Mom's Manic Messages

Am I Ever Getting Old?!
So, at my nephew's graduation party the other day my sister-in-law Deborah mentioned it was her 40th high school reunion this summer. That means it is my 38th. I have been out of high school for 38 years. How did that happen? When did that happen? Not that I wish to be 18 again nor do I wish to redo the last 38 years but how is it 38 years?

I was thinking - ah yes only 6 years till I can retire but 38 years. I may have to go back and see my shrink again.

Big Day
So - today started off with me going in as acting asst principal with two lunch duties and a totally messed up schedule to fix. The principal decided to change everyone's lunch period so every class could watch the inauguration. However - this also meant several classes missed their special class (art, music, PE) and teachers and aides were without a break (contractually a no-no and I am on the executive board of the union).

The principal went wacky when people requested their break at another time because in addition to the Obama festivities there were also state assessments. While she was venting about uncooperative staff members and involuntary transfers and other random, mean bi-polar like rants I went and saw the specials teachers and changed the times for the classes missing their time. DUH! Then I went to tell said crazed principal and she started ranting at me to fix things when it was already done. Finally she calmed enough to realize what I was saying and she was happy.

TV sets all over the building were on with all the hooplala that goes with it. It was amazing every kid from PK on up watched quietly. Even the junior high kids were respectful. I sat in the auditorium with all those kids and watched both men take their oaths of office. I have watched quite a few ceremonies since I turned eighteen but this really surprised me. I was not a huge Obama fan. I voted for him of course but it's only since the election that I have come to respect him. I watched him during the campaign and heard rhetoric but since then I have listened to him on talk shows and found I like him. Anyway I got all choked up while I watched. I saw those little kids - some as young as four-years-old sit quietly and clap and I got all choked up.

What an amazing day!

Current Mood: contemplative

Prowler
Well, I am sad. Ever since Nick snuck the kitty into our home at the end of September it has been a battle. Nick was seriously allergic and living on allergy pills like candy. Pat hated her - he is not a pet person and Prowler - being a kitten - earned the name Crack Cat and other nicknames that were digs at her energy. Both Pat and Nick work endless hours so evenings were just me and the girl. Although I would have loved to keep her it just wasn't going to work.

We found a family on Craig's List. They are a young family with two little kids. Mom grew up with pets and they seemed very nice when we met them. I just felt so bad. Prowler was so confused when we put her into her carrier and sent her off with her food, her toys, her bowls, and her litter box. We sent her off with strangers.

I feel bad.

Current Mood: sad
Current Music: Baby, Come Back!

Nick had kidney stones.
So Nick had kidney stones or some urinary tract thing last night. He had my car and came home from work a little after nine (three hours early) We went to the hospital and they said he would be there four or more hours. There were no beds. He stayed with his book and I went home because he didn't want mommy hanging out. An hour and a half later Pat called and they couldn't even find Nick in the system. His supervisor was going to put Nick at the front of the line. Nick called up to Pat's floor and less than five minutes later the mean RN (who Pat thinks is useless) came out to the waiting room to get Nick all lovey dovey you know somebody. In less than twenty minutes he was on a pain IV and on his way for a CAT SCAN. Everyone was fawning all over him and Pat and the supervisor even came down to see him. It pays to know someone.

So anyway - the tech doing the CAT SCAN said there were stones way high up. Oh yeah the best is yet to come. The doc reading the scans said there were no stones but maybe a bladder, kidney or urinary tract infection. Ok - so now he has Percocet , Motrin (really BIG ones), and an antibiotic. My drugged guy.

So this just goes to prove quitting college loses his health insurance now instead of three years from now when he may miraculously graduate.
He is still covered for a short while but glad this happened now so he knows he needs medical insurance.

I got up at 5:30 after just a few hours sleep. I called in sick. A hour later I got the dial a district call that said we were off today because of the icy weather. AND the teachers did not have to report this time. So I don't lose a sick day. I don't feel guilty for staying home tired. AND I don't have to work today or go to the PTO meeting tonight cause it is canceled.

Current Mood: calm
Current Music: tv as background noise

I just got back from weight watchers. Merry Christmas. I lost 5.4 lbs. That's a total of 10 lbs. I am psyched. I was pretty good for the holiday and I am thrilled it worked. Now - I just need to keep it up. YES, I can!

Christmas was wonderful. I had all my chicks around me including extras like David and Elena. It was a wonderful holiday!

EXCEPT - my brother's mother-in-law dies just before the holiday during the height of the bad weather. Mark ended up in a serious accident - really bad concussion and bumps and bruises. He ended up having to stay home on Christmas. We are all worried.

I just found out a good quasi-relative died during the night. He was a young guy in his twenties. He had a bad cold, fell asleep on the couch. When he didn't show up for work a friend called his landlord & good friend and she went up to check him. He wasn't asleep, he was gone. How tragic!!

He and his wife were separated but dating each other. A miserable year was getting better for them. Wow. RIP Chris.

Current Mood: sad
Current Music: silence

Prowler in Heat
So, Nick has procrastinated long enough and I believe our kitten - now six months old - is in heat. Our normally quiet kitty is whining and very vocal. She sits outside the bathroom door and the bedroom door crying away. She is rolling on the floor as we speak and has been overly affectionate, humping my leg or my shoulder. She runs around like a crazy kitty on crack.

Tomorrow I take her to the vet for her shots and then make the appt. to get her fixed. I am sure there will be male cats at the vets so that should be fun. Keep that little girl in her cage.

How long does heat last? I've seen no blood but she has been hyper and howling since Friday.

Current Mood: amused
Current Music: howling kitty

Kitten
Well, I think we found a home for Prowler. My sister-in-law Debbie suggested we post her on Craigslist and we did. We had seven people who responded and Nick chose to respond to a family with kids. She will have someone to play with and the family sounds nice.

My allergies are horrible today. I am sneezing and my ears and nose itch and I am wheezing like crazy. Of course I have Prowler sitting on the couch next to me all cuddled up. I do love this kitty.

Current Mood: content
Current Music: tv as background noise

Happy Black Friday! I was out at 3:45 this morning. I am not as much of a stickler as I used to be. I have been doing this for more than ten years I realized. The sales are great but the kids are adults and it isn't as necessary for me to go out. I may even sleep next year.

Old Navy and Wal-mart had great sales but the lines to pay were extremely long and extremely slow. In both I just left leaving my treasures behind. Target really steamlined their process from last year and I was impressed with the speed and efficiency of their checkout. I also hit AC Moore, AJ Wright, Penneys, Sears, a stop for a scone and the bathroom at Panera Bread, Walgreens. BonTon was my first store and I was so successful there I got to cross off several other stores.

So I am almost done shopping!! This is a good thing.

Current Mood: sleepy
Current Music: Reba

THE CAT
Okay - so we got this cat who is extremely adorable and as rambunctious as a hyper toddler. Nick snuck her into the house then let me know and eventually let Pat know - actually quite by accident. Prowler got out of Nick's bedroom while only Pat was home.

Pat is not an animal person. While I think Prowler is adorable it has been so long since I had a pet - Pat and I are married 28 years - that I really do not have the patience I used to have. Also she is almost six month old so I have to get her spayed before I find her a new home. If you know of anyone one looking for an adorable, hyper baby let me know. I think she was supposed to be a barn cat when Nick's friend gave her to him.

Also, I need to get a pedipaws cause she claed me last night while trying to cuddle. She digs in to hold on and owwwww!

Ok off to shower for work. It is 6 am and my day needs to start.

Current Mood: tired

WOW is it cold out? I am not ready for real winter yet! I went to a baby shower today and I couldn't believe how cold I was. I couldn't wait to get home and change from dress clothes to jeans and a sweater.
It was an incredible difference.

I made a baby quilt for the shower. I took some of the family photos and put them on the squares. Jenn helped me pick out some really cute ones and it was great! I had a little trouble with the quilt binding and I was disappointed in the final result. BUT it was a huge hit and I feel pretty good about it now. They actually passed the quilt around everyone loved it.

Tomorrow school will be tough - the threat of snow will set the kids off. I really don't want to deal with that. We have a field trip to the county dental clinic - that will take most of the morning. It should be interesting.

Well - I voted for Obama but I was not a huge fan. I just felt that Republican Rule had to end. I just watched Barack and Michelle on 60 minutes and I was impressed. I actually think I like him. He was joking about his mother-in-law coming to live with him. It was funny. He actually seems rather grounded. I may have made a good decision.

Current Mood: contemplative

I just went out to dinner with Nick and it is freezing outside. My computer says it is 37 degrees. Time for gloves and my winter jacket.

I am without my car. It died on Thursday - it would start up but immediately stall. The AAA came with a flatbed and towed it all the way from South Buffalo where I work to Tonawanda where I live. Thank goodness for AAA Plus and the 100 mile towing package. Tomorrow my friend is picking me up at 6:30 - 15 minutes earlier than I usually leave but easier than going in late when Pat gets home from work.

Friday night we went to LaBella for dinner and then Pat decided we should go to the mini casino that they may or may not close. I won $150 on a nickel machine so I stuffed the money away for shopping on Black Friday.

Next week - should I survive the hectic week that is planned - it is our anniversary. We have been married 28 years on November 15th. WOW - can't believe that.

Okay - off to make my lunch and gather my belongings for my early call tomorrow.

Current Mood: bouncy
Current Music: mp3 country tunes

Sarah Palin
One thing that I think is important to the president and VP is honesty. So now the rumors are flowing that Palin is the grandma, not mom of her youngest. In this day and age not a big deal. But if we need to lie like the 1950s then that bothers me.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/8/30/121350/137/486/580223

check out this link that somebody sent me.

Current Mood: intrigued
Current Music: distant sirens

VEEP
Okay - so let's get this right. Obama decides the Hil won't make a good running mate - let's diss the women out there who like her better. Now wrinkley old man who supports "W" chooses Sarah Palin to woo the women - young, nice looking to offset his white hair. OH PLEASE!!!!!!!

Smooth move! I dislike McCain, I don't care for Obama - I WANT HILLARY!

That ship has sailed! SO - let the games begin

M: Vote for me cause I have a woman running mate

O: vote for me cause I am black, but not all black so white folks can vote for me too.

I am so looking forward to the next three months. . . . . . . .

Current Mood: frustrated
Current Music: Hit The Road Jack!

Random Thoughts
So - summer is speeding by and I haven't done any thing spectacular. It has been a good summer for the most part. Jenn moved back to Buffalo and Nick is home from Rome, NY so I have a full house. I want to say it has been wonderful HOWEVER my teeny tiny house is bulging with clutter and people. Jenn and Nick are sharing upstairs and fighting for control of the more comfortable space and neither is happy. Clutter overwhelms me and my mind is racing. Thank goodness for meds, chocolate, and diet pepsi.

The pool never got open - not that this has been swimming weather. It never got closed last year so it is a nasty cloudy green. I need to get a pro to close it because both Pat and Nick are full of empty promises. I want to start over next year and hope the pool is still alive.

I have procrastinated cleaning the spare room and the basement. That was my goal this summer. I better get busy.

My foot and knee are in tough shape - turns out I have degeneration in both. The knee is worse than the ankle. I went to see the ortho guy. Guess what - I have to have a partial knee replacement - they wanted to do it in September - no way for a teacher. We'll try for November and I'll take my six weeks in Nov and Dec. After that is done we start to check out the ankle. I am falling apart.

OOHHH - the Bills are winning 17-7. Amazing!

Current Music: jazz

Summer
Summer is officially here but the weather is actually summer enough for me. BUT I know summer is almost here because there are only two more days of school. Two long long days with kids, paperwork and endless cleaning.

I took three weeks off of school to go to stay with Jenn during her surgery and recovery - my classroom is trashed!!! Puzzle pieces lost, learning centers with missing pieces, the art center with papers and broken crayons and such everywhere. It is NASTY and dirty. They even pulled the soap dispenser off the wall. They broke the broom! WTF? They broke the broom!

And so - I am working to get my room in order - there will be summer school in my room - but not me - our school is being used for special ed grades 5 - 12 summer school. I am teaching at my school regular ed grade 2 but not in my room. Riddle me that Batman!

We never closed the pool last winter so it is a nasty green mess. I just poured in an entire bottle of algaecide so hopefully I can see what is in the water - hopefully only leaves and sludge not dead birds or squirrels or rodents - EWWWWW Then I can clean it. I need my pool so I can come home from summer school and swim. Because it will be summer and it will be hot

Today was our eighth grade graduation - the first graduating class for Discovery School. There are eight kids from our original first class still at Discovery and it was so nice to see them up on stage. I am a proud former program coordinator. You go guys!

Current Mood: happy
Current Music: quiet

So today is back to the grind. I am sooooo tired! Yesterday my mom had surgery on her foot. She had the ankle fused and it was supposed to last two hours and it was closer to three and a half. She had been in terrible pain even after two previous surgeries. Well they found there were all sorts of disintergrated bone chips floating around in there rubbing and causing the pain. They used hip marrow to fuse the ankle, put in a huge rod from her ankle up the bone half way up her calf. Wow. I left work at 11:30 and got to the hospital by 12:30 and got home pushing nine.

On a brighter note Paula and I went to a new place called The Melting Pot. I had been to one in Washington, DC and was so excited to hear there was one at Galleria. We had cheese fondu for an appetizer, a fantastic salad, followed by dinner fondu with coq co vin all spiced up. I had a birthday coupon for a free chocolate fondu dessert. It was all fantastic! When they heard it was our birthday the server brought us a glass of champaign - we had a great time but it does take a long time - we got seated at 6:20 and we got home at 10:00.

So after a few days off from school - five day week end for the kids, four for the teachers with parent teacher conferences following - we are back to school until March 14th when Spring Break begins. And since there is mega snow out there cause it snowed like crazy yesterday and it is 6:20 already I better get my show on the road and finish getting ready for work. Wet hair and no makeup will not make me have a good day.

Tonight is our Family Health and Fitness Night at school and I am in charge. I hope all goes well.

Current Mood: chipper
Current Music: the furnace chugging warm air

weather watch
Well - we knew today was going to be a nasty day but I don't think even I expected this. It was 54 degrees at 5:30 am and yet by noon it was 19 degrees with a minus 19 chill factor. Wind gusts have been as high as almost 70 mph. Scary day!

Today MANY schools were closed. Buffalo wasn't going to have kids today because we had to correct state assessments. The wonderful superintendent decided we should go ahead and come in to correct anyway. Our school had just about everyone show but many schools and scoring sites didn't. Anyway - with the wind howling and huge white outs at 11:37 downtown e-mails us and says we can go home at noon. Are you kidding me?!!!!!??

It really sucks that the district doesn't care about the staff. And if they have the kids stay home tomorrow so we can finish correcting (our school finished, our papers are all corrected and sorted. We stuck around till 12:30, the principal ordered pizza, so we ate and finished up. If there is no school we can work in our rooms or stay home.

What a nasty day!

Current Mood: cold
Current Music: Happy Days on tv

A Cold January Day!
There was no school today - MLK day - and it is as cold as can be out there. I was hoping it would be warm enough for the kids to play outside and blow their energy but no mother in her right mind would let a kid play out there today.

I slept in till 9:00 and boy did that feel great on a Monday. No 5:30 alarm clock bugging me - no way. I went to my second counseling session this morning too. I like this counselor but she did make me face some uncomfortable feelings. She also said I should tell Pat I am going but I will wait on that one. The other night - Friday, I think Sandy called and told me Jean had an extra ticket to this Elvis impersonator concert and could I drive her up to UB - no ticket for me just taxi service. Of course freezing cold night or not I said yes and drove her. Jodi - the counselor said why? Why would Sandy think it was okay to ask me to do that and why would I do it if I didn't want to go out? It never entered my mind that it was something I could say no to.

Here's the kicker - when I posed the question to Nick he said of course I should drive her. She's family and you just do it. Did I say that the counselor says I should not be a doormat but does it make Nick a doormat too? HMMMMMMMMM

Current Music: Nick's tv

Snow Day!! YEA Today was a snow day and teachers did not have to report. I did not watch the news because when I looked outside it looked okay. I was in the shower when the district issued the computer generated phone call. I went out, got Nick's truck stuck in the driveway, rocked it out, started to clean off my car when I heard the news. By that time I had been up since 5:30 and it was 7:00. But it was still a snow day and no kids. YEA!!!!

I made cookies today - so I have three kinds done. I'm not doing too bad.

Today was my union holiday party. It was just a cocktail party but it was fun. Had a good time. Afterwards I had to go to the Town of Tonawanda board meeting. I was chairman of the holiday lighting contest and we gave out the awards tonight. That was fun.

Okay - back to playing on the computer. . . . .

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