No, it's not December, and no, it's not my birthday. Today is the last day of school for students in the FWCS district. Though I graduated from high school (& college, for that matter) longer ago than I would like to admit, I am still excited and nostalgic as I wake my own kids for their last day of school. They'll say temporary good-byes to their friends. (Of course with facebook, Skype, and all the other modern devices, they won't be as isolated as I was from my friends over the course of the all-too-short summer.) They'll turn in books and clean out lockers and sign yearbooks. All things I miss, now that I am able to see those years through the colored lenses provided by age.
I did make them go today, though the ridiculousness of having the last day of school on a MONDAY, of all days, did make me consider, briefly, letting them start the summer a day early. In the end, I hope they understand why I made them go. They would miss that one last chance to see their friends, to collect phone numbers and emails, to look at that crush face-to-face (my 15-year-old son, ONLY, I hope), to bring home any last minute artwork, poem, or essay. I feel wistful for those experiences as I write this and long to spend the summer days with them, though my work does not allow it. (Which sucks, quite frankly.)
And so, even though my own school days a long over, it's with a sigh that I see my children come to the end of another year.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Vacation from the Rearview
So, we've been back from vacation for awhile, and I haven't yet posted about it. Well, I would love to say the week was a shocking and wonderful success, but that wouldn't be completely true. It probably should have been a clear warning when, outside of Columbus, OH, the rain that had been plaguing my driving turned into snow and ice in a matter of about fifteen seconds. Luckily, it turned back into rain is just about as short a period of time, but there were a few minutes of "holy crap, I need to slow down NOW, and I'll slide if I use the brake!" We had rain for about the first half of the long drive. Add driving in the dark to the rain, and you can imagine how fun the first hours of the trip were.
Once we got out of the rain and into the mountains, we had snow again. At about 3,200 feet elevation, these are not huge mountains, but they were high enough, and it was cold enough at night, that the ground and trees were covered in snow. At that moment, W. Virginia reminded me of the way Indiana had looked not too long ago. We were supposed to be headed south to WARMER temperatures. What the heck?? Anyway, after the snow, there was fog. Oh, and at some point in there, we had a two hour stop at a rest stop for the drivers to be able to rest and sleep, during which time one of the drivers couldn't sleep anyway. Can you say, "waste of precious time?" We survived the fog, though it was touch and go with people's nerves (everyone but the hubs, of course). He was frustrated most of the drive down because he couldn't drive as fast as he would have liked. At one point he was driving five mph UNDER the speed limit when my mom radioed us that he needed to slow down. I thought I saw a little steam come out of his ears, but that could have been my imagination.
Okay, so after we made it to the island, which was like coming home for my family, we checked in and proceeded to unload luggage at by far the nicest house we have stayed in to date. It was gorgeous and comfortable with flatscreen TV's in each bedroom, updated appliances, a pool, the works. The week progressed about as expected. We visited Poplar Grove Plantation and drove into Wilmington to spend one day visiting the USS North Carolina, the serpentarium (which contained almost every deadly snake known to man), eating ice cream from Kilwin's, and taking a short tour of an active USCG Cutter. As time wore on, so did everyone's nerves. The kids shopped at the local gift shops and we took mom on a brief tour of the southern part of the island. The real drama started on Thursday when mom's hubs, who had been fighting a cough all week, ended up with a temperature over 102. My mom with worry/stress is an emotional ride, but my mom with worry/stress and no sleep is a roller coaster from hell. Friday was not a great day, and I won't belabor the story. I'll just say that by Friday night, my hubs and I were happy to get to have a dinner alone (we left the kids with the other kids and adults) away from the passive-aggressive chaos that was unfolding over their dinner, laundry, and packing.
The drive home proved eventful due to bad weather, again. There was more rain and fog through the W. Virginia and Virginia stretch, and then as it got dark heading into Ohio, the fog only got worse. I was driving at this point, and because I don't see well at night or in fog (and I was dealing with both here), my nerves ended up stretched too tightly. I had to pull off and rest. This is where we hit a major crossroad with the other adults who basically refused to drive a mile further until light came or the fog lifted. It was only about 1:00 am at this point, so my hubs was not stopping now. We were only a few hours from home, so he took the wheel and we continued while the three other adults and two kids (16 and 12) crammed into a Dodge Caliber to sleep and wait.
In the end, everyone made it home okay, and we're still all speaking to each other. We had a nice time while we were there, but I don't think I'll ever convince my mom to make that drive again. Not that I'd ask. Well I would ask, but maybe not for a few years. Hopefully my sister and kids would travel with us again. But, looking at Spring Break 2011 from the rearview, it might be better if my family spent its next vacation alone.
Once we got out of the rain and into the mountains, we had snow again. At about 3,200 feet elevation, these are not huge mountains, but they were high enough, and it was cold enough at night, that the ground and trees were covered in snow. At that moment, W. Virginia reminded me of the way Indiana had looked not too long ago. We were supposed to be headed south to WARMER temperatures. What the heck?? Anyway, after the snow, there was fog. Oh, and at some point in there, we had a two hour stop at a rest stop for the drivers to be able to rest and sleep, during which time one of the drivers couldn't sleep anyway. Can you say, "waste of precious time?" We survived the fog, though it was touch and go with people's nerves (everyone but the hubs, of course). He was frustrated most of the drive down because he couldn't drive as fast as he would have liked. At one point he was driving five mph UNDER the speed limit when my mom radioed us that he needed to slow down. I thought I saw a little steam come out of his ears, but that could have been my imagination.
Okay, so after we made it to the island, which was like coming home for my family, we checked in and proceeded to unload luggage at by far the nicest house we have stayed in to date. It was gorgeous and comfortable with flatscreen TV's in each bedroom, updated appliances, a pool, the works. The week progressed about as expected. We visited Poplar Grove Plantation and drove into Wilmington to spend one day visiting the USS North Carolina, the serpentarium (which contained almost every deadly snake known to man), eating ice cream from Kilwin's, and taking a short tour of an active USCG Cutter. As time wore on, so did everyone's nerves. The kids shopped at the local gift shops and we took mom on a brief tour of the southern part of the island. The real drama started on Thursday when mom's hubs, who had been fighting a cough all week, ended up with a temperature over 102. My mom with worry/stress is an emotional ride, but my mom with worry/stress and no sleep is a roller coaster from hell. Friday was not a great day, and I won't belabor the story. I'll just say that by Friday night, my hubs and I were happy to get to have a dinner alone (we left the kids with the other kids and adults) away from the passive-aggressive chaos that was unfolding over their dinner, laundry, and packing.
The drive home proved eventful due to bad weather, again. There was more rain and fog through the W. Virginia and Virginia stretch, and then as it got dark heading into Ohio, the fog only got worse. I was driving at this point, and because I don't see well at night or in fog (and I was dealing with both here), my nerves ended up stretched too tightly. I had to pull off and rest. This is where we hit a major crossroad with the other adults who basically refused to drive a mile further until light came or the fog lifted. It was only about 1:00 am at this point, so my hubs was not stopping now. We were only a few hours from home, so he took the wheel and we continued while the three other adults and two kids (16 and 12) crammed into a Dodge Caliber to sleep and wait.
In the end, everyone made it home okay, and we're still all speaking to each other. We had a nice time while we were there, but I don't think I'll ever convince my mom to make that drive again. Not that I'd ask. Well I would ask, but maybe not for a few years. Hopefully my sister and kids would travel with us again. But, looking at Spring Break 2011 from the rearview, it might be better if my family spent its next vacation alone.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Carolina Bound (& not any too soon)
This is one of those rare times when, though there are several things I could write about, I don't really feel inspired to do so. Life has just been too busy. Practicality and to do lists are beating out creative impulses. Frustration at work is squashing humor and lightheartedness. I guess it shouldn't surprise me. We are headed out of town on vacation next week. (By "we" I mean the hubs and I, the 2 kids, my sister and her 2 kids, and my mom and her hubs. Yes, this could be a vacation worth skipping, but I digress.) So, in addition to work stress, I have the added pre-vacation stress: laundry so we all have clean clothes, making sure the kids pack what they need, packing what I need, packing sunscreen, toiletries, medicines, snacks, arranging dog care, etc., etc. On top of this, my mother is calling me (& my sister) with questions like "What kind of salad dressing should I bring?" and "What time are we going to eat on the road?" My answers? I don't care, and I don't know.
I know this all sounds very negative, but it's not really. I am actually so excited to be taking everyone with us (and to being able get away from work and "real life") that I'm ready to hit the road now. Never mind the 15 hour drive, overnight. Feeling the sand between my toes, hearing the surf, and spending time relaxing with family will make it all worth it. So, while I don't feel all that inspired by a story or situation because there is too much stress during these last days of the getting ready process, I know that next week is going to be fun no matter what does or doesn't happen. And maybe, just maybe, I'll have a story or two to share. A week spent with family, especially mine, is sure to inspire!
North Carolina coast? Ready or not, here we come!
I know this all sounds very negative, but it's not really. I am actually so excited to be taking everyone with us (and to being able get away from work and "real life") that I'm ready to hit the road now. Never mind the 15 hour drive, overnight. Feeling the sand between my toes, hearing the surf, and spending time relaxing with family will make it all worth it. So, while I don't feel all that inspired by a story or situation because there is too much stress during these last days of the getting ready process, I know that next week is going to be fun no matter what does or doesn't happen. And maybe, just maybe, I'll have a story or two to share. A week spent with family, especially mine, is sure to inspire!
North Carolina coast? Ready or not, here we come!
Monday, February 21, 2011
How long until Spring?
I had a long and funny story about some recent home incidents I had been hoping to post, but today the weather seems to be a more annoying and appropriate topic. Last week we enjoyed three days of near Spring-like temperatures here in northeastern Indiana. It was actually in the lower to middle 50's three days in a row in the middle of February. People were putting on flip-flops and getting pedicures.
Today, however, is a different story. We woke to a thin layer of ice on our cars and later on the street. Several kids, my daughter included, slipped and fell on the sidewalk trying to get to the bus stop. The ice rain started again at about 9:30 am, and it has been coming down since. As I was headed back in from lunch errands, it was starting to get large enough that the ice balls stung when they hit flesh.
Now, as I look out the window, it has converted to snow which is now coming down quite heavily. Our local forecast beginning this afternoon and going into tomorrow looks something like this:
TODAY TONIGHT TOMORROW
The view from my window and this forecast both beg the question: How long is it until Spring?
Today, however, is a different story. We woke to a thin layer of ice on our cars and later on the street. Several kids, my daughter included, slipped and fell on the sidewalk trying to get to the bus stop. The ice rain started again at about 9:30 am, and it has been coming down since. As I was headed back in from lunch errands, it was starting to get large enough that the ice balls stung when they hit flesh.
Now, as I look out the window, it has converted to snow which is now coming down quite heavily. Our local forecast beginning this afternoon and going into tomorrow looks something like this:
TODAY TONIGHT TOMORROW
| Icy conditions with periods of freezing rain. High 31F. Winds ENE at 15 to 25 mph. Snow accumulations less than one inch. | Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 19F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 90%. 2 to 4 inches of snow expected. | Scattered snow showers during the morning. Then partly to mostly cloudy for the afternoon. High 26F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 30%. |
The view from my window and this forecast both beg the question: How long is it until Spring?
Friday, January 14, 2011
Here come the cookies
Last night I sent an email to family and friends announcing/warning them that as of today their New Year's resolutions are in jeopardy. As of today, the local Girl Scout council begins selling cookies. And, as my daughter is a member of this council, I now have several cases (um, 10) of cookies in my possession for sale, IMMEDIATELY!
It also never fails that I am the biggest supporter of her efforts. Everyone in our household has his or her personal favorite, which means that we regularly buy at least 12-15 boxes of cookies. We're still polishing off Christmas cookies, and the extra pounds that always result. Why do they sell G.S. cookies in January? Is it because they KNOW everyone is still wearing their winter weight and think they won't care about adding another pound or two (or ten) for a good cause? Is it because our council got the short straw nationally when they decided, by region, when each region could sell? It is because everyone already thinks we're fat in the Midwest, so we would eat the cookies no matter when they were on sale?
I can't answer those questions. I do know that waiting another month or so to start would help me...but no one asked me my opinion. Regardless of what I think, I'll be out there at the cookie booths with her and helping to ask, "Would you like to buy some Girl Scout cookies?"
No, seriously, would you?
It also never fails that I am the biggest supporter of her efforts. Everyone in our household has his or her personal favorite, which means that we regularly buy at least 12-15 boxes of cookies. We're still polishing off Christmas cookies, and the extra pounds that always result. Why do they sell G.S. cookies in January? Is it because they KNOW everyone is still wearing their winter weight and think they won't care about adding another pound or two (or ten) for a good cause? Is it because our council got the short straw nationally when they decided, by region, when each region could sell? It is because everyone already thinks we're fat in the Midwest, so we would eat the cookies no matter when they were on sale?
I can't answer those questions. I do know that waiting another month or so to start would help me...but no one asked me my opinion. Regardless of what I think, I'll be out there at the cookie booths with her and helping to ask, "Would you like to buy some Girl Scout cookies?"
No, seriously, would you?
Friday, December 3, 2010
Mama Drama
My mother is a wonderful mother and always has been. She comforted me, disciplined me, loved me, and taught me to love others. If there was one thing I would change, it's that she doesn't love herself enough. She is a worrier and a bit of a pessimist, which eventually adds up to being overly protective of her children and grandchildren.
Case in point...my sister had "procedure" a few weeks ago. Because of all of the privacy laws in the U.S. and because my sister did not list her as a person with whom the doctor could share information, when our mom arrived at the office, they would not tell her if my sister was checked in or not. Long story short, she eventually found her and my dad (they're divorced, i.e. more drama). But, not before worrying herself into a panic and then being rude to the girl at the reception desk and yelling at my post-procedure, drugged up baby sister. My dad apparently then pointed out the inappropriateness of her behavior and indicated to her that she was smothering her girls.
How do I know this, and what does this have to do with me? Well, because my sister was loopy and sleeping most of the evening, I am the one who had the tearfully asked "do I smother you guys?" thrown on me when I called to check on my sister. In typical passive-aggressive fashion, however, she dropped it as soon as she asked it. So, for now, it sits quietly on the shelf of unresolved issues in all of our houses.
I know all kids have dramas with their mamas. Looking ahead, I see my own daughter and what she might say about me...not good...not good at all...
Case in point...my sister had "procedure" a few weeks ago. Because of all of the privacy laws in the U.S. and because my sister did not list her as a person with whom the doctor could share information, when our mom arrived at the office, they would not tell her if my sister was checked in or not. Long story short, she eventually found her and my dad (they're divorced, i.e. more drama). But, not before worrying herself into a panic and then being rude to the girl at the reception desk and yelling at my post-procedure, drugged up baby sister. My dad apparently then pointed out the inappropriateness of her behavior and indicated to her that she was smothering her girls.
How do I know this, and what does this have to do with me? Well, because my sister was loopy and sleeping most of the evening, I am the one who had the tearfully asked "do I smother you guys?" thrown on me when I called to check on my sister. In typical passive-aggressive fashion, however, she dropped it as soon as she asked it. So, for now, it sits quietly on the shelf of unresolved issues in all of our houses.
I know all kids have dramas with their mamas. Looking ahead, I see my own daughter and what she might say about me...not good...not good at all...
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Two-for-one
Today we have a two-for-one. They are totally unrelated to each other, but both are worth posting. Well, to me they are worth posting. Your opinion is just that, yours. Read and decide...
Number one:
This past Sunday I came home from a church service potluck (LifeWater Community Church) with a horrible headache. (This was not caused by the sermon, food, or anything like that!) The only thing I could do to escape the discomfort was take a nap, so I snuggled up in the recliner with my 10-year-old and proceeded to fall asleep. I really don't know how long I had been asleep, but do you know how it is to hear something while you're asleep that you sub-consciously know is a part of the conscious world? You aren't asleep enough to not hear it, so it pulls you from a semi-conscious state into full consciousness? Well, while I was sleeping, I heard this horrible snoring sound. Only after hearing it a second time and being pulled into full consciousness did I realize that the loud, chainsaw snoring was coming from my own mouth! Both the hubs and the daughter laughed at me as I laughed at myself. Then, I readjusted my position so my mouth wouldn't be hanging open and went back to sleep.
Number two:
I work in small, but busy, office. We have four PCs that are connected to a server along with three printers and all the typical office software, including an accounting program, an anti-virus package, etc. We can log into our server from our home computers. Earlier this year we survived replacing/upgrading our server and replacing/upgrading the owner's office PC. We are now in the first stages of replacing my work PC and changing the office over to the newest Microsoft and Windows products. So, when my boss called yesterday and casually asked me if we had ordered the new equipment and software yet, you can imagine my completely stupefied expression when he said, "My brother says Apples are better than PCs. Maybe we should look at changing." I think my response, both words and emotion, expressed my opinion of this comment only too clearly.
Now, before this turns into a PC vs. Mac war, I am not opposed to Macs, but they are not designed for doing what we do. We do not design artwork, buildings, or magazines. We run an office that pushes paper, and though the process of what we do is not hard, it is complicated, and we have over 10 years of data in our system that would be lost should we make this change. Virtually every computer, printer, and software program would have to be replaced, including the equipment purchased earlier this year. In all likelihood the office would have to shut down for a week at minimum, something the boss definitely does not want to do and did not factor into his comment.
The kicker of this was that he still wanted me to call our IT guy and ask his opinion of changing the office to Macs simply because his brother says the Mac OS is better! So, I did call our IT guy who, of course, said it was possible and that he would be happy to do it. "Show me the money," was also part of what he said. The labor time on this alone would probably cost $10,000.00. So, I made the recommendations to the boss and, so far, haven't heard another word about it. Let's just hope it stays that way.
Number one:
This past Sunday I came home from a church service potluck (LifeWater Community Church) with a horrible headache. (This was not caused by the sermon, food, or anything like that!) The only thing I could do to escape the discomfort was take a nap, so I snuggled up in the recliner with my 10-year-old and proceeded to fall asleep. I really don't know how long I had been asleep, but do you know how it is to hear something while you're asleep that you sub-consciously know is a part of the conscious world? You aren't asleep enough to not hear it, so it pulls you from a semi-conscious state into full consciousness? Well, while I was sleeping, I heard this horrible snoring sound. Only after hearing it a second time and being pulled into full consciousness did I realize that the loud, chainsaw snoring was coming from my own mouth! Both the hubs and the daughter laughed at me as I laughed at myself. Then, I readjusted my position so my mouth wouldn't be hanging open and went back to sleep.
Number two:
I work in small, but busy, office. We have four PCs that are connected to a server along with three printers and all the typical office software, including an accounting program, an anti-virus package, etc. We can log into our server from our home computers. Earlier this year we survived replacing/upgrading our server and replacing/upgrading the owner's office PC. We are now in the first stages of replacing my work PC and changing the office over to the newest Microsoft and Windows products. So, when my boss called yesterday and casually asked me if we had ordered the new equipment and software yet, you can imagine my completely stupefied expression when he said, "My brother says Apples are better than PCs. Maybe we should look at changing." I think my response, both words and emotion, expressed my opinion of this comment only too clearly.
Now, before this turns into a PC vs. Mac war, I am not opposed to Macs, but they are not designed for doing what we do. We do not design artwork, buildings, or magazines. We run an office that pushes paper, and though the process of what we do is not hard, it is complicated, and we have over 10 years of data in our system that would be lost should we make this change. Virtually every computer, printer, and software program would have to be replaced, including the equipment purchased earlier this year. In all likelihood the office would have to shut down for a week at minimum, something the boss definitely does not want to do and did not factor into his comment.
The kicker of this was that he still wanted me to call our IT guy and ask his opinion of changing the office to Macs simply because his brother says the Mac OS is better! So, I did call our IT guy who, of course, said it was possible and that he would be happy to do it. "Show me the money," was also part of what he said. The labor time on this alone would probably cost $10,000.00. So, I made the recommendations to the boss and, so far, haven't heard another word about it. Let's just hope it stays that way.
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