idiot........

Who would name their child Hitler?  And then be offended that no one in the bakery wanted to imprint his name in frosting?  There are just some names one should avoid....typically mass murderers, serial killers and fascists should be avoided.  Dumb ass.

randomness

I know that I was raised a long time ago and things are very different now. I do get that. BUT, things were also different when you compare my parents childhood to mine- that is how it goes. That said, these kids these days really are clueless. Maybe being raised by parents who had first hand knowledge of WWII and the Depression makes me think differently from these kids who have never know being poor, wearing unstylish clothes, saving useful items, etc.

I really frustrates me when rather than getting the point of a move set in 1940, they make fun of the names and the clothes. And the cars. They just don't seem to "get" any other time frame. I was a weird kid- I loved Little House on the Prairie, I watched old movies and tv shows. I read "vintage" books that I found at the library and at my Aunt's house. I found unusual things in antique stores and asked what they were for. I understood that many people were poor and my own mom grew up sharing a bedroom with 5 sisters and no running water. I actually liked all the museum junk I got dragged to on vacations. I saw Gone with the Wind for the first time when I was 8 and designed antebellum dresses for Barbie. I was weird and I know that, but I JUST DON'T GET these kids. And if I had my way, the X Box, computer and TV would not be in my house. I am rambling and also at work, so I shouldn't be writing, but I had to.

And totally off subject- we have found a way to punish Zach. No Candy. Give Helen a piece and tell him "NO". He is on no candy, no tv, no xbox, no computer until I decide he can have them back. Also, bed at 7:45. He has been awful and we need to "nip it".

Merry, Merry.....

If you get Christmas cards from me, don't peek......

Helen & Zachary   Christmas 2008

(their feet are discreetly hidden due to Helen's bright pink sneakers)

Yeah, Friday.....

After I dropped off children, I drove to Annapolis (about 20 miles from the school) to see an ent (alas, not Dr. Hottie).  He confirmed that I do have an infection and sent me away to the pharmacy.  Then I went to Trader Joe's where I purchased Garden Burger "riblets", kettle corn, cheese, soy yogurt and some ciabatta bread.  After running in my house to put my goodies in the fridge, I went 20 miles the other way to get my haircut.  I also bought some junk for Helen (hair things, an outfit), Christmas ornaments or the kids, Barbie and Indiana Jones.  And I dropped off my film and library books

When I went to get the kids, another teacher commented on my boots (black lace up DocMarten knockoffs from Target), which I wore with jeans that I rolled up slightly (more to keep my jean cuffs dry than to be stylish).  Any way, she told me how put together I always am and what great style I have.  Hee, hee- I needed to hear that today.  In fact, that teacher is one that I always think she looks great, so that was an extra nice compliment.  If she only knew I usually feel half- done and fat.  Any way, it makes up for the fact the fifth graders make fun of me.

satisfaction level......

 

I am usually pretty happy with my life.  But not today.  It has been raining for two whole days, I have a sinus infection, David is out of town, my kids are not listening at all and the school kids are being difficult because it is almost Christmas break.  I have a million things to do and not enough time or energy to do them.  I work in a basement away from everyone and feel like I have no new friends to fill the void of the ones I never get to see any more.  And no one ever returns my phone calls.  I haven't talked to my sister in weeks and even Erin is too busy to talk or get together.  I am feeling sad and isolated with no one but my (monster) children.  Even the dog is staying in the basement all the time.  Wahhhhhh.

Dear Santa......

Dear Santa,

I have been very good.  Or at least I tried.  This year I would like:

five minutes of quiet in the middle of the afternoon
a new wardrobe
my 28 year old body back (this is when I as the most comfortable with myself)
20/20 vision
kids who listen and do what they are told the first time
arms that don't keep waving after I stop
my mp3 player to be filled with all the songs I love and none of David's crap
no regrets
a full night's sleep with nothing waking me up

Thank you for considering my list- I'd be happy with anything you can give me.

Susan 

Still to do....

1. get film developed
   
2. buy gifts for mom, sister, brother in law, parents in law, David
   
3. choose picture for Christmas card
   
4. order cards (WILL BE DELIVERED BY FRIDAY), get them mailed
   
5. put up tree & decorate
   
6. wrap presents
   
7. buy stocking stuffers
   
8. return library books
   
9. buy birthday gift for party this weekend
   
10. pick up portraits at mall
    
11. make gingerbread houses
    
12. bake cookies (streamlining this year- sugar, white chocolate cherry, macaroons)
    
13. make teacher gifts (we're doing popcorn and Blockbuster cards this year) and buy gift cards
    
14. make cards for co-workers
    
15. help Helen and Zach design their class cards, print them and have kids sign them
    
16. make reindeer food for Zachary's class 
    
17. make cocoa bags for Helen's class
18. send notices for 3rd grade party
19. mail March craft fair applications

bold indicates done  italics indicates can do when school gets out

My kids are so freakin' smart.....

OK, everyone brags about their kids in their blogs.  I am no exception.  So here's the latest-

Helen made straight A's on her report card

Zachary just read 3 level one readers to me, with very little help (he wanted to read more)

Helen is being placed in the fourth grade reading group (she tested high 4th grade)

Helen is doing fourth grade math and simple algebra

Zachary is just wicked scary smart.  This is the conversation we had today.

Z- (looking at a quarter) this quarter is 8 years old.

S- How do you know?

Z- It was made in 2000.  That's the year Helen was born.  It's the same age as Helen.  And three years older than me.

S- That's pretty smart of you.

Z- yes and I have 62 cents in my hand.  (AND HE WAS RIGHT!  No one else was in the car to tell him)  I can spell December ...D-e-c-e-m-b-e-r.

My kitchen

Next step in the home overhaul- the kitchen.  I have "new-ish" appliances, but the rest is looking  a bit old.  I don't know what to do in there.  I am thinking of a neutral wall color- like a few shades lighter than the living room (chocolate).   The cabinets look sad- I might try to put a darker stain on them.  After that, I don't know.  I don't have a lot of space in there, but I want to use some things that are important to me- a red bowl, a ceramic rooster, a red pitcher and some tins with apples on them.  Don't know where I will put them.  Plus I wanted to use more green, not red.  SO, I don't know how to incorporate the red without having to use a bunch of red.  And I saw a bread box just like the one we had when I was a kid, except it was orange not avocado.  I want it......  Or maybe the green one I saw.  I don't know.  I just want a bread box.

Weekend Update

We went to New York this weekend. We stayed near Times Square, walked to Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, American Girl Store, New York Public library...... We got a bucket full of chocolate at the Hershey store (Zachary was in heaven). We ate Croatian food for dinner, and giant pretzels and knish for lunch. 

We attended (part of) mass at St. Patrick's. I was really irritated by the rude people with their big fur coats and cups of Starbucks parading through as if people weren't trying to worship and then depositing their cups all over the place inside the cathedral. Don't these people have any respect?  St. Patrick's is beautiful and I understand wanting to see inside, but if people are worshiping, show some respect to them and their faith and their church.

Here are some stats:

Number of times Zachary threw up- 3 (car sick)

number of times Helen had attitude- 2

rolls of film used- 10

number of firetrucks seen tying to get through town- 5

number of times woken up in hotel Saturday night- it felt like 23 (once was because of the people next door- they were noisy and I'm not sure which was more embarrassing- that we could hear it, or how pathetically short it was)

I forgot the backpack with my wallet, phone and allergy meds.  I really needed the Nasonex- city air and forced heat really does me in.  I realized that I am NOT a city kind of girl.  I like to visit, but I like clean air and quiet too much to live in a big city.

phones, phones, phones.....

I was informed last night that we need to give up our land line.  True enough.  Anyone who calls David calls his cell (except anyone he doesn't really want to talk to).  Anyone who calls the home line wants me.  I also have a cell.  I guess I don't need both.  I just don't want to be accessible all the time.  I am picky about who has my cell number and most every number that calls is already in my address book.  If we do this I will need a new actual phone, plus some kind of hands free device- you can't DO anything holding a tiny cell phone (ie fold laundry- try it if you don't believe me). AND, I have the coolest phone number (I won't give it out here, duh, but just know that people usually laugh or don't think it is real and I've had it for 12 years).  I guess I can transfer it to the new cell.  I'm already pretty good about ignoring my phone, I am just worried about the stupid calls during things like karate- I guess I'll have to remember to leave it in the car.....

On a different note, I survived the twins birthday party.  Their mother and I are not on friendly terms and I was worried about the awkwardness.  I just stayed out of the way and talked less than ever in my life.  I realized I had not missed her at all and she annoyed me.  

Gettin rid of junky paper

Sick of phone books?  Opt out here.....  Who really needs them any way?  

It's Official.....

>>>>I am a doormat.  Maybe not so much #'s 8, 9 & 10, but certainly some fo the others.  I need to work on that.  I just don't want any one to get mad...

Weekend update

Today we went to church and to the Boy Scout breakfast.  It was kinda cute having my students fetching me coffee, lol.  When we got home, I got started on the laundry pile.  I am now on load number 4.  I have about 2 more to go.  I hate it when laundry gets behind like that, but I was too busy Wednesday (craft fair, cooking), Thursday (cooking, company), Friday (craft fair, kids) and Saturday (craft fair) to get much done.  So, now I pay.....  Speaking of laundry- here's a tip.  If you have funky laundry like I do (IE- the towels smell weird, you have a bed wetter, potty trainer, dog. stinky man shirts, etc) white vinegar is awesome.  

You put it in the rinse and it gets rid of odor and makes things soft.  I can never remember to go to the dungeon the put it in the rinse cycle, so I put the vinegar in the Downy ball.  Perfect.  

Now Zachary's cats and the towels

 smell lovely. 

I also spent 2 HOURS cleaning Helen's room.  That will not happen again.  "Maid" service will come in every Friday to change sheets, dust and vacuum.  So, Thursday night rooms will be picked up or I will do it with the infamous black trash bag.  Period.  

Then Helen and I went to the mall.  We got a package of socks, some "bras" for her, some lotion from Bath and Body Works (blueberry) and some nail polish.  She doesn't have many "girly" moments, so I take advantage when I can.  She is starting to be interested in clothes, but her taste is weird.  So that is my Sunday.  Now I need to fold more clothes and do my lesson plans.

Craft Fair #4 is OVER

I have chaired this event since March 2007 (there are March and November shows).  This one went relatively smoothly.  I had a few people that were difficult and made my morning miserable, but everyone else seemed happy.  Our $ totals for the day:

$295- bake sale

  500- kitchen sales

 3300- booth sales

-550  less expenses  =    $3545 (since I cannot do math in my head that sounds pretty good.  Do that twice per year, I raise about $7000 for the school each year.  Not too shabby.  I have been up since 4 AM and arrived at school around 5:30.  It is now 5:21 PM.  I just got home.  I am exhausted and have a huge mound of laundry (AKA Mt. Washmore) to deal with.  I will not get to that until tomorrow.  I just want to take a shower and relax.  But I bought homemade dog biscuits, 2 headbands for Helen, a necklace for Helen, a tooth fairy pillow for Zachary, a "goodie bag" for each child, a "leash" for the DS Helen is getting for Christmas (it is beaded with her name on it and it tethers the stylus to the game unit), some awesome handmade soap (this guy makes soap and beer, what a combo, but he smells SOOOOOOO good).  I'm sure I'm forgetting lots of stuff.  A local artist does pen and ink drawings and he made water colored print of the Mary statue from the back of the church for Helen.  I am going to frame it before I give it to her.  She crowned the statue during the May Day procession this year and he saw it in the paper.  He gave it to me today- that was a nice surprise.

I am wiped out and I am going to go eat my leftover dressing and sweet potatoes and have a beer (Dogfish Head).  We went to this pub on our honeymoon and have been back on many occasions since.  Good beer, good food.......  They also make their own "beach beer", sort of a cross between root beer and birch beer.  

If you have any sinus problems, get this.  It is SO gross, but boy does it work!  I am currently on Singulair, Allegra, and Nasonex, but I am still blowing blood.  The sinus rinse helps with that more than anything else.  I just hope I am not developing new cysts.......  I think it is just a combination of the heat running and my job (librarian in a basement is not the best job for someone who is allergic to dust, mold and mildew).

More "confessions"

I like movies.  Ok, so every body knew that, but my secret passion are those made for tv movies, especially those that are Christmassy and involve some kind of angel teaching everyone the true meaning of love and Christmas.  You know, cheesy.  Ranks right up there with crappy horror movies (you know the kind- lots of silly screaming, terrible effects).  Ok, there it is, off my chest.  Sadly, no one else in the house shares my feelings and I never get to watch them.

I also really like old tv shows and movies.  I guess growing up near Atlanta when Ted Turner owned a small UHF channel and could only afford to show I Love Lucy and Leave it to Beaver reruns had an effect on me.  When I lived in Summerville, SC, I could see the tv from my kitchen and I watched the Andy Griffith show while I cooked. (Here is  some nostalgia- I wasn't the best cook, but I remember making a mac and cheese casserole a lot- and fondue.  And you know you're poor when you stretch Lipton noodles by adding a box of spaghetti- AKA "fetta-sketti")  Again, no one shares my appreciation for old tv shows, cheesy movies and musicals.  So, I frequently sneak away and watch alone while I iron (at least I can claim to be productive rather than just doing nothing).

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Everyone has something to be thankful for.  Go be happy.  Eat lots of veggies!

UPDATE:  Oh. My. God.  That was the best dressing I have had in 3 years.  I followed Paula Deen's recipe, using Earth Balance and veg. broth as subs.   Everything else was divine also- but that dressing was awesome (as I pat myself on the back).  Even David had to say "It didn't suck"- high praises from him, ;0)

Dear ****

You don't send emails via your lawyer changing Thansgiving plans at 2 pm on Wednesday.  All I have to say is you are an inconsiderate witch.  You say it has nothing to do with any of us- please explain to Helen why her cousins aren't going to be here now when she has been looking forward to it for a week.  What is your daughter going to say when you tell her she isn't having dinner at my house after all?  I cannot post the words I'd love to share with you right now.

Susan

Advent Conspiracy

Watch this.  It will make you think.  Whether you are religious, or not, you can do more for the world than you realize.  

Which brings me to another thought.  Why is it that people think that liberal still equals "progressive" and "free"?  I am not extreme right wing, not even close, but I just wonder.  Why is it in a capitalist society, where "small business" used to be the back bone, we are forced to give our hard earned money to bail out failing BIG businesses, who quite obviously still don't know how to budget or manage money?  Why can;t failing companies just fail, like in the old days.  The market crashed in 1929.  It sucked, people were scared.  Our country suffered.  But we recovered and thrived.   Our government will have spent much money to save failing businesses, while the "little guys" continue to struggle.  

And, government cannot mandate morals, folks.  Do we all need laws to do the right thing?  Or do we need to just turn over everything to someone else, let them tell us what is right?  Even in the last 10 years, the changes in schools are scary.  Children are no longer individuals.  They are a "standard".  Being gifted is a bad thing.  Too busy trying to water down the curriculum so that no one gets left behind to challenge the smart ones.  Where is the balance?  We are trying to force little bodies to sit in desks and learn what the tests require, no matter what their learning style or abilities.  Too few children are appreciated for who they are.  Hell, too few of anyone is these days.  You must guard every word that is spoken or written because you might offend (censorship, or sensitivity, you tell me?).  Unless of course you are insulting Southerners, fat people or Christians, then they are fair game.  "Stupid fat redneck Biblethumper...."  see, that is OK.  

I am rambling and I need to get ready for work, but I had to rant a bit this morning.