Basic Training

I am in training/seminar today and tomorrow called Bridges Out of Poverty. It is eye-opening. Look it up.

Who Says Nothing Lasts Forever?

I think I will forever love John Mayer's music. I'm just sayin'.

Who Says?

Who says you can't eat chili when it's warm outside? Does that mean Skyline is only open during the winter months? No, didn't think so. Chili is good any time!

She's a Big Girl Now

My daughter is officially out on her own now. It's difficult not knowing what she's doing. I don't want to call her all the time; I want her to feel like she's independent. But, what I want to do is know how she likes college, if she's getting along with her roommates, what she's eating for dinner (if she's eating!), and if she's getting enough sleep. I don't want to bother her, though.
I'm trying not to be a helicopter parent. I just hope she wants me to know things and that she tells me at her own pace. I guess even when you're kids grow up, you never feel like they're really adults. They'll always be children.

Send-off

In just four short days I will be taking my eldest and dropping her off at college. I'm nervous, yet excited. I hope move in day goes well. I hope we get her settled in with all of her belongings and then some. We'll have to make a Target run once we get there and see what we have left to get. I already know of a few things. Plus, we'll need to go to the grocery store to stock up on a few essentials so that she doesn't starve to death in the first week. I only pray my checking account can handle it all!

Kick It!

I used to despise soccer. I thought it was the dumbest sport imaginable. I thought, why play a sport where all you do is chase after a ball and end up running like a hundred miles each game? Now, my mind is forever changed. I love it! Ever since my daughter started playing goalie last year, I enjoy watching it live or on tv.
So tonight I looked up the IU Men's Soccer schedule and started planning to see which games we could go to - we love trekking to B'town and watching them play. My daughter and I really want to attend as many games as we can. So I think the first one we are going to is Sunday, Sept. 1 - Labor Day Weekend. I simply cannot wait!

back to school, back to school

Today was the first student day of the year. To put it mildly, this may be an out-of-control year. My students just seemed abuzz with energy. They don't know how to whisper or use "indoor voices". Now, since they are eighth graders, you'd think they have been taught that over the years. Nope! All teachings go out the window once you hit seventh grade for some reason. Then, in eighth grade, we have to try and re-train them to move on to the high school. But it doesn't work. They have their own stubborn minds that won't budge. Lucky me!
I think I need to be put away somewhere. haha

I'm Baaaaaaaack!

I didn't want to come home, but I did. We're back from our annual Myrtle Beach trip. I survived the ride home! (of course Dramamine was involved)  I wish I didn't get car sick. It sucks. Especially through the North Carolina/Tennessee mountains. That's what gets me.
The weather was beautiful in S.C. It only sprinkled once. The sun was out every single day; I love sunbathing, so it was a hit with me. Now I have to gear up for the big days ahead.
Cam's knee surgery is this coming Wednesday. She's starting to get nervous, and I have to admit I am, too. I don't want her to be in severe pain. I'm hoping they give her some good pain meds to keep it under control. Then, school starts. Man, I don't think I'm ready for that yet.

When I Travel, I Can't Help But Think

When I travel (which isn't very often like it used to be), I can't help but think about what it would be like to move. I think to myself about the infinite number of places I COULD move; since I teach, I could virtually move anywhere where there is a school, right? Well, that's anywhere!
There are some major cities who beg for teachers. Sure, they may not have ideal teaching conditions, but neither does the location I am in now. Yes, I could have it waaayyyy worse where I am now, but perhaps some other location might work for me, too. So where would I go? I could list several places off the top of my head. Those of you who know me could probably guess my top three. Of course, it is wishful thinking. Of course, I may not ever get the chance to go. Of course, that doesn't stop me from dreaming.

Oh, the possibilities...

My mind reels with the thoughts of the possibilities...

Direct TV -- YOU SUCK!

I'm so angry with direct-tv. They took away tons of channels including MTV. Now, since I've become hooked on The Real World, I can't watch it. I'm super bummed. On a better note, Big Brother starts tonight on CBS. That, thankfully, has not been taken away yet.

A Nervous Stomach

I don't particularly like the times when I have what I call a "nervous stomach". It's that feeling where you have butterflies, but not the good kind of butterflies, in your stomach. It's a nervous feeling that really overtakes your whole body. It makes me feel like I'm on pins and needles, waiting for something to happen.
I have a nervous stomach right now.
What will take place? What will set me at ease? I'm apprehensive about a lot of things -- could some be resolved? We'll see what happens.

Dad

I'm not a gambler. I don't enjoy losing money for any reason. So, when my dad asked me to go to Belterra with him, I was a bit hesitant, but I agreed to go.
We went today, this morning (to beat the crowd, according to him), and we just got home. We had so much fun. He gave me a little spending money, which thrilled me. I didn't have to lose my own! So I was down to 6.00. After that, I was going to be done. I tried one last machine - the Elvis machine. (Irony here because I despise Elvis.) I schlepped on up to the machine, sat my big butt down, and began playing. I got down a couple of dollars with some winnings sprinkled here and there. Then, I hit a bonus and won enough money to call it quits. A hundred dollars later, I was jumping for joy! That's the most money I have ever won -  doing anything! Then dad and I stopped at this little winery in Vevay. It was a quaint little place that had nice views and a cute little tasting room. So, I bellied up and sipped on some wines. I bought a bottle of  sweet white wine. Too bad no one will want to split it with me. I guess I'll have to drink the entire thing all by myself. Darn.

It's Not the End of the World?

Orthopedic appointment today for Cam. Surgery it is. Not really great news, but it's not the end of the world, I guess. I just want her pain to stop and for her to be better for soccer season. Let's cross our fingers that when the surgery scheduler calls me tomorrow, we can do it within the week or early next week so that she's healed by our vacation. Cross your fingers!!
In other news...yesterday the girls and I were caught in a hail storm in the Geo without the top. It was definintely something to tell the grandkids about later on! We survived; Mak got hit in the chest by a quarter-sized piece of hail which left a huge welt, but we finally made it home okay. It was quite the experience. We looked like drenched rats by the time we walked in the door. I can go another lifetime without that happening again!

What I Heard versus What I Wanted to Hear

I wanted to hear that we'll do whatever it takes to take care of it.
What I heard, instead, was "Well, what are you gonna do about it?"
Abandonment. I'd lie and say I'm getting pretty used to it, but does one ever truly just "get used to it"?

Loaded weekend

My weekend was jam-packed with activities. Friday night Mak and I went to the Dave Matthews Band concert in Indy. Man, it was amazing! We had a great time. We went early and stopped in Greenwood at the mall and a couple of other places. Then we went out to eat and headed toward the concert. We didn't make it home until after 2am. I was pooped!
Saturday we had a soccer tournament (at home, thankfully), so we were out in the sun for hours. After that, we had a reception to go to. On Sunday, I did laundry, laundry, and more laundry. I also did the dishes, both upstairs and downstairs (that was a treat - NOT), and cooked the following: butter bars (M. Graue's recipe), roasted potatoe casserole, hotdogs, hamburgers, grilled corn, and boiled corn on the cob. Last evening I also rented a movie for the family to watch. By the time my head hit the pillow at 11pm, I was out!

Seventeen and Counting

Seventeen years ago today I was giving birth to my middle daughter, Cam. There are so many memories that come flooding back when I think about that day. It was the "longest day of the year" -- it contained the most daylight hours in the year. I sure did feel like it was the longest day of the year, so to speak. I had a tough labor and delivery. She was worth every rip, push, and grunt. She is a wonderful young woman. At seventeen, she has grown into a compassionate, loving, understanding woman who takes pride in everything she does. She is the peacekeeper. She is the studious one. She is ambitious. And I love her. Happy Birthday, Cam. I hope this year is a great one!

It's like starting over.
Sending my daughter off to college is a little like starting your life over again. Since children don't really have the unlimited resources to purchase all of the household goods they need, the parent must pick up most of that tab. Sure, the child might have received some graduation money, but I feel that should be used for textbooks/tuition, etc. I mean, really, an eighteen year old with a part time, minimum wage job can't do it all.
Given all of that, lately I have been picking up things for Mak like measuring cups, spatulas, hamburger flippers, slotted spoons, a dust pan, and more. Believe me, that stuff adds up quickly. And as I purchase it, I begin thinking, "Oh, she's gonna need that. And, oh, yeah that, too. But what about that?" and so on. It's like starting my own adult life over again. Cleaners, shower curtain, wastebaskets, laundry baskets, detergent, fabric softener, dishes, pots, pans, dish soap, bar soap, towels, bed ensemble, curtains, and more. Pshew. A lot of stuff, no? And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Boy, I'm reminded now of why I had my kids when I was so young! I don't think I could handle this if I was much older. :)

Green Thumb

I planted my potted flowers the other day. Gardening is therapy for me. I get lost in what I'm doing and actually relax a little. It just kind of creeps up on me - the relaxation. Too bad I don't have thousands of dollars to spend on landscaping. I would do it! I'll settle for my potted and hanging planters I guess. Only about a week until Mak's grad party. I'm a bit nervous. Hope all goes well. I've already learned that trying to keep a black car clean is a chore. I learned that rather quickly. I see myself spending quite a bit of cash at the car wash in years to come. Good news, though -- there is a new car wash being put in near us. It is a Mike's Carwash. I'm super excited. It's the best car cleaning wash in the world. I need a "season ticket". I'm also super excited to see my real dad. He is coming for Mak's party. Can't wait to see him. I miss him. Off to get my hair done today. Long trip, but it has to be done. Beauty isn't easy nor cheap, as they say. haha

Graduation

Well, we've survived graduation. I was so nervous, not because my little girl was graduating, but because of the logistics of it all. Would it be 100 degrees in there, how long would it last, would we have to park at the elementary school and walk? You know, stupid things. But, it all went well. After the ceremony my parents took us all out to eat. We had fun. We hadn't all been together out to eat in a while, so it was good. And most importantly, I got to drive my new car!! I know, I know, everyone says that black is so hard to keep clean. That's been true so far. But when it shines, it's worth all the hard work. In addition to my new car, Cammi got a car. It was a deal we just couldn't pass up. And Sunday, we took it out for a long drive with the top off. It was a blast! I can't wait to do it again. We drove to Westport, cruised around there for a while, and then drove out toward MUTC. The weather was perfect. So, enjoyable weekend here. Next we have three weekends of fun-filled activities: weddings, graduation parties, etc. Cheers!