Posts (page 2)
Today is the final day of NaBloPoMo. I'd like to promise no more meaningless posts in the future, but I highly doubt that's going to happen. I know myself a bit too well.
Reflection time - So what did NaBloPoMo do for me? It forced me to come here every day and write, even if it was just an empty sentence or two. That was good- hopefully it helped build a good habit of trying to get words out on a more regular basis because even if it is rambling nonsense, those words often help clarify things that are floating around, in the same rambling way, in my head.
The bad? I actually pulled more away from reading and commenting on blogs. Maybe it was a bit of resentment that built up about having to blog every day. Some days, it was basically post, then get the heck out of blogosphere. I wonder if others found that too? I thought I'd get into it and discover a lot of new blogs and terrific writing. While I'm sure both are out there in mass quantities, I got a bit too stuck on focusing on churning out words of my own to step outside of my box to explore all of the bloggy goodness out there.
So those are my final thoughts. I'm glad I did it, proud that I did it.
Now back to our regularly scheduled programming...
I think that I've posted mostly crap this whole month. Today is one of those days as well. I've got nothing, yet again.
We had a sleepless night last night then I had a rough day at work. Adjusting to a new boss, particularly one who doesn't mesh well with your style, is a tough thing to do. I had to take a moment or two to blow off serious steam today. I'm working a bit late so I can tackle some things in peace.
I'm technologically frustrated this week which compounds everything else.
Technology that annoys me:
1. Oracle Calendar- I am supposed to use it. It doesn't sync with Outlook which I live and breathe by. I tried 3rd party apps and it blew my computers mind and screwed up syncing with my PDA. Oracle blows.
2. Memory that won't work- I put a CF card in my PDA so I could store a few kiddo pics and some songs on there. I cannot get any items to actually go on that card and work.
3. Wordpress - I love WP generally, but a theme I'm using on a site is infuriating. I am not technically savvy so the CSS and such is killing me. I cannot get the page too look good.
4. MS Office 2007 - It's just irritating. I hate change.
I'd chuck it all and go back to notebooks but I'm quite sure I'd cease to function. I think I'd be lying on the floor holding myself and sobbing ever so gently.
You're killing me, technology.
from today's conversations with a 4 year old (and this is all in the hour before school drop off.)
1. What exactly the "Do They Know It's Christmas" song is about.
Excerpts: Why they have no food?
Is their water all gone?
Did they send money from the song so they could buy food?
Did they get to buy toys?
I thankful for my big house.
2. What bones make up the lower leg - he discovered the bumps on my ankle (tights on today)
Excerpts: Are you broken?
Am I broken too?
Why it called a fibulla and a tibula (didn't get that these weren't the same)
Why can't I feel them inside? Is blood all around them?
How they work?
3. Why people get "stuck" under the mistletoe
Excerpts: Is Daddy's back hurt cause he got stuck under mistletoe?
Why do people kiss when they get stuck?
How do they get unstuck?
If we get mistletoe, I (meaning him) get to choose where to put it. I not want to get stuck and have to
kiss people all the times.
I love my kid- he makes me smile a lot.
Australia would be fun too (I have some friends in the area, doncha' know?) M would be happy with Ireland as he's of Irish ancestry. And there are some lovely cities in Canada that I'd enjoy...
Oh yes, I'm talking about the newly released UN Development Index listing the most desirable places to live. I'm still having trouble finding a full listing; just seeing articles naming top 5, a few of the bottom countries and announcing that the US has fallen to #12. Not a shock, right?
So where would you go? Would my Aussie friends stay there? Becks, would you go back to Iceland? (I'm still kicking myself that I never made it over for a visit.) Anyone want to run away to Norway with me?
A good (albeit a touch old) piece for those who struggle with the children's issues and the idea of medication... just like me.
This what I'm supposed to be learning from this whole kiddo thing right? It finally hit me today- slap. Like a cold, wet rag to the face.
I have always been a person of very little patience. You do something, you move on. I don't dilly dally. With kids, sure that's been tested. That's a given about becoming a parent. But with add in some issues with change and everything slows to a crawl.
Lately, I'm a 1/2 hour late leaving for work. The transitions from bed to breakfast to getting dressed are so slow. If you rush, meltdown ensues.
Drop off take another 1/2 hour or so. We must follow the routine- long chat before I leave, then drawn out kisses/signs in the classroom window. Pick up takes just as long.
It's a struggle for the teacher too. I'm not sure if it's getting worse or we're just noticing more. We're more watchful now- now that OT's, therapists, and other medical professionals are involved, asking us questions almost weekly. I get worried that I'm watching so closely that I might be over-reacting, making things up. Maybe I am? Maybe we are? I do think the good days are getting more frequent but I'm seeing more and more things that concern me.
At last week's appointment, we were asked questions (a test of sorts, perhaps?) that the therapist plans to evaluate and discuss with us next week. I think it's the big possible ruling out (or in) of austism, aspergers, etc. Some days I expect them all to be ruled out, to be told I have a kid that's challenging and needs some extra attention to help him with some sensitivies. Other days, I think that it's going to be something along those lines and I get overwhelmed with how I can deal with all that it means.
So, patience. That's where this post started right? Learning patience? Yep, working on that. Next up, strength. The other thing I'm learning lately is that I'm extremely lacking in that as well.
I'm not a fan of Sunday nights. The end of the weekend time at home with family, the realization that tomorrow will slap you in the face with everything you didn't get done at work before the turkey break... not a good feeling at all.
Overall, it was a good break. The time with the kids was good (mostly). We got stuff done (well, some). My house even was thoroughly cleaned (or maybe thouroughly isn't quite the right word...). But it was a needed, enjoyed break before we head into the madhouse that is the holiday season.
Let's see:
Next weekend: The grand Christmas tree hunt
The next: 1 Christmas party (personal); 1 Christmas party (work)
And the next: 2 Christmas parties (personal); 1 Christmas party (work)
Then the next: 1 Christmas party (personal); 1 Christmas party (work)
*poof*
Then it's Christmas eve/Christmas day.
And we still have a traditional jaunt or two to schedule in... I hate the hecticness of it all, but haven't yet figured out how to make it less so. That's a pipe dream, I suppose.
I'm starting to explore my options for a new graduate degree and am a bit stuck. It's that age old question - what do you want to be when you grow up? (Yes, this is one of those Chris writes it out to think it through posts. Sorry.)
I like putting together educational programs, I like to teach, I like to research, I like to write, I'm intrigued by graphic design but admit I have no artistic talent. I want to learn about global educational issues, I want to better understand how people communicate and how that can differ between cultures.
So what exactly do I study? And what do I want to do that will use the knowledge I gain?
Honestly, I'd be one of those life-long students if I could. Just keep taking different degree programs until I die at an old age with 50 various letter combinations after my name. Heck, I'd work towards medical school if it wouldn't cost so flippin' much. That's one of those urges I occasionally wish I had pursued back in my younger years.
I am fortunate enough to work at a university where I get a significant tuition discount. Unfortunately, the particular "branch" location I am housed at has very little to offer. I need to look to online courses or other locations of this institution.
If I were at the main location or a bit closer, I'd have more choices but it would probably be an even tougher decision... Media Studies, International Relations, Higher Education with a Comparitive & International Education graduate minor? Wow. See? I really could be in school forever if funds were unlimited.
More realisically, my options are very, very limited. I could pursue Adult Education (it is very related to what I do know) and get a good foundation in educational theory or I could go the Humanities route which is less focused/theory based but I might be able to tailor it a bit depending on the availability of courses online and the flexibility of the faculty. Neither will ever make me rich, but in my line of work that's to be expected.
I suppose with my varied interests, Humanities might make the most sense. I probably should schedule a meeting with the advisor of the program and talk it out. I was hoping to start working towards this in January but having just realized that it's almost December, that may not happen. (Note to self: Must really work on this procrastination issue.)
Honestly, if I could do anything? I'd head to the School for International Training in Vermont. The low residency program in International Education would work well with motherhood and the curriculum looks terrific. I keep visiting their website and drooling over their offerings.
Anyone have a spare $37,000 lying around?
Yes, I do. Another reason I don't dig Thanksgving food: there's always too much of it leftover so I have to eat it.
Not for lunch today. Nope. Triscuits & cheese - lunch of champions.
We're off to the local amusement park when the bug wakes up for some rides and holiday fun. We usually go in mid-December but our calendar is already filling too quickly to count on having a free afternoon. Nothing like whipping through the icy cold air on an amusement park ride. Oh well - it puts color in your cheeks.
Both sets, most likely.
