July 31st last posting. That's pathetic!
I spent the day with my 14 year old daughter. Her ipod broke Thursday. This is Saturday. Imagine being in my shoes. Her ipod is her life. I took her to the Apple store to get the little fella repaired. We head to the "genuis desk," where the apple think tank resides. We are waited on right away. Our genius' first word was, "hmmm...." Never a good sign. Second words, "Is this still under warranty?" Not what I wanted to hear. The hard drive is hosed and there is no repair available. Nice.
The genius man (who by the way, was quite handsome) then launched into the prices for the new ipods and what was available for us. My groom is in Los Angeles, can't fly in to Philadelphia due to the ice storm. I consult by phone, after asking the fourteen year old to "walk around" while we conduct our own think tank. (Said groom was making the best of a bad situation, and was planning a road trip the Grauman's Chinese Theater and Rodeo Drive--he's a "glass half full kind of guy.)
The rest of the story, is that the groom and I footed the bill for the basic ipod, and the fourteen year old was thrilled. I wonder how long I can play the "we bought you a new ipod and you need to appreciate it" card. In her defense, she didn't know that you couldn't go running with it, because it had a "moveable hard drive." Who frickin' knew that? (PS: I'm just impressed that she goes running.)
Ok, so it's not exciting but is what has fueled our weekend without Dad. That, and eating out!
Oh, and the ice storm? Four inches of ice blanketed our our entire property last night. It took an hour and a half to do a very short front walk. Chop, chop....shovel, shovel. I absolutely LOVE winter. But stick a fork in me, I'm done.
It's breakfast for dinner. Ran out and got what we needed for french toast, omelettes, bacon and scrapple. Time to hunker down and enjoy.
Pulled in to the driveway and got stuck. Annoying. Cat litter, shoveling and sending the kids inside and I got the job done.
Climbing into a dry martini and calling it a day.
Peace out.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Saturday, July 29, 2006
And one more thing...
I read the obituaries in our local paper religiously. I am at that time in my life, when friends of mine lose parents, siblings and the like. Today, I read an obituary for my 5th grade teacher whom I adored. He called everyone by their last name-boys and girls alike. He was in the army, so it worked for him. He was gruff, firm but loving and caring. One day, he took me aside (while my best friend waited in the hall) and told me, "if you would just pay less attention to the boys you would do a whole lot better in school." I tried to listen--but I am not sure I was successful. Just a few weeks ago, my youngest daughter entering 4th grade found out she had a male teacher. I of course, was ecstatic, as my experience was so wonderful. Male teachers are certainly at a premium but they bring something to the table that female teachers cannot. What that is, I am not sure. But I sure adored Mr. Gaughan. His disciplinary techinque was interesting. If you acted up--and I did--you were assigned an "encyclopedia page." This meant you were to write on a loose-leaf paper, from an encyclopedia until your page was filled. There were no mindless tasks with him. You were always meant to learn something, even if it was a punishment! When he yelled--it was awful, but we listened. We respected him and he respected us. I have often wondered what happened to him and where he landed on this earth. Now I know that he is in heaven--shaping up everyone who is not "in line." Mr. Gaughan, rest in peace.
I read the obituaries in our local paper religiously. I am at that time in my life, when friends of mine lose parents, siblings and the like. Today, I read an obituary for my 5th grade teacher whom I adored. He called everyone by their last name-boys and girls alike. He was in the army, so it worked for him. He was gruff, firm but loving and caring. One day, he took me aside (while my best friend waited in the hall) and told me, "if you would just pay less attention to the boys you would do a whole lot better in school." I tried to listen--but I am not sure I was successful. Just a few weeks ago, my youngest daughter entering 4th grade found out she had a male teacher. I of course, was ecstatic, as my experience was so wonderful. Male teachers are certainly at a premium but they bring something to the table that female teachers cannot. What that is, I am not sure. But I sure adored Mr. Gaughan. His disciplinary techinque was interesting. If you acted up--and I did--you were assigned an "encyclopedia page." This meant you were to write on a loose-leaf paper, from an encyclopedia until your page was filled. There were no mindless tasks with him. You were always meant to learn something, even if it was a punishment! When he yelled--it was awful, but we listened. We respected him and he respected us. I have often wondered what happened to him and where he landed on this earth. Now I know that he is in heaven--shaping up everyone who is not "in line." Mr. Gaughan, rest in peace.
I saw this quote on the "Make a Wish" foundation website:
"Very few things in life can give you more satisfaction than knowing you made a difference in the life of a child." I have always loved working with children. I always wanted to be a teacher. Why I didn't pursue that, I will never know. Stupidity comes to mind. Anyway, college got in the way, I just wasn't thinking. A B.A. in Spanish--THAT'S it. Good for nuttin'. Ended up teaching pre school which I loved. No money. Ended up at MCI (then WorldCom) and got caught up in the corporate whirlwind they call a career, and (18)years later with my 401K flushed down the crapper after the WorldCom fiasco, I was laid off. After I got laid off from WorldCom, I was forced to make some choices. I didn't want to re-enter that corporate world, never. With my oldest daughter hitting the teen years, I really wanted to be home in the afternoons with her. (Those were MY trouble times as a teen!) Hence, my next "career" move!
For the last three years, I have been a one on one aide for a 13 year old boy with Down Syndrome. I am honest when I tell you I love him like he is one of my own. Suddenly, it clicked for me. I WAS making the difference in the life of him, and even his friends and the other 6th graders I adore. Not to mention, I am now at home with my kids in the afternoons, a double edge sword--but one I wouldn't trade in. I sure hope I make a difference in their lives!
My summer gig is as a head counselor for a well known, much loved day camp in our area. It is a magical place--a place that if you're not a part of it, it's hard to understand why it is so special. Next to Disney, it truly is the happiest place on earth. We just finished our six week stint, and I have never been more fulfilled, more exhausted, more tired of the heat, more happy than I am now. I had a camper tell me that I was the best counselor she ever had. Forget the paycheck, I'll take that to the bank. My campers were always smiling and laughing (when they weren't complaining about the heat--which was rare, the complaining that is, not the heat!)
I am always quick to beat myself up about the things I don't do well. I am very critical of myself overall. I (and I think we all) take for granted the things we do well. After this camp season, I felt better about myself than I have for a long time. It is those things that we do well, (that we take for granted) that bring us, and those around us the most joy. That sounds like a simple pleasure and it is. It is one that I will rejoice about and for which I will give thanks.
"Very few things in life can give you more satisfaction than knowing you made a difference in the life of a child." I have always loved working with children. I always wanted to be a teacher. Why I didn't pursue that, I will never know. Stupidity comes to mind. Anyway, college got in the way, I just wasn't thinking. A B.A. in Spanish--THAT'S it. Good for nuttin'. Ended up teaching pre school which I loved. No money. Ended up at MCI (then WorldCom) and got caught up in the corporate whirlwind they call a career, and (18)years later with my 401K flushed down the crapper after the WorldCom fiasco, I was laid off. After I got laid off from WorldCom, I was forced to make some choices. I didn't want to re-enter that corporate world, never. With my oldest daughter hitting the teen years, I really wanted to be home in the afternoons with her. (Those were MY trouble times as a teen!) Hence, my next "career" move!
For the last three years, I have been a one on one aide for a 13 year old boy with Down Syndrome. I am honest when I tell you I love him like he is one of my own. Suddenly, it clicked for me. I WAS making the difference in the life of him, and even his friends and the other 6th graders I adore. Not to mention, I am now at home with my kids in the afternoons, a double edge sword--but one I wouldn't trade in. I sure hope I make a difference in their lives!
My summer gig is as a head counselor for a well known, much loved day camp in our area. It is a magical place--a place that if you're not a part of it, it's hard to understand why it is so special. Next to Disney, it truly is the happiest place on earth. We just finished our six week stint, and I have never been more fulfilled, more exhausted, more tired of the heat, more happy than I am now. I had a camper tell me that I was the best counselor she ever had. Forget the paycheck, I'll take that to the bank. My campers were always smiling and laughing (when they weren't complaining about the heat--which was rare, the complaining that is, not the heat!)
I am always quick to beat myself up about the things I don't do well. I am very critical of myself overall. I (and I think we all) take for granted the things we do well. After this camp season, I felt better about myself than I have for a long time. It is those things that we do well, (that we take for granted) that bring us, and those around us the most joy. That sounds like a simple pleasure and it is. It is one that I will rejoice about and for which I will give thanks.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Children amaze me. You raise them as best that you can, and hope that they learn
and treat others with kindness and respect. It is those "yea!!" moments that help affirm the
fact that you're doing a good job. I'm always hopeful (and thankful) for those moments.
In church today, our rector talked about ministries. Christ told his disciples to go
two by two, leave their baggage, take one pair of sandals and preach the word, heal the sick and cast out demons. Ministries happen within the framework of relationships, our rector said.
This sermon came on the heels of what follows next. This happened last night, as our parish hosted the homeless in our sheltering program. These folks spend the day, down at 63rd and Market St. in Philadelphia by day. By night, they are transported to our parish hall where they stay the night. We provide A/C, bathrooms, and a roof over their heads. Each evening, one (or a few) parishoners sign up to make lunches for our guests who will leave the next morning. Many times, they are families who sign up to "shelter" Last night was our night. I had taken my oldest (13) before, and at the first--she was a bit hesitant. My youngest, (9) followed with that same emotion last night, as this was her first time. What follows is the evening in the life of a nine year old sheltering the homeless.
Jennifer had quite an experience at the shelter tonight. She made friends with a woman named
Nancy. (Jen's so shy, you know.) Jen chatted with her for a bit. Nancy told her she had a job
interview on Monday. Jen told her she would say a prayer for her. Nancy asked her for a hug, and Jen of course, agreed. Unbeknownst to me, Nancy gave Jen her radio and earphones. Jennifer was so pleased with the gesture, until she realized that those items might be all that she had. Jennifer asked if she could give them back to Nancy.
She scooted into the parish hall, and crouched down next to Nancy, told her she had already had a radio and that while she appreciated the thought, she wanted Nancy to have it back. Nancy turned to me and said, "I wanted to give her something, and that was all that I had." I assured her that the hug that she gave Jen was all she needed. Jen wished her well on her interview Monday. Nancy said that she wanted to come to Holy Apostles for church. Jennifer assured her that there were many opportunities for her to help out, and that she would look forward to having her there. Nancy said she would take her to McDonalds.
Ministry--it comes in all shapes and sizes.
Now, I know nothing about Nancy, her background, her issues, her history. What I DO know is that my daughter was forever changed tonight. As I tucked her into bed tonight, her prayers went on a little longer than normal. Nancy told her earlier in the evening, "many people talk the talk...but we were walking the walk." Jennifer now gets it.
As for sheltering, Jen's a "lifer."
Jen told me she prayed for Nancy three times during church today. That's major prayer for a nine year old, and probably just the prayer that Nancy needed.
and treat others with kindness and respect. It is those "yea!!" moments that help affirm the
fact that you're doing a good job. I'm always hopeful (and thankful) for those moments.
In church today, our rector talked about ministries. Christ told his disciples to go
two by two, leave their baggage, take one pair of sandals and preach the word, heal the sick and cast out demons. Ministries happen within the framework of relationships, our rector said.
This sermon came on the heels of what follows next. This happened last night, as our parish hosted the homeless in our sheltering program. These folks spend the day, down at 63rd and Market St. in Philadelphia by day. By night, they are transported to our parish hall where they stay the night. We provide A/C, bathrooms, and a roof over their heads. Each evening, one (or a few) parishoners sign up to make lunches for our guests who will leave the next morning. Many times, they are families who sign up to "shelter" Last night was our night. I had taken my oldest (13) before, and at the first--she was a bit hesitant. My youngest, (9) followed with that same emotion last night, as this was her first time. What follows is the evening in the life of a nine year old sheltering the homeless.
Jennifer had quite an experience at the shelter tonight. She made friends with a woman named
Nancy. (Jen's so shy, you know.) Jen chatted with her for a bit. Nancy told her she had a job
interview on Monday. Jen told her she would say a prayer for her. Nancy asked her for a hug, and Jen of course, agreed. Unbeknownst to me, Nancy gave Jen her radio and earphones. Jennifer was so pleased with the gesture, until she realized that those items might be all that she had. Jennifer asked if she could give them back to Nancy.
She scooted into the parish hall, and crouched down next to Nancy, told her she had already had a radio and that while she appreciated the thought, she wanted Nancy to have it back. Nancy turned to me and said, "I wanted to give her something, and that was all that I had." I assured her that the hug that she gave Jen was all she needed. Jen wished her well on her interview Monday. Nancy said that she wanted to come to Holy Apostles for church. Jennifer assured her that there were many opportunities for her to help out, and that she would look forward to having her there. Nancy said she would take her to McDonalds.
Ministry--it comes in all shapes and sizes.
Now, I know nothing about Nancy, her background, her issues, her history. What I DO know is that my daughter was forever changed tonight. As I tucked her into bed tonight, her prayers went on a little longer than normal. Nancy told her earlier in the evening, "many people talk the talk...but we were walking the walk." Jennifer now gets it.
As for sheltering, Jen's a "lifer."
Jen told me she prayed for Nancy three times during church today. That's major prayer for a nine year old, and probably just the prayer that Nancy needed.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
7th grade comes to a grinding halt on Friday...Thanks be to God. Go in peace.
I hated 7th grade the first time I went through it. I hate it even more as my 13 year old daughter went through it. Forget the social issues that go along with this age (I wish I could...trust me) the academics are so radically different from 6th grade. I truly had no idea. She ended up on a team with two teachers who obviously misread the name of the school, thinking it was a university and taught as such. She did however learn life's lessons. Frankly, that to me is more important than the Middle Ages, what she was supposed to be learning a bout. She learned that she has to work harder than she ever thought she would. She learned that you can't always rely on mom and dad to write a note. Consequences for your actions are a fact of life.
I marvel at how she has risen above (in most cases) and stayed the course. By mid year, a teacher gave her such a hard time, we considered allowing her to switch classes. She came home one day, announced that she had confronted the teacher about how she was being treated and told him she was staying--end of discussion. She is now looking at that situation in the rear view
mirror and has every reason to be extraordinarily proud of herself. I sure am.
And so summer begins. While I am excited for the change of pace, and the excitment of a new summer day camp season, I look back, somewhat nostalgically, for the school year that has just past. How can I be both nostalgic and relieved?
To everything......turn....turn turn...there is a season...
I hated 7th grade the first time I went through it. I hate it even more as my 13 year old daughter went through it. Forget the social issues that go along with this age (I wish I could...trust me) the academics are so radically different from 6th grade. I truly had no idea. She ended up on a team with two teachers who obviously misread the name of the school, thinking it was a university and taught as such. She did however learn life's lessons. Frankly, that to me is more important than the Middle Ages, what she was supposed to be learning a bout. She learned that she has to work harder than she ever thought she would. She learned that you can't always rely on mom and dad to write a note. Consequences for your actions are a fact of life.
I marvel at how she has risen above (in most cases) and stayed the course. By mid year, a teacher gave her such a hard time, we considered allowing her to switch classes. She came home one day, announced that she had confronted the teacher about how she was being treated and told him she was staying--end of discussion. She is now looking at that situation in the rear view
mirror and has every reason to be extraordinarily proud of herself. I sure am.
And so summer begins. While I am excited for the change of pace, and the excitment of a new summer day camp season, I look back, somewhat nostalgically, for the school year that has just past. How can I be both nostalgic and relieved?
To everything......turn....turn turn...there is a season...
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
The Tuesday Ten...things I did today.
1. Cleaned out the "mountain of mail" basket.
2. Made a "to do" list for my mother in law's 70th party at our house this weekend.
3. Finished the planting out back.
4. Weeded the front garden.
5. Watched an amazing video on racism at the middle school where I work.
6. Sweated like I delivered quadruplets. (see previous post on the weather)
7. Finished paperwork on my youngest cherub's latest endeavor, the viola.
8. Grilled asparagus--that was actually good!
9. Took daughter #1 to a therapy appointment.
10. Gave thanks for the day, in spite of the heat and chaos.
1. Cleaned out the "mountain of mail" basket.
2. Made a "to do" list for my mother in law's 70th party at our house this weekend.
3. Finished the planting out back.
4. Weeded the front garden.
5. Watched an amazing video on racism at the middle school where I work.
6. Sweated like I delivered quadruplets. (see previous post on the weather)
7. Finished paperwork on my youngest cherub's latest endeavor, the viola.
8. Grilled asparagus--that was actually good!
9. Took daughter #1 to a therapy appointment.
10. Gave thanks for the day, in spite of the heat and chaos.
I live in the northeast section of the US. It is May 30th and the temperature today, was 93 degrees, with 60 % humidity. That annoys me. If I WANTED to live in South Florida, I would have moved there. What happened to a ramp up period? What happened to upper 70s, mid 80's, then the July jump to the nasty 90s?? I work in a school, that heats up like a brick pizza oven with one notable exception. The brick pizza oven at the local pizza place, is not crammed with middle school boys and girls, who may or may not have discovered deodorant.
Our administration is moving into a local school building, and the kids in that school, will be farmed out to a brand spanking new building (which teachers are already complaining about for various and sundry reasons). You can be damn sure, that they will have air conditioning slapped into that old school building faster than poop through a goose. That also annoys me.
I work in a classroom where there are students with special needs: ADD, PDD, Down Syndrome to name a few. Focusing is an issue for these students. You'd think they could put one stinkin' AC unit in the window to improve the environment in which these children are learning every day. Instead, it is, "I'll have mine half mushroom, half pepperoni." It is easy for me to bitch now. I sit in my relatively new (to us) house, with, for the first time, central air. I will never, ever, ever take it for granted. Yahoooo!!
Our administration is moving into a local school building, and the kids in that school, will be farmed out to a brand spanking new building (which teachers are already complaining about for various and sundry reasons). You can be damn sure, that they will have air conditioning slapped into that old school building faster than poop through a goose. That also annoys me.
I work in a classroom where there are students with special needs: ADD, PDD, Down Syndrome to name a few. Focusing is an issue for these students. You'd think they could put one stinkin' AC unit in the window to improve the environment in which these children are learning every day. Instead, it is, "I'll have mine half mushroom, half pepperoni." It is easy for me to bitch now. I sit in my relatively new (to us) house, with, for the first time, central air. I will never, ever, ever take it for granted. Yahoooo!!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Appetizer
What's your favorite flavor of ice cream? Penn State Creamery's Coconut Chip
Soup
What are 3 things you would like to put in a time capsule? A picture of my family, Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run CD, copies of my favorite recipes.
Salad
Name something you are 100% sure of. That in my life, I have made a difference in the life of a child.
Main Course
What is something you do to calm yourself when you're stressed or upset? Call my sister, have a glass of wine, or both.
Dessert
If you could receive an invitation to any important event, what would you like it to be? The Last Supper
Want to join Friday's Feast? If so, click HERE. If you already participate, please leave me a comment with a link to your Feast.
What's your favorite flavor of ice cream? Penn State Creamery's Coconut Chip
Soup
What are 3 things you would like to put in a time capsule? A picture of my family, Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run CD, copies of my favorite recipes.
Salad
Name something you are 100% sure of. That in my life, I have made a difference in the life of a child.
Main Course
What is something you do to calm yourself when you're stressed or upset? Call my sister, have a glass of wine, or both.
Dessert
If you could receive an invitation to any important event, what would you like it to be? The Last Supper
Want to join Friday's Feast? If so, click HERE. If you already participate, please leave me a comment with a link to your Feast.
Friday, May 12, 2006
There should be brochures on parenting in the labor and delivery wing of every hospital. Because if there were, I would have picked them up. Sadly, there were none. Something should prepare you for the wrath of a 13 year old daughter scorned. My once honest, and forthright littld girl is now 13, and has morphed into a young lady who delights in testing the limits. I know, it's her job. However, it is our job as parents to set those limits. Last week it was sneaking "on line" when she was not permitted to, thinking she wouldn't get caught. A little "smoke and mirrors" ( so as not to arouse suspicion of computer parental controls)...and we got her to 'fess up. This past week, it was the dawning of the thong that got our undies in a bunch. Call it mother's intuition, but I knew the minute I saw her face on that early school morning, she was thonging. How did she expect to get those through the laundry without us noticing? She said she has been "thinking in the moment" lately, and not thinking of the consequences of her actions. At 13, she should at the very least have some forward thinking capabilities. Suffice it to say, her lack of forward thinking landed her in our laps for the forseeable future as trust has now become an issue. Looking at the bright side, we don't have to worry about where she is all the time when she's grounded. As for the thongs, they met their demise at the hands of my husband who took pair of pinking shears to them. I suggested hanging them on the Christmas tree come December. The pinking shears won out. I shared this story with a friend who is the mother of nine children, six of whom are daughters. While they are older, she too, remembered the time she came across thongs in the laundry. Her response? "It's about time. You've been up my butt for the last 17 years, it's time something was up your butt." Touche.
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