Charlotte had her first foray into the world of water sports this weekend! The Mother's Day fairy brought me (well, Charlotte) a baby pool, so yesterday we filled it up and jumped on in. She wasn't real sure about it at first--she's used to a nice warm bath and this was a little chilly.Sunday, May 31, 2009
Splish Splash!
Charlotte had her first foray into the world of water sports this weekend! The Mother's Day fairy brought me (well, Charlotte) a baby pool, so yesterday we filled it up and jumped on in. She wasn't real sure about it at first--she's used to a nice warm bath and this was a little chilly.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
How Far We've Come
Tomorrow the first four-year class graduates from my school. Four years ago, they walked in as freshmen, and I walked in as a brand-new teacher with NO idea what I was doing. Now they're receiving diplomas and setting off into the world as young men and women and I...well, some days I still have NO idea what I'm doing.
I was so scared the first time I stood in front of a class of students. I remember coming home in tears more days than not because of my horrific 4th period class that first semester. Seems now like weathering that should have prepared me for just about anything.
Quite a few of my kids from that year have fallen by the wayside--moved, dropped out, changed schools, gone to jail. But there are a few that have come through my classroom and into my life that never left it. I remember the second half of my first year, 4th period, two boys who had grown up best friends. No matter how bad my mood, those two could always make me laugh--usually by performing a nursery rhyme rap. One of those boys moved last year, but the other still comes by almost every day to give me a hug, just like he has every year since I had him in class as a freshman.
Another boy in the same class walked in as a scrawny kid who wanted to play football. I saw him the other day and barely recognized the young man he'd become--bigger and more athletic and much more confident than I remember him.
I followed that class from 9th to 10th grade the next year, kept some of the same students and got some new ones. That was my first honors class, and one of those girls is graduating valedictorian this year. Another from the same honors class is 3rd in her graduating class. I'm so proud of them!
I was so excited back then--I couldn't wait to set up my room, put up my posters, decorate my bulletin boards, sharpen pencils, assign textbooks and teach my kids. I knew back then that I wanted to be a teacher because I wanted to matter. I was going to make a difference.
Then the first kids slumped into my room and threw their purses and backpacks on the floor, and I knew I was in trouble. Their faces couldn't have communicated more clearly--boredom, apathy, irritation, even outright hostility. Several of them could barely tell me their names in English. Most of them thought "Hey yo Miss" was the appropriate method of address for the teacher. One of them even found it amusing to throw a condom at me...which sent me to my principal's office in tears. It wasn't the first time my students had made me cry, and it certainly wasn't the last.
I like to think that I'm a little more in control now. Other than the 4 months I was out on maternity leave, I felt like this year was my best by far. I was much more confident and assured of myself and my knowledge than I've been in the past. But more than that, I've learned how to begin making a difference to my students, which I was so determined to do that first year, and at which I failed so miserably. I've also learned to let them begin making a difference to me. They often have just as much to teach me as I have to teach them.
I want to teach my kids to love language and literature like I do, but I'm realistic enough to know the odds of achieving that goal are pretty slim. Mostly I want nothing more than for them to be happy, safe, successful young men and women. I want to help them grow up, and help them remember that it's ok to still be a kid. I want them to be able to make mistakes and learn from them. I want everything for them that I would want for my own child, because they are my children.
It's not always about what comes out of the book. When that student comes into my room every day to say hi, or I hear my name across the courtyard from another of my former students, or one shows up in tears because he doesn't know who else to talk to--those are the things that matter. I get so frustrated with my job and my students, but it's because I want so much for them, and I have such high hopes for them--I love them. Even the kids that I want to smack--I'll go to the mat for them every time, and most of them know it.
So my babies--all grown up and ready to go out on their own--they aren't the only ones who have changed. If I could have seen myself then as I am now, I wouldn't have recognized me, just as I almost didn't recognize the young man that my skinny 9th grader had become. I've come a long way too.
I was so scared the first time I stood in front of a class of students. I remember coming home in tears more days than not because of my horrific 4th period class that first semester. Seems now like weathering that should have prepared me for just about anything.
Quite a few of my kids from that year have fallen by the wayside--moved, dropped out, changed schools, gone to jail. But there are a few that have come through my classroom and into my life that never left it. I remember the second half of my first year, 4th period, two boys who had grown up best friends. No matter how bad my mood, those two could always make me laugh--usually by performing a nursery rhyme rap. One of those boys moved last year, but the other still comes by almost every day to give me a hug, just like he has every year since I had him in class as a freshman.
Another boy in the same class walked in as a scrawny kid who wanted to play football. I saw him the other day and barely recognized the young man he'd become--bigger and more athletic and much more confident than I remember him.
I followed that class from 9th to 10th grade the next year, kept some of the same students and got some new ones. That was my first honors class, and one of those girls is graduating valedictorian this year. Another from the same honors class is 3rd in her graduating class. I'm so proud of them!
I was so excited back then--I couldn't wait to set up my room, put up my posters, decorate my bulletin boards, sharpen pencils, assign textbooks and teach my kids. I knew back then that I wanted to be a teacher because I wanted to matter. I was going to make a difference.
Then the first kids slumped into my room and threw their purses and backpacks on the floor, and I knew I was in trouble. Their faces couldn't have communicated more clearly--boredom, apathy, irritation, even outright hostility. Several of them could barely tell me their names in English. Most of them thought "Hey yo Miss" was the appropriate method of address for the teacher. One of them even found it amusing to throw a condom at me...which sent me to my principal's office in tears. It wasn't the first time my students had made me cry, and it certainly wasn't the last.
I like to think that I'm a little more in control now. Other than the 4 months I was out on maternity leave, I felt like this year was my best by far. I was much more confident and assured of myself and my knowledge than I've been in the past. But more than that, I've learned how to begin making a difference to my students, which I was so determined to do that first year, and at which I failed so miserably. I've also learned to let them begin making a difference to me. They often have just as much to teach me as I have to teach them.
I want to teach my kids to love language and literature like I do, but I'm realistic enough to know the odds of achieving that goal are pretty slim. Mostly I want nothing more than for them to be happy, safe, successful young men and women. I want to help them grow up, and help them remember that it's ok to still be a kid. I want them to be able to make mistakes and learn from them. I want everything for them that I would want for my own child, because they are my children.
It's not always about what comes out of the book. When that student comes into my room every day to say hi, or I hear my name across the courtyard from another of my former students, or one shows up in tears because he doesn't know who else to talk to--those are the things that matter. I get so frustrated with my job and my students, but it's because I want so much for them, and I have such high hopes for them--I love them. Even the kids that I want to smack--I'll go to the mat for them every time, and most of them know it.
So my babies--all grown up and ready to go out on their own--they aren't the only ones who have changed. If I could have seen myself then as I am now, I wouldn't have recognized me, just as I almost didn't recognize the young man that my skinny 9th grader had become. I've come a long way too.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Things I Hate
It has been *that* kind of day, so I feel the need to rant for a minute about things that irk, annoy, and generally just piss me off.
1. People who don't pull all the way up at the gas station. There are two working pumps, so why would you stop at the first one? That means I can't pull in behind you and I have to go around. It's obnoxious.
2. Speaking of asshat things people do in cars...people who drive in the far left-hand lane on I-4 at 65 miles an hour.
3. The word "kudos."
4. Any Burger King commercial that has aired in like, the last decade. No, I will NOT wake up with the king, I find the midget farmer offensive, and the square butts commercial is just...wrong.
5. Wearing shoes.
6. Jon and Kate Plus 8, Seventeen and Counting, anything Octomom--basically anyone who turns her home life into a media circus at the expense of children who have no say in the matter. They're children and it's your marriage. It's not a soap opera or comedy. Your summer vacations and swimming lessons and potty training don't need to be chronicled for the entire world. Get a job like normal people. (Yes, that was judgy. Told you it's been a rough one.)
7. Having to repeat myself.
8. When gas prices go up for no discernable reason.
9. Pushy salespeople. If I need help, I'll find you. Leave me alone.
10. People who use all caps and red font in emails. It's like getting yelled at. All day long.
11. The little guys in white shirts who show up at my door asking if they can talk to me about Jesus. NO. You may not.
12. Boys who wear their pants so low and baggy that they have to wear ANOTHER pair of shorts on top of their boxers. Really? 3 pairs of shorts?
13. And while I'm on the subject of pants--boys (or worse, grown men) who wear their "shorts" so low and baggy that the hems reach the top of their shoes. Why not just wear pants?
14. Anything that remotely resembles a vegetable, or any other healthy-ish food.
15. Talking to my students' parents.
16. Having to leave Charlotte every morning.
17. Technology, like cell phones and computers, that doesn't work. It has ONE function--to allow me to place a call or whatever. ONE. Is it so difficult to fulfill that ONE function?
18. Students that want to make up ALL their work from an entire semester on the last day.
19. People who say "irregardless" and "supposably."
20. Lizards.
Yes, I feel better now. And because balance is essential, one of these days I'll write a Things I Love blogs. Feel free to share what pushes YOUR buttons!
1. People who don't pull all the way up at the gas station. There are two working pumps, so why would you stop at the first one? That means I can't pull in behind you and I have to go around. It's obnoxious.
2. Speaking of asshat things people do in cars...people who drive in the far left-hand lane on I-4 at 65 miles an hour.
3. The word "kudos."
4. Any Burger King commercial that has aired in like, the last decade. No, I will NOT wake up with the king, I find the midget farmer offensive, and the square butts commercial is just...wrong.
5. Wearing shoes.
6. Jon and Kate Plus 8, Seventeen and Counting, anything Octomom--basically anyone who turns her home life into a media circus at the expense of children who have no say in the matter. They're children and it's your marriage. It's not a soap opera or comedy. Your summer vacations and swimming lessons and potty training don't need to be chronicled for the entire world. Get a job like normal people. (Yes, that was judgy. Told you it's been a rough one.)
7. Having to repeat myself.
8. When gas prices go up for no discernable reason.
9. Pushy salespeople. If I need help, I'll find you. Leave me alone.
10. People who use all caps and red font in emails. It's like getting yelled at. All day long.
11. The little guys in white shirts who show up at my door asking if they can talk to me about Jesus. NO. You may not.
12. Boys who wear their pants so low and baggy that they have to wear ANOTHER pair of shorts on top of their boxers. Really? 3 pairs of shorts?
13. And while I'm on the subject of pants--boys (or worse, grown men) who wear their "shorts" so low and baggy that the hems reach the top of their shoes. Why not just wear pants?
14. Anything that remotely resembles a vegetable, or any other healthy-ish food.
15. Talking to my students' parents.
16. Having to leave Charlotte every morning.
17. Technology, like cell phones and computers, that doesn't work. It has ONE function--to allow me to place a call or whatever. ONE. Is it so difficult to fulfill that ONE function?
18. Students that want to make up ALL their work from an entire semester on the last day.
19. People who say "irregardless" and "supposably."
20. Lizards.
Yes, I feel better now. And because balance is essential, one of these days I'll write a Things I Love blogs. Feel free to share what pushes YOUR buttons!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Blast from the past...
Brian was looking at some old pictures earlier...it's so amazing how much Charlotte has changed in just a few short months. In 9 months, I grew a little person, and in 8 months, she can already do so much!
A few minutes old... A day old...
In her swing then... In her swing now...
In her bouncy then... In her bouncy now...
Burrito Baby then... Burrito Baby now...
Pretty, happy baby...
OK, now I'm sad. I love all the new things she's learning and doing, but she's growing so fast! I wish I could keep her this small and cuddly forever...
Monday, May 25, 2009
Back to work tomorrow...
For 8 more days! Not that I'm counting. I just went in Charlotte's room to get my camera and she's wide awake, just hanging out in her crib. Earlier today, I put her down for a nap and went to take a shower, and I told Brian to listen out for her in case she woke up. When I got out, I could see on the baby monitor that she was awake, playing with her bunny in her crib, but Brian said she hadn't made a peep. I didn't go in there for 2 or 3 more minutes, and she was as quiet as if she were still asleep. Silly baby.
I took these the other day...Charlotte LOVES to sit up and play with her toys now! In fact, she's sitting so well that we've graduated from the baby bathtub to the big bathtub, and she loves to sit and splash and play with the cup that I use to rinse her hair.
I took these the other day...Charlotte LOVES to sit up and play with her toys now! In fact, she's sitting so well that we've graduated from the baby bathtub to the big bathtub, and she loves to sit and splash and play with the cup that I use to rinse her hair.
These are from today, before we went to Orlando to hang out with the Websters. Charlotte was great, of course, as usual. David and Jane have reached pretty much the same consensus that Brian and I have--Charlotte is growing up WAY too fast!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
3 Day Weekend!
I cannot say just how excited I am for a long weekend, even though it's going to be a somewhat busy one. I have been dead on my feet for the last few weeks, largely due to my unsuspecting acceptance of sponsorship of our school's color guard. A few weeks ago I went down to buy tickets to our school musical (which was AMAZING, incidentally), and the current guard sponsor asked me if I would be interested in working with the guard next year. I was in marching band and LOVED it, and I miss it a lot, so I said sure!
At the time I had visions of helping out the current instructor, being at some practices, standing with them at games, that sort of thing. Now I know that by "working with the guard," she meant I am the new instructor! Becuase it's so close to the end of the year (7 1/2 days, not that I'm counting), EVERYTHING had to be done immediately. We (the heir apparent new band director and I) had to design the new flags for next year, decide on colors, and order material. This isn't as simple as it sounds...I had never done anything financial with the school system, and it's much more of a pain in the rear than I expected. You have to go to the office and get a purchase order, then you can place your order, then you have to keep all your paperwork in order...I'm used to buying something and maybe keeping a receipt.
So that was fun. But we got the material ordered, then we had to pick out costumes and equipment so we could let parents know how much money they'll be spending--and that's even before tryouts! We had ONE day of clinics where hopeful guard members could come and learn the routine, and one day of tryouts. Lots of the girls stayed after school on other days to work with the hopefuls, but one day seemed a little sparse for clinic time. Next year I think we'll have more...I remember having at least a week before tryouts to work with new girls.
Anyway, we ended up with 27 total guard members. That's 27 girls in one place at one time. What was I thinking? I've already weathered two crises, and that was just on the first day! No sooner had I posted the list of girls who'd made it than one of the returning members comes up to me in hysterical tears. The only thing I could think was that I'd left her name off accidentally and she thought she hadn't made it...but no, she doesn't get along well with one of the other girls and didn't want to have to work with her. Sheesh. Drama already.
Then one of the other girls (who is a current student of mine) had a sceduling conflict and was absolutely devastated because she thought she wasn't going to be able to do guard. After I got her calmed down and finally escaped to my car, I made it home around 8. Of course, Charlotte was already in bed, so I got about 2 minutes of moo time.
That's been a theme in the last few weeks--getting home later than I usually would--and it makes me feel so guilty. I really, really want to work with the color guard, but I'm trying very hard to examine my motives and make sure that I'm not selfishly hurting my child and husband by doing so. I mean, lots of teachers who do extracurriculars like coaching sports have families...so they make it work. I should be able to, right? I think the most important thing is having support from one's spouse and family...which worries me a little. I know my mom and dad will help where they can, but Brian is already clearly not thrilled with the extra time it will take. I just can't explain to him what it means to me. It's an extension of my job, which I love, because I love my kids (even though I bitch about them a lot)...he doesn't get it. For him, a job is something you do to make money, then you walk away from it at the end of the day. My job could never be that for me.
For some of these kids, band or sports or clubs or whatever is the ONLY thing that keeps them in school. Some of them will go on to make a career out of it. Some of them would be getting into some major trouble without their extracurriculars to keep them on the right path. The girl who was devastated because she thought she'd be kicked off the guard came in to my room the next day and gave me a huge hug and told me I'm more than just a teacher. That matters to me.
On that note, I think Charlotte is waking up from her nap, and I need to check on Loki, who ate half of Brian's prednisone pills this morning. Le sigh.
At the time I had visions of helping out the current instructor, being at some practices, standing with them at games, that sort of thing. Now I know that by "working with the guard," she meant I am the new instructor! Becuase it's so close to the end of the year (7 1/2 days, not that I'm counting), EVERYTHING had to be done immediately. We (the heir apparent new band director and I) had to design the new flags for next year, decide on colors, and order material. This isn't as simple as it sounds...I had never done anything financial with the school system, and it's much more of a pain in the rear than I expected. You have to go to the office and get a purchase order, then you can place your order, then you have to keep all your paperwork in order...I'm used to buying something and maybe keeping a receipt.
So that was fun. But we got the material ordered, then we had to pick out costumes and equipment so we could let parents know how much money they'll be spending--and that's even before tryouts! We had ONE day of clinics where hopeful guard members could come and learn the routine, and one day of tryouts. Lots of the girls stayed after school on other days to work with the hopefuls, but one day seemed a little sparse for clinic time. Next year I think we'll have more...I remember having at least a week before tryouts to work with new girls.
Anyway, we ended up with 27 total guard members. That's 27 girls in one place at one time. What was I thinking? I've already weathered two crises, and that was just on the first day! No sooner had I posted the list of girls who'd made it than one of the returning members comes up to me in hysterical tears. The only thing I could think was that I'd left her name off accidentally and she thought she hadn't made it...but no, she doesn't get along well with one of the other girls and didn't want to have to work with her. Sheesh. Drama already.
Then one of the other girls (who is a current student of mine) had a sceduling conflict and was absolutely devastated because she thought she wasn't going to be able to do guard. After I got her calmed down and finally escaped to my car, I made it home around 8. Of course, Charlotte was already in bed, so I got about 2 minutes of moo time.
That's been a theme in the last few weeks--getting home later than I usually would--and it makes me feel so guilty. I really, really want to work with the color guard, but I'm trying very hard to examine my motives and make sure that I'm not selfishly hurting my child and husband by doing so. I mean, lots of teachers who do extracurriculars like coaching sports have families...so they make it work. I should be able to, right? I think the most important thing is having support from one's spouse and family...which worries me a little. I know my mom and dad will help where they can, but Brian is already clearly not thrilled with the extra time it will take. I just can't explain to him what it means to me. It's an extension of my job, which I love, because I love my kids (even though I bitch about them a lot)...he doesn't get it. For him, a job is something you do to make money, then you walk away from it at the end of the day. My job could never be that for me.
For some of these kids, band or sports or clubs or whatever is the ONLY thing that keeps them in school. Some of them will go on to make a career out of it. Some of them would be getting into some major trouble without their extracurriculars to keep them on the right path. The girl who was devastated because she thought she'd be kicked off the guard came in to my room the next day and gave me a huge hug and told me I'm more than just a teacher. That matters to me.
On that note, I think Charlotte is waking up from her nap, and I need to check on Loki, who ate half of Brian's prednisone pills this morning. Le sigh.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
And the winner is...
I'll be honest, I'm not sure I'm going to make it long enough to find out. I'm having a hard time justifying sitting through 2 hours (and 7 minutes!!!) of fluff to find out if Adam beats Kris. They're doing this Golden Idol award thing again, which gives them an excuse to bring back Norman Gentle...like we didn't know this would happen. Luckily he has his trusty lame (that's lam-ay, as in a lame shirt with some McCafe coffee) sweat bands underneath his unassuming track suit. Now it only remains to be seen if they're going to bring back Tatiana the Drama Queen Del Toro. If they do...they're dead to me.
I must admit that I do like the part where they let the singers perform with some famous people. I think that's kind of cool...they won me over the year they had Meat Loaf on there.
So this new line of Ikea commercials kind of creeps me out. Maybe I'm missing something. Perhaps I'm supposed to recognize the lady who follows these people around their homes with her creepy stalker voice. I'd be calling the cops.
So this new line of Ikea commercials kind of creeps me out. Maybe I'm missing something. Perhaps I'm supposed to recognize the lady who follows these people around their homes with her creepy stalker voice. I'd be calling the cops.
You know...I've been an Anoop fan since I saw him audition, but Jason Mraz he is not. That facial hair has GOT to go, Noop Dog. Ooh, nice close up of Jason there...he looks like he can't wait to find the nearest escape route. Can't blame him...I hate these staged, lip-synchy ensemble pieces. Oh wait though...it gets better. Kris and...Keith Urban? Seriously? I know Keith Urban has better things to do. Though he does conform to the show's apparent standard of not buttoning one's shirt to the top. He and Simon must share a stylist.
Ugh, they brought Megan back. Noooooooooooooooooooo. They're ruining Fergie! Fergie is bad enough without their help. They also apparently didn't tell Megan that she'd be performing...she's still in her pajamas. With boots. Whatever. To each her own.
Randy however...homeslice is getting some seriously bad fashion advice. What is that bow tie? That striped shirt? Did he stop off a meeting of the GOP before he hit up the red carpet? Not good for me, dog, not good.
I feel the need to leave the room now...Bikini Girl is singing. She totally thinks she's hot, and she sounds awful. And here comes...Mariah Carey? NO!!!! It's Cara! These two clashed in the auditions and I was always of the opinion that Cara felt a little threatened by Miss Thong. Let's face it, if you saw the original audition or the recap they just showed, Cara didn't exactly handle that situation very gracefully. So they bring Bikini Girl on stage for a Golden Idol and give her the microphone--please, don't ever do that again. She seems to have gotten worse. Don't get me wrong...she's hot and all...she just need to not talk. But bringing Cara on was hilarious...you could just see the steam coming out of BG's ears. She all but stomped her foot. This time, Cara definitely got the last word and made BG look like a total amateurish moron. SCORE CARA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have hated Cara all season long, but she just totally redeemed herself. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up.
I can't wait to see who they team Adam up with...Allison and Cyndi Lauper (singing my very favorite song ever), Danny and (yawn) Lionel Richie...Danny is apparently auditioning to be the third Blues Brother. Nice tie, bro. All he needs is a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, and a pair of sunglasses. Hit it.
My train of thought has totally been derailed by Adam's outfit. I'm not sure I can even think of anything to say about it. And...Kiss. awesome. That's pretty appropriate. He's all about the spandex, makeup, platforms, and tongue protrusion. Like I said before though...this is why I love him--he's such a great performer. He entertains. Kris has a good voice, but he's so boring. I just can't see him as an "Idol." I wouldn't pay 53.95 plus service fee and shipping for a ticket to HIS concert. Adam though...I'd even buy the t-shirt.
Here's what don't get. They get some pretty big names on this show. Keith Urban, Cyndi Lauper, Fergie...and Kiss and Santana aren't exactly unknown names in the music industry. So what gives with the cheesy lip synching and choreography? It's horrible.
Hey look, Rod Stewart is wearing the same jacket he wore at his first concert! Everything old is new again.
I have to be honest...my attention span is near its end. Maybe some...Charlotte will cheer me up! And Charlotte's daddy...if he's not going to read my blog, he doesn't get a say about what's in it! Tee Hee. OK, Adam and Kris are singing the Viagra song together now. I'm done. I did promise that if they brought Tatiana back, I would be very upset. The only thing that would be worse right now is a Burger King commercial. Second runner up is...an Ashton Kutcher Nikon commercial. He's such an idiot. I'm done. Enjoy the moo.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Here we go!
It's the American Idol finale...will it be Kris? Will it be Adam? Whoever it is, please tell me it means Cara will STOP TALKING. And please, dear God, so will Ryan Seacrest.
What on EARTH is Randy wearing? Usually I say that about Paula, but Holy Mixed Purple Patterns, Batman, I think my corneas have been seared. Randy looks like he needs to be commentating (is that even a word?) on an NBA playoff game. Nope, corneas are intact...I can still see Simon's unbuttoned-to-his-navel starchy white frock. Eeep! Chest hair!
What a surprise, we immediately have a commercial break. I usually really, really, really hate commercials, but I must say that I enjoy the AT&T commercials. It's become somewhat of a game to pick out the more bars in more places. It's like an electronic Where's Waldo.
Back we are and look, it's baby Adam! He wasn't born with that black and blue hair? I feel cheated. You know, usually I shed a tear or two that Adam doesn't go for the ladies, but the more I look at him, the more I think that it just wouldn't work with him and a chick. His eyeliner is WAY too good. Seriously, last week the weather lady on his hometown news show stopped her report to have him do her eyeliner. Can you blame her? If he doesn't make it in show biz, he's got a gig at the MAC counter for sure.
Uh oh...Paula's proud of him. Must have thought he sucked. Does she even use real words? Randy just compared Adam to Twilight...he wins all the psychotic teenager votes, which previously went to Kris. Unfortunately, I don't see Kris fitting into the emo vampire mold. He's not sparkly. Adam...definitely sparkly.
When did Kris learn how to play the piano? He's all on the guitar al the time and Matt and Scott play the piano, but now that they're gone he can suddenly play? Methinks not, sir. Why does he look like he's in pain when he sings? Maybe it's the forced instrumental accompaniment?
Aha! Randy is secretly wishing he was at the Lakers game. I KNEW it! Ugh. Why do they all love Kris? Apparently something is wrong with me, because Kris does not awaken the spirit within me. Where is Danny? I'm so sad.
I had this plan to make snarky comments about the commercials while I'm waiting, but I'm finding that they're all so pathetically horrible that I can't find enough interest in them to be snarky. This is a sad, sad day.
"A Change is Gonna Come"...THIS is why I love Adam. He can perform. And Paula just ruined it with her attempt to lasso him in...she doesn't seem to have realized that he doesn't swing that way.
What? Did we just interrupt a surreptitious hand squeeze between Blondie and Mr. Lambert? I believe we did! In the meantime, while minutes of life are being stolen during the commercials, I'll tell you about my super moo. I think we're having a growth spurt, because she ate like 3 meals of solid food at Ms. Terri's, and then a bottle when Daddy got her home, then some juice, then some MORE juice, then some OOOH CHRISTIAN BALE!!!!!! bananas and cereal and squash. Sorry, I got distracted. I heart moo and shiny things and Christian Bale.
Ooh, we're back. Kris is the pride of Arkansas. Really? Oh look, it's a guitar. How about a performance? Some personality? A razor to take care of that non-mustache that he's not growing? Dude, if you can't grow some complete facial hair, then don't. Just...don't. Why do you people like him??? (You know who you are...)
Cara really shouldn't gesture at her chestal region while she's talking about uplifting. And Paula's talking about "tearing it up." I think we've got some frustrated cougars on our hands. Well, Simon wanted Kris to grab hold of the song and make it his...maybe it's not just the ladies. In Kris' defense, it really irritates me when they rip on them for song choice when they had nothing to do with it--some guy picked a sucky song for you? THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT.
How about irritating commercials? Is there an app for that? How about adding an -ay sound to the end of any word ending with an e because you got you some McCafe? Because nothing says "I'm cultured and classy and French" like a coffee from McDonald's.
How about the ridiculously overplayed cavemen on the Geico commercials? Are you kidding me? They're bowling? To a 3 Doors Down song? I want them to go away. Is there an app for that? IS THERE?????????
Oh look, a promo for a new show called "Mental." I bet that's about people who have issues. Because I don't have enough of my own, I need to watch a show about other people's issues. Pass.
Here's the song Cara helped write. These "winner's songs" are usually the worst trash I've ever heard. I'm rather surprised that this isn't horrible. Oh wait...I spoke too soon. Could this song BE any more geared toward Kris Allen? Seriously? Not one of these notes is in Adam's range. Clearly Cara is trying to sabotage him by writing a crappy song. It's like Survivor mets Cyndi Lauper meets...Green Day or something.
OK, I almost just had a serious breakdown. My computer just restarted itself because Windows decided it was time to install updates. Um, I'm USING it, moron computer. Install later, kkthx. Luckily, Blogspot is more intelligent than Windows Vista and saved a draft.
Onward. Kris sucked too. Maybe it's just the song. It sucks. WHY do they insist on trying to write these sappy, syrupy power ballads for the winner's songs? It's horrible. Every year, they have to sing the same kind of song and it always sounds horrible.
And on a final note...why is Kris wearing a rain coat inside?
What on EARTH is Randy wearing? Usually I say that about Paula, but Holy Mixed Purple Patterns, Batman, I think my corneas have been seared. Randy looks like he needs to be commentating (is that even a word?) on an NBA playoff game. Nope, corneas are intact...I can still see Simon's unbuttoned-to-his-navel starchy white frock. Eeep! Chest hair!
What a surprise, we immediately have a commercial break. I usually really, really, really hate commercials, but I must say that I enjoy the AT&T commercials. It's become somewhat of a game to pick out the more bars in more places. It's like an electronic Where's Waldo.
Back we are and look, it's baby Adam! He wasn't born with that black and blue hair? I feel cheated. You know, usually I shed a tear or two that Adam doesn't go for the ladies, but the more I look at him, the more I think that it just wouldn't work with him and a chick. His eyeliner is WAY too good. Seriously, last week the weather lady on his hometown news show stopped her report to have him do her eyeliner. Can you blame her? If he doesn't make it in show biz, he's got a gig at the MAC counter for sure.
Uh oh...Paula's proud of him. Must have thought he sucked. Does she even use real words? Randy just compared Adam to Twilight...he wins all the psychotic teenager votes, which previously went to Kris. Unfortunately, I don't see Kris fitting into the emo vampire mold. He's not sparkly. Adam...definitely sparkly.
When did Kris learn how to play the piano? He's all on the guitar al the time and Matt and Scott play the piano, but now that they're gone he can suddenly play? Methinks not, sir. Why does he look like he's in pain when he sings? Maybe it's the forced instrumental accompaniment?
Aha! Randy is secretly wishing he was at the Lakers game. I KNEW it! Ugh. Why do they all love Kris? Apparently something is wrong with me, because Kris does not awaken the spirit within me. Where is Danny? I'm so sad.
I had this plan to make snarky comments about the commercials while I'm waiting, but I'm finding that they're all so pathetically horrible that I can't find enough interest in them to be snarky. This is a sad, sad day.
"A Change is Gonna Come"...THIS is why I love Adam. He can perform. And Paula just ruined it with her attempt to lasso him in...she doesn't seem to have realized that he doesn't swing that way.
What? Did we just interrupt a surreptitious hand squeeze between Blondie and Mr. Lambert? I believe we did! In the meantime, while minutes of life are being stolen during the commercials, I'll tell you about my super moo. I think we're having a growth spurt, because she ate like 3 meals of solid food at Ms. Terri's, and then a bottle when Daddy got her home, then some juice, then some MORE juice, then some OOOH CHRISTIAN BALE!!!!!! bananas and cereal and squash. Sorry, I got distracted. I heart moo and shiny things and Christian Bale.
Ooh, we're back. Kris is the pride of Arkansas. Really? Oh look, it's a guitar. How about a performance? Some personality? A razor to take care of that non-mustache that he's not growing? Dude, if you can't grow some complete facial hair, then don't. Just...don't. Why do you people like him??? (You know who you are...)
Cara really shouldn't gesture at her chestal region while she's talking about uplifting. And Paula's talking about "tearing it up." I think we've got some frustrated cougars on our hands. Well, Simon wanted Kris to grab hold of the song and make it his...maybe it's not just the ladies. In Kris' defense, it really irritates me when they rip on them for song choice when they had nothing to do with it--some guy picked a sucky song for you? THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT.
How about irritating commercials? Is there an app for that? How about adding an -ay sound to the end of any word ending with an e because you got you some McCafe? Because nothing says "I'm cultured and classy and French" like a coffee from McDonald's.
How about the ridiculously overplayed cavemen on the Geico commercials? Are you kidding me? They're bowling? To a 3 Doors Down song? I want them to go away. Is there an app for that? IS THERE?????????
Oh look, a promo for a new show called "Mental." I bet that's about people who have issues. Because I don't have enough of my own, I need to watch a show about other people's issues. Pass.
Here's the song Cara helped write. These "winner's songs" are usually the worst trash I've ever heard. I'm rather surprised that this isn't horrible. Oh wait...I spoke too soon. Could this song BE any more geared toward Kris Allen? Seriously? Not one of these notes is in Adam's range. Clearly Cara is trying to sabotage him by writing a crappy song. It's like Survivor mets Cyndi Lauper meets...Green Day or something.
OK, I almost just had a serious breakdown. My computer just restarted itself because Windows decided it was time to install updates. Um, I'm USING it, moron computer. Install later, kkthx. Luckily, Blogspot is more intelligent than Windows Vista and saved a draft.
Onward. Kris sucked too. Maybe it's just the song. It sucks. WHY do they insist on trying to write these sappy, syrupy power ballads for the winner's songs? It's horrible. Every year, they have to sing the same kind of song and it always sounds horrible.
And on a final note...why is Kris wearing a rain coat inside?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Here Comes the Bride...
Last night was my dad and Kim's wedding...it was beautiful, and it seemed like everyone had a really nice time, but let me tell you, by the end of the ceremony, my feet were KILLING me...thank GOD for the flip flops Daphne got for us!
Charlotte is at my mom's house...I need to go get her, but I'm definitely enjoying my leisurely morning! She was so good at the wedding, and everyone raved over her at the reception. I can't wait to see the wedding pics with her and my dad, they're going to be so cute!
I didn't get too many pics at the wedding last night, so I'd love to see what everyone else got (especially of Charlotte)!!!
Off to enjoy my coffee and go get my moo!
Charlotte is at my mom's house...I need to go get her, but I'm definitely enjoying my leisurely morning! She was so good at the wedding, and everyone raved over her at the reception. I can't wait to see the wedding pics with her and my dad, they're going to be so cute!
I didn't get too many pics at the wedding last night, so I'd love to see what everyone else got (especially of Charlotte)!!!
Off to enjoy my coffee and go get my moo!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Sleep! Please!
Yeah, I'm not sure to whom I'm referring here...me or Charlotte. She really needs to take a nap, and I really need to watch the season finale of Grey's Anatomy...are either thing happening? No. She's rolling all around her crib, talking to the bars, playing with her feet, having a gay old time. I am trying to do laundry, iron, watch my show, balance my checkbook, pull some money out of my...thin air...get my stuff ready for the wedding, get Charlotte's stuff ready for the wedding, go get bird food and stuff for me to drink and milk and water...I'm exhausted. But, you know, Brian's at work, and since I get to laze around in my PJs all day, I need to stop whining. Someone get me a cashmere robe!
Le sigh. Off to iron the shirts.
Le sigh. Off to iron the shirts.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
New Moo
I had this whole long thing I wanted to write about how crazy my life has been over the last few days...but I'm just too tired. So instead, have some new pictures of Charlotte. She's sitting up really well now, and has become quite the talkative little thing. She's also very into blowing raspberries and sticking out her tongue. :)
This is what she does instead of taking her nap...Let me out, Mommy!
Look how well I can sit up!
Hi Mommy.
What have we here?
Nom.
Yay!
Nom.
Burrito Baby 2.0
Bye Bye!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
My First Mother's Day
Went pretty well...Brian got me some beautiful cards, one from him, one from Charlotte, and one from the rest of the "kids." We went to brunch with my in-laws at the Citrus Club in Orlando, which is always amazing, and of course Charlotte was the center of attention (as well she should be!).
We were supposed to go by and see my dad, but he wasn't there, so we went straight to my Mom's house. Hung out, had dinner, came home.
Really the same as any other day. I'm exhasted. I've been asking Brian to read my blog for like a week now, and he still hasn't. Apparently that is too much to ask. Maybe I shouldn't bother...maybe it's arrogant to think that anyone wants to hear what I have to say. Or read what I have to write. Whatever. I'm too tired to think about it. Happy Mom's Day, ya'll.
We were supposed to go by and see my dad, but he wasn't there, so we went straight to my Mom's house. Hung out, had dinner, came home.
Really the same as any other day. I'm exhasted. I've been asking Brian to read my blog for like a week now, and he still hasn't. Apparently that is too much to ask. Maybe I shouldn't bother...maybe it's arrogant to think that anyone wants to hear what I have to say. Or read what I have to write. Whatever. I'm too tired to think about it. Happy Mom's Day, ya'll.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Happy Mother's Day...or, Survive this, Dad!
My Aunt Rhonda sent this as an email, but it cracked me up, so I'm sharing:
THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES
Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks.
Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes.
There is no fast food.
Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, and complete science projects, cook, do laundry, and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money.
In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each week.
Each man must remember the birthdays of all his friends and relatives, and send cards out on time--no emailing.
Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment. He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the Urgent Care.
He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a social function. Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house, planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times.
The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.
The men must shave their legs, wear makeup daily, adorn themselves with jewelry, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes, keep fingernails polished and eyebrows groomed.
During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or slow down from other duties.
They must attend weekly school meetings, church, and find time at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.
They will need to read a book to the kids each night and in the morning, feed them, dress them, brush their teeth and comb their hair by 7:00 am.
A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information: each child's birthday, height, weight, shoe size, clothes size and doctor's name. Also the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of labor, each child's favorite color, middle name, favorite snack, favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear and what they want to be when they grow up.
The kids vote them off the island based on performance.
The last man wins only if...he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment's notice.
If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over and over again for the next 18-25 years eventually earning the right To be called Mother!
Don't forget that she's probably working a full-time job on top of all that! So for all you moms out there--you're incredible women! Love you!
THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES
Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks.
Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes.
There is no fast food.
Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, and complete science projects, cook, do laundry, and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money.
In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each week.
Each man must remember the birthdays of all his friends and relatives, and send cards out on time--no emailing.
Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment. He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the Urgent Care.
He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a social function. Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house, planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times.
The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.
The men must shave their legs, wear makeup daily, adorn themselves with jewelry, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes, keep fingernails polished and eyebrows groomed.
During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or slow down from other duties.
They must attend weekly school meetings, church, and find time at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.
They will need to read a book to the kids each night and in the morning, feed them, dress them, brush their teeth and comb their hair by 7:00 am.
A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information: each child's birthday, height, weight, shoe size, clothes size and doctor's name. Also the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of labor, each child's favorite color, middle name, favorite snack, favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear and what they want to be when they grow up.
The kids vote them off the island based on performance.
The last man wins only if...he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment's notice.
If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over and over again for the next 18-25 years eventually earning the right To be called Mother!
Don't forget that she's probably working a full-time job on top of all that! So for all you moms out there--you're incredible women! Love you!
Friday, May 8, 2009
17 More Days...
Until no more homework, no more books! I'm MORE than ready for this year to be over...It's just been such a strange year for me. The most obvious reason is that I missed about 4 months when I was on maternity leave, and that really screwed things up. I've had to cram an entire year of material into a semester. Hopefully I've gotten enough through to them.
My kids took the AP European History exam today, and even though that's not my class, I'm still very anxious for them--I really want them to do well! I got my reappointment letter for next year, and it looks like I'll be teaching some AP Language to 11th graders, which should be interesting. I'd love to keep the same kids, and not have any of the students from the other 10th grade Honors teacher, but I doubt that will happen.
I'm also going to be sponsoring the Color Guard for our band next year...that should be interesting. I'm really excited about it. Color Guard wasn't my thing when I was in band, but I would love to work with the kids here. Even though I don't know a whole lot about it, I'm willing to learn! So far I've been looking at uniforms and thinking about flags and such--our show is going to be a 70s rock show, with some Journey and the Eagles. Should be fun. Anyway...it's taken me two days to write this. Sigh. Charlotte is sitting in her swing, just looking around like she wants to get out of it. And now she's yawning. It's about an hour earlier than her usual dinner time, but I don't want to let her fall asleep! Maybe we'll make it an early evening.
My kids took the AP European History exam today, and even though that's not my class, I'm still very anxious for them--I really want them to do well! I got my reappointment letter for next year, and it looks like I'll be teaching some AP Language to 11th graders, which should be interesting. I'd love to keep the same kids, and not have any of the students from the other 10th grade Honors teacher, but I doubt that will happen.
I'm also going to be sponsoring the Color Guard for our band next year...that should be interesting. I'm really excited about it. Color Guard wasn't my thing when I was in band, but I would love to work with the kids here. Even though I don't know a whole lot about it, I'm willing to learn! So far I've been looking at uniforms and thinking about flags and such--our show is going to be a 70s rock show, with some Journey and the Eagles. Should be fun. Anyway...it's taken me two days to write this. Sigh. Charlotte is sitting in her swing, just looking around like she wants to get out of it. And now she's yawning. It's about an hour earlier than her usual dinner time, but I don't want to let her fall asleep! Maybe we'll make it an early evening.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Boo :(
Charlotte is sick. :( She threw up like 7 times tonight for no apparent reason...the doctor said if she'd stopped throwing up by 10 we shouldn't worry too much, and she fell asleep at about 9. Poor baby, she was so miserable. I hope she feels better, I don't know if I can take her being this miserable much longer! It kills me. Off to sleep on her floor.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Happy Mother's Day
As you may know, this Sunday is Mother's Day. It will be my first "real" Mother's Day, as last year I was only pregnant, and this year I have a real, honest to goodness baby. Witness the awesome cuteness here:
I know, it's difficult to imagine a larger amount of cuteness. And...I would like to point out that she's sitting up all.by.herself. Go Moooooooo! She's getting so big.
So as it's my first Mother's Day, and it's my mom's first Mom's Day as a grandma, I'm surfing the net for gift ideas and hints to drop around the house (while my kids are watching a movie about the Holocaust--which, seriously, I can only watch 4 or 5 times before I get bored), and I stumble across an article on a fairly popular website. Here is an excerpt from said article:
I'll give you a minute to go back, re-read, adjust the color on your monitor, scratch your head in bewilderment, and ask yourself what in the HELL this moron was thinking.
Now, let's take this one step at a time. As the kids get older, and start spending their days in school, it's time for her to get to spend a little time on herself. Because the second kids get on the bus, the mom switch flips off? Good, because I'd hate for her to spend any time doing laundry, cleaning the house, running errands, cooking, or, god forbid, WORKING. At a JOB. Apparently the author of this article is stuck in the 50s.
Raising young children is a full time job, so some mothers do not get enough pampering of their own during these years. Is it? Really? So is my other JOB. The one that pays the bills. So I can have a house to lounge around in all day while my children are at school. Quite paradoxical, no?
Now is the time for her to do some things for herself. Could this BE any more condescending?
For spending the mornings in the house, after all the kids are off to school, nothing is better than a nice comfortable cashmere robe. Are you FREAKING kidding me? There are SO many things wrong with this statement that I cannot even begin to articulate them. First off, does this guy (and yes, this article was written by a man. Is anyone surprised? I thought not.)...does this guy REALLY think that stay at home moms just lounge around the house all day while the kids are at school? What, do they eat bonbons and watch soaps all day too?
Let me tell you what MY mornings look like: My alarm goes off at 4:45. I get up, feed Charlotte, get her dressed, make sure her bag is ready to go for the day. I get hair and makeup done (maybe) and get myself dressed (usually). I pack a semblance of lunch (2 cokes, 2 granola bars, 2 string cheeses, 1 package of peanut butter crackers). I usually make it out the door around 6 for my stop at McDonald's for my coffee, then drive 40 minutes to work, where I must arrive by 7.
On days where I'm not working, if I send Charlotte to daycare, I'm using the baby-free time to catch up on laundry, ironing, straightening up the house, shopping, running errands, paying bills...well, you get the picture.
But wait, there's more! The Robe in Comfortable Cashmere is perfect for lounging around the house after a busy morning getting everyone ready for school. LOUNGING AROUND THE HOUSE? If I were this man's wife, and I read this...well, maybe she does "lounge." But I have a hard time believing that. I don't remember the last time I "lounged." In fact, I usually fall into bed exhausted at the end of the day because I've been trying to cram so much into the hours I'm awake. Hell, I usually feel guilty for going to bed because there's more stuff I could be doing instead of sleeping.
And I'm even accepting the fact that he is clearly talking about a stay-at-home mom, not a working mom (a phrase which I find redundant, incidentally)...but don't worry moms, he understands: It's not an easy job, so this 100% cashmere robe is the perfect gift for mothers of any age. Because sure, cashmere's practical for any mom with children under 25...vomit and pureed peas and paint and crayon and juice and glue and god knows what else will be FABULOUS accessories with that cashmere robe. Good call there, Ace.
I mean, seriously. I cannot put into words how disturbing and offensive I find the concept that this article embodies. Does this man even HAVE a wife? Children? My condolences to them if he does. How can one person be so unrealistic? I know there are subpar parents out there, but even not-so-great moms have so much more on their plates, it's ridiculous.
I say this, of course, with my vast 7 months of parenting experience to back me up, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see how hard moms work. My own mother was tireless. She worked every single day to give me the best life possible, and now that I a) am trying to survive on a teacher's salary and b) have a child of my own and see how expensive they are, I am much better able to appreciate just how much my mom did for me. It's hard for me to juggle everything; I can't imagine how she did it as a single mom. I can pretty much guarantee you that she never lounged around the house in a cashmere robe.
And...I am now out of steam and have probably wasted way too much time and energy getitng upset over this...but seriously. Just...seriously.
More important things call...Charlotte wants her late-night snack and her bed. Off I go!
I know, it's difficult to imagine a larger amount of cuteness. And...I would like to point out that she's sitting up all.by.herself. Go Moooooooo! She's getting so big.
So as it's my first Mother's Day, and it's my mom's first Mom's Day as a grandma, I'm surfing the net for gift ideas and hints to drop around the house (while my kids are watching a movie about the Holocaust--which, seriously, I can only watch 4 or 5 times before I get bored), and I stumble across an article on a fairly popular website. Here is an excerpt from said article:
"As the kids get a bit older, and start spending their days in school, its
time for her to get to spend a little time on herself. Raising young children is
a full time job, so some mothers do not get enough pampering of their own during
these years. Now is the time for her to do some things for herself. For spending
the mornings in the house, after all the kids are off to school, nothing is
better than a nice comfortable cashmere robe. The Robe in Lightweight Cashmere is perfect for lounging around the house after a busy morning getting everyone ready for school. It's not an easy job, so this 100% cashmere robe is the perfect gift for
mothers of any age."
I'll give you a minute to go back, re-read, adjust the color on your monitor, scratch your head in bewilderment, and ask yourself what in the HELL this moron was thinking.
Now, let's take this one step at a time. As the kids get older, and start spending their days in school, it's time for her to get to spend a little time on herself. Because the second kids get on the bus, the mom switch flips off? Good, because I'd hate for her to spend any time doing laundry, cleaning the house, running errands, cooking, or, god forbid, WORKING. At a JOB. Apparently the author of this article is stuck in the 50s.
Raising young children is a full time job, so some mothers do not get enough pampering of their own during these years. Is it? Really? So is my other JOB. The one that pays the bills. So I can have a house to lounge around in all day while my children are at school. Quite paradoxical, no?
Now is the time for her to do some things for herself. Could this BE any more condescending?
For spending the mornings in the house, after all the kids are off to school, nothing is better than a nice comfortable cashmere robe. Are you FREAKING kidding me? There are SO many things wrong with this statement that I cannot even begin to articulate them. First off, does this guy (and yes, this article was written by a man. Is anyone surprised? I thought not.)...does this guy REALLY think that stay at home moms just lounge around the house all day while the kids are at school? What, do they eat bonbons and watch soaps all day too?
Let me tell you what MY mornings look like: My alarm goes off at 4:45. I get up, feed Charlotte, get her dressed, make sure her bag is ready to go for the day. I get hair and makeup done (maybe) and get myself dressed (usually). I pack a semblance of lunch (2 cokes, 2 granola bars, 2 string cheeses, 1 package of peanut butter crackers). I usually make it out the door around 6 for my stop at McDonald's for my coffee, then drive 40 minutes to work, where I must arrive by 7.
On days where I'm not working, if I send Charlotte to daycare, I'm using the baby-free time to catch up on laundry, ironing, straightening up the house, shopping, running errands, paying bills...well, you get the picture.
But wait, there's more! The Robe in Comfortable Cashmere is perfect for lounging around the house after a busy morning getting everyone ready for school. LOUNGING AROUND THE HOUSE? If I were this man's wife, and I read this...well, maybe she does "lounge." But I have a hard time believing that. I don't remember the last time I "lounged." In fact, I usually fall into bed exhausted at the end of the day because I've been trying to cram so much into the hours I'm awake. Hell, I usually feel guilty for going to bed because there's more stuff I could be doing instead of sleeping.
And I'm even accepting the fact that he is clearly talking about a stay-at-home mom, not a working mom (a phrase which I find redundant, incidentally)...but don't worry moms, he understands: It's not an easy job, so this 100% cashmere robe is the perfect gift for mothers of any age. Because sure, cashmere's practical for any mom with children under 25...vomit and pureed peas and paint and crayon and juice and glue and god knows what else will be FABULOUS accessories with that cashmere robe. Good call there, Ace.
I mean, seriously. I cannot put into words how disturbing and offensive I find the concept that this article embodies. Does this man even HAVE a wife? Children? My condolences to them if he does. How can one person be so unrealistic? I know there are subpar parents out there, but even not-so-great moms have so much more on their plates, it's ridiculous.
I say this, of course, with my vast 7 months of parenting experience to back me up, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see how hard moms work. My own mother was tireless. She worked every single day to give me the best life possible, and now that I a) am trying to survive on a teacher's salary and b) have a child of my own and see how expensive they are, I am much better able to appreciate just how much my mom did for me. It's hard for me to juggle everything; I can't imagine how she did it as a single mom. I can pretty much guarantee you that she never lounged around the house in a cashmere robe.
And...I am now out of steam and have probably wasted way too much time and energy getitng upset over this...but seriously. Just...seriously.
More important things call...Charlotte wants her late-night snack and her bed. Off I go!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
So Proud!
As usual, not much time before I fall asleep at the keyboard. I don't know why I'm pretending I have enough time for this blogging thing, but I do want to say that we got our individual students' FCAT Writes scores back today, and I am VERY proud of how well my students scored. Out of a possible 6 points, I had:
5.5—2
5.0—2
4.5—13
4.0—43
3.5—32
3.0—18
2.5—7
2.0—3
A 3.5 is considered writing "on grade level," so I had 92 students with a passing score. So...78% of my kids passed! I'm really proud of them...and I know that the other 28 could easily have passed as well...but you can't win them all, sadly.
Tomorrow I begin helping the AP Euro teachers get them ready for the AP test this Friday. Even though I don't always sound like it, I have a great group of kids this year and I am proud of their accomplishments!!!
5.5—2
5.0—2
4.5—13
4.0—43
3.5—32
3.0—18
2.5—7
2.0—3
A 3.5 is considered writing "on grade level," so I had 92 students with a passing score. So...78% of my kids passed! I'm really proud of them...and I know that the other 28 could easily have passed as well...but you can't win them all, sadly.
Tomorrow I begin helping the AP Euro teachers get them ready for the AP test this Friday. Even though I don't always sound like it, I have a great group of kids this year and I am proud of their accomplishments!!!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Huh?
It's so sad when I want to write and I can't because I'm so darned tired. Went to Rachel's graduation from USF tonight. Took Granny and Charlotte, now we're home and I'm DONE. Put a fork in me.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)