Sorry, there's only one word to describe this: bee (wasp?) sting!
I was plowing through a few more boxes under the carport and got stung by a bee (or wasp) between my index and middle finger of my left hand! E-y-o-w-i-e-!!!!!!!!!!!! And that was only one sting (I think!) Of course, any of my first aid training went right out the window as I was momentarily blinded by the pain! I shook off the bee and ran into the house, dousing my fingers in a goop of baking soda and water paste. Out of instinct more than training, I think, I held it up high. Thankfully, I had grabbed the dish of baking soda out of the refrigerator (as it was the closest I could think of at the moment) and the cold also helped. I left that 'mud pack' on my hand for 5-10 minutes and the pain subsided somewhat so I could think more clearly beyond the immediate "Get rid of the pain!" mode.
I decided I should look for a stinger as wasps sting again and again, especially if the sac is still there. So I held my hand under cold water until the baking soda was gone, then found the wound site. It was bleeding a little, but I didn't see any stinger or sac, so I squeezed it a little to make it bleed more, hoping to squeeze out some of the poison. On retrospect, I don't know if this was wise or not, as I have heard that this action can squeeze venom Into the body. What do you think AB2? Oh well. I washed the wound site really well, as I didn't want it to get infected and debated whether to put benedryl cream or antiseptic cream on it. I went with the antiseptic as it had a pain reliever in it. I wrapped my first two fingers together in a bandage as it actually felt better that way and the I didn't want to rub off the antiseptic cream. Then I put my hand in an ice mitt from my freezer. The swelling was minimal, but red around the area between my first two fingers and down into the knuckle joints of my hand.
Today it feels tingly and stiff, and is still a little puffy, but there is no redness or infection. My fingers are sore and feel like they've been bruised. Weird how one little owie can hurt so much!
I can't imagine how my young daughter must have felt when she got multiple stings from jumping on a hornet's nest accidentally when she was playing ball with some friends in the country! These vicious varmits hurt much more than honey bee stings!
Isn't life exciting?
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Saturday
A week gone by already?
Monday and Tuesday were a blur, fairly typical.
Wednesday: New teachers' dinner at 3 Rivers Winery. Catered by La Casita....bluch. Podunk door prizes. I did get to visit with a woman I'd met the first of the year and catch up on her life. She's living in a studio apartment in slumsville until her house is built. Her husband is working in their previous home town till they can move here to their new house. See, life could be worse?!
Thursday my main assistant (and 'right hand') was gone and they couldn't find a sub for her. In the afternoon my assistant was new, only her second day. Considering my morning class has four nonambulatory kids in it, I needed parents to help push their kids to the classroom from the bus stop/pick up point. I generally have 2 assistants in the morning, so I did have one who was familiar with the kids. But she's seemed out of it lately and I had to tell her to monitor kids throughout the morning. Once in the classroom, we managed okay, but the schedule was modified and children were allowed to do less, if it kept them out of trouble and happy. More of a baby-sitting situation. Sad, but true. And to top it off, my second formal observation from the principal was that afternoon. I hadn't had the chance to turn in the preobservation paperwork required and felt 'discombobulated'!
One of my students was on her 4th day in class and had a continuous high-pitched whine....I mean 2 1/2 hours of the 3 she was in class! If we sang songs to her it stopped and sometimes it moderated when she wass given a pacifier....but we are trying to limit the pacifier use at school (yes, she just turned 3). She has no words, has a very difficult time going up and down stairs, very little eye contact, doesn't realize her hands are functional....just things out there in front of her that wiggle around and she enjoys watching her fingers move!
After school, there was a 'new teachers' meeting at the district office, with dinner (much better than the one the night before). Caught up with CEO at YMCA. Wish I'd joined it instead of the other club! Oh, well, I haven't been to it yet and it is cheaper.
Friday I had a less hectic day, hallelujah! I had an 8 a.m. meeting, a 9 a.m. assessment for yet another possible new student and then time to do a little paperwork. The classroom is a mess, and I didn't get the paperwork all finished that I'd wanted to do, but the SLP and I discussed a couple of kids and got some ideas going to get some aug-com set up for them.
First frosts of the season came the end of the week. Had to turn the heat on! I love the crispy cold, bright sunny days. Mmmmm. Didn't remember how much I'd missed them till they were here!
House is a complete disaster and landlord is visiting this week......oh well. Such is life.
C&E are definitely sleep deprived. Good thing other gramma is coming to visit to brighten their days. I never get over there until later in evening when everyone is too tired to visit and O is a bit cranky and doesn't know what he wants, though gramma has been able to quiet him. C says, "Yeh, if I hold him constantly he's quiet." Then she took the opportunity to watch NCIS. He's such a precious little thing! Poor mom! Things will even out eventually....................can you say 2028 when O turns 20 years old? >grin<
Monday and Tuesday were a blur, fairly typical.
Wednesday: New teachers' dinner at 3 Rivers Winery. Catered by La Casita....bluch. Podunk door prizes. I did get to visit with a woman I'd met the first of the year and catch up on her life. She's living in a studio apartment in slumsville until her house is built. Her husband is working in their previous home town till they can move here to their new house. See, life could be worse?!
Thursday my main assistant (and 'right hand') was gone and they couldn't find a sub for her. In the afternoon my assistant was new, only her second day. Considering my morning class has four nonambulatory kids in it, I needed parents to help push their kids to the classroom from the bus stop/pick up point. I generally have 2 assistants in the morning, so I did have one who was familiar with the kids. But she's seemed out of it lately and I had to tell her to monitor kids throughout the morning. Once in the classroom, we managed okay, but the schedule was modified and children were allowed to do less, if it kept them out of trouble and happy. More of a baby-sitting situation. Sad, but true. And to top it off, my second formal observation from the principal was that afternoon. I hadn't had the chance to turn in the preobservation paperwork required and felt 'discombobulated'!
One of my students was on her 4th day in class and had a continuous high-pitched whine....I mean 2 1/2 hours of the 3 she was in class! If we sang songs to her it stopped and sometimes it moderated when she wass given a pacifier....but we are trying to limit the pacifier use at school (yes, she just turned 3). She has no words, has a very difficult time going up and down stairs, very little eye contact, doesn't realize her hands are functional....just things out there in front of her that wiggle around and she enjoys watching her fingers move!
After school, there was a 'new teachers' meeting at the district office, with dinner (much better than the one the night before). Caught up with CEO at YMCA. Wish I'd joined it instead of the other club! Oh, well, I haven't been to it yet and it is cheaper.
Friday I had a less hectic day, hallelujah! I had an 8 a.m. meeting, a 9 a.m. assessment for yet another possible new student and then time to do a little paperwork. The classroom is a mess, and I didn't get the paperwork all finished that I'd wanted to do, but the SLP and I discussed a couple of kids and got some ideas going to get some aug-com set up for them.
First frosts of the season came the end of the week. Had to turn the heat on! I love the crispy cold, bright sunny days. Mmmmm. Didn't remember how much I'd missed them till they were here!
House is a complete disaster and landlord is visiting this week......oh well. Such is life.
C&E are definitely sleep deprived. Good thing other gramma is coming to visit to brighten their days. I never get over there until later in evening when everyone is too tired to visit and O is a bit cranky and doesn't know what he wants, though gramma has been able to quiet him. C says, "Yeh, if I hold him constantly he's quiet." Then she took the opportunity to watch NCIS. He's such a precious little thing! Poor mom! Things will even out eventually....................can you say 2028 when O turns 20 years old? >grin<
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Chu-Chi Face
I got in some major baby cuddling this weekend and this song popped into my mind. It was a favorite of A & C when they were small.
You're my little chu-chi face
My coo-chi, coo-chi, woo-chi little chu-chi face
Every time I look at you, I sigh...
And you're my little teddy bear
My lovey lovey dovey little teddy bear
You're the apple strudel of my eye!
Your chu-chi woo-chi nose
Your chu-chi woo-chi eyes
They set my heart a flutter
Your ooo-chi coo-chi ways
Your ooo-chi coo-chi gaze
Wilts me down like melting butter
You're my little chu-chi face!
Oliver "smiled" with a big open wide smile (using both sides of his mouth) THREE times while I held him tonight! He's squiggling more and more, too. And when I changed his diaper, his little umbilical stump had dropped off and fell out of his onesie. Wow! I'm glad I was there for those momentous occasions!
Note to A&C: You are definitely going to have to have auto-cameras set up all over your house to capture every little step forward of Baby, so this Grandma can stay in the loop!
You're my little chu-chi face
My coo-chi, coo-chi, woo-chi little chu-chi face
Every time I look at you, I sigh...
And you're my little teddy bear
My lovey lovey dovey little teddy bear
You're the apple strudel of my eye!
Your chu-chi woo-chi nose
Your chu-chi woo-chi eyes
They set my heart a flutter
Your ooo-chi coo-chi ways
Your ooo-chi coo-chi gaze
Wilts me down like melting butter
You're my little chu-chi face!
Oliver "smiled" with a big open wide smile (using both sides of his mouth) THREE times while I held him tonight! He's squiggling more and more, too. And when I changed his diaper, his little umbilical stump had dropped off and fell out of his onesie. Wow! I'm glad I was there for those momentous occasions!
Note to A&C: You are definitely going to have to have auto-cameras set up all over your house to capture every little step forward of Baby, so this Grandma can stay in the loop!
GrammaLand
A friend (O's other Grandma) emailed me how she is looking forward to visiting "grammaland" and I've decided that WW shall henceforth be renamed "GrammaLand." The new name fits the space and time for me much better and makes everything seem more real.
Here's the weekly rundown:
Monday: went to work, parent vented frustrations on me from incident of previous week. I decided to take the rest of the day off and go see new grandbaby-boy born the day before and let my emotions cool. Got car's oil changed; they gave me a free mocha! Bought a new pair of jeans. It was a much needed mental health day and glorious fall weather. I came home and realized the storm door on the front of my place was gone. Weird. No messages from Windemere that they were removing it. Should I call them? Should I call police? I wait to see if I hear from them.
Tuesday: back in the saddle again. Loaded up with extra vitamins.
Wednesday: still in the saddle, hanging on tight; headache and heavy-feeling chest. More vitamins, cold assistance. Ed. Assistant goes home sick with stomach flu. I don't go see baby, but fall into bed at 7:30 p.m. I email Windemere to make sure it was them that removed the door and not some thief.
Thursday: Call in sick to work. Exhausted and feeling like I'm getting bronchitis. Feeling guilty as 2nd assistant still ill. First assistant left holding the bag. Went to dr. He gave me steriod inhaler for asthma and also emergency inhaler. I've had them before. Asthma crops up after round of bronchitis as I've gotten older. Pfffffft. Wrote school reports from home. Ordered flowers for C&E&O.
Ah, HA!!!! Now I know why they named him Oliver: So their family initials could be CEO! Tricky! Very wordsmithy.
Friday: Back to work for IEP meetings, post-observation meeting with principal. Heart palpitations. Side-affect of meds. I hate it. Makes me feel anxious that my heart may give out. Palpitations stop. I found out only 3 children came in morning and they cancelled the afternoon class as only two children were going to come and there was no sub. My 1st assistant went to sub for other sped teacher, as her assistant was out ill. Windemere emails me back that, yes, one of their workmen did remove the door and the new one will be installed when it arrives. (tomorrow? next year?)
Post-observation meeting goes well. Principal decides not to make formal report at district about my not following school procedure on CPS case. Writes it into my observation evaluation report instead. Fewer repercussions. I wonder if the sp. ed director talked to her; I let the sp. ed director know about it at the time. Principal tells me SHE is in charge and that if I have any questions at all, I should not ask my mentor (supervisor) or the sp. ed, director, but talk directly to her. She tells me she even has clout over the sp. ed. director. She, the principal, tells me SHE is the one who can make things happen. (Can you say insecure micromanager?)
My mentor supervisor tells me to field all my questions through HER, unless it is 'building related'. Seems everything becomes 'building related'. Mentor is expert at dancing around issues and minimizing and avoiding. My response to her is to avoid her as much as possible, which is hard to do, as I have to deal with her a little. When I do ask her a question she backpedals as much as possible and then starts dancing.
The sp. ed director? Her mother just passed away and she has been basically out of touch for the last 3-4 weeks. She just got back this last week. I like her the most; seems honest, forthright. Gives me good information. But I worry about her being able to be back in the game full throttle with all the grieving she's going through and will continue to go through this year. I know it takes a long time to get over one's mother dying.
Saturday: slept most of the day and did not 'church'. Tried to watch it on TV. Do you know how ridiculously 'hyper' these preachers look on TV? Not 'real' at all. And my brain? Not into cognitive thinking. Finally went over the CEO's and held the precious little bundle for a couple of hours while C and I looked at long ago movies of when she was a kid. She had that little girl voice. Talk about taking me back! Made me giggle! Then O decided it was time to nurse again (going well, by the way) and I decided to head home.
Sunday: Well, here I am, doing laundry, blah, blah, blah.
Weather report: The week has been full of wind, rain and clouds with a little sun tucked in. Fall is here and winter is coming. I made an appointment for the electrician to come next week to disconnect one of the baseboard heaters from the thermostat, as I don't think I'll need two to keep this little place warm this winter. I have a kitchen buffet against that particular heater.
O's other Grandma is coming the 27th...she's my landlord, you know. I can hardly wait. What fun she'll have with O! I'll try not to get in the way, as her time here is short! We do have a few things to finalize on with the house.
Time to pay the bills. Time to pay the bills. Time to pay the bills.
Here's the weekly rundown:
Monday: went to work, parent vented frustrations on me from incident of previous week. I decided to take the rest of the day off and go see new grandbaby-boy born the day before and let my emotions cool. Got car's oil changed; they gave me a free mocha! Bought a new pair of jeans. It was a much needed mental health day and glorious fall weather. I came home and realized the storm door on the front of my place was gone. Weird. No messages from Windemere that they were removing it. Should I call them? Should I call police? I wait to see if I hear from them.
Tuesday: back in the saddle again. Loaded up with extra vitamins.
Wednesday: still in the saddle, hanging on tight; headache and heavy-feeling chest. More vitamins, cold assistance. Ed. Assistant goes home sick with stomach flu. I don't go see baby, but fall into bed at 7:30 p.m. I email Windemere to make sure it was them that removed the door and not some thief.
Thursday: Call in sick to work. Exhausted and feeling like I'm getting bronchitis. Feeling guilty as 2nd assistant still ill. First assistant left holding the bag. Went to dr. He gave me steriod inhaler for asthma and also emergency inhaler. I've had them before. Asthma crops up after round of bronchitis as I've gotten older. Pfffffft. Wrote school reports from home. Ordered flowers for C&E&O.
Ah, HA!!!! Now I know why they named him Oliver: So their family initials could be CEO! Tricky! Very wordsmithy.
Friday: Back to work for IEP meetings, post-observation meeting with principal. Heart palpitations. Side-affect of meds. I hate it. Makes me feel anxious that my heart may give out. Palpitations stop. I found out only 3 children came in morning and they cancelled the afternoon class as only two children were going to come and there was no sub. My 1st assistant went to sub for other sped teacher, as her assistant was out ill. Windemere emails me back that, yes, one of their workmen did remove the door and the new one will be installed when it arrives. (tomorrow? next year?)
Post-observation meeting goes well. Principal decides not to make formal report at district about my not following school procedure on CPS case. Writes it into my observation evaluation report instead. Fewer repercussions. I wonder if the sp. ed director talked to her; I let the sp. ed director know about it at the time. Principal tells me SHE is in charge and that if I have any questions at all, I should not ask my mentor (supervisor) or the sp. ed, director, but talk directly to her. She tells me she even has clout over the sp. ed. director. She, the principal, tells me SHE is the one who can make things happen. (Can you say insecure micromanager?)
My mentor supervisor tells me to field all my questions through HER, unless it is 'building related'. Seems everything becomes 'building related'. Mentor is expert at dancing around issues and minimizing and avoiding. My response to her is to avoid her as much as possible, which is hard to do, as I have to deal with her a little. When I do ask her a question she backpedals as much as possible and then starts dancing.
The sp. ed director? Her mother just passed away and she has been basically out of touch for the last 3-4 weeks. She just got back this last week. I like her the most; seems honest, forthright. Gives me good information. But I worry about her being able to be back in the game full throttle with all the grieving she's going through and will continue to go through this year. I know it takes a long time to get over one's mother dying.
Saturday: slept most of the day and did not 'church'. Tried to watch it on TV. Do you know how ridiculously 'hyper' these preachers look on TV? Not 'real' at all. And my brain? Not into cognitive thinking. Finally went over the CEO's and held the precious little bundle for a couple of hours while C and I looked at long ago movies of when she was a kid. She had that little girl voice. Talk about taking me back! Made me giggle! Then O decided it was time to nurse again (going well, by the way) and I decided to head home.
Sunday: Well, here I am, doing laundry, blah, blah, blah.
Weather report: The week has been full of wind, rain and clouds with a little sun tucked in. Fall is here and winter is coming. I made an appointment for the electrician to come next week to disconnect one of the baseboard heaters from the thermostat, as I don't think I'll need two to keep this little place warm this winter. I have a kitchen buffet against that particular heater.
O's other Grandma is coming the 27th...she's my landlord, you know. I can hardly wait. What fun she'll have with O! I'll try not to get in the way, as her time here is short! We do have a few things to finalize on with the house.
Time to pay the bills. Time to pay the bills. Time to pay the bills.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
I've Fallen in Love...
with one tiny boy, Oliver Dean. There are no words to describe the overwhelming feelings that encompass me when I hold that tiny treasure of new life.
I don't know if I'll be able to wait for spring break to fall in love all over again in Memphis!
I don't know if I'll be able to wait for spring break to fall in love all over again in Memphis!
'Boyd'nest Grows
We have a baby!! I'm REALLY a Grandma!
All Boy! 8lbs 8oz. 21 inches long. Born 8:47 a.m., October 14, 2007 Name: (Still being decided.) Hair: Dark, dark brown
He had a little problem breathing right away, so he was under an oxygen mask for about 2 hours, had chest xrays, and blood work. Then he really pinked up, started to cry lustily, made those cute baby noises and took a pacifier. After he had breathed regular room air in the nursery for a designated period, he was allowed to join mommy and daddy in mommy's room. Finally mommy got to hold, cuddle and try to get him to nurse. Poor little boy; he was too tired! Daddy held him for awhile as did Grandma. Grandma left all three resting from their all night ordeal!
All Boy! 8lbs 8oz. 21 inches long. Born 8:47 a.m., October 14, 2007 Name: (Still being decided.) Hair: Dark, dark brown
He had a little problem breathing right away, so he was under an oxygen mask for about 2 hours, had chest xrays, and blood work. Then he really pinked up, started to cry lustily, made those cute baby noises and took a pacifier. After he had breathed regular room air in the nursery for a designated period, he was allowed to join mommy and daddy in mommy's room. Finally mommy got to hold, cuddle and try to get him to nurse. Poor little boy; he was too tired! Daddy held him for awhile as did Grandma. Grandma left all three resting from their all night ordeal!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
My Week in Pictures (and narrative)
I can't remember Monday. It must have gone okay. I worked until 6 pm. Seems to becoming a usual leave time. That makes my days about 10 hours long. Good thing it only takes me 5 minutes to get home. I'm exhausted. No baby yet.
Tuesday, one of my students returned to school from being ill and slept 2 1/2 of the 3 hours he was present. A call to Mom (had to leave a message) did not deter her from sending him to school on Wednesday, where he again slept 2 1/2 hours of the 3 he was present in school. We sent a note home to mom this time, suggesting he's not yet well enough to attend This litte one is over active, so having him sleep through class and all the loud noise was concerning.
My supervisor/mentor and I had a weird conversation. I can't get straight answers from anyone. I guess its the Walla Walla Way.
Wednesday, I was observed by the school principal. I don't know what she thought. She left her "thank you" card saying how much she enjoyed her 'visit' and thanked me for 'inviting her'.....duh, like I had a Choice to Invite her? It went okay. Results will be 'post observation meeting." I went to new dentist for current xrays and check. I actually left the school right after classes.
Thursday: One half hour after school starts, my assistant calls me over to observe one child......possible child abuse. I call the school nurse who comes down to examine her. She calls mom in for conference, tells me not to release child until problem is resolved. Mom arrives within 15 minutes of call; explains away marks. School nurse, finally is able to reach principal who had been out of the school for most of the day. Nurse writes report and calls CPS. I think everything is resolved. "Sleeping" child is absent.
I got such a cute picture of yes, a BLUE Elephant Halloween costume from C&A!! (Can someone tell me how to get the picture off my cell and onto the computer so I can add it here?)
I call C and bring a burger to her house from a place I've nearly forgotten about, but was THE place to get fast food (and only place) in college days....now they have gardenburgers. YEA!!
Friday: It's a 'professional day'. We either go to a conference or work on curriculum at school. I work on curriculum, but I think, what a pleasant day with no meetings or students. I'll make a list of things to get done. Pshaw! Forget the list! All hell breaks loose. Principal calls me up to her office. Evidently neither the nurse or I followed correct protocol for incident on Thursday. I should have known what to do...it was all written in school procedures manual. Uh, I didn't get one because they ran out and never got around to getting me one. She gives me a manual, explains correct procedure. Tells me she'll have to write a report to put in my teaching file that I didn't follow procedure. I'm bummed, but I say, okay. She tells me I need to call CPS and wants a report from me. I ask if there is a form I should fill out. She says, no, that is on her 'to do' list and hands me some form that 'will do'. I go to classroom, call CPS and fill out report, make a copy for myself and take the original up to her. It is now 11:30 and I haven't done anything on my list. I'd planned to leave at 2 pm because I had some personal things to get done, too.
Just as I get settled in again, in walks my supervisor/mentor. She has some things for me and says, "I feel uncomfortable about the conversation we had the other day; are there some issues we need to discuss? I wanted to SCREAM and run away!!!!!!
I've been trying to figure out why I have this wary dislike for my supervisor/mentor. I'd finally decided it is because she is so patronizingly sweet and is not direct at all. So personally, quite quickly, to give her some sort of objective answer, I also realized that no one knows what the other one is doing and I can't get a decisive answer out of anyone. So we discussed that, I broke down in tears telling her about the Thursday/Friday debaucle. Finally, Finally, she gave me some anwers and history of what has been happening in past years. So they've changed administrative duties this year and really, NO ONE REALLY DOES KNOW WHAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just as our conversation was at a lull, the principal calls again.. She's invited the police to review the Thurs. incident and wants me to come up to her office and meet with the policeman. I tell you, by this time, I can understand why people who are accused of crimes they didn't commit, might confess, just to be done with it. So I told my supervisor and asked her to come with me. Does this principal have it out for me? Is she a psycho? That is yet to be seen, but if I've been brought here to be the sacrificial scapegoat, I want out now. While I still have some sanity.
That over, I am starving, but beyond wanting to eat. It's 1:30 and the other sped teacher is still waiting to meet with me (we were going to work on stuff together all morning!). By that time, she's fried, I'm fried. But we get to talking and worked on one more project. Finished it at 3 and I left. I was lower than I'd been in a long time.
I had planned on doing some errands and going to C's place to help her. I started doing errands and got one done. Drove down Main and decided to look for the Subway...right next to the shoe store C said is good. So I found a pair of badly needed shoes for work. I haven't bought new shoes for 3 or 4 years......can't even remember.
Then I ate at Subway and called C to say, I'm spent and going home. Looked around a nice consignment store at some baby things, but nothing interested me. Went to Curves to cancel my membership (yes, the one here is a real dud) and they were closed. Should have known they'd close early on Friday. Pfffffffft. I headed home via the grocery store, bought a pie and whipped cream for E. H A P P Y 30TH B I R T H D A Y, E!!!!!!!!!!
Crashed at home.
Thank you, Lord, for Sabbath and the weekend! No baby yet.
Tuesday, one of my students returned to school from being ill and slept 2 1/2 of the 3 hours he was present. A call to Mom (had to leave a message) did not deter her from sending him to school on Wednesday, where he again slept 2 1/2 hours of the 3 he was present in school. We sent a note home to mom this time, suggesting he's not yet well enough to attend This litte one is over active, so having him sleep through class and all the loud noise was concerning.
My supervisor/mentor and I had a weird conversation. I can't get straight answers from anyone. I guess its the Walla Walla Way.
Wednesday, I was observed by the school principal. I don't know what she thought. She left her "thank you" card saying how much she enjoyed her 'visit' and thanked me for 'inviting her'.....duh, like I had a Choice to Invite her? It went okay. Results will be 'post observation meeting." I went to new dentist for current xrays and check. I actually left the school right after classes.
Thursday: One half hour after school starts, my assistant calls me over to observe one child......possible child abuse. I call the school nurse who comes down to examine her. She calls mom in for conference, tells me not to release child until problem is resolved. Mom arrives within 15 minutes of call; explains away marks. School nurse, finally is able to reach principal who had been out of the school for most of the day. Nurse writes report and calls CPS. I think everything is resolved. "Sleeping" child is absent.
I got such a cute picture of yes, a BLUE Elephant Halloween costume from C&A!! (Can someone tell me how to get the picture off my cell and onto the computer so I can add it here?)
I call C and bring a burger to her house from a place I've nearly forgotten about, but was THE place to get fast food (and only place) in college days....now they have gardenburgers. YEA!!
Friday: It's a 'professional day'. We either go to a conference or work on curriculum at school. I work on curriculum, but I think, what a pleasant day with no meetings or students. I'll make a list of things to get done. Pshaw! Forget the list! All hell breaks loose. Principal calls me up to her office. Evidently neither the nurse or I followed correct protocol for incident on Thursday. I should have known what to do...it was all written in school procedures manual. Uh, I didn't get one because they ran out and never got around to getting me one. She gives me a manual, explains correct procedure. Tells me she'll have to write a report to put in my teaching file that I didn't follow procedure. I'm bummed, but I say, okay. She tells me I need to call CPS and wants a report from me. I ask if there is a form I should fill out. She says, no, that is on her 'to do' list and hands me some form that 'will do'. I go to classroom, call CPS and fill out report, make a copy for myself and take the original up to her. It is now 11:30 and I haven't done anything on my list. I'd planned to leave at 2 pm because I had some personal things to get done, too.
Just as I get settled in again, in walks my supervisor/mentor. She has some things for me and says, "I feel uncomfortable about the conversation we had the other day; are there some issues we need to discuss? I wanted to SCREAM and run away!!!!!!
I've been trying to figure out why I have this wary dislike for my supervisor/mentor. I'd finally decided it is because she is so patronizingly sweet and is not direct at all. So personally, quite quickly, to give her some sort of objective answer, I also realized that no one knows what the other one is doing and I can't get a decisive answer out of anyone. So we discussed that, I broke down in tears telling her about the Thursday/Friday debaucle. Finally, Finally, she gave me some anwers and history of what has been happening in past years. So they've changed administrative duties this year and really, NO ONE REALLY DOES KNOW WHAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just as our conversation was at a lull, the principal calls again.. She's invited the police to review the Thurs. incident and wants me to come up to her office and meet with the policeman. I tell you, by this time, I can understand why people who are accused of crimes they didn't commit, might confess, just to be done with it. So I told my supervisor and asked her to come with me. Does this principal have it out for me? Is she a psycho? That is yet to be seen, but if I've been brought here to be the sacrificial scapegoat, I want out now. While I still have some sanity.
That over, I am starving, but beyond wanting to eat. It's 1:30 and the other sped teacher is still waiting to meet with me (we were going to work on stuff together all morning!). By that time, she's fried, I'm fried. But we get to talking and worked on one more project. Finished it at 3 and I left. I was lower than I'd been in a long time.
I had planned on doing some errands and going to C's place to help her. I started doing errands and got one done. Drove down Main and decided to look for the Subway...right next to the shoe store C said is good. So I found a pair of badly needed shoes for work. I haven't bought new shoes for 3 or 4 years......can't even remember.
Then I ate at Subway and called C to say, I'm spent and going home. Looked around a nice consignment store at some baby things, but nothing interested me. Went to Curves to cancel my membership (yes, the one here is a real dud) and they were closed. Should have known they'd close early on Friday. Pfffffffft. I headed home via the grocery store, bought a pie and whipped cream for E. H A P P Y 30TH B I R T H D A Y, E!!!!!!!!!!
Crashed at home.
Thank you, Lord, for Sabbath and the weekend! No baby yet.
Monday, October 08, 2007
My, Oh, My
First, a grandSon, due any time now!!!!!!
Then, today, I find out....a grandDaughter to be born end of February!
Wow! and Double Wow!
Grandma love doubled!!!!!!!
Then, today, I find out....a grandDaughter to be born end of February!
Wow! and Double Wow!
Grandma love doubled!!!!!!!
Sunday, October 07, 2007
First Week of October
My work week ended with total frustration and overworked-ness at the system's cobbled up, home-spun paperwork mess. This district's even worse than OH. I'd be afraid to move again, that it would be 'worst-er- yet. Thank heavens for weekends!
C's baby is ready to enter this old world, I think. C is miserable, basically, and ready to 'move on' to the next phase.
Yesterday, C & I ended up taking Munchkin to the vet with a possible broken leg, but the vet didn't think it was so. We came home with pain meds for him. He is a very tolerant, docile cat, I must say. My Lilo would never have permitted us to put her in a cardboard file box (we couldn't find the cat carrier) and have the vet manipulate her like that; Munchkin only let out a few warning growls.
I'v been able to talk to friends and A&C this weekend, so I feel back in tune with my life outside work!
I've been reading a couple of good books. One entitled "Two Women From Galiliee" by the same author who wrote "The Red Tent" and another by Philip Yancey entitled "Church: Why Bother?" Both are good in their own ways. I recommend them. They are both full of ideas for thoughtful reflection.
I think I have problems and then I get a call like I just did from a childhood friend. Whew! Take one day at a time, guys and gals. "Each day has enough worries of its own."
Smile. The sun is shining and the temperature is just perfect!
C's baby is ready to enter this old world, I think. C is miserable, basically, and ready to 'move on' to the next phase.
Yesterday, C & I ended up taking Munchkin to the vet with a possible broken leg, but the vet didn't think it was so. We came home with pain meds for him. He is a very tolerant, docile cat, I must say. My Lilo would never have permitted us to put her in a cardboard file box (we couldn't find the cat carrier) and have the vet manipulate her like that; Munchkin only let out a few warning growls.
I'v been able to talk to friends and A&C this weekend, so I feel back in tune with my life outside work!
I've been reading a couple of good books. One entitled "Two Women From Galiliee" by the same author who wrote "The Red Tent" and another by Philip Yancey entitled "Church: Why Bother?" Both are good in their own ways. I recommend them. They are both full of ideas for thoughtful reflection.
I think I have problems and then I get a call like I just did from a childhood friend. Whew! Take one day at a time, guys and gals. "Each day has enough worries of its own."
Smile. The sun is shining and the temperature is just perfect!
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