We were so happy to have my cousin, Robby, and his wife, Christina with us this Christmas Eve! We haven't seen them in a year. He is the youngest of the 1st cousins and tons of fun. And, boy, what a ham!!
Here he is making us laugh and laugh with his Elmo impression...
Btw, Robby is a very accomplished young man! An Eagle Scout and a graduate of the Air Force Academy! We wish we could see him more often!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Another Christmas now in the past...
Did everyone have a nice Christmas? Ours was very good. I have to say, I'm so grateful that I am in a family where everyone really makes an effort to be together. We're far from perfect, to be sure, but we love each other and work hard to stay united and try to get together about once a month.
After working my patootie off on Wednesday and Thursday, the family started arriving around 5pm on Christmas Eve. That is something else I'm grateful for--that, aside from those in the military, we all live within 45 minutes of each other. And now that my brother and his wife have bought a house only half a mile away, even better!
Here are some pictures:
After all of the food had been eaten and the gifts had been opened, things started to wind down. We relaxed for a while, half the families went home, and I started to survey the huge clean up job that was ahead of me. I didn't care, it was worth it! We had a great time!
My mom and her sister's family decided to go to midnight mass at the Catholic church around the corner. At one time, everyone in our family was Catholic. Over the years different relatives have gone to different churches, but everyone still feels very connected with the Catholic church, and we know that my grandpa would've been happy. Early bird that I am, I stayed behind and worked furiously for 2 hours cleaning, cleaning cleaning. I got to bed around 1am, everyone who had gone to mass came back around 1:45am. I never even heard them!
On Christmas Day our little immediate family gathering wasn't until 5:30pm so that my brother could go to his in-laws and my nephew could get a good nap. But then we did our little gift exchange at my mom's and had a "breakfast" around 7pm. Hey, it's tradition! And it gave me a chance during the day to clean the house up from the previous night. Since I don't have a dishwasher and my mom has a new one, I made at least 20 trips back and forth across the street carrying dishes.
Today the house finally is taking shape and looking like normal again after the family Christmas tornado. Good thing too! Because my friend, Eric, is arriving on Monday morning for an 11 day visit! I can't wait!
Coming up on the next post....2 videos I took of my cousin Robby and his hilarious Elmo impression...SO FUNNY!!!
After working my patootie off on Wednesday and Thursday, the family started arriving around 5pm on Christmas Eve. That is something else I'm grateful for--that, aside from those in the military, we all live within 45 minutes of each other. And now that my brother and his wife have bought a house only half a mile away, even better!
Here are some pictures:
After all of the food had been eaten and the gifts had been opened, things started to wind down. We relaxed for a while, half the families went home, and I started to survey the huge clean up job that was ahead of me. I didn't care, it was worth it! We had a great time!
My mom and her sister's family decided to go to midnight mass at the Catholic church around the corner. At one time, everyone in our family was Catholic. Over the years different relatives have gone to different churches, but everyone still feels very connected with the Catholic church, and we know that my grandpa would've been happy. Early bird that I am, I stayed behind and worked furiously for 2 hours cleaning, cleaning cleaning. I got to bed around 1am, everyone who had gone to mass came back around 1:45am. I never even heard them!
On Christmas Day our little immediate family gathering wasn't until 5:30pm so that my brother could go to his in-laws and my nephew could get a good nap. But then we did our little gift exchange at my mom's and had a "breakfast" around 7pm. Hey, it's tradition! And it gave me a chance during the day to clean the house up from the previous night. Since I don't have a dishwasher and my mom has a new one, I made at least 20 trips back and forth across the street carrying dishes.
Today the house finally is taking shape and looking like normal again after the family Christmas tornado. Good thing too! Because my friend, Eric, is arriving on Monday morning for an 11 day visit! I can't wait!
Coming up on the next post....2 videos I took of my cousin Robby and his hilarious Elmo impression...SO FUNNY!!!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Tables...
Merry Christmas Eve everyone! My family will be here in little over an hour. We'll be 17 people tonight feasting on turkey, lots of side dishes, and pie. What are you going to be doing?
Yesterday I spent about 3 hours setting the tables. I've learned that a really good rule of thumb is to set them a day ahead of time.
Here are the results. Click on each picture to see the larger image:
The big table:
Little table #1:
Little table #2:
Yay! I love having pretty tables for all of my guests!
Yesterday I spent about 3 hours setting the tables. I've learned that a really good rule of thumb is to set them a day ahead of time.
Here are the results. Click on each picture to see the larger image:
The big table:
Little table #1:
Little table #2:
Yay! I love having pretty tables for all of my guests!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Today's Goal is DONE
It feels so good to set little goals for each day of vacation and to accomplish them. Today's goals were to finish wrapping presents, send 2 of them off to my cousin in Mississippi, and get lights up on the house. All done! Yay! And I even went and saw the Twilight New Moon movie. Yeah, it was just OK.
And, here is a before and after shot of my couch, which got a facelift last week. I wanted something as similar as possible to the original color and design. I'm thrilled with the results! Expensive, but very necessary and worth it!
Before:
After:
And, here is a before and after shot of my couch, which got a facelift last week. I wanted something as similar as possible to the original color and design. I'm thrilled with the results! Expensive, but very necessary and worth it!Before:
After:
Day 3 of vacation...
It is wonderful to be able to plan my day around things I want to do and not around work--yay! Vacation is finally here.
I'm not as burned out as I have been in years past--I have a fairly good group of kids this year--but I'm still tired. And, as usual, a little cold and sniffles has crept up at the beginning of vacation. And, as usual, my body is still determined to keep "school hours" for the time being. (Wiped out by 10:30, awake by 5:30.) That last part I don't really mind so much. I like being a morning person. Always have been one.
One of the great things about being on vacation is that instead of cramming several things into a 2-day weekend, I can set one project per day. Yesterday I was determined to wrap presents. I really scaled back on my Christmas shopping this year. All but 2 are wrapped.
Today I need to get to the post office and mail the gifts for my cousin whose name I drew in the family gift exchange. They have to get all the to Mississippi (she's in the Air Force.) I would also still like to get some twinkle lights up outside of the house on the bushes.
If I feeling really ambitious I may bring down some of the Lenox Christmas dishes from the the top shelf of my linen closet and take inventory on what I've got. Maybe wash some tablecloths too...or maybe that last part will be tomorrow's project.
This week will be all about preparing for the family gathering at my house on Christmas Eve. Next week will be all about my friend, Eric, coming for a visit. 11 days, yay! We've got all sorts of things planned before I have to go back to work. I'm excited!
I'm not as burned out as I have been in years past--I have a fairly good group of kids this year--but I'm still tired. And, as usual, a little cold and sniffles has crept up at the beginning of vacation. And, as usual, my body is still determined to keep "school hours" for the time being. (Wiped out by 10:30, awake by 5:30.) That last part I don't really mind so much. I like being a morning person. Always have been one.
One of the great things about being on vacation is that instead of cramming several things into a 2-day weekend, I can set one project per day. Yesterday I was determined to wrap presents. I really scaled back on my Christmas shopping this year. All but 2 are wrapped.
Today I need to get to the post office and mail the gifts for my cousin whose name I drew in the family gift exchange. They have to get all the to Mississippi (she's in the Air Force.) I would also still like to get some twinkle lights up outside of the house on the bushes.
If I feeling really ambitious I may bring down some of the Lenox Christmas dishes from the the top shelf of my linen closet and take inventory on what I've got. Maybe wash some tablecloths too...or maybe that last part will be tomorrow's project.
This week will be all about preparing for the family gathering at my house on Christmas Eve. Next week will be all about my friend, Eric, coming for a visit. 11 days, yay! We've got all sorts of things planned before I have to go back to work. I'm excited!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
One FULL Saturday!
I'm still in awe by how busy yesterday was, and the steady rain throughout the day didn't help.
Morning person that I am (it's 6:45 on a Sunday and I've already been up for an hour,) I was up early and moving furniture out of my sunroom to prepare for the carpet cleaner guy. He came at 9am, did a great job and stayed for an hour.
After that I ran to Macy's (we have a beautiful Macy's in Pasadena that is not attached to a mall that I really enjoy going to) and bought a few small Christmas gifts and some pajamas for me.
Between each errand I would come home and give Bailey a "potty opportunity" since he was cooped up in the house all day...
I was hungry for some lunch, so I decided to return to the Heirloom Bakery & Cafe' in South Pasadena that I went to last Saturday for a little elementary school reunion. It was darn chilly, but I sat outside and ordered the same thing as last week. It is on a corner with lots of cute shops and antique stores and you feel like you're in a small town. It is probably the most I relaxed all day until the evening.
From there I decided to drive the 15-20 miles to Covina to a wonderful store for teachers and parents called Thematic Attic. I get there about 1-2 times a year and right now I have 3 purchase orders from school that I need to use by Friday. If I don't use them, I lose them, so I had to go. Of the 3 places I need to get to, Thematic Attic is the farthest, so I wanted to get it over with. And, wow, for about 10 minutes while I was one the freeway it was raining SO hard I thought people were on the side of the road throwing buckets of water at my windows. And then, suddenly, it got lighter and lighter until it cleared completely. Once there, I found some great books and puzzles for my kids and drove home without incident.
By that time, I was pretty tired and decided to stay home for a while but still wanted to be productive. Throughout the day I had been working on cleaning out the drawers in my dresser and re-washing the things I was going to keep and bagging the things I wasn't. I was also washing and ironing the curtains in my bedroom. My house has A LOT of windows, so I have a lot of curtains, and since I spend more time in my bedroom than any other room, they get the most use.
Around 5pm when I was ironing I got a phone call. My mom was calling to say that my pregant sister-in-law and little nephew had been in a car accident but she didn't know the details. They seemed to be OK, but we needed to go to them. My brother was working until 7pm.
They were down a long street that has lights at every block, so it was a frustrating drive just getting to them, especially in the rain, but I did. They were OK. My mom was already there and a policeman was taking statements from the 3 parties involved. A 19-year-old girl was at fault, turning left when others had the right of way. She plowed into my sister-in-law's car and smashed up the front. Another car was also hit. The airbag even deployed and did its job well. And the baby car seat passed the test--Xander was fine, just a little shaken. He was a lot better by the time I got there, but apparently he had been screaming when it first happened and then went silent, like he was in a little bit of shock. An ambulance had checked everyone out, but there were no serious injuries, although Quyen's blood pressure did spike a bit at first. She also had a pot of soup in the car that her mother had given her to take home that had spilled everywhere.
Quyen talked to the policeman, I held Xander and tried to keep his hands warm, and my mom called AAA to tow the car. We were out in the nighttime rainy cold for a good hour at least. I drove Quyen and Xander back to their house (good thing they live so close! I think they are already realizing the benefits of being only half a mile away!) My mom met the AAA tow truck there. Then I went to a Vietnamese restaurant that we all like and picked up dinner for everyone. When I got back to their house, Quyen told me that my mom had to go and rescue my brother because he had 2 blowouts on his bike on the way home (he rides his bike to/from work daily.)
My mom and Jonathan came home and the dust from the day settled. We left Jonathan, Quyen, and Xander to be together as a family and my mom and I came back to my house to enjoy some yummy Vietnamese soup and rice noodle California rolls. By that time it was about 8:30pm. And the sad thing is that my mom had planned to take Xander to the church Christmas party so he could see Santa. Those plans got completely dashed.
But the important thing is that everyone was OK and safe and healthy after that scary incident. It really could've been so much worse.
By 9 I was in bed, pretty tired, and talking on the phone to my friend, Eric, as we often do. By 9:45 I was too sleepy to do anything but just crash.
Yep, it was a full day!
Morning person that I am (it's 6:45 on a Sunday and I've already been up for an hour,) I was up early and moving furniture out of my sunroom to prepare for the carpet cleaner guy. He came at 9am, did a great job and stayed for an hour.
After that I ran to Macy's (we have a beautiful Macy's in Pasadena that is not attached to a mall that I really enjoy going to) and bought a few small Christmas gifts and some pajamas for me.
Between each errand I would come home and give Bailey a "potty opportunity" since he was cooped up in the house all day...
I was hungry for some lunch, so I decided to return to the Heirloom Bakery & Cafe' in South Pasadena that I went to last Saturday for a little elementary school reunion. It was darn chilly, but I sat outside and ordered the same thing as last week. It is on a corner with lots of cute shops and antique stores and you feel like you're in a small town. It is probably the most I relaxed all day until the evening.
From there I decided to drive the 15-20 miles to Covina to a wonderful store for teachers and parents called Thematic Attic. I get there about 1-2 times a year and right now I have 3 purchase orders from school that I need to use by Friday. If I don't use them, I lose them, so I had to go. Of the 3 places I need to get to, Thematic Attic is the farthest, so I wanted to get it over with. And, wow, for about 10 minutes while I was one the freeway it was raining SO hard I thought people were on the side of the road throwing buckets of water at my windows. And then, suddenly, it got lighter and lighter until it cleared completely. Once there, I found some great books and puzzles for my kids and drove home without incident.
By that time, I was pretty tired and decided to stay home for a while but still wanted to be productive. Throughout the day I had been working on cleaning out the drawers in my dresser and re-washing the things I was going to keep and bagging the things I wasn't. I was also washing and ironing the curtains in my bedroom. My house has A LOT of windows, so I have a lot of curtains, and since I spend more time in my bedroom than any other room, they get the most use.
Around 5pm when I was ironing I got a phone call. My mom was calling to say that my pregant sister-in-law and little nephew had been in a car accident but she didn't know the details. They seemed to be OK, but we needed to go to them. My brother was working until 7pm.
They were down a long street that has lights at every block, so it was a frustrating drive just getting to them, especially in the rain, but I did. They were OK. My mom was already there and a policeman was taking statements from the 3 parties involved. A 19-year-old girl was at fault, turning left when others had the right of way. She plowed into my sister-in-law's car and smashed up the front. Another car was also hit. The airbag even deployed and did its job well. And the baby car seat passed the test--Xander was fine, just a little shaken. He was a lot better by the time I got there, but apparently he had been screaming when it first happened and then went silent, like he was in a little bit of shock. An ambulance had checked everyone out, but there were no serious injuries, although Quyen's blood pressure did spike a bit at first. She also had a pot of soup in the car that her mother had given her to take home that had spilled everywhere.
Quyen talked to the policeman, I held Xander and tried to keep his hands warm, and my mom called AAA to tow the car. We were out in the nighttime rainy cold for a good hour at least. I drove Quyen and Xander back to their house (good thing they live so close! I think they are already realizing the benefits of being only half a mile away!) My mom met the AAA tow truck there. Then I went to a Vietnamese restaurant that we all like and picked up dinner for everyone. When I got back to their house, Quyen told me that my mom had to go and rescue my brother because he had 2 blowouts on his bike on the way home (he rides his bike to/from work daily.)
My mom and Jonathan came home and the dust from the day settled. We left Jonathan, Quyen, and Xander to be together as a family and my mom and I came back to my house to enjoy some yummy Vietnamese soup and rice noodle California rolls. By that time it was about 8:30pm. And the sad thing is that my mom had planned to take Xander to the church Christmas party so he could see Santa. Those plans got completely dashed.
But the important thing is that everyone was OK and safe and healthy after that scary incident. It really could've been so much worse.
By 9 I was in bed, pretty tired, and talking on the phone to my friend, Eric, as we often do. By 9:45 I was too sleepy to do anything but just crash.
Yep, it was a full day!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
New washer and dryer---put to the test!
Well, here they are...click on any image to see a larger version...
My new washer and dryer were finally delivered today! 5 days later than what I was told last week, but 2 days before the "best-case scenario" I was told when I ordered them 2 weekends ago. It all works out, and the slight delay gave me a chance to learn more about them and become more adjusted to the "idea of the change.
They were delivered and hooked up and ready to use by 3:30 this afternoon. 4 hours later and I'm on my 5th load on laundry. So far, they seem to be working just fine. Yay! And I purposely have done different kinds of loads of different sizes: a medium sized load of towels (one was a "work towel" that was VERY soiled and it came out spotless,) a medium load of light colors, a bigger load of dark colors, two blankets, and right now I'm washing my heavy jacket.
Everything has come out looking great, no unusual smells, the machines are quiet and don't dance across the room, and I'm using 1/2 the detergent because they are water-savers.
All of my worry about this big change and ordering such fancy models and I have a good feeling that everything will work just fine. Whew!
P.S. I did discover the downside of doing so many loads in one afternoon though--I have to put them all away!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Kristie & Eric's Singing Duet Debut...
Now that MySpace Karaoke is allowing duets, people are really getting creative. But the one person I really wanted to do a duet with was my friend, Eric. His voice is so awesome. (And he can sing Elvis songs to make you croon...)
Last night we were on the phone and he told me that he had been practicing the guy's half of a song I had tried on my own a few weeks ago. Did I want to try singing it together and make a duet? Heck yes!
I'm really happy with the final result! He adjusted his microphone volume to compliment mine and did the most incredible harmonies. Yay! I can't wait for the next one!
The song is called Always and you can click HERE to listen to it.
P.S. I thought it would be fun to show pictures of us with some of our favorite kids: Eric with his nephew, Ashton, and me with my cousin, Cassidy. And, yes, we are the best of friends.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
OK, feeling better about my choice...
This morning I heard from my salesman, Rudy, at Lowe's about my new washer and dryer.
The good news is that they will be delivered next weekend!
I explained my concerns with some of the reviews I read online last night and he was very honest that, yes, previous generations of these models had had some of those issues, but that they have been dealt with. The model I bought is on its 3rd generation and has only been out for 3 months.
I feel better! Still, I'm glad that I opted to buy the extended warranty--which I usually shy away from--just because it is a relatively new machine and I want to be covered for those 5 years.
I do think everything's going to work out OK.
The good news is that they will be delivered next weekend!
I explained my concerns with some of the reviews I read online last night and he was very honest that, yes, previous generations of these models had had some of those issues, but that they have been dealt with. The model I bought is on its 3rd generation and has only been out for 3 months.
I feel better! Still, I'm glad that I opted to buy the extended warranty--which I usually shy away from--just because it is a relatively new machine and I want to be covered for those 5 years.
I do think everything's going to work out OK.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
I hope I don't regret my decision!
After months of feeling frustrated with my 2nd-hand washer and dryer (bought for $30 each at a moving sale 4.5 years ago when I was moving into my house,) I bought a new washer and dryer set today. My current dryer (a GE) oftentimes leaves the clothes damp after 45 minutes of "drying," and my current washer (a Maytag) frequently dances across the room after being "repaired" twice to deal with its constant balance issues.
Here are the ones I purchased:
Lowe's is having a really good deal on this Whirlpool set. The washer is the WTW6340WW and the dryer is the WGD6200SW. They're really pretty and kind of a happy medium between those really fancy front-loading machines that are the big thing nowadays and the older, traditional style with the dials.
The set is currently on back order and probably won't be in for about 2 weeks. I'm actually kind of glad, because it will give me a chance to change my mind if necessary. I am a little freaked though, because I came home and read the reviews for them online at different sites. People all like the dryer just fine, but the washer has not been getting good reviews. Some people say they have had leaks and some say it has ripped their clothes. OY... Now, granted, I'm just a household of 1 person, not a big family with huge volumes of laundry, but, still, when you buy new stuff you want it to work.
AND...the machines I bought have only been on the market for 3 months, so I think that the reviews I'm read are for some older models. Yes, this is me, trying to be optimistic. So, I'm a little bit disheartened by some of the things I read, but still thinking that I need to see for myself. No matter what, things like this are always a big decision and a lot of times you just don't know until the appliances are in your house and adjusting to the way you use them.
Keeping my fingers crossed. But, they're still pretty!
Here are the ones I purchased:
Lowe's is having a really good deal on this Whirlpool set. The washer is the WTW6340WW and the dryer is the WGD6200SW. They're really pretty and kind of a happy medium between those really fancy front-loading machines that are the big thing nowadays and the older, traditional style with the dials.The set is currently on back order and probably won't be in for about 2 weeks. I'm actually kind of glad, because it will give me a chance to change my mind if necessary. I am a little freaked though, because I came home and read the reviews for them online at different sites. People all like the dryer just fine, but the washer has not been getting good reviews. Some people say they have had leaks and some say it has ripped their clothes. OY... Now, granted, I'm just a household of 1 person, not a big family with huge volumes of laundry, but, still, when you buy new stuff you want it to work.
AND...the machines I bought have only been on the market for 3 months, so I think that the reviews I'm read are for some older models. Yes, this is me, trying to be optimistic. So, I'm a little bit disheartened by some of the things I read, but still thinking that I need to see for myself. No matter what, things like this are always a big decision and a lot of times you just don't know until the appliances are in your house and adjusting to the way you use them.
Keeping my fingers crossed. But, they're still pretty!
God Bless Us Everyone...
I have some standard favorite Christmas CDs that I grew up on, like Elvis, The Carpenters, John Denver, and Andy Williams. But recently some of our current popular artists have released some great holiday albums.
Here are some samples of my favorites from some of them:
Celine Dion
Album: These Are Special Times
Song: God Bless Us Everyone
Josh Groban
Album: Noel
Song: Thankful
Michael Ball
Album: Christmas
Song: As Long As There's Christmas (duet w/ the fabulous Elaine Paige)
(THIS IS MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY CD IN MY COLLECTION)
Enjoy this cute Harry Potter-themed video
And last but not least, the wonderful group Celtic Woman, who I have had the chance to see twice in concert. Their Christmas album is gorgeous. I love this song called Christmas Pipes.
Here are some samples of my favorites from some of them:
Celine Dion
Album: These Are Special Times
Song: God Bless Us Everyone
Josh Groban
Album: Noel
Song: Thankful
Michael Ball
Album: Christmas
Song: As Long As There's Christmas (duet w/ the fabulous Elaine Paige)
(THIS IS MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY CD IN MY COLLECTION)
Enjoy this cute Harry Potter-themed video
And last but not least, the wonderful group Celtic Woman, who I have had the chance to see twice in concert. Their Christmas album is gorgeous. I love this song called Christmas Pipes.
2 Days of Decorating...
So far, I have accomplished my Christmas decorating goals for this long Thanksgiving weekend. It was nice not to be rushed. All that is left is putting lights on the bushes outside.
Here are the fruits of my labors. You can click on any of the pictures to see a larger image.
I love having a pretty tree with a color theme. Mine is silver and white. I use a pre-lit artificial tree. No pretty tree smell, but so much easier! And I learned when I lived in my apartment years ago that a really great and inexpensive way to add a lot of decorations is by using two rolls of nice wired ribbon and 2 packages of pre-wired bows (one shiny set and one matte set.) Then I just had to supplement with about 6 boxes of silver and white ornaments. Everything goes back into their original boxes when the season is over.
My philosophy is that you can never have too many twinkle lights.
This is something that I recently inherited from my grandparents who both passed last year. They made this together to hold a Mexican nativity scene. My grandpa built this diorama from a picture frame and wood. My grandma painted the inside and added the stars and rays. There are holes for lights, although the current lights aren't working and this is the best place I could find for it--my entry hall--which doesn't have any outlets. But since this is the first time Christmas Eve will be at my house instead of at the grandparents', I was determined to find a place for this. I know it will mean a lot to my family when they see it.
Here are the fruits of my labors. You can click on any of the pictures to see a larger image.
I love having a pretty tree with a color theme. Mine is silver and white. I use a pre-lit artificial tree. No pretty tree smell, but so much easier! And I learned when I lived in my apartment years ago that a really great and inexpensive way to add a lot of decorations is by using two rolls of nice wired ribbon and 2 packages of pre-wired bows (one shiny set and one matte set.) Then I just had to supplement with about 6 boxes of silver and white ornaments. Everything goes back into their original boxes when the season is over.
My philosophy is that you can never have too many twinkle lights.
This is something that I recently inherited from my grandparents who both passed last year. They made this together to hold a Mexican nativity scene. My grandpa built this diorama from a picture frame and wood. My grandma painted the inside and added the stars and rays. There are holes for lights, although the current lights aren't working and this is the best place I could find for it--my entry hall--which doesn't have any outlets. But since this is the first time Christmas Eve will be at my house instead of at the grandparents', I was determined to find a place for this. I know it will mean a lot to my family when they see it.And now, 2 more days of vacation. It is nice to know that the bulk of the decorating is all done!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The holidays are upon us...
Amazing, it's almost Thanksgiving! How did that happen? I think it feels extra strange because I completely missed Halloween (being down for the count with the flu that day.)
Today is my first of FIVE...DAYS...OFF. Lovely! I've decided to use the next few days to transition the house into a Christmas house. One day of indoor decorations. One day of outside lights, and one day to do the tree. They don't all take one whole day, but I want to pace myself. Last year I did everything in one day and was exhausted. And now I've got the time and don't plan on hitting the stores on Black Friday.
Actually, my family will be celebrating Thanksgiving ON Friday so that some of my cousins can attend who have to work tomorrow. The more the merrier. We'll be at my aunt and uncle's house this year.
Other than this current vacation, life is just rolling along. My mom is enjoying some new appliances, my brother and his family are enjoying living in their very own house, and I have a special visitor coming at the end of December. As my mom put it, "It seems like we're all at a crossroads right now." Perhaps that's true, but change is good. Sometimes you have to shake things up a little.
The other day I was listening to some of my CDs that I hadn't heard in a while. I have 3 by New Zealand teen singer Hayley Westenra, who sometimes sings with the Celtic Woman group. I love this particular song. It's a good one for this season. Enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving everyone. We have so much to be thankful for.
P.S. I am feeling A LOT better after that nasty flu. Believe me when I tell you that nearly a month later, I'm still not 100%. There's a cough that's been hanging on for a while, but I do not have pneumonia (got a chest x-ray) and at least I can go back to work. I used 9/10 of my sick days already!)
Today is my first of FIVE...DAYS...OFF. Lovely! I've decided to use the next few days to transition the house into a Christmas house. One day of indoor decorations. One day of outside lights, and one day to do the tree. They don't all take one whole day, but I want to pace myself. Last year I did everything in one day and was exhausted. And now I've got the time and don't plan on hitting the stores on Black Friday.
Actually, my family will be celebrating Thanksgiving ON Friday so that some of my cousins can attend who have to work tomorrow. The more the merrier. We'll be at my aunt and uncle's house this year.
Other than this current vacation, life is just rolling along. My mom is enjoying some new appliances, my brother and his family are enjoying living in their very own house, and I have a special visitor coming at the end of December. As my mom put it, "It seems like we're all at a crossroads right now." Perhaps that's true, but change is good. Sometimes you have to shake things up a little.
The other day I was listening to some of my CDs that I hadn't heard in a while. I have 3 by New Zealand teen singer Hayley Westenra, who sometimes sings with the Celtic Woman group. I love this particular song. It's a good one for this season. Enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving everyone. We have so much to be thankful for.
P.S. I am feeling A LOT better after that nasty flu. Believe me when I tell you that nearly a month later, I'm still not 100%. There's a cough that's been hanging on for a while, but I do not have pneumonia (got a chest x-ray) and at least I can go back to work. I used 9/10 of my sick days already!)
Monday, November 16, 2009
Yay! I can sing again!
I haven't done any singing in 2 whole weeks and I've missed it a lot. It is such a great stress reliever for me. But today while teaching I could really feel like my voice was stronger than it has been in several days and knew that it was time to give it a try when I got home.
Click on the song title to listen:
I COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT
HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS (It's not too early, is it? Well, maybe a little!)
WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN
Click on the song title to listen:
I COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT
HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS (It's not too early, is it? Well, maybe a little!)
WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Nine days later...
So here is the update on my illness. It's lasted for days and days and days.On Thursday I went to the doctor, and after an interminable 3 hours at the office, I still don't know anything conclusive. It MIGHT be the H1N1. It MIGHT be pneumonia, because my breathing is raspy and I have a cough that I haven't been able to shake.
The doctor wanted to have a chest xray taken and I was supposed to call yesterday to get the results. I called and the doctor hasn't called me back. The whole doctor experience has been kind of frustrating because of the constant delay.
As far as work, I've missed 6 days just because of this illness, but I know that there was no way I could've gone. My job requires so much and it is nonstop all day. You just have to be 100%. I'll go back on Monday and I know I won't be 100% by then, but I'll be much better than last week. Plus, we get Wednesday off for Veteran's Day.
It's been a very slow recovery.
This morning I woke up and, even though I've still fighting this cough, I was determined to get up and out and enjoy this beautiful day. The weather is so gorgeous right now! I got half of my report cards done and ran a few errands. Next on the agenda is to walk around the block and check out the Christmas boutique at the church around the corner. They usually have cute things.
Christmas boutique? Yes, it is that time of year. I can't believe it. Yesterday I stopped at the mall for a quick bit and Macy's has their Christmas decorations up. On TV I saw the first ad with a Christmas theme. Incredible.
So that's what's been going on. I just hope to hear from the doctor soon, because if I am supposed to be on antibiotics, I want to get started...
Friday, October 30, 2009
Sick Day...
I woke up feeling so unbelievably lousy this morning. I look and sound like a NyQuil commercial. There have been some minor signs for days, but this morning a bad cold was full blown. When it does happen, it is usually in October. Today was a pupil-free day--no students--with a meeting by the math publishers. There was no way I could go. The only place I've been today was Target to get a new blanket for my bed, and I got a cart there just to have something to lean on.
The rest of the day has been spent in bed, enjoying a recording of last night's episode of Grey's Anatomy, and sleeping, sleeping, sleeping. That when I really know I'm sick, because I very rarely sleep during the day. Not sure if I have a fever, but I suspect I do.
Thank goodness I have 2 more days to try and kick this. I guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend. So much for working on report cards. Hopefully I can still make it to day trip to San Juan Capistrano on Sunday with my cousin.
Back to bed. Blah.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A monster has been created!
OK, so you know that I love to sing. I don't have a lot of opportunities, so the invention of online karaoke has been a great creative outlet for me. I've tried 3 different sites, but the one on MySpace is definitely the best and the highest quality.
And now there is a new feature called a "mikksu," which means MIX in Japanese. You can invite friends to sing with you--up to 4 people can sing on one song. You can do audio or video (the final videos look a little like the opening credits of The Brady Bunch.)
I've done a couple of duets and sent them on to my friend, Steven, who is still working on the finished products. But, my friend, Eric, had a GREAT idea--how about doing a duet with myself?
It worked great! I did 2 yesterday. A more serious Love Me Tender, and a goofy Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da. Hey. Elvis and The Beatles. Can't go wrong there. Click the song titles listen. It's really fun!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
A little bit o' catch up...
As usual, life has taken on its frenzied pace. Very normal for this time of year.
The Lea Salonga concert last Sunday night was amazing! We were in the 14th row in a theater that had a very intimate setup. I didn't realize this when I purchased the tickets, but the concert was part of a charity event being hosted by an organization called "A 3M", which stands for Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches. Bone marrow matches and transplants.
In the theater's lobby there was a silent auction going on that had everything from Avon products, to fine jewelry, to Lakers seats right next to Jack Nicholson at the Staples Center. You can only imagine where all the men were gathered!
The concert was beautiful, Lea Salonga's voice was heavenly, and she sang songs from Broadway, oldies, and some Disney.
Outside in the lobby I decided to register as a bone marrow donor and I even won the silent auction for a beautiful set of white gold/pearl and diamond earrings/ring/charm. They aren't super high-quality, but they're real, and they will go with lots of outfits.
The rest of the week took on its normal intensity at school, except that it seems like certain kids chose those few days to really push the limits. Lots of kids getting in trouble for various reasons, one is even suspended tomorrow for stealing. Stealing--in 4th grade. Oy.
Yesterday morning I woke up obscenely early and got my backyard ready so that my painter could sand and repaint my deck. It was really mangled after 4 1/2 years of pet claws and weed wackers from the gardeners. And now it is all done and looks great.
In the middle of the day I ran to the nursery and bought a few new winter flowers to replace some of the scraggly ones in my planters around my brick patio. Some safari plum, white snapdragon, and hot pink dianthus (those little flowers have really proved themselves to me lately!) Replanting took very little time because I had already cleaned things out and prepped the planters. They look great and nice with the newly painted deck.
Last night my mom and I went to a Vietnamese wedding reception for my sister-in-law's sister. There were about 300 people there, and my mom, brother, and I were the ONLY non-Vietnamese people there. I felt really TALL...LOL!
I didn't know what to expect, because I hardly knew anyone, but I actually had a really nice time! It was fun to see my nephew, Alexander, in his little tuxedo. (The shoulders were too big, and my brother said the outfit reminded him of Peter Boyle in Young Frankenstein singing Puttin' on the Ritz. Funny!) My sister-in-law, Quyen, is the oldest of 7 kids, and her family is really nice. They really make an effort to make us feel welcome and included. I like her dad a lot. He reminds me of my grandpa who passed away last year--quiet, but with a certain strength and nobility about him.
The meal was amazing--a 10 course dinner that included scallops, lobster, prawns, sharkfin soup with crab...the list goes on and on. Unfortunately, the dinner wasn't served until late and ran past 11pm. I was so tired and asked my mom if she wouldn't mind if we left before the cake was served.
A funny and unexpected turn of events happened during the reception. There was live music with 3 different singers. One of them sang 2 songs in Vietnamese and then started singing A Kind of Hush by The Carpenters. I was lip-synching along and she noticed and brought me a mike and we finished the song together! That was fun! I couldn't hear myself at all, but I was told it sounded pretty good!
Today my tired body actually slept in until 8:30am! It never does that! Dressed by 10am, I ran some errands and came back and immersed myself into a new novel, The Two Mrs. Grenvilles, by Dominick Dunne. If you read my blog you probably remember me raving about a documentary I watched on him a couple of months ago. I've been on a Dominick Dunne kick ever since and the novel (his first of 5) is fun, juicy, and captivating. High society murder and all that goes with it.
It's been a good 2 days and the weather has been gorgeous. And now I'm revitalized and ready to take on the week and all it has to throw at me. Bring it on!
The Lea Salonga concert last Sunday night was amazing! We were in the 14th row in a theater that had a very intimate setup. I didn't realize this when I purchased the tickets, but the concert was part of a charity event being hosted by an organization called "A 3M", which stands for Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches. Bone marrow matches and transplants.
In the theater's lobby there was a silent auction going on that had everything from Avon products, to fine jewelry, to Lakers seats right next to Jack Nicholson at the Staples Center. You can only imagine where all the men were gathered!
The concert was beautiful, Lea Salonga's voice was heavenly, and she sang songs from Broadway, oldies, and some Disney.
Outside in the lobby I decided to register as a bone marrow donor and I even won the silent auction for a beautiful set of white gold/pearl and diamond earrings/ring/charm. They aren't super high-quality, but they're real, and they will go with lots of outfits.The rest of the week took on its normal intensity at school, except that it seems like certain kids chose those few days to really push the limits. Lots of kids getting in trouble for various reasons, one is even suspended tomorrow for stealing. Stealing--in 4th grade. Oy.
Yesterday morning I woke up obscenely early and got my backyard ready so that my painter could sand and repaint my deck. It was really mangled after 4 1/2 years of pet claws and weed wackers from the gardeners. And now it is all done and looks great.
In the middle of the day I ran to the nursery and bought a few new winter flowers to replace some of the scraggly ones in my planters around my brick patio. Some safari plum, white snapdragon, and hot pink dianthus (those little flowers have really proved themselves to me lately!) Replanting took very little time because I had already cleaned things out and prepped the planters. They look great and nice with the newly painted deck.
Last night my mom and I went to a Vietnamese wedding reception for my sister-in-law's sister. There were about 300 people there, and my mom, brother, and I were the ONLY non-Vietnamese people there. I felt really TALL...LOL!
I didn't know what to expect, because I hardly knew anyone, but I actually had a really nice time! It was fun to see my nephew, Alexander, in his little tuxedo. (The shoulders were too big, and my brother said the outfit reminded him of Peter Boyle in Young Frankenstein singing Puttin' on the Ritz. Funny!) My sister-in-law, Quyen, is the oldest of 7 kids, and her family is really nice. They really make an effort to make us feel welcome and included. I like her dad a lot. He reminds me of my grandpa who passed away last year--quiet, but with a certain strength and nobility about him.
The meal was amazing--a 10 course dinner that included scallops, lobster, prawns, sharkfin soup with crab...the list goes on and on. Unfortunately, the dinner wasn't served until late and ran past 11pm. I was so tired and asked my mom if she wouldn't mind if we left before the cake was served.
A funny and unexpected turn of events happened during the reception. There was live music with 3 different singers. One of them sang 2 songs in Vietnamese and then started singing A Kind of Hush by The Carpenters. I was lip-synching along and she noticed and brought me a mike and we finished the song together! That was fun! I couldn't hear myself at all, but I was told it sounded pretty good!
Today my tired body actually slept in until 8:30am! It never does that! Dressed by 10am, I ran some errands and came back and immersed myself into a new novel, The Two Mrs. Grenvilles, by Dominick Dunne. If you read my blog you probably remember me raving about a documentary I watched on him a couple of months ago. I've been on a Dominick Dunne kick ever since and the novel (his first of 5) is fun, juicy, and captivating. High society murder and all that goes with it.
It's been a good 2 days and the weather has been gorgeous. And now I'm revitalized and ready to take on the week and all it has to throw at me. Bring it on!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Free Photo Booth...
This is one of the funniest videos I have seen. I think it was on the Tonight Show. Prepare to laugh!!
Friday, October 16, 2009
A Kanye West Week...
What do I mean by that? MULTIPLE INTERRUPTIONS. LOL!
OK, I thought it was funny.
Sometimes you just end up with weeks like that, where the days are constantly broken up by extra things. This week we had 2 rainy days, Picture Day, 3 meetings in the middle of the school day, and an earthquake drill.
When is there time to teach? Whenever we can. And today my lamp started to die in my LED projector and the computer tech aide says it could take up to 3 weeks to get another one.
So why am I in good spirits? Well, aside from Tuesday--first rainy day of the school year always makes everyone crazy--the kids have been pretty good, even my most difficult ones. And I'm losing 2 kids because our class is so overcrowded with 34 students. The 2 most recent enrollees are going to another class that has had 8 children move away (sometimes that happens.)
And now I'm just happy that it is the weekend!! Woo hoo!! Tonight I'm babysitting Alexander and we're going to make an appearance at the carnival being hosted by the church around the corner. Hopefully it won't be too loud! And on Sunday evening I am seeing the wonderful Lea Salonga in concert at the beautiful Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. She won a Tony for Miss Saigon several years back and has the most beautiful, clear voice. What a thrill! I can't wait!
Here's a video of her. Even if you don't know who she is, you've probably heard her before...
OK, I thought it was funny.
Sometimes you just end up with weeks like that, where the days are constantly broken up by extra things. This week we had 2 rainy days, Picture Day, 3 meetings in the middle of the school day, and an earthquake drill.
When is there time to teach? Whenever we can. And today my lamp started to die in my LED projector and the computer tech aide says it could take up to 3 weeks to get another one.
So why am I in good spirits? Well, aside from Tuesday--first rainy day of the school year always makes everyone crazy--the kids have been pretty good, even my most difficult ones. And I'm losing 2 kids because our class is so overcrowded with 34 students. The 2 most recent enrollees are going to another class that has had 8 children move away (sometimes that happens.)
And now I'm just happy that it is the weekend!! Woo hoo!! Tonight I'm babysitting Alexander and we're going to make an appearance at the carnival being hosted by the church around the corner. Hopefully it won't be too loud! And on Sunday evening I am seeing the wonderful Lea Salonga in concert at the beautiful Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. She won a Tony for Miss Saigon several years back and has the most beautiful, clear voice. What a thrill! I can't wait!
Here's a video of her. Even if you don't know who she is, you've probably heard her before...
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
What a week...
...it's been busy! CELDT testing for 3 days, staff meeting, grade level meeting, Back to School Night tomorrow...
No wonder I'm tired.
I'll try to get a post in this weekend, along with some pictures of this Saturday's family gathering for the October birthdays. What should I get my mom???
No wonder I'm tired.
I'll try to get a post in this weekend, along with some pictures of this Saturday's family gathering for the October birthdays. What should I get my mom???
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Beautiful Music...
This morning I recorded a song that I had never heard before today. It is called The Portrait of My Love. My friend, Steven, told me about it and suggested that I give it a go. I'm so glad he did! It was easy to learn and has that old-fashioned sound to it that I love so much. I hope you'll stop by and give it a listen. It's a lovely song!
Click on the song title to hear it...
THE PORTRAIT OF MY LOVE
And for the record, I'm feeling a lot better. Yesterday's rest was just what my mixed up mind and tired body needed. After a few hours sleep in the middle of the day I went to Disneyland with my friend, Bobby, and we enjoyed the park for a few hours and had dinner. The weather was gorgeous and the park was all decorated for fall. A nice break.
Click on the song title to hear it...
THE PORTRAIT OF MY LOVE
And for the record, I'm feeling a lot better. Yesterday's rest was just what my mixed up mind and tired body needed. After a few hours sleep in the middle of the day I went to Disneyland with my friend, Bobby, and we enjoyed the park for a few hours and had dinner. The weather was gorgeous and the park was all decorated for fall. A nice break.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Which dwarf are you?
I've always thought of myself more as Doc. In many situations I'm often the voice of reason. Certainly in my classroom this is true, where I play referee, psychologist, and calming guru on a daily basis.This week has been exhausting and draining because of certain kids who are very at risk and teeter on the brink between calm and explosive every single day. Two particular kids that are on medication have had a rough week. They behaved for me about 95% of the time and were diffcult with everyone else. I consider that a triumph, but I've also worn myself out to make this happen. Still, I've maintained on solid footing with both of them each day.
Yesterday Kid A, who is being raised by a grandma, had an especially bad day. His parents are in Mexico and Mom can't take care of the kids for whatever reason. Yet he resents Grandma, like she took him away from Mom. I think that he has an idealized vision of what it would be like to live with Mom. Having grown up without a dad I can understand that. It takes a long time to realize that their best may not be what you want to believe. By the end of the day he was making noises during my lesson and I had to send him out. Our first referral of the year, which I did not want to do.
After Kid A had left I turned to continue the lesson and saw Kid B, who is ADHD, shredding paper into little pieces all over the floor. He got a referral too. I chose that moment because both kids had been warned multiple times and it was time for me to follow through. If I didn't do it they wouldn't take me seriously.
That is how the school day ended.
Kid B returned first after all the others had left and we talked. I know that sometimes he just goes into a fog when he does these things, but other incidents had happened this week to prompt me to finally give him a referral.
Kid A returned and had the proverbial wall up. I was supposed to meet with Grandma that afternoon. I asked him a few questions about her, like how he felt about her, and I got a lot of shrugs. When I suggested that perhaps part of the reason he was mad and acting out was because he wasn't with his mom (all said with sensitivity) I saw the poor kid's eyes fill with tears until they overflowed down his cheeks. Good grief, some of these kids are dealing with so much. And in true machisimo fashion, he just stood stoically and let them fall. I got a tissue and wiped them away, telling him that I want to be his friend and that I'm here for him if he needs me and needs to talk. I just need him to meet me halfway a little. There was a little breakthrough, but I could tell that he didn't like that I was seeing him as vulnerable.
Kid A left and I waited for Grandma for 20 minutes, who never showed up.
I left drained and exhausted, thinking about all of the issues some of these kids have in their lives. No wonder they can't concentrate on schoolwork.
Later in the day I felt the weight of these 2 kids' problems still on my shoulders. How could I not? I feel badly for them. They didn't ask to be born into these situations. It makes me realize how much of our lives is just pure luck, being born into a good family, having loving parents, having both parents. There are a lot of our lives we can control, but there are a lot that we can't. When I see how many challenges some of these kids face at such a young age that are beyond their control, it makes me wonder what the future holds for them.
I had very little left for the rest of the day and started yawning very early.
And then later someone told me I had been grumpy since school began. Ouch.
It is amazing how you can hold it together, hold it together and then.....gush....the tears come and you're over the edge.
Again I wished I could be one of those people who lets things roll off their backs, but, alas, I am not.
Every year has its challenges. This year I already know what they are: an oversized group of 34 kids and several very fragile kids. There are 5 in counseling--FIVE. They are only 9 years old. How can I not feel for them? I guess my 3rd challenge is to either feel a little less, or try to not absorb things so much.
I'm working on it.
But since I'm not there yet, I took today off for a little recharge.
Monday, September 28, 2009
I'm on top of the world...
Why?
Because my classroom's ceiling is fixed. The maintenance guys were working on it this morning before school even began. I was so worried that we would be forced out of the classroom for a few days because you just never know how long it will take to get things fixed.
I did have to take my kids to another classroom for about half an hour. It is an empty classroom, so there were no materials, not enough desks, and just a few storybooks. I read them one and a half books and then it was time to go back to our own room. It was so nice to be back among our own things! I had new appreciation!
And, along that theme, here are 3 songs that I recorded this afternoon on MySpace Karaoke, including The Carpenters' Top of the World. I used to sing that song when I was a little kid. It is a special part of my childhood.
Click the song titles to listen, and thanks for listening!
TOP OF THE WORLD
ALWAYS
THE SONG REMEMBERS WHEN
All very different styles of songs! I'm often in a singing mood on Monday afternoons. Not sure why...
Because my classroom's ceiling is fixed. The maintenance guys were working on it this morning before school even began. I was so worried that we would be forced out of the classroom for a few days because you just never know how long it will take to get things fixed.
I did have to take my kids to another classroom for about half an hour. It is an empty classroom, so there were no materials, not enough desks, and just a few storybooks. I read them one and a half books and then it was time to go back to our own room. It was so nice to be back among our own things! I had new appreciation!
And, along that theme, here are 3 songs that I recorded this afternoon on MySpace Karaoke, including The Carpenters' Top of the World. I used to sing that song when I was a little kid. It is a special part of my childhood.
Click the song titles to listen, and thanks for listening!
TOP OF THE WORLD
ALWAYS
THE SONG REMEMBERS WHEN
All very different styles of songs! I'm often in a singing mood on Monday afternoons. Not sure why...
Sunday, September 27, 2009
A Cousins Weekend...
I have been craving a change of scenery lately. Yes, already I could feel myself getting into that rut during the school year: work, return from work, recover from work, sleep, and back to work. That gets old really fast.
My cousin, Laura, had been talking about going to explore this little town near San Diego called Julian, and picked this weekend as the time to do it. I love spending time with Laura. She's really mellow and fun and easy to be around. And of course, there is is Cassidy, Laura's little 5 year old, who always makes things interesting! But she's a good little girl and we have a lot fun.
Yesterday I got up nice and early and drove the 140 miles south from Los Angeles to San Diego and got to see the little house that Laura is renting in the town of Jamul. It feels like a little ranching town, and Laura's house is up a long steep driveway, tucked away from the traffic that whizzes down the street outside.
We drove the one hour of VERY twisty roads and arrived in Julian.
It was a cute place. Extremely small! It is basically one street that looks like something you would see in an old western. There were *maybe* 30 shops and restaurants total. The antique stores were kind of like glorified thrift stores, most of the restaurants boasted having Julian's best pie, and the gift stores had cute items that were mostly "made in China."
So much for Julian.
We did have a nice lunch at this place called the Julian Grille. It was a house that had been converted into a restaurant. We were at a table that was in what was probably the original dining room. The food and service were excellent. Everyone we met was very nice, actually, except for the grumpy lady who sold us a boysenberry/apple crumb pie. Maybe she was just having a bad day.
Laura navigated the twisty road back to her house like a pro while I held my aching stomach. Twisty roads and me do not go well together, which is why I usually end up driving. But it was OK. We did a lot of good talking in the car. It is nice to be able to feel that comfortable with your cousin, and I do with Laura. After all, she and her sister, Monica, are the closest to sisters that I will ever have, so I'm glad we're very close.
Back at her house we lazed around for a couple of hours and then decided to go to Albertson's for some dinner stuff and Blockbuster for a movie.
We had chicken, green beans, pie for dessert, and watched a double feature of Greenfingers (one of my favorites) and Centre Stage. Cassidy enjoyed a Hello Kitty movie on her own. Laura cleaned the kitchen while I read Cassidy some nursery rhymes at bedtime.
After sleeping like a log on Cassidy's little bunk bed, I left around noon and stopped in San Juan Capistrano for about 2 hours. I couldn't pass up popping into the Old Barn Antique store and getting a burrito at Pedro's across the street from the lovely ruins of the old mission. I find that town very relaxing. Laura and I want to meet there one day so she can have a chance to see the antique store too.
I left with a pretty cut crystal vase, which I DROPPED on my way into the restroom at Starbucks (doh!) and a really cool 1940's glass lamp for my chest of drawers in my bedroom. I've been wanting a new lamp for that space. The old one was malfunctioning (from a moving sale.) When I saw this one I just thought it was so interesting and original. A good size too.
I can't believe I dropped this little vase 5 minutes after I purchased it. Here's a strategic picture hiding the area of the lip that got a little broken with my clumsiness...
The bottom of the lamp was practically black, but with a little polishing, I was able to rediscover its nice copper color. It is cool the way it refracts the light on the wall. I like the random pieces of glass all shooting off in different directions. Original stuff is fun to have in the home--much more interesting that things from modern day stores.
Another hour and a half in the car and I was finally home. Be it ever so humble.....etc., etc., right?
I had a good time this weekend. It was just what I needed. A little change.
My cousin, Laura, had been talking about going to explore this little town near San Diego called Julian, and picked this weekend as the time to do it. I love spending time with Laura. She's really mellow and fun and easy to be around. And of course, there is is Cassidy, Laura's little 5 year old, who always makes things interesting! But she's a good little girl and we have a lot fun.
Yesterday I got up nice and early and drove the 140 miles south from Los Angeles to San Diego and got to see the little house that Laura is renting in the town of Jamul. It feels like a little ranching town, and Laura's house is up a long steep driveway, tucked away from the traffic that whizzes down the street outside.
We drove the one hour of VERY twisty roads and arrived in Julian.
It was a cute place. Extremely small! It is basically one street that looks like something you would see in an old western. There were *maybe* 30 shops and restaurants total. The antique stores were kind of like glorified thrift stores, most of the restaurants boasted having Julian's best pie, and the gift stores had cute items that were mostly "made in China."
So much for Julian.
We did have a nice lunch at this place called the Julian Grille. It was a house that had been converted into a restaurant. We were at a table that was in what was probably the original dining room. The food and service were excellent. Everyone we met was very nice, actually, except for the grumpy lady who sold us a boysenberry/apple crumb pie. Maybe she was just having a bad day.
Laura navigated the twisty road back to her house like a pro while I held my aching stomach. Twisty roads and me do not go well together, which is why I usually end up driving. But it was OK. We did a lot of good talking in the car. It is nice to be able to feel that comfortable with your cousin, and I do with Laura. After all, she and her sister, Monica, are the closest to sisters that I will ever have, so I'm glad we're very close.
Back at her house we lazed around for a couple of hours and then decided to go to Albertson's for some dinner stuff and Blockbuster for a movie.
We had chicken, green beans, pie for dessert, and watched a double feature of Greenfingers (one of my favorites) and Centre Stage. Cassidy enjoyed a Hello Kitty movie on her own. Laura cleaned the kitchen while I read Cassidy some nursery rhymes at bedtime.
After sleeping like a log on Cassidy's little bunk bed, I left around noon and stopped in San Juan Capistrano for about 2 hours. I couldn't pass up popping into the Old Barn Antique store and getting a burrito at Pedro's across the street from the lovely ruins of the old mission. I find that town very relaxing. Laura and I want to meet there one day so she can have a chance to see the antique store too.
I left with a pretty cut crystal vase, which I DROPPED on my way into the restroom at Starbucks (doh!) and a really cool 1940's glass lamp for my chest of drawers in my bedroom. I've been wanting a new lamp for that space. The old one was malfunctioning (from a moving sale.) When I saw this one I just thought it was so interesting and original. A good size too.
I can't believe I dropped this little vase 5 minutes after I purchased it. Here's a strategic picture hiding the area of the lip that got a little broken with my clumsiness...
The bottom of the lamp was practically black, but with a little polishing, I was able to rediscover its nice copper color. It is cool the way it refracts the light on the wall. I like the random pieces of glass all shooting off in different directions. Original stuff is fun to have in the home--much more interesting that things from modern day stores.(Click either picture to see it full-sized...)
I had a good time this weekend. It was just what I needed. A little change.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Amazing Bicycle Acrobat Video...
Got 5 minutes? Watch this video. It is incredible what this guy can do. Mothers will cringe, but it is still very cool! Great music in the background too...
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Ah, the weekend...a time to reflect...
This is the time when I review the week in my head and weigh what went well and what could use some improving.
I have 3 kids in my class that will be attending counseling soon. Emotionally, they're on the fringe. All boys. I've had to handle things differently with them. One I knew about, the other two I discovered had some emotional problems in the first couple of days. One is ADHD whose mom slips his meds into his breakfast each morning, one has abandonment issues because his parents sent him here to the US to live while they stayed behind in Mexico (years ago,) and one is from a family where the dad died and he's got emotional and self-control issues.
When I weigh what went well, I feel like I have done pretty well with these 3 boys, showing patience and understanding. Knowing their situation helps me with my reactions a lot.
Of course, in the neighborhood where I teach, practically every kid has a story, it is just a matter of learning what they are over time.
When I think about what I can do better, I think I need to do a better job of picking my battles with the group as a whole. With 34 kids, I definitely have to be strict, but I know I'm going wear myself out a lot sooner if I try to correct every little behavior flaw. I'm lightening up on the uniform policy a tiny bit because I just don't have the energy to say "Please tuck in your shirt" 100 times a day to the boys who where them down to their knees. I'm focusing more on self-control, honesty, and respect. Hopefully the little things will follow.
Yesterday we had a training all day and no students. Easy money, a day without stress. I got to meet with my grade level for a while and we navigated throughout the district's website, which was helpful.
After school I went to my Mom's house to spend time with her and my nephew. We took Alexander to our Friday night sushi dinner and then to Macy's. We went to my favorite Macy's, which is on Lake Ave in Pasadena. It isn't part of a mall, and is an old building that has been refurbished, but still has some great older touches to it, like frosted art deco designs in the glass windows and old staircases that take you decades back in time. I took advantage of the Estee Lauder gift with purchase, my mom used a coupon from the newspaper, and Alexander got to experiment with taking things off the rack and then putting them back. At least he put everything back the same way!
Then we came home, packed up his things and drove him to my brother's apartment. I came home and got caught up some more on Grey's Anatomy episodes. Sleep came great and lasted long.
Hooray for the weekend. They always come at the right time...
I have 3 kids in my class that will be attending counseling soon. Emotionally, they're on the fringe. All boys. I've had to handle things differently with them. One I knew about, the other two I discovered had some emotional problems in the first couple of days. One is ADHD whose mom slips his meds into his breakfast each morning, one has abandonment issues because his parents sent him here to the US to live while they stayed behind in Mexico (years ago,) and one is from a family where the dad died and he's got emotional and self-control issues.
When I weigh what went well, I feel like I have done pretty well with these 3 boys, showing patience and understanding. Knowing their situation helps me with my reactions a lot.
Of course, in the neighborhood where I teach, practically every kid has a story, it is just a matter of learning what they are over time.
When I think about what I can do better, I think I need to do a better job of picking my battles with the group as a whole. With 34 kids, I definitely have to be strict, but I know I'm going wear myself out a lot sooner if I try to correct every little behavior flaw. I'm lightening up on the uniform policy a tiny bit because I just don't have the energy to say "Please tuck in your shirt" 100 times a day to the boys who where them down to their knees. I'm focusing more on self-control, honesty, and respect. Hopefully the little things will follow.
Yesterday we had a training all day and no students. Easy money, a day without stress. I got to meet with my grade level for a while and we navigated throughout the district's website, which was helpful.
After school I went to my Mom's house to spend time with her and my nephew. We took Alexander to our Friday night sushi dinner and then to Macy's. We went to my favorite Macy's, which is on Lake Ave in Pasadena. It isn't part of a mall, and is an old building that has been refurbished, but still has some great older touches to it, like frosted art deco designs in the glass windows and old staircases that take you decades back in time. I took advantage of the Estee Lauder gift with purchase, my mom used a coupon from the newspaper, and Alexander got to experiment with taking things off the rack and then putting them back. At least he put everything back the same way!
Then we came home, packed up his things and drove him to my brother's apartment. I came home and got caught up some more on Grey's Anatomy episodes. Sleep came great and lasted long.
Hooray for the weekend. They always come at the right time...
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
My Alternative to Cable...
I'm going to make this short and sweet.
I don't have cable TV.
I've never had cable TV.
I don't want cable TV.
I've seen several families on Facebook recently ruminate over whether or not to cancel their cable to save money. CANCEL it. You will survive. When I have been in hotel rooms that have cable, it does nothing (for me) except confirm that I don't need it.
OK, I will admit that I do have an extensive DVD library, but mostly because my favorite shows are off the air (M*A*S*H, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Friends, Wings, to name a few...) And I like British movies and old classics. But I also have this:
Ah... my wonderful ROKU player.
$100 bought through Netflix. My Netflix plan is $8.99/month. That's right....$8.99. That is the one-at-a-time unlimited plan which allows for unlimited Instant Viewing.
The Roku player sits on my TV, is connected only wirelessly to my router, and streams the Instant Viewing movies and TV shows straight to my TV, so I don't have to watch them on the computer monitor. I LOVE IT.
Yesterday I was browsing the Instant Viewing movies and TV shows on Netflix and saw that Season 5 of Grey's Anatomy was going to be released today. And--YAY! It is available for Instant Viewing. So I can have a Grey's marathon instantly on my bedroom TV. Love it!! (I missed most of last season...)
Yes, a lot of the movies and TV shows available for Instant Viewing are older and perhaps more obscure with a few exceptions (think the $1 theater in Provo, BYU people...) But I have discovered some fantastic documentaries this way, including Stolen and the one about Dominick Dunne that I recently blogged (and raved) about.
My point? Cable is not the end-all-be-all. There are alternatives. I really like this one!
I don't have cable TV.
I've never had cable TV.
I don't want cable TV.
I've seen several families on Facebook recently ruminate over whether or not to cancel their cable to save money. CANCEL it. You will survive. When I have been in hotel rooms that have cable, it does nothing (for me) except confirm that I don't need it.
OK, I will admit that I do have an extensive DVD library, but mostly because my favorite shows are off the air (M*A*S*H, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Friends, Wings, to name a few...) And I like British movies and old classics. But I also have this:
Ah... my wonderful ROKU player.$100 bought through Netflix. My Netflix plan is $8.99/month. That's right....$8.99. That is the one-at-a-time unlimited plan which allows for unlimited Instant Viewing.
The Roku player sits on my TV, is connected only wirelessly to my router, and streams the Instant Viewing movies and TV shows straight to my TV, so I don't have to watch them on the computer monitor. I LOVE IT.
Yesterday I was browsing the Instant Viewing movies and TV shows on Netflix and saw that Season 5 of Grey's Anatomy was going to be released today. And--YAY! It is available for Instant Viewing. So I can have a Grey's marathon instantly on my bedroom TV. Love it!! (I missed most of last season...)
Yes, a lot of the movies and TV shows available for Instant Viewing are older and perhaps more obscure with a few exceptions (think the $1 theater in Provo, BYU people...) But I have discovered some fantastic documentaries this way, including Stolen and the one about Dominick Dunne that I recently blogged (and raved) about.
My point? Cable is not the end-all-be-all. There are alternatives. I really like this one!
Monday, September 14, 2009
R.I.P Patrick Swayze...how sad...
Today it was announced that Patrick Swayze lost his year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. I'm so bummed about this. He was such a good, decent person, no scandals, and married for 34 years to his childhood sweetheart.
Watching Dirty Dancing or Ghost you just fall in love with the guy...
There are lots of pictures of him swirling around the internet of the way he looked in his last days, but I don't want to remember him like that. To children of the 80's like me he'll always be Johnny Castle, originator of the famous line, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner..."
Rest in Peace, Patrick.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Christmas in September...
We had such a great time last night at my mom's house celebrating the September birthdays! We sat out in the backyard and enjoyed the cooler weather. My Uncle Bill was the BBQ champ, BBQing chicken, ribs, halibut, and some veggie kabobs. There was fruit and chips and salsa for appetizers and apple pie for dessert.We always have a great time no matter what, but it's funny how each gathering develops its own personality. Last night's party kind of turned into a little meeting, deciding when and where the next few family gatherings will be. We are entering into the holiday season very soon--it will be here in no time--so we had to discuss these things.
Conclusions:
1. October birthday will be done on October 10th at Ruben/Alicia/Dov/Ari's house
2. Thanksgiving will be celebrated on the DAY AFTER Thanksgiving so that Dov and Laura can attend, at Bill & Nene's house
3. And the biggie....Christmas Eve. For the FIRST time in my lifetime, we will not be celebrating Christmas Eve at my grandparents' house. Last year, despite the fact that my grandpa passed in March and my grandma passed in July, we still did Christmas Eve at their house. But now, the house is being dismantled room by room (my mom goes every week with the cleaning lady and they work there for hours.) There's no furniture left and things are set out and labeled on the floor of every room.
So....where to have Christmas Eve now?
The vote was to have at MY HOUSE.
Even though my house isn't big, it has a very laid out floor plan that is great for parties. It is also centrally located. My mom will do the turkey and pumpkin pies and the rest of the family will bring different foods for the dinner, but I'm the "house committee."
This is very momentous, having Christmas Eve at another house, because it is the only occasion that has ALWAYS been done at the grandparents'. I'm feeling the mantle of responsibility already!
Something else we talked about was Christmas Lists. In my family we draw names and buy for only certain people. We've done this for about 12 years and I've always been the person in charge of organizing who buys for who, the lists, and distributing the lists to the Santas. Last year I discovered Wordpress.com, another blog site like Blogger. It's a little more "business-like" and not one I would like to use for my personal blog, but for the Christmas lists it is ideal because you can have multiple pages for the blog. So, each person emails me their wish list items and I post them on their personal page. Click HERE to see last year's.
And this morning I spent about 2 hours setting up the one for this year, HERE. With the websites, there is a lot to do in the beginning, but in the long run it saves a lot of time and trouble for me, the official family elf.
And I still need to draw names and contact everyone today...better get busy!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Alexandra has been found...
Thank goodness! She is with her mom again. But there are many issues that still need to be worked out. Still, the most important thing is that she is safe.
Let's sing our problems away...
Ah, the weekend. It came at just the right time, as usual. School has been tough. My grade is overcrowded, but not enough to create a new classroom. I just got my 34th student. Oy vay! And we're short on a few books, so I've had to use some of my precious copies on things that we're supposed to have. Not quite sure what's going to happen when the Williams people come for a visit...they are the people who are in charge of the Williams law, which mandates that there be enough books for every child. But if we don't have them, well, we don't have them...
So, 34 kids, not enough materials, and the kids are just out of 3rd grade and adjusting to a class with so many students. In 3rd grade there were only 20 kids in a class. And, I don't know why it is, but 32 kids (the amount we're supposed to have) feels fine, but 34 feels like 50.
Yesterday I was at full force all day. I worked through lunch, then the kids had their library time (my planning time,) and I stayed 2 hours after school setting things up for next week. There was a bulletin board to change, planning to do, more copies, and getting ready for ELD mixing, which begins on Monday. That's when we have some of our own kids and some from other classes and do a language lesson at their language level for the bilingual kids. I have 32 in that group, last year I only had 25.
So, yes, it's been busy and hectic and a little frustrating because there's no end in sight and our missing items are on backorder until October.
I wish I could be one of those people who lets things just roll off my back and not internalize them. I wish, I wish, but I'm not. I'm a worrier and things stay in my brain and roll around in there for a while. If I could choose anything to improve, I think I would just wish that the kids would calm down a little more. I've had to be a real disciplinarian this week, which I don't enjoy. But with 34 kids, a little noise becomes a lot very quickly. I have to nip some things in the bud right from the start just so we can get things done.
OK, enough whining and venting from me. Time to sing! Here are a few recent ones I've done. Click on the song titles to hear them...and thanks for listening! (To the singing and the venting! LOL!)
THEY CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME
AMAZING GRACE (I'm really happy with this one :-)
SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME
DAYS OF WINE OF ROSES
P.S. regarding my last entry, no news yet...
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Please Help Find Alexandra...
This morning I turned on my computer to find a sad and surreal Facebook post from the sister of a friend of mine. Nicole posted that her husband, Leon, had kidnapped their daughter from her parents' house late last night.
I'm posting this on my blog in case anyone has any information. We have got to get this little girl back to her mom and little brother.
If anyone sees Leon and Alexandra or knows of their location, please contact the local authorities immediately. Alexandra was taken from San Gabriel, CA (in the Pasadena area.)
So sad. I have known Nicole since she was born. Her sister, Cathy, is one of my oldest friends. We met in kindergarten. I am so sad for the families.
***UPDATE 9/10/09 5:20pm***
As of now, Alexandra and her dad have not been located. Mom Nicole has a court order for him to return her immediately, so he definitely does not have a legal right to have taken his daughter as he did (not to mention breaking into the in-laws' house.)
Help us find Alexandra and Leon Lo ASAP.
***UPDATE 8:00pm***
Leon added a comment to Facebook a couple of hours ago saying that there are 2 sides to the story and asking for everyone's understanding. Two sides, yes, but to put your child in the middle and take her away from her mother is still wrong. At least Alexandra is OK.
Monday, September 7, 2009
At the Norton Simon with Xander...
My mom and I love taking my nephew, Xander, to new places in the area. Considering that he's only 18 months old, he really does remarkably well. We are fortunate enough to live just about 10 minutes away from the wonderful Norton Simon Art Museum in Pasadena. If you watch the Rose Parade, it is along the parade route and always has a big rose pasted onto the side on New Year's Day.
But what it is really famous for is the quality of the art collection. It's a small museum by most standards, but it houses works by the world's masters: Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, Rodin, Gaugin, Renoir, Picasso, to name just a few. Today Xander got to go for the very first time. He did great and enjoyed seeing the paintings. We looked at colors and he would point to the painting and then point when he was ready to move on to the next one. Then we went out into the garden for a snack and a walk around the lily pond. He also went home with a cardboard book with textured pictures of some of the most famous paintings from the museum gift store.
Obviously, things go slower with a little one, but we did manage to take a few pictures of Xander's first art museum visit...
But what it is really famous for is the quality of the art collection. It's a small museum by most standards, but it houses works by the world's masters: Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, Rodin, Gaugin, Renoir, Picasso, to name just a few. Today Xander got to go for the very first time. He did great and enjoyed seeing the paintings. We looked at colors and he would point to the painting and then point when he was ready to move on to the next one. Then we went out into the garden for a snack and a walk around the lily pond. He also went home with a cardboard book with textured pictures of some of the most famous paintings from the museum gift store.
Obviously, things go slower with a little one, but we did manage to take a few pictures of Xander's first art museum visit...
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Film Review: Dominick Dunne--After the Party
Today has been a much needed "slug day," which is what I call a day where I stay home and read, watch TV, go on the computer, and stay in sweats or pajamas all day long. A day like today is not necessarily unproductive, though. I have discovered some of the most fascinating documentaries on slug days.It is no secret that I have a love of words and culture and learning about interesting people and periods in history, but sometimes I'm a late-bloomer when it comes to certain things. I attribute it to the fact that when I'm learning about something or someone new (to me) I like to give that subject my full attention, so multi-tasking doesn't quite work.
This disclaimer is necessary because I will honestly say that when I read the recent obituaries covering Dominick Dunne's death I didn't really know who he was. I knew that he was a writer. I knew that he was the father of Griffin Dunne, the director, and of Dominique Dunne, the actress from Poltergiest who was murdered by her boyfriend back in the early 80's.
But I have also found that sometimes the exact time I learn about people or events is an anomaly in itself. Last night during the party I had at my house the subject of Vanity Fair worked its way into the conversation. I did the head nod thing that we all have to do once in a while--I've never read Vanity Fair in my life. To me it's just been another thick, overpriced magazine that I pass on the way to the checkout at the market. Did I know that Dominick Dunne was the star true-life crime writer for the magazine? Not until today.
So today, while enjoying my well-earned slug day, I was browsing through new documentary releases available for instant viewing on Netflix. (It amazes me how much movies and TV have changed and how much my tastes have changed. 99.9% of TV these days is absolutely uninteresting to me.) While browsing I saw that there was a documentary about Dunne. Coincidence? Who know? But I thought, well, this is the time to learn about him.
I was riveted for an hour and half. Not only did he lead a fascinating life, but he was a fascinating person, who is not only the film's subject, but also the viewer's main tour guide on a retrospect of his life. And he does it all in a charming, yet self-effacing way that makes him very human and easy to relate to.
Like most interesting people, Dunne's life has been a mixture of privilege and tragedy. One of 6 children to a world-famous heart surgeon, he was also the unfavored son, beaten by his father with a riding crop until welts appeared on his legs. His need to find his niche in life led him to several different jobs until, at the dawn of the golden age of television, he was hired as a stage manager for an emerging network. As he worked his way up behind the camera, he became acquainted with some of Hollywood's most famous stars while they climbed to the top in the public eye: Natalie Wood, Steve McQueen, Jane Fonda and many others.
Yet, even as he married a beautiful ranching heiress and hosted the A-listers, he always felt like an outsider, and hardships continued to work their way into the family, including the young deaths of 2 daughters in their first days of life.
In his 80's at the time when he's narrating this documentary, Dunne describes and recognizes his earlier mistakes and choices that eventually led to his 1965 divorce and the ebb and flow of his career. He does it all with an appreciation for what he's had , what he's learned, and what he can pass on to others about his experiences. 26 years after the murder of daughter Dominique--who he absolutely adored--you can see that the wound is still very fresh, but he used that event as a way to educate others about the justice system in his own colorful way. Lucky for him, and lucky for his devoted readers, that the new editor of Vanity Fair met Dunne right before the trial of his daughter's killer and recommended that he keep a journal, also imploring him to contact her when it was all over. It set the wheels in motion for a new career that made his name synonymous with the magazine and with covering high-profile trials.
I remember reading in one of the obituaries that Dunne admitted that he always had a certain "prosecutorial" slant to his writing, but it stands to reason considering that his own daughter's killer was only given a 6 1/2 year sentence and served only 2 1/2 years of it. You can tell that he sees her face side-by-side every new victim. He offers his opinions about OJ Simpson, the Menendez brothers, Michael Skakel (the Kennedy cousin accused of murdering Martha Moxley in the early 70's,) and is shown attending every day of the first Phil Spector trial, which eventually ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury. The documentary is from 2008, but he obviously lived to see Spector prosecuted again and convicted.
Naturally, the defense attorneys hate him. That's Hate with a capital "H." Lesley Abramson***, the Menendez brothers' attorney talks about his twisting of facts, his unnamed sources, and does all but accuse him of influencing the outcome of the trials he attends. But he didn't write to impress the defense attorneys. In fact, it doesn't seem like he really wrote to impress anyone, but to simply tell it like he saw it, and hope that his readers saw it the same way.
A very, very interesting film.
***Sidenote: I had a brief encounter with Lesley Abramson a few years ago that I'll never forget. It was the year that I took off from teaching and working retail at Eddie Bauer. She came in and I recognized her. She's a lot shorter that you would think, but still has an intimidating presence.
As she came up to the register to pay for her items, I said, "You're Lesley Abramson, aren't you?" "Yes," she replied curtly. "Really?" I said back. And, in true, lawyer fashion she said, "Would you like to see my driver's license and I'll prove it to you?" My response, "No, no, that's OK."
We finished the transaction, exchange cool "thank you's," and she left, after which, one of the younger employees turned to me and asked, "Whose Lesley Abramson??"
That's what happens when you live in LA. Once in a while you have interesting run-ins with interesting well-known people.
A busy fun day on Saturday...
Yesterday was a GREAT day from start to finish. The morning was spent taking my nephew out to see his great-grandma again. She was thrilled, as you can imagine.
During the visit with my grandma, Xander got to interact with my stepsister's baby, Jackson. My stepsister, Amy, tragically passed away last October, when Jackson was only 6 months old, of a sudden stroke at age 38. We were so happy with the way Xander was kind to Jackson and brought toys to him. My mom was thinking that maybe Xander could sense that Jackson needed extra sensitivity because he doesn't have a mommy (fortunately he has a very good daddy and 2 very attentive grandmas.) He would bring him books and open them for him. Of course, these were Jackson's toys that Xander was using! LOL
We also enjoyed watching the progress Xander made as he got more and more comfortable with my grandma, who is 91 and still sharp as a tack! It took a while, and she was very patient, but he finally started responding to her. I was able to take this priceless video. These are the moments in life that are to be treasured. (The voices in the back are Jackson and his grandma.)
In the evening I had 3 friends over. We ate pizza, chips and salsa, and TALKED and TALKED and TALKED. We moved from the living room, to the dining room, to the backyard, where we ended up staying for over 2 hours. We covered many major issues and managed to have a lot of fun. The night flew and before we knew it, it was nearly midnight. I fell asleep with a smile on my face, happy about all the relationships that were strengthened throughout the day. A very good day!
During the visit with my grandma, Xander got to interact with my stepsister's baby, Jackson. My stepsister, Amy, tragically passed away last October, when Jackson was only 6 months old, of a sudden stroke at age 38. We were so happy with the way Xander was kind to Jackson and brought toys to him. My mom was thinking that maybe Xander could sense that Jackson needed extra sensitivity because he doesn't have a mommy (fortunately he has a very good daddy and 2 very attentive grandmas.) He would bring him books and open them for him. Of course, these were Jackson's toys that Xander was using! LOL
We also enjoyed watching the progress Xander made as he got more and more comfortable with my grandma, who is 91 and still sharp as a tack! It took a while, and she was very patient, but he finally started responding to her. I was able to take this priceless video. These are the moments in life that are to be treasured. (The voices in the back are Jackson and his grandma.)In the evening I had 3 friends over. We ate pizza, chips and salsa, and TALKED and TALKED and TALKED. We moved from the living room, to the dining room, to the backyard, where we ended up staying for over 2 hours. We covered many major issues and managed to have a lot of fun. The night flew and before we knew it, it was nearly midnight. I fell asleep with a smile on my face, happy about all the relationships that were strengthened throughout the day. A very good day!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Week 1 in Retrospect...
The first week of school ended today, and, as usual, I think I already have an idea of how things are going to be this year. The kids' personalities have definitely emerged. My class is made up of the typical potpourri:
1. the perfectionists (do everything right, follow every direction)
2. the hand-raisers
3. the wanna-be teachers ("Teacher, you forgot to...")
4. the talkers
5. the sneaky ones
6. the helpers
7. the not-performing-to-potentials
8. the needy ones
9. the polite ("Have a nice weekend, Teacher.")
10. the cheeky (Me: "Why didn't you do your homework?" Child: **shrug**)
11. the wallflowers
12. the tardy
13. the tattlers ("So-and-So was talking when he was benched...")
14. the minimalists ("How many lines is half a page?")
15. the over-achievers ("Is it OK if I do the back too?")
16. the whiners
17. the clock-watchers ("When's recess?" "When's lunch?" When do we go home?")
In other words: a pretty normal class. But, overall, they are nice kids. And now that I'm in my 13th year of teaching I can feel myself being calmer and drawing more from past experiences with other kids with similar issues. There is definitely something to be said for experience.
That being said, this 3-day weekend came JUST IN TIME. Freedom!
1. the perfectionists (do everything right, follow every direction)
2. the hand-raisers
3. the wanna-be teachers ("Teacher, you forgot to...")
4. the talkers
5. the sneaky ones
6. the helpers
7. the not-performing-to-potentials
8. the needy ones
9. the polite ("Have a nice weekend, Teacher.")
10. the cheeky (Me: "Why didn't you do your homework?" Child: **shrug**)
11. the wallflowers
12. the tardy
13. the tattlers ("So-and-So was talking when he was benched...")
14. the minimalists ("How many lines is half a page?")
15. the over-achievers ("Is it OK if I do the back too?")
16. the whiners
17. the clock-watchers ("When's recess?" "When's lunch?" When do we go home?")
In other words: a pretty normal class. But, overall, they are nice kids. And now that I'm in my 13th year of teaching I can feel myself being calmer and drawing more from past experiences with other kids with similar issues. There is definitely something to be said for experience.
That being said, this 3-day weekend came JUST IN TIME. Freedom!
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