TMEA and I'm there to learn things - which I will - but it's still a vacay. Woot! I guess I can deal with the jackhammers for today. :-)
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Day of Rest? Bah!
I'm not sure what happened...but this was not a day of rest. It started with the cat waking me up at 5:00. I got up with him, then came back to bed. But by then, my mind was full of all the things I needed to do at church - sharing time, teacher training, sharing time...all those things. I laid here for a while and pet the cat but finally I just needed to get up and get started.
So I got sharing time printed. Then got showered. Then got boys up. Left for church at 8:00. Primary room wasn't set up and I needed to set up my sharing time. Ran around and got everything copied and put together. Then church, then primary. Sharing time went well with senior primary. Not so much with junior. I think I know why and I will remember that from now on.
Oh yeah...then ward council after church that ran an extra 30 minutes. Ward conference is next week so there was a lot to discuss and Bishop never runs over, so it really wasn't that big of a deal except that I was tired! Came home and watched some football and had some lunch. Rested some this afternoon but never napped.
Finally got some inspiration for tonight's teacher meeting - an hour before the meeting. Oh...and I made brownies. From Mom's recipe. Yummmmmm! And Richard made a GF cake for John. :-) Went to the meeting. We currently have 12 teachers in primary. (Our submitted names were issued calls today though - YAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!) Six showed up. Ok so that's half. I guess that's not too bad. But still...I'd hoped for a bit better. But...it went well. Short and sweet. Meeting was over in 30 minutes - just like I promised. Yay me.
Now the day is over and I'm exhausted. Think I'll take myself to bed. Tomorrow is laundry, playing for a memorial service and deep-cleaning John's room. I'll probably be just as tired tomorrow night. Yay for 3-day weekends!!
So I got sharing time printed. Then got showered. Then got boys up. Left for church at 8:00. Primary room wasn't set up and I needed to set up my sharing time. Ran around and got everything copied and put together. Then church, then primary. Sharing time went well with senior primary. Not so much with junior. I think I know why and I will remember that from now on.
Oh yeah...then ward council after church that ran an extra 30 minutes. Ward conference is next week so there was a lot to discuss and Bishop never runs over, so it really wasn't that big of a deal except that I was tired! Came home and watched some football and had some lunch. Rested some this afternoon but never napped.
Finally got some inspiration for tonight's teacher meeting - an hour before the meeting. Oh...and I made brownies. From Mom's recipe. Yummmmmm! And Richard made a GF cake for John. :-) Went to the meeting. We currently have 12 teachers in primary. (Our submitted names were issued calls today though - YAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!) Six showed up. Ok so that's half. I guess that's not too bad. But still...I'd hoped for a bit better. But...it went well. Short and sweet. Meeting was over in 30 minutes - just like I promised. Yay me.
Now the day is over and I'm exhausted. Think I'll take myself to bed. Tomorrow is laundry, playing for a memorial service and deep-cleaning John's room. I'll probably be just as tired tomorrow night. Yay for 3-day weekends!!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
A Good Day...
I do love Sundays. I really do. Today was mostly relaxing and enjoyable. A very good testimony meeting. Primary went well. All of our assigned teachers were there. Cub meetings this afternoon - not so fun. But what can you do? Watched a little football, played on Richard's computer. (My laptop got the blue screen of death yesterday and won't reboot. Meh.)
The boys are playing rather nicely. I may be just about to get in my pajamas and go read for the evening. Sounds rather decadent, but tomorrow's Monday, so I should do what I can now.
On the down side, Richard's last day at work will be Wednesday. It was a seasonal/temp position and he just had too many points (for absences) for them to keep him, even though his ratings are through the roof. It's just as well. He didn't really like it and now he can apply for unemployment benefits and spend the days looking for a real job. However, we can't meet our obligations in any way at all. Not sure what to do next. Maybe sit down with the bishop and show him our actual budget and see what he says. Cut off cable? Cell phones? We have contracts on the cell phones, so I don't know about that. And TV? Really? Internet? Ack! I don't know.
But...for now...we have a roof over our heads, food in our pantry, and heat in our home. Those things I can be grateful for and rely on Heavenly Father to provide what we need - and maybe a little bit of what we want.
I'm just gonna go to work tomorrow and be thankful that I have a job. And I will be positive. I will smile.
I spent the last week really working on being more positive and smiling and such. It made a huge difference in the day, I think. That and something called Class Dojo (a techno behavioral chart for my classes.) But the smiling helped for sure. So I'll do it again. And again. And again. And again. And it'll all be okay - somehow.
The boys are playing rather nicely. I may be just about to get in my pajamas and go read for the evening. Sounds rather decadent, but tomorrow's Monday, so I should do what I can now.
On the down side, Richard's last day at work will be Wednesday. It was a seasonal/temp position and he just had too many points (for absences) for them to keep him, even though his ratings are through the roof. It's just as well. He didn't really like it and now he can apply for unemployment benefits and spend the days looking for a real job. However, we can't meet our obligations in any way at all. Not sure what to do next. Maybe sit down with the bishop and show him our actual budget and see what he says. Cut off cable? Cell phones? We have contracts on the cell phones, so I don't know about that. And TV? Really? Internet? Ack! I don't know.
But...for now...we have a roof over our heads, food in our pantry, and heat in our home. Those things I can be grateful for and rely on Heavenly Father to provide what we need - and maybe a little bit of what we want.
I'm just gonna go to work tomorrow and be thankful that I have a job. And I will be positive. I will smile.
I spent the last week really working on being more positive and smiling and such. It made a huge difference in the day, I think. That and something called Class Dojo (a techno behavioral chart for my classes.) But the smiling helped for sure. So I'll do it again. And again. And again. And again. And it'll all be okay - somehow.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
New Year, New Attitude
I hope. I'm not good at resolutions. I rarely make them and if I do, I rarely keep them for very long. But I'm making two this year.
1) I will lose the weight that I lost 18 months ago and gained back (plus some) during the stress of the last year. I just know that part of my aches and pains are because of the extra poundage I'm carrying around. So...back to the diet I go. I can't afford to do Weight Watchers, but I can do My Fitness Pal which is basically the same thing minus the point system.
2) I can't control Richard's depression or general grumpiness. I can't control the politics of our principal at school or whether or not Roger actually calls the people we need in primary. What I can control is my attitude. There was a great talk today and I really picked up on that part. I can choose to have a positive attitude. I can choose to smile and be friendly and respond positively when people ask me how I'm doing. Instead of saying things like, "I'm here," or "Making it," I can say things like "Doing good" and smile.
I hope that by making these two changes, I can help the rest of my family find the joy in life. I've kinda lost that lately. It's amazing how financial worries can drag so many other things down, but there's more to life than that. As long as I can keep a roof over our heads and the heat and water going, we can manage the rest.
So...those are my resolutions. Seriously lose weight - not just the typical January 1st idea of 85,000 weight loss commercials because it's a "new year, new you" kinda thing. But because I know how much better I felt about myself and how much better I felt physically when I was 30 pounds lighter. I remember starting the school year with the plan to smile more and complain less. Then the year got a hold of me and I didn't stay with the program. This is a chance to start that over. Remember daily that I love these children. There may be days that I don't like them much, but I love them. I need to find a way to show them that - and I can start by smiling.
Happy New Year! And here we go.
1) I will lose the weight that I lost 18 months ago and gained back (plus some) during the stress of the last year. I just know that part of my aches and pains are because of the extra poundage I'm carrying around. So...back to the diet I go. I can't afford to do Weight Watchers, but I can do My Fitness Pal which is basically the same thing minus the point system.
2) I can't control Richard's depression or general grumpiness. I can't control the politics of our principal at school or whether or not Roger actually calls the people we need in primary. What I can control is my attitude. There was a great talk today and I really picked up on that part. I can choose to have a positive attitude. I can choose to smile and be friendly and respond positively when people ask me how I'm doing. Instead of saying things like, "I'm here," or "Making it," I can say things like "Doing good" and smile.
I hope that by making these two changes, I can help the rest of my family find the joy in life. I've kinda lost that lately. It's amazing how financial worries can drag so many other things down, but there's more to life than that. As long as I can keep a roof over our heads and the heat and water going, we can manage the rest.
So...those are my resolutions. Seriously lose weight - not just the typical January 1st idea of 85,000 weight loss commercials because it's a "new year, new you" kinda thing. But because I know how much better I felt about myself and how much better I felt physically when I was 30 pounds lighter. I remember starting the school year with the plan to smile more and complain less. Then the year got a hold of me and I didn't stay with the program. This is a chance to start that over. Remember daily that I love these children. There may be days that I don't like them much, but I love them. I need to find a way to show them that - and I can start by smiling.
Happy New Year! And here we go.
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