I'm depressed. I sat down this morning to write a "New Year's" letter and 1) couldn't think of anything exciting to write about, so I looked back over my blogs..the weather and my job. Good grief!!!! 2)Then I tried to download some pictures and arrange them on a page to print out. Finally got them downloaded, but then I couldn't get them arranged. >sigh< It takes so much mental effort and trial and error on my part to use a computer!
So then I get a call from the school. A computer for one of my students has arrived and they want to know what to do with it. Did I request a computer for this kid? NO! What the_____!?!?!?! Just another bit of evidence that my input is not even considered! Seriously, these kinds of things make me crazy.
I miss my families. Think I'll go eat worms.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Daily Weather Forecast
Last night the snow began to melt. I'm not sure it rained, but I sure woke several times to the sound of water dripping off the house. The snow has gone from the trees, the wind is blowing and on the untouched surface of the snow about 1/3 has melted away. The sky is overcast and the formal report says its about 36 degrees outside, but I think it might be a little warmer where I am. I even opened my patio door a crack so Lilo could 'feel' like she's closer to the birds who gather to eat the birdseed. And, I didn't have to put anymore seed out today, as some that was covered by layers of snow has appeared, so there is a fresh, though perhaps soggy, supply.
Yesterday I went shopping.....heh, heh. I haven't done that in months and months. It scares me to think how much money I spent. Underwear is so expensive! Even for 'old lady' stuff! Then I hit the sale racks and bought some new shirts. My old ones were pretty sad looking. For every one I'm putting Into my closet, I'm pulling an old one Out. I went to the book store and bought some great stuff I've wanted for the classroom. I'm hoping they'll reimburse me, but if not, hey, my grandchildren will love to play with the stuff! I bought myself a couple of books to read which I will share with some of you later, if you want.
Today is Sabbath. With being pretty much snowbound and having so many days off, they all have seemed to run together. God knew what he was doing to give us a day to think about Him at the end of a crazy week (each one is, right?) and have time to reflect and absorb soul peace that can only come from His superior source.
With the warmer weather, I feel more alive and my brain is starting to unthaw as well. Two days in a row I can think about something other than bundling up to shovel out the drive. Hurray!
Onward and Outward.
Yesterday I went shopping.....heh, heh. I haven't done that in months and months. It scares me to think how much money I spent. Underwear is so expensive! Even for 'old lady' stuff! Then I hit the sale racks and bought some new shirts. My old ones were pretty sad looking. For every one I'm putting Into my closet, I'm pulling an old one Out. I went to the book store and bought some great stuff I've wanted for the classroom. I'm hoping they'll reimburse me, but if not, hey, my grandchildren will love to play with the stuff! I bought myself a couple of books to read which I will share with some of you later, if you want.
Today is Sabbath. With being pretty much snowbound and having so many days off, they all have seemed to run together. God knew what he was doing to give us a day to think about Him at the end of a crazy week (each one is, right?) and have time to reflect and absorb soul peace that can only come from His superior source.
With the warmer weather, I feel more alive and my brain is starting to unthaw as well. Two days in a row I can think about something other than bundling up to shovel out the drive. Hurray!
Onward and Outward.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
It's Christmas!
Weather report: It got up to near 40 degrees yesterday afternoon for a couple of hours before the sun went down and the snow settled and roofs began a slow drip.drip.drip. Then it snowed 2 more inches last night. When I woke up I was stomping mad. That snow will not beat me!!! So after the day had brightened...some sun, some sun...I tackled the shoveling and even broke apart some underlying ice which had stubbornly refused to budge before this. I got the whole driveway and sidewalk shoveled and swept out again, then came in, ate some apple pie (Yum!) and took a nap. Then I decided I should check on the kids' place, so I went over there and shoveled their sidewalk, took in mail, fed the cats (who were around the house, surprisingly, and even came up to me to be petted)and then dug out a better trail for the cats in the back.It was so warm I even took off my hat and gloves! That's a lot of shoveling for one day and I'm tired, but not totally exhausted as I have been on other days. I'm getting stronger!!! Heh, heh!
When I got home, the sun was out brilliantly and everything did look beautiful. I knocked more snow off my car from sitting out last night at the dinner party I attended and then came in to rest. Here I am!
Dinner Party last night: Was at a friend of my sis's and my CEO family. She has a comfortable home, but it was crowded with 18 people there, all adults except for 3 teens who were quiet and actually very conversational.I didn't know anyone but my sis, her hubby and the hostess. We had quite a feast: a good lentil roast, homemade gluten patties, tossed salad, broccoli (yeah, I brought it), cooked carrots, a wonderful potato dish my sis made, two kinds of homemade cranberry relish, rolls, butter, green beans, mushroom gravy. It was all yummy food! Then we had pumpkin pie and apple pie for dessert. Someone had even brought soy whipped cream in a squirt can (I didn't even know they made such a thing!) The favors at each plate were a candy cane and a chocolate Santa. After dinner, which was quite a production in the small space, a couple card tables were removed and with everyone seated in the living room around the Christmas tree, a novel story about Christmas was read. Then the hostess handed gift bags to each and every guest. She had very thoughtfully given them gifts she knew they'd enjoy. She had gotten some of the items on her earlier travels during the year. I got a boxed set of 'lemon verbena' bath salts, oil, etc. The scent might be okay, but I don't think my sensitive skin will be able to handle it. I might pour out some of the goodness into the shower just to soak up the scent, however. Then another story was read and we all departed.
This Christmas eve gathering originated years ago when the hostess and a few friends were alone and didn't want to be so on Christmas. Last night there was quite an eclectic group of people there. I just kept my ears open to hear about these people. One woman was going through a marriage separation. There was a young college boy/girlfriend duo that had been in my BIL's classes and they had quite lively conversation going. The girl had tried to go home for Christmas but got stranded here (I'm sure she and her boyfriend were upset about that!:o) Another woman, a English Prof (and taught children's lit)came with her 12 year old autistic son. He just sat quietly with his mom, who, by the way, had had surgery on her ankle 1 week before and was not able to bear weight on her ankle. She parked herself in an easy chair in a corner of the room and ate there. There was an older couple there, parents of yet another couple. The older man of this couple got ill after he ate and was taken home. The child of this couple was married to a woman who was a lawyer...I'm not sure she's practicing at the moment. She was so loud and spewing her ideas onto everyone. Besides her 'righteous' views on vegan-ism, she gave some grandiose theory relating Roger Williams, the Liberty of Conscience, Christians, Atheists, Deists and on and on, spouting about all her wonderful research work and seminars she's given on this. My brain snapped. I'm used to getting kids to come when their names are called, count to ten and eat with a spoon. I think my SIL would have really kept her going, though. Too bad you weren't there, E! I would like to have seen someone take issue with her. Thankfully, my sister saw my glazed look and rescued me to another part of the room. My head was aching when I went home.
This morning I ate apple pie for breakfast and opened the gift my sis gave me lat night! She made a candle and bird seed-suet cups for the birds and it was just right to feed the little juncos and sparrows and red house finches that come into my yard (and give Lilo fits that she can't go out and chase them.) Of course, when she does go out, it's so cold, she sits on the step for a few minutes and then comes back in. Of course, while she's out there, no birds appear! Hmmm. Today, both this morning and this afternoon, I've had a mourning dove eating the seeds not 4 feet from the patio door. When I watched it fly away, it was missing one side of it's beautiful tail. It is welcome to eat here anytime! With the candle my sis made, I'm ready for the power to go out! :o)
It feels like a heat wave today with the sun out and probably around 32 degrees though the weather forecast says its only to be 25 as a high. I'm sure its warmer than that!
Time for a movie, dinner and a nap. OH, what a glorious day...Glor-o-o-o-rrrr-i-a, in excelsis Deo....
When I got home, the sun was out brilliantly and everything did look beautiful. I knocked more snow off my car from sitting out last night at the dinner party I attended and then came in to rest. Here I am!
Dinner Party last night: Was at a friend of my sis's and my CEO family. She has a comfortable home, but it was crowded with 18 people there, all adults except for 3 teens who were quiet and actually very conversational.I didn't know anyone but my sis, her hubby and the hostess. We had quite a feast: a good lentil roast, homemade gluten patties, tossed salad, broccoli (yeah, I brought it), cooked carrots, a wonderful potato dish my sis made, two kinds of homemade cranberry relish, rolls, butter, green beans, mushroom gravy. It was all yummy food! Then we had pumpkin pie and apple pie for dessert. Someone had even brought soy whipped cream in a squirt can (I didn't even know they made such a thing!) The favors at each plate were a candy cane and a chocolate Santa. After dinner, which was quite a production in the small space, a couple card tables were removed and with everyone seated in the living room around the Christmas tree, a novel story about Christmas was read. Then the hostess handed gift bags to each and every guest. She had very thoughtfully given them gifts she knew they'd enjoy. She had gotten some of the items on her earlier travels during the year. I got a boxed set of 'lemon verbena' bath salts, oil, etc. The scent might be okay, but I don't think my sensitive skin will be able to handle it. I might pour out some of the goodness into the shower just to soak up the scent, however. Then another story was read and we all departed.
This Christmas eve gathering originated years ago when the hostess and a few friends were alone and didn't want to be so on Christmas. Last night there was quite an eclectic group of people there. I just kept my ears open to hear about these people. One woman was going through a marriage separation. There was a young college boy/girlfriend duo that had been in my BIL's classes and they had quite lively conversation going. The girl had tried to go home for Christmas but got stranded here (I'm sure she and her boyfriend were upset about that!:o) Another woman, a English Prof (and taught children's lit)came with her 12 year old autistic son. He just sat quietly with his mom, who, by the way, had had surgery on her ankle 1 week before and was not able to bear weight on her ankle. She parked herself in an easy chair in a corner of the room and ate there. There was an older couple there, parents of yet another couple. The older man of this couple got ill after he ate and was taken home. The child of this couple was married to a woman who was a lawyer...I'm not sure she's practicing at the moment. She was so loud and spewing her ideas onto everyone. Besides her 'righteous' views on vegan-ism, she gave some grandiose theory relating Roger Williams, the Liberty of Conscience, Christians, Atheists, Deists and on and on, spouting about all her wonderful research work and seminars she's given on this. My brain snapped. I'm used to getting kids to come when their names are called, count to ten and eat with a spoon. I think my SIL would have really kept her going, though. Too bad you weren't there, E! I would like to have seen someone take issue with her. Thankfully, my sister saw my glazed look and rescued me to another part of the room. My head was aching when I went home.
This morning I ate apple pie for breakfast and opened the gift my sis gave me lat night! She made a candle and bird seed-suet cups for the birds and it was just right to feed the little juncos and sparrows and red house finches that come into my yard (and give Lilo fits that she can't go out and chase them.) Of course, when she does go out, it's so cold, she sits on the step for a few minutes and then comes back in. Of course, while she's out there, no birds appear! Hmmm. Today, both this morning and this afternoon, I've had a mourning dove eating the seeds not 4 feet from the patio door. When I watched it fly away, it was missing one side of it's beautiful tail. It is welcome to eat here anytime! With the candle my sis made, I'm ready for the power to go out! :o)
It feels like a heat wave today with the sun out and probably around 32 degrees though the weather forecast says its only to be 25 as a high. I'm sure its warmer than that!
Time for a movie, dinner and a nap. OH, what a glorious day...Glor-o-o-o-rrrr-i-a, in excelsis Deo....
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
White Christmas
Everyone's ideal....a White Christmas. Lots of snow, cozy fire, family, food for a feast. Well, that's what most of us have, right? And are we happy? Most of us are complaining that it's too hard to drive in This Much Snow and we are not used to 2 feet of the white stuff!
Now that my kids have arrived at their Christmas Destination (my daughter calls it a Christmas Miracle!) I feel much more settled. Everyone is safe and staying put!
It did Not snow last night and for the first time in 11 days I will not have to shovel the driveway. Whew! A nice break! The snow 'settled' some yesterday. It was still too cold to melt any of it and there was no direct sunshine, but it has settled, as I can see the bottom support beam of my fence line in some places. The trees are so heavy laden with snow, as are roofs. The news in River City is that marina dock roofs are collapsing now. I wonder when more flat roofs will go. They have more problems than we do. Theirs is ice and snow layered, ours is just snow.
Today I'm going to bake an apple pie and make molasses ginger cookies, besides do a little housecleaning. Then tonight I get to be with my sister and her friends for dinner. It will be nice to be with a group of adults who have lives Not like mine, whose eating habits Are like mine and listen to their conversations, as I'm only a rare guest to this group. I'm hoping it doesn't snow anymore so I can make it there safely.
Got to get busy. I have purpose today.
Now that my kids have arrived at their Christmas Destination (my daughter calls it a Christmas Miracle!) I feel much more settled. Everyone is safe and staying put!
It did Not snow last night and for the first time in 11 days I will not have to shovel the driveway. Whew! A nice break! The snow 'settled' some yesterday. It was still too cold to melt any of it and there was no direct sunshine, but it has settled, as I can see the bottom support beam of my fence line in some places. The trees are so heavy laden with snow, as are roofs. The news in River City is that marina dock roofs are collapsing now. I wonder when more flat roofs will go. They have more problems than we do. Theirs is ice and snow layered, ours is just snow.
Today I'm going to bake an apple pie and make molasses ginger cookies, besides do a little housecleaning. Then tonight I get to be with my sister and her friends for dinner. It will be nice to be with a group of adults who have lives Not like mine, whose eating habits Are like mine and listen to their conversations, as I'm only a rare guest to this group. I'm hoping it doesn't snow anymore so I can make it there safely.
Got to get busy. I have purpose today.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Day 9
Happily my family stuck in River city were able to leave the immediate bad ice storm area. They took the chains off and are now traveling south on only wet roads except when they go over the summit. They are happy to be heading toward their Christmas destination!!!! Their plans changed so many times!
Here, the ground was covered with a light covering of snow again,and it is still lightly flaking down. Today, I Swept(rather than shoveled) off the driveway, and pushed my garbage can just to the side of the end of the driveway. I don't even know if the garbage pick up will happen.
Lilo is still avidly watching the little birds come to eat the bird seed I throw on the snow. By the time the sun goes down and I shut the curtain, she's exhausted and curls up to sleep. I gave in and bought her a Christmas present. A little round soft pillow bed. It is sage green to match the living room decor...none of this pink princess stuff. But she does like the bed and curled up there all night rather than on my bed pillow. I think my bedroom is too cold for her.
Other than that, my snowy life continues. I'm still cozy and safe.
Here, the ground was covered with a light covering of snow again,and it is still lightly flaking down. Today, I Swept(rather than shoveled) off the driveway, and pushed my garbage can just to the side of the end of the driveway. I don't even know if the garbage pick up will happen.
Lilo is still avidly watching the little birds come to eat the bird seed I throw on the snow. By the time the sun goes down and I shut the curtain, she's exhausted and curls up to sleep. I gave in and bought her a Christmas present. A little round soft pillow bed. It is sage green to match the living room decor...none of this pink princess stuff. But she does like the bed and curled up there all night rather than on my bed pillow. I think my bedroom is too cold for her.
Other than that, my snowy life continues. I'm still cozy and safe.
Monday, December 22, 2008
The 8th Day
Folks, we had 3-4 more inches of snow over yesterday/last night. So for the 8th day in a row, I shoveled out my drive way. Do my arms ache, does my back ache? Oh, yeah, big time. I keep thinking I should be getting stronger, but that doesn't seem to be working for me. My driveway is about 2 Camry lengths long. The piles on the sides of the driveway are 4 ft high and I have to throw the snow farther to get it over the top, so it doesn't avalanche back down onto the driveway. What a mess. The sun was shining today, though it is muted now. I work up such a heart rate, I'm really too warm and am not bundling up as thickly as I did at first. Yes, I'm writing about this because it is the 'highlight' of my days recently.
Years ago I bought some Gortex hiking boots, thinking I was really going to do some mountain hiking, but never did. Those boots have really come in handy here. They are very warm, for this weather they are great; except they could be a bit higher (like over the calf). I think I need to get some of those snow leg covers.. I don't know what they are called. They are sort of like the old 80's leg warmers but made of water resistant material and fit from the knee down over boots to keep snow out.
CEO are still stuck in River City and may be there through Christmas. They can't even traverse the city to see friends, as the city is shut down due to weather..the worst since 1968, the news reported.
Well, I'm going to shower and see if I can drive to the store to get batteries and sterno cans. When this starts to melt.............. (hey, you Know I'm a survivalist!) :o)
Years ago I bought some Gortex hiking boots, thinking I was really going to do some mountain hiking, but never did. Those boots have really come in handy here. They are very warm, for this weather they are great; except they could be a bit higher (like over the calf). I think I need to get some of those snow leg covers.. I don't know what they are called. They are sort of like the old 80's leg warmers but made of water resistant material and fit from the knee down over boots to keep snow out.
CEO are still stuck in River City and may be there through Christmas. They can't even traverse the city to see friends, as the city is shut down due to weather..the worst since 1968, the news reported.
Well, I'm going to shower and see if I can drive to the store to get batteries and sterno cans. When this starts to melt.............. (hey, you Know I'm a survivalist!) :o)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Let It Snow???
What a wacky week. With school closed Wednesday, many of us doubted whether we'd have school on Thursday, but 2 hour delay was posted. So as I headed out the door for work I got the call...it was canceled for the day. I was so glad, because it was snowing hard and the weather report said it was going to snow all day....turns out, it did and we got, maybe 6-7 inches. I guess the district gave up for Friday, as they closed school again, so my Christmas break started 3 days early. It was stressful just trying to keep on schedule, never knowing what was going to happen next. But I'm relaxing now, drinking tea, watching the cat who is watching the birds for whom I threw a bunch of bird seed on the snow. :o)
I look out and think we have 2 feet of snow, but I measured it and it is only 14 inches high. Incredible. Of course, when I measure the piles beside my driveway I've been shoveling all week, the yard stick gets lost. It even snowed another 1/2" or so last night. I've used a whole bag of ice melter on the driveway in the last week. If I can get out today, I'll try to get another bag. The roads are packed snow, but at least I won't get high centered!
All the school Christmas programs were canceled because of the weather and all the staff parties as well. I'm not sad about it at all. I really look forward to this nice little quiet break from the craziness at work.
My kids finally left to spend Christmas with family today.. They were going to leave tomorrow but decided to go while there is a break in the weather. Of course, I understand River City is in the midst of another storm. Once in River City, the kids decided to Fly to the other grandma's house. I hope they have no problem getting into and out of River City!!!! They do have places to stay there if they get stuck. They have chains on their car, too, with new tires, so that will help.I pray they'll have a safe trip!
I'm not going anywhere except maybe to venture out to get ice melter later. I haven't moved my car out of the carport in three days. Every day I go out and let it run for awhile so it won't freeze up, as the door locks did freeze last Sunday when we had our first big snow. The temperature is the coldest its been so far today. We'll see how it goes.
I saw online that even Island county is covered with snow!
I took some pictures of the snow on my new all-in-one phone, but I haven't figured out how to transfer the pictures yet. At least I have time to mess with it. It is a gorgeous day today. The sun is out turning all the whiteness into pure jewels.
Have a warm, safe Christmas holiday. Take time to give thanks for all the blessings you have at this moment. I am thankful for: family, friends, a warm cozy home, a car that works, plenty of yummy food, my health, warm clothing and money to pay my bills this month. Oh, yeah, and a mind that works well most of the time. :o)
I look out and think we have 2 feet of snow, but I measured it and it is only 14 inches high. Incredible. Of course, when I measure the piles beside my driveway I've been shoveling all week, the yard stick gets lost. It even snowed another 1/2" or so last night. I've used a whole bag of ice melter on the driveway in the last week. If I can get out today, I'll try to get another bag. The roads are packed snow, but at least I won't get high centered!
All the school Christmas programs were canceled because of the weather and all the staff parties as well. I'm not sad about it at all. I really look forward to this nice little quiet break from the craziness at work.
My kids finally left to spend Christmas with family today.. They were going to leave tomorrow but decided to go while there is a break in the weather. Of course, I understand River City is in the midst of another storm. Once in River City, the kids decided to Fly to the other grandma's house. I hope they have no problem getting into and out of River City!!!! They do have places to stay there if they get stuck. They have chains on their car, too, with new tires, so that will help.I pray they'll have a safe trip!
I'm not going anywhere except maybe to venture out to get ice melter later. I haven't moved my car out of the carport in three days. Every day I go out and let it run for awhile so it won't freeze up, as the door locks did freeze last Sunday when we had our first big snow. The temperature is the coldest its been so far today. We'll see how it goes.
I saw online that even Island county is covered with snow!
I took some pictures of the snow on my new all-in-one phone, but I haven't figured out how to transfer the pictures yet. At least I have time to mess with it. It is a gorgeous day today. The sun is out turning all the whiteness into pure jewels.
Have a warm, safe Christmas holiday. Take time to give thanks for all the blessings you have at this moment. I am thankful for: family, friends, a warm cozy home, a car that works, plenty of yummy food, my health, warm clothing and money to pay my bills this month. Oh, yeah, and a mind that works well most of the time. :o)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Sidebar
One thing that is interesting to me as I've listened to morning radio in River City, OH, and now WW, is this:
River City: main topic of concern was traffic
OH: main topic of concern was weather
WW: main topic of concern is the AG report, price of wheat, the best product to reduce infestations on a crop, how the apples are doing, where crops are sold, etc.
River City: main topic of concern was traffic
OH: main topic of concern was weather
WW: main topic of concern is the AG report, price of wheat, the best product to reduce infestations on a crop, how the apples are doing, where crops are sold, etc.
Weather Cancels School
I'm so thankful, but could I sleep in this morning? Not on your life. The snow plows finally got to my street at 12:45 a.m. this morning and scraped the snow off the current layer of ice beneath the snow. NOISY! I'm thinking it will be harder to drive now. At least it didn't snow last night and I don't have to shovel my driveway for the 5th time in a row. Although the forecast is to get 3 more inches later today. (We already have over a foot of snow.) Yesterday it was 11 degrees as a high. I haven't felt those cold temperatures since I was a kid in Colorado. I couldn't find gloves warm enough! And boots, I need boots! Not just the rain boots that served me well in River City!
Today, I'm thinking about all the little Christmas details I can get done! It has been an unusual week at school, one in which I've gotten a lot of paperwork done! We have had 2-hour delayed start Mon. and Tues. because of all the snow and extremely low temperatures. That means my morning class was canceled both days. In the afternoon on Monday only one child showed up. One lived too far away to travel the snowy roads, one was ill, and one, whose mother also has disabilities, couldn't sustain her balance well enough to push her child's wheelchair to the bus in the snow. Sad, huh? I've talked to the powers-that-be about this one. Then Tuesday, two children showed up. The dad, of the child in the wheelchair, decided it too risky to drive to work and stayed home, and thus put his child on the bus. Today was supposed to be early release (elementary kids get out at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays for the staff to have their weekly meeting). Of course this early release doesn't actually affect the sped preK. Anyway, the district couldn't figure out how to do a late start and an early release.....hee, hee. One neighboring school district cancelled the early release and just did the 2-hour delayed start. But it's the 'WW-Way', isn't it? This means we'll have to make up the day at the end of the school year in June.
The staff Christmas party was planned to be originally at the principal's home this afternoon during the early release so staff could attend (except for us sped preK who work in class until 3:30...principal has not got that figured out!ppffftt Another story in itself) When the weather got rough, the principal decided to have the party at the school. Now the party is canceled until after the new year. I have to laugh a little at that. Her micromanagement can't control the weather! God is still in control!
I'm just relishing in the ability to stay home. I have plans to do a number of projects I can only do at home. I had been invited to go to CA with my kids over Christmas to visit my SIL's relatives (we are 'friends') but I opted out. Staying home and curling up on my own sofa with a favorite book is much more inviting! The kids will be home in a week and we can still celebrate together! It is a 'season' after all, not just one day!
Hot tea, Christmas music and blogging. Now that's my idea of a restful morning!
Today, I'm thinking about all the little Christmas details I can get done! It has been an unusual week at school, one in which I've gotten a lot of paperwork done! We have had 2-hour delayed start Mon. and Tues. because of all the snow and extremely low temperatures. That means my morning class was canceled both days. In the afternoon on Monday only one child showed up. One lived too far away to travel the snowy roads, one was ill, and one, whose mother also has disabilities, couldn't sustain her balance well enough to push her child's wheelchair to the bus in the snow. Sad, huh? I've talked to the powers-that-be about this one. Then Tuesday, two children showed up. The dad, of the child in the wheelchair, decided it too risky to drive to work and stayed home, and thus put his child on the bus. Today was supposed to be early release (elementary kids get out at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays for the staff to have their weekly meeting). Of course this early release doesn't actually affect the sped preK. Anyway, the district couldn't figure out how to do a late start and an early release.....hee, hee. One neighboring school district cancelled the early release and just did the 2-hour delayed start. But it's the 'WW-Way', isn't it? This means we'll have to make up the day at the end of the school year in June.
The staff Christmas party was planned to be originally at the principal's home this afternoon during the early release so staff could attend (except for us sped preK who work in class until 3:30...principal has not got that figured out!ppffftt Another story in itself) When the weather got rough, the principal decided to have the party at the school. Now the party is canceled until after the new year. I have to laugh a little at that. Her micromanagement can't control the weather! God is still in control!
I'm just relishing in the ability to stay home. I have plans to do a number of projects I can only do at home. I had been invited to go to CA with my kids over Christmas to visit my SIL's relatives (we are 'friends') but I opted out. Staying home and curling up on my own sofa with a favorite book is much more inviting! The kids will be home in a week and we can still celebrate together! It is a 'season' after all, not just one day!
Hot tea, Christmas music and blogging. Now that's my idea of a restful morning!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Getting Back into the Groove
It's snowing, in earnest! The snow is just beginning to stick to the ground. It will be awhile before we see "white"! I put on Christmas music and am feeling happy. I'm finally back to my routine and dealing with the shenanigans that the school principal tries to pull. This week has been especially trying, but I'm not going to talk about it. Let's just say she continues to love being in the spotlight as "Diva" and makes drama where there is none. It's the way she lives her life. Right now I feel I'd better hang on to my job, as so many are going jobless. So I'm dealing with it.
I'm really missing my TN family and tried to talk my dad into going with me to TN for Christmas to see them...his other great grandchild! Well, no deal. One trip like this for him will last him a lifetime. But my heart is with them, too, as they participate in their busy lives. Even though times are tough and they are struggling, they will look back on this with wonder that through their 'trials and tribulations' they grew stronger as a family and as individuals.
As to my local dear little family, I love them all! I so enjoy my grandson and have become so comfortable with their little family. My daughter has taken on a New Year's resolution early. My prayers and support are with her. Maybe her work on this resolution will help me, too!
The new washer and dryer arrived a week ago and it is such a blessing! When I lived in OH I had to do all my laundry in the laundromat and I really hate doing that. They are always so dirty!...Even though I did not seem to get any diseases or anything drastic! :o} Then I've had only a washer since I moved here and only one of the cycles worked. Then while dad was here it started leaking. So the timing of getting a new set was perfect. Now that he's gone and there is no more emotional abuse or old baggage to open, I can appreciate it more. It was so great to do laundry in half the time, even folding it and putting it away went much more quickly. I know it is still novel, so I'll probably have piles when the newness wears off, but for now I'm so enjoying it! It's a pleasurable activity!
I plan to get out my Christmas decorations today. I've got to drag them from my storage shed. But it will be fun to decorate. I'm hoping to have little O with me and it will be an exercise to keep him busy with the unbreakable parts....I think I still have some! I've really gotten rid of lots of stuff and replaced them with fewer, nicer items I've bought at after-Christmas sales.
Then, tomorrow, it is back to the salt mine to get some paperwork in place for a meeting with the principal on Monday. I told you she was on my back. I can't seem to shake her off, but I am taking a union rep with me to every meeting I have with her. I have such bad feelings toward her. At first I was just stunned and in shock that she would attack me so. Now, I'm MAD! I'm not going down without a fight. I hope she turns her guns on someone else, soon! I've lost my enthusiasm for teaching and feel totally overwhelmed by all they expect me to do. This, of course, has made me lose my confidence that I am a good teacher. It's a slick downward slide into depression and paranoia and I fight hard not to go there.
(The ground is starting to turn white with the first snow of the season! I love that first snow!)
C and I attended the University's Christmas concert last night and decided that it was good, but not as good as when DIL and my son were there. I didn't think the orchestra was quite as good, either. They have different music professors, now. That probably has a little to do with it.
I love the holiday season. I've even learned to enjoy it when I am alone. It is a great time for relaxing and reflecting and gathering my 'inner forces' to launch into a new year. I have happy memories of Christmases past and enjoy the activities surrounding the season.
Enough for now. I need to get ready for SS.
I'm really missing my TN family and tried to talk my dad into going with me to TN for Christmas to see them...his other great grandchild! Well, no deal. One trip like this for him will last him a lifetime. But my heart is with them, too, as they participate in their busy lives. Even though times are tough and they are struggling, they will look back on this with wonder that through their 'trials and tribulations' they grew stronger as a family and as individuals.
As to my local dear little family, I love them all! I so enjoy my grandson and have become so comfortable with their little family. My daughter has taken on a New Year's resolution early. My prayers and support are with her. Maybe her work on this resolution will help me, too!
The new washer and dryer arrived a week ago and it is such a blessing! When I lived in OH I had to do all my laundry in the laundromat and I really hate doing that. They are always so dirty!...Even though I did not seem to get any diseases or anything drastic! :o} Then I've had only a washer since I moved here and only one of the cycles worked. Then while dad was here it started leaking. So the timing of getting a new set was perfect. Now that he's gone and there is no more emotional abuse or old baggage to open, I can appreciate it more. It was so great to do laundry in half the time, even folding it and putting it away went much more quickly. I know it is still novel, so I'll probably have piles when the newness wears off, but for now I'm so enjoying it! It's a pleasurable activity!
I plan to get out my Christmas decorations today. I've got to drag them from my storage shed. But it will be fun to decorate. I'm hoping to have little O with me and it will be an exercise to keep him busy with the unbreakable parts....I think I still have some! I've really gotten rid of lots of stuff and replaced them with fewer, nicer items I've bought at after-Christmas sales.
Then, tomorrow, it is back to the salt mine to get some paperwork in place for a meeting with the principal on Monday. I told you she was on my back. I can't seem to shake her off, but I am taking a union rep with me to every meeting I have with her. I have such bad feelings toward her. At first I was just stunned and in shock that she would attack me so. Now, I'm MAD! I'm not going down without a fight. I hope she turns her guns on someone else, soon! I've lost my enthusiasm for teaching and feel totally overwhelmed by all they expect me to do. This, of course, has made me lose my confidence that I am a good teacher. It's a slick downward slide into depression and paranoia and I fight hard not to go there.
(The ground is starting to turn white with the first snow of the season! I love that first snow!)
C and I attended the University's Christmas concert last night and decided that it was good, but not as good as when DIL and my son were there. I didn't think the orchestra was quite as good, either. They have different music professors, now. That probably has a little to do with it.
I love the holiday season. I've even learned to enjoy it when I am alone. It is a great time for relaxing and reflecting and gathering my 'inner forces' to launch into a new year. I have happy memories of Christmases past and enjoy the activities surrounding the season.
Enough for now. I need to get ready for SS.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Peace and Quiet
It is Not overrated. Even Lilo agrees. (Dad continued to call her /he/ and /Heelo/ even when I spelled her name out for him on paper) It's taking some time for her to get used to our little life together without dad teasing her. After he left, she kept creeping up to the door of his room and peeking in, expecting him to jump out at her at any moment. But now, at the end of the week, I think she's settling in. She still jumps straight up in the air over unusual noises and shadows, but it is lessening.
I have quit jumping from unusual sounds and shadows too, mostly. LOL. CEO are visiting River City this weekend so I have time to just 'cave' and get myself and my home back to normal. I was going to put up Christmas decor, but that may have to wait.
Remember, I wrote that even work seemed calm compared to dad's visit? Well, that certainly ended quickly. The principal butted in on my mentorship meeting and when the mentor left the room for a few minutes, she started bullying me again that I'd better get a specific data system in place, "It's already 1/2 way through your second year here!" It seemed like she was saying, "Do it or else." My mentor did not know, until I told her later in the meeting, that I always took a union rep with me to any meeting with her (the principal). Then on Friday at our preschool team meeting, in front of everyone, she told me to make a lesson plan out for my assistant to use for one child. I asked my counterpart teacher if she made lesson plans for her assistants and she said no, that the principal's comment made her feel concerned that maybe she should be making them out. So this principal is just a bully. When she doesn't like you, watch out! I am not a happy camper, but have been advised by my cronies in River City just to hang on to my job, and in looking for jobs on the internet, I think that's the best course.
I am looking forward to summer to put some play equipment in the back yard and watch little O have fun climbing, sliding, playing in a sand box, etc. Of course, that is going to happen IF I am able to find those play equipment pieces cheap. Spring yard sales are usually full of good stuff like that, though.
I'm just so glad to have a Saturday night to sit in the quiet and be able to think my own thoughts without having other voices/sounds bombarding me. So now, I'm taking advantage of this time to catch up on some things. Tomorrow my new washer and dryer are supposed to arrive. I hope they come soon, because I Have to go to school and do some work.
Hurray for 'down time'!
I have quit jumping from unusual sounds and shadows too, mostly. LOL. CEO are visiting River City this weekend so I have time to just 'cave' and get myself and my home back to normal. I was going to put up Christmas decor, but that may have to wait.
Remember, I wrote that even work seemed calm compared to dad's visit? Well, that certainly ended quickly. The principal butted in on my mentorship meeting and when the mentor left the room for a few minutes, she started bullying me again that I'd better get a specific data system in place, "It's already 1/2 way through your second year here!" It seemed like she was saying, "Do it or else." My mentor did not know, until I told her later in the meeting, that I always took a union rep with me to any meeting with her (the principal). Then on Friday at our preschool team meeting, in front of everyone, she told me to make a lesson plan out for my assistant to use for one child. I asked my counterpart teacher if she made lesson plans for her assistants and she said no, that the principal's comment made her feel concerned that maybe she should be making them out. So this principal is just a bully. When she doesn't like you, watch out! I am not a happy camper, but have been advised by my cronies in River City just to hang on to my job, and in looking for jobs on the internet, I think that's the best course.
I am looking forward to summer to put some play equipment in the back yard and watch little O have fun climbing, sliding, playing in a sand box, etc. Of course, that is going to happen IF I am able to find those play equipment pieces cheap. Spring yard sales are usually full of good stuff like that, though.
I'm just so glad to have a Saturday night to sit in the quiet and be able to think my own thoughts without having other voices/sounds bombarding me. So now, I'm taking advantage of this time to catch up on some things. Tomorrow my new washer and dryer are supposed to arrive. I hope they come soon, because I Have to go to school and do some work.
Hurray for 'down time'!
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