Thursday, March 31, 2011
I've fallen and I can't get up
I feel old. I have to go to bed or I don't function well anymore. My idea of a great date is sitting on the porch watching a sunset, or going for a drive, or drinking hot chocolate in bed while I do my sudoko. Then there's the mammograms, skin cancer scares, falling bladder and falling chest parts......
I'm having a mid-life day. Thought I was having hot flashes again, but it turns out we just actually had nice weather. I can't stand lack of leadership-- that's all I'll say about that right now or I'll pop a cork. I already feel like one of those little old ladies who just wants her crazy cane and a reason to whack anyone who has forgotten what manners are. Okay... I blame the hormones ... or loss of.
Positive thoughts..... hmmmm.... Got a nice gift from Jason and Anne Fricke in the main today. Grandparents pass to the Discovery Center. Awesome. I don't know who these people are.... but awesome. We'll use it. :D The sun was shining today. Awesome. I have been getting to bed on time every night. Awesome. Won't happen tonight... but 4 out of five (I will get to bed on time tomorrow) isn't too bad. It's a big improvement. Got an awesome letter from Shannon and it really did cheer me up. She is doing so well and her life is unfolding like a fairytale.
I have awesome children and grandchildren and an awesome husband. Summer is almost here. :D That's a good start. I'll finish tomorrow. It's late.
I'm having a mid-life day. Thought I was having hot flashes again, but it turns out we just actually had nice weather. I can't stand lack of leadership-- that's all I'll say about that right now or I'll pop a cork. I already feel like one of those little old ladies who just wants her crazy cane and a reason to whack anyone who has forgotten what manners are. Okay... I blame the hormones ... or loss of.
Positive thoughts..... hmmmm.... Got a nice gift from Jason and Anne Fricke in the main today. Grandparents pass to the Discovery Center. Awesome. I don't know who these people are.... but awesome. We'll use it. :D The sun was shining today. Awesome. I have been getting to bed on time every night. Awesome. Won't happen tonight... but 4 out of five (I will get to bed on time tomorrow) isn't too bad. It's a big improvement. Got an awesome letter from Shannon and it really did cheer me up. She is doing so well and her life is unfolding like a fairytale.
I have awesome children and grandchildren and an awesome husband. Summer is almost here. :D That's a good start. I'll finish tomorrow. It's late.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Spring Break is Over
The break was good in that I caught up on some much-needed sleep. It seems like I had something every day, but it was still good to be able to be at home. The weather was so poopy though that it didn't feel like much of a break. Felt weird this morning when I got up and left for work and the husband didn't have to leave. Lucky.
The kids actually seemed to be happy to be back at school. Of course, given our yucky weather... it's no wonder. Anyway, it's hard to believe the school year will already be over in a couple of months. We also have less than a month before our play. Yikes! Had a meeting today to hand out schedules. We'll see tomorrow how many of them have their lines down. Start selling tickets tomorrow too.
Sarah was back to work today. Her dad passed away right before spring break and I checked on her at the end of the day to see how she was holding up. What a different place it is in your life when you start losing your parents. ugh. Middle age stinks. Now I understand why people have mid-life crises! Speaking of that.... after making fun of the husband for lint in his belly button at the skin doctor's office, turns out his two biopsies came back okay.... Yeah. Mine, not so much. It's one that they have caught early though so, once again, they will remove all the bad cells and tissue and monitor it to see if it comes back. If it doesn't, I'm good to go. I will have to go back to checkups every 6 months again, but I was annual for two years, so I just count my blessings. Plus, once again, early detection is the key.
I so regret all the hours I spent working without a hat on or swimming without sunblock (did we even know about sunblock then) or better yet, oozing in baby oil so we could get an even better tan. Paying for it now. Passing my lessons on to the younger generation too. Still, I have it much easier than Sarah who just lost her dad, or Chris, a family friend who's my age, who just lost his wife. We can always see the cup half empty or half full. It is a good reminder though, that I need to do the things that will help my body stay healthy so bad cells aren't encouraged to grow. I'm fairly good about what I eat, but I do not get enough sleep and I have got to clear my plate more.
Still... life is good. I look at my family and feel so blessed.
The kids actually seemed to be happy to be back at school. Of course, given our yucky weather... it's no wonder. Anyway, it's hard to believe the school year will already be over in a couple of months. We also have less than a month before our play. Yikes! Had a meeting today to hand out schedules. We'll see tomorrow how many of them have their lines down. Start selling tickets tomorrow too.
Sarah was back to work today. Her dad passed away right before spring break and I checked on her at the end of the day to see how she was holding up. What a different place it is in your life when you start losing your parents. ugh. Middle age stinks. Now I understand why people have mid-life crises! Speaking of that.... after making fun of the husband for lint in his belly button at the skin doctor's office, turns out his two biopsies came back okay.... Yeah. Mine, not so much. It's one that they have caught early though so, once again, they will remove all the bad cells and tissue and monitor it to see if it comes back. If it doesn't, I'm good to go. I will have to go back to checkups every 6 months again, but I was annual for two years, so I just count my blessings. Plus, once again, early detection is the key.
I so regret all the hours I spent working without a hat on or swimming without sunblock (did we even know about sunblock then) or better yet, oozing in baby oil so we could get an even better tan. Paying for it now. Passing my lessons on to the younger generation too. Still, I have it much easier than Sarah who just lost her dad, or Chris, a family friend who's my age, who just lost his wife. We can always see the cup half empty or half full. It is a good reminder though, that I need to do the things that will help my body stay healthy so bad cells aren't encouraged to grow. I'm fairly good about what I eat, but I do not get enough sleep and I have got to clear my plate more.
Still... life is good. I look at my family and feel so blessed.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Chicken Little
CLS- "Chicken Little Syndrome" seems to occur most at the tail end of the winter. Coincidence? I think not. This is one of my made-up syndromes and it simply means that someone always seems to see the cup as half empty or the sky as always dark and falling or as nothing in life being fair. I have been researching cures and here is what I've determined to be the most effective in getting rid of this syndrome:
1) Suck it up
2) If you don't have cancer, consider yourself blessed
3) If you're not paralyzed or stricken with a debilitating disease, count your blessings
4) If you have time to get a pop, watch t.v., play a video game, or go to a movie or sporting event......... you have time
5) Choose to be happy because happiness is a choice
6) If you don't like it-- do something about it (whining not included)
7) Be thankful for the people and blessings in your life
8) Pray
9) Examine the life of Christ for hints at how to live and become happier
10) Lose yourself in service
11) Plant an indoor garden
12) Sing in the Shower
13) Paint your toe nails in colors or styles you have never attempted before
14) Go for more walks
15) Instead of telling the kids to "go play" give them "work" to do when you are working and play things to do when you are playing
16) Don't sweat the small stuff
17) Know you will ALWAYS have bills
18) Control the things you can control
19) Say "I Love You" and "Thank you" every single day
20) Love Yourself
This is a random transition from Chicken Little Syndrome, but I just remembered and it could be #21-- try something new. I tried egg substitutes and turkey bacon at I-Hop the other morning because the whole breakfast was only 350 calories and I can honestly say I liked it. I put salsa on the eggs. Just thought I'd throw that in there. Of course I went to the bakery (my #1 weakness) later in the day so it's a good thing I ate light for breakfast. 350 Calories when you're eating out is pretty good. Bakery is not. :( Well, not good for you. Speaking of that.... the husband and I finally did something together for Spring Break.... he took a little time off from work (like an hour) to run to the dermatologist with me. We both had our annual checkup. Well this is his first full check-up which means... no time to be shy. So here's my tip for men going for a checkup that requires your shirt to be off..... REMOVE THE BELLY BUTTON LINT BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR SHIRT OFF. Okay, so then he had to have two biopsies and it's usually me that comes out with all the little band-aids. I only had one that they sent off this time. It is so important to get your body mapped (by the professional) and to keep those annual checkups. Early detection is the number one thing to beating cancer... well, that and other preventative measures like eating well and staying out of the sun. His ear has been bothering him from where he had the 3rd degree burns on it from 19 years ago. They biopsied that one and one on his back that he's had for quite a while. Welcome to my world sweetie. Love you.
So went to Boise D.I. and found some great books. Talked to Rellie (who seemed to be in trouble quite a bit today) several times on the phone. He needs the sunshine so he can go out and play. Taking Jer my leftover roast and potatoes from last night so he doesn't have to cook and I can move on to my grilled fish that I picked up today thanks to my livingsocial deals that I get. Fresh salmon and halibut. Also got some cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, asparagus, and pineapple. Thought I'd better eat healthier after the pastry kick!
Primary meeting tonight so better get going.
1) Suck it up
2) If you don't have cancer, consider yourself blessed
3) If you're not paralyzed or stricken with a debilitating disease, count your blessings
4) If you have time to get a pop, watch t.v., play a video game, or go to a movie or sporting event......... you have time
5) Choose to be happy because happiness is a choice
6) If you don't like it-- do something about it (whining not included)
7) Be thankful for the people and blessings in your life
8) Pray
9) Examine the life of Christ for hints at how to live and become happier
10) Lose yourself in service
11) Plant an indoor garden
12) Sing in the Shower
13) Paint your toe nails in colors or styles you have never attempted before
14) Go for more walks
15) Instead of telling the kids to "go play" give them "work" to do when you are working and play things to do when you are playing
16) Don't sweat the small stuff
17) Know you will ALWAYS have bills
18) Control the things you can control
19) Say "I Love You" and "Thank you" every single day
20) Love Yourself
This is a random transition from Chicken Little Syndrome, but I just remembered and it could be #21-- try something new. I tried egg substitutes and turkey bacon at I-Hop the other morning because the whole breakfast was only 350 calories and I can honestly say I liked it. I put salsa on the eggs. Just thought I'd throw that in there. Of course I went to the bakery (my #1 weakness) later in the day so it's a good thing I ate light for breakfast. 350 Calories when you're eating out is pretty good. Bakery is not. :( Well, not good for you. Speaking of that.... the husband and I finally did something together for Spring Break.... he took a little time off from work (like an hour) to run to the dermatologist with me. We both had our annual checkup. Well this is his first full check-up which means... no time to be shy. So here's my tip for men going for a checkup that requires your shirt to be off..... REMOVE THE BELLY BUTTON LINT BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR SHIRT OFF. Okay, so then he had to have two biopsies and it's usually me that comes out with all the little band-aids. I only had one that they sent off this time. It is so important to get your body mapped (by the professional) and to keep those annual checkups. Early detection is the number one thing to beating cancer... well, that and other preventative measures like eating well and staying out of the sun. His ear has been bothering him from where he had the 3rd degree burns on it from 19 years ago. They biopsied that one and one on his back that he's had for quite a while. Welcome to my world sweetie. Love you.
So went to Boise D.I. and found some great books. Talked to Rellie (who seemed to be in trouble quite a bit today) several times on the phone. He needs the sunshine so he can go out and play. Taking Jer my leftover roast and potatoes from last night so he doesn't have to cook and I can move on to my grilled fish that I picked up today thanks to my livingsocial deals that I get. Fresh salmon and halibut. Also got some cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, asparagus, and pineapple. Thought I'd better eat healthier after the pastry kick!
Primary meeting tonight so better get going.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Incredibles and Star Wars
Jilly Bear is getting better. I watched the boys while her mommy took her to get her third and final shots today. It has been a while since I gave a tiny baby a bath in the sink. He is long and skinny and he was not happy about the clothes coming off but he quieted right down as soon as I put him in the water. I'm sure he was having flashbacks to being in mommy's tummy. He loved the water-- like the rest of the children in his family. He is still rattly sounding though so they might have to take him back in. It stinks when the vicious circle of colds and congestion keeps going through your family. I don't know how I've managed to avoid it with all the grandkids being sick. I guess there are some advantages to being old. :D
Tucker had on his new Star Wars t-shirt he picked out yesterday. He's a funny kid. Talks more like he's 10 or 12. Reminds me a lot of his dad as far as what he talks about. He's also a very caring little guy. Bryton picked out "How to Train a Dragon" p.j.'s yesterday and is more of the "I can do it myself" bullheaded little guy. Reminds me of Uncle Jason. :D Daisha's 7 going on 17 and is little miss attitude. Heaven help the parents there when she's a teenager. :D Paybacks! :D Daisha is very helpful though and is really into reading right now. She's sucking it up like a sponge. It's sad when kids stop reading. Of course you have to find stuff that interests them. The only way we could get Jeremy to read was to buy him comics or He-Man books. Mandy read everything. She's still a reader but doesn't have as much time.
Rellie is going through some funny stages right now. For example, the whole "I'm going to close my eyes-- therefore YOU can't see me-- stage. He's dressing up like the Incredibles and also loves pretty much anything his cousin Tucker loves. He's a Tucker wannabe. :D Tucker let me know he misses Rellie and wanted me to go get him Sunday. It must be nice having a fan club. :D
I was reading Whit's blog today and saw her pictures of her little starter plants in paper cups and it gave me a great idea for my primary lesson this Sunday (sharing time). Thanks Whit. It also reminded me of my favorite time of year-- spring. You know I love summer and I love Christmas and basketball.... but not winter. And summer is not my favorite time of year. Fall and spring are my favorite seasons. I think that's because I love change and transitions. It's a weird thing to love, but I do. It's like second-chances every year. Both seasons also remind me of the atonement and the resurrection. Speaking of that.... we are headed to the mountains to see Gma and Gpa Pine (as the grandkids call them) for Easter. There's nothing like an Easter Egg hunt in a real meadow with gorgeous tall mountains lining the meadow and surrounding you. You have to step over the sheep doodoo but that's part of keepin' it real I guess. Then there's the church in the Wildwood, but I'm thinking we should hold our own little campfire church this year. Be thinkin' kids. you could all be in charge of something.
Having Spring Break a different week than the husband stinks..... I had breakfast with two of my former players this morning and one of them got a call back for "America's Next Top Model" auditions and the other is almost through with college. Other than that and going to our dermatologist in the morning, I haven't really done anything too exciting for Spring Break. I might have to make some crazy plans. Maybe we'll bust out and take the kids to the zoo on Saturday instead of the movies. Call me craz-y! Okay.... I'll think of something. Saw a hot air balloon when I was at I-hop this morning. Maybe I'll check into that. Now we're talking. I guess the important thing is that I rest and get recharged since I was running on fumes. THEN I will think of something. I'm thinking nap before Mandy gets here with the kids......
Tucker had on his new Star Wars t-shirt he picked out yesterday. He's a funny kid. Talks more like he's 10 or 12. Reminds me a lot of his dad as far as what he talks about. He's also a very caring little guy. Bryton picked out "How to Train a Dragon" p.j.'s yesterday and is more of the "I can do it myself" bullheaded little guy. Reminds me of Uncle Jason. :D Daisha's 7 going on 17 and is little miss attitude. Heaven help the parents there when she's a teenager. :D Paybacks! :D Daisha is very helpful though and is really into reading right now. She's sucking it up like a sponge. It's sad when kids stop reading. Of course you have to find stuff that interests them. The only way we could get Jeremy to read was to buy him comics or He-Man books. Mandy read everything. She's still a reader but doesn't have as much time.
Rellie is going through some funny stages right now. For example, the whole "I'm going to close my eyes-- therefore YOU can't see me-- stage. He's dressing up like the Incredibles and also loves pretty much anything his cousin Tucker loves. He's a Tucker wannabe. :D Tucker let me know he misses Rellie and wanted me to go get him Sunday. It must be nice having a fan club. :D
I was reading Whit's blog today and saw her pictures of her little starter plants in paper cups and it gave me a great idea for my primary lesson this Sunday (sharing time). Thanks Whit. It also reminded me of my favorite time of year-- spring. You know I love summer and I love Christmas and basketball.... but not winter. And summer is not my favorite time of year. Fall and spring are my favorite seasons. I think that's because I love change and transitions. It's a weird thing to love, but I do. It's like second-chances every year. Both seasons also remind me of the atonement and the resurrection. Speaking of that.... we are headed to the mountains to see Gma and Gpa Pine (as the grandkids call them) for Easter. There's nothing like an Easter Egg hunt in a real meadow with gorgeous tall mountains lining the meadow and surrounding you. You have to step over the sheep doodoo but that's part of keepin' it real I guess. Then there's the church in the Wildwood, but I'm thinking we should hold our own little campfire church this year. Be thinkin' kids. you could all be in charge of something.
Having Spring Break a different week than the husband stinks..... I had breakfast with two of my former players this morning and one of them got a call back for "America's Next Top Model" auditions and the other is almost through with college. Other than that and going to our dermatologist in the morning, I haven't really done anything too exciting for Spring Break. I might have to make some crazy plans. Maybe we'll bust out and take the kids to the zoo on Saturday instead of the movies. Call me craz-y! Okay.... I'll think of something. Saw a hot air balloon when I was at I-hop this morning. Maybe I'll check into that. Now we're talking. I guess the important thing is that I rest and get recharged since I was running on fumes. THEN I will think of something. I'm thinking nap before Mandy gets here with the kids......
Monday, March 21, 2011
Aid to Japan
Where to start:
An Associated Press story cautions donors on how to avoid scams when donating. Watch out for emails or unsolicited phone calls. It also Includes a list of US based organizations accepting donations for Japan. The AP story points out that people can make $10 donations via their cell phones: "To donate to the Salvation Army, text 'Japan' or 'Quake' to 80888. Text 'RedCross' to 90999 to donate to its fund set up in response to the disaster."
Note from Coach K: After my own experience with my brother in Iraq I would NOT ever text bank account or credit card numbers on my cell phone. Many of our soldiers have learned the hard way that the air ways are easy to intercept. That's just my personal two cents on that one.
InterAction: InterAction, an alliance of US-based humanitarian aid organizations, offers an extensive list of major nonprofit groups participating in helping Japan, including a brief description of each. More organizations are being listed as they gear up their responses.
UniversalGiving: UniversalGiving, a website that helps people give to and volunteer at top-performing charitable organizations that it has vetted, has created its own Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Relief Fund.
Network for Good: At Network for Good donors can choose a particular charity working in Japan or spread their donation across all of them.
Japan NGO Earthquake Relief and Recovery Fund: The Japan Center for International Exchange, in partnership with leading Japanese relief organizations, has organized a 'GiveOne' fund to ensure money gets to organizations working on the ground over the long-term.
The Japan Society of Boston: This page is dedicated to sharing comments, requests, and thoughts in English and Japanese. It also provides a list resources on where to donate.
Google has established a 2011 Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami crisis response page. It includes Google's "person finder" that helps people either look for information about an individual whose is in the earthquake region or to share information they know about someone there. The direct link to the English-language version of the "people finder" is here. Donations can also be made directly from Google's crisis response page to the Japanese Red Cross using Google Checkout.
Charity Navigator: If you'd like to know more about an aid organization before you donate, you can look it up at Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator also offers advice on how to choose a charity helping Japan.
The live links for this article can be found at http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2011/0315/Japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-How-to-help
An Associated Press story cautions donors on how to avoid scams when donating. Watch out for emails or unsolicited phone calls. It also Includes a list of US based organizations accepting donations for Japan. The AP story points out that people can make $10 donations via their cell phones: "To donate to the Salvation Army, text 'Japan' or 'Quake' to 80888. Text 'RedCross' to 90999 to donate to its fund set up in response to the disaster."
Note from Coach K: After my own experience with my brother in Iraq I would NOT ever text bank account or credit card numbers on my cell phone. Many of our soldiers have learned the hard way that the air ways are easy to intercept. That's just my personal two cents on that one.
InterAction: InterAction, an alliance of US-based humanitarian aid organizations, offers an extensive list of major nonprofit groups participating in helping Japan, including a brief description of each. More organizations are being listed as they gear up their responses.
UniversalGiving: UniversalGiving, a website that helps people give to and volunteer at top-performing charitable organizations that it has vetted, has created its own Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Relief Fund.
Network for Good: At Network for Good donors can choose a particular charity working in Japan or spread their donation across all of them.
Japan NGO Earthquake Relief and Recovery Fund: The Japan Center for International Exchange, in partnership with leading Japanese relief organizations, has organized a 'GiveOne' fund to ensure money gets to organizations working on the ground over the long-term.
The Japan Society of Boston: This page is dedicated to sharing comments, requests, and thoughts in English and Japanese. It also provides a list resources on where to donate.
Google has established a 2011 Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami crisis response page. It includes Google's "person finder" that helps people either look for information about an individual whose is in the earthquake region or to share information they know about someone there. The direct link to the English-language version of the "people finder" is here. Donations can also be made directly from Google's crisis response page to the Japanese Red Cross using Google Checkout.
Charity Navigator: If you'd like to know more about an aid organization before you donate, you can look it up at Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator also offers advice on how to choose a charity helping Japan.
The live links for this article can be found at http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2011/0315/Japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-How-to-help
Radiation Research
I was able to find a fairly reliable site that is both monitoring and posting the levels of radiation now appearing in California. There are trace amounts showing up, but after reading everything, it really can vary depending on the amount of "existing" radiation already present in your area. I think we really need to look at why there are "existing" areas of radiation so much higher in some cities and states than in other areas. Here is the link I have been following:
http://www.nuc.berkeley.edu/ucbairsampling
After spending countless hours sifting through the hipe and videos and countless web sites involving radiation I come back to one sure thing. Our prayers and efforts need to be directed more at Japan than the United States. While I'm a little concerned that we're still accepting exports from Japan right now, I am more concerned about the magnitude of what this has done to the inhabitants of Japan. I was amazed to watch a video of residents of a refuge shelter as they were all stretching and exercising in their one pair of clothes despite the traumatic events they just faced. I've read that many people will go through "ordinary" motions during these times and that it's healthy for them to do that to maintain their sanity and sense of hope. In this case, it's obviously good for their health as well. Grown men and women of all ages were stretching and doing Tai Chai.
I watched other videos that showed how quickly their world changed and how quickly the water devastated city after city. I say this as I'm sitting here at my computer wondering if I have raisin bread or cereal for breakfast and wondering what shirt I should wear with my pants today. Of course, I need to go on with my life as usual-- we all do, but there must be something more that I can do besides donating to Red Cross (which I encourage all of you to do as well because we know their far-reaching benefits). Yes, I know, I'm supposed to be clearing my plate, but I was thinking more of having my primary children do something as a whole to help in Japan. I will keep thinking on that.
Speaking of children-- had a good weekend with the grandchildren, but I'm very concerned about two of our youngest grandchildren-- Jilly and Bradley-- who have been very sick. Jilly's doctor diagnosed her with RSV yesterday and when you are living with a family of five children, that's not good. When you have a baby brother who is congested and is less than 3 months old--that's even worse. Thank goodness I have spring break this week so I can go over and help. Saturday we took the older three (and Rellie) to the movies and McDonalds. That gave the two younger sick ones some much needed quiet time and gave mom and dad a little break. House hunting is on hold briefly as their children recover. The definitely need a bigger house to help with the germ sharing control. Time to go through all my toys and clean them too.
Jas, Anne, and Maddi came over for Sunday dinner and Maddi discovered Raff-- the tall wooden giraffe that almost every grandchild has been enamored with at some point in their life. Some of them have carried him around like their long lost friend and others have been untrusting of him. Maddi really wants to give him a kiss, but freaks out at the last minute and runs. Got it on video and it's so funny. She's quite the dancer now too. She was with us Saturday when we went to pick Rellie up and she went from almost zonked out on the ride over to wound up and dancing after two minutes in the car with Rellie. When we added the other three cousins and headed to McDonalds, she was beside herself! Another few months and Kayson (a.k.a. "fathead") will be big enough to join the cousins for a few things. I love that our family is growing and that the cousins can spend so much time together. I hope that doesn't change like it did in my own family. We were all so close when were little and even in high school, but then we all moved away and grew apart. Sad really.
What's really sad though is what's happening in Japan, so I need to go put on my thinking cap and see what we can do. THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING WE CAN DO.
http://www.nuc.berkeley.edu/ucbairsampling
After spending countless hours sifting through the hipe and videos and countless web sites involving radiation I come back to one sure thing. Our prayers and efforts need to be directed more at Japan than the United States. While I'm a little concerned that we're still accepting exports from Japan right now, I am more concerned about the magnitude of what this has done to the inhabitants of Japan. I was amazed to watch a video of residents of a refuge shelter as they were all stretching and exercising in their one pair of clothes despite the traumatic events they just faced. I've read that many people will go through "ordinary" motions during these times and that it's healthy for them to do that to maintain their sanity and sense of hope. In this case, it's obviously good for their health as well. Grown men and women of all ages were stretching and doing Tai Chai.
I watched other videos that showed how quickly their world changed and how quickly the water devastated city after city. I say this as I'm sitting here at my computer wondering if I have raisin bread or cereal for breakfast and wondering what shirt I should wear with my pants today. Of course, I need to go on with my life as usual-- we all do, but there must be something more that I can do besides donating to Red Cross (which I encourage all of you to do as well because we know their far-reaching benefits). Yes, I know, I'm supposed to be clearing my plate, but I was thinking more of having my primary children do something as a whole to help in Japan. I will keep thinking on that.
Speaking of children-- had a good weekend with the grandchildren, but I'm very concerned about two of our youngest grandchildren-- Jilly and Bradley-- who have been very sick. Jilly's doctor diagnosed her with RSV yesterday and when you are living with a family of five children, that's not good. When you have a baby brother who is congested and is less than 3 months old--that's even worse. Thank goodness I have spring break this week so I can go over and help. Saturday we took the older three (and Rellie) to the movies and McDonalds. That gave the two younger sick ones some much needed quiet time and gave mom and dad a little break. House hunting is on hold briefly as their children recover. The definitely need a bigger house to help with the germ sharing control. Time to go through all my toys and clean them too.
Jas, Anne, and Maddi came over for Sunday dinner and Maddi discovered Raff-- the tall wooden giraffe that almost every grandchild has been enamored with at some point in their life. Some of them have carried him around like their long lost friend and others have been untrusting of him. Maddi really wants to give him a kiss, but freaks out at the last minute and runs. Got it on video and it's so funny. She's quite the dancer now too. She was with us Saturday when we went to pick Rellie up and she went from almost zonked out on the ride over to wound up and dancing after two minutes in the car with Rellie. When we added the other three cousins and headed to McDonalds, she was beside herself! Another few months and Kayson (a.k.a. "fathead") will be big enough to join the cousins for a few things. I love that our family is growing and that the cousins can spend so much time together. I hope that doesn't change like it did in my own family. We were all so close when were little and even in high school, but then we all moved away and grew apart. Sad really.
What's really sad though is what's happening in Japan, so I need to go put on my thinking cap and see what we can do. THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING WE CAN DO.
Friday, March 18, 2011
survival mode coping strategies
There are times in our life when we think "Just gotta get through this day or this week" OR "Once I finish this, it'll be okay". As we realistically look at life we know it is not perfect and that we are going to have "survivor mode" moments, days, and weeks. However, if we're not careful, it can become more about choice than reality.
We can get into chronic, repetitive "survivor mode" in the following ways:
1) always seeing our self as a victim
2) always taking on new projects before finishing old ones
3) living beyond our means
4) not being happy or satisfied with what we have or who we have
So how do we get out of these modes?
1) We choose to be victims
Even if what happens to you is not your fault, how long you choose to be the victim is up to you and how you deal with being a victim is up to you.
I have known people who always seem to think the sky is falling, nothing is fair, and they're a victim. Then there's the victims who are always angry. Fault finding, blaming, narrowed perspective, or always right. They're a different kind of victim because they "remove themselves" from the bad stuff.
Fixing it-
#1- Accept it
#2- If you feel that you're always a victim-- choose not to be. Yes, maybe something bad has happened to you-- but if you're alive to talk about it, either use that experience to help others, or learn from it yourself and move forward with your life. You can't go back, but you can go backwards. Don't go backwards.
#3- If you're angry and a fault finder-- STOP! Think about what you just said. If you feel bad about it later or rehearse it in your mind and think "I should have said this" than simply make yourself say NOTHING next time a similar situation comes up or apologize if what you said was "too much" for the situation. Own it.
#4- If you find fault with others then either don't talk to that person or avoid subjects that cause contention. If it's a politician or someone you're not emotionally connected to-- be politically active and vote or testify, or support actual events or efforts, but don't let it consume your life unless it is part of your job. Even then-- limit it by the priorities in your life-- like your family time.
#5- If you are sad all the time, make a list of things that make you sad and things that make you happy and share them with the loved ones in your life. LET OTHERS HELP.
#2- Assess why you are in "survivor mode"
I just did this for myself because I had a survivor week. It ended yesterday with me getting two hours of sleep before going to work. I tried to prioritize things by each day. I will do this on this day and this on this day, etc. The problem is-- there weren't enough days to accomplish everything. There can be too many "good" things to do. It's sad but true.
Fixing it-
#1- Learn to say "no"
#2- Have someone else in your life who will say no for you
#3- DELEGATE when possible
#4- Use a calendar (which I do) but do NOT allow something on every day. Make sure you have one week day that is BLANK. If you don't it can throw the whole week off by having one unplanned event (like my friend's dad dying and my secretary rolling her car).
#3- Assess your payback
If you are doing things that are not making you feel appreciated or moving you forward or supporting your family and or life goals-- you need to reassess those things.
#4- If you take a day off-- really take it off. Don't allow yourself to get out of your pj's if possible.
#5- Good friends.
People make the world worth living in. They are your support system. Have a couple of friends that you can do something with once a month. For guys it might be fishing or hunting or playing X-box or playing basketball. For girls it might be going to a movie or going shopping or out to eat or to a concert or play or kayaking down the river (which I recently discussed with a friend). When you're young (pre-40's) you can get carried away with the friend thing and when you're older you can forget about your friends and be so caught up in this wonderful family that you've grown that you forget about your friends and even neglect them. They feel a part of your soul and who you are. They reaffirm you as a person. You need friends. Maybe you just go for a 30 minute walk with them or sit down and have a heart to heart over a load of laundry. Even that counts. They fill our cup.
#6- Live within your means
Save
Be patient
Don't buy very much on credit (house, car, maybe one credit card if that)
DO A MONTHLY BUDGET TOGETHER
#7- Be happy.
Being happy really is a choice. While other people can try to make us happy-- it's up to us to be happy. If the grass on the other side of the fence always looks greener, maybe you should take care of your own grass better. As far as marriage goes, a wise man once told me that if I took care of my marriage-- my kids would be happy. Now don't be all "oh, sure a MAN told you". He told my hubby the same thing. And the man who told us has such a great and loving relationship with his wife of 50+ years that I believe him. :)
After you crash
First and foremost-- be thankful you survived it. Learn from it. Talk to someone significant in your life about what you should NOT have done and ask them to help you not do it again. Make sure someone else sees your calendar too and knows what's on it. Pretty hard for them to keep you from crashing if they don't know what's on your plate. And, if you're a dominant, strong personality-- remind them that a "loving" forcefulness is a more effective approach than a bossy one. Jason used to be my crash-stopper. He was gentle but firm. My husband is more of a "I told you not to do it" or "No, you're not". My daughter just quietly helps and does the things she knows I will stress with. My eldest gets stressed by me or anyone else being stressed, but he will just "show up" and not say anything. Just visit or something (like today). He always thanks me and we talk often. They all are compassionate, caring people and I am so blessed by that. I suppose that's why it's even more of a shame when I let myself burn out.
Now by burn out I don't mean get me to the doctor or the therapist-- I simply mean a busy week-- too little sleep and too much on my plate. A typical type A American career woman. So I want to learn from this, but not make a mountain out of it. I think that's pretty normal in many people's lives. If we make too much out of it--we're playing the victim. If we don't assess it, share it, and learn from it, we will repeat it.
I feel better already just talking about it. Sunday I'm going to sit down and do my calendar with my husband and circle a "no" night for each week (and it can't be Sunday). I am also going to delegate more at work and make sure I plan some fun adult things (like going to see Wicked) and not just work things. Lastly though...
#7- Don't' overplan.
A calendar is a necessary evil and life requires planning, but if we see our life lacks wiggle room and moments for spontaneity, we need to pray, meditate, and discuss ways to make our lives a little more livable.
We can get into chronic, repetitive "survivor mode" in the following ways:
1) always seeing our self as a victim
2) always taking on new projects before finishing old ones
3) living beyond our means
4) not being happy or satisfied with what we have or who we have
So how do we get out of these modes?
1) We choose to be victims
Even if what happens to you is not your fault, how long you choose to be the victim is up to you and how you deal with being a victim is up to you.
I have known people who always seem to think the sky is falling, nothing is fair, and they're a victim. Then there's the victims who are always angry. Fault finding, blaming, narrowed perspective, or always right. They're a different kind of victim because they "remove themselves" from the bad stuff.
Fixing it-
#1- Accept it
#2- If you feel that you're always a victim-- choose not to be. Yes, maybe something bad has happened to you-- but if you're alive to talk about it, either use that experience to help others, or learn from it yourself and move forward with your life. You can't go back, but you can go backwards. Don't go backwards.
#3- If you're angry and a fault finder-- STOP! Think about what you just said. If you feel bad about it later or rehearse it in your mind and think "I should have said this" than simply make yourself say NOTHING next time a similar situation comes up or apologize if what you said was "too much" for the situation. Own it.
#4- If you find fault with others then either don't talk to that person or avoid subjects that cause contention. If it's a politician or someone you're not emotionally connected to-- be politically active and vote or testify, or support actual events or efforts, but don't let it consume your life unless it is part of your job. Even then-- limit it by the priorities in your life-- like your family time.
#5- If you are sad all the time, make a list of things that make you sad and things that make you happy and share them with the loved ones in your life. LET OTHERS HELP.
#2- Assess why you are in "survivor mode"
I just did this for myself because I had a survivor week. It ended yesterday with me getting two hours of sleep before going to work. I tried to prioritize things by each day. I will do this on this day and this on this day, etc. The problem is-- there weren't enough days to accomplish everything. There can be too many "good" things to do. It's sad but true.
Fixing it-
#1- Learn to say "no"
#2- Have someone else in your life who will say no for you
#3- DELEGATE when possible
#4- Use a calendar (which I do) but do NOT allow something on every day. Make sure you have one week day that is BLANK. If you don't it can throw the whole week off by having one unplanned event (like my friend's dad dying and my secretary rolling her car).
#3- Assess your payback
If you are doing things that are not making you feel appreciated or moving you forward or supporting your family and or life goals-- you need to reassess those things.
#4- If you take a day off-- really take it off. Don't allow yourself to get out of your pj's if possible.
#5- Good friends.
People make the world worth living in. They are your support system. Have a couple of friends that you can do something with once a month. For guys it might be fishing or hunting or playing X-box or playing basketball. For girls it might be going to a movie or going shopping or out to eat or to a concert or play or kayaking down the river (which I recently discussed with a friend). When you're young (pre-40's) you can get carried away with the friend thing and when you're older you can forget about your friends and be so caught up in this wonderful family that you've grown that you forget about your friends and even neglect them. They feel a part of your soul and who you are. They reaffirm you as a person. You need friends. Maybe you just go for a 30 minute walk with them or sit down and have a heart to heart over a load of laundry. Even that counts. They fill our cup.
#6- Live within your means
Save
Be patient
Don't buy very much on credit (house, car, maybe one credit card if that)
DO A MONTHLY BUDGET TOGETHER
#7- Be happy.
Being happy really is a choice. While other people can try to make us happy-- it's up to us to be happy. If the grass on the other side of the fence always looks greener, maybe you should take care of your own grass better. As far as marriage goes, a wise man once told me that if I took care of my marriage-- my kids would be happy. Now don't be all "oh, sure a MAN told you". He told my hubby the same thing. And the man who told us has such a great and loving relationship with his wife of 50+ years that I believe him. :)
After you crash
First and foremost-- be thankful you survived it. Learn from it. Talk to someone significant in your life about what you should NOT have done and ask them to help you not do it again. Make sure someone else sees your calendar too and knows what's on it. Pretty hard for them to keep you from crashing if they don't know what's on your plate. And, if you're a dominant, strong personality-- remind them that a "loving" forcefulness is a more effective approach than a bossy one. Jason used to be my crash-stopper. He was gentle but firm. My husband is more of a "I told you not to do it" or "No, you're not". My daughter just quietly helps and does the things she knows I will stress with. My eldest gets stressed by me or anyone else being stressed, but he will just "show up" and not say anything. Just visit or something (like today). He always thanks me and we talk often. They all are compassionate, caring people and I am so blessed by that. I suppose that's why it's even more of a shame when I let myself burn out.
Now by burn out I don't mean get me to the doctor or the therapist-- I simply mean a busy week-- too little sleep and too much on my plate. A typical type A American career woman. So I want to learn from this, but not make a mountain out of it. I think that's pretty normal in many people's lives. If we make too much out of it--we're playing the victim. If we don't assess it, share it, and learn from it, we will repeat it.
I feel better already just talking about it. Sunday I'm going to sit down and do my calendar with my husband and circle a "no" night for each week (and it can't be Sunday). I am also going to delegate more at work and make sure I plan some fun adult things (like going to see Wicked) and not just work things. Lastly though...
#7- Don't' overplan.
A calendar is a necessary evil and life requires planning, but if we see our life lacks wiggle room and moments for spontaneity, we need to pray, meditate, and discuss ways to make our lives a little more livable.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
what plate
Wipe out........ = =
One more day then I can get back on track
Reminds me of when I was a 440 runner. I can't think about the "wall" (the last curve before the 100 yard stretch). I have to focus on my foot pounding the ground right now and drive my arms and focus in my head and breath steady and trust in my training and my natural ability. I may not win (though I hate to lose)but I should finish strong. No weak excuses. No settling.
I've been thinking about that a lot lately.... settling. Don't settle. In order not to settle you have to know what you want. You have to have a clear vision, a purpose, and patience. If you want what you want... you'll get what you get. Don't settle.
Yesterday I sat in a room that had glass windows that peered out over the river. A friend talked about a flock of white snow geese she had seen earlier.... about 2000 of them. Can you imagine. Down by the river. I watched her sitting there in her flannel pajama bottoms and careless hair.... her knees pulled up to her chin as she looked out the window. I saw the loss in her eyes. Her dad died Sunday. We watched the river and made small talk. I watched her laugh sometimes. I felt her cry.
The most important thing we do in life is simply care about each other.
One more day then I can get back on track
Reminds me of when I was a 440 runner. I can't think about the "wall" (the last curve before the 100 yard stretch). I have to focus on my foot pounding the ground right now and drive my arms and focus in my head and breath steady and trust in my training and my natural ability. I may not win (though I hate to lose)but I should finish strong. No weak excuses. No settling.
I've been thinking about that a lot lately.... settling. Don't settle. In order not to settle you have to know what you want. You have to have a clear vision, a purpose, and patience. If you want what you want... you'll get what you get. Don't settle.
Yesterday I sat in a room that had glass windows that peered out over the river. A friend talked about a flock of white snow geese she had seen earlier.... about 2000 of them. Can you imagine. Down by the river. I watched her sitting there in her flannel pajama bottoms and careless hair.... her knees pulled up to her chin as she looked out the window. I saw the loss in her eyes. Her dad died Sunday. We watched the river and made small talk. I watched her laugh sometimes. I felt her cry.
The most important thing we do in life is simply care about each other.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Clearing My Plate
I'm not doing very well at clearing my plate. There are so many things that I either enjoy doing or have to do as part of my jobs or callings that I'm having a hard time figuring out what to take off my plate at what time.
I have a stack of papers I need to go grade right now. Had Friday off and got caught up on some of my newsbroadcast stuff for that student project, but also had Rellie over Thursday night so we picked up his two cousins-- Tucker and Bry Bry to make it a boys day out. We went to I-Hop for breakfast. They were so cute and well behaved. Rellie can put down the food. That child had bacon, scrambled eggs and waffles and asked for more eggs (oh and strawberry milk). As much as he's growing it's easy to see why he's eating so much. His brother's going to catch him though. At 10 months he's as big or bigger than most two-year-olds. Football players!
Daihsa is getting ready for basketball though. If her dad coaches her next year, she'll be able to play. She's pretty excited about that. She said she needs to practice this summer though if she's going to be ready. Can you tell she's been around coaches her whole little life? :D
AFter I-Hop we hit the second hand stores, dollar stores, and Ross. We are great bargain shoppers and I also picked up stuff for the scout auction fundraiser. We were home by lunch and they played like good kids. Maddi came over later to hang out while mom and dad went on their date and Mandy dropped off Kayson (Rellie's brother) so they could go out to dinner.
The next morning it was back to Jeremy's by 8am so we could watch the kids and cook breakfast while Jeremy and Stacy went looking at houses. We're very excited for them to be buying a house. They've really outgrown the one they're in and it'll be so nice for them to all fit and have room for the kids to play. From there we stopped at the Daddy/Daughter activity at the church and enjoyed sloppy joes and minute to win it games. Everyone did a great job.
After that we took a one hour breather at the house (I took a power nap) then got up and headed to Parma for the Scout auction. Had dinner there and bought some things to help out a good cause. Mandy was running around helping out so we helped with the boys. She also made me some more cutouts for my bulletin board. Rellie had a purple blood blister on his ear (which he had called and told me about minutes after it happened) from catching it on the child door handle safety gadget. It caught his ear and pinched it. It looks painful. He seems to have bounced back pretty well though. Kayson has the runny nose so he's either catching his brother's cold or teething.
Came home and tried to watch a movie, but fell asleep since we knew we would lose an hour in the morning. Had to hurry and get my primary stuff ready before church and my little bulletin board pockets are turning out so cute (thanks for the help Mandy). her cut-outs add a lot. Didn't feel as focused in sacrament today though-- gee I wonder why. I really need to clear my plate better this week.
I am going to start by only practicing after school once for the play and only doing one activity (Senior Center info table at P/T conferences) with my Young Politicians group. I am also only going to stay home Friday (first day of Spring Break) and make all my bulletin board stuff so I am not hurrying Sunday morning. So, I'm clearing my plate Friday during the day to get caught up and Friday night I'm taking my sweetie out. Parent/Teacher Conferences and KYSON broadcast this week as well as grades due. No babysitting until next week so I can get caught up. Maybe a Saturday matinee (they like that) but I think that'll have to be it this week. I'll have more grandma time next week. :D
Two birthdays down this week with Daisha on Thursday and Bryton today. April is another full birthday month but Anne is up first and I already got her a ticket to Wicked so I'm ahead on that one! Grandma Shorty (Ruby) comes home in April too and we head to Pine for Easter so it's going to be another full month. I have got to do better at organizing my time in order to enjoy the important things. Wish me luck and help me get my plate in order-- not cleared, because I would starve myself of the important memories of life-- just in order and portion control. :D
I have a stack of papers I need to go grade right now. Had Friday off and got caught up on some of my newsbroadcast stuff for that student project, but also had Rellie over Thursday night so we picked up his two cousins-- Tucker and Bry Bry to make it a boys day out. We went to I-Hop for breakfast. They were so cute and well behaved. Rellie can put down the food. That child had bacon, scrambled eggs and waffles and asked for more eggs (oh and strawberry milk). As much as he's growing it's easy to see why he's eating so much. His brother's going to catch him though. At 10 months he's as big or bigger than most two-year-olds. Football players!
Daihsa is getting ready for basketball though. If her dad coaches her next year, she'll be able to play. She's pretty excited about that. She said she needs to practice this summer though if she's going to be ready. Can you tell she's been around coaches her whole little life? :D
AFter I-Hop we hit the second hand stores, dollar stores, and Ross. We are great bargain shoppers and I also picked up stuff for the scout auction fundraiser. We were home by lunch and they played like good kids. Maddi came over later to hang out while mom and dad went on their date and Mandy dropped off Kayson (Rellie's brother) so they could go out to dinner.
The next morning it was back to Jeremy's by 8am so we could watch the kids and cook breakfast while Jeremy and Stacy went looking at houses. We're very excited for them to be buying a house. They've really outgrown the one they're in and it'll be so nice for them to all fit and have room for the kids to play. From there we stopped at the Daddy/Daughter activity at the church and enjoyed sloppy joes and minute to win it games. Everyone did a great job.
After that we took a one hour breather at the house (I took a power nap) then got up and headed to Parma for the Scout auction. Had dinner there and bought some things to help out a good cause. Mandy was running around helping out so we helped with the boys. She also made me some more cutouts for my bulletin board. Rellie had a purple blood blister on his ear (which he had called and told me about minutes after it happened) from catching it on the child door handle safety gadget. It caught his ear and pinched it. It looks painful. He seems to have bounced back pretty well though. Kayson has the runny nose so he's either catching his brother's cold or teething.
Came home and tried to watch a movie, but fell asleep since we knew we would lose an hour in the morning. Had to hurry and get my primary stuff ready before church and my little bulletin board pockets are turning out so cute (thanks for the help Mandy). her cut-outs add a lot. Didn't feel as focused in sacrament today though-- gee I wonder why. I really need to clear my plate better this week.
I am going to start by only practicing after school once for the play and only doing one activity (Senior Center info table at P/T conferences) with my Young Politicians group. I am also only going to stay home Friday (first day of Spring Break) and make all my bulletin board stuff so I am not hurrying Sunday morning. So, I'm clearing my plate Friday during the day to get caught up and Friday night I'm taking my sweetie out. Parent/Teacher Conferences and KYSON broadcast this week as well as grades due. No babysitting until next week so I can get caught up. Maybe a Saturday matinee (they like that) but I think that'll have to be it this week. I'll have more grandma time next week. :D
Two birthdays down this week with Daisha on Thursday and Bryton today. April is another full birthday month but Anne is up first and I already got her a ticket to Wicked so I'm ahead on that one! Grandma Shorty (Ruby) comes home in April too and we head to Pine for Easter so it's going to be another full month. I have got to do better at organizing my time in order to enjoy the important things. Wish me luck and help me get my plate in order-- not cleared, because I would starve myself of the important memories of life-- just in order and portion control. :D
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Cabin Fever v. Spring Fever
So what is the difference between cabin fever and spring fever. I'm tired of being locked in by the weather and I'm past ready for spring. Ugh!
At least we have Spring Break around the corner and we can pretend it's going to be spring. Today the students were all depressed that it was raining... again, but I reminded them that that was better than snowing again like it did yesterday.... in March. Today was their last day of partner presentations for Speech and it was another awesome day. I laughed so hard I was crying during one presentation and I was not alone. Most of the females in the room were laughing just as hard including our visiting judges (who were all female today). I thought we were going to have to carry the one off. Remember that I have all freshmen. So two boys were giving their PPT presentation on Teen Pregnancy and were doing an outstanding job especially considering these are two kids who struggle with public speaking and can be rowdy. I was so stinking proud of how well the first speaker was doing but I was really feeling for him because on his notecards he had put some medical terminology that was just killer even for me. Then suddenly I hear him say something about missing your menstrual cycle, and unfortunately he butchered the word (said minstrel cycle) so he tried to correct it several time (each time the giggles getting louder) and then to make matters worse, he said "well whatever that is" at which point we all lost it. What made it so much funnier was that the boys in the room were looking at the girls like, "why is this funny" and unfortunately, someone said it: "Why is that so funny?" I could not breathe by this point so didn't intercept the conversation quickly enough before she said, "Duh, your period" to which there was a chorus of "ewwww" from the boys and the speaker turned 500 shades of red while the girls went into convulsions again.
After we all gathered ourselves, he continued and I must say-- minus the menstruation slip-up-- did an excellent job. It was honestly one of the best of the entire week. His buddy got up and surprised us all as well by not only knowing the stats, but giving emotional, convincing appeals about avoiding teen pregnancy. He also spoke out against abortion as an opt out. It was so interesting hearing it from a boy's perspective. One of the parent judges said that she had learned a lot from the students' presentations and that they had caused her to go home and have conversations with her own kids (she had judged on two different days). The kids really amaze me and I have to look past their quirks and bad days just like they have to put up with my quirks and bad days.
Grease Lightning practice this morning was a challenge. I'll leave it at that and say that we'll keep working on that. Beauty School Dropout group, on the other hand, had a great practice at lunch and they really look good. I canceled night practice since we split small groups in the morning and at lunch, so I could pick Rellie up with his little suitcase and he could come spend the night. Going to get the two boy cousins in the morning and going to I-Hop for breakfast. Watching Maddi in the afternoon and hopefully going on a date with my sweetie tomorrow night. Of course, sometimes just a movie at home is the best date when you're old. :)
Parting thought" I read today that our state legislators voted to increase funding for prisons and jails. They say a society defines its priorities by how it spends its money. If Idaho is INCREASING funding for criminals and DECREASING funding for education.... I guess that pretty much says it all.
At least we have Spring Break around the corner and we can pretend it's going to be spring. Today the students were all depressed that it was raining... again, but I reminded them that that was better than snowing again like it did yesterday.... in March. Today was their last day of partner presentations for Speech and it was another awesome day. I laughed so hard I was crying during one presentation and I was not alone. Most of the females in the room were laughing just as hard including our visiting judges (who were all female today). I thought we were going to have to carry the one off. Remember that I have all freshmen. So two boys were giving their PPT presentation on Teen Pregnancy and were doing an outstanding job especially considering these are two kids who struggle with public speaking and can be rowdy. I was so stinking proud of how well the first speaker was doing but I was really feeling for him because on his notecards he had put some medical terminology that was just killer even for me. Then suddenly I hear him say something about missing your menstrual cycle, and unfortunately he butchered the word (said minstrel cycle) so he tried to correct it several time (each time the giggles getting louder) and then to make matters worse, he said "well whatever that is" at which point we all lost it. What made it so much funnier was that the boys in the room were looking at the girls like, "why is this funny" and unfortunately, someone said it: "Why is that so funny?" I could not breathe by this point so didn't intercept the conversation quickly enough before she said, "Duh, your period" to which there was a chorus of "ewwww" from the boys and the speaker turned 500 shades of red while the girls went into convulsions again.
After we all gathered ourselves, he continued and I must say-- minus the menstruation slip-up-- did an excellent job. It was honestly one of the best of the entire week. His buddy got up and surprised us all as well by not only knowing the stats, but giving emotional, convincing appeals about avoiding teen pregnancy. He also spoke out against abortion as an opt out. It was so interesting hearing it from a boy's perspective. One of the parent judges said that she had learned a lot from the students' presentations and that they had caused her to go home and have conversations with her own kids (she had judged on two different days). The kids really amaze me and I have to look past their quirks and bad days just like they have to put up with my quirks and bad days.
Grease Lightning practice this morning was a challenge. I'll leave it at that and say that we'll keep working on that. Beauty School Dropout group, on the other hand, had a great practice at lunch and they really look good. I canceled night practice since we split small groups in the morning and at lunch, so I could pick Rellie up with his little suitcase and he could come spend the night. Going to get the two boy cousins in the morning and going to I-Hop for breakfast. Watching Maddi in the afternoon and hopefully going on a date with my sweetie tomorrow night. Of course, sometimes just a movie at home is the best date when you're old. :)
Parting thought" I read today that our state legislators voted to increase funding for prisons and jails. They say a society defines its priorities by how it spends its money. If Idaho is INCREASING funding for criminals and DECREASING funding for education.... I guess that pretty much says it all.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
And the beat goes on....
Drama here. Drama there. Drama everywhere. After editing words, of course, our spring play is off and running with Beauty School Dropouts and Grease Lightning and trying to make cars and set pieces on a very limited budget. Still, it's starting to come together and some stars will definitely shine. Keeps my life exciting. Wait.... do I have time to be bored?
Daisha's birthday party was family-packed and I was a little late getting there with the ice cream, but they forgave me. I think. It was so cute to watch Jilly and Maddi talk to each other on the cell phones. No, they really did. Jilly used mine and Maddi had papa's. Imagine when they're teenagers. Bryton's birthday is Sunday and he kept reminding me he just wants poprocks for his birthday. How funny. Tucker wondered if I had heard of Legos cuz he just started playing with those and maybe I could get some for my house because his dad said they can't have them at their house because the babies might choke on the pieces. Very well thought out for a 5 year old.
My students have been doing such an outstanding job on their presentations and our panel judges have given them great praise and comments. Some of the topics this year have been very unique-- like "procrastination". I've never thought of researching that and studying the cause, effect, and solution for it. I have honestly learned a lot from my students about a wide variety of topics. Tomorrow is the last day of presentations. We also had a guest for our Young Politicians presentation today too. Again, the students did such a great job with their research of different country's education systems, and different ideas for curriculum structure, career tracking, and individualizing learning for all learners. I was a little disappointed in our guest's comments when it came time for her to have open discussion with the students, but I suppose nothing should surprise me anymore. She did take pages of notes, so maybe some of their ideas will at least be considered. At any rate, they did a fantastic job.
Now they're moving on to working with the Senior Center to help them promote their center and raise some funds. We really have some amazing and involved students. Speaking of amazing..... There's so much talent on American Idol this year it's hard to really tell who will win and usually I can easily pick the top two. That's a good problem I guess. Watched it when I got home from my church meeting. Now I need to go get my beauty sleep but I don't know if there's enough. :)
Daisha's birthday party was family-packed and I was a little late getting there with the ice cream, but they forgave me. I think. It was so cute to watch Jilly and Maddi talk to each other on the cell phones. No, they really did. Jilly used mine and Maddi had papa's. Imagine when they're teenagers. Bryton's birthday is Sunday and he kept reminding me he just wants poprocks for his birthday. How funny. Tucker wondered if I had heard of Legos cuz he just started playing with those and maybe I could get some for my house because his dad said they can't have them at their house because the babies might choke on the pieces. Very well thought out for a 5 year old.
My students have been doing such an outstanding job on their presentations and our panel judges have given them great praise and comments. Some of the topics this year have been very unique-- like "procrastination". I've never thought of researching that and studying the cause, effect, and solution for it. I have honestly learned a lot from my students about a wide variety of topics. Tomorrow is the last day of presentations. We also had a guest for our Young Politicians presentation today too. Again, the students did such a great job with their research of different country's education systems, and different ideas for curriculum structure, career tracking, and individualizing learning for all learners. I was a little disappointed in our guest's comments when it came time for her to have open discussion with the students, but I suppose nothing should surprise me anymore. She did take pages of notes, so maybe some of their ideas will at least be considered. At any rate, they did a fantastic job.
Now they're moving on to working with the Senior Center to help them promote their center and raise some funds. We really have some amazing and involved students. Speaking of amazing..... There's so much talent on American Idol this year it's hard to really tell who will win and usually I can easily pick the top two. That's a good problem I guess. Watched it when I got home from my church meeting. Now I need to go get my beauty sleep but I don't know if there's enough. :)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Full Week- Full Life
Stunk it up at clearing my plate this week. I was telling the husband that I felt like I was doing a so-so job at everything instead of doing a great job at any one thing. Had two play practices this week and they went fine. The kids are funny and they will do a great job. Also had Speech presentations with our live panel of judges. My folder was somehow deleted off the main network so each student had to dump to my personal external hard drive and this meant a delay. Hit some bumps and had a couple of kids that said some crazy things (which I will not repeat) but let's just say the panel will not forget them. :) Overall they did a good job though and in English they are typing away at their research papers. We are all ready for spring break. I will be grading 105 research papers and getting ISAT packets prepared for after spring break, but I hope to be able to take a couple days to spend with my children and grandchildren.
Speaking of them..... we took 6 of 8 to see Tangled on Saturday. What a cute show. And the grandkids were just as cute. Jilly Bear went this time... a sign she is growing up. She has to now that another baby has taken the "baby" rank in their home. Baby Bradley is still eating and sleeping like a little sweetheart. Kayson is still eating and growing like a beast. My daughter must have massive biceps! Rellie was excited to spend time with his cousins and had to sit right next to Tucker at the movie. Daisha and Bryton's birthdays are coming up this week so I asked them what they wanted and they said they'd have to "check their list". yikes! Their mom said they really just put names on the list. Like Bryton had Nemo and Buzz LightYear. Daisha had Jonas Brothers and I-Carly. Hmmmm. Dad said MP-3 players that don't have to have batteries because they got them ones with batteries for Christmas and they now own stock in the battery companies. Daisha will be seven and Bryton will be four. Daisha will be eight before we know it and she'll be old enough to be baptized.
I attended the monthly baptisms on Saturday and they had asked me to be a speaker, but when I got there, I found out I was the speaker!! That was a bit overwhelming considering I knew about 12 of the 100 people there! I prayed and looked into the cute little faces of the children in their white jumpsuits all ready to get baptized and I was fine. It's still a bit weird being the primary president, but I am enjoying the time I spend around the little children. Reminds me of my grandchildren. Today in church it was touching to hear their testimonies of Christ and eternal families. They just keep it simple and real.
One older guy bore his testimony using an analogy that really stuck with me. He said when he was in scouts he was kind of ornery and when they went on the big hikes he'd get behind the kid with the heaviest pack and sneakily add rocks to it. He said he also did it so the wind would be blocked. He mentioned that some do-gooder would always help the other guy out though. He just liked to see how long it took them to figure out someone was adding rocks. Then he said as he grew up he realized that that same tendency still existed in his life but in a way that made him really sad. He said sometimes he feels like he's on this hike and the guy in front of him is Christ and because of choices this man has made in his life, he feels like he is doing the same thing he used to-- adding rocks to his backpack. Adding to his burden. He says he knows Christ is willing to carry the extra weight for him, but now those rocks that he's adding mean more to him. Still... he said... they are still rocks that he CHOOSES to put there and that he could choose not to. He said he knows we can repent and remove the weight, but that we should think more before we add the rocks at all. You could tell he felt bad for some of his choices. I appreciated the analogy and I know I've added to the backpack as well. Prevention is a better approach than repention. (Yes, I made that last word up).
So after church we ran one of those electric fireplaces over to my mom and dad's house (I picked it up at an auction for $40 and they're normally $300-500) and got to visit a little with them. When we got home Jas and Anne came over for dinner. I made stir-fry and little Maddi entertained us with her cuteness. She has her papa wrapped around her little finger, but she's so cute that's not too hard to do. Anne said when they were gone to Missouri and they got out chocolate chips to make cookies that Maddi pointed to the chips and called them "papa". Gee... I wonder who feeds her chocolate chips when he's making cookies on Sundays. :) Today he made snickerdoodles though and after Jas and Anne left we walked across the street to take some to a neighbor and when we returned home... we were locked out. Good thing it was a nice day for a change. And of course we tried every door and window in the house (the husband also left the garage door opener in the house) and the very last window (20 minutes later) was unlocked. Phew!
It was a busy week and it'll be busy again this week, but I know when we are serving others in our daily life, in our jobs, and in our church, that our lives will be blessed and we will be stronger people for it. Life is not meant for laziness. Rest, yes. Laziness no. I am lazy sometimes, but I do love my sweetheart, my family, my friends, my students, and my Savior. I know there is a God who has power in our lives and an order in all things that makes weak people strong and creates a circle of giving that comes back in the form of blessings. I know that this world is not some science freak accident but a gift created for the purpose of our enjoyment and stewardship (with one relying on the other). I know prayers are answered and I know bad things still happen, but in the meantime....... we can live a life of hope and joy and love that is found in the gift of every day we wake up.
Speaking of them..... we took 6 of 8 to see Tangled on Saturday. What a cute show. And the grandkids were just as cute. Jilly Bear went this time... a sign she is growing up. She has to now that another baby has taken the "baby" rank in their home. Baby Bradley is still eating and sleeping like a little sweetheart. Kayson is still eating and growing like a beast. My daughter must have massive biceps! Rellie was excited to spend time with his cousins and had to sit right next to Tucker at the movie. Daisha and Bryton's birthdays are coming up this week so I asked them what they wanted and they said they'd have to "check their list". yikes! Their mom said they really just put names on the list. Like Bryton had Nemo and Buzz LightYear. Daisha had Jonas Brothers and I-Carly. Hmmmm. Dad said MP-3 players that don't have to have batteries because they got them ones with batteries for Christmas and they now own stock in the battery companies. Daisha will be seven and Bryton will be four. Daisha will be eight before we know it and she'll be old enough to be baptized.
I attended the monthly baptisms on Saturday and they had asked me to be a speaker, but when I got there, I found out I was the speaker!! That was a bit overwhelming considering I knew about 12 of the 100 people there! I prayed and looked into the cute little faces of the children in their white jumpsuits all ready to get baptized and I was fine. It's still a bit weird being the primary president, but I am enjoying the time I spend around the little children. Reminds me of my grandchildren. Today in church it was touching to hear their testimonies of Christ and eternal families. They just keep it simple and real.
One older guy bore his testimony using an analogy that really stuck with me. He said when he was in scouts he was kind of ornery and when they went on the big hikes he'd get behind the kid with the heaviest pack and sneakily add rocks to it. He said he also did it so the wind would be blocked. He mentioned that some do-gooder would always help the other guy out though. He just liked to see how long it took them to figure out someone was adding rocks. Then he said as he grew up he realized that that same tendency still existed in his life but in a way that made him really sad. He said sometimes he feels like he's on this hike and the guy in front of him is Christ and because of choices this man has made in his life, he feels like he is doing the same thing he used to-- adding rocks to his backpack. Adding to his burden. He says he knows Christ is willing to carry the extra weight for him, but now those rocks that he's adding mean more to him. Still... he said... they are still rocks that he CHOOSES to put there and that he could choose not to. He said he knows we can repent and remove the weight, but that we should think more before we add the rocks at all. You could tell he felt bad for some of his choices. I appreciated the analogy and I know I've added to the backpack as well. Prevention is a better approach than repention. (Yes, I made that last word up).
So after church we ran one of those electric fireplaces over to my mom and dad's house (I picked it up at an auction for $40 and they're normally $300-500) and got to visit a little with them. When we got home Jas and Anne came over for dinner. I made stir-fry and little Maddi entertained us with her cuteness. She has her papa wrapped around her little finger, but she's so cute that's not too hard to do. Anne said when they were gone to Missouri and they got out chocolate chips to make cookies that Maddi pointed to the chips and called them "papa". Gee... I wonder who feeds her chocolate chips when he's making cookies on Sundays. :) Today he made snickerdoodles though and after Jas and Anne left we walked across the street to take some to a neighbor and when we returned home... we were locked out. Good thing it was a nice day for a change. And of course we tried every door and window in the house (the husband also left the garage door opener in the house) and the very last window (20 minutes later) was unlocked. Phew!
It was a busy week and it'll be busy again this week, but I know when we are serving others in our daily life, in our jobs, and in our church, that our lives will be blessed and we will be stronger people for it. Life is not meant for laziness. Rest, yes. Laziness no. I am lazy sometimes, but I do love my sweetheart, my family, my friends, my students, and my Savior. I know there is a God who has power in our lives and an order in all things that makes weak people strong and creates a circle of giving that comes back in the form of blessings. I know that this world is not some science freak accident but a gift created for the purpose of our enjoyment and stewardship (with one relying on the other). I know prayers are answered and I know bad things still happen, but in the meantime....... we can live a life of hope and joy and love that is found in the gift of every day we wake up.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Shakespeare et. al.
I'm looking for sunshine on a rainy day.
We had the Shakespeare group perform at our school today and it was great. After the performance they did a short workshop just with my drama kids and that was awesome. They have summer camps and workshops for high school students and we talked about those opportunities after they left. We also talked about maybe doing a drama camp for little kids, kind of like you do a basketball camp for younger kids. I think it's a great idea. My students often have great ideas.
Tomorrow they start their problem/solution presentations. The first day is always a little crazy worrying about if the judges will show up and wondering how the kids will do. They always seem to pull through though and I learn a lot from their presentations. It will be pretty hard to top the lego dino sculptures and pygmy goats, but again... they always surprise me.
My Young Politicians Club is meeting with the seniors at the senior center to help them promote an activity then they have a presentation to do on Wednesday. I read articles from adults who joke about students in high school not being able to think on their own and it irks me. I think they need to go back and look at what Thomas Jefferson or Ben Franklin were doing as teenagers. That type of an attitude (which is alive and verbal) is the real "dumbing down" of America. Out of one side of their mouth people demand more from public education and our kids and out of the other side they say they're not mature enough to know what they're doing when they speak their mind on issues. There lies the problem with education reform. Some people simply want to complain.
Anyway, my drama students learned a lot today then we had play practice tonight and I could see some of what they learned in the workshop carry over to the practice. I enjoyed the practice and though I stress about every play till it's over, I know that they will do a great job. Speaking of that... I'm going to go watch American Idol.
We had the Shakespeare group perform at our school today and it was great. After the performance they did a short workshop just with my drama kids and that was awesome. They have summer camps and workshops for high school students and we talked about those opportunities after they left. We also talked about maybe doing a drama camp for little kids, kind of like you do a basketball camp for younger kids. I think it's a great idea. My students often have great ideas.
Tomorrow they start their problem/solution presentations. The first day is always a little crazy worrying about if the judges will show up and wondering how the kids will do. They always seem to pull through though and I learn a lot from their presentations. It will be pretty hard to top the lego dino sculptures and pygmy goats, but again... they always surprise me.
My Young Politicians Club is meeting with the seniors at the senior center to help them promote an activity then they have a presentation to do on Wednesday. I read articles from adults who joke about students in high school not being able to think on their own and it irks me. I think they need to go back and look at what Thomas Jefferson or Ben Franklin were doing as teenagers. That type of an attitude (which is alive and verbal) is the real "dumbing down" of America. Out of one side of their mouth people demand more from public education and our kids and out of the other side they say they're not mature enough to know what they're doing when they speak their mind on issues. There lies the problem with education reform. Some people simply want to complain.
Anyway, my drama students learned a lot today then we had play practice tonight and I could see some of what they learned in the workshop carry over to the practice. I enjoyed the practice and though I stress about every play till it's over, I know that they will do a great job. Speaking of that... I'm going to go watch American Idol.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Trains and Trials
Had my primary teachers' dinner tonight. What a day. Seemed like I wasn't supposed to make it to that dinner so many things kept happening. First, I received a call hours before I was supposed to set up saying that there'd been a mix-up with the scheduling of the building and there was not only one but two other things going on including a viewing. They were moving me to another room. I tried not to stress and figured people would wander and eventually find the right room/event!
Then, as I was getting ready to leave school, one of our set pieces got moved and left a mess all over my room. I couldn't just leave it like that. I had to vacuum. I knew it would make me late to set up for the dinner, so I was stressing. Not long after I started a couple of my students popped into my room and asked if they could vacuum for me. S=weet! So I hurried out the door and got in my car. Turned on the key and nothing. Great. I thought it was my battery but when I got out I could smell the gas. I called the husband and he said it was probably the gas line popped off again from when they changed the filter. They musn't have got a clamp back on. I found Gary the janitor and he got it back on for me. I have to take him a cupcake or something tomorrow.
Then I was worried I wouldn't get it all done in time and my son and his wife showed up to help, bless their sweet little hearts. Anne and baby Maddi had just returned from being gone to Missouri for two weeks, so it was a double blessing to get to see them too. The set up went like teamwork thanks to a great team! It looked great; the food was great; the people were great; and the messages went as I had hoped they would. Our teachers in primary do such a great job of teaching the children the importance of charity and serving others (kind of like the students who vacuumed for me and the janitor who fixed my car and my kids coming to help). They teach about being like Jesus and of Christ's love for each of us.
I learn so much from their example as well. They are so awed by life's smallest moments and simplest things. A lot to be learned by that. So I could look at the day and say, "Man it was rough." Or I could realize that someone up there must like me because every time I got in trouble, he sent someone to help me out. Some days I don't always choose the right perspective. Today I am choosing to be thankful for all the help that was sent my way and for all the many wonderful people I seem to meet along this journey of life.
Our theme tonight was "All Aboard" and this is the poem I closed with:
TRAIN OF LIFE
Some folks ride the train of life
Looking out the rear,
Watching miles of life roll by,
And marking every year.
They sit in sad remembrance,
Of wasted days gone by,
And curse their life for what it was,
And hang their head and cry.
But I don’t concern myself with that,
I took a different vent,
I look forward to what life holds,
And not what has been spent.
So strap me to the engine,
As securely as I can be,
I want to be out on the front,
To see what I can see.
I want to feel the winds of change,
Blowing in my face,
I want to see what life unfolds,
As I move from place to place.
Then, as I was getting ready to leave school, one of our set pieces got moved and left a mess all over my room. I couldn't just leave it like that. I had to vacuum. I knew it would make me late to set up for the dinner, so I was stressing. Not long after I started a couple of my students popped into my room and asked if they could vacuum for me. S=weet! So I hurried out the door and got in my car. Turned on the key and nothing. Great. I thought it was my battery but when I got out I could smell the gas. I called the husband and he said it was probably the gas line popped off again from when they changed the filter. They musn't have got a clamp back on. I found Gary the janitor and he got it back on for me. I have to take him a cupcake or something tomorrow.
Then I was worried I wouldn't get it all done in time and my son and his wife showed up to help, bless their sweet little hearts. Anne and baby Maddi had just returned from being gone to Missouri for two weeks, so it was a double blessing to get to see them too. The set up went like teamwork thanks to a great team! It looked great; the food was great; the people were great; and the messages went as I had hoped they would. Our teachers in primary do such a great job of teaching the children the importance of charity and serving others (kind of like the students who vacuumed for me and the janitor who fixed my car and my kids coming to help). They teach about being like Jesus and of Christ's love for each of us.
I learn so much from their example as well. They are so awed by life's smallest moments and simplest things. A lot to be learned by that. So I could look at the day and say, "Man it was rough." Or I could realize that someone up there must like me because every time I got in trouble, he sent someone to help me out. Some days I don't always choose the right perspective. Today I am choosing to be thankful for all the help that was sent my way and for all the many wonderful people I seem to meet along this journey of life.
Our theme tonight was "All Aboard" and this is the poem I closed with:
TRAIN OF LIFE
Some folks ride the train of life
Looking out the rear,
Watching miles of life roll by,
And marking every year.
They sit in sad remembrance,
Of wasted days gone by,
And curse their life for what it was,
And hang their head and cry.
But I don’t concern myself with that,
I took a different vent,
I look forward to what life holds,
And not what has been spent.
So strap me to the engine,
As securely as I can be,
I want to be out on the front,
To see what I can see.
I want to feel the winds of change,
Blowing in my face,
I want to see what life unfolds,
As I move from place to place.
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