My new puppy, Sissy, is 6 weeks old. I have never had a puppy of my very own before and the vet laughed at me when I told her this. Makes me wonder what I really have in store for me. Her mom, D-O-G, was abandoned at my parent's home and they did not realize she was pregnant until she gave birth. All of us thought she had had puppies but did not know where they were until the day she actually gave birth. Mom and Dad are keeping D-O-G but the puppies must find homes or they go to the pound. D-O-G will be fixed and they will keep her and I have found homes for the 2 boys and have taken none home that leaves 1 sweet black female. The vet said she thinks the puppies will not be larger than 50 lbs. I hope so.
We brought Sissy home on Friday. Being unsure of sleeping arrangements and since Josh said he wanted Sissy to sleep with him, we purchased a table cloth to cover his mattress in case of any night time accidents. I slept with her that first night. Ugh, not very restful at all. Caleb took the 2nd night and Josh had Sunday and Monday nights. Monday I purchased a book on housebreaking and this book has great tips on what to do to kennel train which was my original plan. Sissy is slowly getting used to being in the kennel and last night slept in there. I was afraid she might be scared so I slept, not well, on the couch so she could see me if she woke up. I left the light on until she fell asleep. Hopefully tonight will be smoother and I will be able to sleep, at least I hope so.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Trying to figure it out....
Ok, I'm trying to figure out what to write. This has not been a fun weekend, Hubby and I have been at each other and not in a good way. He was not having a good day on Saturday and one of the boys left a cup of koolaid on the counter and he knocked it over. Rather than getting the offending child to clean it up or taking on the task himself, he decides to yell at me. Seriously YELL at me. I was in the garage defrosting the deep freeze which was a huge task in itself. It has been years since I have taken on the task of defrosting...need to buy a frost free deep freeze. Anywho, he starts to yell at me like I'm the one that left the cup on the counter. Here it is, Sunday night, and I'm still waiting for an apology. I doubt it will happen.
On another note, while cleaning the deep freeze I realized we have over 20 lbs. of ground beef and over 10 lbs of venison breakfast sausage. I really wish I had an upright freezer, I don't think things would get lost as easily. There was also steaks both beef and venison. I will not be purchasing ground meat or steaks anytime soon.
The worst part of cleaning out the freezer was I had to crawl into the freezer to get to the bottom. We eat a lot of popsicles, Otter Pops, and when we purchase a box we just dump them into the freezer and wait for them to freeze. The problem with this is sometimes one or two of them is broken the the sticky liquid spills in the bottom and freezes. Apparently this had happened more than once and a couple of packages of meat had attached themselves to the bottom of the freezer. As I was in the freezer pulling the packages of meat they tore, just a couple, and I decided to throw them out. I'm sure there was nothing wrong with them but it made me feel better.
Now I'm sure you are thinking that crawling into the freezer was a dumb thing to do and you are correct. I put a Clorox wipe container on the edge so if the door closed I would not be caught in there. I also kept my hand up, just in case. The boys were not around so they did not see me. This was good because I hate the whole 'do as I say and not as I do' that I used to get from my parents.
Oh well. I feel better now that I have typed all of this.
=)
On another note, while cleaning the deep freeze I realized we have over 20 lbs. of ground beef and over 10 lbs of venison breakfast sausage. I really wish I had an upright freezer, I don't think things would get lost as easily. There was also steaks both beef and venison. I will not be purchasing ground meat or steaks anytime soon.
The worst part of cleaning out the freezer was I had to crawl into the freezer to get to the bottom. We eat a lot of popsicles, Otter Pops, and when we purchase a box we just dump them into the freezer and wait for them to freeze. The problem with this is sometimes one or two of them is broken the the sticky liquid spills in the bottom and freezes. Apparently this had happened more than once and a couple of packages of meat had attached themselves to the bottom of the freezer. As I was in the freezer pulling the packages of meat they tore, just a couple, and I decided to throw them out. I'm sure there was nothing wrong with them but it made me feel better.
Now I'm sure you are thinking that crawling into the freezer was a dumb thing to do and you are correct. I put a Clorox wipe container on the edge so if the door closed I would not be caught in there. I also kept my hand up, just in case. The boys were not around so they did not see me. This was good because I hate the whole 'do as I say and not as I do' that I used to get from my parents.
Oh well. I feel better now that I have typed all of this.
=)
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Ready for a new beginning
I am ready for the beginning of the new school year. This year brings new classes and a new set of challenges which is exciting. I have been looking, and taking from friends, ideas that incorporate technology into teaching. There are so many free things out there in cyber space and some things that have a minimal cost.
By incorporating technology into my teaching, I hope to reach the students where they are. The students will use the technology in projects to explore math concepts that they will need to learn.
In my perfect little world, all of this will go on without any problems...we shall see.
By incorporating technology into my teaching, I hope to reach the students where they are. The students will use the technology in projects to explore math concepts that they will need to learn.
In my perfect little world, all of this will go on without any problems...we shall see.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Can't please everyone...so why even try????
This is a little rant...
There are some people that you will always try to please but never seem to be able to. What is the point of trying when you know that you will never live up to their expectations? Seriously, why bother?!?
I tried, I did my best, I put my heart and soul into it but you will never be pleased. You know what, I give up. I don't care what you think at this point.
There are some people that you will always try to please but never seem to be able to. What is the point of trying when you know that you will never live up to their expectations? Seriously, why bother?!?
I tried, I did my best, I put my heart and soul into it but you will never be pleased. You know what, I give up. I don't care what you think at this point.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Boys and motherhood
Alas, it has been a while since I last blogged. I have been busy, NKOTB concert, CAMT in Houston, braces for the oldest...the list goes on and on.
Today is cleaning day. Each of the boys have small tasks to accomplish and I do mean small. Josh, 15, needs to clean the bathroom and mop the floors. Caleb, 10, needs to sweep the floors and pick up his room. Daniel, 6, needs to pick up his stuff and empty the silverware in the dishwasher. The chores are not hard but everyone needs to do their job.
Daniel whined about doing anything, claiming he didn't mess up things so he shouldn't have to clean up anything. He was spanked for sassing me and sent to bed. When he was allowed to get up he gladly did his chores. Now he is watching cartoons.
Josh, ready to chillax with his friends is ready to mop the floors but cannot do so until Caleb sweeps. Caleb has refused to sweep so, using my infinite wisdom, he and Josh have traded sweeping for bathroom. Josh is sweeping and mopping so he can leave.
Caleb, I believe to not feel well based upon his behavior, is whining about his chores. He was fine with sweeping until he realized he had to sweep all of the floors, we have no carpet. He says he will not clean the bathroom and has been sent to his room until the bathroom is clean (my definition of clean, not his).
Being a mom is a thankless job and it is a hard job. There is not a handbook that comes with children nor is there a guidebook.
One of the hardest things for me as a mom is discipline. I tell the boys one thing to do and someone, daddy, tells them they do not have to do whatever I have told them to do. This undermines my authority in the home and drives me insane. I don't think my hubby understands how hurtful this is to me and to the children. The chores I have asked them to do today daddy doesn't think they should have to do because it is summer and they are children. I wish they had a definite bedtime and daddy says it is summer and they should be able to stay up as long as they like.
Now I am ranting and will stop blogging for now. I will blog more later after I no longer feel the need to vent. =)
Today is cleaning day. Each of the boys have small tasks to accomplish and I do mean small. Josh, 15, needs to clean the bathroom and mop the floors. Caleb, 10, needs to sweep the floors and pick up his room. Daniel, 6, needs to pick up his stuff and empty the silverware in the dishwasher. The chores are not hard but everyone needs to do their job.
Daniel whined about doing anything, claiming he didn't mess up things so he shouldn't have to clean up anything. He was spanked for sassing me and sent to bed. When he was allowed to get up he gladly did his chores. Now he is watching cartoons.
Josh, ready to chillax with his friends is ready to mop the floors but cannot do so until Caleb sweeps. Caleb has refused to sweep so, using my infinite wisdom, he and Josh have traded sweeping for bathroom. Josh is sweeping and mopping so he can leave.
Caleb, I believe to not feel well based upon his behavior, is whining about his chores. He was fine with sweeping until he realized he had to sweep all of the floors, we have no carpet. He says he will not clean the bathroom and has been sent to his room until the bathroom is clean (my definition of clean, not his).
Being a mom is a thankless job and it is a hard job. There is not a handbook that comes with children nor is there a guidebook.
One of the hardest things for me as a mom is discipline. I tell the boys one thing to do and someone, daddy, tells them they do not have to do whatever I have told them to do. This undermines my authority in the home and drives me insane. I don't think my hubby understands how hurtful this is to me and to the children. The chores I have asked them to do today daddy doesn't think they should have to do because it is summer and they are children. I wish they had a definite bedtime and daddy says it is summer and they should be able to stay up as long as they like.
Now I am ranting and will stop blogging for now. I will blog more later after I no longer feel the need to vent. =)
Monday, June 29, 2009
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Ok, tonight Caleb and I went to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Fair Park. This was our 2nd summer musical to attend and we really enjoyed ourselves. The singing was great, right up there with Dick Van Dyke and the movie that I so truly love. I had wondered if they would have a flying car and yes they do. I'm not sure how the car flew, if I really thought about it I could figure it out but where would the magic be? It's kinda like Santa, if I stop believing the magic will disappear.
Flying cars, children catchers...all great things. If life had real children catchers, one can only think of how quiet the world would be.
What made me sad was the lack of a carpet sucking machine. Hubby and I have been to Ripley's Museum, I think the one in Springfield, MO, and they had one there. I have pictures and they make me laugh when I look at them. How sad to not have the carpet sucking machine that would have made me laugh.
Do I think you should not go to CCBB because of this? No, you should go. The flying car is worth the price of the ticket.
The intermission is about 90 minutes into the show so don't drink too much before because the line for the bathroom will grow rapidly.
Oh you pretty chitty bang bang we love you!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Daniel's First Ride, No Training Wheels
Daniel, 6, rode a neighbor's bike that did not have training wheels. He came home and proudly proclaimed that he was big like his brothers and no longer needed them. Josh, 15, took off the training wheels and, guess what? Daniel rode in the back yard all by himself. I was smart enough to grab my Flip Video to record this momentous occasion. He even 'hot dogged' for the fam, since we were all watching. (Never mind that the jalapeno poppers were in the pan cooking too long.)
Daniel's brothers Josh and Caleb, 10, like to ride BMX and I think he may also want to do that but he must become a little more steady first. I'm sure by next week he will be able to start on the gate like the 'big kids' do.
After the amazing feat in the backyard he proceed to go to the front and ride in the road. Our road does not have a lot of traffic as it dead ends and does not have too many houses on it either. He found some new friends at the other end of the road, they are new to the neighborhood so I guess I need to meet them since our children will play together this summer. Daddy and I had to go down the road to get him to come home, selective hearing prevented him from hearing us when we called him.
He made a few more passes in a neighbor's driveway and rode to another friend's house, across the street, to show off his new skill. He was absolutely beaming, so proud of himself. I decided to put the video on the computer, which is really easy (get a flip, you won't be disappointed) and in comes Daniel, all teary eyed. Turns out, after I came back in he had a little accident and bumped his little head and scraped his little arm.
Being the caring, loving mom that I am, I inspected the boo boo then told him he needed to suck it up and be a big boy. I informed him that he is not allowed to come running into the house crying every time he has a little boo boo. In order to grow there must be pain. Sad but true.
I was going to include a 48 second video but it was taking way too long to upload, over 10 minutes, so I gave up.
Daniel's brothers Josh and Caleb, 10, like to ride BMX and I think he may also want to do that but he must become a little more steady first. I'm sure by next week he will be able to start on the gate like the 'big kids' do.
After the amazing feat in the backyard he proceed to go to the front and ride in the road. Our road does not have a lot of traffic as it dead ends and does not have too many houses on it either. He found some new friends at the other end of the road, they are new to the neighborhood so I guess I need to meet them since our children will play together this summer. Daddy and I had to go down the road to get him to come home, selective hearing prevented him from hearing us when we called him.
He made a few more passes in a neighbor's driveway and rode to another friend's house, across the street, to show off his new skill. He was absolutely beaming, so proud of himself. I decided to put the video on the computer, which is really easy (get a flip, you won't be disappointed) and in comes Daniel, all teary eyed. Turns out, after I came back in he had a little accident and bumped his little head and scraped his little arm.
Being the caring, loving mom that I am, I inspected the boo boo then told him he needed to suck it up and be a big boy. I informed him that he is not allowed to come running into the house crying every time he has a little boo boo. In order to grow there must be pain. Sad but true.
I was going to include a 48 second video but it was taking way too long to upload, over 10 minutes, so I gave up.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Movies, Gran Torino
Ok, I just finished watching Gran Torino. This is a great movie as long as small children are not home, our little ones are at my parents until Wednesday. The language is terrible at best, lots of derogatory slang terms are used and will make you cringe.
I liked the way the grumpy old man changed during the movie. To figure out most of the plot you just need to think about what is going on. I never get movies and frequently need to have jokes explained to me but I could totally get this one.
The problem I had with the movie, aside from the language which was necessary for the plot, was it made me cry. I don't like to cry and this really, REALLY made me sad. Not wanting to spoil the ending, it made me cry. Well the last couple of scenes were funny, or at least they appeared to be through my tears. I really don't like to cry.
One of the problems with crying is I am the only female in a house full of males. When I cry they tend to look at me funny, I guess males of the species do not have feelings. Another problem is my makeup may run and that is just NOT attractive. The last thing I can think of right now is this is just not a time for me to cry. I am overly emotional during this time and it really doesn't take much to make me cry.
So, watch the movie but send the little ones to Granny's house and have a box of Kleenex near by.
=)
I liked the way the grumpy old man changed during the movie. To figure out most of the plot you just need to think about what is going on. I never get movies and frequently need to have jokes explained to me but I could totally get this one.
The problem I had with the movie, aside from the language which was necessary for the plot, was it made me cry. I don't like to cry and this really, REALLY made me sad. Not wanting to spoil the ending, it made me cry. Well the last couple of scenes were funny, or at least they appeared to be through my tears. I really don't like to cry.
One of the problems with crying is I am the only female in a house full of males. When I cry they tend to look at me funny, I guess males of the species do not have feelings. Another problem is my makeup may run and that is just NOT attractive. The last thing I can think of right now is this is just not a time for me to cry. I am overly emotional during this time and it really doesn't take much to make me cry.
So, watch the movie but send the little ones to Granny's house and have a box of Kleenex near by.
=)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Blogs and School
Blogs and school, I really wish those two words went together like peanut butter and jelly or pickles and ice cream, but alas, they do not. I would love to blog with my students but the 'man' (the tech department) says no. They have allowed me to set up a blog on an approved site for teachers and school but it is not as 'nice' as blog spot.
I'm really an easy going person, just give me what I want when I want it and we will get along just fine. If I could blog with my classes then we could work together as a group and we would not even need to be in the same class. I would love to assign work to students and force them to blog to reach the answer. These students would be in different classes and this could be a major grade for the 6 weeks.
Technology is the direction we are headed and the school needs to jump on board. I understand that the school is trying to block out sites that are not appropriate for students but my school blocks out so much more. Only in the last month before school let out was Google unblocked and Google has some great teaching sites.
This is my personal blog. I write this because I want to. This is not an assignment but I do this in the hopes of becoming a better writer. Will that happen? Who knows but writing is something everyone needs to know how to do. If I were to blog with my students in the way I would like, they would incorporate writing and communication into math and that would help to make the students more well rounded.
If I could blog then we could blog with other students in other schools on the same types of problems and discuss problem solving. Isn't that where we are headed as a global community? I really think the school should allow me to blog in the easiest way possible. My students would be the ones that would benefit.
I'm really an easy going person, just give me what I want when I want it and we will get along just fine. If I could blog with my classes then we could work together as a group and we would not even need to be in the same class. I would love to assign work to students and force them to blog to reach the answer. These students would be in different classes and this could be a major grade for the 6 weeks.
Technology is the direction we are headed and the school needs to jump on board. I understand that the school is trying to block out sites that are not appropriate for students but my school blocks out so much more. Only in the last month before school let out was Google unblocked and Google has some great teaching sites.
This is my personal blog. I write this because I want to. This is not an assignment but I do this in the hopes of becoming a better writer. Will that happen? Who knows but writing is something everyone needs to know how to do. If I were to blog with my students in the way I would like, they would incorporate writing and communication into math and that would help to make the students more well rounded.
If I could blog then we could blog with other students in other schools on the same types of problems and discuss problem solving. Isn't that where we are headed as a global community? I really think the school should allow me to blog in the easiest way possible. My students would be the ones that would benefit.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
graduation with fam.jpg
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Monday, June 8, 2009
VBS
VBS, Vacation Bible School, started last night. I am in charge of the crafts for the week and really enjoy it. My friends Hope and Carey do crafts with me. We he have been doing this for several years and we each know our role. I coordinate the crafts and get all of the stuff, Carey decorates the room, Hope develops the pictures. We all enjoy it.
VBS starts on Sunday night and ends on Friday night with family night. During family night everyone gets fed, hamburgers and hot dogs. There is a video of the events of the week for everyone to watch.
Most of the homes are neglected during the week because everyone spends so much time at church. The kitchen ladies show up at 4:30 each night to prepare the food. Even if the teachers do not show up at church, they are busy doing last minute preparation at home. My husband even pitches in. He helps in the kitchen as the maitre d.
Josh is too old for VBS and that makes me sad. Daniel looks forward to going and then there is Caleb. He is at a strange age. Thinks he is too big to do things (wants to be like Josh) and feels that if he enjoys things he is being a baby (doesn't want to be like Daniel).
Overall I think everyone gets something out of VBS. It is a lot of work for everyone involved but very rewarding. Would I want VBS to come more than once a year? NO! That is what makes it special, that it only comes once a year. Kinda like Christmas is special because it only happens once a year.
VBS starts on Sunday night and ends on Friday night with family night. During family night everyone gets fed, hamburgers and hot dogs. There is a video of the events of the week for everyone to watch.
Most of the homes are neglected during the week because everyone spends so much time at church. The kitchen ladies show up at 4:30 each night to prepare the food. Even if the teachers do not show up at church, they are busy doing last minute preparation at home. My husband even pitches in. He helps in the kitchen as the maitre d.
Josh is too old for VBS and that makes me sad. Daniel looks forward to going and then there is Caleb. He is at a strange age. Thinks he is too big to do things (wants to be like Josh) and feels that if he enjoys things he is being a baby (doesn't want to be like Daniel).
Overall I think everyone gets something out of VBS. It is a lot of work for everyone involved but very rewarding. Would I want VBS to come more than once a year? NO! That is what makes it special, that it only comes once a year. Kinda like Christmas is special because it only happens once a year.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
End of school
Alas, school ends this week and I have mixed feelings. Part of me is jumping for joy ready to have the summer without students. Part of me is already planning the next school year. I am so conflicted.
This year had numerous difficulties with students and parents and teachers, you can't please all the people all the time. Teachers, well when you get a bunch of women together there will be problems. Luckily, as each year, we make amends with one another and get along in the end. We are professionals and have personalities that sometimes clash but we do what is best for the students.
Parents, well Betty Sue and Billy Bob would never sass the teacher or do the things the teacher claims they are doing. If Betty Sue or Billy Bob fail the class then it is the fault of the teacher for not teaching. Never mind the fact they never turn in homework, that is the teacher's fault for assigning it. That is just one of many things that go on with parents.
Students, well they are there to socialize for the most part. They specialize in passing notes. I do my best to make the lessons fun to 'entertaining' to pull them into learning, but I cannot captivate all of them all of the time. There are so many different learning styles and trying to reach all of them all of the time is difficult at best. I try to have hands on lessons, games, activities to help them relate to the math at hand but this is not always possible. There are times when the lesson is 'boring', me at the front showing and having them do it too and on their own under my watchful eyes.
I love my job, I love the age I teach, don't get me wrong. This has been a long year. I'm ready for summer. We have two days left, actually only one and a half, the students have a half day on Friday. We have to stay until 5 and that is OK.
This year had numerous difficulties with students and parents and teachers, you can't please all the people all the time. Teachers, well when you get a bunch of women together there will be problems. Luckily, as each year, we make amends with one another and get along in the end. We are professionals and have personalities that sometimes clash but we do what is best for the students.
Parents, well Betty Sue and Billy Bob would never sass the teacher or do the things the teacher claims they are doing. If Betty Sue or Billy Bob fail the class then it is the fault of the teacher for not teaching. Never mind the fact they never turn in homework, that is the teacher's fault for assigning it. That is just one of many things that go on with parents.
Students, well they are there to socialize for the most part. They specialize in passing notes. I do my best to make the lessons fun to 'entertaining' to pull them into learning, but I cannot captivate all of them all of the time. There are so many different learning styles and trying to reach all of them all of the time is difficult at best. I try to have hands on lessons, games, activities to help them relate to the math at hand but this is not always possible. There are times when the lesson is 'boring', me at the front showing and having them do it too and on their own under my watchful eyes.
I love my job, I love the age I teach, don't get me wrong. This has been a long year. I'm ready for summer. We have two days left, actually only one and a half, the students have a half day on Friday. We have to stay until 5 and that is OK.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Happy Days
Last night Caleb (10) had a field trip to the Dallas Summer Musical to see Happy Days. I have not been to a musical in more than 20 years and I was really looking forward to going.
I coordinated with the husband to drop off Daniel (6) because I did not want to keep him out late. We met at Starbucks and then I waited for the bus leading the convoy of parents so I could join in with them. Going to Dallas makes me a bit nervous anyway so I was much happier to follow them than to risk getting lost on my own.
We stopped at On The Border for dinner and I ate with 2 other moms that are also teachers in the district. The best thing was the kids all ate with their teachers and we ate on the other side of the wall in the restaurant. I should have a salad but the enchiladas were yummy.
Caleb had never been to a musical before but he really enjoyed it. There was singing and dancing, as you would expect at a musical. I was shocked and happy to know that he enjoyed the musical. When we were leaving, I signed him out so we could drive straight home instead of having to go back to school, he said he wanted to go see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang when it comes out.
We arrived home about 11:30 last night. This was a very late night but worth every minute of it. I had forgotten how much fun musicals can be and Caleb really enjoyed it. I am hoping to take my parents to see Wizard of Oz in June, Mom's b-day and Father's Day combined, and then take my fam to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang late June early July when it comes out.
I do not know if anyone reads this blog or not but if you do I would highly recommend going to see a musical this summer with your kids.
I coordinated with the husband to drop off Daniel (6) because I did not want to keep him out late. We met at Starbucks and then I waited for the bus leading the convoy of parents so I could join in with them. Going to Dallas makes me a bit nervous anyway so I was much happier to follow them than to risk getting lost on my own.
We stopped at On The Border for dinner and I ate with 2 other moms that are also teachers in the district. The best thing was the kids all ate with their teachers and we ate on the other side of the wall in the restaurant. I should have a salad but the enchiladas were yummy.
Caleb had never been to a musical before but he really enjoyed it. There was singing and dancing, as you would expect at a musical. I was shocked and happy to know that he enjoyed the musical. When we were leaving, I signed him out so we could drive straight home instead of having to go back to school, he said he wanted to go see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang when it comes out.
We arrived home about 11:30 last night. This was a very late night but worth every minute of it. I had forgotten how much fun musicals can be and Caleb really enjoyed it. I am hoping to take my parents to see Wizard of Oz in June, Mom's b-day and Father's Day combined, and then take my fam to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang late June early July when it comes out.
I do not know if anyone reads this blog or not but if you do I would highly recommend going to see a musical this summer with your kids.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Addiction
Addiction--
–noun
the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.
(from dictionary.com)
The definition makes the word sound so terrible, like we would not want an addiction. Growing up I always knew that I had an addictive personality meaning that I could and would easily become addicted to stuff so I have tried my best to steer clear of 'bad' things, smoking, drugs, you know, bad stuff.
My mother warned about the bad stuff so I knew what to look for, back then in the 70's and 80's. Bring us to today and the 'new bad stuff', the things my mother NEVER warned me about. Facebook, Webkinz, Twitter, Blog, this list could go on and on. They all surround the computer and cyberspace. I fully embrace technology and all that it has to offer. =)
This can be a good thing or this can be a bad thing. Good--I am able to search out new trends in teaching and find better ways to reach my students. I am able to see where my students are and reach them at that place. Bad--I seem to never be far from my computer.
Now I do not feel that I am the only one to accept blame in my addiction. First I blame my parents, especially my mom. She did not warn me of the evils of cyberspace when I was growing up. Therefore, this addiction must be her fault. Second I blame my husband. He is the one that insisted we get wireless in the house so my lap top could be used anywhere, including the backyard. See, not my fault. (I'm sounding like my children and students laying blame on others. Wonder who I can blame that on?)
Facebook was a real blast when my friend told me to get on. She said it was a way to keep in touch. I guess I can blame her (I will call her T to protect her alleged innocence in this.) for my Facebook addiction. At first I looked up every person I had ever crossed paths with in my life. After exhausting that avenue I started taking quizzes. Then came FarmTown. In less than a week I am a level 9 farmer. Go me. I can blame that on Ellie Mae (someones FT name), if only she hadn't said how much fun it was in her status updates.
Webkinz, cute and cuddly little toys, similar to beanie babies (which we shall NOT discuss). How much fun, until you realize that if you adopt the pet of the month you get a goody bag and lots of stuff that only pet of the month adopters can get. For this I shall blame my good friend Cluck (again trying to protect the alleged innocent.). She bought me two sweet little toys, Petunia the lil Kinz pig and Happy the lil Kinz hippo. Currently I have 30 and they require daily care so they do not get sick. Oh my.
Twitter is fun and I can update on my phone as well as the web. There is no one to blame on this addiction. I opened my very own Twitter account and had my friends do the same.
Blogging is fun, not so much an addiction at this point but something I want to do. I do this for me and no one else. My friend T, the Facebook fiend (not a typo), has a funny blog and I love to read it. Last year in my summer class we had a blog so I had a taste of it then. My goal is to blog daily but that goal has already been broken since I did not blog yesterday, blame it on FB. I need to work on my writing skills so this is the best way to accomplish that desire. Hopefully in the next year or so I will write an article and have it published in a math magazine. Hmmm, what to write about for that?
I really am not addicted, but if I am addicted I will blame my mother. Thanks Mom.
–noun
the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.
(from dictionary.com)
The definition makes the word sound so terrible, like we would not want an addiction. Growing up I always knew that I had an addictive personality meaning that I could and would easily become addicted to stuff so I have tried my best to steer clear of 'bad' things, smoking, drugs, you know, bad stuff.
My mother warned about the bad stuff so I knew what to look for, back then in the 70's and 80's. Bring us to today and the 'new bad stuff', the things my mother NEVER warned me about. Facebook, Webkinz, Twitter, Blog, this list could go on and on. They all surround the computer and cyberspace. I fully embrace technology and all that it has to offer. =)
This can be a good thing or this can be a bad thing. Good--I am able to search out new trends in teaching and find better ways to reach my students. I am able to see where my students are and reach them at that place. Bad--I seem to never be far from my computer.
Now I do not feel that I am the only one to accept blame in my addiction. First I blame my parents, especially my mom. She did not warn me of the evils of cyberspace when I was growing up. Therefore, this addiction must be her fault. Second I blame my husband. He is the one that insisted we get wireless in the house so my lap top could be used anywhere, including the backyard. See, not my fault. (I'm sounding like my children and students laying blame on others. Wonder who I can blame that on?)
Facebook was a real blast when my friend told me to get on. She said it was a way to keep in touch. I guess I can blame her (I will call her T to protect her alleged innocence in this.) for my Facebook addiction. At first I looked up every person I had ever crossed paths with in my life. After exhausting that avenue I started taking quizzes. Then came FarmTown. In less than a week I am a level 9 farmer. Go me. I can blame that on Ellie Mae (someones FT name), if only she hadn't said how much fun it was in her status updates.
Webkinz, cute and cuddly little toys, similar to beanie babies (which we shall NOT discuss). How much fun, until you realize that if you adopt the pet of the month you get a goody bag and lots of stuff that only pet of the month adopters can get. For this I shall blame my good friend Cluck (again trying to protect the alleged innocent.). She bought me two sweet little toys, Petunia the lil Kinz pig and Happy the lil Kinz hippo. Currently I have 30 and they require daily care so they do not get sick. Oh my.
Twitter is fun and I can update on my phone as well as the web. There is no one to blame on this addiction. I opened my very own Twitter account and had my friends do the same.
Blogging is fun, not so much an addiction at this point but something I want to do. I do this for me and no one else. My friend T, the Facebook fiend (not a typo), has a funny blog and I love to read it. Last year in my summer class we had a blog so I had a taste of it then. My goal is to blog daily but that goal has already been broken since I did not blog yesterday, blame it on FB. I need to work on my writing skills so this is the best way to accomplish that desire. Hopefully in the next year or so I will write an article and have it published in a math magazine. Hmmm, what to write about for that?
I really am not addicted, but if I am addicted I will blame my mother. Thanks Mom.
Friday, May 22, 2009
BMX
Tonight Josh and Caleb both raced in their first BMX races. They did a pretty good job too. Josh came in 2nd and Caleb came in 3rd (different age groups).
Daniel and I drove to Desoto this evening, I was happy we did not get lost. Todd had taken the big boys down earlier so they could register. They each rode in 2 qualifying rounds and then made it to the main event.
The weather was perfect for the race, not too hot, not too cold. I had on jeans and a t-shirt with flip flops and was comfortable. Daniel wore shorts and a t-shirt and he was fine...but he is only 6. The only people that were sweating were the riders and that is because they were riding.
Some of the more experienced riders were doing jumps, I was really impressed. Motocross is exciting but very loud, BMX is exciting and not loud at all. This is a much better sport.
Both Josh and Caleb wore motorcross pants, shirts, and helmets to race with their tennis shoes. Kody, Josh's friend, went with them to race. This was also his first race. The boys went to the track for the first time on Monday and then had another practice on Thursday night. This is gonna be a fun summer.
Daniel and I drove to Desoto this evening, I was happy we did not get lost. Todd had taken the big boys down earlier so they could register. They each rode in 2 qualifying rounds and then made it to the main event.
The weather was perfect for the race, not too hot, not too cold. I had on jeans and a t-shirt with flip flops and was comfortable. Daniel wore shorts and a t-shirt and he was fine...but he is only 6. The only people that were sweating were the riders and that is because they were riding.
Some of the more experienced riders were doing jumps, I was really impressed. Motocross is exciting but very loud, BMX is exciting and not loud at all. This is a much better sport.
Both Josh and Caleb wore motorcross pants, shirts, and helmets to race with their tennis shoes. Kody, Josh's friend, went with them to race. This was also his first race. The boys went to the track for the first time on Monday and then had another practice on Thursday night. This is gonna be a fun summer.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Cold vs. Hot
I'm wearing jammie pants and a long sleeved jammie shirt, and I'm cold. The sad thing is that it is 85 outside. This is normal for me, I am usually the one wrapped up in a blanket in the middle of August in Texas heat.
When I lived under the roof of my parents my Dad would get upset with me because I would wear sweats be covered with a blanket and whine about being cold. I can understand him being upset about me whining but not with the fact I was cold.
My parents are strange...but I love them anyway. They are related to the polar bear. In the dead of winter, in Indiana, they would sleep with a little sheet on and not much else. Did I mention they would have the windows open? I swear, you could hang meat in their bedroom. I remember one time putting a glass of water on the night stand and in the morning it had turned to ice. Really, this is true.
As you can probably guess my parents and I are on opposite sides of the temperature divide. Is one right and the other wrong? This has been the question for as long as I can remember. I am cold and wish they would turn the heat up. Dad says put on clothes, I already have layers on and a blanket. My parents wish it would cool down and stay that way.
As an adult, I now find it fun talk about how cold I am when I'm around my parents, especially my dad. I'm not sure if he has realized this has turned into a game. I will look for opportunities to complain about being cold even if I'm not cold. I try to put on one of Dad's long sleeved shits on just to play my hand. If nothing else, Dad will give me that look. I win.
When I lived under the roof of my parents my Dad would get upset with me because I would wear sweats be covered with a blanket and whine about being cold. I can understand him being upset about me whining but not with the fact I was cold.
My parents are strange...but I love them anyway. They are related to the polar bear. In the dead of winter, in Indiana, they would sleep with a little sheet on and not much else. Did I mention they would have the windows open? I swear, you could hang meat in their bedroom. I remember one time putting a glass of water on the night stand and in the morning it had turned to ice. Really, this is true.
As you can probably guess my parents and I are on opposite sides of the temperature divide. Is one right and the other wrong? This has been the question for as long as I can remember. I am cold and wish they would turn the heat up. Dad says put on clothes, I already have layers on and a blanket. My parents wish it would cool down and stay that way.
As an adult, I now find it fun talk about how cold I am when I'm around my parents, especially my dad. I'm not sure if he has realized this has turned into a game. I will look for opportunities to complain about being cold even if I'm not cold. I try to put on one of Dad's long sleeved shits on just to play my hand. If nothing else, Dad will give me that look. I win.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Hmmmm
May 8, 2009, I walked across the stage to receive my masters degree. Wow, full time teacher, full time mom, full time wife and I finally finished. Am I proud? Of course I am.
Now I sit here and I think that I only have 5 more upper level math classes to take and I will be 'qualified' to teach college. Hmmmm, only 5 more classes. I like the sound of that.
I will take one of the classes in the summer 1 session. That means, and I am qualified to say this since I teach 7th grade math, that I will only have 4 more classes after summer 1. I know this because 5-1=4.
4 more classes. Sounds even better. I have looked at my choices for classes that will fit into my schedule and only one will work, History of Math. Luckily for me I am a pack rat and saved my notes from my undergrad HOM class. Do I think the class will be the same as undergrad? No but having my notes can't hurt me since the same professor will teach this class. =)
Now I sit here and I think that I only have 5 more upper level math classes to take and I will be 'qualified' to teach college. Hmmmm, only 5 more classes. I like the sound of that.
I will take one of the classes in the summer 1 session. That means, and I am qualified to say this since I teach 7th grade math, that I will only have 4 more classes after summer 1. I know this because 5-1=4.
4 more classes. Sounds even better. I have looked at my choices for classes that will fit into my schedule and only one will work, History of Math. Luckily for me I am a pack rat and saved my notes from my undergrad HOM class. Do I think the class will be the same as undergrad? No but having my notes can't hurt me since the same professor will teach this class. =)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Toothpick Bridges
Toothpick bridges are one of my favorite projects to do. There is a lot of math involved and the students must do a lot of problem solving.
I am very impressed with one of my students this year. During the year he did very little in class, next too nothing, except disrupt the learning opportunities of the class. I tried everything I could think of to reach out to this boy but nothing seemed to work.
Our state test came and went and now we are doing my favorite project. Each class is divided into teams and they have to decide who gets what job.
This boy's team allowed him to be the architect. He was very excited about this job. All he did was talk about it. When he came to class with his design, he had to create a blueprint, he did the math and did it correctly. He also had figured out exactly how much money to spend on each item. I was really impressed.
Teaching is a thankless job. Some parents send the children and consider us to be nothing more than glorified babysitters. Other parents have 'checked out' and the children raise themselves. There are times when teachers are blamed for everything wrong with society. Then there are the students you are able to reach and they light up. This is one things that makes teaching worthwhile.
I am very impressed with one of my students this year. During the year he did very little in class, next too nothing, except disrupt the learning opportunities of the class. I tried everything I could think of to reach out to this boy but nothing seemed to work.
Our state test came and went and now we are doing my favorite project. Each class is divided into teams and they have to decide who gets what job.
This boy's team allowed him to be the architect. He was very excited about this job. All he did was talk about it. When he came to class with his design, he had to create a blueprint, he did the math and did it correctly. He also had figured out exactly how much money to spend on each item. I was really impressed.
Teaching is a thankless job. Some parents send the children and consider us to be nothing more than glorified babysitters. Other parents have 'checked out' and the children raise themselves. There are times when teachers are blamed for everything wrong with society. Then there are the students you are able to reach and they light up. This is one things that makes teaching worthwhile.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Tomorrow is a new day?
6 years ago, tomorrow, Daniel was born via C-section. I would not wish that on anyone. Josh was all natural, no labor, Caleb was C-section because his head was too big and Daniel was C by default.
Todd has taken the older two boys to ride at a BMX park in Desoto. They have decided that they want to race and that is fine with me. Summer is coming up and I do not want lazy children, they need something to work toward.
Daniel and I were going to go out to eat, somewhere cheap, and I let him pick. Now where do you think a boy on the verge of 6 wants to go? That's right, McDonald's. Off we go for his last meal as a 5 year old boy. He had a chicken nugget happy meal with sweet and sour sauce. He was so proud that he was able to get his own drink at the fountain.
He ate his dinner like a big boy then he went to play. Since he ate all of his dinner he was allowed to have a yogurt parfait. Such little requests from someone so close to being grown up.
I hope the magic of youth never ends. He knows the Easter Bunny does not exist. I will be upset when he realizes that Santa and the Tooth Fairy are also Mom and Dad. Childhood is such a precious time. The innocence of youth.
A hug and kiss from Mom can heal most of life's woes. Holding hands is something that Daniel looks forward to.
The other boys have left this magical time of life and part of me is sad. Growing pains suck, even for moms...
Todd has taken the older two boys to ride at a BMX park in Desoto. They have decided that they want to race and that is fine with me. Summer is coming up and I do not want lazy children, they need something to work toward.
Daniel and I were going to go out to eat, somewhere cheap, and I let him pick. Now where do you think a boy on the verge of 6 wants to go? That's right, McDonald's. Off we go for his last meal as a 5 year old boy. He had a chicken nugget happy meal with sweet and sour sauce. He was so proud that he was able to get his own drink at the fountain.
He ate his dinner like a big boy then he went to play. Since he ate all of his dinner he was allowed to have a yogurt parfait. Such little requests from someone so close to being grown up.
I hope the magic of youth never ends. He knows the Easter Bunny does not exist. I will be upset when he realizes that Santa and the Tooth Fairy are also Mom and Dad. Childhood is such a precious time. The innocence of youth.
A hug and kiss from Mom can heal most of life's woes. Holding hands is something that Daniel looks forward to.
The other boys have left this magical time of life and part of me is sad. Growing pains suck, even for moms...
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Angels & Demons....Mom & Dad
Today my Mom and Dad took me to see Angels & Demons in Athens. We met at the theater and Dad bought the tickets, I was on my own to get pop corn and a drink. I wish they would have had a diet drink other than Coke. The fake butter for pop corn, the one that clogs arteries and causes heart attacks, of course I used some and the pop corn salt too.
The movie was good. I must admit that I was not able to guess the ending. If you know me, then you know this is not unusual for me. My parents did not guess the ending either and that is surprising.
When I go to the theater I always carry my cell phone so I can add to my list of movies to see and when they come out. My mom, bless her heart, did not like me using my phone during the previews. I was not texting, only adding to my list. Poor mom, poor poor mom. She is on the other side of the technology gap. I was surprised when she knew what a blog was. =)
When the movie was over we went to eat a quick bite of lunch. I offered to pay but dad would not let me. We went to McAllister's Deli, the food was pretty good. I could go back with all my boys and I do believe there would be something for everyone.
After lunch, Wal-Mart was on the agenda for me. We parted ways and off I went to get groceries.
Today was nice and somewhat relaxing. I was able to finish laundry and they made my husband happy, which is why he let me go to see the movie with my parents.
The movie was good. I must admit that I was not able to guess the ending. If you know me, then you know this is not unusual for me. My parents did not guess the ending either and that is surprising.
When I go to the theater I always carry my cell phone so I can add to my list of movies to see and when they come out. My mom, bless her heart, did not like me using my phone during the previews. I was not texting, only adding to my list. Poor mom, poor poor mom. She is on the other side of the technology gap. I was surprised when she knew what a blog was. =)
When the movie was over we went to eat a quick bite of lunch. I offered to pay but dad would not let me. We went to McAllister's Deli, the food was pretty good. I could go back with all my boys and I do believe there would be something for everyone.
After lunch, Wal-Mart was on the agenda for me. We parted ways and off I went to get groceries.
Today was nice and somewhat relaxing. I was able to finish laundry and they made my husband happy, which is why he let me go to see the movie with my parents.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Children
My husband has gone to pick up the oldest, Josh-15, from my parent's house. I am home with Caleb-10 and Daniel-5 (will be 6 Tuesday).
It had been raining almost all day and they needed to go out to play so out went Caleb and Daniel. Caleb texted me to tell me where they were playing and I was pleased that he sent me a message to tell me where they were. Time had passed, the house was nice and peaceful, when I decided the boys needed to come in. I did what any normal mom would do, I sent a text to tell them to come in.
In they came, along with half the mud in the whole neighborhood! Yes it had been raining. I understand that boys are dirt magnets, but to have so much on them...and the floor had been mopped today.
They were ordered into the bathroom to strip and shower. Being such close brothers, this was not going to happen. Heaven forbid they shower together. Daniel goes in and bathes. Caleb decides he wants to sit on the couch, covered in mud. Seriously now. When he was promptly ordered off the couch, he accused me of treating him like a dog. He went to sit elsewhere.
Out bounced Daniel from the shower and in went Caleb. Daniel put on his Hulk jammies and asked for a piece of meat. He makes me laugh. =)
Now both of the little ones are clean and in their jammies eating meat. I am going to sweep the floor before hubby gets home with Josh. They are headed back from my parents and I have about 45 minutes to get the floor done.
It had been raining almost all day and they needed to go out to play so out went Caleb and Daniel. Caleb texted me to tell me where they were playing and I was pleased that he sent me a message to tell me where they were. Time had passed, the house was nice and peaceful, when I decided the boys needed to come in. I did what any normal mom would do, I sent a text to tell them to come in.
In they came, along with half the mud in the whole neighborhood! Yes it had been raining. I understand that boys are dirt magnets, but to have so much on them...and the floor had been mopped today.
They were ordered into the bathroom to strip and shower. Being such close brothers, this was not going to happen. Heaven forbid they shower together. Daniel goes in and bathes. Caleb decides he wants to sit on the couch, covered in mud. Seriously now. When he was promptly ordered off the couch, he accused me of treating him like a dog. He went to sit elsewhere.
Out bounced Daniel from the shower and in went Caleb. Daniel put on his Hulk jammies and asked for a piece of meat. He makes me laugh. =)
Now both of the little ones are clean and in their jammies eating meat. I am going to sweep the floor before hubby gets home with Josh. They are headed back from my parents and I have about 45 minutes to get the floor done.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Frustrating Friday
I don't know what to write about but I have decided that I will write anyway. I'm frustrated with life right now. I really would like to get away for a weekend. Not too sure what I would do if I had a free weekend...maybe go shopping, catch a movie, sleep...who knows?
My ideal weekend would have a soft bed with thick soft sheets. The room would be the perfect temperature to sleep, my kind of temperature not my dad's temperature. I would be able to snuggle up under the covers and drift off listening to New Kids on the Block and play a couple of games of Solitare on my iPod. This is my usual night time ritual so I would not change that.
I would wake up when I want, no alarm or dog or children to disturb my slumber. I would get out of bed when I decide. I would not make breakfast or have to clean up after anyone.
Alas this is not what my weekend will consist of. Tomorrow I have a workshop in Richardson that will start at 9. I will leave my house at 7:30 because I have a standing date with Starbucks for a Triple Venti 2 Splenda Skinny Caramel. The workshop is a good one, SimCalc. I will learn alot that I will be able to take back to my kiddos. After the workshop I will go to the mall to return a cell phone and maybe look for some capris.
When I get home we will probably load up and go to Mom's house to pick up Josh. He is working out there to earn a truck. Great deal for my parents and him. He gets a truck and they get teenage labor...I get a weekend away from my teenager and I do not have to worry about who he is with or what he is doing. Don't get me wrong, I really do love him but his mouth, his mouth...
Sunday will be church and family time. Hopefully I will get laundry and shopping done on Saturday but I don't see that happening so I'm sure that will take place on Sunday.
My ideal weekend would have a soft bed with thick soft sheets. The room would be the perfect temperature to sleep, my kind of temperature not my dad's temperature. I would be able to snuggle up under the covers and drift off listening to New Kids on the Block and play a couple of games of Solitare on my iPod. This is my usual night time ritual so I would not change that.
I would wake up when I want, no alarm or dog or children to disturb my slumber. I would get out of bed when I decide. I would not make breakfast or have to clean up after anyone.
Alas this is not what my weekend will consist of. Tomorrow I have a workshop in Richardson that will start at 9. I will leave my house at 7:30 because I have a standing date with Starbucks for a Triple Venti 2 Splenda Skinny Caramel. The workshop is a good one, SimCalc. I will learn alot that I will be able to take back to my kiddos. After the workshop I will go to the mall to return a cell phone and maybe look for some capris.
When I get home we will probably load up and go to Mom's house to pick up Josh. He is working out there to earn a truck. Great deal for my parents and him. He gets a truck and they get teenage labor...I get a weekend away from my teenager and I do not have to worry about who he is with or what he is doing. Don't get me wrong, I really do love him but his mouth, his mouth...
Sunday will be church and family time. Hopefully I will get laundry and shopping done on Saturday but I don't see that happening so I'm sure that will take place on Sunday.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Professors and Grades
I have my masters degree. Actually I walked on the 8th of May but I am still watiting to have the degree show up on my transcript. This semester I took 2 classes and finished all the requirements for both. This was a freaky semester....there is not enough time to get into all of the events now.
One of the professors graded and posted in a timely fashion. Way to go Dr. H!!! This was the only class I needed to graduate and was very happy to write my last paper.
The other professor, the one who taught the class I didn't need to graduate, had a crazy semester, similar to my semester. I can understand family things getting in the way of school as it happened to me. What bothers me is that she has graded very few of my papers. One of them was turned in on March 24 and today is May 14. That is one that has not been graded, seriously.
My world turned upside down but I managed to get my stuff together, for both classes, and get it turned in. All I'm asking is that she grade my papers and give me the grade that I deserve.
Am I asking too much? I really don't think so...
One of the professors graded and posted in a timely fashion. Way to go Dr. H!!! This was the only class I needed to graduate and was very happy to write my last paper.
The other professor, the one who taught the class I didn't need to graduate, had a crazy semester, similar to my semester. I can understand family things getting in the way of school as it happened to me. What bothers me is that she has graded very few of my papers. One of them was turned in on March 24 and today is May 14. That is one that has not been graded, seriously.
My world turned upside down but I managed to get my stuff together, for both classes, and get it turned in. All I'm asking is that she grade my papers and give me the grade that I deserve.
Am I asking too much? I really don't think so...
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Flat Toothpicks
I am a math teacher and I love to have my students build toothpick bridges at the end of the year. They are still doing math but having fun with the whole project.
The materials needed are cardboard, white glue, wax paper, thread and flat toothpicks. This is inexpensive and fun for everyone involved. The first year I had difficulty finding the flat toothpicks because my local Wal-mart did not have them where I thought they should be. Last year I knew where to find them and was very happy that I did not spend a lot of time looking.
This year I waited until the week before the students were to start building to purchase the supplies. I mean, seriously, how hard is it to find cardboard, glue, thread, wax paper and flat toothpicks? Let me tell you, very hard!
Toothpicks are in every store that I have been to, round toothpicks. I need flat toothpicks for the project. About 2,500 of them. I started my quest at Wal-mart...3 of them. Only round toothpicks were to be found. I then went to Big Lots and Dollar Tree. Same problem, only round toothpicks, no flat ones.
Today my youngest child was ill, just a sinus infection, so I stayed home from school. My husband, after taking the oldest to the orthodontist, came home and kept the children so I could look for flat toothpicks. I started with Hobby Lobby. They didn't even have toothpicks, only some wierd pieces of wood.
Then I went to Mardels. An associate told me to try Party City. Party City told me to try Tom Thumb. On my way to Tom Thumb I hit another Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Office Max, Target, 99 cent Store, another Office Max then went to Tom Thumb.
This Tom Thumb had flat toothpicks but only 2 boxes with 750 each. The manager gave me directions to another TT so I was on my way. I went there but they did not have any flat toothpicks. I was tired and irritable at this point. I went off to yet another TT and they did not have any either. The manager of this store was nice enough to call to find me what I needed. I drove back in the direction I had started and bought 6 more boxes.
By the time I returned home, I had been gone over 6 hours. Do I think my students will really care how much time and effort I spent on locating the toothpicks? No but that is OK.
Next year, when I do this project, I will not have to locate toothpicks. I made sure I bought enough to last for a couple of years. When I run out and do need more, I will order them online and have them delivered!
The materials needed are cardboard, white glue, wax paper, thread and flat toothpicks. This is inexpensive and fun for everyone involved. The first year I had difficulty finding the flat toothpicks because my local Wal-mart did not have them where I thought they should be. Last year I knew where to find them and was very happy that I did not spend a lot of time looking.
This year I waited until the week before the students were to start building to purchase the supplies. I mean, seriously, how hard is it to find cardboard, glue, thread, wax paper and flat toothpicks? Let me tell you, very hard!
Toothpicks are in every store that I have been to, round toothpicks. I need flat toothpicks for the project. About 2,500 of them. I started my quest at Wal-mart...3 of them. Only round toothpicks were to be found. I then went to Big Lots and Dollar Tree. Same problem, only round toothpicks, no flat ones.
Today my youngest child was ill, just a sinus infection, so I stayed home from school. My husband, after taking the oldest to the orthodontist, came home and kept the children so I could look for flat toothpicks. I started with Hobby Lobby. They didn't even have toothpicks, only some wierd pieces of wood.
Then I went to Mardels. An associate told me to try Party City. Party City told me to try Tom Thumb. On my way to Tom Thumb I hit another Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Office Max, Target, 99 cent Store, another Office Max then went to Tom Thumb.
This Tom Thumb had flat toothpicks but only 2 boxes with 750 each. The manager gave me directions to another TT so I was on my way. I went there but they did not have any flat toothpicks. I was tired and irritable at this point. I went off to yet another TT and they did not have any either. The manager of this store was nice enough to call to find me what I needed. I drove back in the direction I had started and bought 6 more boxes.
By the time I returned home, I had been gone over 6 hours. Do I think my students will really care how much time and effort I spent on locating the toothpicks? No but that is OK.
Next year, when I do this project, I will not have to locate toothpicks. I made sure I bought enough to last for a couple of years. When I run out and do need more, I will order them online and have them delivered!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Rights of Dust Bunnies
OK. This is serious. Dust Bunnies have a right to live long lives just like all of God's other creatures. We do not go around killing innocent little dogs and cats, or crabs and lizards, at least not on purpose. I know I have killed a dog...it really wasn't my fault he jumped in front of my car. The crab, well, I'm still not sure why he died...I did everything I could for him. Well, not CPR.
My husband does not agree that dust bunnies have the same rights as our crabs or dog. He feels that they should be slaughtered on sight. Granted, dust bunnies are not as cute and cuddly as the dog, nor are they as entertaining as the crabs, but they still deserve to live.
I see a dust bunny and I will walk to the side and give him space to breathe and grow. If there is one living on the shelf, I give her time to breed and have a family with lots of little dust bunnies of her very own.
My husband feels the need to dust around the tv and kill all the poor innocent little dust bunnies. I can almost understand his thought on this, the tv stand is glass and the hoards of dust bunnies do seem unsightly there. I guess as long as he is willing to take care of them, I should not complain.
There are some things that married people will never agree on and the rights of dust bunnies happens to be one the disagreements in our home. As long as husband and I agree on the important things like 'grown up time' I will not complain when he needlessly slaughters the dust bunnies.
My husband does not agree that dust bunnies have the same rights as our crabs or dog. He feels that they should be slaughtered on sight. Granted, dust bunnies are not as cute and cuddly as the dog, nor are they as entertaining as the crabs, but they still deserve to live.
I see a dust bunny and I will walk to the side and give him space to breathe and grow. If there is one living on the shelf, I give her time to breed and have a family with lots of little dust bunnies of her very own.
My husband feels the need to dust around the tv and kill all the poor innocent little dust bunnies. I can almost understand his thought on this, the tv stand is glass and the hoards of dust bunnies do seem unsightly there. I guess as long as he is willing to take care of them, I should not complain.
There are some things that married people will never agree on and the rights of dust bunnies happens to be one the disagreements in our home. As long as husband and I agree on the important things like 'grown up time' I will not complain when he needlessly slaughters the dust bunnies.
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